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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU points-based driving licence system – E-002182/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    19.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002182/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thomas Bajada (S&D)

    Several Member States have created points-based driving licence systems to enhance road safety and driving standards. Yet, at EU level, the system remains fractured and heterogeneous, whereby points lost in one Member State would not be reflected in another Member State. Most of the recent Commission proposals on driving permits in the EU have missed the opportunity to tackle this issue.

    In this regard:

    • 1.Is the Commission planning to propose an EU points-based driving licence system?
    • 2.On which considerations, political and otherwise, will it base its decision?
    • 3.In the absence of such a system, are there plans to enhance cooperation between Member States on this matter, and if so, how?

    Submitted: 19.10.2024

    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Pro-Hamas NGO funded by the EU – P-001656/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In June 2024, the European Council reiterated its strongest condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October 2023[1].

    Hamas is listed under the EU terrorist list[2]. The EU established restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in January 2024[3].

    The organisation ‘Şark Forum Derneği[4]’ is currently not receiving any funding. In the past, it received funding (to be shared with partners) as coordinator of four projects from Erasmus+ programme for already finalised projects: EUR 85 173 in 2021 and EUR 18 755 in 2020[5].

    The Commission is politically committed and legally bound to ensure that organisations and projects involved in criminal, unethical practices or those incompatible with EU values do not receive EU financial support.

    The Commission will immediately take action should it become aware of any proven evidence in this respect by excluding from EU funding entities guilty of terrorism financing or terrorism offences under the Early Detection and Exclusion System[6].

    The safeguarding of the proper use of EU funds is further ensured by various mechanisms (e.g. suspension of contract or payments and contract termination) framed by the Financial Regulation[7] and relevant agreements concluded with recipients of EU funds. Entities implementing EU funds are also subject to EU restrictive measures[8].

    Furthermore, t he recently adopted Financial Regulation (recast) introduced specific provisions reinforcing the protection of EU values including a specific exclusion ground under the Early Detection and Exclusion System for entities that engage in activities that are contrary to the EU values.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02001E0931-20240221
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02024D0385-20240119
    • [4] https://www.sharqforum.org/
    • [5] These figures are those granted by the national agency to the entire consortium managing each project after finalisation.
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/how-it-works/annual-lifecycle/implementation/anti-fraud-measures/edes_en
    • [7] Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union (recast).
    • [8] Article 215 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring reliable and fast connections in rural areas and regions bordering Russia – E-001723/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere in the EU has access to high-speed connectivity. The targets set in the Digital Decade Policy Programme to connect all EU households to gigabit networks and ensure 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030[1] apply also to the rural areas.

    According to the second annual report on the State of the Digital Decade[2], at the end of 2023 very high-capacity networks coverage in the EU’s rural areas reached 56% of households, while 5G coverage amounted to 74%. Reaching the targets may require at least a total investment of EUR 200 billion[3], including both private and public funding.

    The Commission supports the deployment of digital infrastructures through numerous funds. The Connecting Europe Facility Digital[4] with a budget of EUR 2 billion supports, inter alia, the deployment of standalone 5G infrastructures for rural communities in sectors like smart farming and border control.

    This is in particular important in regions bordering Russia in the specific context of its full-scale invasion on Ukraine. The budget allocated to connectivity under the recovery and resilience facility reaches almost EUR 14 billion[5].

    With a budget of EUR 2.4 billion the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite programme[6] will also contribute to the coverage of rural areas.

    Connectivity is also supported under the cohesion funds, e.g. by the European Regional Development Fund (about EUR 2.3 billion[7]) and through InvestEU[8].

    Finally, the White Paper[9] adopted in February 2024 presents the challenges and opportunities Europe faces in the rollout of future secure and resilient connectivity networks and proposes several scenarios to improve the EU regulatory and investment frameworks to facilitate the achievement of EU digital objectives.

    • [1] The Digital Decade Decision (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=LEGISSUM:4646000) sets out digital targets grouped into four cardinal points, which were first identified in the Digital Compass Communication as key areas for the digital transformation of the EU: digital skills, digital infrastructures, the digitalisation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services, COM(2021) 118 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0118
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/second-report-state-digital-decade-calls-strengthened-collective-action-propel-eus-digital
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/investment-and-funding-needs-digital-decade-connectivity-targets
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/cef-digital
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/assets/thematic_analysis/scoreboard_thematic_analysis_connectivity.pdf
    • [6] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/available-budget_en
    • [8] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/broadband-public-and-private-funds-financing-broadband-deployments
    • [9] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/white-paper-how-master-europes-digital-infrastructure-needs
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Port Arthur felon sentenced to federal prison for gun and drug violations

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.

    Jacob Jermaine Alpough, 42, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on October 28, 2024.

    According to information presented in court, on October 10, 202, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Alpough’s residence located on West 5th Street in Port Arthur.  At the time of the search, Alpough was the only individual at the residence. During the search, officers found two tightly wrapped packages containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine under the dining room table.  They also located a food storage container in the kitchen with approximately one kilogram of cocaine.  Additionally, there was a semi-automatic pistol laying on the floor of the living room in plain view near where Alpough had been sleeping.  The firearm had an extended magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition in it.  Alpough is a convicted felon, having three prior felony convictions in Jefferson County for possession of a controlled substance and another conviction for intoxicated assault. As a convicted felon, Alpough is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

    This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: ACEA: €500 million from EIB and CDP covered by SACE guarantee for electricity distribution network investments

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The agreement aims to strengthen Areti’s electricity infrastructure and supports REPowerEU objectives.
    • The first tranche of €320 million was signed today, with a second tranche of €180 million to be signed in 2025.

    The modernisation, upgrade and expansion of Areti’s electricity infrastructure – a company fully owned by ACEA Grup and responsible for the mains network in Rome and Formello – aims to provide increasingly efficient services to citizens.

    This is the main objective of the €500 million financing granted directly to ACEA by the European Investment Bank (EIB), covered by SACE’s Archimede guarantee, and by Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) with funding made available by the EIB.

    Today in Rome, agreements were signed for the first tranche of financing, totalling €320 million, of which €200 million provided directly by the EIB, with 70% covered by SACE’s Archimede guarantee, and €120 million from CDP using EIB funding. The second tranche of €180 million is scheduled to be signed in 2025.

    Through this transaction, the EIB, CDP and SACE are co-financing Areti’s investment plan in line with the objectives of REPowerEU, the European Union’s plan to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel and accelerating the transition to green energy. The resources available will serve to implement an intervention plan for digitalisation of the infrastructure. More specifically, the interventions will be focused on the following areas:

    • Upgrading Rome’s low and medium voltage network to increase resilience and capacity, including the installation of new lines;
    • Modernising the medium and low voltage network to enhance safety through advanced diagnostics, remote control, and automation;
    • Expanding and upgrading primary stations;
    • Enhancing grid intelligence to enable dynamic management, control of PODs via 2G smart meters and large-scale demand response through artificial intelligence and IoT platforms.

    This transaction reaffirms the EIB and CDP as primary institutional funders of ACEA’s investment plan, and SACE as a strategic financial insurance partner also for the Group’s future operations. SACE’s Archimede guarantee provides coverage of financing and bonds at market conditions for a maximum term of 25 years as leverage for country system competitiveness.

    Fabrizio Palermo, ACEA’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The agreements signed today with EIB, CDP and SACE represent for ACEA a system operation of particular strategic importance and certify the value and quality of the investments that the Group has planned for the coming years in the electricity distribution networks. The investments will contribute to the achievement of increasing infrastructure resilience and flexibility thanks to the use of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence.”

    EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti stated: “This financing reaffirms the EIB’s commitment to supporting the energy transition and achieving the REPowerEU objectives, which we are backing by making available €45 billion of additional financing by 2027. Modernising electricity infrastructure is essential, not only to make the grid more efficient and resilient, but also to enable greater integration of renewable energy into the system.”

    “Thanks to the synergy effectively promoted in recent years with the European institutions” – Dario Scannapieco, Chief Executive Officer of Cassa Depositi e Prestiti commented – “CDP is today in a position to back high impact financial operations of value for the territory. From this perspective, the financing in favour of ACEA further confirms CDP’s commitment to supporting the development and modernisation of Italian infrastructure. The consolidated partnership with the EIB, on many occasions also accompanied by SACE’s contribution, over the years has allowed us to support investments totalling around €13 billion destined for the economic growth of the territories”.

    Alessandra Ricci, Chief Executive Officer of SACE, stated: “We confirm our commitment to supporting investments for competitiveness in Italy through the Archimede Guarantee, such as the upgrading of ACEA’s electrical infrastructure. This new operation reinforces the strong synergy with institutional investors EIB and CDP in projects capable of generating a tangible impact on Italy’s economic fabric”.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the European Union’s long-term lending institution and its shareholders are member states. It finances sound investments capable of contributing to strategic EU objectives. The EIB’s projects enhance competitiveness, foster innovation, promote sustainable development and improve social and territorial cohesion while supporting a fair and rapid transition towards climate neutrality. In the past five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

    ACEA is one of the most important Italian industrial groups, listed on the Stock Exchange since 1999. The company is concerned with integrated water service management, electricity distribution, public and artistic lighting, the sale of electricity and gas, power generation mainly from renewable sources and waste treatment and valorisation. It is the leading national water sector operator, with around 10 million residents served, one of the most important Italian players in energy distribution and among the top operators in the environment sector in Italy, managing approximately 1.8 million tons of waste annually.

    Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), the National Promotional Institution, has been supporting the Italian economy since 1850. Through its operations, it is committed to accelerating the country’s industrial and infrastructure development, with the aim of contributing towards its economic and social growth. CDP centres its operations around the territories’ sustainable development, alongside the growth and innovation of Italian companies, also at international level. It partners the Local Authorities, by way of financing and advisory activities for the implementation of infrastructure and the improvement of public utility services. Moreover, it is actively involved in International Cooperation for the realisation of projects in developing countries and emerging economies. Cassa Depositi e Prestiti’s funding comes entirely from private sources, through postal savings bonds and books and issues on the domestic and international financial markets.

    SACE is the Italian insurance and finance group, directly controlled by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, specialised in supporting businesses and the national economic system through a wide range of tools and solutions to support competitiveness in Italy and worldwide. For over forty-five years, the SACE Group has been the reference partner for Italian companies that export and grow on overseas markets. It also supports the banking system, through its financial guarantees, to facilitate companies’ access to credit, with a view to supporting their liquidity and investments for competitiveness and sustainability as part of the Italian Green New Deal, starting from the domestic market. SACE is present all over the world with 14 offices in target countries for Made in Italy, which have the role of building relationships with primary local counterparts and, through dedicated financial instruments, facilitating business with Italian companies. With a portfolio of insured operations and guaranteed investments of €260 billion, the group serves approximately 50 thousand companies, especially SMEs, supporting their growth in Italy and in about 200 countries around the world.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Newsletters – LIBE Newsletter – October 2024 – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    October 2024 | Newsletters | Home | LIBE | Committees | European Parliament

    Among the topics of this edition:

    • EU Commissioners-designate confirmation hearings in LIBE
    • The Rise of Anti-Semitism – exchange of views with FRA Director and EU Coordinator
    • The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) in LIBE

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Machinegun after High Speed Chase and Collision with a Train Car

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Jackson, Miss. – A Jackson man pled guilty to illegal possession of a machinegun.

    Johnny Ragsdale, 20, pled guilty on October 24, 2024 in U.S. District Court in Jackson.

    According to court documents, Ragsdale was found in possession of an illegal machinegun after an attempted traffic stop on a vehicle in Jackson. Ragsdale, the driver, failed to yield to law enforcement and led Capitol Police on a high-speed chase. The chase ended after Ragsdale collided with a train car on Mill Street. A Glock pistol was recovered from the vehicle, and a machinegun conversion device, also known as a switch, was attached to the pistol.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office has seen an increase in cases involving illegal firearm conversion devices, commonly known as “switches” or “auto sears,” which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons (i.e., machineguns) in a matter of seconds. The rapid fire of firearms converted to machineguns presents a significant danger in our community to both the public and law enforcement.  According to a 2023 report by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), there was a 570% increase in the number of machinegun conversion devices taken into ATF custody between 2017 and 2021.

    Ragsdale is scheduled to be sentenced on February 25, 2025, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

    The ATF and the Capitol Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber S. Jones is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Looking back at 10 years of parliamentary scrutiny in the Banking Union – 28-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing presents a summary of 3 studies prepared by academic expert panel for the Banking Union on the occasion of 10 years of parliamentary scrutiny over key authorities within the Banking Union, the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM) and the Single Resolution Board (SRB). It also presents proposals for enhancing the accountability framework governing these authorities. These studies were requested by the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) of the European Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: October Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments Announced

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    United States Attorney Clint Johnson today announced the results of the October Federal Grand Jury 2024-B Indictments.

    The following individuals have been charged with violations of United States law in indictments returned by the Grand Jury. The return of an indictment is a method of informing a defendant of alleged violations of federal law, which must be proven in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt to overcome a defendant’s presumption of innocence.

    Lawrence Francis Michael Bady. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Bady, 33, transient, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-340

    Paul Jimenez Diaz; Saul Peña Becerra. Drug Conspiracy; Possession of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Heroin with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (superseding). Diaz, 37, and Becerra, 20, Mexican Nationals, are charged with conspiring to distribute fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Diaz knowingly possessed more than 500 grams of fentanyl, 100 grams of heroin, and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. They also are charged with maintaining a residence for the distribution of drugs. Becerra is charged with knowingly possessing cocaine to distribute it and possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mandy M. Mackenzie is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-323

    Kourtney Dawn Haley. Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute; Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises. Haley, 44, of Tulsa and a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, is charged with knowingly possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and maintaining a residence to distribute methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Nasar is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-330

    Joseph Matthew Hough.  Domestic Assault in Indian Country by a Habitual Offender. Hough, 48, of Tulsa and a member of the Cherokee Nation, is charged with domestic assault after receiving felony convictions for domestic assault in Tulsa County District Court. The FBI and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa Weems and Stacey P. Todd are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-331

    Hilario Lucas Mendoza. Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Mendoza, 42, a Mexican national, is charged with unlawfully reentering the United States after having been removed in Dec. 2009. U.S. Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement and Removal Operations is the investigative agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-332

    James Dernest Mims, Jr. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Possession of a Stolen Firearm. Mims, 26, of Virginia, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Additionally, Mims possessed a stolen firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-334

    Jesse Lane Mitchell; Jacklyn Paige Roberts. Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country; Coercion and Enticement of a Minor; Child Neglect in Indian Country. Mitchell, 35, and Roberts, 32, a member of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, both of Collinsville, are charged with knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a minor child under 12 years old between Jan. 2023 and Apr. 2024. Mitchell is further charged with coercing and enticing a minor child under 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. From Jan. 2023 through Aug. 2024, Roberts willfully failed to protect and adequately supervise a child. Homeland Security Investigations and the Collinsville Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Stephen Scaife are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-342

    Brian Scott Perry. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Perry, 46, of Tulsa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Tulsa Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valeria Luster and Matthew Cyran are prosecuting the case. 24-CR-339

    Arlando Maurice Williams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Williams, 25, of Sapulpa, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Niko Boulieris is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-333

    Michael Brandon Williams. Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; False Impersonation of an Officer or Employee of the United States. Williams, 43, of Bixby, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition, knowing he was previously convicted of felonies. Additionally, Williams was charged with pretending to be an FBI agent. The FBI and Bixby Police Department are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam C. Bailey is prosecuting the case. 24-CR-336

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request for clarification and remedial action on NRRP investments in education in Sicily and Southern Italy – E-001701/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission acknowledges the importance of an inclusive education, according to the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) Regulation.

    The contribution to the objective of territorial cohesion is among the assessment criteria of national recovery and resilience plans (NRRPs) based on the RRF Regulation.

    The ‘mezzogiorno quota’ of 40% of NRRP investment is a national commitment, as the RRF Regulation does not require a quantification.

    The Commission has been working closely with the Italian authorities to ensure that funds are used effectively, including through the use of the audit and control system required by the plan.

    The RRF Regulation also provides for an ex-post independent evaluation report on the implementation of the Facility, including its long-term impact.

    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Jack H. Lucas Wins Surface Line Week Pacific 2024

    Source: United States Navy Pacific Fleet 1

    by Joseph Millar

    25 October 2024

    SAN DIEGO (October 25, 2024) – The 41st Surface Line Week (SLW) Pacific 2024 came to an end with an award ceremony where USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) was announced as the overall winner, Oct. 25.

    The week-long competition highlighted the professional and athletic skills of members of the Surface Warfare community in San Diego while enhancing camaraderie and team building.

    “It’s a huge win for the team,” said Capt. Andrew Bucher, DDG 125’s commanding officer. “We’ve done a lot this year, and this was a great opportunity to come together as shipmates and friends.”

    As part of the honor, DDG 125 can proudly display the 2024 SLW banner on the ships brow until the 2025 winner is selected.

    “Our Navy needs an esprit-de-corps to win and that starts on the deckplates and the athletic fields,” said Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “We never fight alone. Incredible acts of courage require incredible teams, whether on the soccer field or beyond the horizon. Steel and brass are great, but without combat ready crews to man the ships rails and bring her to life, everything is superfluous. In war and peace, strong teams are what our nation, and what our Navy needs.”

    HMAS Brisbane (DDG 41) from the Royal Australian Navy won the 2024 SLW spirit award for small unit commands.

    “We were really excited to get the invitation to participate this year,” said Cmdr. Bernard Dobson, DDG 41’s commanding officer. “We threw everything we had at it and it really solidified the interchangeability mission that we have between the Australian Navy and the U.S. Navy, [Surface line week] was like the cream on the cake.”

    The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with credible naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

    For more information from CNSP, visit https://www.surfpac.navy.mil/.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Direct refoulement of third-country nationals at internal borders within the Schengen area – P-001658/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Under EU law, if a third-country national makes an application for international protection at the internal border of a Member State, that Member State is required to apply the provisions of the Dublin Regulation to determine which Member State is responsible for the examination of the asylum application[1]. The new transfer procedure of Article 23a of the revised Schengen Borders Code[2] does not apply to applicants for international protection.

    2. In accordance with the case law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, the derogation of Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU must be interpreted strictly. This Article cannot be read in such a way as to confer on Member States the power to depart from the provisions of EU law based on no more than reliance on the responsibilities incumbent upon Member States with regard to the maintenance of law and order and the safeguarding of internal security. A Member State has to prove that it is necessary to have recourse to that provision which will be subject to control by the Court of Justice of the European Union[3]. In doing so, the Court examines to what extent the EU legislator has already taken account of the exercise of the responsibilities incumbent upon the Member States in relation to public policy and internal security[4].

    • [1] Regulation (EU) No 604/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 June 2013 establishing the criteria and mechanisms for determining the Member State responsible for examining an application for international protection lodged in one of the Member States by a third-country national or a stateless person (recast) OJ L 180, 29.6.2013, p. 31.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code), OJ L 77, 23.3.2016, as amended by Regulation 2024/1717.
    • [3] Judgment of 2 April 2020, Commission/Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic (Temporary mechanism for the relocation of applicants for international protection) (joined cases C-715/17, C-718/17 and C-719/17), ECLI:EU:C:2020:257, para 45-47.
    • [4] Judgment of 26 April 2022, Landespolizeidirektion Steiermark (joined cases C-368/20 and C-369/20), ECLI:EU:C:2022:298, para. 89.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent strengthening of the EU’s aerial fire-fighting fleet and development of a European partnership – E-001501/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While primary responsibility for civil protection and for providing national disaster-management systems with sufficient capabilities lies with Member States, the Commission has a supporting competence in this area.

    Given the growing concern of wildfires in Europe and to better support Member States, the EU has taken steps to improve preparedness and to bolster firefighting capacities.

    Since 2023, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism[1] (UCPM) has doubled its rescEU transitional fleet of firefighting aircraft during the summer season.

    In 2024, the transitional fleet is composed of a total of 28 assets, available for deployment if there is a request for assistance. This comes in addition to the capacities available in the European Civil Protection Pool[2] as well as to the teams pre-positioned in 2024 in four Member States[3] for a total of almost 600 firefighters.

    For the long term, as part of the rescEU permanent fleet, the Commission has invested significant financial resources for the acquisition of 12 new medium amphibious planes.

    The planes will be hosted by six Member States and are expected to arrive gradually as of 2027. In addition, UCPM grants are currently supporting five wildfire prevention projects of EUR 2.8 million[4], which help enhance national capabilities for wildfire resilience.

    The deployment procedures, agreed with the Member States, are foreseen in Article 12(6) of Decision no 1313/2013/EU[5] and relevant implementing rules[6].

    While there are no comparable European alternatives available on the market at the moment, the Commission is in contact with relevant stakeholders to continue enhancing firefighting capacities in a Team Europe approach.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/european-civil-protection-pool_en
    • [3] Greece, France, Portugal and Spain.
    • [4] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/ewed, https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/wuitips, https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/fireprime, https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/b-fireprep, https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/projects/feasibility-study-forest-fire-protection
    • [5] Decision No 1313/2013/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 December 2013 on a Union Civil Protection Mechanism, OJ L 347, 20.12.2013, p. 924-947 as amended by Decision No 2019/420/EU of the European Parliament and the Council of 13 March 2019, OJ L77, 20.3.2019, p. 1-14: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec/2013/1313/oj#document1
    • [6] Commission Implementing Decision 2019/1310 of 31 July 2019 laying down rules on the operation of the European Civil Protection Pool and rescEU, OJ L 204, 2.8.2019, p. 94-99.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Contracts – E-001612/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    All contracting authorities and contracting entities in the EU must respect the national rules transposing the EU Public Procurement directives[1].

    These directives ensure that public procurement is opened up to competition and public funds are used efficiently. Member States are obliged to ensure application of the provisions transposing t hese directives to all public contracts and concessions the value of which is estimated to be not less than certain thresholds[2].

    As specified in Directive 2014/24/EU[3], the procurement shall not be subdivided with the effect of preventing it from falling within the scope of this directive, unless justified by objective reasons.

    National courts are usually in the best position to assess whether contracting authorities and contracting entities respect their obligations under EU law.

    The transposition of the directives on remedies in public procurement[4] provides economic operators with rapid review procedures to challenge award procedures that they deem to be in breach of EU law, in the case at stake, before the Administrative Tribunal on Public Procurement of the Autonomous Community of Galicia[5].

    Based on the information provided by the Honourable Member, the Commission cannot determine if these public procurement activities received EU funds.

    For EU funds under shared management , the Member States shall ensure that expenditure submitted to the Commission is legal and regular and prevent, detect, correct and report on possible irregularities.

    The Commission will raise the issue with the Spanish authorities and, should it identify a breach of EU law or a serious deficiency in a programme’s management and control system, it may interrupt or suspend the payment deadlines, and cancel the EU contribution.

    • [1] Directive 2014/23/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0023, Directive 2014/24/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0024, and Directive 2014/25/EU : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0025
    • [2] For concessions covered by Directive 2014/23/EU, the threshold is EUR 5 538 000. For public contracts covered by Directive 2014/24/EU and awarded by sub-central contracting authorities, the thresholds are EUR 5 538 000 for works contracts, EUR 750 000 for service contracts for social and some specific services and EUR 221 000 for all other service contracts and for all supplies contracts. For public contracts covered by Directive 2014/25/EU, the thresholds range from EUR 443 000 to EUR 5 538 000.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32014L0024
    • [4] Directive 89/665/EEC : https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:01989L0665-20140417, and Directive 92/13/EEC: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:31992L0013
    • [5] https://tacgal.xunta.gal/index_es.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Floods in Poland – P-001841/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)[1] works on a 24 hours/7 days basis to carry out its mandate that includes, among other tasks, monitoring of unfolding or potential disasters and their impact.

    In this context, the ERCC daily monitors the forecast estimates for potential flooding across Europe, through the dedicated European Flood Awareness System (EFAS)[2] of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service.

    The EFAS complements national systems, contributing to monitoring and raising awareness about floods and related events, while retaining the supporting role that the Commission has in this field.

    As of 13 September 2024, due to the heavy rains and strong winds which affected large parts of Central and Eastern Europe, Member States such as Poland, Germany, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania pro-actively activated the Rapid Mapping of the Copernicus Emergency Management Service[3] for floods. Poland activated the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[4] on 18 September 2024.

    From the onset, the ERCC was in contact with the national civil protection authorities of Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to raise awareness about possible upcoming floods and offered support through the UCPM.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en
    • [2] https://www.copernicus.eu/en/european-flood-awareness-system
    • [3] https://emergency.copernicus.eu/mapping/ems/rapid-mapping-portfolio
    • [4] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of water scarcity on Southern European countries including Greece – E-001657/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU provides significant financial support for water related investments: In 2021-2027, EUR 13.2 billion of Cohesion Policy funds[1] is earmarked for water management in the EU, including in drinking water supply with a preference for demand side options before investing in additional supply.

    This includes efficiency measures such as leakage reduction of water networks to reduce water losses. Investment in desalination infrastructure must comply with the Do No Significant Harm Principle and could be considered for regions (e.g. islands) in the framework of integrated water management after demand side options have been exploited and if there is no alternative for drinking water supply.

    EU Cohesion Policy in Greece already supports desalination plants to address water scarcity and the need for increased quality standards. In 2014-2020, EUR 49 million for more than 25 desalination projects in insular Greece were funded[2].

    In 2021-2027, EUR 20 million have been earmarked[3] for investments in sustainable water desalination through an integrated implementation model from the source to citizen’s tap.

    Within Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)[4], a water regulatory authority has been established with the aim to strengthen the institutional framework, supervise the water sector and ensure the sustainability of water services, while Greece benefits from RRP funding for water supply and water saving infrastructure[5].

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)[6], the EU programme for the environment and climate action[7] and s everal European Missions and Partnerships under Horizon Europe[8] also support water resilience, including EU funded research,[9] to minimise negative environmental effects of the current generation of desalination plants.

    • [1]  https://cohesiondata.ec.europa.eu/stories/s/21-27-Sustainable-water-management/ehce-gj6d
    • [2]  https://anaptyxi.gov.gr/el-gr/
    • [3]  Under the ‘Environment and Climate Change’ programme.
    • [4]  Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-re
    • [5]  https://next-generation-eu.europa.eu/index_en
    • [6]  Support under the CAP covers inter alia investments in rainwater harvesting and storage or the use of recycled water for irrigation. https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy_en
    • [7]  LIFE Programme: https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en#:~:text=The%20LIFE%20programme%20is%20the%20EU’s%20funding
    • [8]  Of particular relevance are the partnerships ‘Water Security for the Planet’ (https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/ ), the Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA, https://prima-med.org/ ) together with the Missions ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030’ (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en ), ‘Adaptation to Climate Change’(https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en ) and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’ (https://mission-soil-platform.ec.europa.eu/)
    • [9]  Illustrative is the EU-funded H2020 Wave2O project producing clean water with reduced carbon emissions by using wave-driven desalination systems. Beyond energy consumption/carbon footprint, another area of research focuses on the environmental impact from desalination plants’ discharged brine on marine ecosystems.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Spain’s medium-term fiscal-structural plan – E-002161/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    18.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002161/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernando Navarrete Rojas (PPE), Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    Taking into account that Regulation (EU) 2024/1263 provides that each national medium-term fiscal-structural plan should mention its status in the context of national procedures (recital 23) and that expenditure paths should be consistent with draft budgetary plans (recital 39):

    • 1.Spain has been stuck in an exceptional position with regard to its budgets since the end of 2023, as a result of which the Spanish Government has failed to adopt budgets for 2024, to submit the draft general state budget for 2025 by the statutory deadline and to send a draft budgetary plan to the Commission by the submission date for the fiscal-structural plan. What view does the Commission take of Spain’s position?
    • 2.To what extent does this lengthy exceptional position in a Member State undermine the credibility of the new fiscal governance framework in the EU and the proper achievement of the goal of budgetary stability?

    Submitted: 18.10.2024

    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – EU Commissioners-designate confirmation hearings in CULT – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    The designated candidates of the von der Leyen Commission will be heard by the European Parliament in committees dealing with their respective portfolios. The confirmation hearings take place from 4 until 12 November 2024. MEPs assess if the candidates are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to. The confirmation hearings are streamed live. The commissioner-designate will give an opening speech and then answer questions by committee members. CULT will be responsible for:

    • Glenn MICALLEF, Commissioner-designate for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport: Monday, 4 November from 14.30 to 17:30
    • Roxana MINZATU, Commissioner-designate for People, Skills and Preparedness. Jointly responsible with EMPL: Tuesday, 12 November from 14.30 to 17.30

    More information, including the candidates’ portfolios & written answers, the schedule, the procedure, the live web streaming and a record after the hearing, can be found on the dedicated webpage linked below.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Europe’s contribution to the completion of a European project of general interest – E-001458/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Great Sea Interconnector (formally known as ‘EuroAsia Interconnector’) consists of an offshore electricity cable and related infrastructure to interconnect the national grids of Cyprus, Greece and at a later stage Israel, and connect them to the single energy market of the EU.

    This project is recognised as a project of common interest (PCI) of the EU in the field of energy, notably under the first EU list of projects of common interest and mutual interest adopted in 2023 in line with the Trans-European Networks for Energy Regulation (EU) 2022/869 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 2022 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure[1].

    PCIs are closely monitored by the Commission. The Commission is working together with the project promoter and relevant national authorities of the Member States involved to advance this project aiming at improving the interconnection of Cyprus, bringing the potential to lower energy prices for consumers, allowing for a higher share of renewables in its energy mix and increasing the security of energy supply of two Member States and the EU system altogether.

    The EU has a strategic interest in a stable and secure environment in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the development of a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship with Türkiye.

    In this context, the EU continues to expect Türkiye to unequivocally commit to and promote good neighbourly relations and the peaceful settlement of disputes, having recourse, if necessary, to the International Court of Justice, and to respect the sovereignty and the sovereign rights of all EU Member States, in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos).

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/869/oj
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – SANT mission to ECDC – Subcommittee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    ECDC © ECDC2017

    SANT subcommittee will travel to Stockholm from 28 to 29 October to visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The delegation will be composed of three Members: Elena NEVADO DEL CAMPO (EPP, Spain), András Tivadar KULJA (EPP, Hungary), Marta TEMIDO (S&D, Portugal).

    The aim of this mission is to gather information about the current and planned activities of the Agency. In addition, participating SANT Members would like to obtain first-hand insight on measures to prevent and control communicable diseases, in particular what concerns the MPox crisis. Members would also have the opportunity to discuss best practices for managing health crises, and understand how epidemiological data is collected and used to influence public health policies in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Information concerning Greek arms deliveries to Ukraine – E-001528/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression of Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have delivered unprecedented levels of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces.

    Between 2022 and 2024, the EU mobilised EUR 6.1 billion to incentivise Member States’ deliveries of military equipment in view of addressing Ukraine’s pressing military and defence needs.

    In addition, in March 2024, the EU increased the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility by EUR 5 billion, by establishing a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund. This brings the total financial support allocated via the Facility to EUR 11.1 billion[1].

    Beyond these aggregated numbers of military support to Ukraine provided at the EU level, the EU is not in a position to disclose any information on military support provided by individual Member States.

    The Commission does not coordinate arms deliveries at the EU level. It remains the prerogative of each Member State to communicate on its national military support to Ukraine.

    • [1] Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/890 of 18 March 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 establishing a European Peace Facility, OJ L  2024/890, 19.3.2024.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Debate on next EU long term budget with EIB and EU Court of Auditors – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    budget coin © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    BUDG members will exchange with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), on the lessons learnt from the current EU long-term budget, on the 6th November.

    The debate will feed into the BUDG own-initiative report “A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world”, in which Parliament will set out its priorities and expectations for the next EU long-term budget (post-2027) before the European Commission proposal in 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The effects of climate change on the wine sector – E-002096/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002096/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    The EU is the biggest wine producer in the world, accounting for 62 % of global wine production. In 2020 there were 2.2 million wine holdings in the EU and vineyards covered around 2 % of the Union’s utilised agricultural area.

    The wine sector is the EU’s biggest agri-food sector in terms of exports; in 2022 the sector contributed EUR 130 billion to the EU’s GDP, equivalent to 0.8 % of the total.

    Romania, the EU’s sixth biggest wine producer, saw a drop in grape production in 2024, and oenologists are worried by these changes. The drought and low yield meant that grapes ripened much faster and needed to be harvested earlier.

    According to experts, on top of these major production losses, over-ripening will make it very difficult for wineries to obtain quality wines.

    What measures does the Commission plan to take to protect the wine sector, which is a key contributor to the EU’s GDP?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Boosting inland fishing, preserving angling as part of our cultural heritage, protecting habitat types and improving species conservation – E-001536/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While there is no specific EU legislation on cormorants, they are protected[1] under the Birds Directive[2]. The Commission is aware that a recent expansion of the cormorant population can make the balancing of conflicts between human interests and cormorants challenging.

    The Commission has published advice on managing such conflicts[3], and points to the possibility to use derogations under Article 9 of the Birds Directive. Guidance on applying such derogations is under development.

    The current eel fishing closure established by the EU applies only to inland waters in the Mediterranean region[4]. This six-month ban stems from Recommendation GFCM/42/2018/1[5] of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean[6], extended by Recommendations GFCM/45/2022/1[7] and GFCM/46/2023/1[8], and most recently implemented into EU law through Regulation (EU) 2024/259[9].

    The Water Framework Directive (WFD)[10] provides for the management of surface and groundwaters to ensure the good status of all waters.

    Article 14 requires Member States to ensure that all interested parties are actively involved in the implementation of the directive, and that all draft planning documents are consulted publicly.

    This allows anglers and stakeholders[11] to contribute, e.g. on characterising and classifying water bodies, identifying pressures, and setting mitigation and restoration measures.

    The European Anglers Alliance is an active stakeholder in the Common Implementation Strategy for the WFD. Additionally, under the Common Fisheries Policy[12], fisheries associations are members in Advisory Councils, which advice on conservation and socioeconomic aspects of management, as well as on simplification of rules.

    • [1] Phalacrocorax carbo carbo, like all naturally occurring birds in the wild state in the European territory of the Member States to which the Treaty applies.
    • [2] Council Directive 2009/147/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2009 on the conservation of wild birds, OJ L 20, 26.1.2010, p. 7-25.
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/birds-directive_en
    • [4] Article 4 of Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024.
    • [5] https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC201605/
    • [6] of which the EU is a member.
    • [7] https://www.fao.org/faolex/results/details/en/c/LEX-FAOC220533/
    • [8] https://www.fao.org/gfcm/decisions/en/
    • [9] Council Regulation (EU) 2024/259 of 10 January 2024 fixing for 2024 the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, OJ L, 2024/259, 11.1.2024.
    • [10] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73.
    • [11] with their data and their knowledge of rivers and lakes.
    • [12] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/policy/common-fisheries-policy-cfp_en
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Organised cross-border begging calls into question freedom of movement within the EU – E-001591/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under EU law[1], EU citizens have the right to reside in the territory of other Member States for up to three months with the only requirement of holding a valid identity card or passport.

    Checks on compliance with that provision cannot be carried out systematically. The person concerned may only be asked to provide evidence in case of substantiated doubts (which may be the case where the person comes into contact with the national authorities over a period of more than three consecutive months).

    Assessing the duration of a stay requires an individual examination, based on objective factors and taking into account the person’s intention and relevant evidence.

    During the first three months of residence, in accordance with Article 24(2) of Directive 2004/38/EC, EU citizens who are not engaged in economic activity may be refused social assistance benefits by the host Member State.

    After three months, pursuant to Article 7(1)(b) of Directive 2004/38/EC, economically non-active EU citizens must have sufficient resources not to become a burden on the social assistance system of the host Member State.

    EU citizens who do not comply with those residence conditions can be expelled and can only claim a new right of residence there under Article 6 after having genuinely and effectively terminated their residence under Article 7.

    In December 2023, the Commission issued guidance on the directive[2], including on the above matters.

    It is within the competence of the Member States to develop policies to tackle begging, which is a phenomenon that can also concern own nationals.

    • [1] Directive 2004/38/EC, Article 6.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:C_202301392
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: EXL Enterprise AI Platform accelerates generative AI development for clients with NVIDIA AI software

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company, announces the launch of its EXL Enterprise AI Platform, a new technology hub designed to support the rapid-scale development and integration of GenAI solutions into client workflows.

    Developed on the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform, the EXL Enterprise AI Platform makes it possible to rapidly deploy specialized industry solutions to transform enterprise workflows. It is designed to not only support the creation of new solutions, but also execute and scale their integration into client ecosystems through EXL’s robust data, AI tooling and engineering capabilities.

    The first capabilities launched on the EXL Enterprise AI Platform are the recently announced EXL Insurance Large Language Model (LLM), XTRAKTO.AI, an intelligent document processing solution, a Smart Agent Assist solution, which uses advanced data and AI technologies to transform contact center operations, and Code Harbor™, a GenAI-powered coding solution that is used to modernize legacy applications to current programming languages. By bringing these and other pioneering GenAI solutions together on a single platform, EXL is making it easier for clients to incorporate AI into existing workflows and business processes.

    “The biggest challenges enterprises are facing when it comes to extracting the full value of GenAI solutions are balancing cost, accuracy and latency. It’s not just about having the newest, biggest LLM or the most innovative point solution – businesses need accurate, fast, reliable solutions with a modular architecture that can be implemented cost-effectively and continue to update as technology evolves,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, EXL’s executive vice president and chief digital officer. “At EXL, we have the right mix of data and AI and industry expertise to scale new GenAI capabilities and help our clients integrate them seamlessly into their existing workflows.”

    “Generative AI is creating unprecedented opportunities for enterprises to boost productivity and drive innovation,” said John Fanelli, vice president, Enterprise Software at NVIDIA. “With NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, the EXL Enterprise AI Platform helps enable businesses to rapidly develop and deploy custom generative AI solutions for industry-specific use cases, code and languages as their needs evolve.”

    The solutions on the EXL Enterprise AI Platform are developed using NVIDIA AI models and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, including the NVIDIA NeMo framework and NVIDIA NIM microservices, which allows them to be rapidly customized and deployed for clients across industries, geographies and languages.

    EXL is also integrating NIM microservices in the EXL Enterprise AI Platform to power existing EXL platforms such as Medconnection, which supports insurance claims and medical underwriting claims processing, and the LifePRO™ digital suite, an insurance underwriting automation tool.

    About EXL

    EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a leading data analytics and digital operations and solutions company. We partner with clients using a data and AI-led approach to reinvent business models, drive better business outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, analytics, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform operations for the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and financial services, media and retail, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have more than 55,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit http://www.exlservice.com.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

    © 2024 ExlService Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved. For more information go to www.exlservice.com/legal-disclaimer

    Contacts
    Media
    Keith Little
    +1 703-598-0980
    media.relations@exlservice.com

    Investor Relations
    John Kristoff
    +1 212 209 4613
    IR@exlservice.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Infringement procedures – E-001623/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    There are currently two infringement cases in relation to Ireland on compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive[1] (UWWTD).

    On 7 February 2024 the Commission issued a letter of formal notice to Ireland for failing to fully comply with the directive in agglomerations Kilmore Quay, Kilrush, Kilkee, Whitegate-Aghada, Moville, Mitchelstown, Clareabbey and Lahinch as urban waste waters are not properly treated before being discharged.

    A further three agglomerations with a population of more than 10 000 — Ringaskiddy, Malahide and Cobh[2] — were considered to be discharging wastewater in sensitive areas without the more stringent treatment as required by the directive[3].

    In another case[4], on 28 March 2019 the Court of Justice of the EU gave its judgment in Case C-427/17[5] and found that Ireland breached various obligations of the UWWTD in relation to the following agglomerations: Arklow, Athlone, Cork City, Enniscorthy, Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Cobh, Enfield, Fermoy, Killybegs, Mallow, Midleton, Passage/Monkstown, Rathcormac, Ringaskiddy, Ringsend, Roscommon Town, Shannon Town, Tubbercurry, Youghal, Dundalk and Castlebridge.

    As the cases are still ongoing, at this stage, the Commission is not in a position to confirm the compliance of any of the above listed agglomerations with the requirements of the directive. However, the most recent report on the implementation of the directive in Ireland is public[6].

    • [1] Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40-52.
    • [2] In relation to Ringaskiddy and Cobh the letter of formal notice of 7 February 2024 covers new issues compared to those already covered by the judgment in case C — 427/17, Commission v. Ireland.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byCase&activeCase=true&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=refId&refId=INFR(2023)2178
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?langCode=EN&version=v1&typeOfSearch=byCase&refId=INFR(2013)2056&activeCase=true&page=1&size=10&order=desc&sortColumns=refId
    • [5] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/753775e2-8608-11e9-9f05-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    • [6] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater/implementation-reports_en

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Dead fish in the Pagasetic Gulf – E-001574/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. EUR 150 million have been allocated from the 2014-2020 Cohesion Policy programme ‘Transport Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainable Development’ to support the disaster management system of the affected Greek regions to address the consequences of the floods. Additionally, around EUR 13 million have been allocated from the ‘Competitiveness, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ programme to support the adaptability of enterprises and workers affected by the floods. Under shared management Greece is responsible for the selection and implementation of projects in line with programme objectives and priorities.

    2. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) provides financial assistance to EU countries facing severe natural disasters according to the specific rules set out in Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002[1]. EUSF financial assistance is intended to supplement the countries’ own public expenditure to finance essential emergency and recovery operations. Following Greece’s application, the Budget authority approved mobilisation of EUR  101.5 million of EUSF assistance for Greece following the floods in September 2023. The EUSF aid calculation methodology has been established in 2023 and accepted by the European Parliament and the Council.

    Under the Greek Rural Development Programme 2014-2022, support is foreseen from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for investments to restore agricultural and forestry potential following natural disasters, adverse climatic or catastrophic events amounting to EUR 45 million[2].

    At the end of 2023, the Commission provided an additional exceptional funding of EUR 43 million through the agricultural crisis reserve[3]. These funds were paid to farmers around lake Karla by the end of May 2024.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9).
    • [2] https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/prosklisi/1i-prosklisi-ekdilosis-endiaferontos-gia-tin-ypovoli-aitiseon-stirixis-sto-ypometro-5-2-tou-paa-2014-2022/
    • [3] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2820 of 15 December 2023 providing for emergency financial support for the agricultural sectors affected by natural disasters in Greece and Slovenia, OJ L, 2023/2820, 18.12.2023.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Health insurance status of students abroad in the EU – E-001551/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission notes that regulation (EC) No 883/2004[1], lays down rules to determine the legislation applicable to a person in a cross-border situation, such as students studying abroad .

    According to Article 11(3)(a) and (e), an employed person is subject to the legislation of the Member State in which they pursue their activity, while inactive persons, such as students, are subject to the legislation of the place of residence.

    When studying abroad in the EU, students generally remain covered by the legislation of the country of origin and access necessary health treatments in the country where they study with the European Health Insurance Card.

    However, when a student takes up work abroad, the social security legislation applicable to them changes as well. The Commission is thus aware of the possible changes in their social security coverage.

    Since the EU law in this field does not harmonise, but only coordinates national social security legislation, moving from one Member State to another can have consequences for an insured person in terms of entitlements and contributions.

    The Commission does not consider this to be an obstacle to the mobility of students as one of the main principles is the mandatory application of a single national legislation.

    This is to avoid that a person exercising their right to free movement would be left with no coverage or would have to pay contributions in more than one Member State .

    As for traineeships, the Council Recommendation on a Quality Framework for Traineeships[2] encourages traineeship providers to clarify if they provide health and accident insurance. This has been further strengthened in the Commission’s proposal reinforcing the Quality Framework for Traineeships[3].

    • [1] Regulation (EC) No 883/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004 on the coordination of social security systems (Text with relevance for the EEA and for Switzerland), OJ L 166, 30.4.2004, p. 1-123 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2004/883/oj
    • [2] Council recommendation of 10 March 2014 on a Quality Framework for Traineeships, 2014/C 88/01, 27 March 2014 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32014H0327(01)&from=IT
    • [3] Proposal for a Council recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships, COM/2024/133 final, 20 March 2024 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A133%3AFIN

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Improving the quality and conditions of traineeships in Europe – E-001632/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In the Commission proposal for a Traineeships Directive[1], it is proposed that Member States be required to provide for effective controls and inspections conducted by competent authorities to detect and take enforcement measures against practices where a regular employment relationship is disguised as a traineeship. To this end Member States can make use of EU funds[2], for example to support training of and guidance to labour inspectorates.

    2. Though incentives for offering paid traineeships are not part of the proposed Council Recommendation on a reinforced Quality Framework for Traineeships[3], the proposed recommendation does encourage Member States to provide financial and/or non-financial support such as practical guidance to traineeship providers in applying this recommendation.

    3. According to the proposed Council Recommendation, Member States are to ensure that traineeship providers designate a supervisor. The proposed Council Recommendation does not specify further details, such as the status of supervisors or the recruitment practises .

    • [1]  COM/2024/132, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52024PC0132
    • [2]  For example, the European Social Fund Plus, https://european-social-fund-plus.ec.europa.eu/en#:~:text=What%20is%20ESF+?%20The%20European%20Social
    • [3]  COM/2024/133, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A133%3AFIN
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

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