Stories from Bourg · France

A tri-national program titled 'Climate-Resilient Rhine Ports' has completed two research projects investigating the seven largest ports between Basel and Mannheim. Scientists and researchers identified risks and developed solutions to help Rhine ports adapt to climate change. In Strasbourg, the cruise ship terminal was modified with unsealed surfaces to improve rainwater drainage and lighter surfaces to reduce heat absorption. Port Director Volker Mollz stated that the Port of Kehl is resilient to flooding but remains vulnerable to storm surges and heavy rain.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg is considering new regulations to protect dogs and cats. More than two-thirds of members supported the 'only yes means yes' regulation. The European Commission is tasked with providing a concrete proposal on the definition of rape within three months. The goal is to establish a uniform EU-wide definition. Currently, many countries like Germany use a 'no means no' principle, while 14 other European countries have already adopted different standards. Under the new rules, the 'only yes means yes' principle will be applied, requiring active consent. Member states must provide a concrete proposal within three months. Inbreeding between closely related animals is also banned under the new legislation. Additionally, all dogs and cats must now carry a microchip containing their age, gender, and origin.

NGO Transparency International has requested that the European Anti-Fraud Office open a separate investigation into Vega-Philippe Klais, the former Secretary-General of Identity and Democracy. The Strasbourg plenary is expected to vote on a report urging the Parliament administration to adopt measures, including fund suspension, to recover 4 million euros from the Patriots group. This action follows political continuity links between the group and the Scholto group.

An NGO has filed a report with the European Anti-Fraud Office regarding the misuse of millions in EU funds by a far-right group previously led by Marine Le Pen. The allegations involve the misappropriation of funds in Strasbourg and impact the current structure of the Patriots for Europe group, which includes Italy's Lega and France's Rassemblement National. The group is currently facing scrutiny from both the European Parliament and anti-corruption NGOs. The NGO Transparency International has requested the European Anti-Fraud Office to open an investigation into Vega-Philippe Klais, the former Secretary-General of Identity and Democracy. The investigation follows reports regarding the misuse of 4 million euros by the Patriots group.

Sikfrid Mouré-San, a Romanian member of the European People's Party, is calling for the adoption of an ambitious European Union budget covering the 2028-2034 period. The proposed budget is estimated at 2,000 billion euros. Mouré-San described the budget as a document that translates political projects into figures. The call was made during proceedings in Strasbourg. Social-democrat rapporteur Carla Tavares argues that EU member states must invest collectively in energy independence, food security, and cybersecurity. Tavares stated that these issues cannot be addressed by member states individually. The call for investment serves as a response to far-right movements seeking to reduce national contributions to the European budget. The European Parliament voted on Tuesday for an ambitious budget to fund European priorities.

The European Parliament discussed a public report regarding a uniform definition of rape across the European Union. Implementation awaits the formal approval of the European Council. The vote was supported by a large majority of MEPs and received applause within the chamber. This follows a previous text adopted two years ago aimed at combating violence against women, which criminalized female genital mutilation, forced marriage, and non-consensual image sharing. More than two-thirds of MEPs in Strasbourg voted in favor of the motion. The proposal was supported by the Christian Democrats, Social Democrats, Liberals, Greens, and the Left, while the Patriots for Europe group opposed it. Thomas Spickhofen, speaking from Brussels, stated that the move aims to standardize the offense across member states.

New EU regulations in Strasbourg mandate microchipping for dogs and cats to ensure traceability. The regulation specifically targets the online pet trade to make it easier to return lost pets to owners. New EU regulations require dogs and cats to be equipped with microchips the size of a grain of rice. The European Union is implementing new regulations requiring microchips for pets to include age, gender, vaccination status, and origin. Private owners of dogs will have a 10-year transition period, while cat owners will have 15 years to comply. Dogs and cats in the European Union are expected to require microchips containing information regarding their origin. The source did not specify a deadline or implementation date for this requirement. This follows discussions regarding pet tracking and identification within the EU.

Grzegorz Braun's immunity has already been revoked, and Polish prosecutors have submitted a second request to detain him for obstructing an investigation. Obajtek stated on social media that the move was made in response to his defense of religious sentiments and the reputation of Pope John Paul II. The European Parliament majority voted to strip immunity from PiS MEP Daniel Obajtek. Obajtek stated on social media that he acted correctly in defending religious feelings and the Pope's reputation. The request follows an accusation from the Romanian General Prosecutor's Office involving multiple offenses, including legionary propaganda and Holocaust denial. The vote was conducted via a show of hands. European Parliament Vice-President Siegfried Muresan noted the decision in a public message online. The session follows recent pushes for consent-based sexual offense laws.

Mushrooms in the Alsace region have exceeded consumption limits for Cesium-137 by one-third. Researchers identified the radioactive substance as a signature marker from the Chernobyl accident. Other fungi, such as the pied-de-mouton in the Jura region, are also showing radiation doses. Scientists continue to monitor these biological markers to track remaining traces of the accident. Radioactivity has been detected in mushrooms, milk, cheese, and meat in several French regions. The affected areas include Alsace, Vosges, Jura, Rhône Valley, Haute-Saône, and the eastern parts of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, as well as Puy-de-Dôme and Pyrénées-Atlantiques. Consumption of forest products in these regions may result in non-negligible doses of radioactivity. These specific regions were among those most heavily impacted in 1986.

Strasbourg has won the French Cup final against Lyon. The match was decided by a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. Strasbourg's victory marks their first French Cup title in 20 years. The team's performance was described as physically weakened but ultimately fortunate.