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  • MIL-OSI USA: 2025-27 ATTORNEYS GENERAL STATEMENT RE: VICE PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS ON JUDICIAL REVIEW ON FEBRUARY 9, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    2025-27 ATTORNEYS GENERAL STATEMENT RE: VICE PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS ON JUDICIAL REVIEW ON FEBRUARY 9, 2025

    Posted on Feb 14, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL

    KA ʻOIHANA O KA LOIO KUHINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
     GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    ANNE LOPEZ

    ATTORNEY GENERAL

    LOIO KUHINA

      

    ATTORNEYS GENERAL STATEMENT RE: THE VICE PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS ON JUDICIAL REVIEW ON FEBRUARY 9, 2025

    News Release 2025-27 

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               

    February 14, 2025 

    “If a judge tried to tell a general how to conduct a military operation, that would be illegal. If a judge tried to command the attorney general in how to use her discretion as a prosecutor, that’s also illegal. Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.”
     Vice President Vance, February 9, 2025

    HONOLULU – Attorney General Anne Lopez released the following joint statement signed by 17 state attorneys general regarding Vice President Vance’s comments on judicial review made on February 9, 2025.

    “The Vice President’s statement is as wrong as it is reckless.  As chief law enforcement officers representing the people of 17 states, we unequivocally reject the Vice President’s attempt to spread this dangerous lie.

    “Judges do not ‘control’ executive power. Judges stop the unlawful and unconstitutional exercise of power. As Chief Justice Marshall said in Marbury v. Madison over 200 years ago, ours is ‘a government of laws, and not of men,’ and that ‘it is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is.’  For those who value the original intent of the founders and our legal traditions, nothing is more firmly rooted in our legal history, tradition, and the original intent of the founders than the power of judges to stop the executive from breaking the law.

    “Americans understand the principle of checks and balances. The judiciary is a check on unlawful action by the executive and legislative branches of government. Generals, prosecutors, and all public officials are subject to checks and balances.  No one is above the law.  

    “As Attorneys General, we will carefully scrutinize each and every action taken by this administration. If the Constitution or federal law is violated, we will not hesitate to act.

    “That is why we have already filed motions in courts across this country to seek temporary restraining orders and injunctions blocking the unlawful and unconstitutional executive orders and actions, including those to ban birthright citizenship; indiscriminately freeze federal funding; cap vital medical research dollars; and grant unauthorized disclosure of Americans’ private records and data.

    “Judges granted our motions and issued restraining orders to protect the American people, democracy, and the rule of law. That is and has always been their job.  That job is the very core of our legal system. And in this critical moment, we will stand our ground to defend it.”

    Attorney General Lopez was joined in this statement by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

    # # #

    Media contacts:

    Dave Day

    Special Assistant to the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1284                                                  

    Email: [email protected]        

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    Toni Schwartz

    Public Information Officer

    Hawai‘i Department of the Attorney General

    Office: 808-586-1252

    Cell: 808-379-9249

    Email: [email protected] 

    Web: http://ag.hawaii.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief in Support of Challenge to Trump’s Executive Order Banning Transgender Servicemembers

    Source: US State of California

    Friday, February 14, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in Talbott v. Trump in support of a challenge to President Trump’s executive order attempting to prohibit transgender servicemembers from serving in the military in any capacity. The plaintiffs in this case are six active-duty servicemembers and two individuals seeking enlistment. In the brief, the attorneys general argue that the executive order undermines our nation’s military, jeopardizes the ability of the National Guard to respond effectively to natural disasters and to ensure states’ security, and threatens states’ efforts to protect the rights of their LGBTQ+ communities.

    “Today we are filing an amicus brief to protect the rights of the hard-working military servicemembers who have dedicated their life to service and to protecting our lives and our country. The Trump Administration’s decision to single out and discriminate against transgender servicemembers is an insult to all who serve; it’s also unlawful,” said Attorney General Bonta. “As home to approximately 2.8 million LGBTQ+ individuals, California will continue to stand up for the rights of our transgender community as they seek to live their lives as their authentic selves.”

    California has the nation’s largest concentration of military personnel as well as military bases. If allowed to stand, this executive order would substantially impact California’s interests. California relies heavily on the California National Guard, which provides critical services for the state. This includes responding to national security threats and natural disasters, like the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles. Transgender servicemembers, like all other servicemembers, are qualified individuals who volunteer their lives to service, protecting and providing for our nation in times of need.

    In the amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to grant a preliminary injunction preventing this order from going into effect, arguing that banning transgender individuals from military service will:

    • Harm National Guard recruitment efforts, jeopardizing states’ security and readiness;
    • Undermine states’ institutions and efforts to uphold and protect the rights of their LGBTQ+ communities;
    • Harm the states’ transgender veterans, active servicemembers, and those who wish to serve; and
    • Weaken the military’s role as an inclusive institution by imposing discriminatory policies.

    In filing the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Vermont, Washington, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin. 

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Plastics Dialogue explores cooperation, standards and harmonization of trade measures

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The five areas previously discussed during the September and October 2024 meetings included enhancing transparency in plastics trade flows, identifying best practices, improving access to relevant technologies and services, building capacity for developing members, and exploring the potential creation of domestic inventories of trade-related plastic measures.

    Three of the co-coordinators — Ecuador, China and Morocco — commended the significant progress made by participating members since 2022. With 82 members now involved, representing over 88% of global plastics trade, support for the Dialogue’s unique position in tackling plastics pollution continues to grow, they said. The co-coordinators underscored the urgency and necessity of the DPP dialogue stressing the shared responsibility of participating members to achieve concrete outcomes.

    Participants received an update on the ongoing UN-led multilateral negotiations on plastics pollution from the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The update highlighted the significant progress made despite the lack of agreement on the Chair’s proposed text at the end of the fifth negotiation session held in November in Busan, the Republic of Korea. The INC Secretariat emphasized that the Chair’s text laid a strong foundation for future negotiations and called for continued support and input from the DPP,

    Regarding strengthening cooperation on standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) made a presentation on the process of identifying potential gaps in international standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives to single-use plastics and packaging. Several entrepreneurs from India, Indonesia and China shared insights on the challenges of certifying non-plastic substitutes and alternatives.

    On greater harmonization of trade-related plastics measures (TrPMs), the WTO Secretariat provided an overview of past technical discussions (INF/TE/IDP/RD/123) and a survey on TrPMs concerning single-use plastics conducted last year (INF/TE/IDP/W/11). Kenya and New Zealand shared their national experiences in addressing trade-related challenges in implementing restrictions on single-use plastic goods.

    Delegates and stakeholders welcomed the diverse insights from both the public and private sectors. They shared broad views on the topics under discussion, including  the possibility of working with ISO to identify gaps in standards for non-plastic substitutes and alternatives, how to address the fragmentation of cross-border standards, and the importance of transparency and sharing best practices. While some delegates emphasized the need for collective action to address single-use plastics by promoting substitutes and alternatives, others stressed the need to assess the environmental, health and economic impacts of these substitute materials. Some delegates also proposed focusing on the waste management and recycling aspects of single-use plastic products.

    Participants suggested potential outcomes for single-use plastic goods at MC14. Some proposed guidelines and voluntary actions to harmonize different standards while ensuring they do not create additional trade barriers. Others emphasized the need to define single-use plastic goods as a crucial first step toward establishing international guidance for trade measures. Some queried whether there was significant convergence to discuss potential outcomes and if it was not too premature to have such discussions.

    In conclusion, Australia, also a co-coordinator of the Dialogue, thanked participants for their valuable insights, particularly the perspectives shared by Asian companies. It expressed interest in further engaging with other regions to explore how trade can support both innovation and environmental objectives.

    Looking ahead, Australia stated that the group plans to consolidate discussions on the eight key focus areas in an upcoming review session scheduled for April or May, with the goal of fostering a “focused, collaborative, and inclusive dialogue” and delivering on the MC13 mandate for “further concrete, pragmatic and effective outcomes”.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales introduces new FIDO Key Lifecycle Management solution to enable secure authentication at scale

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales introduces new FIDO Key Lifecycle Management solution to enable secure authentication at scale

    • New solution allows Enterprises to accelerate and secure passwordless implementation by managing FIDO* security passkeys at scale simply and efficiently
    • Provides full control of the entire FIDO key lifecycle to IT and facilitates accelerated FIDO adoption

    Thales, the leading global technology and security provider, today announced the launch of OneWelcome FIDO Key Lifecycle Management, a new solution to help large organizations successfully deploy and manage FIDO security passkeys at scale. This announcement reflects Thales’s commitment to provide its customers with a seamless and secure passwordless journey.

    OneWelcome FIDO Key Lifecycle Management combines an interoperable management platform with Thales hardware FIDO security keys (passkeys) specifically designed by Thales for use in large organizations. The solution helps CISOs accelerate and secure their passwordless journey by managing FIDO security keys at scale, in a simple and efficient way, throughout their lifecycle. In addition, CISOs benefit from the ultimate Thales expertise in cyber security and in complex projects.

    Danny de Vreeze, Vice President, Identity & Access Management at Thales, said: “Authentication is at the heart of securing identities and we are committed to supporting organizations securely transition to passwordless authentication. This solution eliminates the barriers to smooth adoption and enables IT teams to easily manage FIDO security keys beyond just the enrollment. The OneWelcome FIDO Key Lifecycle Management solution is a crucial part of our Passwordless 360° approach that encourages organizations to deploy passwordless at scale and reap its strategic benefits.”

    FIDO security keys are the gold standard for protecting the enterprise from phishing attacks, but cumbersome self-registration and lifecycle management processes often lead to user frustration, IT overheads and delayed passwordless authentication deployment.

    Thanks to unique capabilities, this new solution, allows IT teams to quickly preregister keys and manage them easily and securely from enrollment to revocation. By relieving end users from these processes, the OneWelcome FIDO Key Lifecycle Management solution improves end-user productivity, accelerates FIDO authentication deployment at scale and secures the entire FIDO key lifecycle.

    Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CEO at The FIDO Alliance, said: “The FIDO Alliance’s mission is to reduce the world’s reliance on passwords with simpler, stronger authentication. As an active board member of The FIDO Alliance, Thales underscores that mission by supporting a wider deployment of FIDO standards via its device-bound passkey Management Solution – with the added bonus of full key lifecycle management.”

    The interoperable management platform is integrated via FIDO2 provisioning API’s to Microsoft Entra ID which enables organizations to pre-register Thales FIDO keys on behalf of their end users.

    Thanks to this integration, Enterprises adopting Microsoft 365 can provide secure and seamless authentication to their users from day one. Thales confirms its position as an Identity Trailblazer won at the 2024 Microsoft Security Excellence Awards in recognition of its innovative IAM solutions.

    Natee Pretikul, Principal Product Management Lead at Microsoft Security, said: “With FIDO2 provisioning APIs and our longstanding collaboration with Thales, we are empowering organizations to deploy phishing-resistant authentication at scale. By pre-registering end users for a passkey (FIDO2) credential, we enable them to use phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication methods more quickly.”

    *The FIDO Alliance is an open industry association with a focused mission: reduce the world’s reliance on passwords. To accomplish this, the FIDO Alliance promotes the development of, use of, and compliance with standards for authentication and device attestation. 

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialized in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital.

    It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

    The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

    Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Philippines launches safeguard investigation on corrugating medium

    Source: World Trade Organization

    In a document submitted together with the notification (see footnote of the notification), the Philippines indicated, among other things, as follows:

    “[I]nterested parties are hereby invited to submit their comments and position on the matter, including their views on whether the imposition of the safeguard measure will be in the public interest. Submissions may be made to the Bureau of Import Services (BIS), Department of Trade and Industry, 7th Floor, Filinvest Building, #387 Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, or through electronic submission to [email protected] within five (5) days from the date of publication of this notice.”

    Further information is available in G/SG/N/6/PHL/22.

    What is a safeguard investigation?

    A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or is threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry.

    During a safeguard investigation, importers, exporters and other interested parties may present evidence and views and respond to the presentations of other parties.

    A WTO member may take a safeguard action (i.e. restrict imports of a product temporarily) only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon to redeem debt securities on March 18, 2025

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon to redeem debt securities on March 18, 2025

    NEW YORK – Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon”) (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) today announced that it will redeem the following notes on March 18, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”):

    I.D. Number

    Title of Security

    Principal Amount
    Outstanding

    CUSIP: 92343V EP5

    ISIN: US92343VEP58

    Common Code: 182168670

    Floating Rate Notes due 2025 (the “Notes”)

    $487,396,000

    The redemption price for the Notes will be equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes being redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the Redemption Date.

    Questions relating to the notice of redemption and related materials should be directed to the paying agent: U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, Attn: Corporate Trust Services, 111 Fillmore Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55107, or via telephone at 1-800-934-6802.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: F&M Bank Welcomes Carly Buchanan as Chief People Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARCHBOLD, Ohio, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — F&M Bank (“F&M”), an Archbold, Ohio-based bank owned by Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: FMAO) is pleased to announce Carly Buchanan as its new Chief People Officer.

    With over 18 years of HR, leadership, and organizational development experience across multiple industries, Carly will lead F&M’s Human Resources Department, driving strategic HR planning, talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational growth.

    Carly brings a decade of retail banking experience to her role, providing valuable insight into customer-focused strategies and operational efficiency. She holds senior HR certifications from SHRM (SHRM-SCP) and HRCI and has served as past President of the Northeast Indiana Human Resources Association. Recognized as a 2023 Fort Wayne 40 Under 40 honoree, Carly is also deeply committed to community involvement, supporting organizations like Junior Achievement, Boys and Girls Club, and the 988 Crisis Lifeline.

    “Carly’s leadership, expertise, and passion for people make her an incredible asset to F&M Bank,” said Lars Eller, President, and CEO. “Her strategic vision will strengthen our culture, enhance employee engagement, and support our mission of serving our customers and communities.”

    Carly earned her MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana Tech. She and her family reside in Northern Indiana, where she combines professional excellence with a strong dedication to community impact.

    About F&M Bank:
    F&M Bank is a local independent community bank that has been serving its communities since 1897. F&M Bank provides commercial banking, retail banking and other financial services. Our locations are in Butler, Champaign, Fulton, Defiance, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Shelby, Williams, and Wood counties in Ohio. In Northeast Indiana, we have offices located in Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Jay, Steuben and Wells counties. The Michigan footprint includes Oakland County, and we have Loan Production Offices in Troy, Michigan; Muncie, Indiana; and Perrysburg and Bryan, Ohio.

    Safe harbor statement
    Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements by F&M, including management’s expectations and comments, may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21B of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Actual results could vary materially depending on risks and uncertainties inherent in general and local banking conditions, competitive factors specific to markets in which F&M and its subsidiaries operate, future interest rate levels, legislative and regulatory decisions, capital market conditions, or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and its impacts on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions. F&M assumes no responsibility to update this information. For more details, please refer to F&M’s SEC filing, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Such filings can be viewed at the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov or through F&M’s website www.fm.bank.

    Company Contact: Investor and Media Contact:
    Lars B. Eller
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Farmers & Merchants Bancorp, Inc.
    (419) 446-2501
    leller@fm.bank    		 Andrew M. Berger
    Managing Director
    SM Berger & Company, Inc.
    (216) 464-6400
    andrew@smberger.com
       

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/76198bd4-ead9-4c89-b7e5-28afc0e22a0d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Yemen: UN Pauses Aid in Sa’ada Amid Rising Security Risks | Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    OCHA Chief Tom Fletcher for his part told the Council that “despite significant risks, humanitarian operations across Yemen are largely continuing,” but stressed that the detention of more UN staff in January “has led to tough decisions regarding the ability of the UN system as a whole to deliver for those in need.”

    Fletcher said, “UN and humanitarian partners simply cannot be expected to operate in the absence of guarantees of their safely. Faced with real risks to the safety and security of staff, we therefore been forced to temporarily pause operations in Sa’ada Governorate.”

    The humanitarian official said, “almost 20 million Yemenis are in need of our support, right now. This is a tough place for us to deliver that humanitarian support. And I recognize that it is a tough place for you to get the political judgements right. But we must be brave, principled, and unflinching in our effort to save lives.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um6xFhH9Eqs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Derogation from the EU Deforestation Regulation – E-002735/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware that a majority of EU foresters and farmers already live up to the highest standards of environmental sustainability and are therefore well-placed to meet the requirements of the regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR)[1].

    Deforestation and forest degradation in the EU have been minimal in recent decades as national laws for forest protection are generally complied with.

    The EUDR sets strict geolocation and customs control requirements, applying the same rules for all products placed on the EU market, irrespectively if they come from the EU or partner countries.

    The Commission’s legislative proposal for the EUDR was based on an Impact Assessment[2] which estimated that overall expected benefits of this regulation outweigh the costs of compliance for companies.

    The Commission is finalising the methodology for the classification of low-risk and high-risk countries (Article 29(3) of the EUDR), whose guiding principles have already been published[3].

    The Commission is committed to making the proposal for risk classification available as soon as possible but no later than six months before the EUDR enters into application[4].

    Operators and traders supplying products from countries with low-deforestation rates will benefit from simplified due diligence (Article 13) and a lower threshold for mandatory checks carried out by competent authorities (Article 16(10)).

    Regulation (EU) 2024/3234[5] postponing the date of application of the EUDR provides stakeholders with more time to prepare. During the additional 12 months of phasing in, the Commission will explore further clarifications and simplifications.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [2] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-regulation-deforestation-free-products_en
    • [3] Communication from the Commission on the Strategic Framework for International Cooperation Engagement in the context of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation.
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/CM-5486-2024-INIT/xx/pdf
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2024/3234 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards provisions relating to the date of application, OJ L, 2024/3234, 23.12.2024, p. 1.
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – New stock assessment for yellowfin tuna by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission – E-003016/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The new yellowfin tuna stock assessment was reviewed and adopted by the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) Scientific Committee (SC) during its 2024 annual session.

    It is the result of a rigorous process carried by a team of international scientists. Several problems were identified in the previous assessment models used as of 2015.

    The SC requested an external review of the data and model configurations, which was carried out by experts from the United States, New Zealand and Norway.

    The recommendations from this review were incorporated into the new assessment and all data provided by the different fleets (catch, effort, size frequency) were scrutinised by the SC.

    The new model includes revisions that make it more robust and reliable, as tested through statistical diagnostic analyses. The main driver for the change in the stock status is the abundance index derived from the catch data of Asian longline fleets.

    The index derived from the EU fleet was not used in the assessment, but it confirms the recovery of the stock. Other data (total catch reduction of 10% and size frequency) also point to a biomass increase.

    This is good news for all fishers and a recognition of the rebuilding plan adopted in the IOTC and led by the EU. The management advice developed by the SC acknowledges that some uncertainties remain in the assessment and recommends a precautionary course of action.

    The Commission reiterates its full confidence in the IOTC scientific process and the independence and integrity of scientists from all IOTC contracting parties working together.

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Speech by Commissioner Kubilius at the official Munich Security Conference Space Night

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Speech Munich, 14 Feb 2025 Is space the next battleground? Space already is a battleground. War in Ukraine already is a space war. Fought on the Earth. The real question is: how will the space change the battleground? Europe is a global space power. Our space assets protect us. But we must not fall behind.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Failure to acknowledge vaccine-related harm is creating stigmatisation – urgent need for EU action to ensure research and support for those affected – E-002698/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) is responsible for monitoring the safety of all authorised medicinal products in the EU, including COVID-19 vaccines. The EU’s pharmacovigilance system was further strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic with enhanced real-world safety monitoring. The PRAC may establish contacts on an advisory basis, with representatives of patient organisations and relevant healthcare professionals’ associations[1]. Given this framework, a new task force is unnecessary.

    2. The Commission acknowledges the importance of addressing concerns about COVID-19 vaccines and fostering trust through ongoing safety monitoring and transparent communication[2]. EMA and national authorities rigorously monitor vaccine safety, and rare side effects are published with updates to product information[3] where necessary to mitigate risks. Healthcare access, including diagnosis and treatment, remains the responsibility of Member States. The Commission supports them by ensuring healthcare professionals and patients have access to up-to-date safety information via public reports.

    3. The COVID-19 vaccines contracts have not changed the EU liability rules and patients’ rights are fully preserved in line with the EU Product Liability Directive[4]. The contracts for the purchase of COVID-19-vaccines contain clauses that outline in detail the obligations and responsibilities of the parties involved regarding potential losses, damages, liabilities, or legal claims arising from the COVID-19 vaccines. However, the application of such clauses falls under the remit of the Member States as they have purchased the vaccines.

    • [1] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/other/prac-rules-procedure_en.pdf
    • [2] European public assessment reports: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/what-we-publish-medicines-when/european-public-assessment-reports-background-context
      Periodic safety update reports (PSURs): https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/post-authorisation/pharmacovigilance-post-authorisation/periodic-safety-update-reports-psurs
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/health/documents/community-register/html/index_en.htm
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2024/2853 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on liability for defective products and repealing Council Directive 85/374/EEC OJ L, 2024/2853, 18.11.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2853/oj
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Regulatory framework for distribution of bulk olive oil in the EU – P-000098/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    There is no legislation at EU level that regulates the distribution or packaging of olive oil between private individuals. Legal systems in Member States are different and may or may not allow regulation on this kind of exchanges.

    Commission Delegated Regulation 2022/2104[1] only refers to marketed olive oils. Article 4.1 refers to olive oils ‘presented to the final consumer’ on packaging not exceeding five litres.

    Article 4.2 establishes that a maximum capacity exceeding five litres could be used if ‘intended for consumption in restaurants, hospitals, canteens and other similar collective establishments’.

    The Commission has not been informed of any regulation at national level restricting what the Honourable Member describes. Exchanges of olive oil by private individuals are not regulated at EU level.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02022R2104-20240610
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of the Guggenheim Urdaibai project on the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve and use of EU funds – E-002896/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As referred to in the reply to Written Question E-003188/2022[1], pursuant to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[2], Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with their obligations under EU law.

    It is for the competent national authorities to determine, prior to granting development consent, whether the project[3] shall be subject to an assessment because of its likely significant effects on the environment.

    The EIA Directive provides for specific review procedures that allow the public concerned to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the directive’s provisions on public participation.

    Member States are also responsible under the Habitats[4] and Birds Directives[5] to conduct an appropriate assessment of the project’s implications for the site in view of its conservation objectives .

    Where the obligation to carry out assessments arises simultaneously from the EIA Directive and the Habitats Directive, the Member State shall, where appropriate, provide for coordinated and/or joint procedures.

    Based on the available information, the Commission cannot assess the authorities’ compliance with the above obligations in the particular case at issue here.

    Moreover, the Commission’s strategic approach to enforcement action focuses on systemic non-compliance cases[6]. W ithout prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, t he most effective way to address an individual case of alleged non-compliance is to use the national review procedures that allow the public concerned to challenge the substantive or procedural legality of decisions, acts or omissions subject to the EIA public participation provisions .

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-003188_EN.html
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21.
    • [3] Projects for the construction of museums may be considered as urban development projects, which are referred to in point 10(b) of Annex II of Directive 2011/92/EU.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [5] Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds (Codified version). OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
    • [6] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022, COM(2022)518 final, ‘Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers’.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Update on rules for implementation of real-time closures in the North Sea and Skagerrak – E-003034/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Rules laid down in Commission Regulation (EU) No 724/2010[1] for the implementation of real-time closures of certain fisheries in the North Sea and Skagerrak were agreed upon in consultations between the EU and Norway and documented in an agreed record signed on 3 July 2009.

    Any modifications to these rules, including the trigger level and sampling methodology, would require the Commission to engage in consultations with Norway and the United Kingdom (UK) — now an independent coastal State, based on a position from the Council.

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that all regulatory measures are based on the best available scientific advice. Should this scientific evidence indicate the need to update those rules to reflect a new biological reality, the Commission is willing to discuss appropriate actions with the Member States concerned as well as other coastal States in the North Sea.

    The Commission will continue to uphold the principles of the Common Fisheries Policy[2] in its cooperation with the UK and Norway, including the establishment of measures based on the best available scientific advice.

    • [1] Commission Regulation (EU) No 724/2010 of 12 August 2010 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of real-time closures of certain fisheries in the North Sea and Skagerrak, OJ L 213, 13.8.2010, p. 1-5.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2013 on the Common Fisheries Policy, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1954/2003 and (EC) No 1224/2009 and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 2371/2002 and (EC) No 639/2004 and Council Decision 2004/585/EC, OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 22-61.
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Sustainable mobility – E-002407/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has launched and is launching numerous initiatives to meet the objectives set out in the Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy.

    To give a few examples, the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) revision[1] has reinforced the multimodal connections across the EU’s main transport network, including through a stronger role for multimodal hubs and urban nodes; the Greening Freight package also included measures for a more efficient use of rail capacity.

    The Commission also intends to bring forward a plan for an ambitious European high-speed rail network, which will help connect EU capitals, including through night trains, and accelerate rail freight.

    The multimodal and more sustainable options need to become more convenient and attractive. As set out in the Commission President’s Political Guidelines, to this end the Commission will present a proposal for a Single Digital Booking and Ticketing Regulation for rail.

    It intends to accompany this proposal by a proposal on Multimodal Digital Mobility Services. This initiative will help travellers find, compare and purchase tickets in a single place, without having to navigate through various sites and miss-out on relevant information and convenient offers, and benefit from passenger rights protection for their whole trip.

    The Commission will also promote a greater role for public transport and active modes through our continued support to sustainable urban mobility planning, as well as by closely following up on the European Declaration on Cycling[2].

    More broadly, transport sustainability will be supported through the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan that the Commission will bring forward to scale up and prioritise investments in sustainable transport solutions.

    • [1] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/transport-themes/infrastructure-and-investment/trans-european-transport-network-ten-t_en
    • [2]  https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32024C02377

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Consequences of the conclusion of negotiations on the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement – P-000060/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    For EU sensitive agricultural sectors, the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement sets clear limits as regards providing preferential access to the EU market for beef, poultry and sugar.

    For these sectors, trade preferences granted under the agreement are limited through tariff quotas representing only a small fraction of EU consumption.

    For instance, the EU quota for beef of 99 000 tons with an inbound reduced tariff rate of 7.5% phased in gradually over five years accounts for about 1.6% of the current EU beef consumption.

    On the other hand, the agreement offers a variety of export opportunities for EU farmers thanks to reduced tariffs in Mercosur countries for several EU agri-food products (e.g. wines, spirits, confectionary, dairy and olive oil), as well as the protection of EU Geographical Indications in a market of 280 million consumers.

    Furthermore, the agreement contains bilateral safeguards that can be triggered to protect a specific agricultural sector and it has the significant advantage to also covering products not fully liberalised under the Free Trade Agreement.

    This would protect our farmers in case increased imports from Mercosur cause, or threaten to cause, serious injury to the relevant EU sectors.

    The Commission will monitor agricultural market developments closely after the agreement is implemented. For the unlikely event that the agricultural market situation in the EU is negatively impacted following the implementation of the agreement, the Commission intend to set up a reserve worth at least EUR one billion under the next Multiannual Financial Framework.

    This provides an additional safety net and insurance for the sector.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Overbooking of passenger flights – E-000054/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. There can be many reasons why an air carrier refuses carriage to passengers, such as reasons of health, safety or security, inadequate travel documentation or late arrival at the gate. These situations do not constitute ‘denied boarding’ pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 261/2004[1] and need to be distinguished from cases where an operating air carrier denies boarding to passengers due to overbooking or for operational reasons, such as the last minute switch to a smaller aircraft.

    2. Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 provides for a comprehensive set of rights for passengers who are denied boarding. If an operating air carrier expects to deny boarding to passengers, it has to call for volunteers who surrender their reservation in exchange for benefits to be agreed between them and the carrier. If an insufficient number of volunteers comes forward the operating air carrier may then deny boarding to passengers against their will under the condition that these passengers are immediately compensated and are either re-routed or reimbursed and offered assistance (food and accommodation) while waiting for the departure of their new flights. The website Your Europe and the passenger rights app provide this information in all official EU languages[2].

    In view of the effective protection of passengers in case of denied boarding against their will provided by the EU rules on air passenger rights and given the results of previous studies on the topic of overbooking and denied boarding[3] the Commission does not consider it necessary to assess further the impact of overbooking on passengers.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/261/oj/eng
    • [2] https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/passenger-rights/index_en.htm
    • [3] See for example https://transport.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/study-protection-eu-air-passenger-rights-2020-09-04_en
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Natura 2000: Do ‘sites of Community interest’ not interest the Community? – E-000021/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    After having issued a reasoned opinion (in February 2023[1]), the Commission has remained in close contact with the Greek authorities.

    In their efforts to assist the Greek authorities to solve the issue, the case was discussed in April 2024 and the Greek authorities informed the Commission on steps taken to address the breaches identified by the Commission.

    It should be stressed that the existing infringement procedure concerns the fact that the current Special Framework for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development for Renewable Energy Resources does not comply with the requirements of Article 6(3) of the Habitats Directive[2]. Where appropriate, the Commission will not hesitate to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the EU.

    Member States have a primary responsibility to monitor the application of the relevant legal provisions and to take the necessary steps for enforcement. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.

    The Commission aims to swiftly follow up on systemic issues involving the application of EU law in EU countries. However, one-off instances of this are better dealt with at national level, as long as there are available remedies, including judicial ones. In these cases, it is up to the national courts to apply and enforce rights under EU law.

    Compliance of individual windfarm projects with the requirements of the Habitats Directive should be checked by the competent national authorities, including the judicial ones.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?typeOfSearch=false&active_only=0&noncom=0&r_dossier=INFR(2014)4073&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&title=&submit=Search&lang_code=el&langCode=EN
    • [2] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Adapting the fishing sector to the fishing opportunities for 2025 – E-003051/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Western Mediterranean management plan[1] (MAP) aims to secure a sustainable and profitable future for the sector relying on healthy fish stocks. The Commission has worked with all stakeholders to implement gradually the MAP since its adoption by the co-legislators in 2019.

    While the fishing opportunities regulations have gradually reduced trawling effort since 2020, numerous flexibilities alleviated the reduction, such as additional days granted by the compensation mechanism.

    Compared to previous years, this compensation mechanism has been further expanded already in the Commission proposal for the 2025 fishing opportunities and has been endorsed by the Council. Moreover, European financial assistance can be available to those fishers who opt in.

    Measures to help the fisheries sector transition swiftly to more sustainable practices can be co-financed through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF).

    This includes innovation projects that improve the selectivity of fishing gears as well as temporary or permanent cessation of fishing activities.

    While it is up to the concerned Member States to design the details of this financial support under their national EMFAF programmes, the Commission stands ready to support Member States in this process.

    The Commission recognises the significant efforts made by the fisheries sector to protect marine resources and is committed to ensuring the sector’s viability while maintaining sustainability. The Commission will continue to work closely with Member States and stakeholders to implement these measures effectively.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 establishing a multiannual plan for the fisheries exploiting demersal stocks in the western Mediterranean Sea and amending Regulation (EU) No 508/2014. OJ L 172, 26.6.2019, p. 1-17.
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – LIBE Reviews Migrant Smuggling Proposal with Study – 17-02-2025 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    In October 2023, the European Commission proposed the Migrant Smuggling Package, which includes a proposal for a Regulation on police cooperation and Europol support (Rapporteur Jeroen Lenaers, EPP) and a revision of the Facilitation Directive (Rapporteur Sippel, S&D). Notably, this package was introduced without an impact assessment.

    In response, the LIBE Committee requested the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) to conduct substitute impact assessments to provide deeper insights into both of these proposals. The substitute impact assessment, in the form of a study, which concerns the proposal for a Regulation has now been published and is available online.

    On 17 February, the EPRS together with the authors of this study will present their findings during the LIBE Committee meeting. This discussion will offer a clearer understanding of the proposal’s potential implications. A further study concerning the Directive will be published at a later date.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Lviv: European Youth Capital 2025 – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    Lviv – Capital of Youth © adobe stock

    On 19 February, the CULT Committee will welcome Mr. Andriy Moskalenko, First Deputy Mayor of Lviv, to present Lviv as the European Youth Capital for 2025. This initiative, led by the European Youth Forum since 2009, empowers young people, boosts youth participation and strengthens the European identity in our cities.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Structured Dialogue with Commissioner Glenn Micallef – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner Micallef © European Parliament

    On 19 February, the Committee on Culture and Education will hold its first structured dialogue with Commissioner Micallef. The discussions will focus, among others, on the implementation of ‘youth checks’ in the Annual Work Programme 2025, the Culture Compass, the European Sport Model, the action plan against cyberbullying and the Strategy on Intergenerational Fairness.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – CJEU judgment recognizing the Taliban’s Oppression of Afghan Women as Persecution – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 18 February, the LIBE Members will exchange on the topics of gender-based violence and the right to international protection of Afghan women and girls with representatives of the European Commission and the UNHCR Representation for EU Affairs.

    The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that systemic discrimination such as that faced by Afghan women under the Taliban’s rule amounts to persecution under EU asylum law.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Safety at fairgrounds – E-002179/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to its reply to Written Question E-004041/2019 with the following additional elements.

    At present, there is still no harmonised EU legal framework on the safety of specific equipment designed and constructed for use in fairgrounds or amusement parks. Indeed, the co-legislators have agreed to keep such equipment outside of the scope of the recently adopted Machinery Regulation[1].

    However, fairground equipment does fall under the scope of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)[2]. The GPSR indeed applies to certain products supplied or made available to consumers in the context of the provision of services, including products to which consumers are directly exposed during the provision of a service[3].

    The GPSR requires that only safe products are placed or made available on the EU market. The GPSR significantly strengthens product safety in the EU by reinforcing or introducing new obligations for economic operators for products or risks associated to products under its scope.

    These include enhanced traceability requirements, the requirement to draw up technical documentation and risk assessments for all consumer products falling under the scope of the GPSR, accident reporting and complaint handling, among other measures.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1230 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2023 on machinery and repealing Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Council Directive 73/361/EEC (OJ L 165, 29.6.2023, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1230/oj).
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/988 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 on general product safety.
    • [3] Articles 1-3, as well Recital 17 of Regulation (EU) 2023/988.
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Procurement of face masks in the fight against COVID-19 and the ramifications thereof – E-002236/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Public procurement is decentralised and each contracting authority or entity is responsible for its own purchases. Proper application of the rules is controlled by appropriate administrative and juridical mechanisms of Member States and later by the Commission within its enforcement powers. In parallel, Member States and the Commission have a possibility of organising joint procurement[1]. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Commission and participating countries jointly procured[2] several types of supplies, including personal protective masks[3]. The Commission managed joint procurement procedures with countries, while the latter made individual purchases under the joint contract[4]. The Commission also procured masks using EU funds under the Emergency Support Instrument and donated them to EU Member States[5].

    2. The direct budgetary consequences of irregularities in the procurement of protective face masks do not appear to significantly contribute to non-compliance with the EU fiscal rules by Member States in a situation of excessive deficit, i.e. with deficits above the 3% of gross domestic product reference value[6].

    3. One of the key elements of effective functioning of public procurement is the procurement remedies system. The newly adopted Internal Market Emergency and Resilience Act[7], the regulation on serious cross-border threats to health[8], the regulation on supply of crisis-relevant medical countermeasures[9] as well as the recast of the EU Financial Regulation[10] provide possibilities of more adequate procurement reaction to a crisis, reducing risk of disfunction or abuse.

    • [1] Pursuant to Article 168(2) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast), OJ L 2024/2509, 26.9.2024.
    • [2] In accordance with a voluntary Joint Procurement Agreement for medical countermeasures established pursuant to Article 5 of Decision No 1082/2013/EU that has been repealed and replaced by Article 12 of Regulation (EU) 2022/2371, OJ L 314, 6.12.2022.
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/coronavirus-response/public-health/ensuring-availability-supplies-and-equipment_en#public-procurement-of-medical-and-protective-equipment
    • [4] The Joint Procurement Agreement determining the practical arrangements governing the joint procurement procedure can be found here: https://health.ec.europa.eu/health-security-and-infectious-diseases/preparedness-and-response-planning_en#joint-procurement-of-medical-countermeasures-ensuring-proper-preparedness.
      A flowchart of its implementation can be found here: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/flowchart-implementation-joint-procurement-agreement-different-steering-committees_en
      The decision process of the Steering Committees managing the joint procurement mechanism can be found here: https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/decision-process-steering-committees-managing-joint-procurement-mechanism_en
    • [5] https://ted.europa.eu/en/notice/-/detail/221190-2020
    • [6] On 26 November 2024, the Commission came forward with recommendations for the Council to set the fiscal paths to correct the excessive deficits of eight Member States under an excessive deficit procedure.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2024/2747 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 October 2024 establishing a framework of measures related to an internal market emergency and to the resilience of the internal market and amending Council Regulation (EC) No 2679/98.
    • [8] In particular Article 12 (3) d), see also: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R2371
    • [9] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R2372
    • [10] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R2509
    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mongolia as a missed opportunity and potential critical raw materials trade partner for the EU – E-002604/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has always welcomed cooperation with Mongolia in the area of critical raw materials.

    A testimony to that are the multiple invitations the Commission has extended to Mongolia to join multilateral cooperation initiatives led by the EU such as the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Forum in 2024.

    Mongolia has so far opted not to be a formal member of the MSP Forum.

    Nevertheless, the Commission remains open to partnering with Mongolia in critical raw materials, as well as in any other trade-related area. In this context, cooperation on critical raw materials is a subject often discussed at the meetings of the EU-Mongolia Subcommittee on Trade and Investment.

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arrest warrant for the Nord Stream gas pipelines – E-002766/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    As already indicated in the reply to parliamentary Question E-001695/2024, which also related to the Nord Stream pipeline, the European arrest warrant is an entirely judicial procedure between the judicial authorities in the Member States based on the particular circumstances of each individual case where surrender is requested.

    Neither the Commission nor the Member States’ governments can interfere or influence decisions taken by judicial authorities.

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Nationwide celebration of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month extended till 13th March 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Nationwide celebration of Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month extended till 13th March 2025

    Prof. S.P.Singh Baghel interacts with over 23000 Stakeholders from the Livestock Sector; Emphasizes on Sustainable Practices & Expanding Employment Opportunities

    Workshops, Health Camps, Vaccination Drives & Awards Aim to Educate Stakeholders; Improve Rural Prosperity and Economic Resilience

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 8:34PM by PIB Delhi

    Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month celebration by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, has been extended until 13th March 2025 in its inaugural year to maximize outreach and impact. This initiative was started from 14th January 2025 wherein nationwide activities were organised by the department of animal husbandry and dairying in association with state animal husbandry and welfare departments that was earlier slated till 13th February 2025. In order to further promote and give boost to ethical animal husbandry practices, animal health and welfare in India, the awareness campaign will now be continued till 13th March 2025 across the country. To support the campaign, DAHD has also developed a dedicated dashboard for tracking and uploading all extension activities across the country. To mark the occasion, the Department organized an online webinar on 14th February, graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Panchayati Raj. The webinar witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 23,000 participants, including representatives from State Animal Husbandry Departments, veterinarians, para-veterinarians, Pashu Sakhis, farmers, and livestock rearers, joining via YouTube and Webex platforms.

    Addressing the participants, Prof. Baghel highlighted the critical role of the livestock sector in food security, employment generation, and economic growth. He emphasized that millions of farmers, especially in rural areas, depend on livestock for milk, meat, eggs, wool, and leather, as well as for manure to enrich crop production.  He highlighted that strengthening the livestock sector, directly contributes to rural prosperity and national economic resilience. Prof. Baghel reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards prioritizing animal husbandry within the rural development agenda, with DAHD working closely with State Animal Husbandry Departments to enhance livestock productivity, disease control, and the well-being of those engaged in the animal husbandry sector. He also emphasized the need to promote sustainable practices, improve animal care, and expand employment opportunities for farmers through various schemes and initiatives.

    The Union Minister of State placed special focus on the use of sex-sorted semen, stating that this innovation will help address the issue of stray cattle by ensuring more female calf births. He expressed confidence that with this technology, every household could have three female calves within the next five years. Additionally, he stressed upon the importance of expanding Artificial Insemination coverage to boost productivity, encouraging the use of IVF techniques for rapid breed improvement, and ensuring 100 percent vaccination coverage. He reiterated the government’s vision for an FMD-free India as part of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s goal for a disease-free livestock sector. He urged that knowledge of best animal husbandry practices and government schemes should reach even the most remote villages and pastoral communities.

    In her address,  Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, emphasized that annual observance of this campaign will help stakeholders adopt and implement good animal husbandry practices, promoting sustainable livestock management with a strong focus on animal welfare, productivity, and environmental responsibility. She also highlighted key government initiatives in the sector, such as the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme and the ongoing Livestock Census.

    As part of the campaign, States are actively organizing workshops and webinars to educate farmers and stakeholders, health and infertility camps to enhance livestock well-being, deworming and vaccination drives to prevent diseases, awareness camps, cattle exhibitions, and best livestock farmer awards. Photography, essay writing, and art competitions are being held in schools and colleges, while walkathons, dog shows, and horse shows have engaged the public to spread awareness about animal health and welfare. Television and radio broadcasts have promoted animal husbandry schemes, with pamphlets and brochures being distributed to improve public outreach.  The department is also undertaking social media campaigns to share best practices and the economic benefits of animal husbandry. The Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Awareness Month campaign is a major step towards empowering farmers, promoting scientific livestock management, and enhancing economic returns. By fostering widespread adoption of modern practices and government schemes, this initiative will play a crucial role in improving animal health, increasing productivity, and ultimately boosting farmers’ incomes.

    ****

    Aditi Agrawal

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: H.E. Governor Mr. Ronaldo Caiado, Governor of the State of Goias, Brazil calls on Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 14 FEB 2025 8:28PM by PIB Delhi

    H.E. Governor Mr. Ronaldo Caiado, Governor of the State of Goias, Brazil met Shri Bhagirath Choudhary, Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’  Welfare at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi today. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and Brazil, and to further explore the areas of bilateral trade and cooperation in sugarcane, ethanol and pulses, R & D, innovation and digital agriculture.

     

    Shri Bhagirath Choudhary underscored that India and Brazil share a very close and multifaceted relationship both at the bilateral as well as multilateral forums. He expressed that the Governor’s visit will help to enhance bilateral cooperation by strengthening the existing initiatives and exploring new areas of collaboration, increasing agricultural productivity, ensuring food security, and contributing to the overall well-being of citizens of both India and Brazil.

     

    Governor Mr. Ronaldo Caiado shared that India and the State of Goias share several similarities and both regions benefit from a rich agricultural landscape and a climate conducive to farming. This common ground creates opportunities for collaboration through knowledge and technology exchange and capacity-building initiatives. By working together, both countries can enhance agricultural practices and strengthen their mutual development in these areas.

    Shri Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Joint Secretary (International Cooperation) also informed the delegation about various initiatives by the government including crop insurance, agriculture credit and development of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in agriculture.

    The Brazilian delegation was composed of high-ranking officials from the State of Goias, alongside key representatives from prominent industries. From the Indian side, the meeting was attended by the Joint Secretary (IC), Advisor (Digital Agriculture), Advisor (Trade), ADG (IR), ADG (Food and Fodder Crops), ADG (Commercial Crops) and other senior officers from the Ministry.

    ***

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