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  • MIL-OSI: SPS Commerce Announces Date of Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SPS Commerce, Inc. (NASDAQ: SPSC), a leader in retail supply chain cloud services, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024, after the market close on Monday, February 10, 2025. SPS Commerce will host a call to discuss the results at 3:30 p.m. Central Time (4:30 p.m. Eastern Time) on the same day.

    To access the call, please dial 1-833-816-1382, or outside the U.S. 1-412-317-0475 at least 15 minutes prior to the 3:30 p.m. CT start time. Please ask to be joined into the SPS Commerce conference call. A live webcast of the call will be available at http://investors.spscommerce.com under the Events and Presentations menu. The replay will also be available on our website at http://investors.spscommerce.com.

    About SPS Commerce

    SPS Commerce is the world’s leading retail network, connecting trading partners around the globe to optimize supply chain operations for all retail partners. We support data-driven partnerships with innovative cloud technology, customer-obsessed service and accessible experts so our customers can focus on what they do best. To date, more than 120,000 companies in retail, grocery, distribution, supply, and logistics have chosen SPS as their retail network. SPS has achieved 95 consecutive quarters of revenue growth and is headquartered in Minneapolis. For additional information, contact SPS at 866-245-8100 or visit www.spscommerce.com.

    SPS COMMERCE, SPS, SPS logo and INFINITE RETAIL POWER are marks of SPS Commerce, Inc. and registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, along with other SPS marks. Such marks may also be registered or otherwise protected in other countries. 

    Contact:

    Investor Relations
    The Blueshirt Group
    Irmina Blaszczyk
    Lisa Laukkanen
    SPSC@blueshirtgroup.com
    415-217-4962 

    SPS-F

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Financial Institutions, Inc. Appoints Angela J. Panzarella to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WARSAW, N.Y., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI) (the “Company”), the parent company of Five Star Bank (the “Bank”) and Courier Capital, LLC, today announced the appointment of Angela J. Panzarella as a new independent member of the Boards of Directors of both the Company and the Bank, on January 22, 2025.

    Ms. Panzarella brings extensive business and nonprofit leadership experience, including as CEO of the YWCA of Rochester and Monroe County from 2018 to 2020 and through her 20-year tenure with Bausch + Lomb, as well as prior public company board experience. During her eight years of board service to publicly-traded Transcat, Inc., a Rochester-based calibration services and equipment provider, she served as Chair of the Compensation Committee and as a member of the Technology and Governance Committees. Ms. Panzarella’s appointment increases the size of the Company’s Board to twelve members, eleven of whom are independent and three of whom were appointed within the last four years. She will serve on the Audit and Management Development & Compensation Committees.

    “We are incredibly pleased to welcome Angela Panzarella to the Boards of Directors of both Financial Institutions, Inc. and Five Star Bank,” said Susan R. Holliday, Chair of the Boards of Directors of the Company and the Bank. “Having spent the majority of her career in the highly regulated health care industry, we expect that her experience overseeing corporate strategy, financial and business operations, business development, and more, will prove to be a tremendous asset as our Company continues to execute on its long-term strategy.”

    “Angela is not only a seasoned executive with a proven ability to develop and execute successful business strategies that drive strong financial outcomes, often on a global scale, but a respected leader in the Greater Rochester community, a key growth market for us,” said Martin K. Birmingham, President, CEO and Director of the Company and the Bank. “As we continue to grow and evolve as a company, we look forward to benefitting from her perspective and counsel.”

    Prior to joining the YWCA, Ms. Panzarella served as President of ACM Medical Laboratory, Inc., a leader in clinical and global central laboratory services. From 1988 to 2008, she held a variety of executive and legal roles at Bausch + Lomb, most recently as President of the Canada and Latin American Division and Corporate Vice President of Global Vision Care. She began her career as an attorney with Harris Beach PLLC.

    Active in the community, Ms. Panzarella previously served on the boards of directors for UR Medicine Home Care and the United Way of Greater Rochester. She earned her B.A. from St. John Fisher College and J.D. from the Albany Law School of Union University.

    About Financial Institutions, Inc.
    Financial Institutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: FISI) is a financial holding company with approximately $6.2 billion in assets offering banking and wealth management products and services. Its Five Star Bank subsidiary provides consumer and commercial banking and lending services to individuals, municipalities and businesses through banking locations spanning Western and Central New York and a commercial loan production office serving the Mid-Atlantic region. Courier Capital, LLC offers customized investment management, financial planning and consulting services to individuals and families, businesses, institutions, non-profits and retirement plans. Learn more at Five-StarBank.com and FISI-Investors.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release may contain forward-looking statements as defined by Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve significant risks and uncertainties. In this context, forward-looking statements often address our expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “focus,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “preliminary,” “should,” “target” or “will.” Statements herein are based on certain assumptions and analyses by the Company and factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by such statements for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: additional information regarding the deposit fraudulent activity; changes in interest rates; inflation; changes in deposit flows and the cost and availability of funds; the Company’s ability to implement its strategic plan, including by expanding its commercial lending footprint and integrating its acquisitions; whether the Company experiences greater credit losses than expected; whether the Company experiences breaches of its, or third party, information systems; the attitudes and preferences of the Company’s customers; legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters, including any action described in our reports filed with the SEC, could adversely affect us and the banking industry in general; the competitive environment; fluctuations in the fair value of securities in its investment portfolio; changes in the regulatory environment and the Company’s compliance with regulatory requirements; and general economic and credit market conditions nationally and regionally; and the macroeconomic volatility related to the impact of a pandemic or global political unrest. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified by these cautionary statements and the cautionary language and risk factors included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, its Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents filed with the SEC. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to revise these statements following the date of this press release.

    For additional information contact:
    Kate Croft
    Director of Investor and External Relations
    (716) 817-5159
    klcroft@five-starbank.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fd49cdb2-c77b-4d34-9745-23f9029a6398

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Announces Mid-Month Open Short Interest Positions in Nasdaq Stocks as of Settlement Date January 15, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At the end of the settlement date of January 15, 2025, short interest in 3,099 Nasdaq Global MarketSM securities totaled 12,402,417,655 shares compared with 12,137,206,474 shares in 3,085 Global Market issues reported for the prior settlement date of December 31, 2024. The mid-January short interest represents 2.56 days compared with 2.50 days for the prior reporting period.

    Short interest in 1,635 securities on The Nasdaq Capital MarketSM totaled 2,424,890,788 shares at the end of the settlement date of January 15, 2025, compared with 2,331,105,942 shares in 1,643 securities for the previous reporting period. This represents a 1.00 day average daily volume; the previous reporting period’s figure was 1.00.

    In summary, short interest in all 4,734 Nasdaq® securities totaled 14,827,308,443 shares at the January 15, 2025 settlement date, compared with 4,728 issues and 14,468,312,416 shares at the end of the previous reporting period. This is 1.82 days average daily volume, compared with an average of 1.78 days for the prior reporting period.

    The open short interest positions reported for each Nasdaq security reflect the total number of shares sold short by all broker/dealers regardless of their exchange affiliations. A short sale is generally understood to mean the sale of a security that the seller does not own or any sale that is consummated by the delivery of a security borrowed by or for the account of the seller.

    For more information on Nasdaq Short interest positions, including publication dates, visit http://www.nasdaq.com/quotes/short-interest.aspx or http://www.nasdaqtrader.com/asp/short_interest.asp.

    About Nasdaq:
    Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.

    Media Contact:
    Jennifer Lawson
    jennifer.lawson@nasdaq.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d7a3942-1329-4f8e-8919-a36537776f50

    NDAQO

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murray, Booker, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Designating January as Muslim-American Heritage Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) joined Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and 8 of their Senate colleagues, along with U.S. Representative André Carson (D, IN-07), in introducing a resolution recognizing January as Muslim-American Heritage Month and celebrating the achievements of Muslims living in the United States. The resolution highlights the incredible contributions Muslim Americans have made across multiple sectors of society—from medical professionals to entrepreneurs, to faith leaders, athletes, and public servants—to help build a better nation.
    The resolution further notes the religious discrimination experienced by Muslim Americans, saying: “nearly 50 percent of Muslim Americans have reported experiencing religious discrimination, with that number rising to 64 percent for Muslim Americans whose appearance identifies them as Muslim, such as women who wear the hijab or headscarf.”
    The resolution stresses the “need for public education, awareness, and policies that are culturally competent when describing, discussing, or addressing the impacts of being Muslim American in all aspects of the society of the United States.”
    “I’m proud to join my colleagues once again in celebrating Muslim-American Heritage Month this January,” said Senator Murray. “Their voices and contributions are integral to the American story. I will always stand with Muslim-Americans—in Washington and all across our country—and speak up against hate and intolerance.”
    In addition to Senators Murray and Booker, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Joins Colleagues To Introduce Resolution Warning Of Serious Public Health Threats From Trump Administration Freeze On Critical Health Alerts, Including Disease Outbreaks And Food Contamination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    WASHINGTON – Following reports that the Trump Administration has paused critical communications from federal health agencies, including warnings on disease outbreaks and food contamination, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) to introduce a resolution calling for uninterrupted health warning services for the American people.
    “Doctors, researchers, and patients nationwide depend on federal health agencies to alert them to disease outbreaks or food contamination.  Pausing critical health alerts is dangerous and irresponsible,” said Durbin.
    Joining Durbin and Schatz in introducing the resolution were U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Tina Smith (D-MN).
    The full text of the resolution is available here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Requests Materials Related To FBI Nominee Kash Patel’s Involvement In Hostage Recovery Mission After Allegations Of Endangering American Citizens

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    This is the second known instance of Mr. Patel breaking hostage recovery protocol to inappropriately insert himself in a sensitive or high-profile recovery mission
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Department of Defense (DOD), the State Department, and the Department of Treasury requesting they produce all relevant materials related to alleged misconduct by Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee to be Director of the FBI, related to the rescue of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen. Allegedly, Mr. Patel publicly commented without authorization and prior to the confirmed safe retrieval of the two hostages. If true, Mr. Patel appears to have inappropriately involved himself in a sensitive operation with no regard to the safety of the hostages or the success of the mission.
    Durbin wrote, “I have recently received highly credible information revealing that while serving in the first Trump Administration’s National Security Council, Kash Patel broke protocol regarding hostage rescues by publicly commenting without authorization on the then in-progress retrieval of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen in October 2020.”
    On October 14, 2020, the Wall Street Journal first published comments from Mr. Patel regarding the hostage swap at 10:55 a.m., several hours before the hostages were confirmed to be in the custody of the United States. In the wake of multiple failed hostage recovery missions, the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell was created in 2015 as a multi-agency group housed in the FBI tasked with coordinating the recovery of Americans held hostage abroad and improving communications with impacted families and the public. The Fusion Cell’s specific protocols are in place to help protect the privacy of impacted families and ensure the timing for public acknowledgement of a hostage rescue effort does not endanger these sensitive life-or-death missions.
    The letter continued, “The information my office received alleges that Mr. Patel inserted himself inappropriately in a hostage recovery mission and violated these protocols. Mr. Patel, prior to his interview with the Wall Street Journal and contrary to his public assertions, allegedly had no role in the planning, negotiations, or execution of this hostage recovery. The source also alleges the interagency communications were clear that there would be no public comment until after the recovery was complete, and the families were notified.”
    “Mr. Patel’s nomination to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Among the many qualities and qualifications the Senate must consider when reviewing presidential appointments is whether the nominee has the requisite character and fitness to be entrusted with the authority of their position. This is the second known instance of Mr. Patel breaking hostage recovery protocol to inappropriately insert himself in a sensitive or high-profile recovery mission. An official who puts missions and the lives of Americans in jeopardy for public notoriety and personal gain is unfit to lead the country’s primary federal law enforcement and investigation agency. This Committee has a constitutional obligation to perform oversight over the FBI and to provide advice and consent on the nominations of officers to lead the Bureau,” the letter wrote.
    In the letter, Durbin requests the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell protocols for public acknowledgement of successful hostage rescue missions, communications between the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and Mr. Patel, and all of the cables regarding the rescue mission during the relevant four days in order to validate this new allegation. Durbin requests all relevant information no later than January 30, the date of Mr. Patel’s confirmation hearing.
    In October 2020, Mr. Patel was accused of breaking protocol and incorrectly providing foreign airspace approval during the rescue of Philip Walton in northern Nigeria.
    Full text of the letter is available here and below.
    January 27, 2025
    Dear Acting Director Driscoll, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Rubio, and Acting Secretary Lebryk:
    I have recently received highly credible information revealing that while serving in the first Trump Administration’s National Security Council, Kash Patel broke protocol regarding hostage rescues by publicly commenting without authorization on the then in-progress retrieval of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen in October 2020.
    On October 14, 2020, the Wall Street Journal first published comments from Mr. Patel regarding the hostage swap at 10:55 a.m., several hours before the hostages were in confirmed custody of the United States. In the wake of multiple failed hostage recovery missions, the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell was created in 2015 as a multi-agency group housed in the FBI tasked with coordinating the recovery of Americans held hostage abroad and improving communications with impacted families and the public. The specific protocols are in place to help protect the privacy of the impacted families and ensure the timing for public acknowledgement of a hostage rescue effort does not endanger these sensitive life-or-death missions. The information my office received alleges that Mr. Patel inserted himself inappropriately in a hostage recovery mission and violated these protocols. Mr. Patel, prior to his interview with the Wall Street Journal and contrary to his public assertions, allegedly had no role in the planning, negotiations, or execution of this hostage recovery. The source also alleges the interagency communications were clear that there would be no public comment until after the recovery was complete, and the families were notified.
    Mr. Patel’s nomination to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Among the many qualities and qualifications the Senate must consider when reviewing presidential appointments is whether the nominee has the requisite character and fitness to be entrusted with the authority of their position. This is the second known instance of Mr. Patel breaking hostage recovery protocol to inappropriately insert himself in a sensitive or high-profile recovery mission. An official who puts missions and the lives of Americans in jeopardy for public notoriety and personal gain is unfit to lead the country’s primary federal law enforcement and investigation agency. This Committee has a constitutional obligation to perform oversight over the FBI and to provide advice and consent on the nominations of officers to lead the Bureau. To those ends, please provide the following information:
    The Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell protocols for the public acknowledgement of hostage rescue missions, including any ad hoc protocols established specifically for the rescue of Ms. Sandra Loli and Mr. Mikael Gidada;
    All records between February 1, 2020 through October 15, 2020 reflecting or relating to communications between and among Mr. Patel and the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell concerning the rescue of Ms. Sandra Loli and Mr. Mikael Gidada;
    All interagency cables and memos from October 11, 2020 through October 15, 2020 concerning the rescue of Ms. Sandra Loli and Mr. Mikael Gidada; and
    All records reflecting or relating to authorization permitting Mr. Patel to disclose any details concerning the rescue of Ms. Sandra Loli and Mr. Mikael Gidada prior to receiving confirmation of their retrieval and/or notification to the families.
    Please provide these materials as soon as possible, and no later than January 30, 2025. I appreciate your prompt attention to this important request.
    Sincerely,
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 01/27/2025 Blackburn, Luján Introduce Bill to Safeguard U.S. Communications Networks from National Security Threats

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Removing Our Unsecure Technologies to Ensure Reliability and Security (ROUTERS) Act to safeguard Americans’ communications networks from foreign-adversary controlled technology, including routers, modems, or devices that combine both:
    “Tens of millions of families and small businesses across the country use wireless routers as their primary access point to the internet,” said Senator Blackburn. “Many of these routers are susceptible to infiltration by foreign actors – including China – exposing our country to serious danger. This bill will better protect U.S. communications networks and our national security.”
    “The ROUTERS Act is a crucial step in ensuring that everyday internet devices like consumer routers and modems don’t pose a risk to our national security or consumer privacy,” said Senator Luján. “Securing our broadband infrastructure is a top priority, and we must create safeguards at every point across our systems. That is why I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation to help protect the privacy and security of millions of Americans.”

    ROUTERS ACT:

    The ROUTERS Act would require the Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce to conduct a study of the national security risks posed by routers, modems, or other devices that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned, controlled, or subject to the jurisdiction of U.S. adversaries. This includes the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, or Venezuela.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fayetteville Teen Serves as Senate Page

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––Haas Hall Academy student Mia Al Ansari traded in the halls of her school’s Northwest Arkansas campus for the opportunity to navigate our nation’s capital and the corridors of Congress as a U.S. Senate Page for the last several months.
    Al Ansari, appointed by U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), served as one of 28 Senate Pages from September 2024 through January 24, 2025. As a Page, she helped prepared the U.S. Senate chamber for daily business by distributing documents to senators’ desks, assisting in the cloakrooms, supporting chamber staff, and – when the body was in session – sitting near the dais waiting to aid members delivering remarks or casting votes.
    She also performed administrative duties and worked on projects in Boozman’s office during the month of October while Congress was in recess ahead of the fall elections. The Fayetteville teen and her fellow Pages went on to participate alongside Members of Congress in the Electoral College vote count and certification of the 2024 presidential election results in January.
    “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to be able to serve as a United States Senate Page. Having the opportunity to work on the Senate floor and interact with senators on a daily basis has been the greatest and most educational experience of my life. Being able to also work directly in Senator Boozman’s office during October with his amazing staff was a phenomenal experience that gave me new insight on the inner workings of United States Senate offices. Both working on the Senate floor and in the office gave me invaluable experiences I will never forget. I am so grateful for this experience and I will always look back on my time as a United States Senate Page fondly and with gratitude,” Al Ansari said.
    The high school junior earned her appointment to the position from Boozman, who has longed promoted the program for Arkansas youth interested in civics and public service.
    “Mia did an excellent job supporting the day-to-day activity of the Senate while observing legislative processes and procedures firsthand. I am confident that serving as a Page will inspire her to continue exploring her interests in civics and public service. Our entire state can be proud of how she represented us in this prestigious program,” Boozman said.
    Al Ansari was also selected as the yearbook editor for the fall 2024 Senate Page class. Back home, she was appointed Environmental and Sustainability Chair of The City of Fayetteville’s Youth Advisory Council. She is also a member of Haas Hall Academy’s mock trial team, where she was one of five participants to win an award at the state competition from the Arkansas Bar Association, and serves as Social Media Manager for her local Project Prevent Youth Coalition chapter promoting anti-drug and alcohol efforts among Natural State teens.
    Al Ansari is the daughter of Teresa Farah.
    The Senate Page program started in 1829 when Senator Daniel Webster appointed the first Senate Page. Today, the program is a unique, highly selective opportunity for high school juniors with a strong academic standing to learn firsthand about the institution often referred to as “the world’s greatest deliberative body.”

    Senate Page Mia Al Ansari and Senator John Boozman. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Melfort — Melfort RCMP investigating fatal collision

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 24, 2025 at approximately 12:30 p.m., Melfort RCMP received a report of a collision on Highway #41 in the RM of Flett’s Springs.

    Officers immediately responded. Investigation determined two SUVs collided.

    One SUV had three occupants. All three were declared deceased by EMS at the scene. They have been identified as a 70-year-old female from Crystal Springs, a 42-year-old female from Saskatoon and a 44-year-old male from Saskatoon. Their families have been notified.

    The driver of the other SUV, who was the only occupant in the vehicle, was taken to hospital for injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

    Highway #41 was closed during initial investigation but has since re-opened. Melfort RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Moose Jaw — Moose Jaw RCMP investigating fatal rollover

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On January 25, 2025 at approximately 9:55 p.m., Moose Jaw RCMP received a report of a rollover on Highway #1 near Parkbeg, SK.

    Officers immediately responded. The driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was declared deceased by EMS at the scene.

    He has been identified as a 48-year-old from Dinsmore, SK. His family has been notified.

    Moose Jaw RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Joins Bipartisan Legislation to Support Firefighters with Service-Related Cancers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 27, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden said today that he joined the reintroduction of legislation that would expand access to federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who died or became permanently disabled from service-related cancers. 
    The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act would also extend disability benefits in cases where these first responders become permanently and totally disabled due to cancer.
    “In the wake of record wildfires last year in Oregon and California’s current wildfires, we have seen firefighters and first responders work tirelessly around the clock to save lives,” Wyden said. “They put their health, safety, and lives on the line without receiving an ounce of support that comes with the long-term risks of fighting fires. Let’s give these everyday heroes and their families the help they deserve so they don’t have to shoulder these challenges alone.”
    Currently, firefighters are only eligible for support under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program for physical injuries sustained in the line-of-duty, or for deaths from duty-related heart attacks, strokes, mental health conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, and 9/11 related illnesses.
    The PSOB program provides benefits to the survivors of fire fighters; law enforcement officers; and other first responders killed as the result of injuries sustained in the line of duty. The program also provides disability benefits where first responders become permanently or totally disabled. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program, a component of the PSOB program, provides higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of public safety officers killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance administers the PSOB and PSOEA programs.
    In addition to Wyden, the legislation is led by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks, R-Ind., John Barrasso, R-Wyo., Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Chris Coons, D-Del., John Cornyn, R-Texas, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., John Fetterman, D-Pa., Deb Fischer, R-Neb., Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, John Hoeven, R-N.D., Jim Justice, R-W. Va., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Mike Rounds, R-S.D., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Mark Warner, D-Va., Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.
    The legislation is endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters, as well as the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies; Congressional Fire Services Institute; Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association; Fraternal Order of Police; International Association of Fire Chiefs; Major County Sheriffs of America; Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association; National Association of Police Organizations; National Fallen Firefighters Foundation; National Fire Protection Association; National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition; National Volunteer Fire Council; and Sergeants Benevolent Association of the New York Police Department. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Capito Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Small Businesses Against Cyberattacks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Cyber insurance policies help protect small businesses from cyberattacks, but are frequently misunderstood
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Shelley Moore Capito reintroduced their bipartisan Insure Cybersecurity Act to protect consumers and small businesses against cyberattacks by providing clearer information surrounding cyber insurance policies. Specifically, the bill directs the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to create a dedicated working group to develop information for issuers, agents, brokers, and customers to improve communication over cybersecurity insurance coverage levels. It also directs the NTIA to publish resources on cybersecurity insurance that prospective customers can easily understand.
    “Small businesses need cyber insurance to protect their businesses and guard their data. Unclear policies and ambiguous language can leave businesses stranded after a cyberattack,” said Hickenlooper. “Easy to understand cyber insurance resources will help make sure businesses are secure, covered, and resilient.”
    “Cyberattacks across the world continue to grow in scope and scale, and it’s critical that we do what we can to identify and prevent them from occurring,” Capito said. “I was glad to team up with Senator Hickenlooper once again to put forth a commonsense solution to this problem by reintroducing our Insure Cybersecurity Act. This legislation will assist businesses in better understanding the complex cyber insurance environment. It will also help lower the cost burden victims must bear when they are attacked by cyber-criminals so businesses can continue operations and pay their workers if they are targeted.”
    Cyberattacks can target anyone, from individuals to large organizations to small businesses. Cyber insurance is one tool that businesses can use to lower their risk from threats including ransomware, data theft, denial of service, and intellectual property theft. In the event of a successful attack, cyber insurance policies can help provide the necessary resources for a business to quickly recover and return to normal operations.
    However, the details of cyber insurance coverage are often hard to understand. A 2021 Government Accountability Office report found that ambiguity in policy language can result in misunderstandings and litigation between issuers and policyholders and that many customers, especially smaller businesses, may underestimate the coverage they need to protect against cyber risks. The Insure Cybersecurity Act would help clarify cybersecurity insurance for everyone involved.
    “This legislation remains absolutely consistent with the Cyberspace Solarium Commission recommendations, and I believe the Working Group proposed in this legislation can help tackle some of the insurance industries’ underlying problems in cyber policies like a lack of standard terminology and lack of clarity in coverage limits,” said Mark Montgomery, Executive Director of CSC 2.0 and Former Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission (CSC).
    The senators previously introduced the legislation in the 118th Congress.
    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Statement On Trump Gutting Federal School Safety Advisory Board

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    January 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Friday released a statement on the Trump administration terminating the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse Advisory Board, a 26-person committee created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act:
    “President Trump doesn’t care about keeping our kids safe from gun violence. First, he shuttered the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention. Now, he has terminated all 26 members – from the parents of school shooting victims to directors of widely trusted school safety organizations– currently serving on a nonpartisan board created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to make classrooms safer. This board is enshrined in law and to remove these members without any reason shows how little he cares about our kids and the challenge school leaders face in keeping them safe. President Trump should reinstate these members immediately and stop playing politics with our children’s safety.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Schumer, Murray, Kim Lead 47 Senators In Introducing Resolution Condemning Trump’s Pardons Of Jan. 6 Rioters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    January 27, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Andy Kim (D-N.J.) on Monday led a group of 47 senators, including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), in introducing a new resolution condemning the pardons of individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers. The resolution follows the move by President Trump, on the first day of his second term, to grant full, complete, and unconditional pardons to over 1,500 people charged with committing crimes in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to commute the sentences of 14 others, including leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers— far-right militias. Among those pardoned by Trump were 169 people who pled guilty to assaulting police officers on January 6th.  During the siege of the Capitol that day, over 80 U.S. Capitol Police Officers were assaulted, as well as over 60 officers from the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
    The senators’ resolution, Condemning the pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police Officers, simply states: “Resolved, That the Senate disapproves of any pardons for individuals who were found guilty of assaulting Capitol Police officers.” Murphy and Blumenthal will seek unanimous consent on the Senate floor to pass the resolution.
    “Trump’s pardons of January 6th rioters who viciously assaulted law enforcement officers send a dangerous message: if you’re willing to commit violence in his name, there are no consequences,” said Murphy. “This endorsement of political violence not only undermines our justice system, but it also makes our nation less safe and emboldens those who would attack our democracy.”
    “President Trump’s blanket pardons of armed insurrectionists, who were convicted by juries of everyday Americans, is the ultimate disrespect for police officers who were brutally assaulted on January 6,” said Blumenthal. “These sickening pardons are a clear endorsement of political violence and discredit justice and the rule of law. I urge my Republican colleagues who were protected that terrible day—and who now stay silent—to join in condemning the violence that occurred and standing with the officers who put their lives on the line for their safety.”
    U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) also cosponsored the resolution. In total, 46 senators signed onto the resolution.
    Full text of the resolution is available HERE.
    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, approximately 1,572 defendants have been federally charged with crimes associated with the attack of the U.S. Capitol on January 6th. This includes approximately 598 charged with assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement agents or officers or obstructing those officers during a civil disorder, including approximately 171 defendants charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon or causing serious bodily injury to an officer. As proven in court, the weapons used and carried on Capitol grounds during the January 6th attack include firearms; OC spray; tasers; edged weapons, including a sword, axes, hatchets, and knives; and makeshift weapons, such as destroyed office furniture, fencing, bike racks, stolen riot shields, baseball bats, hockey sticks, flagpoles, PVC piping, and reinforced knuckle gloves.
    Among others, the individuals who assaulted law enforcement officers and were granted full, unconditional pardons by President Trump this week include:
    Taylor James Johnatakis, of Kingston, Washington, was convicted of three felonies in November 2023, including assaulting officers. Prosecutors said that he “coordinated a violent assault on a line of police officers defending” the Capitol and that video shows he “used a metal barricade to attack officers head on and grabbed one officer to prevent him from defending himself against other attacking rioters.”
    Julian Khater, who assaulted a U.S. police office—Brian Sicknick—and later pled guilty to assaulting a police officer with a dangerous weapon.
    Robert Palmer, who attacked police with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank, and a pole.
    Tyler Bradley Dykes of Bluffton, South Carolina, who was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for stealing a police riot shield and twice using it against officers. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding officers.
    Devlyn Thompson, who hit a police officer with a metal baton.
    Andrew Taake, of Houston, Texas, who was sentenced to a little more than six years for assaulting law enforcement officers with bear spray and a metal whip.
    Christopher Quaglin, who federal prosecutors said “viciously assaulted numerous officers” and was one of the most violent rioters, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
    David Dempsey, who, according to prosecutors, “was one of the most violent rioters,” and received 20 years in prison. Prosecutors also said Dempsey had a “very significant history of arrests and convictions” prior to the January 6th attack.
    Daniel Rodriguez, of Fontana, California, who plunged a stun gun into the neck of Washington Police Officer Michael Fanone multiple times.
    Ryan Nichols, of Longview, Texas, who assaulted officers with pepper spray, and later on Jan. 6, at his hotel room, he called for additional violence.
    Howard Richardson, of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, who struck a police officer three times with a flagpole, hard enough to break the flagpole.
    Robert Sanford, from Chester, Pennsylvania, who hit two police officers in the head with a fire extinguisher and threw a traffic cone at another officer.
    Jonathan Munafo, of Albany, New York, who punched a police officer, stole the officer’s riot shield, and struck a Capitol office window with two poles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of President Donald J. Trump’s Call with Prime Minister Modi of India

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Today, President Donald J. Trump held a productive call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The two leaders discussed expanding and deepening cooperation. They also discussed a range of regional issues, including security in the Indo-Pacific, the Middle East, and Europe. The President emphasized the importance of India increasing its procurement of American-made security equipment and moving toward a fair bilateral trading relationship. The leaders discussed plans for Prime Minister Modi to visit the White House, underscoring the strength of the friendship and strategic ties between our nations. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to advance the U.S.-India strategic partnership and the Indo-Pacific Quad partnership, with India hosting Quad Leaders for the first time later this year. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Évora, European Capital of Culture 2027 – P-002769/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In March 2023, the Portuguese authorities designated Évora as European Capital of Culture (ECoC) 2027 based on the recommendation of the ECoC expert panel.

    Since then, Évora has been subjected to a monitoring process in line with Decision No 445/2014/EU[1]. Under the Commission’s auspices, the panel monitors the implementation of the ECoC project in Évora, providing guidance and checking that commitments made at selection phase are fulfilled.

    After discussions with the relevant public authorities, the Portuguese Government published a decree-law in December 2023 establishing the Évora 2027 Association, in line with the Portuguese legislation.

    It is the responsibility of all concerned authorities at national, regional and local levels to create a solid governance to implement a project of the scale of an ECoC and have an appropriate representation of all parties (including the government as a main funder) in this structure, while ensuring ownership of the project by the title-holding city.

    The Commission will continue monitoring the process. In this context, it is important for the Évora 2027 Association to ensure adherence to the bid book to the largest extent possible and for all authorities to work in a good collaboration spirit.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32014D0445
    Last updated: 27 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Adverse consequences of imposing import duties on titanium dioxide – E-002612/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 10 July 2024, the Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1923[1] imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of titanium dioxide from China.

    On 15 November 2024, the Commission submitted for a vote the draft implementing act concluding the investigation to the Trade Defence Instruments Committee. At the same time, the draft implementing act was sent to the European Parliament.

    Under the ‘Union interest’ section of the draft implementing act, the Commission assessed the impact on companies across value chains, on the basis of all the information collected during the investigation.

    The Commission acknowledged the impact the duties might have on companies in different value chains. The definitive draft implementing act thus sets the duties as a fixed amount per kilogram instead of a percentage of the value of the imported product to soften that impact.

    The prices of titanium dioxide are expected to increase, which will result in lower share of the duty in the final price of titanium dioxide. The Commission also allowed for titanium dioxide used in production of white inks for printing to be exempted from duties.

    The draft implementing act[2] was published on 9 January 2025 and will be applicable for five years. T he downstream industry also has the possibility to request the initiation of an anti-dumping investigation.

    In fact, the Commission has initiated an anti-dumping investigation into imports of decor paper from China following a complaint from EU producers which also use titanium-dioxide as a raw material.

    • [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/1923 of 10 July 2024 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty on imports of titanium dioxide originating in the People’s Republic of China, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2024/1923
    • [2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/4 of 17 December 2024 imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty and definitively collecting the provisional duty imposed on imports of titanium dioxide originating in the People’s Republic of China, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202500004
    Last updated: 27 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Management of Natura 2000 sites: the Habitats Directive and the case of the Bagnoli-Coroglio site of national interest – E-000198/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000198/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Raffaele Topo (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Antonio Decaro (S&D)

    Part of the environmental rehabilitation and urban regeneration programme for the Bagnoli-Coroglio Site of National Interest, ‘Upgrading the Arena San Antonio (ASA) wastewater collector and its coastal sewage outfall points’ is a project which will double the collector’s capacity and will consequently also provide for the opening of new coastal bypass outlets located within the Special Area of Conservation ‘Fondali marini di Gaiola e Nisida’ (IT8030041), which is part of the Natura 2000 Network.

    Managed by Invitalia, this project was approved by the Italian Ministry of the Environment and is being funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan.

    Though the Coroglio wastewater pre-treatment plant’s bypass outlet has been contaminating the local waters for years, a positive impact assessment has been annexed to the Ministry’s project. In total, 88 negative opinions – half of which authored by biologists and specialists – have been issued concerning the project. A number of citizens, associations and other bodies also oppose the plan to increase the ASA collector’s capacity for the reasons we have outlined.

    In view of the above, what steps will the Commission take to check that the project approved by the Italian Ministry of the Environment is not in breach of the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC?

    Submitted: 17.1.2025

    Last updated: 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Denuclearisation of the International Gulf of Trieste – E-000197/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000197/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE)

    The 1947 Peace Treaty with Italy adopted by United Nations Security Council Resolution S/RES/16, established the Free Territory of Trieste as a demilitarised and neutral state.

    However, the Gulf of Trieste currently hosts two military nuclear transit ports, the port of Trieste in Italy and the port of Koper in Slovenia, in violation of this Treaty.

    The European Parliament took note of the entry into force of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and recognised its vision for a nuclear weapon-free world[1].

    The denuclearisation of the Gulf of Trieste, as put forward by the NGO Mundo sin Guerras y sin Violencia (World without Wars and Violence) at the 2nd TPNW review meeting[2], would be the first foundation of a European ‘nuclear-weapon-free zone’[3].

    In view of the above, can the Commission clarify what actions it intends to promote, within the framework of the EU Strategy against Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, in support of the denuclearisation of the Gulf of Trieste and in implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 16?

    Submitted: 17.1.2025

    • [1] European Parliament resolution of 15 December 2021 on the challenges and prospects for multilateral weapons of mass destruction arms control and disarmament regimes (2020/2001(INI)), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021IP0504.
    • [2] https://docs-library.unoda.org/Treaty_on_the_Prohibition_of_Nuclear_Weapons_-SecondMeeting_of_States_Parties_(2023)/TPNW.MSP_.2023.NGO_.16.pdf.
    • [3] https://www.prif.org/fileadmin/Daten/Publikationen/Prif_Working_Papers/PRIF_WP_27.pdf.
    Last updated: 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – DCAM in the DROI Subcommittee Meeting on 27 January 2025 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    The Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI) and in association with the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America (DCAM) held an Exchange of views on the human rights situation in Nicaragua on 27 January 2025 in its meeting.

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities in the European Union – E-000193/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000193/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left)

    Forced sterilisation is a serious violation of human rights, contrary to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), ratified by the EU.

    There are at least 14 EU Member States that still allow this practice, allowing legal guardians or other authorities to decide on the sterilisation of persons with disabilities without their free and informed consent.

    This practice violates the principles of dignity, equality and individual autonomy, perpetuating discrimination against persons with disabilities and disproportionately affecting women with disabilities, in violation of the EU Gender Equality Strategy.

    Some Member States have already banned this practice, providing examples of good practices that could be replicated at European level.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to propose binding legislation to definitively ban forced sterilisation in the European Union?
    • 2.What measures does it intend to take to monitor and prevent violations of the rights of persons with disabilities in this area?

    Submitted: 17.1.2025

    Last updated: 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – NRRP and other EU instruments supporting the construction of student halls of residence – E-000161/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000161/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    João Oliveira (The Left)

    In its answer to question E-002214/2024[1] on speculation-driven rent hikes and the need to increase the number of student halls of residence, the Commission writes that it ‘supports investment in student housing as a priority under the InvestEU Fund and provides substantial support through the NextGeneration EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, which allocates EUR 447 million in loans for the construction or rehabilitation of buildings and the modernisation and expansion of existing residences for higher education students, notably in areas where housing pressure is most acute’. It goes on to add: ‘This is complementary to the Portuguese national plan for housing in higher education adopted in 2019. From 2021 to 2026, a 78 % increase in capacity of housing for higher education students is expected in Portugal.’

    In light of this:

    • 1.Can the Commission name the specific projects which have been financed using the above-mentioned instruments to date, and state the amounts involved and the scheduled completion date in each case?
    • 2.What proportion of the planned 78 % capacity increase has been achieved? How much is still expected to be achieved in the stated period?
    • 3.Aside from the loans, are there any NRRP grants earmarked for this purpose which are at risk of going to waste due to a failure to use them in time?

    Submitted: 15.1.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-002214-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 27 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Exploiting Mr Öcalan’s position in order to make headway on the Kurdish issue – E-000153/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000153/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    It is widely known that Mr Öcalan has been repeatedly tortured by the Turkish authorities and Ankara’s secret services. He has been held in inhumane conditions for nearly three decades, kept apart from his family, friends and lawyers.

    At the moment, Mr Erdogan and Mr Bahçeli are attempting to ‘exploit’ him as, according to reports, they negotiate the conversion of his life imprisonment into house arrest. The condition for this is the announcement of the dissolution of the PKK and a request to the Kurds of Türkiye and Syria to obey Ankara. The issue is not whether the Kurdish organisation is a terrorist one or not. This move very clearly constitutes political intimidation and interference in justice.

    In view of this:

    • 1.How does the Commission view the intervention of Türkiye’s state officials in the realm of justice? To what extent does the intervention comply with European principles and the rule of law?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s reaction to the crude intimidation by the Turkish state, which is negotiating the freedom of a detainee by intimidating him and placing him in dilemmas that have nothing to do with legal process?

    Submitted: 15.1.2025

    Last updated: 27 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Proceedings – The ‘one in, one out’ principle – A real better lawmaking tool? – 27-01-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Professor Dr Xanthaki presented to JURI Committee a critical analysis of the “The ‘one in, one out’ principle – A real better lawmaking tool?”. She concluded that the principle may lead to less (not better) legislation, purely on a arithmetical basis, and recommended to JURI Committee to focus on genuine better law-making tools, including a modernized, citizen-centred drafting structure and style for EU legislation, which she considered not fit for purpose in its current style. This briefing was commissioned by the European Parliament’s Policy Department for Citizens’ Rights and Constitutional Affairs at the request of the JURI Committee.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Draft Opinion on the Traineeship Directive – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    Traineeship © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    The Committee on Culture and Education will present its draft Opinion on the proposed Traineeship Directive on 30 January. This initiative aims to enhance and enforce better working conditions for trainees across various sectors. By ensuring clear guidelines and protections, this proposal seeks to foster fairness and transparency in the treatment of trainees.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Polish Presidency – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    Logo of the Polish presidency of the Council of the EU © European Union (2025)

    On 30 January , Ms Barbara Nowacka (Minister of Education), Mr Marcin Kulasek (Minister of Science and Higher Education), Ms Hanna Wróblewska (Minister of Culture and National Heritage) and Mr Piotr Borys, (Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport and Tourism), will present the priorities of the Polish Presidency in the fields of education, culture, youth and sports to the CULT Committe.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Implementation of the EU pact on migration and asylum – 27-01-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Over the past decade, the EU’s asylum and migration systems have been severely tested by several major events, including the 2015-2016 migrant crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent tensions at the EU’s eastern border. To address these challenges, in 2020 the European Commission proposed a pact on migration and asylum, a comprehensive legislative framework designed to streamline and harmonise the reception of asylum seekers in the EU. The pact was adopted by the European Parliament and the Council in December 2023 and published in May 2024. This landmark agreement, heralding significant reforms, consists of 10 legislative acts that bring together policies on migration, asylum, integration, and border management. Its core objectives are to foster greater responsibility sharing, solidarity and effective border management among the EU Member States. To facilitate the pact’s rollout, the Commission has developed a common implementation plan categorising the various obligations stemming from the pact into 10 distinct building blocks. The plan also identifies key milestones on the way to establishing the necessary legal and operational frameworks that would allow Member States to start applying the pact by mid-2026. Despite the adoption of the 10 legislative acts, support for them is not homogeneous across the Member States. Additionally, there is pressure for further changes, and the migration debate has been increasingly politicised. Experts and stakeholders have highlighted key challenges and potential scenarios for the implementation of the pact and raised doubts as to whether the new rules will be able to tackle the complexities of migration while also protecting fundamental rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Constitutional Court of Romania’s decision from the perspective of rules on the rule of law – E-000133/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000133/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Erik Kaliňák (NI)

    The results of the presidential elections in Romania have been annulled by the Constitutional Court of Romania, but constitutional lawyers have raised a number of concerns with this decision. They point, for example, to the absence of a constitutional or statutory provision allowing the Constitutional Court to initiate ex officio proceedings to review the legality of presidential elections. According to the Law on Presidential Elections, candidates, political parties, political or electoral associations and members of national minority organisations represented in the Council are entitled to lodge a complaint. Furthermore, there is no provision in Romanian law allowing for the annulment of the entire electoral process. The law only provides for the possibility of cancelling and repeating one of the two rounds of elections for very specific reasons (fraudulent acts affecting the ranking of candidates eligible to participate in the second round or the granting of the presidential mandate). Thirdly, the law provides for a three-day period for lodging a complaint against the results of the elections, starting from the close of voting. There is no legal provision to allow proceedings to be initiated later (the decision of 6 December was issued 12 days after the close of voting).

    One can sympathise with the concerns raised by Romanian lawyers. In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Does the Commission not view the actions taken by the Constitutional Court without an adequate legal basis as being ultra vires and therefore a violation of the rule of law?
    • 2.What measures does it intend to take to protect the rule of law in order to prevent the abuse of judicial power for political purposes?

    Submitted: 15.1.2025

    Last updated: 27 January 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – BUDG–ECON: debate with Elena Flores, InvestEU Steering Board Chair – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Ms Flores, Chair of the InvestEU Steering Board, will attend a joint BUDG-ECON meeting for an exchange of views with Members on the performance of InvestEU, in accordance with Article 27 of the InvestEU Regulation, on Monday 3 February 2025.

    InvestEU is an important investment tool for the European Union, which is expected to mobilise EUR 372 billion in investment by 2027. The Steering Board is a key part of the governance of the programme and – amongst other tasks – oversees its implementation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Imported fish contaminated with microplastics – E-000225/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000225/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR), Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    Dangerous microplastics have now been detected in six popular species of fish – the main one being pink shrimp, as reported by scientists from the College of Agricultural Sciences in Oregon. Microplastics – pieces of plastic with a diameter of less than 5 mm and invisible to the naked eye – have been linked to severe health issues, such as cancer. Microplastics were found in 99 % of the samples taken by the Oregon scientists, who carried out a laboratory analysis of more than 1 800 individual marine creatures. The study was carried out in Pacific waters, but similar data has been collected in other seas that have been polluted with plastics. The researchers took 182 samples from six species, two of which are likely being imported into the EU, namely pink shrimp and chinook salmon.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it plan to ban – or at least step up checks on – imports of these two fish species into the EU?
    • 2.Does it have a list of the main fish imports to be checked for microplastics as a matter of priority, with references to the country of origin?
    • 3.Which European countries have the best practices for dealing with plastic contamination/pollution?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –