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| SPANISH ARCHITECT SELECTED TO CREATE THE STADIUM FOR THE GRAND FINAL OF THE MOROCCO 2026 WORLD CUP

© Cruz y Ortiz

The nomination of Casablanca, Morocco, as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a significant and pioneering event for many reasons. In order to accommodate the worldwide spectacle, Casablanca is intending to build a cutting-edge football stadium that will not only serve as the venue for World Cup matches but also establish itself as a significant symbol in the city’s athletic and cultural future.

The new stadium in Casablanca, designed by the Spanish architectural company Cruz y Ortiz, will be a state-of-the-art, versatile facility with the capacity to accommodate more than 93,000 spectators, position it as one of the largest stadiums in Africa. The architecture will embody Morocco’s abundant history and culture while seamlessly incorporating contemporary principles of modern architecture and technology. The stadium is anticipated to possess a streamlined, futuristic appearance characterised by curved contours and an open-roof design to accommodate ideal illumination and airflow. Moreover, the venue will have ecologically sustainable measures such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, in accordance with FIFA’s growing emphasis on environmentally responsible venues.

Geographically positioned in close proximity to Mohammed V International Airport, the stadium will provide convenient accessibility for international tourists. The stadium will be linked to Casablanca’s growing public transport network, which includes the city’s tramway system and an improved road infrastructure capable of accommodating the large number of tourists during the World Cup. The development will also provide advantages to the neighbouring regions around the stadium, as additional hotels, restaurants, and entertainment facilities are scheduled to cater to the substantial increase in the number of supporters.

Though the primary emphasis is on the 2026 World Cup, the Casablanca stadium is intentionally built to have a long-lasting impact. The stadium will be designated as the official home of Morocco’s national team and will also play host to upcoming international tournaments and club competitions. Moreover, the stadium will serve as a renowned venue for concerts, cultural activities, and extensive conferences, therefore guaranteeing its role as a dynamic component of Casablanca’s social and economic structure for many years to come.

Ultimately, Casablanca’s intended football stadium for the 2026 World Cup serves as more than a mere location; it represents Morocco’s increasing significance in top-tier international sports. Features a contemporary architecture, economic advantages, and enduring impact, this project guarantees to bring about significant changes for both the city and the country.

| IRAQ MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ORDERS 12 AIRBUS H225M HELICOPTERS

The Airbus H225M helicopter © Airbus

Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract for 12 H225M multi-role helicopters by the Republic of Iraq. The contract was signed in Baghdad by the Minister of Defence of Iraq Mr Thabet al-Abbassi in the presence of the French Ambassador Patrick Durel. These helicopters will be operated by the Iraqi Army Aviation command replacing older Mi-17s for a wider range of missions: counter-terrorism, special operations, tactical troop transport, attack, ground fire support, MEDEVAC and combat search and rescue. Deliveries will start in 2025. Iraq already operates a fleet of Airbus helicopters from the H125, H135 and H145 families.

“We are very pleased to welcome a new member in the H225M family,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H225M is a combat-proven platform used around the world by many operators, including the French Air Force, for combat search and rescue missions. It has proven its worth and saved many lives since entering into service,” he added. “The H225M is unmatched in terms of range, payload and also mission systems. It has been designed to operate challenging missions in the most demanding environments. We are looking forward to seeing the H225M contribute to Iraq’s safety and sovereignty.”

The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg.

There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service across the world, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.

| THREE BELARUSIAN NATIONALS CHARGED FOR FORCING POLISH PLANE TO LAND TO ARREST DISSIDENT

Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko greets Russian president Vladimir Putin at Minsk airport © Kremlin.ru

A three-year investigation has led to the charging of three Belarusian nationals for deceitfully seizing a Polish aircraft in Belarus to arrest a dissident. The forced landing in Minsk of a commercial flight caused a direct threat to the life and health of the 132 passengers and unlawfully deprived the crew and passengers of their liberty. Eurojust supported this high-profile case from the start of the investigations by Polish and Lithuanian authorities in 2021.

Belarusian air traffic controllers forced the aircraft to divert from its route to Vilnius by providing false information about an alleged explosive device, forcing the pilots to make an emergency landing at Minsk airport. After the aircraft landed in Minsk, the passengers were evacuated and their luggage was searched.

During the evacuation, two passengers, a Belarusian dissident and his companion, were arrested by officials. Investigations into the incident revealed that these arrests were the real reason the flight was diverted to Minsk.

Immediately after the incident, investigations were launched by the Polish and Lithuanian authorities. With the support of Eurojust, a joint investigation team (JIT) team was set up, which interviewed a number of witnesses, including passengers and the crew of the aircraft, and secured recordings and photographs taken during the incident.

The unprecedented nature of the case called for very close cooperation between multiple countries. Eurojust organised several coordination meetings and facilitated the execution of European Investigation Orders in Bulgaria, Greece and Romania to secure evidence and the requests for legal assistance in Switzerland, Norway and the United States.

Witnesses testified that air traffic controllers were informed of the false bomb threat by their superiors. The air traffic controllers were then instructed by Belarusian officials on what action to take and what information to pass on to the pilots of the aircraft.

The cooperation of the authorities led to the issuing of arrest warrants for three Belarusian nationals. The suspects are charged with unlawfully depriving 132 people of their liberty through terrorist acts and intending to seriously intimidate numerous people, including groups opposed to the Belarusian regime. Detention on remand for three months is imposed on all suspects.

| SERBIA ACQUIRES 12 RAFALE FIGHTERS

The Rafale : Dassault’s Multirole Combat Aircraft © Dassault

In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, the Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, Éric Trappier, have signed in Belgrade with the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Serbia, Bratislav Gašić, a contract for the purchase of 12 Rafale to equip the Air Force and Air Defence of the Serbian Armed Forces.

This contract reflects the importance of the bilateral relationship between France and Serbia, and testifies to the determination of both Presidents to make this partnership a success. Once again, it confirms the Rafale as an essential vector of national sovereignty.

“On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Serbian authorities for the confidence they have placed in us by choosing the Rafale, and assure them of our total commitment to making its integration into the Serbian Armed Forces a success. Serbia’s decision to equip itself for the first time with a Dassault aircraft confirms the Rafale’s operational superiority and its proven excellence in serving the sovereign interests of a nation”, declared Éric Trappier.

About Dassault Aviation

With over 10,000 military and civil aircraft (including 2,700 Falcons) delivered in more than 90 countries over the last century, Dassault Aviation has built up expertise recognized worldwide in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, ranging from the Rafale fighter, to the high-end Falcon family of business jets, military drones and space systems. In 2023, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €4.8 billion. The company has 13,500 employees.

| BELGIAN PORTS FLOODED WITH CHINESE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

© BYD

The electric vehicle industry is poised for significant growth in 2024, reflecting a broader shift towards sustainable transportation as more consumers and governments prioritize clean energy. As the world becomes increasingly aware of environmental concerns, the demand for electric cars is on the rise. However, this optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with the current reality faced by many European nations, where interest in electric vehicles appears to be waning.

In 2024, Belgium is grappling with a significant challenge as its ports are inundated with unsold electric vehicles. This situation poses a serious concern for the Chinese automotive industry, which is likely to experience a downturn as a result of these unsold cars accumulating in the European market. Experts estimate that more than 15% of vehicles in Belgium’s ports are currently sitting idle, a clear indication of the market’s struggles.

China had strategically exported these electric vehicles to Europe with the aim of capturing a substantial share of the market—approximately a quarter—but these ambitions are now showing signs of faltering. The unsold vehicles piling up at key European ports, such as Antwerp and Zeebrugge, reflect the disconnect between production levels and actual consumer demand.

The news comes at a time when Chinese carmakers like BYD, SAIC, Great Wall Motors, and Chery among many others are looking to expand overseas, especially in Europe and South America, as demand for EVs is cooling in their domestic markets, whereas their manufacturing capacity is soaring.

Analysts attribute this growing backlog primarily to China’s overproduction of electric vehicles. As production ramps up, it has outpaced the current market’s ability to absorb these vehicles, leading to a surplus that is only expected to worsen in the near future. This situation not only affects the manufacturers but also raises questions about the sustainability of China’s electric vehicle strategy in a rapidly changing market landscape.

However, Brazil has now overtaken Belgium as the largest export market for Chinese electric vehicles and hybrids, according to recent data. This change seems to stem from Chinese car manufacturers focusing on boosting sales in non-European markets, especially in light of the European Union’s investigation into subsidies for Chinese EVs.

The electric car market is undergoing a significant transformation as more consumers are gravitating toward eco-friendly vehicles. This shift in preferences reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues and a desire for sustainable transportation options. However, the rapid increase in imports has created logistical challenges for both automakers and distributors.

| EQUINOR TO USE THE WORLD’S FIRST AMMONIA-POWERED SUPPLY VESSEL

The Viking Energy supply vessel © Peter Tubaas / Equinor

Equinor has signed a contract with Eidesvik Offshore for the conversion of the Viking Energy supply vessel to ammonia operation. The vessel will be fully converted and put into operation with low emissions in 2026.

The vessel supplies Equinor’s installations on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

Viking Energy will be the world’s first supply vessel fuelled by ammonia. Wärtsilä will build the engine on behalf of Eidesvik Offshore.

“We have an ambition to halve the maritime emissions associated with our Norwegian operations by 2030. With this contract, we will, in collaboration with Eidesvik Offshore, employ a new low-emission technology. We strongly believe in the use of ammonia as a fuel on our supply vessels,” says Ørjan Kvelvane, Equinor’s senior vice president for joint operations support.

Converting the vessel to ammonia operation Eidesvik Offshore and Wärtsilä will cut emissions from Viking Energy by at least 70 percent. Equinor and Eidesvik Offshore have a 21-year history of collaboration on environmental technology on Viking Energy.

At the time of delivery in 2003, the vessel was the world’s first LNG-fuelled supply vessel. The vessel was also the first in the world to receive DNVs «Battery Power» notation.

In addition to using the vessel in operations, Equinor will contribute significantly to funding the conversion to ammonia operation. The project receives five million euros in support through the EU Horizon Europe programme. The necessary conversion and installation of the new engine together with the complete fuel gas supply system and exhaust after-treatment from Wärtsilä will take place in 2026.

The Norwegian government has announced that it will establish requirements for low-emission solutions from 2025, and zero emissions from new supply vessels from 2029. The orientation of these requirements has not yet been decided. In addition to this contract, Equinor has also made an inquiry in the market for supply vessels capable of running on ammonia.

| UKRAINE: EU OPENS A DEFENCE INNOVATION OFFICE IN KYIV

A panoramic view of Kyiv © Edm

As a further sign of developing defence industrial cooperation between the EU and Ukraine, the EU Defence Innovation Office started its activities early September in Kyiv.

The opening of the Office brings Ukraine and the EU a step closer in the implementation of the European Defence Industrial Strategy of March 2024.

Hosted by the European Union Delegation to Ukraine, the Office will promote cross-border cooperation between the Ukrainian Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) and the European DTIB. It will act as a focal point for Ukrainian partners, as well as a coordination and information hub.

The Office will play a crucial role in identifying Ukrainian needs and capacities on defence innovation, and facilitating joint initiatives and cooperation between innovative and industrial stakeholders of the EU and Ukraine. It will promote defence innovation activities in and with Ukraine, foster joint initiatives and bring together EU start-ups and innovators and Ukraine’s industry and armed forces.

The EU Defence Innovation Office will inform Ukrainian defence innovation stakeholders on access to EU programmes and possible funding options. Through such activities, the Office contributes to strengthening cooperation between the EU and Ukrainian defence industries.

A strong Ukrainian Defence Technological and Industrial Base is vital for Ukraine’s long-term security as well as its reconstruction. The reinforcement of Ukraine defence capacity contributes to Ukraine’s integration into the Union defence equipment market.

Background

The EU Defence Innovation Office in Kyiv was announced by President von der Leyen in a joint Press Conference with President Zelenskyy on 24 February 2024 in Kyiv.

The Office is a joint effort by the European External Action Service and the European Commission, with the support of the European Defence Agency.

Adopted on 5 March 2024, the European Defence Industrial Strategy (EDIS) aims at further supporting the Ukrainian DTIB, including through the activities of the Office, and to support the transmission of technological breakthroughs to frontlines. The Strategy acknowledges the crucial role of Ukraine as a partner to the EU and sets the objective to leverage this partnership to support EU defence readiness. To that end, the Strategy in particular stressed the importance of stimulating cooperation between the Ukrainian DTIB and the European DTIB.

The Office is also another sign of the EU’s unrelenting support to Ukraine in its fight for freedom, as reflected in the Joint security commitments between the European Union and Ukraine, signed on 27 June 2024. It showcases the EU’s willingness to accompany Ukraine in its accession path to the EU.

In its European Defence Industry Programme (EDIP) regulation proposal that accompanied EDIS, the European Commission proposes measures that will directly strengthen the Ukrainian DTIB and enhance its industrial cooperation with the European DTIB.

| EIB FUNDS HERZEGOVINA BRIDGE COMPLETION

Herzegovina Bridge © European Investment Bank

If you take a look at Croatia on a map, you’ll notice its quirky shape and how it shares a coastline with Bosnia and Herzegovina. This little bit of land used to split Croatia in two, separating the north from the south, where Dubrovnik is located.

Until now, people had to cross a border to travel between these parts. This caused delays and disruptions, especially during peak tourist season. Now that Croatia is in the Schengen area, this new link ends delays, strengthens Croatia’s unity, and benefits tourism and trade.

The new Herzegovina Bridge, spanning nearly 1km over the Neretva River, is a major milestone for Bosnia and Herzegovina. It’s part of Corridor Vc, a key transport route that aims to improve connectivity, travel times, safety, and economic ties.

In line with the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, the project has been financed

with a €5 million EU grant under the Western Balkans Investment Fund, as well as a

€105 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), allocated to the

entire Počitelj-Bijača section.

The Počitelj-Zvirovići section includes a 11.7 km motorway, an interchange, three viaducts, a tunnel, and the impressive Herzegovina Bridge. This bridge, standing over 100 meters tall, supports four lanes of traffic and is a major highlight of the project. Stefano Ellero, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office to Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasised that the bridge’s completion symbolizes progress, cooperation, and the enduring partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the EU. The bridge represents a key point on the route that connects not only the south and north of Bosnia and Herzegovina, but also provides a corridor to the European Union through the territory of the Republic of Croatia, enabling transport connectivity that will ensure multiple developments in the industrial and economic sectors.

As the host of the inauguration ceremony, Denis Lasić, Direc tor of JP Autoceste FBIH, underlined the monumental achievement of completing the motorway, and stressed the fact that this ambitious project wasn’t just a feat of engineering, but also a powerful economic catalyst for the nation.

Corridor Vc, a major artery of European transportation, stretches from Budapest, Hungary, through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, ultimately reaching the Adriatic port of Ploče in Croatia. This vital route serves as a linchpin for trade and transportation across Southeast Europe, connecting key markets and fostering regional cooperation. It’s a testament to the power of infrastructure in driving economic growth and strengthening ties between nations.

| THE HAGUE FIRST IN THE WORLD TO BAN ADVERTISING FOR FOSSIL FUELS

© Original photo : Lamar Advertising

The Hague is the first city in the world to ban fossil fuel advertising through local legislation. The city council has voted in favor of the initiative proposal from the Hague’s Party for the Animals, which enacts this ban. Leonie Gerritsen (PvdD -Party for the Animals) stated, “The Hague will be the first city in the world to truly ban fossil fuel advertising. This is an important signal from the nation’s capital: we need to break our fossil fuel addiction. The Hague aims to be climate-neutral by 2030. Allowing advertisements for products from the fossil fuel industry does not align with that goal.”

The ban will take effect on January 1, 2025, and applies to advertisements for fossil fuel products and services such as air travel, cruise vacations, gasoline cars, and gas providers. In four months, these ads will disappear from public spaces in The Hague.

Femke Sleegers from the organization Fossil Free Advertising said “The Hague is showing the courage needed to tackle the climate crisis. If you want to move away from fossil fuels, you stop promoting fossil fuel use through advertising. The Hague is demonstrating that it can be done through local legislation. This decision could spark a snowball effect globally.”

The Hague had previously attempted to ban fossil fuel advertising. First, unsuccessfully, by appealing to the social responsibility of advertising operators. In 2022, the Party for the Animals also tried to ban fossil fuel ads through local law.

| UPPSALA HAS CLEANEST CITY AIR IN EUROPE

The historical district of Uppsala, Sweden © Destinationuppsala/Malin Kellhorn

The European Environment Agency’s (EEA) updated European city air quality viewer shows that people in Uppsala and Umeå, Sweden, and Faro, Portugal, can enjoy the cleanest city air in Europe. Three out of four Europeans live in urban areas and most of them are exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution. Improving air quality to levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) could significantly reduce premature deaths caused by air pollution.

The EEA’s European city air quality viewer ranks 375 cities from the cleanest to the most polluted based on average levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). The data was collected from over 500 monitoring stations at urban locations across EEA member countries over the past two calendar years, 2022 and 2023.

The viewer shows that only 13 European cities had average fine particulate concentrations that were below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health-based guideline level of 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 μg/m3). These cities include four northern capitals: Reykjavik, Tallinn, Stockholm and Helsinki.

The European Green Deal’s zero pollution action plan sets a 2030 target of reducing premature deaths caused by fine particulate matter by at least 55%, compared with 2005 levels, and a long-term goal of no significant health impacts by 2050. Earlier this year, the EU institutions reached an agreement on a proposal to update the ambient air quality directives with the aim to align the EU air quality standards closer to the WHO’s guideline levels and help deliver on the objectives of the zero pollution action plan.

The European city air quality viewer provides an indication on the typical air quality in European cities over the past two years. The viewer focuses on long-term concentrations of PM2.5, as it is the air pollutant with the highest negative health impacts. Later this year, the EEA will publish an analysis on the impacts of air pollution on ecosystems and human health. This includes estimates on deaths and ill health that can be attributed to poor air quality.

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