Second Briefing
War in Georgia
Young Greens from across Europe have called for peace in Georgia, and an end to fighting by all sides. The Romanian Young Greens have also reported a statement from the Foreign Ministry of Georgia that Russian forces "have dropped fire-setting bombs in the woods of the Borjomi district", severely damaging a unique ecosystem.
Regional News
Ireland
One of the founding members of the Irish Green Party has died. Máire Mullarney, an educationalist who played a large role in promoting home education, was a member of Dublin County Council for eight years. Green Party Press Release, Irish Independent article.
The Minister for the Environment, John Gormley TD, has been criticised in an article in The Herald for his handling of recent flooding in Ireland.
France
The French island of Réunion has set a target to use 100% renewable electricity by 2025, and also to use 100% renewable energy sources for transport by 2050.
Europe
Belarus, Europe's last remaining dictatorship, has released and pardoned two political prisoners, in an attempt to improve its image for the EU.
The European Parliament at Strasbourg joined The Scottish Parliament in the distinction of having part of the chamber roof collapse. This time the chamber was not in use, though the result was slightly more dramatic.
Australia
New Tasmanian Green MP, Cassy O’Connor has made her maiden speech in the State Parliament of Tasmania.
And finally...
UK newspaper, The Independent has ‘put its foot in it’ with Italy, after writing a piece about a recent tightening up of municipal laws and their enforcement around the country. The article has been described by Italian Deputy Culture Minister, Francesco Giro as “insulting”.