RIMINI (ITALPRESS/MNA) – “For years the EU believed that its economic weight, with 450 million consumers, would automatically translate into geopolitical power and influence in trade relations. This year will be remembered as the one in which that illusion came to an end. We had to accept U.S. tariffs, and we were pushed by our own ally to increase military spending – a decision perhaps necessary, but not in this form or at this pace.”
Speaking at the 46th Meeting in Rimini, former Prime Minister Mario Draghi continued, “the EU played only a marginal role in peace negotiations over Ukraine. It was a mere spectator even as Iranian nuclear sites were bombed and the massacre in Gaza escalated.”
According to Draghi, “Europe must move from being a spectator, or at best a supporting actor, to becoming a protagonist. That means reshaping its political organization, which is inseparable from its ability to meet economic and strategic goals. Economic reforms remain essential.”
“Europe is the best opportunity we have for a future of peace and security. And as a democracy, it is you, it is us, the Europeans who set the priorities,” Draghi said.
On fiscal policy, Draghi repeated his distinction between “good debt and bad debt,” but warned that in some areas national-level borrowing is no longer sufficient. He argued that only common European debt can finance large-scale projects in defense, energy, and emerging technologies.
The former ECB president also pointed to a “brutal wake-up call” from Donald Trump, which he said reshaped relations with the U.S. “There is now a political, social, and psychological climate that gives hope for a new kind of political organization. We must learn to cooperate. Rigidity and passivity breed inaction – and that, as wève seen over the last 10-15 years, is Europès worst enemy.”
“It is not surprising that skepticism toward Europe has reached new heights,” Draghi added. “But it is worth asking what lies at the heart of this skepticism. In my view, it is not directed at the values on which Europe was founded, but rather at the EU’s ability to defend those values. And that skepticism is partly justified: political structures are designed to address the challenges of their time, and when those challenges change, the structures themselves must change”.

– Foto IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – A 29-year-old Italian national, V.M., was remanded in custody after being charged in court with drug importation. Prosecutors told Magistrate Yana Micallef Stafrace that police were alerted three days ago to a suspicious package.

On inspection, officers discovered 1.5 kilograms of MDMA crystals, a synthetic drug considered highly dangerous. The entire package weighed four kilograms, with an estimated street value of €200,000.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has once again been accused of carrying out an illegal pushback at sea after asylum seekers were allegedly forced back to Libya on Wednesday, despite their vessel being intercepted within Malta’s search and rescue (SAR) zone.

AlarmPhone, a hotline for migrants in distress, reported the case on X, condemning what it described as a “scandalous crime” that violated international law. The group warned the operation may have been coordinated by Malta’s Rescue Coordination Centre or conducted “secretly” to avoid accountability.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – The new Greek bank replacing HSBC in Malta will begin operations in March of next year, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana announced on national television.

Minister Caruana confirmed that CrediaBank is set to launch its services once the regulatory process is finalized. Approval from the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) and the European Central Bank is expected by the first quarter of 2026.

“It looks like this process could conclude by February or March of next year. Does this mean CrediaBank will be in Malta? Yes,” Caruana said.

The Minister described the takeover negotiations as a “complex process,” most of which were conducted in London. He emphasized that the government’s priority throughout the process was to ensure stability in Malta’s banking sector.

Caruana underlined that the number of banks in Malta should not decrease, pointing out that the country’s three largest banks currently hold 90% of the market. “It is important for the financial sector, and for the economy at large, that competition is preserved and that Maltese consumers continue to have access to strong and reputable banking services,” he explained.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MARSEILLE (FRANCE) (ITALPRESS) – “I’ve played football for a long time, I’ve been in the world of football for over 30 years. I’m used to talking about what happens in the locker room. But I think we should clarify things; it’s necessary. In any workplace, if two employees argue, like in a pub, with a teammate who was knocked unconscious (Darryl Bakola, ed.), what should the employer do? Suspension or dismissal.” Roberto De Zerbi doesn’t mince his words when it comes to the dismissal of Jonathan Rowe and Adrien Rabiot from his squad, who were involved in a brawl and are looking for a new destination.

“We could have said: just shake hands,” added the former Sassuolo manager at the press conference. “But I won’t lose my dignity, whether it’s a match or a season. I support the club’s decision. They didn’t break any teeth, but it was a real brawl, the likes of which I’ve never seen in all my years of career. While Darryl Bakola was on the ground and had lost consciousness…”.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIMINI (ITALPRESS) – “This Meeting wants to bear witness, in the face of so much defeatism, that it is possible to bring life to the desert of indifference, shelter to the deserts of abandonment, friendship to the deserts of existential loneliness, and above all reconciliation to the deserts of war.” With these words, Bernhard Scholz, president of the Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples Foundation, opened the 46th edition of the Rimini Meeting.

“We want to show that, despite widespread skepticism, it is possible to be present in our families, schools, workplaces, and throughout society — with a passion for the destiny of every person, with genuine educational commitment, with work aimed at the common good, and with a farsighted and competent political engagement,” Scholz continued. He also expressed strong support for the appeals made by Pope Leo XIV to both the Israeli government and Hamas.
“We fully share the Pope’s call for Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid to the exhausted civilian population in Gaza, and for Hamas to release all hostages as soon as possible,” Scholz said.

Addressing the broader issue of global conflicts, he emphasized the Meeting’s long-standing stance:
“In the face of the many wars unfortunately breaking out around the world, the Meeting has always refused to identify a nation with the decisions of its government, especially when those decisions degenerate into attacks on civilians.” Looking ahead, Scholz voiced hope that Rimini can once again serve as a space for dialogue:
“We hope this Meeting can highlight that peace can be reborn from the people themselves, when places of reconciliation and mutual hospitality are created,” he concluded.

– Photo: Meeting Rimini 2025 –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RIMINI (ITALPRESS) – The 46th edition of the Rimini Meeting opened with a powerful testimony of reconciliation: an Israeli mother and a Palestinian mother, both of whom lost their children to conflict, shared their stories and their choice to turn grief into a path toward peace. This year’s event is entitled: “In deserted places we will build with new bricks.”

On stage was Elana Kaminka, mother of Yannai, a young Israeli soldier killed on October 7, 2023.
“He hadn’t yet turned 21 but he was clear-minded, a deep thinker who questioned what it means to create change in society,” Kaminka said. “After his death I felt I had lost everything, because a parent’s first duty is to protect their children — and I failed. But after witnessing the horrific images of October 7, I told myself I had to live by his words and values: to build change and peace, but not through violence.”

Also speaking was Layla al-Sheik, a Muslim mother from Bethlehem who lost her son Qusay during the Second Intifada.
“Life after October 7 has become even harder,” she said. “Those who worked in Israel lost their jobs, the economic situation is dramatic, we have no shelters, we don’t even know what is happening. Children can’t go to school anymore, and the Israeli government has imposed even tougher restrictions.”

Kaminka acknowledged the suffering on both sides:
“Everything happening now is frightening, especially for Palestinians — in recent months terrible things have been taking place. But it is possible to live side by side, to work together. Dehumanization is one of the greatest dangers on both sides. Through my actions, I try to set an example.”

On the question of forgiveness, al-Sheik admitted it remains difficult.
“It is easy to talk about reconciliation and peace, but we must ask ourselves whether we can truly forgive. Forgiveness gave me the courage to keep going, even in these very hard times,” she said.
Adding her perspective was Sister Aziza Kidane, who has spent 12 years in the Holy Land working to bridge divides.
“We need to tear down the walls that separate us. Our mission is to be bridges, especially for the most vulnerable. With war and violence there is no hope. Without reconciliation with others, there can be no peace,” she concluded.

– Photo: Meeting Rimini 2025 –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

ROME (ITALPRESS) – Now is official: Douglas Luiz is a new Nottingham Forest player. Following Arnaud Kalimuendo and promising Englishmen James McAtee and Omari Hutchinson, the Tricky Trees have signed 27-year-old Brazilian Douglas Luiz from Juventus on a one-year loan deal worth €3 million with an option to buy that can easily be converted into a compulsory deal set at €28.5 million.

The Brazilian hastened his departure after returning late for the summer training camp, irritating both coach Igor Tudor and the club and effectively ending his experience with the Juventus jersey.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND) (ITALPRESS) – Ruben Dias and Manchester City have signed a four-year contract until 2029. The club has announced the renews of the Portuguese defender, who has been with the City since 2020, when he arrived from Benfica. He has made more than 200 appearances and won nine trophies (including four Premier League titles and one Champions League) in five seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

“I’m happy and proud to represent this great club,” said the 28-year-old. “City is where I want to be, a club at the top of world football, challenging to win trophies. The club’s ambition is perfectly aligned with mine, and, as a footballer, there’s nothing better. Manchester is now my home, and I love the City fans. My job now is to give my best for the entire duration of this contract. I want to thank my teammates, Pep, the coaching staff, and the entire club. This is a truly special place, and I’m grateful for the support I receive every day. I promise the fans that I will give everything to win more trophies with City.”

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews

RABAT (MOROCCO) (ITALPRESS) – The United Nations has paid tribute to the humanitarian commitment of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, President of the Al-Quds Committee, towards the people of Gaza, following the dispatch of additional humanitarian aid considered “significant” for the benefit of the population.

“We welcome the decision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to provide substantial humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza,” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General. Dujarric stressed the impact of this royal initiative in a context marked by “catastrophic” living conditions. “The inhabitants of Gaza lack everything: food, medicine, shelter,” he said, urging the international community to “do everything possible” to alleviate suffering and increase pressure for an immediate ceasefire.

The aid ordered by the Moroccan Sovereign consists of about 100 tons of food and medicine, mainly intended for the most vulnerable groups, particularly children and infants. In his capacity as President of the Al-Quds Committee, the Moroccan King ensured that this aid, like previous shipments, would be delivered by air through Ben Gurion Airport and distributed directly and urgently to Palestinian beneficiaries.

– photo Yabiladi –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews