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  • MIL-OSI Security: Dentist Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Stealing Drugs from Patients and Performing Surgery Without Proper Pain Management

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Rochester, Illinois, dentist, Phillip M. Jensen, 64, was sentenced on December 18, 2024, to 15 years in prison for stealing fentanyl from his patients, injecting them with adulterated drugs, and performing surgery without proper pain management. Jenson also was ordered to pay a $200,000 fine.

    Jensen previously pleaded guilty to two counts of drug diversion, two counts of acquiring a controlled substance by fraud, one count of tampering with consumer products resulting in serious bodily injury, and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters in August 2024.

    Jensen, who prior to having his license suspended in 2022 had specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery, started stealing fentanyl form his patients as early as December 2019. This conduct first came to light when his staff began noticing patients who were moving, moaning, and otherwise showing signs of pain and distress during surgery.

    Jensen admitted that he had stolen at least half of the fentanyl in every vial in the practice. He acknowledged removing the safety caps, withdrawing at least half of the fentanyl in the single-use vials, refilling the vials with saline, and gluing the caps back on to the vials. In a further effort to hide what he had done, Jensen made false entries into his surgical records claiming that he had given quantities of full-strength and unadulterated fentanyl to his patients to control their pain. He further billed both public and private insurance for these surgeries utilizing these same falsified records. In all, Jensen stole more than 40 grams of fentanyl for his personal use through his fraud.

    At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless, the government presented evidence of Jensen’s lengthy history with addiction, his previous efforts at treatment, and his ultimate decision to prey upon his patients by stealing the drugs that were meant to provide them with comfort during their surgeries. The government presented evidence of the elaborate steps Jensen took to disguise his theft and how his theft of this necessary pain medication impacted his patients. 

    During the hearing, Judge Lawless also heard from several of the more than 99 identified victims of Jensen’s fraud, including the statement of a mother who discussed looking into the face of their child immediately following the surgery as the child cried and stated that they had “felt everything.” The government also presented the statement of a patient that awoke during her surgery. When Jensen realized she was awake, he struck the patient in the head with an instrument and completed the surgery, which involved the extraction of multiple teeth as well as the shaping and smoothing of the bones in her jaw, while she was conscious and lacking pain management.

    At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Lawless rejected Jensen’s argument that he was less culpable than an average drug dealer. She noted that Jensen profited from his crimes. She also stated that while a dealer provides drugs to knowing and willing participants, Jensen provided diluted drugs without the consent or knowledge of his victims. She noted that Jensen was a physician who used his position of trust to hurt others. Judge Lawless concluded by asking, “If you cannot trust your doctor, who can you trust?”

    A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Jensen in February 2022 charging him with twenty felony counts. He was originally released on bond, but a warrant was issued in July 2024 for violation of the terms and conditions of bond after he stalked and harassed a potential witness in the case. Jensen was detained at that time, and he has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service.

    Judge Lawless, in imposing the fifteen-year sentence, rejected Jensen’s arguments for a lower drug weight and noted the egregious nature of his conduct. In addition to the $200,000 fine imposed, Judge Lawless also ordered Jensen to repay the government for the costs of the expert witness it had to hire. Jensen also lost his medical license as a result of his conduct.

    “This case represents the commitment of the Department of Justice, both in the Central District of Illinois and beyond, to protect and defend the public from those that would prey upon them,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “People are never as vulnerable as when they place their faith in a health care provider to not only treat their condition but to administer anesthesia and pain medicine during that treatment. Jensen abused that faith and hurt others in the process. Because of this prosecution, Jensen will not be permitted to practice medicine again and will be prevented from hurting members of our community in the future.”

    “Health care professionals who tamper with patient medications create a risk of harm to patients, and also put at risk the trust that U.S. consumers have in those who provide their medical care,” said Ronne Malham, Special Agent in Charge of the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice health care professionals who take advantage of their unique medical positions and tamper with patients’ medications.”

    “Medical professionals who violate their oaths to ‘do no harm’ must be held accountable,” said Sheila Lyons, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration – Chicago Division. “The DEA will continue working to keep Illinois families safe from medical professionals who illegally divert opioid painkillers from legitimate medical supplies.”

    The United States Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Unit, Springfield Resident Office, which focuses on cases involving pharmaceutical controlled substances diverted from the legal chain of commerce to the illegal drug market, investigated this case in conjunction with the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the United States Food and Drug Administration, and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas F. McMeyer and Sierra Senor-Moore represented the government in the prosecution.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nine Quad Cities Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Violent RICO Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    DAVENPORT, Iowa – Nine Quad Cities men, Don Christopher White, Jr., Raheem Jacques Houston, Deaguise Ramont Hall, Michael Linn Cross, Devell Carl Lewis, Lashawn D James Hensley, Simmeon Terrell Hall, Devante Atwell French, and Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a racketeering conspiracy, which engaged in a years-long pattern of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and drug trafficking.

    According to public court documents and evidence presented at trials and sentencings, these Fifth Street gang members, also known as the “Arsenal Courts Posse,” “Zone Fifth,” “Fifth Street Mafia,” “Rock Town Money Getters (RTMG),” and “Money Team,” were members and associates of a coordinated violent criminal enterprise based out of Rock Island, Illinois, but engaged in racketeering activity in Davenport and Rock Island, whose purpose was to distribute controlled substances, obtain money and shoot at rival gang members, specifically the 12th Street, Savage Life, and Boom Gang street gangs. Evidence at trial demonstrated the criminal enterprise was connected to dozens of shooting investigations and at least seven homicides over the course of two decades. Some of the activity connected to this enterprise included the following incidents:

    • On August 6, 2006, Andrell Hearn was shot and killed in Rock Island.
    • On August 19, 2006, White and other Fifth Street associates drove by an outdoor family gathering in Davenport where 12th Street members were present and discharged firearms into the group resulting in the death of Vincelina Howard.
    • On August 6, 2011, a shooting outside the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds involving Fifth Street members and members of a rival Davenport group.
    • On September 5, 2012, French and another Fifth Street associate fired shots at a rival gang member in Davenport.
    • On March 31, 2013, several members of a rival Davenport gang were standing in front of the Chorus Line when Fifth Street member Demarko Williams walked into the parking lot and fired multiple shots at the group. In January 2014, Demarko Williams was sentenced to a 100-month federal prison sentence for possessing a firearm as a felon.
    • On September 2, 2015, Fifth Street associate Juwan Johnson shot and killed Lewis Woodson, a rival gang member, in Davenport.
    • On January 3, 2020, officers responded to a shots-fired incident in or near the Davenport parking lot of the Quad City Times building and seized a large number of casings that were later matched to firearms used by Fifth Street members.
    • On May 23, 2020, a dispute over a dice game at a family gathering in Rock Island led to a shootout between Fifth Street associates and others, resulting in the death of Timon Mayfield.
    • Between May 24 and 31, 2020, multiple shootings in the same Rock Island neighborhood where Mayfield was killed left seized casings that were later matched to firearms used by Fifth Street associates.
    • On June 1, 2020, while the City of Davenport was experiencing civil unrest, this criminal enterprise participated in two shootings in Davenport in which they fired in excess of 60 shots and seriously injured two men.
    • Specifically, on June 1, 2020, White, Lewis, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, and Cooper were present at Necker’s Jewelers to commit a burglary. While there, the group saw a man they had mistaken for a rival gang member. Cooper and others fired 33 rounds from four guns seriously injuring the victim.
    • Just a few hours later, White, Houston, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, Lewis, and others were in a Davenport alley when a truck occupied by three Davenport police officers entered the alley. Immediately, four Fifth Street associates fired more than 30 rounds at the truck occupied by the officers. Evidence at trial showed Fifth Street members thought the truck was occupied by a rival group. One police officer was struck and injured by the gunfire. One of the officers returned fire. As a result of this exchange, Marquis Tousant died. White, Houston, Deaguise Hall, Cross, Hensley, and Lewis fled the alley shooting in a high-speed car chase through Davenport. They were eventually apprehended. Officers located seven firearms, a large amount of ammunition, large-capacity magazines, including a 50-round drum magazine, face masks, and gloves inside the vehicle. Three of these firearms were later matched to fired casings in the Davenport alley.
    • On December 4, 2021, White and another Fifth Street associate shot at a victim in a vehicle on Middle Road in Davenport.
    • On December 8, 2021, White and another Fifth Street associate were involved in a shooting near the Centennial Bride and River Drive in Davenport. They mistook two men in a vehicle for rivals.
    • On February 25, 2022, White shot a man during a dispute in Moline, Illinois.
    • On March 27, 2022, French shot a victim near the rear door of his residence on Locust Street in Davenport.
    • On April 19, 2022, French shot a victim in the yard of a residence in retaliation for a prior shooting of a Fifth Street associate.

    SENTENCES

    On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, the following defendants were sentenced:

    • Don Christopher White, Jr., 39, was sentenced to 40 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, and two charges for felon in possession of a firearm, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. White was also ordered to pay $22,784.20 in restitution.
    • Raheem Jacques Houston, 32, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm, followed by a three -year term of supervised release. Houston was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution.
    • Deaguise Ramont Hall, 35, was sentenced to 33 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Hall was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution.
    • Michael Linn Cross, 32, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Cross was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution.
    • LaShawn D. James Hensley, 32, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Hensley was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution.

    * * *

    The following defendants were sentenced on December 19, 2024:

    • Devante Atwell French, 31, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
    • Simmeon Terrell Hall, 36, was sentenced to 30 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
    • Devell Carl Lewis, 37, was sentenced to 18 1/2 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Lewis was also ordered to pay $16,012.52 in restitution.
    • Cortez Deangelo Cooper, Jr., 31, was sentenced to 13 1/2 years of imprisonment for racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

    * * *

    Previously, on July 11, 2024, Brandon Deshane Branigan, 34, was sentenced to 18 years of imprisonment for the same racketeering conspiracy, followed by a three-year term of supervised release.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    * * *

    “Violent crime against our community and attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said Davenport Police Chief Jeffery Bladel. “These individuals demonstrated a blatant disregard for the safety of our Quad City community; especially in the case of the 2020 ambush and attempted murder of three of our officers. I’m proud of our department’s unwavering dedication to holding criminals accountable and protecting those who serve. My sincere thanks to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their steadfast commitment to justice.”

    * * *

    Two defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing:

    Ricky Lee Childs, Jr., 40, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2025, for racketeering conspiracy. As part of this investigation, he was also charged with felon in possession of a firearm and sentenced to 110 months of imprisonment in case number 3:22-cr-021. Childs faces a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.

    Timothy Justin Beaver, 30, is scheduled to be sentenced on February 13, 2025, for racketeering conspiracy and for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Beaver faces a maximum sentence of 40 years of imprisonment.

    A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.

    * * *

    Two defendants are awaiting trial. Kylea Dapri Cartwright, Jr., 28, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of ammunition. One of the racketeering acts alleges that on July 5, 2020, Cartwright shot a victim. Rasheem Damonte Bogan, 33, is charged with racketeering conspiracy and felon in possession of a firearm. One of the racketeering acts alleges that on June 1, 2020, Bogan shot a victim. Both are scheduled for a jury trial beginning Monday, February 10, 2025. They each face a maximum of 30 years of imprisonment.

    An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    * * *

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Davenport Police Department and the Rock Island Police Department, with assistance from the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Jury Finds Convicted Killer Guilty of Kidnapping and Racketeering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON – Christopher Green, 38, of Washington D.C., was found guilty on Wednesday of racketeering and kidnapping, in connection with a series of violent crimes he committed in early 2017.

               The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves, FBI Assistant Director, Washington Field Office, David Sunberg, Chief Malik Aziz of the Prince Georges Police Department, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

               Following a 12-day re-trial, the jury found Green, 38, aka “Twin,” guilty of RICO conspiracy and VICAR kidnapping. U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss scheduled sentencing for March 31, 2025. 

               In 2021, Green was found guilty of first-degree murder with aggravating circumstances, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted robbery in connection with other offenses committed during the same period.

              According to the government’s evidence, Green was a core member of a criminal organization that operated in the District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Maryland, and elsewhere, primarily making money through a series of armed robberies. Green’s actions in Southeast Washington on April 9, 2017, led to the death of 25-year-old Zaan Scott. Mr. Scott, a swim coach at the Eastern Market pool, who was on his way home when Green attempted to rob him at gunpoint. Mr. Scott died on May 17, 2017, of a blood clot that the medical examiner determined was a result of the shooting. Green also was found guilty at the initial trial of firing gunshots at another victim on Feb. 23, 2017.

           The kidnapping conviction in the retrial involved an incident on April 8, 2017, in which Green confronted a young man at gunpoint as the man was getting out of his car in a convenience store parking lot.  Green ordered the victim back into the car and robbed him of his ATM card.  He then forced the victim to drive to a nearby apartment complex, where he robbed him of his sneakers and other belongings. 

                Green has been detained since his arrest in April 2017.

               The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the Prince George’s County Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Michael Liebman.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Nain — Arrest warrant issued for Sonny Merkuratsuk

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    An arrest warrant has been issued for 37-year-old Sonny Merkuratsuk who is actively evading police.

    Merkuratsuk is wanted by Nain RCMP in relation to the following charges:

    • Sexual Assault
    • Break and enter
    • Uttering threats
    • Failure to comply with a release order

    Anyone having information on the current location of Sonny Merkuratsuk is asked to contact Nain RCMP at 709-922-2862 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Man Sentenced for Health Care Fraud Violations

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Florida man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a scheme to defraud insurance providers for physical therapy services that were not provided to patients.

    Jeffrey MacEachron, 60, a retired Air Force Colonel and former Inspector General at Hanscom Air Force Base, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to three months in prison, to be followed by 27 months of supervised release subject to home confinement. MacEachron was also ordered to pay $335,098 in restitution and a $5,500 fine. In July 2024, MacEachron pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of health care fraud; aiding and abetting.

    MacEachron owned and managed PT4U, Inc., a business that operated physical therapy clinics in Bedford and Lexington, Mass. According to the charging documents, from 2013 through 2021, MacEachron caused insurance companies and TRICARE to reimburse PT4U for physical therapy services that were not actually performed. Specifically, MacEachron edited claim forms to add units of service beyond those actually performed and then submitted them to insurance companies and TRICARE for payment.

    United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Chris Averill, Special Agent in Charge of the Air Force, Office of Special Investigations; Brian J. Solecki, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Anthony DiPaolo, Chief of Investigations of the Insurance Fraud Bureau of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys James D. Herbert and Christopher Looney prosecuted the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Oneida County Felon Admits to Firearm and Drug Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Leshawn Thomas, age 33, of Clayville, New York, pled guilty yesterday to possessing cocaine and cocaine base with the intent to distribute them and to unlawfully possessing firearms.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, made the announcement.

    Thomas, who had two prior felony convictions, admitted to possessing with intent to distribute approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine and 268.14 grams of cocaine base in Oneida County, New York, on or about April 28, 2023.  He also admitted to possessing two loaded semi-automatic pistols: a Glock, model 22, .40 cal. and a Kahr, model CM9, .9 mm.

    Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes on April 4, 2025.  He faces a minimum term of 10-years in federal prison and a maximum of life, and a term of supervised release between 5 years and life.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    DEA investigated the case with the assistance of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (NYDOCCS).  Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas ‘Proud Boy’ Sentenced to Prison for Actions During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – A Texas man was sentenced to prison today after he was previously convicted of felony and misdemeanor offenses related to his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

                Jeffrey David Reed, 49, of Rosanky, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg to 30 months in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $2,000 in restitution. 

                Reed, a member of the Proud Boys’ Hudson Valley chapter in New York, was previously found guilty of a felony offense of civil disorder and misdemeanor offenses of entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly or disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

                According to evidence presented during the trial, Reed, a member of the Proud Boys’ Hudson Valley chapter in New York, participated in the January 6, 2021, events in Washington, D.C., as part of the group’s organized efforts. Specifically, Reed was part of the group who broke through metal bike rack barriers, and snow fencing with “Area Closed” signs, to push through a line of officers at the first breach of the restricted perimeter near the Peace Circle.

                This forced police officers, overrun by the numbers of the crowd, to run back up the Pennsylvania Walkway toward the Capitol and regroup, forming a second police line between rioters and the Capitol. As the crowd advanced, Reed ran up to the front of the mob and reached the next set of barricades, consisting of metal bike racks. Capitol Police had erected these barriers to protect the Capitol and keep the crowd at bay. Reed grabbed one of the bike racks with both hands, lifted it, and moved it aside, clearing a path for thousands of rioters to push forward toward the Capitol building. The overwhelmed police officers, outnumbered by the advancing mob, were forced to retreat on the West Plaza.

                Reed continued onward toward the Capitol, confronting a third police line formed by officers behind a metal railing that was part of the construction for the Inaugural Stage. At this point, still at the front of the crowd, Reed was face to face with officers—yelling and pointing at them. Despite law enforcement’s efforts to hold the line for over an hour, they were ultimately overrun. The mob, emboldened by their numbers, surged forward once again, overpowering the police and advancing onto the Capitol’s West Plaza. During the crowd’s efforts to stop the crowd from gaining access to a critical access point—the Southwest staircase—Reed physically pulled another metal bike rack with both hands, using his body weight to try to yank the bike rack away from a police officer. This struggle ended in an officer falling to the ground. The crowd, including Reed, stormed the Southwest staircase and the Inaugural Stage before breaching the Capitol building itself.

                At approximately 2:26 p.m., Reed entered the Capitol through the Senate Wing Door, stepping over broken glass and into the chaos. Once inside, he made his way to the Speaker’s Lobby, just outside the House Chamber. Reed exited the Capitol approximately 16 minutes later, through the East Rotunda Door, at around 2:49 p.m. Once exiting the Capitol, Reed remained on Capitol grounds in the restricted area on the East front—climbing on top of law enforcement vehicles and ripping up a “Police Lives Matter” flag on the East steps of the Capitol.

                This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.

                This case was investigated by the FBI’s San Antonio and Washington Field Offices, as well as the New York Field Office. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In the 47 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,572 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 590 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

                Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: Last Defendant in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Sentenced to 44 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – Evan Cutler, age 25, of Queensbury, New York, was sentenced today to 44 months in prison for his role as a ringleader of a bank fraud conspiracy targeting SEFCU.  United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. 

    According to an indictment returned last year, court records, and statements made by prosecutors in court, between February 2022 and October 2022, Cutler, together with codefendant Allahson Allah, age 54, of Albany, managed a conspiracy targeting SEFCU in which the conspirators obtained customer personal identifying information (PII) and impersonated people to fraudulently obtain cash and credit from SEFCU.  The conspirators also applied for loans at SEFCU in the names of individuals whose identities they had stolen and withdrew the proceeds in cash.  In total, the conspiracy netted the conspirators $88,800, with intended losses of over $100,000.

    Cutler’s sentence concludes the investigation and prosecution of the conspiracy.  Previously, the following coconspirators were sentenced as follows:

    • Allah was sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by 3 years’ post-release supervision, with restitution ordered in the amount of $88,800;
    • Caeshara Cannon, age 36, of Albany, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, followed by 2 years’ post-release supervision, with restitution ordered in the amount of $77,200;
    • Davon Parson, age 20, of Albany, was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration followed by 2 years’ post-release supervision, with restitution ordered in the amount of $9,000; and
    • Dnauticah Taylor-Sterman, age 22, of Albany, was sentenced to 8 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years’ post-release supervision, with restitution ordered in the amount of $25,000.

    HSI investigated the case, with assistance from the Bethlehem Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Clark prosecuted this case.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Chad: New EUR 28 million African Development Bank-funded solar project to boost Chad’s energy access

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, December 20, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) has approved funding worth EUR 28 million to build solar power plants in Gassi and Lamadji, Chad. This is part of the Bank’s Desert to Power program to increase energy access across Africa.

    The funding includes EUR 20 million in direct support, combining a loan and a grant from the Sustainable Energy Fund for Africa, plus EUR 8 million in financial guarantees. These guarantees are split equally between the African Development Fund and the Green Climate Fund, which both contribute EUR 4 million each to support this clean energy project.

    This important project is part Chad’s Desert to Power plan. It will increase power supply by 20% and pave the way for the country’s energy transition from expensive, polluting fuel-based power to clean energy. The project will build two solar power plants in the outskirts of N’Djamena, each able to produce 15-megawatt peak of electricity. It also includes new power stations, connection lines, and a 6-megawatt-hour battery system to store energy for when the sun isn’t shining. The total project cost is estimated at EUR 41 million. The Bank’s financing is in addition to financing expected from other Development Finance Institutions (DFIs).

    Kevin Kariuki, Vice President of the Power, Energy, Climate, and Green Growth complex at the African Development Bank, said: “The Gassi and Lamadji solar project is a landmark development that underscores Chad’s strong commitment to the transition to renewable energy under the Desert to Power Initiative, and the Bank’s continued commitment to supporting transformative, clean energy projects across the continent. This project not only facilitates the Government of Chad’s efforts to increase access to energy through renewable energy but also drives local economic growth and strengthens the country’s energy security.”

    Wale Shonibare, the Bank’s Director of the Energy Financial Solutions, Policy, and Regulations department, added, “As a pioneering solar project in Chad, this initiative exemplifies the scale of renewable energy potential in the Sahel region. It demonstrates how strong partnerships and the Bank’s deployment of its suite of instruments and innovative solutions can advance the energy transition and foster sustainable economic development.”

    The solar plants are expected to generate 61 gigawatt-hours of clean, reliable, and affordable energy each year responding to Chad’s energy deficit. This will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tons each year, helping Chad meet its climate change commitments under the Paris Agreement. The project will create 200 jobs during construction, with special opportunities for women and young people and 34 permanent jobs during operation. The project will generate revenue for the national treasury through taxes, reduce fuel subsidies, and improve the country’s balance of payments by reducing energy imports. 

    Aligned with the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy, the New Deal on Energy for Africa, and its High 5 objective of “Light Up and Power Africa,” the Gassi and Lamadji Solar PV project reinforces Chad’s commitment to increase energy access through renewable energy. It also supports the African Development Bank’s mission to promote sustainable, inclusive, and resilient energy development across Africa.

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  • MIL-OSI Africa: Madagascar: African Development Fund approves a grant of over $9 million to strengthen protection and sustainable use systems for natural capital and ecosystems

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, December 20, 2024/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of the African Development Fund (https://apo-opa.co/4iITWIP) – the African Development Bank Group’s (www.AfDB.org) concessional financing window – approved a donation of $9.42 million to Madagascar to implement climate resilience through the Preservation of Biodiversity in National Parks Project.

    The grant, agreed on 18 December 2024 in Abidjan, comes from the Climate Action Window (https://apo-opa.co/3VOUrYa), a mechanism of the Fund, created during the 16th replenishment round to help combat the significant shortage of climate finance in Africa. The window is split into three sub-windows – adaptation, mitigation and technical assistance – and is aimed at the least developed countries on the continent.

    The project aims to strengthen the resilience of agricultural protection system value chains and preserve and ensure the sustainable use of natural capital and ecosystems to increase Madagascar’s resilience to climate change. It plans to develop the capacity of communities living alongside the national parks to adapt to climate change, develop and refurbish access roads to ensure the parks are accessible in every season, build sustainable conservation infrastructure, provide water from boreholes and micro-dams, and construct public primary schools, along with five basic health centres to benefit local communities.

    Furthermore, the project will help secure the land in the protected areas concerned and support the local economy through income-generating activities. The various support activities, particularly training and awareness-raising campaigns, will help establish a sense of responsibility among the direct beneficiaries in how they carry out development initiatives.

    “The project is targeting direct investment in climate-smart agriculture to improve agricultural production, the conservation of natural habitats and ecosystems, the development of socioeconomic infrastructure, and the participation of local people, by creating job opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” commented Adam Amoumoun, head of the African Development Bank’s Country Office for Madagascar.

    “Activities to conserve and maintain protected areas will have a positive impact in terms of reducing carbon emissions in the three intervention areas; this will be incorporated into a study on implementing contractual payment mechanisms for ecosystem services and the development of a carbon market,” he added.

    The project’s direct intervention area covers three national parks – Lokobe, Nosy Hara and Andringitra – and surrounding areas. Three other national parks – Montagne d’Ambre, Ankarafantsika and Analamazaotra Mantadia – will benefit from the training and capacity-building component for young people and women.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan/Egypt, Syria, Libya & other topics Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    • Sudan.
    • Sudan/Egypt
    • Libya
    • Syria
    • OCHA/Türkiye
    • Israel/Yemen
    • Occupied Palestinian Territory
    • Security Council/Afternoon meeting
    • MONUSCO
    • Security Council
    • Central African Republic
    • Liberia
    • West and Central Africa
    • Ukraine
    • International Days

    Sudan
    The Secretary-General is outraged by the killing of three World Food Programme staff members in Sudan on 19 December, when the agency’s field office in Yabus, in Blue Nile State, was hit by aerial bombardment.  He sends his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and their WFP colleagues.   The Secretary-General condemns all attacks on UN and aid personnel and facilities. He calls for a thorough investigation.   Yesterday’s incident underscores the devastating toll that Sudan’s brutal conflict is having on millions of people in need and the humanitarians trying to reach them with life-saving assistance.  2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers in Sudan. Just last month, in November, a colleague from OCHA was killed in El-Fasher. Yet despite significant threats to their personal safety, our colleagues continue to do all they can to provide vital support wherever it is needed.  The Secretary-General calls on the parties to adhere to their obligations to protect civilians, including aid personnel, as well as humanitarian premises and supplies. Attacks must not be directed against them and all feasible precautions must be taken to avoid harming them.   After more than 20 months of conflict in Sudan, the Secretary-General once again stresses the need for an immediate ceasefire. The United Nations will continue to back international mediation efforts and work with all relevant stakeholders to help bring an end to the war. For her part, Cindy McCain, WFP’s Executive Director, said that we are urgently working to establish the circumstances around this appalling incident. She also demanded a thorough investigation and for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Yesterday at the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations at OCHA, spoke about the staggering humanitarian crisis in the Sudan. She also reminded Council members that in 2024, humanitarian organizations faced significant funding gaps and called on donors to provide the $4.2 billion humanitarians need to support nearly 21 million people inside Sudan next year.
    Sudan/Egypt
    The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan to Egypt, in support of the ongoing response there. The conflict in Sudan has created the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis. Of the more than 3 million people who have sought protection across Sudan’s borders since April of last year, some 1.2 million are being hosted by Egypt – more than in any other country – according to recent data from the Egyptian Government. This influx of new arrivals has placed additional strain on host communities in Egypt, stretching public services and resources. The funding from CERF will help support people’s most urgent needs including food, water, shelter, cash assistance and protection services.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=20%20December%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvlnbuezom8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Gaza: A Glimpse into Tala’s Daily Life

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    At just 16 years old, Tala Al-Za’anin’s life and dreams have been upended since October 7, 2023. Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful, yearning for an end to the conflict so she can live in peace and safety once more.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwigGjjG59M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Greg Dolezal to Introduce Legislation to Reinstate Senate Special Committee on Investigations

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (December 20, 2024) — Today, Sen. Greg Dolezal (R–Cumming) announced his intent to file a resolution at the beginning of the 2025 Legislative Session to re-establish the Senate Special Committee on Investigations. Current committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens), has been a key player in addressing concerns about prosecutorial misconduct, with strong support from Lt. Governor Burt Jones, who has prioritized transparency and accountability in state government. This decision follows the Georgia Court of Appeals’ ruling to disqualify Fulton County District Attorney (DA) Fani Willis from prosecuting the election interference case against President-elect Donald Trump and others.

    Sen. Dolezal spoke on the proposed legislation, stating, “Yesterday’s ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals citing the ‘significant appearance of impropriety’ in removing DA Fani Willis from the election interference case, only further validates our body’s justified concerns about the potential need to legislatively address such conduct and decision-making. In addition to Judge Scott McAfee’s earlier reference to the ‘odor of mendacity,’ these developments confirm the pressing need for continued legislative action.

    Despite our committee’s lawful subpoena, DA Willis has refused to testify. This, coupled with troubling revelations of apparent violations of Georgia’s open records laws, paints a disturbing picture of an office operating as though it is above the law. This behavior undermines public trust and raises serious questions about the integrity of her office.

    In January, I will refile legislation to establish the Senate Special Committee on Investigations to ensure that we continue our efforts to get to the bottom of this and prevent similar abuses of power in the future. The people of this great state deserve a justice system that operates with integrity, transparency and respect for the rule of law.”

    Lt. Governor Burt Jones and Sen. Bill Cowsert echoed their support for Sen. Dolezal’s resolution, emphasizing the need for legislative action to restore public trust and hold public officials accountable. Both leaders underscored the significance of the court’s ruling and reaffirmed the importance of the committee’s work in ensuring transparency, accountability, and integrity in Georgia’s justice system.

    “The Senate will not back down in its fight for accountability of taxpayer dollars,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “The appeals court decision to disqualify DA Willis from the case based on a ‘significant appearance of impropriety’ was the right decision. The Senate will continue to fight for transparency and accountability. DA Willis’s refusal to come before the committee is unacceptable and addressing these issues to require accountability will be a priority for the Senate. I want to thank Chairman Dolezal for continuing the work on this important issue.”

    “The ruling from the court of appeals is not surprising given the misconduct of District Attorney Willis,” said Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens), current Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Investigations. “I applaud Sen. Dolezal for extending the committee so we can complete our work. Our hearings have revealed serious prosecutorial misconduct and legislative remedies are needed. I look forward to finishing our investigation and passing legislation that restores confidence in the criminal justice system.”

    # # # #

    Sen. Greg Dolezal serves as Chairman for the Senate Committee on Transportation. He represents the 27th Senate District, which includes a large part of Forsyth County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0040 or via email at greg.dolezal@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Faulty airbags – E-002934/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    13.12.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002934/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    Registered cars with faulty airbags have been found to be circulating in EU Member States, posing a serious threat to road safety.

    How does the Commission plan to address this issue so that there is a uniform approach to recalling and replacing faulty airbags?

    Submitted: 13.12.2024

    Last updated: 20 December 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Situation in Syria and protection of minorities in the country following the fall of Assad to HTS – E-002863/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    11.12.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002863/2024
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Per Clausen (The Left)

    While the world’s focus was on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) overthrowing the Assad regime, the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army (SNA) began an attack on the Kurdish-controlled Manbij district.

    • 1.Will the Vice-President / High Representative confirm that the EU condemns further fighting and that all parties, including the Kurdish minority, should be given a place at the negotiating table to ensure a peaceful transition to democracy in Syria?
    • 2.Will the Vice-President / High Representative immediately make it clear to Türkiye that carrying out airstrikes against the Kurdish minority and civilians is completely unacceptable and that Türkiye should not be seeking territorial changes?
    • 3.Does the Vice-President / High Representative think there is a possibility of dialogue with the various parties involved in the conflict in Syria?

    Submitted: 11.12.2024

    Last updated: 20 December 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Air Transport Service: New state aircraft landed in Switzerland

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The new state aircraft type Bombardier Global 7500 landed on 19th of December 2024 in Switzerland. In future, the Swiss Confederation will thus have a state aircraft with state of the art technology in terms of security, efficiency and performance. The first deployment of the Bombardier Global 7500 aircraft by the Federal Air Transport Service is planned early in 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Application for notification of the Mining Social Agreement of May 2021. – P-003046/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    19.12.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-003046/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mirosława Nykiel (PPE)

    A few weeks ago, the Polish Government sent a revised application to the Commission for notification of the Mining Social Agreement of May 2021.

    The new version of the application takes into account the early decommissioning of the Bobrek mine in Bytom (it was originally stated that it would continue to mine coal until 2040).

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What is the state of play of the examination of the application?
    • 2.Will the Commission agree to the proposed total amount of state aid?
    • 3.How many workers will be assisted, and is there a ‘tailor-made’ solution for the mine that is being decommissioned?

    Submitted: 19.12.2024

    Last updated: 20 December 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Setting up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office – P10_TA(2024)0065 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

    –  having regard to the Commission communication on the European democracy action plan (COM(2020)0790),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act)(1) and Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act)(2),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2021 on Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: an Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation(3),

    –  having regard to the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation,

    –  having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law(4),

    –  having regard to Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on the resilience of critical entities and repealing Council Directive 2008/114/EC(5),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act)(6),

    –  having regard to Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings (‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’)(7),

    –  having regard to the March 2021 EU toolbox of risk mitigating measures on the cybersecurity of 5G networks,

    –  having regard to the Communication from the Commission on Defence of Democracy (COM(2023)0630),

    –  having regard to the Commission proposal of 12 December 2023 for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (COM(2023)0637),

    –  having regard to the Commission recommendations on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the Union and enhancing the European nature and efficient conduct of the elections to the European Parliament (C(2023)8626) and on promoting the engagement and effective participation of citizens and civil society organisations in public policy-making processes (C(2023)8627),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation(8) (INGE 1),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2023 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation(9) (INGE2),

    –  having regard to its recommendation of 15 June 2023 to the Council and the Commission following the investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware(10),

    –  having regard to the report of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness’, authored by Sauli Niinistö, former President of the Republic of Finland, in his capacity as Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission,

    –  having regard to Rule 213 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas foreign interference constitutes a serious violation of the universal values and principles on which the Union is founded, such as human dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law; whereas evidence shows that malicious and authoritarian foreign state actors and malicious non-state actors are using information manipulation and other tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the Union; whereas such attacks mislead and deceive citizens and affect their voting behaviour, amplify divisive debates, divide, polarise, and exploit the vulnerabilities of societies, promote hate speech, worsen the situation of vulnerable groups which are more likely to become victims of disinformation, distort the integrity of democratic elections and referendums, cast suspicion on national governments, public authorities, the democratic order and the rule of law and have the goal of destabilising European democracy; whereas this has become a question of internal security and safety of Union society as a whole;

    B.  whereas a campaign of disinformation of an unparalleled malice and magnitude with the purpose of deceiving both domestic citizens and the international community of States as a whole has continuously been carried out by Russia for many years, with particular intensity since the eve of and during its war of aggression against Ukraine which started on 24 February 2022; whereas there is a need for continuous support and close cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova in that regard, but also the pro-European forces in Georgia and the countries of the Western Balkans, which all face strong Russian interference into their process of convergence with the Union, leveraging the possibilities of mutual exchange of information and best practices;

    C.  whereas attempts by state actors from third countries and malicious non-state actors to interfere in the functioning of democracy in the Union and its Member States, and put pressure on the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union by means of malicious interference, are part of a wider disruptive trend experienced by democracies worldwide;

    D.  whereas malicious actors continue to seek to interfere in electoral processes and take advantage of the openness and pluralism of our societies, and to attack democratic processes and the resilience of the Union and its Member States;

    E.  whereas malign autocratic actors are increasingly conducting disinformation campaigns against the work of the Union delegations; whereas this is a clear attempt to hinder the Union’s strategic communication abroad;

    F.  whereas, before 8 October 2024, the EU and its Member States did not have a specific regime of sanctions relating to foreign interference and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by malicious state actors from third countries, meaning that such actors were in a position to safely assume that their destabilisation campaigns against the Union will face no consequences;

    G.  whereas there is a lack of a common definition and understanding of this phenomenon and many gaps and loopholes remain in current legislation and policies at Union and national level intended to detect, prevent and counter foreign interference;

    H.  whereas foreign interference, disinformation, and numerous attacks on and threats against democracy are expected to continue in ever-greater numbers and more sophisticated ways;

    I.  whereas Parliament’s previous recommendations to counter malign foreign interference operations in the democratic processes of the Union have contributed to an overall Union understanding and to a greater awareness of the issue;

    J.  whereas the hearings and work of the INGE 1 and INGE 2 special committees have contributed to public recognition and the contextualisation of these issues, and have successfully framed the Union debate on foreign interference in democratic processes and disinformation;

    K.  whereas there is a need for global, multilateral cooperation and support among like-minded partners, including between parliamentarians, in dealing with foreign malicious interference and disinformation; whereas democracies have developed advanced skills and counter-strategies in dealing with those threats and attacks;

    L.  whereas addressing foreign interference, disinformation and threats against democracy requires a multifaceted approach in order to foster critical thinking and media and information literacy, and promoting civic engagement and democracy education;

    M.  whereas hybrid threats and attacks may lead to full-scale and cross-sectoral crises with detrimental effects on safety and security, the well-being of citizens and the functioning of society and economy as a whole, constituting a key challenge to the Union’s internal affairs; whereas that new reality requires a more robust approach to Union crisis management and civilian and defence preparedness, building strategic foresight and anticipation and strengthening early warning, detection, analysis and operational coordination capabilities;

    1.  Decides to set up a special committee named ‘special committee on the European Democracy Shield’ and that it shall carry out, in cooperation and consultation with the competent standing committees where their powers and responsibilities under Annex VI of the Rules of Procedure are concerned, the following responsibilities:

       (a) to assess relevant existing and planned legislation and policies to further detect possible loopholes, gaps and overlaps that could be exploited for malicious interference in democratic processes, including as regards the following matters:
       (i) policies, legislative proposals and structures to be established under the European Democracy Shield, and already established under the European Democracy Action Plan, as well as relevant instruments under the Strategic Compass such as the EU Hybrid Toolbox;
       (ii) opportunities of cooperation among Union agencies and national authorities in the area of justice and home affairs, including for the purposes of information sharing, intelligence and advance detection mechanisms;
       (iii) policies and recommendations outlined in the report of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness’;
       (iv) policies contributing to Union democratic processes, democratic resilience through situational awareness, media and information literacy, media pluralism and independent journalism, the promotion of civic engagement, education, critical thinking and citizens’ awareness and participation;
       (v) democratic resilience against home-grown hybrid threats and attacks and malign interference;
       (vi) interference using online platforms, in particular by evaluating, in-depth, the responsibility and effects that very large online platforms have on democracy and democratic processes in the Union;
       (vii) impact of interference on critical infrastructure and strategic sectors, including foreign investment and ownership of property located in the Union;
       (viii) hybrid threats and attacks, including but not limited to: cyberattacks including on military and non-military targets, human-made text and audiovisual content, as well as AI-generated content and ‘deepfakes’ used for the purpose of foreign interference and disinformation, interference in political institutions, economic influence or coercion, interference through global actors via elite capture, national diasporas, universities and cultural events, covert funding of political activities by malicious foreign actors and donors, foreign information manipulation and interference actions targeting Union action abroad and the exploitation of artificially created migration flows through an increased role of state actors;
       (ix) policies ensuring a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union and resilience against cyberattacks, where related to democratic processes;
       (x) the role of malicious state and non-state actors, their modus operandi and financing, as well as physical sabotage perpetrated by them;
       (xi) the impact of interference on the rights of minorities and other discriminated groups;
       (xii) deterrence, attribution and collective countermeasures, including sanctions;
       (xiii) neighbourhood and global cooperation, and multilateralism;
       (xiv) interference by Union-based actors both within the Union and in third countries;
       (xv) policies and measures to preserve the fairness and integrity of elections, and to strengthen democratic checks and balances;
       (b) to develop, in close cooperation with the competent standing committees, suggestions and proposals on how to further remedy these gaps in order to foster the Union’s resilience towards hybrid threats and attacks, including foreign information manipulation and interference, and on how to improve the Union’s legal and institutional framework;
       (c) to assess the activities of the Commission and the European External Action Service regarding the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference and hybrid threats and attacks;
       (d) to counter information campaigns and strategic communication of malign third countries, including those through domestic Union actors and organisations, that harm the goals of the Union and that are created to influence Union public opinion;
       (e) to follow up, where relevant, on the implementation of the reports of the INGE 1 and INGE 2 special committees;
       (f) to contribute to overall institutional resilience against foreign interference, hybrid threats, attacks and disinformation;
       (g) to maintain relations with other Union institutions and bodies, Member States authorities, other international organisations and interparliamentary assemblies, civil society as well as state and non-state partners in relevant third countries for matters falling under its responsibility, in order to reinforce Union action against hybrid threats and attacks and internal and foreign information manipulation and interference; to engage particularly with state and non-state partners in Ukraine and Moldova and the pro-European partners in Georgia as well as the countries from the Western Balkans; to counter manipulated narratives coming from Russia, given the critical and continuous danger Russia poses to the stability and security in the whole of the Union;

    2.  Decides that, whenever the special committee work includes the hearing of evidence of a confidential nature, testimonies involving personal data, or exchanges of views or hearings with authorities and bodies on confidential information, including scientific studies or parts thereof granted confidentiality status under Article 63 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(11), the meetings shall be held in camera; decides further that witnesses and experts shall have the right to make a statement or provide testimony in camera;

    3.  Decides that the list of people invited to public meetings, the list of those who attend them and the minutes of such meetings, shall be made public;

    4.  Decides that confidential documents that have been received by the special committee shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure set out in Rule 227 of its Rules of Procedure, decides further that such information shall be used exclusively for the purposes of drawing up the final report of the special committee;

    5.  Decides that the special committee shall have 33 members;

    6.  Decides that the term of office of the special committee shall be 12 months and that that term of office shall start running from the date of its constituent meeting;

    7.  Decides that the special committee may present to Parliament a mid-term report; decides further that it shall present to Parliament at the latest during the part-session of January 2026 a final report focusing on the matters set out in paragraph 1 and containing factual findings and recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken, without prejudice to the competences of the standing committees in accordance with Annex VI to its Rules of Procedure; stresses that the recommendations of the special committee shall be taken into consideration by the competent standing committees in their work.

    (1) OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.
    (2) OJ L 265, 12.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/1925/oj.
    (3) OJ C 184, 5.5.2022, p. 71.
    (4) OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1937/oj.
    (5) OJ L 333, 27.12.2022, p. 164, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2557/oj.
    (6) OJ L, 2024/1083, 17.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1083/oj.
    (7) OJ L, 2024/1069, 16.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1069/oj.
    (8) OJ C 347, 9.9.2022, p. 61.
    (9) OJ C, C/2023/1226, 21.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/1226/oj.
    (10) OJ C, C/2024/494, 23.1.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/494/oj.
    (11) Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees – P10_TA(2024)0064 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

    –  having regard to its decision of 15 January 2014 on the powers and responsibilities of the standing committees(1),

    –  having regard to Rules 212, 218 and 219 of its Rules of Procedure,

    1.  Decides to set up a standing committee on Security and Defence and that the subcommittee on Security and Defence shall cease to exist; decides that the responsibilities of the committee on Foreign Affairs shall be amended accordingly;

    2.  Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence shall be responsible for EU security and EU defence integration and cooperation including the issues related to the European Defence Agency, the permanent structured cooperation, the scrutiny of the common security and defence policy (CSDP), European Defence Industry and European defence industry funding where it contributes to the objectives of CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the European Union;

    3.  Decides to set up a standing committee on Public Health and that the subcommittee on Public Health shall cease to exist; decides that the name and the responsibilities of the committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety shall be amended accordingly;

    4.  Decides that Annex VI to its Rules of Procedure is amended as follows:

    (1)  in Part I, paragraph 1, point 1 is replaced by the following:”‘1. the common foreign and security policy (CFSP);’”

    (2)  the following Part is inserted:”‘Ia. Committee on Security and Defence

    Committee responsible for the promotion, implementation and monitoring of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union as envisaged in Article 42(2) of the Treaty on European Union, including:
       1. the developments threatening the territorial integrity of the Union and its Member States and the security of Union citizens;
       2. the capabilities and assets for civilian and military CSDP missions outside the Union, complementary measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) as well as other budget lines and financial instruments directly supporting or contributing to the CSDP framework;
       3. the implementation and regular review of strategic defence decisions and policies;
       4. the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy leading to a Common Defence Union and the alignment of CSDP instruments with other Union financial instruments, legislation and policies;
       5. the capabilities to monitor and counter hybrid threats from outside the Union – including foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-defence, and related issues such as the protection of space assets, and the security of defence related critical infrastructure – within the limits of the CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union;
       6. the defence capabilities, preparedness and resilience of the Union and its Member States, including defence-specific research, development and innovation, joint production and life-cycle management;
       7. the measures, activities and instruments related to Union defence industrial integration and cooperation in pursuit of a single market for defence;
       8. the military mobility infrastructure relevant to the defence readiness of the Union and its Member States and the capacities to protect that infrastructure from foreign threats, except in relation to TEN-T-related projects and dual-use transport infrastructure, where, when appropriate, advice shall be provided to the responsible Committee on Transport and Tourism;
       9. the parliamentary oversight of defence-specific institutional Union structures and agencies, in particular:

       – the Directorate-General of the EU Military Staff,
       – the European Security and Defence College,
       – the European Defence Agency (EDA),
       – the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO),
       – the EU Satellite Centre within the limits of the CSDP and in establishing the European Defence Union, and
       – the European External Action Service CSDP structure;
       10. initiatives, programmes and policies insofar as they aim to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base and consolidate defence industrial cooperation aimed for exclusively military use by Member States and relevant Union capacities;
       11. defence-specific international agreements, depending on their content and scope, on security and defence, the external dimension of counter-terrorism, cyber defence, arms exports and control, disarmament and non-proliferation;
       12. relations with the Union’s security and defence partners, including NATO, the UN Department of Peace Operations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and other international organisations, and with inter-parliamentary bodies for matters falling under the responsibility of the Committee on Security and Defence;
       13. political oversight and coordination with the work of the delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the possible future delegations with competences in the field of security and defence;
       14. multilateral frameworks for security, arms exports and control and non-proliferation issues, the external dimension of counter-terrorism, good practices to improve the effectiveness of security and defence, and the Union legal and institutional developments in those fields within the limits of the CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union;
       15. joint consultations, meetings and conferences on a regular basis to exchange information with the Council, the European External Action Service, and the Commission within the remit of the competences of the Committee on Security and Defence.’

    ”

    (3)  Part VIII is replaced by the following:”‘VIII. Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    Committee responsible for:
       1. environmental and climate policy and protection measures, in particular concerning:

       (a) climate change, adaptation, resilience and preparedness,
       (b) environmental policy for the protection of public health,
       (c) air, soil and water pollution, waste management and recycling, noise levels and the protection of biodiversity,
       (d) chemicals, dangerous substances and preparations, pesticides and maximum residue levels, and cosmetics,
       (e) sustainable development,
       (f) international and regional measures and agreements aimed at protecting the environment,
       (g) restoration of environmental damage,
       (h) civil protection,
       (i) the European Environment Agency and the European Chemicals Agency;
       2. food safety issues, including in particular:

       (a) the labelling and safety of foodstuffs,
       (b) veterinary legislation concerning protection against risks to human health; public health checks on foodstuffs and food production systems,
       (c) the European Food Safety Authority and the Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food Audits and Analysis.’

    ”

    (4)  the following Part is inserted:”‘VIIIa. Committee on Public Health

    Committee responsible for public health matters related to:
       1. pharmaceuticals and medical devices;
       2. programmes and specific actions in the field of public health;
       3. health crisis preparedness and response;
       4. mental health and patients’ rights;
       5. health aspects of bioterrorism;
       6. the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control;
       7. relations with the World Health Organization concerning the above matters.’

    ”

    5.  Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence shall have 43 members and that the standing committee on Public Health shall have 43 members;

    6.  Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence committee shall cooperate with other committees, guided by the principle of good and sincere cooperation, notably with the Committee on Foreign Affairs;

    7.  Decides, with reference to the decisions of the Conference of Presidents of 30 June 2019 and 9 January 2020 relating to the composition of committee and subcommittee bureaux, that the bureaux of the standing committee on Security and Defence and of the standing committee on Public Health may each consist of up to four vice-chairs;

    8.  Decides that this decision will enter into force on the first day of the next part-session;

    9.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission, for information.

    (1) OJ C 482, 23.12.2016, p. 160.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV – P10_TA(2024)0074 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by Azerbaijan,

    –  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas since 2023, the Azerbaijani authorities have been engaged in a systemic crackdown on civil society, political opposition, human rights defenders, the LGBTI+ community and independent media, which intensified around COP29;

    B.  whereas there are over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan as well as 23 Armenian prisoners of war, including leaders of the former self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh republic;

    C.  whereas political prisoner and 2024 Sakharov Prize finalist Gubad Ibadoghlu remains under house arrest; whereas the European Court of Human Rights ruled that his health condition is critical, requiring hospitalisation and urgent heart surgery;

    D.  whereas civil society leader Anar Mammadli has been in pre-trial detention since April 2024 on bogus charges, with his health deteriorating due to denied healthcare;

    E.  whereas in early December 2024, the Azerbaijani authorities arrested MeydanTV journalists Aynur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Agayeva, Natig Javadli and Aysel Umudova, and journalists Ramin Jabrayilzade and Ahmad Mukhtar; whereas they also arrested Baku Journalism School deputy director Ulvi Tahirov, political leader Azer Gasimli and human rights defender Rufat Safarov; whereas all face unfounded, politically motivated charges;

    F.  whereas environmental activist Kamran Mammadli was attacked by security guards at COP29 and is banned from travelling;

    G.  whereas prisoners’ human rights are routinely violated through detention in inhumane conditions, torture and specific harassment of female political prisoners, including Nargiz Absalamova;

    1.  Strongly condemns the Azerbaijani regime’s reported ongoing violations of human rights, including freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and its politically motivated abuse of the criminal justice system;

    2.  Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end the crackdown on all dissident groups and unconditionally release and drop all charges against human rights defenders, journalists and political and other activists prosecuted under fabricated, politically motivated charges;

    3.  Demands that the authorities immediately lift the travel ban on Ibadoghlu, unconditionally drop all charges against him and allow him to receive urgent treatment abroad; deplores the fact that Ibadoghlu was not allowed to attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony or connect remotely;

    4.  Calls on Azerbaijan to lift undue restrictions on independent media by aligning its laws on the registration and funding of non-governmental groups and media with Venice Commission recommendations; demands that the authorities end the repression of MeydanTV, ToplumTV, Abaz Media and Kanal13;

    5.  Calls for EU sanctions under its global human rights sanctions regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials responsible for serious human rights violations, including Fuad Alasgarov, Vilayat Eyvazov and Ali Naghiyev;

    6.  Insists that any EU-Azerbaijan partnership agreement – including on energy – must be strongly conditional on respect for fundamental rights and the release of all political prisoners; calls on the Commission to suspend the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy;

    7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov – P10_TA(2024)0072 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas since February 2014, Crimea has been temporarily occupied by Russia, which illegally annexed it, following an unlawful and internationally unrecognised referendum;

    B.  whereas Crimeans continue to experience severe human rights violations, unlawful conscription to the Russian army, forced passportisation and Russification, arbitrary detentions, often on trumped-up terrorism charges, enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, the absence of freedom of opinion, assembly, association and religion;

    C.  whereas the Russian occupying authorities are particularly targeting Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians and ethnic minorities, and have resettled up to 800 000 Russians, forcibly altering the demographic composition of Crimea along ethnic lines in a neo-colonial manner, which constitutes a war crime under international law;

    D.  whereas there are over 200 Crimean political prisoners in Russian detention facilities, including 133 Crimean Tatars and 67 political prisoners with severe health problems that require assistance;

    E.  whereas Crimean journalist and human rights defender Iryna Danylovych was abducted in 2022, accused of possessing explosives and sentenced to 6 years and 11 months of imprisonment; whereas NGO activist Tofik Abdulhaziiev was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to 12 years in a maximum security prison on trumped-up charges, and since 2023 is being held in a prison some 2 700 km away from Crimea; whereas citizen journalist Amet Suleymanov was sentenced to 12 years of prison in 2021;

    F.  whereas many Crimeans continue to be persecuted, including: Emil Kurbedinov, Server Mustafayev, Emir-Usein Kuku, Lutfiye Zudiyeva, Kulamet Ibraimov, Abdureshit Dzhepparov, Edem Semedlyaev, Rustem Kyamilev, Oleksandr Sizikov, Halyna Dovhopola, Ruslan Abdurakhmanov, Rustem Huhuryk and Lilia Hemedzhy;

    1.  Reiterates its condemnation of the illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by Russia;

    2.  Condemns Russia’s continuous targeting of ethnic Ukrainians and systematic persecution of indigenous Crimean Tatars, which aims to erase their identity, heritage and culture, echoing, for the Crimean Tatars, the genocidal deportations of 1944; considers that Crimea’s future is tied to its recognition as the Crimean Tatars’ historic homeland;

    3.  Condemns the persecution of journalists, civil society activists and human rights defenders and the deportation of civilians including political prisoners from Crimea to penitentiary institutions across Russia, contrary to international law;

    4.  Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov and other political prisoners; calls for immediate medical care to be provided; denounces the upholding of verdicts against seriously ill individuals, which constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights standards; calls on the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN to establish the whereabouts of civilian detainees from Crimea;

    5.  Calls on the international community to continue its policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea; supports efforts for its de-occupation, such as the Crimean Platform; calls for the strengthening of sanctions against individuals and legal entities involved in the illegal annexation;

    6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the relevant EU institutions and the Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov – P10_TA(2024)0073 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions on Kyrgyzstan,

    –  having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas searches were recently conducted at the headquarters of the Kyrgyzstan Social Democrats party (SDK); whereas ahead of the November 2024 municipal elections, a Bishkek district court ordered the pre-trial detention of SDK leader Temirlan Sultanbekov and other party officials until 13 January 2025; whereas they were arrested on vote-buying allegations, with an audiotape of unknown origin serving as the primary evidence, for which the judicial authorisation is unclear and its connection with the detainees unknown; whereas the SDK demonstrated that payments to campaign staff, as referred to in the recording, were transparent; whereas Mr Sultanbekov began a hunger strike in protest on the day of his arrest and his physical condition has since been seriously deteriorating; whereas the Bishkek Election Commission disqualified the party’s municipal candidates in Bishkek;

    B.  whereas in recent years, democratic standards and human rights in Kyrgyzstan have deteriorated alarmingly;

    C.  whereas independent media, such as Kloop, Temirov Live, Ait Ait Dese and Azattyk, journalists and bloggers continue to face repression; whereas both the judiciary and vigilante violence are increasingly being used to suppress political opponents and civil society critics;

    D.  whereas the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kyrgyzstan and the EU is subject to the Parliament consent procedure and requires Kyrgyzstan’s full compliance with its duty to protect human rights and uphold democratic standards;

    1.  Is concerned by the dubious reasons for the detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov and other pro-democracy activists in Kyrgyzstan and the possible political motivation behind the criminal case against them;

    2.  Urges the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately release Mr Sultanbekov and other party officials and adopt alternative measures to detention, while respecting their right to due process in line with the civil and political rights guaranteed under the Kyrgyz constitution and international obligations; calls on the authorities to ensure his safety and well-being;

    3.  Urges the Kyrgyz government to halt its campaign of intimidation and legal persecution against opposition parties, independent media outlets and journalists; is concerned by the adoption of the Russian-style ‘foreign agents’ law; urges the Kyrgyz authorities to drop all charges against human rights defenders, including Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, Azamat Ishenbekov, Aktilek Kaparov and Ayke Beishekeeva, journalists from the Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese channels;

    4.  Calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to respect human rights and uphold democratic standards and fundamental freedoms in line with the EPCA and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus;

    5.  Calls for all EU institutions and bodies, in particular the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, to continue to voice their grave concern over the deterioration of human rights with the Kyrgyz authorities, and to consider other action should the situation deteriorate further;

    6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, the Member States, the UN Human Rights Council and the Kyrgyz authorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women – P10_TA(2024)0075 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the UN declaration of 15 September 1995 entitled ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’ and the outcomes of its review conferences,

    –  having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,

    –  having regard to Articles 21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

    –  having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’ and, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality,

    –  having regard to the UN Secretary-General’s report of 13 December 2019 to the UN Commission on the Status of Women entitled ‘Review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly’,

    –  having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 November 2020 entitled ‘EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III: an ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU external action’ (JOIN(2020)0017) and the accompanying joint staff working document of 25 November 2020 entitled ‘Objectives and Indicators to frame the implementation of the Gender Action Plan III (2021-25)’ (SWD(2020)0284),

    –  having regard to the EU gender equality strategy for 2020-2025 of 5 March 2020,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2022 on the EU Gender Action Plan III(1),

    –  having regard to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women 2024 Inquiry concerning Poland, conducted under Article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2021 on challenges ahead for women’s rights in Europe: more than 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action(2),

    –  having regard to the briefing entitled ‘Accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls’, published by its Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services on 18 September 2024,

    –  having regard to the UN Women and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs report of September 2024 entitled ‘Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2024’,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2023 on proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties(3),

    –  having regard to its resolution of 11 April 2024 on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter(4),

    –  having regard to Rule 121 of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A10-0030/2024),

    A.  whereas equality between women and men is a fundamental and universal principle of the EU, and whereas the EU’s external action must be guided by this principle, so that the EU continues to lead by example and further steps up and meets its commitments on gender equality;

    B.  whereas women’s and girls’ human rights and gender equality are not only fundamental human rights, but preconditions for advancing development and education and reducing poverty, and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world;

    C.  whereas 189 governments across the world, including the EU and its Member States, committed to working towards gender equality and empowering all women and girls at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing;

    D.  whereas the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is the most comprehensive global agenda for promoting gender equality and is considered the international ‘Bill of Rights’ for women, defining women’s rights as human rights and articulating a vision of equal rights, freedom and opportunities for all women in the world, and was reaffirmed in 2015 with Goal 5, ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’, of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set out in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by specifying targets and concrete measures across a range of issues affecting women and girls;

    E.  whereas the UN Assembly agreed in 2017 on a global indicator framework to standardise data collection, a key element for the comparability of data;

    F.  whereas just six years in advance of the 2030 deadline for the UN’s SDGs, not a single indicator under Goal 5 has been fully achieved; whereas the UN estimates that strong actions are needed in order to accelerate progress and to avoid taking 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory legislation for women;

    G.  whereas gender equality is a cross cutting principle, to be mainstreamed across the SDGs;

    H.  whereas a 2024 UN study(5) on the evaluation of SDG 5 highlights that social norms still exist that legitimise gender-based violence against women and girls, without sufficient appropriate punishments against perpetrators, reduce access to health services, including sexual and reproductive health services, assign unpaid care and domestic work solely to women and restrict leadership opportunities; whereas women and girls can be still discriminated against through reproductive sex selection(6);

    I.  whereas the UN General Assembly has raised the alarm about the active resistance to achievements and advances in gender equality and the growing transnational backlash against women’s rights; whereas sexual and gender-based violence as well as anti-rights movements threaten the fundamental rights of women and girls on a daily basis; whereas there is a clear and urgent need to reaffirm, safeguard and develop gender equality and the human rights of women and girls(7);

    J.  whereas women’s sports competitions must be a celebration of sporting values; whereas all conditions must be met to ensure fairness within these competitions, to preserve the health of female athletes and to prevent physical and psychological violence against them;

    K.  whereas the Summit of the Future adopted document includes a specific action for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls as a crucial contribution to progress(8);

    L.  whereas the rebels who brought down the regime in Syria are dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) force; whereas the HTS group is an Islamist organisation classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU and the UN; whereas this situation raises serious concerns about the security of women and girls in the area;

    M.  whereas the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in an inquiry into Polish abortion law, has concluded that criminalising and restricting abortion discriminates against women;

    1.  Recommends that the Council:

       (a) re-confirm its full and unwavering commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to the range of actions for human rights of women in all their diversity and gender equality outlined therein; confirm its commitment to human rights of women, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, through gender mainstreaming in all relevant policy areas and cycles, to the implementation of specific and targeted actions for human rights of women and gender equality, and to ensuring proper gender budgeting;
       (b) express its most profound opposition to the fact that Saudi Arabia is this year chair of CSW annual meeting and condemn any form of political instrumentation given that the country’s own record on women’s rights is abysmal and many of its policies contrary to the CSW’s own mandate and objectives; raise the systemic discrimination against women and persecution of women’s rights activists taking place in Saudi Arabia;
       (c) ensure that gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights are fully and proudly implemented as a core part of EU external action through an adequately funded, gender-responsive, inclusive and intersectional approach, taking into account marginalised women and women in vulnerable situations, especially as the funding of anti-gender movements globally is on the rise(9);
       (d) ensure the full involvement of Parliament and its Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in the decision-making process on the EU’s position at the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (10-25 March 2025); ensure that Parliament has adequate, regular and timely information and access to the EU’s position document ahead of the negotiations; ensure the timely communication of Parliament’s position to the EU negotiating team; and further improve interinstitutional cooperation and informal consultation, including prior to and during negotiations, so that Parliament’s priorities are properly incorporated;
       (e) conduct an annual review of the progress, and setbacks, encountered in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;
       (f) pledge its strong support for the work of UN Women, which is a central actor in the UN system for advancing women’s rights, while committing to ensure its funding as well as increased finance for gender equality;
       (g) reinvigorate the EU’s efforts to overcome remaining challenges and accelerate the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as it is a universal document, and EU Member States are far from having achieved all targets; ensure that the EU leads by example by putting in place robust policy measures, coupled with adequate financing to prevent, address and combat gender inequality in all its manifestations, empower women in all their diversity in all EU countries and ensure the realisation of their rights;
       (h) reiterate that the EU has an important role to play in achieving a gender-equal world through leading by example and supporting partner countries in addressing all types of direct and indirect discrimination and gender-based violence; recall the importance of the Istanbul Convention, urge the remaining five Member States that have still not ratified and implemented the Istanbul Convention to do so in the shortest possible timeframe, and also call on other countries to make progress towards signing and ratifying it;
       (i) press for equal access to and opportunities in all areas of life, to allow women in all their diversity to fulfil their potential, notably also in decision-making, including political, economic, financial, academic, health, cultural and sports-related, this also being essential for good governance and policymaking; encourage initiatives that promote female political leadership and participation, strengthening democratic practices and inspiring future generations of women;
       (j) within this context, express opposition to all forms of gender-based violence, including online or offline, as well as against women engaged in or wishing to engage in politics, which sustains and reinforces the invisibilisation of women and negative stereotypes about women and discourages women of all ages from entering politics and public spaces;
       (k) encourage measures that promote women’s participation and gender balance in all high impact sectors, including STEM; stress the importance of combating gender stereotypes, attitudes and prejudices in all their dimensions, through all kinds of media, including social media, and promote programmes, including through public-private partnerships, to reduce discrimination against women in politics and public positions;
       (l) emphasise that weak political guidance, lack of commitment, data gaps, insufficiently targeted investment, hate speech and hate campaigns, lack of access to relevant skills and knowledge, lack of economic opportunity and education, gender-related discrimination in the work place, including maternal mobbing, lack of economic autonomy and unequal conditions in the labour market, and the rise of anti-rights movements have been identified as obstacles and threats for women’s rights; thus making it necessary to encourage more women in politics and leadership, increase dedicated gender-equality-related investment in services such as education and health, and implement comprehensive rights-based and gender-responsive education, training and policy reforms to overcome these systemic structural barriers and achieve a truly equal society, for which the commitment and engagement of men and boys is essential;
       (m) apply gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting more consistently in all relevant EU policy areas, including external action, and lead by example in this regard, committing that the next MFF 2027 will include gender-equality-specific objectives and gender budgeting methods to be able to increase and monitor all investments regarding gender impact;
       (n) commit to constant appraisal and proactive corrective action in the EU’s internal and external policies in regard to gender equality, mainstreaming and budgeting;
       (o) defend and recall the importance of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and the 25th anniversary of its landmark resolution, to renew the WPS EU action plan and to vocally combat any pushbacks towards this agenda internationally;
       (p) call on the Commission to further develop and roll out concrete and well-financed plans and actions to address the UN SDGs, specifically those related to gender equality, promoting equality in education;
       (q) take the lead in the global fight against the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights, generated in particular by increasingly influential anti-rights movements, by condemning all attempts to roll back, restrict or remove existing protections for gender equality, including on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as all forms of threats, intimidation and harassment, online and offline, of human rights defenders and civil society organisations working to advance these rights; emphasise that anti-gender movements are not only attacking women’s rights and gender equality but go hand-in-hand with anti-democratic movements; promote partnerships and alliances to counteract regressive movements and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to protecting gender equality as a core value, including by ensuring that women’s rights movements are adequately funded;
       (r) emphasise the need to protect and promote the rights of groups experiencing intersectional forms of discrimination, including people with disabilities and people who are from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, racialised, from ethnic, minority or migrant backgrounds, older or LGBTIQ+, among others;
       (s) work to promote the concept of combating intersectional discrimination throughout all UN bodies and to conduct, apply and integrate intersectional gender analysis at different levels in the EU and its Member States;
       (t) urge the Commission to further develop and improve the collection of gender-disaggregated equality data on sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or other belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender identity as well as geographically disaggregated data, including on a regional level, to ensure that this data contributes to better and more informed policymaking, and to reinforce the European Institute for Gender Equality both in terms of funding and capacity;
       (u) commit to advancing towards a foreign, security and development policy that gives priority to gender equality, protects and promotes the human rights of traditionally marginalised groups, such as transgender people, and takes into account the voices of women and LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders and civil society;
       (v) implement, without delay and to the fullest extent, the EU GAP III and ensure that 85 % of all new actions throughout external relations contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2027 at the latest;
       (w) take note of and implement the recommendations of Parliament’s resolution of 10 March 2022 on the EU GAP III, and thus prioritise GAP III in every aspect of EU external action through a gender-responsive and intersectional approach, both in terms of GAP III’s geographical coverage and areas of action, as well as gender mainstreaming in all areas of external action, whether trade, development policy, migration, humanitarian aid, security or sectors such as energy, fisheries and agriculture, while enhancing the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies;
       (x) devise, fund and implement policies that combat the feminisation of poverty and reduce the role of gender as a factor in poverty both within and, through external action, outside of the EU, taking due note of intersectional factors, including sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or other belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, sex characteristics or gender identity;
       (y) advocate for equal access to resources and equal opportunities for women in all regions, to achieve economic empowerment and enable access to social justice and to a better quality of life as a result of a global vision of gender equality; recognise the unique challenges faced by women living in rural, remote and least developed areas, where access to resources, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities may be limited; call for targeted measures and investments that address the needs of these communities, through the promotion of gender equality, female entrepreneurship and employment opportunities or infrastructure; stress the importance of integrating these perspectives into all relevant external action and development strategies to ensure no woman is left behind;
       (z) address and monitor the systemic and root causes of female poverty with an emphasis on those in rural areas or isolated and disadvantaged areas, empower women and girls in all their diversity through education, training and lifelong learning, non-discriminatory labour opportunities, access to equal pay and pensions, and encourage employment programmes for women with disabilities;
       (aa) promote female entrepreneurship and women-led businesses through an enabling environment for their economic activities, such as support programmes in partner countries, ensuring equitable access to business opportunities and training in entrepreneurial skills;
       (ab) encourage initiatives that strengthen women’s economic autonomy and job creation in high-growth sectors, support initiatives that empower women economically, particularly women entrepreneurs and those leading micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as fight stereotypes and combat persisting inequalities in education, as well as addressing women’s employment rate and under-representation in certain sectors like STEM and AI;
       (ac) ensure access to social services, including family support services, equal shares of unpaid care and social responsibilities through legislative initiatives, efforts to combat harmful gender stereotyping, patriarchal attitudes and systems and promote women as role models, and work-life-balance policies that ensure access to digital education and skills training to bridge the digital gender divide; enable women’s access to ownership, property, adequate and affordable housing and land, eliminating barriers, with focus on addressing the specific needs of women, in particular those in poverty and female-led households;
       (ad) call for further efforts, legislation and enforcement of existing measures to ensure the rights of women care workers and domestic workers as well as the recognition of informal carers, including single mothers, recognising their work as essential for making our society function; push for more ambitious care policies and investments in care with a view to advancing towards care economies, setting minimum standards and guidelines for care throughout the life cycle, with an intersectional perspective;
       (ae) develop labour migration policies and programmes that are gender-responsive, including in highly ‘feminised’ and informal sectors such as domestic and care work, and which address the gendered barriers to women’s labour force participation and skills recognition;
       (af) encourage, in the EU, the right to asylum, and the recognition, protection, support and integration of women who are victims of violence, whatever the form;
       (ag) enhance the EU’s response, resources and toolkit, both internally and externally, regarding online and offline gender-based violence, including domestic, sexual, physical, psychological, verbal and economic violence, harassment at work, as well as violence in situations of conflict and war, trafficking, early and forced marriages and sexual and reproductive exploitation, noting that this should include support for the establishment of help centres for women victims of violence in non-EU countries, particularly in disadvantaged areas, similar to anti-violence centres, with a dual objective, namely: assisting in the recognition of situations of violence and providing both legal and practical protection and support for women who decide to report and exit violence;
       (ah) advocate for a consent-based definition of rape as a universal standard across all regions, aiming to enhance legal protections and ensure that sexual violence is defined by the absence of consent, rather than solely by the use of force;
       (ai) highlight the major impact of online gender-based violence on women’s and girls’ personal and professional lives, and on their mental and physical health;
       (aj) underline the importance of enforcing international humanitarian law to safeguard the rights of women and girls in conflict; ensure that external agreements, including those related to border control and cooperation with non-EU countries, prioritise the safety of women and girls, stressing that the EU must ensure that partner countries uphold high human rights standards, particularly in preventing gender-based violence including trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation;
       (ak) pay particular attention to the condition of Syrian women and children, including those from Christian minorities, who are more likely to be the particular target of an Islamist regime, as already seen in several Middle Eastern countries, such as Afghanistan and Iraq;
       (al) promote the prevention of gender-based violence in sports by establishing a system to monitor and prevent such violence within sports institutions, requiring organisations to adopt preventive policies and measures, along with a secure and protected reporting mechanism;
       (am) remove the legal, financial, social and practical barriers and restrictions on access to safe and legal abortion worldwide; advocate firmly for the defence of sexual and reproductive health and rights as fundamental rights and fight against anti-choice networks; ensure that women and girls in all their diversity have information and access to affordable health services, including for sexual and reproductive health and rights, in line with international human rights and public health standards, including comprehensive age-appropriate and scientifically accurate sexuality and relationship education, access to contraception and emergency contraception, safe and legal abortion, respectful maternal healthcare and care-based health services; ensure that women are protected from forced pregnancies and sex-selective or forced abortions, particularly in the context of ethnic cleansing practices, and that in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning, as mentioned in the Beijing Declaration; emphasise the importance of access to mental health services tailored to the specific needs of women and girls;
       (an) promote dignified and human rights-respectful conditions for incarcerated women who are also mothers, with special attention to the needs of mothers with young children; support access to healthcare, psychological care and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring adequate spaces to maintain the bond with their children;
       (ao) take note of and implement the recommendations of the European Parliament’s resolution of 11 April 2024 on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter;
       (ap) commit to increase efforts to address gender issues in the context of the green and energy transition, recognising that the climate crisis is not gender-neutral; acknowledge the intersectional and disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in developing countries, as well as in the regions and rural areas most affected by these changes; advocate for the inclusion of women in environmental decision-making processes to build resilience and gender-responsive strategies;
       (aq) advocate for and strengthen civil society organisations working to advance women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality in all circumstances including disability, violence, discrimination in the workplace or motherhood; advocate for the provision of safe spaces and shelters for women and girls suffering violence or threats; ensure the protection of human rights defenders, and their participation in the relevant forums;
       (ar) work to ensure that grassroots organisations and women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights defenders, especially small organisations, are supported through the provision of adequate funding and the removal of restrictions that impede their ability to operate; provide targeted measures and capacity-building support to grassroots women’s organisations to amplify their impact at the local and international levels; actively work against initiatives aimed at diminishing the civic space globally;
       (as) establish a Council Configuration on Gender Equality and Equality, to create a formal forum for the ministers responsible for the matters of equality to foster cooperation, coordinate policies and exchange best practices among Member States;

    2.  Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council, and for information, to the Commission.

    (1) OJ C 347, 9.9.2022, p. 150.
    (2) OJ C 465, 17.11.2021, p. 160.
    (3) OJ C, C/2024/4216, 24.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4216/oj.
    (4) Texts adopted, P9_TA(2024)0286 .
    (5) UN, ‘Are we getting there? A synthesis of UN system evaluations of SDG 5’, March 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/03/are-we-getting-there-a-synthesis-of-un-system-evaluations-of-sdg-5.
    (6) Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Population Fund, UN Women, UNIFCEF, World Health Organization, ‘Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement’,2011, https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/Preventing_gender-biased_sex_selection.pdf
    (7) UN General Assembly, ‘Escalating backlash against gender equality and urgency of reaffirming substantive equality and the human rights of women and girls: Report of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls’, 15 May 2024, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/073/47/pdf/g2407347.pdf. .
    (8) UN, ‘Summit of the Future outcome documents: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations’, September 2024, https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sotf-pact_for_the_future_adopted.pdf.
    (9) Datta, N., European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, ‘Tip of the Iceberg– Religious Extremist Funders against Human Rights for Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Europe 2009 – 2018’ June 2021, https://www.epfweb.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Tip%20of%20the%20Iceberg%20August%202021%20Final.pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Appointment of the Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) – P10_TA(2024)0067 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    (Approval)

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the proposal of the Commission of 4 December 2024 (C10-0210/2024),

    –  having regard to Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010, (EU) No 1094/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010(1),

    –  having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A10-0032/2024),

    A.  whereas Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 provides that the Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism shall be selected on the basis of merit, skills, knowledge, integrity, recognised standing and experience in the area of AML/CFT and other relevant qualifications;

    B.  whereas Parliament is committed to ensuring gender balance in executive positions in Union institutions, bodies and agencies; whereas all Union and national institutions and bodies should implement concrete measures to ensure gender balance;

    C.  whereas in accordance with Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, on 9 October 2024 the Commission adopted a shortlist of candidates for the position of Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs held hearings with those shortlisted candidates on 25 November 2024;

    D.  whereas in accordance with Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, the Commission provided the shortlist to Parliament on 9 October 2024;

    E.  whereas on 4 December 2024, the Commission adopted a proposal to appoint Bruna Szego as Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and transmitted that proposal to Parliament;

    F.  whereas the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs then proceeded to evaluate the credentials of the proposed candidate for the position of Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, in particular in view of the requirements laid down in Article 68 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620;

    G.  whereas on 16 December 2024, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs held a hearing with Bruna Szego, at which she made an opening statement and then answered questions put by members of the Committees;

    1.  Approves the proposal for the appointment of Bruna Szego as Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism;

    2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and the governments of the Member States.

    (1) OJ L, 2024/1620, 19.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1620/oj.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Setting up a special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office – P10_TA(2024)0066 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

    –  having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3(3) thereof, and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 9, 14, 148, 153, 160 and 168 thereof, and Protocol No 26 to the TEU and to the TFEU on services of general interest,

    –  having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

    –  having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights,

    –  having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2021 on access to decent and affordable housing for all(1),

    –  having regard to Rule 213 of its Rules of Procedure,

    A.  whereas the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the right to housing;

    B.  whereas the European Pillar of Social Rights states that access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality is to be provided for those in need and this is to be implemented at both Union and national level within their respective competences; whereas adequate shelters and services are to be provided to the homeless in order to promote their social inclusion; whereas the right to housing for people with disabilities deserves special protection and dedicated policies to ensure housing accessibility;

    C.  whereas the European Union is facing a housing crisis, with people of all ages across different income groups struggling with high prices and scarcity of affordable homes; whereas unaffordable housing is a matter of great concern for many Union citizens and prevents them, particularly young people, from starting an independent life; whereas that crisis affects people in all Member States and can have a negative impact on their health, well-being and living conditions;

    D.  whereas protecting private property and ensuring legal certainty for private owners, including best practices in relation to the fight against squatting, as well as protecting people from evictions, are important aspects at national level affecting housing availability and the right to housing in certain Member States;

    E.  whereas the Union has a number of competences relating to housing;

    F.  whereas there is a need to have an holistic approach on housing combining different policies dealt with in different committees within Parliament;

    1.  Decides to set up a special committee named ‘Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union’ with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing, and that that committee shall carry out, in cooperation and consultation with the competent standing committees where their powers and responsibilities under Annex VI to the Rules of Procedure are concerned, the following responsibilities:

       (a) to map current housing needs across territories and population groups, particularly low and middle income groups, and to assess the impact of scarcity of housing on inequalities, affordability, demography, poverty and social exclusion, including using existing gender-disaggregated data;
       (b) to analyse the existing relevant Union, national, regional, and local housing policies with a focus on the availability of targeted instruments for social, sustainable and affordable housing in cities, islands and coastal and rural areas with a view to identifying and issuing recommendations, including policies dedicated to housing accessibility for people with disabilities and reduced mobility;
       (c) to analyse the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences, as well as to propose follow-up actions;
       (d) to assess whether the trend in house prices and rents is adequately taken into account in the cost of living indicators and related policies;
       (e) to map and to assess the effectiveness of public and private Union and national resources, including existing Union funds dedicated to decent, sustainable and affordable housing and to the eradication of homelessness and to make recommendations, where relevant;
       (f) to analyse systemic issues with short-term accommodation rentals and their impact on the availability of affordable housing in particularly affected areas and to make relevant proposals;
       (g) to monitor the implementation of the Union legislation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services, which has to be adopted at national level by 20 May 2026;
       (h) to analyse effects of Union policies that influence the availability and affordability of housing, including bottlenecks in current Union regulations with regard to investment capacity, on housing and social housing, State aid and supply chain shortages;
       (i) to assess potential barriers affecting the construction sector and their impact on the housing crisis;
       (j) to identify shortages in availability, sustainability and financing needs for affordable housing and the need for potential reforms;
       (k) to assess the impact of non-profit and limited-profit housing solutions, such as social or cooperative housing, on the affordability and accessibility of housing for different groups;
       (l) to assess policies and legislative proposals needed to improve the provision and availability of decent, sustainable and affordable housing, including by enabling new construction, housing reconversion and renovation programs, taking into consideration the potential of vacant buildings;
       (m) to map innovative technologies, processes, services and products to support the renovation wave, taking into account existing Union initiatives; to map where administrative and regulatory burdens are hampering the renovation wave, with the aim of reducing unnecessary regulatory burden while ensuring quality work in the construction sector and quality standards for affordable housing;
       (n) to contribute to the development and the future implementation of the European affordable housing plan and the European strategy for housing construction to be presented by the Commission;
       (o) to conduct hearings with experts from the Union institutions and competent authorities, international, national and regional institutions, non-governmental organisations and relevant sectors of the economy, taking into account the perspectives of a range of stakeholders;
       (p) to conduct visits to study best practices around Europe;

    2.  Decides that the special committee shall have 33 members;

    3.  Decides that the term of office of the special committee shall be 12 months and that that term shall start running from the date of its constituent meeting;

    4.  Instructs the special committee to present a final report at the end of its term of office focusing on the matters set out in paragraph 1.

    (1) OJ C 456, 10.11.2021, p. 145.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tuvalu – P10_TA(2024)0071 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    (Consent)

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the draft Council decision (05757/2024),

    –  having regard to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part(1),

    –  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with point (a)(v) of the second subparagraph of Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C9‑0033/2024),

    –  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0025/2024),

    1.  Gives its consent to Tuvalu’s accession to the agreement;

    2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Tuvalu.

    (1) OJ L 272, 16.10.2009, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2009/729/oj.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman Convicted of Civil Rights Conspiracy Targeting Pregnancy Resource Centers

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Gabriella Oropesa, of Cooper City, Florida, was convicted yesterday for her role in a conspiracy to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate employees of pro-life pregnancy help centers in the free exercise of the right to provide and seek to provide reproductive health services. The defendant and her co-conspirators selected reproductive health facilities that provided and counseled alternatives to abortion and vandalized those facilities with threatening messages. Caleb Freestone, Amber Stewart-Smith and Annarella Rivera previously pleaded guilty for their participation in the conspiracy.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between May 2022 and July 2022, Oropesa, Freestone, Smith-Stewart and Rivera engaged in a series of targeted attacks on pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. The defendants, in the dark of night and while wearing masks and dark clothing to obscure their identities, spray painted the facilities with threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U” and “We are everywhere.”

    “The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act is clear: no one should have to face threats and intimidation just for doing their job,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to ensure access to the full spectrum of reproductive health services afforded to the public, whether those services include abortion or counseling on alternatives to abortion.”

    “Federal law protects providers who render reproductive health care and those who seek their services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Threats of violence against pregnancy resource centers or those exercising their rights to care will not be tolerated.”

    A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2025. Oropesa faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Winter Haven, Hialeah and Hollywood Police Departments.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

    Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Niue – P10_TA(2024)0070 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    (Consent)

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the draft Council decision (07920/2024),

    –  having regard to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part(1),

    –  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0054/2024),

    –  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0024/2024),

    1.  Gives its consent to Niue’s accession to the agreement;

    2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Niue.

    (1) OJ L 272, 16.10.2009, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2009/729/oj.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration – P10_TA(2024)0069 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    (Consent)

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the draft Council decision (07011/2024),

    –  having regard to the United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration (07012/2024),

    –  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) first subparagraph and Article 218(6) second subparagraph, point (a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0080/2024),

    –  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0021/2024),

    1.  Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

    2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States, as well as to the UNCITRAL Secretariat.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Remarks as Delivered

    Thanks, Nat.

    I am very grateful to be here and have the opportunity to talk to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement here.

    All of you are the partners that make everything work. You represent people who take risks every single day to keep the people of Oregon safe. I can’t thank you enough, and I very much look forward to hearing your perspectives and ideas for me to take back.

    I am also grateful to have the chance to recognize the extraordinary work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

    For people of this state, this office is the face of the Justice Department. The attorneys and staff here understand that responsibility. And like all of our partners gathered around this table, you do outstanding work on behalf of those you serve.

    Three and a half years ago, the Justice Department launched an ambitious strategy to fight the sharp spike in violent crime that took place during the pandemic.

    We focused our efforts on the most powerful tools we have, which are reflected right here: our partnerships with federal, state, Tribal and local law enforcement.

    We fortified those partnerships with substantial funding from our grantmaking components to help police departments hire more officers, to support our law enforcement task forces, and to invest resources in initiatives aimed at preventing and disrupting violence before it occurs.

    And we brought to bear our unique prosecutorial authorities and new technologies that enable us to zero in on those individuals and gangs that are responsible for the most violence.

    Today, we know that work is starting to pay off.

    Data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association shows a nearly 8% drop in violent crime here in Portland between 2022 and 2023. And recent data shows an additional 4% decline in violent crime in Portland in the first nine months of this year compared to the same time period last year.

    But, of course, there is no acceptable level of violent crime.

    That’s why the Justice Department continues to work with our partners here to fight violent crime, disrupt illegal drug and firearms trafficking, and keep people safe.

    In May, working with the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau, this U.S. Attorney’s Office secured a 14-year sentence for a leader of Portland’s 18th Street Gang. The gang leader conspired to traffic large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the Portland area for redistribution and sale.

    In August, working with the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, this office obtained a sentence of more than 10 years for a man who sold deadly Oxycodone pills to a 20-year-old woman who died from acute fentanyl poisoning.

    In September, working with the FBI and the Medford Police Department, this office secured sentences of three men for distributing counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in the death of a teenage girl.

    In October, working with DEA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, IRS, and the Oregon State Police, and other state and local law enforcement, this office obtained a 57-month sentence for a chief money launderer for a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pacific Northwest and California.

    The defendant laundered more than $4.6 million in drug proceeds and used laundered funds to purchase eight properties. Those properties were forfeited to the government and will ultimately be sold, with proceeds going to support crime victims and law enforcement.

    That same month, in partnership with the FBI, the Klamath Falls Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and half a dozen other law enforcement partners, this office obtained the conviction of a man who brutally victimized two women. The man kidnapped and sexually assaulted both women and held one of them in a cell that he constructed for the purpose in his garage.

    Thanks to the bravery and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, that man is being held accountable for his crimes.

    Just a couple of weeks ago, this office secured a five-year sentence for a man who illegally possessed and manufactured more than 100 semi-automatic firearms and silencers.

    During a search of his residence, investigators found methamphetamine, dozens of weapons, firearm manufacturing tools, and a 3D printer with a partially printed part for an AR15. When the defendant was arrested, he was carrying a semiautomatic pistol without an identifiable serial number.

    That investigation and successful prosecution reflected the joint efforts of this office, ATF, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

    In addition to using our investigative and prosecutorial capabilities, we are also committed to using our grantmaking capabilities to invest in public safety.

    So far this year, the Justice Department has awarded more than $64 million in grants to Oregon.

    These funds will help law enforcement agencies in Oregon to hire more officers.

    And they will help agencies and community partners prevent and combat violent crime and drug trafficking and improve services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.

    The Department of Justice remains committed to providing our law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to protect their communities.

    The examples I have just shared are just a snapshot of the extraordinary work that this U.S. Attorney’s Office is doing every day to protect people in Oregon and to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to ensure the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

    I am extremely proud of the public servants who make up this office and of the extraordinary leader beside me, Natalie Wight. And I am equally proud of the relationships they have developed with the people around this table.

    Your jobs are not easy. They are dangerous, but they are essential. Thanks to you for the many sacrifices you make to keep of this state safe.

    I’m looking forward now to beginning our meeting.

    MIL Security OSI –