MIL European Union Publishing Engine
Source: Government of Italy (English)
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18 Aprile 2025
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Vice President of the United States of America, JD Vance, at Palazzo Chigi.
Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE
Headline: OSCE-Led Training Enhances Ammunition Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic
Participants of the training learn safe ammunition handling techniques from German Bundeswehr experts. (OSCE) Photo details
From 1 to 11 April 2025, eighteen specialists from the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic completed a training course on safe storage, surveillance and transportation of ammunition. The course was organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic and with support from the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Germany.
This 2-week intensive training course, led by experts from Bundeswehr Verification Center (BwVC), equipped participants with in-depth technical knowledge and practical skills in handling ammunition safely in line with international standards. The training adhered to globally recognized frameworks, including the International Ammunition Technical Guidelines (IATG), the UN “Orange Book,” the Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR), and OSCE best practice guides.
Throughout the course, participants gained hands-on experience and insights into the safe storage, surveillance, and transportation of ammunition, all of which are crucial for enhancing national security and ensuring compliance with international regulations. By following the best international practices, the training reinforced the Kyrgyz Republic’s commitment to improving ammunition safety management, contributing to the country’s overall security infrastructure.
This session marked the final phase of training delivered so far by the German Armed Forces from 2023 to 2025. Throughout this period, a total of 65 personnel from the Ministry of Defense were successfully trained.
**This initiative is part of an ongoing series of activities within the extra-budgetary project “Improvement of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and Conventional Ammunition (CA) Life-Cycle Management Capacity of the Ministry of Defence of the Kyrgyz Republic,” supported by Austria, France, Germany, Norway and Switzerland.
Source: Government of Italy (English)
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17 Aprile 2025
The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, in Washington for a meeting with US President Donald Trump, has learned of today’s tragic accident on the Monte Faito cable car and, both personally and on behalf of the Italian Government, wishes to express sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to those injured.
President Meloni is in contact with the Minister for Civil Protection, Nello Musumeci, and the Head of the Civil Protection Department, Fabio Ciciliano.
Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Thursday, 17 April 2025
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Pope Francis has appointed the Rev. Fr. Marek Ochlak, O.M.I., currently Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Poland, as Bishop of the Diocese of Fenoarivo Atsinanana (Madagascar),.His Exc. Msgr. Marek Ochlak, O.M.I., was born on March 14, 1966 in Nowe Miasto Lubawskie (Poland). He entered the Congregation of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate and attended the O.M.I. Minor Seminary in Markowice and novitiate in Koderi. He received his philosophical and theological formation in the O.M.I. Major Seminary in Obra. He made his perpetual profession in 1990 and was ordained a priest in 1992.He has held the following positions: Parish assistant of St. Eugène de Mazenod in Kędzierzyn-Koźle, Poland (1992-1994); preparation for the mission in Madagascar in France (1994-1995); Missionary in the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Toamasina (1995-2002); Head of the Apostleship of the Sea (2002-2006); Parish priest of Notre-Dame de Lourdes (2006-2009); Assistant in the Council of the O.M.I. Delegation, in Madagascar (1995-2008); Superior of the O.M.I. Delegation in Madagascar (2009-2015); Parish Priest of Befasy, Diocese of Morondava (2016-2021); In charge of the missions in the Province of Poland (2021-2022). Since 10 January 2023 he has been Provincial Superior of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Poland. (Agenzia Fides, 17/4/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
photo stignatiuspj.org
Kuala Lumpur (Agenzia Fides) – The Gospel attracts young people and adults seeking baptism in Malaysia: according to official communications from the local Church, the Catholic community in Malaysia will welcome more than 2,000 new faithful at the 2025 Easter Vigil, which will be celebrated on the evening of April 19: 1,047 newly baptized in Peninsular Malaysia and an equivalent number in Malaysian Borneo. During Lent, the catechumens celebrated the “Rite of Election,” a liturgical act marking the formal reception of catechumens into the Church, while the faithful united in prayer.In Kajang, in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, the rite took place in the Church of the Holy Family and brought together 549 catechumens. Archbishop Julian Leow, who presided over the Mass, recalled the theme of the Jubilee Year, “Pilgrims of Hope,” inviting the catechumens to grow in holiness: “All of us have been ‘elected,’ chosen by God to be part of His People,” he recalled.In the Diocese of Malacca-Johore, more than 281 catechumens from 17 parishes gathered in the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the Rite of Election. Addressing them, Bishop Bernard Paul emphasized the importance of the journey of preparation for baptism and exhorted them “to listen attentively to the voice of God, and not to be distracted. His voice is gentle, welcoming, and encouraging. God’s dream is that we are united to Him, that we are one in Him, as one people.”In the Diocese of Penang – also in Peninsular Malaysia – the Rite of Election included 156 catechumens from the deaneries of the North and Islands, and another 61 young catechumens from the deanery of Perak, who were received as “elect” at St. Michael’s Church in Ipoh. Cardinal Sebastian Francis presided over both celebrations, encouraging everyone to “embrace the joy of hope,” guided by figures such as Blessed Carlo Acutis.On the island of Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, 1,125 catechumens from various parishes in the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu will receive baptism at Easter 2025. During the Rite of Election, which marked the conclusion of the Catechumenate period, Archbishop John Wong welcomed their intention to join the Catholic Church and declared them ready to complete the period of purification and enlightenment, a final and intense phase of preparation to receive the first three Sacraments (Baptism, Communion, and Confirmation) on Easter night. (Agenzia Fides, 17/4/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – After meditating on Jesus’ encounters with some figures from the Gospels, Pope Francis, continuing the cycle of catechesis dedicated to the life of Christ read in the light of the themes of the Holy Year, begins a new chapter, dedicated to the parables of Jesus. They are “stories that draw on images and situations from everyday reality”, explains the Pontiff in the text released only in written form for the General Audience that he was supposed to hold today, and “that is why they also touch our lives. They provoke us. And they ask us to take a position: where am I in this story?”.The Pope then analyzes what he himself defines as “the most famous parable, the one that perhaps we all remember”, that of the prodigal son: “In this we find the heart of the Gospel of Jesus, namely God’s mercy”.The evangelist Luke, explains the Pope, “says that Jesus tells this parable for the pharisees and the scribes, who lamented that He ate with sinners. This is why it could be said that it is a parable addressed to those who are lost, but do not know it, and judge others. The Gospel is intended to give us a message of hope, because it tells us that wherever we are lost, and however we are lost, God always comes looking for us!”.The Pope invites us to reflect on the behavior of the two sons. Indeed, both have lost their way: “the youngest because he got tired of being in a relationship that he felt was too demanding; but the eldest is also lost, because it is not enough to stay at home if there is pride and resentment in his heart”.”Love,” the Bishop of Rome points out, “is always a commitment, there is always something that we must lose in order to go towards the other. But the younger son in the parable thinks only of himself. Like all of us, hungers for affection, he wants to be loved. But love is a precious gift; it must be treated with care. Instead, he squanders it, he disregards it, he does not respect himself. He realizes this in times of famine, when no-one cares for him. The risk is that in those moments we beg for affection and attach ourselves to the first master we chance upon.”.It is these experiences, adds the Pope, ” that give rise within us to the distorted belief that we can only be in a relationship as servants, as if we had to atone for a guilt or as if true love could not exist”. And indeed “the younger son, when he hits rock bottom, thinks he will go back to his father’s house to pick up a few crumbs of affection from the ground”.In reality, the Pontiff emphasizes, “only those who truly love us can free us from this false view of love.” He then cites a work by Rembrandt, who in depicting the young man’s return home, depicts “the young man’s head is shaven, like that of a penitent, but it also looks like the head of a child, because this son is being born again. And then the father’s hands: one male and the other female, to describe the strength and tenderness in the embrace of forgiveness.”But it is the eldest son, the Bishop of Rome points out, “who represents those for whom the parable is told: he is the son who always stayed at home with his father, yet was distant from him, distant in heart. This son may have wanted to leave too, but out of fear or duty he stayed there, in that relationship. When you adapt unwillingly, however, you begin to harbour anger within you, and sooner or later this anger explodes. Paradoxically, it is precisely the eldest son who in the end risks being left out, because he does not share his father’s joy.” And the father “goes towards him too. He does not reproach him or call him to duty. He wants only that he feels his love. He invites him to enter and to leave the door open”.”That door remains open for us too. Indeed, this is the reason for hope: we are able to hope because we know that the Father is waiting for us, He sees us from afar, and He always leaves the door open”, concludes the Pope. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 16/4/2025)
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Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
photo Lino Giudice
by Gianni ValenteRancio di Lecco (Agenzia Fides) – The old group photo chosen to accompany this memory portrays him in civilian clothes, just behind Deng Xiaoping. It was May 22, 1978. At 53 years old, the priest and PIME missionary – his friend Lino Giudice tells us today – had managed to be included in the delegation, accredited in his visa application as a “spiritual advisor” to the Milanese politician Vittorino Colombo, visible in the photo to the left of the “Little Helmsman.”Colombo, a Christian Democrat senator, was at the time one of the “bridge builders” with post-Maoist China led by Deng on the path of open-minded reforms. Father Angelo took advantage of even the smallest opportunity to reach out and see how he could support the Chinese Catholic communities, severely affected by the turbulent years of the Red Guards and Cultural Revolution.Father Lazzarotto died this Tuesday, April 15, at the nursing home for missionaries of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) in Rancio di Lecco, where he had been receiving care since 2017. He would have turned 100 on May 14. The photo published in the “Quotidiano del Popolo” in 1978 sums up a long and passionate life dedicated to bearing witness to Christ, with a special love for his Chinese brothers and sisters.Born in Falzè di Piave, in the province of Treviso, Father Angelo discovered his missionary vocation during high school in Conegliano Veneto. He entered the PIME high school seminary in Genoa at the age of 15 and was soon impressed by the stories of faith shared by missionaries in China. He was ordained a priest on December 20, 1947, and the following year began studies in Missiology at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, where he earned a degree three years later. In 1955, he also earned a degree in Missionary Law from the same university. During his time in Rome, he became acquainted with the Focolare Movement and immersed himself in the spirituality of unity and communion of Chiara Lubich.Throughout his life, Father Lazzarotto served the universal Church and especially the Church in China in many ways. Sent for the first time to Hong Kong in 1956, then a British colony, he experienced first-hand the difficulties faced by Chinese Catholic communities. After several years of service at his missionary Institute, he returned to Hong Kong in 1979. From 1985 to 1990, he was appointed Rector of the Pontifical Urban College of Propaganda Fide, by Cardinal Prefect Jozef Tomko. Later, in the 1990s, as the PIME website notes, “he actively collaborated with the CUM (United Center for the Missionary Cooperation among Churches ) in Verona, especially in the sections dedicated to Africa and Asia, for which he was responsible.”His passion for the Church in China can also be seen in his countless publications, books, articles, conferences, speeches and numerous trips to maintain contact with Chinese Catholic communities, listening first-hand to their desires, sufferings and prayers.Father Angelo was part of that group of missionary-Sinologists who, with different sensibilities but a common passion, helped in the decades following the Cultural Revolution to understand and accompany the reality of the Catholic Church in China and its journey in following the faith of the Apostles. Among them were Frenchman Jean Charbonnier, Polish Roman Malek, and his PIME confrere Giancarlo Politi, who preceded him in eternal rest.His intentions and speeches, always aimed at recognizing living faith in the midst of difficulties, promoted paths of communion and reconciliation, encouraging Chinese Catholic communities to overcome, or at least not exacerbate, contrasts and divisions.Father Lazzarotto’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the PIME house in Rancio, Lecco. His remains will rest in the PIME Missionaries Cemetery in Villa Grugana, in the province of Lecco, Lombardy (Italy). (Agenzia Fides, 16/4/2025)
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Source: European Parliament
The Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) – in association with the Delegation for relations with the NATO PA (DNAT) – held an exchange of views with Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General, on deterrence and defence, defence spending and defence industry, on Thursday, 20 March 2025 in Brussels.
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
17th April 2025
Following a Public Appointments Service open competition, the Minister has appointed Ms Louise O’Donnell as the new Chair of the Labour Court.
Minister Burke said:
“I would like to congratulate Ms O’Donnell on her appointment as Chair of the Labour Court. I look forward to supporting her and the Labour Court in their valuable work, especially during these challenging times. We have seen time and again the huge impact the Labour Court has had in resolving disputes in this country. We recognise the economic importance of their role in maintaining industrial peace for workers and employers alike, as well as being the appellant court for employment rights cases.”
Minister Dillon, with responsibility for employment, said:
“Congratulations to Ms O’Donnell on her appointment. I know my officials and I will continue to support the great work the Labour Court does for employers and workers. As the Labour Court enters its 80th year this is a key development, providing the necessary leadership for the Court into the future.”
Editor’s note:
Short bio of Louise O’Donnell:
Ms O’Donnell is a qualified barrister and is a vastly experienced senior IR practitioner. Ms O’Donnell has previously sat as a Deputy Chair in the Labour Court and has extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with Industrial Relations, Employment Law, third party processes and has a wealth of experience in the resolution of significant industrial relations disputes.
ENDS
Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation
17th April 2025
Minister Peter Burke has today secured Cabinet approval to publish the General Scheme of the new Short Term Letting and Tourism (STLT) Bill. The legislation will introduce a register for all Short Term Lets (STLs) in Ireland, which will be implemented and managed by Fáilte Ireland from 20 May 2026, ensuring compliance with the new EU Short Term Rental Regulation which was adopted by the EU on 11 April 2024.
Minister for Housing James Browne has also secured approval from government to publish a National Planning Statement on Short Term Letting, in order to give greater clarity to the sector with regards planning in advance of the commencement of the new legislation.
Minister Burke said:
“This is a very important piece of legislation that will enable the introduction of new regulatory controls for the Short-Term Letting sector. The self-catering and wider short-term letting sector is an important element of the Irish tourism ecosystem and for the first time, we will have up to date and accurate data on the numbers and spread of this accommodation.
“Tourism is of critical importance to the Irish economy, providing 228,000 jobs and €6 billion income to our economy in 2024. The long-term development of the tourism sector requires that an appropriate balance is achieved between the short-term letting sector and long-term housing market, and the wider needs of local communities, both economically and socially.”
Minister Burke went on to say:
“I am aware of the genuine concerns regarding the impacts on rural tourism and local economies of removing a significant cohort of STL properties from the tourism and other short-term letting market and I continue to engage with the sector in this regard. However, meeting local housing need across Ireland is a critically important consideration and government must use every lever available to assist in providing homes for our people.”
The new STL register will be available online and will provide a full picture of the stock of registered tourist accommodation across the state. Hosts offering STL accommodation for periods up to and including 21 nights will be obliged to register with Fáilte Ireland and hold a valid registration number that must be displayed when advertising their STL property.
The EU STR Regulation and Ireland’s new registration requirements for STLs will both come into full force on 20 May 2026. Fáilte Ireland will apply the enforcement mechanisms provided for in the legislation in respect of non-compliant STL hosts by means of Fixed Payment Notices and/or summary proceedings in the District Court.
The STLT Bill also provides for the introduction of an administrative sanction procedure (ASP) for infringements by online short-term rental platforms of their obligations under the STR Regulation. This will enable the State to impose large financial penalties (a maximum of 2% of turnover) to enforce compliance where necessary.
Minister Burke will appoint an independent panel to determine the level of financial sanction to be imposed.
The Cabinet also approved, for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, the drafting of new planning guidance and any necessary legislative changes to implement the new Planning Guidelines in the form of a National Planning Statement on short-term letting. That Planning Statement is an important input in balancing local housing, tourism and economic needs and will provide the necessary clarity to the STL sector on the planning requirements around STL properties. The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage will publish these guidelines in advance of the final enactment of the STLT Bill.
Minister Browne said:
“In advance of commencement of the legislation, I will be publishing new planning guidance to give greater clarity to the short term letting sector and to allow those in tourism to plan accordingly. This guidance will seek to recognise the needs of tourism and those who visit Ireland, while also acting on the urgent aim of this government to increase domestic rental supply.”
This new housing policy is to generally preclude new planning permissions for short term lets in cities and towns with a census population in excess of 10,000 persons, or as may be set by regulations, and to enable local authorities have discretion to develop policies for other locations having regard to relevant local criteria to be set out in the guidance.
At present, all STL properties with the exception of your principal private residence (PPR) based in rent pressure zones are required to have appropriate planning permission. If you rent out a room in your PPR, planning permission is generally not required, however if you rent out the entire PPR property for more than 90 days planning permission is necessary.
Minister Burke and his department will consider the full implications for the tourism sector as we await the planning clarification from the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
ENDS