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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Public procurements audit reveals inefficiency – action needed – E-001507/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission welcomed the European Court of Auditors’ (ECA) special report on public procurement[1] and accepted all the recommendations it formulated[2].

    As mentioned in its reply, the Commission will analyse the causes of substantial shortcomings in public procurement markets, including obstacles to the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to tenders and will work towards the revision of the directives announced by the President-elect of the Commission in the political guidelines 2024-2029[3]. In this complex process, all stakeholders will be given the opportunity to express their views and provide input.

    Additionally, the Commission will continue to pursue initiatives to support the use of sustainability and innovation considerations in public procurement.

    These include fostering communities of practice of public buyers across the EU[4] and organising government dialogues in the Member States for the creation of national strategies to implement strategic procurement.

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/en/publications?ref=SR-2023-28
    • [2] https://www.eca.europa.eu/Lists/ECAReplies/COM-Replies-SR-2023-28/COM-Replies-SR-2023-28_EN.pdf
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf, page 11.
    • [4] https://public-buyers-community.ec.europa.eu/
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Difficult end to term for Thierry Breton – E-001753/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001753/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    On 13 August 2024, the Commission criticised[1] Thierry Breton, Internal Market Commissioner, for speaking out[2] without permission against X (formerly known as Twitter) before the social network broadcast an interview by its boss, Elon Musk, of US presidential candidate Donald Trump during the election campaign. Thierry Breton resigned from the Commission on 16 September 2024.

    The dispute is evidence that some decisions taken by former Commissioners spark controversy and are not ‘business as usual’.

    • 1.Was Commission Vice-President Margrethe Vestager aware of Thierry Breton’s initative in advance and did she give it the green light[3]?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider that initiative interference in the electoral process of a third country?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Current challenges and opportunities for addressing obesity – 02-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This paper presents current developments and challenges in the prevention and management of obesity in the European Union. The analysis provides an overview of the disease, emphasises the importance of designing supportive environments in prevention efforts, and makes an argument to upskill the healthcare provided to persons living with obesity. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Subcommittee on Public Health (SANT).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the judgment of the Court of Justice of the EU – P-001898/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001898/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fabio De Masi (NI)

    On 17 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the EU issued a press release[1] on its judgment, in which the Court found that the EU Commission ‘did not give [the European Parliament, inter alia] sufficiently wide access to the purchase agreements for COVID-19 vaccines’. In light of the above: What consequences does the Commission draw from this judgment and will it – and if so, when – publish any relevant documents affected by the judgment?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    • [1] https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/2024-07/cp240113en.pdf
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implications of the abolition of sugar quotas – E-001797/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001797/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rody Tolassy (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE)

    On 30 September 2017, the European Union had the Member States abolish the sugar quota system.

    This has had negative consequences for overseas producers, who have had to face up to fierce global competition, leading to a general decline in prices.

    For the ‘largest’ overseas producers, this decision has been beneficial, with some having seamlessly managed to integrate into the world market.

    However, it has led to small- and medium-sized producers, which make up the overwhelming majority of farms, either collapsing or struggling to make a decent income, despite the few support schemes set up by the EU.

    • 1.What action will the Commission take to further protect these small- and medium-sized farms?
    • 2.What does it think about potentially reintroducing the sugar quotas?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Germany: travel document control measures and (non-)enforcement of the Pact on Migration and Asylum – E-001796/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001796/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    Very recently, Germany implemented new measures, in principle for six months, for control of travel documents along its land borders, including the borders with Schengen countries (France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark).

    In addition, according to official statements, the German government is planning, in the near future, to step up asylum rejections, urgent returns to the EU countries of first entry, and deportations to third countries.

    The implementation of such practices amounts to:

    a) de facto suspension of the Schengen rules on the pretext of exceptional circumstances, although there is no emergency situation and, quite obviously, in terms of migration flows, there has been no recent change in international developments that would raise the issue of force majeure or emergency circumstances;

    b) direct political and practical undermining of the very recent new Union rules on migration and asylum which, as stated by the Commission itself, constitute a ‘comprehensive approach that aims at strengthening and integrating key Union policies on migration, asylum, border management and integration’ and ‘allow the EU to address complex issues in a decisive and resourceful manner’[1];

    c) unacceptable indifference and lack of solidarity towards the Member States of first reception, particularly Greece.

    In the light of this,

    • 1.Do the above measures lie within the bounds of Union legality and cohesion?
    • 2.Do the ‘decisiveness’ and ‘resourcefulness’ of the new pact give Member States, in effect, the power to dissolve it?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    • [1] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_el?prefLang=el

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Azerbaijan’s invitation to the Turkish Cypriot leader as a ‘head of state’ to attend the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States – E-001799/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001799/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    On 6 July 2024, Azerbaijan hosted an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which was attended by the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Azerbaijani government also invited the so-called president of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity that is not internationally recognised. The summit was held, coincidentally, on the 50th anniversary of the 1974 invasion by Türkiye.

    Inviting the Turkish Cypriot leader as a ‘head of state’ is provocative and suggests indirect recognition of the secessionist entity. It also contravenes relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the democratic principles on which the European Union is founded.

    The EU remains Azerbaijan’s largest foreign donor and investor in both governmental and civil society sectors, despite Azerbaijan’s human rights record, particularly concerning Armenia. Nonetheless, the EU continues to emphasise the importance of upholding human rights and protecting freedoms of expression, assembly and the media in Azerbaijan.

    In view of this:

    • 1.What actions will the Commission take, given Azerbaijan’s violations of international law and disregard for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cyprus, an EU Member State?
    • 2.Will the Commission assess and/or suspend its aid to and investment in Azerbaijan?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Can the Banking Union foster market integration, and what lessons does that hold for the Capital Markets Union? – 29-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    We address the role of the Banking Union (BU) in promoting market integration and the lessons it provides for the Capital Markets Union (CMU). First, we tackle BU’s establishment, exploring whether it has achieved its original goals and discussing its main shortcomings. Second, we address market integration in the BU. Third, we advance some proposals to finalise the BU accelerating effective market integration. Fourth, we explore various BU-CMU interconnections, introducing policy-related considerations to support the development of a well-functioning CMU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Major interpellation – EU funding of physical border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers at the external border – G-001002/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Major interpellation for written answer  G-001002/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 145
    Charlie Weimers, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Kristoffer Storm, Jaak Madison, Carlo Fidanza, Adam Bielan, Alexandr Vondra, Patryk Jaki, Johan Van Overtveldt, Roberts Zīle, Emmanouil Fragkos, Georgiana Teodorescu, Geadis Geadi, Marion Maréchal, Ivaylo Valchev, Kosma Złotowski, Mariusz Kamiński, Maciej Wąsik, Dick Erixon, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Beatrice Timgren, Nicolas Bay, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Guillaume Peltier, Michał Dworczyk, Laurence Trochu, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Tobiasz Bocheński, Gheorghe Piperea
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Despite the persistent use of weapons of mass migration by hostile powers to undermine the security of EU Member States, the Commission has refrained from funding physical barriers at the external border.

    In February 2023, the European Council implored the Commission ‘to immediately mobilise substantial EU funds and means’ in order to help countries bolster their ‘border protection capabilities and infrastructure’.

    A majority of Member States have urged Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to lift the Commission moratorium and provide EU funding for physical border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers. Several Members of the European Parliament reiterated this request in a letter following the EU elections. President von der Leyen has still not replied or made any public statement on whether the moratorium will remain in place.

    Commission President von der Leyen has stated that the EU will ‘act to strengthen our external borders’, specifically by providing ‘an integrated package of mobile and stationary infrastructure –from cars to cameras, from watchtowers to electronic surveillance’.

    In May 2023, the Commission stated that it ‘finances infrastructure, mobile and stationary units, border surveillance systems and equipment, refurbishment of border crossing points, new installations for IT systems, as well as the maintenance of equipment, using EU funds’.

    Considering that a majority of Member States have called on the Commission to lift its moratorium on funding physical barriers at the EU’s external borders, the new Commission should immediately heed their call and start funding physical border barriers.

    Many EU Member States are hindered in carrying out one of the fundamental preconditions for the rule of law – the ability to enforce laws controlling the entry to and exit from state territory of foreign nationals.

    Despite decades of illegal mass migration and continuous crises that plague Member States, including multiple instances when authoritarian regimes have used foreigners as weapons of mass migration and endless cases of abuse of asylum and welfare-systems, the Commission still does not support the construction of barriers at the EU’s external borders.

    To deter foreigners from entering the EU illegally, the creation of border protection structures such as walls, fences or other barriers is essential. The EU should immediately enable funding to maintain and enhance existing external border barriers and to erect new external border barriers on land and at sea. EU funding should ensure that all sections of the EU external border are secure.

    • 1.Why has the Commission not yet recognised the reality on the ground at the EU’s external borders, and moved to lift its anachronistic moratorium on EU funding for physical border barriers?
    • 2.Considering the ongoing hostile activities at the eastern border and that Member States have taken to constructing border barriers to counter the instrumentalisation of migrants, will the Commission change its approach and support Member States’ external border barrier projects financially via the EU budget?

    Submitted: 20.9.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Incident in the territory of the occupied Deryneia village – E-001802/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001802/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    In September 2024, a Greek Cypriot was arrested by the authorities of the illegal, non-recognised, self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ at the Deryneia checkpoint on accusations of espionage. The arrest came after a peaceful visit to the territory of the occupied Deryneia village on 31 August 2024. This is yet another flagrant violation of the rights of Greek Cypriots, who are being deprived of their fundamental rights of living freely and peacefully within the territory of their sovereign country.

    This incident raises particular concern as it occurred at a checkpoint on a road that was developed as part of confidence-building measures between the two communities in Cyprus, funded through the EU’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, whose mandate is to promote cooperation and facilitate the reunification process.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to respond to such incidents that undermine the efforts to foster peace and reunification?
    • 2.What steps will be taken to address the misuse of EU-funded infrastructure for hostile actions towards EU citizens?
    • 3.How will the Commission work to ensure that EU-funded projects are not jeopardised and politicised by the illegal regime?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Undermining of farmers in eastern Europe – E-001809/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001809/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)

    Many farmers associations in Romania and Bulgaria have highlighted the fact that the Commission’s new vision for the common agricultural policy has been the key factor in bankrupting farmers in eastern Europe.

    Farmers argue that making direct payments conditional on unrealistic environmental objectives constitutes an aggressive measure.

    They also feel that reducing dependence on imports from third countries that fail to meet strict quality standards, rather than banning such imports, runs counter to the interests of EU citizens.

    • 1.Why is the Commission favouring farmers in third countries?
    • 2.How will the Commission compensate Romanian farmers who are again being asked to sacrifice their farms on the altar of chemical products not being tolerated in the EU?
    • 3.How does it plan to close the gap between eastern and western Europe when it comes to farming?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels on 29 August – E-001805/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001805/2024
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    The participation of Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels on 29 August this year was, among other things, a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Republic of Cyprus. The aim remains the resumption of negotiations with a view to resolving the Cyprus invasion and occupation issue.

    In its conclusions of April 2024, the European Council, as in past conclusions, linked the progress in EU-Türkiye relations with the Cyprus issue, stating: ‘the European Union attaches particular importance to the resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation’.

    However, the situation in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus is getting worse. Examples of this include the recent opening up of the enclaved city of Famagusta and the fact that the Turkish side turned down an invitation from the General Secretary of the United Nations to attend an informal meeting.

    In view of this, could the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.What is your take on the Turkish Foreign Minister’s participation in the Gymnich meeting?
    • 2.What are your thoughts concerning the need for Türkiye to change its stance on the Cyprus issue?
    • 3.What progress is being made in EU-Türkiye relations given that Türkiye is distancing itself from the proposed solution and is now openly and officially promoting a two-state solution?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Habitats Directive: wolves and the defence of livestock farming – E-001806/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001806/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE)

    On 29 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that wolves cannot be categorised as a ‘huntable species’ north of the Douro, as the Regional Law of Castile and Leon does, in contrast with the Habitats Directive. Neither the CJEU judgment nor the Habitats Directive looks after the interests of Spanish farmers, who are the ones affected by wolf attacks (5 566 livestock killed in 2023).

    In 2023, VOX presented Spain’s Congress of Deputies with a proposal for a law on the drafting and implementation of a national wolf plan in order to, inter alia, promote the amendment of the Habitats Directive by allowing wolf control in the national territory and also contributing to the conservation of the species.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the CJEU’s ruling to be appropriate and proportionate with regard to the interests of livestock farmers and in the knowledge that the Habitats Directive does not even mention this sector?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering amending the Habitats Directive in order to achieve a balance between livestock farmers and wolves?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission enquiry into Meta’s shadow bans – E-001816/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001816/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tom Vandendriessche (PfE)

    On 2 April 2024, I asked the Commission a question regarding the use of shadow banning on social media. Drawing on its oversight powers, on 30 April 2024, the Commission initiated formal proceedings against Meta, inter alia with regard to shadow banning practices and its ‘political content policy’, whereby political content is given a less prominent place in recommendation systems.

    This gives rise to the following questions:

    • 1.Is the Commission examining the impact of shadow banning on the recent elections?
    • 2.Does shadow banning discriminate against certain political figures or beliefs?
    • 3.What measures is the Commission considering to ensure the transparency and fairness of recommendation systems on social media, with a view to preventing shadow banning and political bias?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protection of wild animals during the harvest season – E-001798/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001798/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastian Everding (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Lukas Sieper (NI), Per Clausen (The Left), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Maria Noichl (S&D), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left)

    During the harvest season, wild animals are often seriously injured by combine harvesters, especially by the cutting unit[1]. The resulting mutilation can lead to an agonising death[2].

    This is not only a problem of species protection or animal welfare, but also requires action from a health-policy perspective, as it can result in contamination of the crop. These risks to food and feed production must be minimised, which can be ensured by using thermal drones.

    • 1.What long-term strategy does the Commission envisage to protect wild animals during the harvest season and thus also ensure consumer protection?
    • 2.What concrete measures does the Commission plan to undertake to raise awareness across the EU of the problem of wild animal mutilation[3], to promote mesures to prevent it, to reduce regulatory barriers for technical solutions and to provide funding?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to recommend or mandate that Member States establish thermal drone programmes to protect wild animals?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    • [1] Roe deer fawns have no flight reflex, their only form of protection is to crouch down motionless.
    • [2] In Germany alone, around 90 000 fawns die in this way every year.
    • [3] This particularly concerns fawns, but other wild animals are also affected.
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the unfair rules introduced by the Batteries Regulation – E-001814/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001814/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    Europe’s largest factory producing lithium-ion cells for electric cars is located in Poland. The LG Energy Solution Wrocław plant employs over 7 000 people with an annual production of 70 GWh. My country is currently one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, and the value of battery exports from Poland in the first quarter of 2024 exceeded PLN 12 billion.

    Poland, for objective and historical reasons, has not yet completed the energy transition. Implementing a clean atomic energy programme requires time and financial resources. Meanwhile, as part of the pending implementing acts to the Batteries Regulation, the Commission plans to introduce a methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of batteries by taking into account CO2 emissions in a country’s energy mix. The proposed provisions favour Member States deriving their energy predominantly from renewable energy sources, at the expense of my region, which is a key link in the supply chain of essential components for electric vehicles. Moreover, Poland has already made huge investments in recycling[1] on the road to building circularity.

    • 1.Is the Commission deliberately introducing rules, under the guise of pro-environmental measures, which favour specific Member States at the expense of fair competition within the single market?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware that Poland is an important link in the European supply chain for the battery sector, and that the introduction of the aforementioned rules threatens the destruction of this branch of the economy in my country and a decline in the competitiveness of the entire EU battery sector?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    • [1] https://wysokienapiecie.pl/101824-recykling-baterii-litowo-jonowych-polska-liderem-ue/
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: 10 000th publication by the FSO – 10 000 contributions to democracy

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Neuchâtel, 02.10.2024 – The Federal Statistical Office recently published its 10 000th publication, the ‘Environment Pocket Statistics 2024’. An event was held in Bellinzona to mark the occasion, ‘175 years at the service of the modern federal state’. As well as presenting the 162 year history of its publications, the FSO highlighted milestones in the development of official statistics in Switzerland. Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider emphasised how important statistics and its information mandate are for a democracy.

    This press release and further information on the topic can be found on the FSO website (see link below).

    Address for enquiries

    Benjamin Rothen, FSO, section International and national affairs, tel.: +41 58 463 64 82, email: Benjamin.Rothen@bfs.admin.ch
    Thomas Schulz, FSO, section publishing und Dissemination, tel.: +41 58 463 67 31, email: Thomas.Schulz@bfs.admin.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Statistical Office
    http://www.statistics.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revising crop insurance at European level – E-001822/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001822/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE)

    In 2024, as in previous years, winegrowers have suffered from adverse weather conditions (effects of frost on vines and buds, drought, hail, etc.) and plant diseases, such as mildew.

    At EU level the Crop Insurance Act can help them protect against loss of income caused by these devastating events.

    However, the Olympic average method for calculating the compensation, based on yield over the preceding five years, excluding the best and the worst, is much criticised. As climate-related hazards become more frequent and more serious, the calculation method should be adapted to take account of the reality of climate change and the upheavals it entails, and to ensure that farmers have good insurance cover.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of a request from Member States (including France) on this matter?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to review its calculation method in order to adapt the scheme?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Breach of water temperature limit at Paks nuclear power plant – P-001906/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001906/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE)

    In the summer of 2024, the Hungarian government issued a decree to bypass the legal temperature limits set for the Danube River downstream of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, using the argument of security of energy supply. The Danube is an important European waterway and borders numerous Natura 2000 areas.

    • 1.Which procedural and legal steps is the Commission planning to take to address the Hungarian government’s disregard for environmental standards?
    • 2.Is the Commission evaluating the consequences of the rise in the river temperature to above 30 °C for animal welfare, for the ecosystem as a whole, and for human health?
    • 3.Is the Commission evaluating the consequences of the future operations of Paks nuclear power plant for the Danube’s ecosystem, in light of accelerating climate change?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament hearings with Commissioners-designate to start on 4 November

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, the Conference of Presidents (EP President and leaders of political groups) agreed on the calendar for the hearings of the Commissioners-designate.

    The hearings will start on 4 November and take place until 12 November. The Conference of Presidents also decided on the division of responsibilities among committees for the confirmation hearings. The detailed schedule of which Commissioner-designate will be heard at what time will be decided by the Conference of Presidents at its next meeting.

    The European Parliament invites Commissioners-designate to appear before the appropriate committees for hearings in order to scrutinise if they are suitable for the posts they have been assigned to.

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “The hearings for the Commissioners-designate are an important moment for European democracy. European Parliament members will thoroughly vet every candidate’s competence, independence and European commitment before voting on the College as a whole. Democracy will cut no corners. With a new legislative term comes new expectations. Rightly so, citizens want solutions to their concerns. The European Parliament will continue playing its role to ensure that our European Union delivers.”

    The procedure

    Ahead of the hearings, Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs scrutinises the declarations of interests of the Commissioners-designate. In order for a Commissioner-designate to take part in a hearing, there must be no conflicts of interest.

    Depending on the portfolio, a Commissioner-designate can be assessed by one parliamentary committee (committee responsible) or by more than one committee (joint committees). Other committees may be invited to participate, meaning they can contribute with oral questions while the final evaluation of candidates lies with the coordinators of the committee(s) responsible.

    The hearings will be followed by meetings in which the committee chair and group representatives (coordinators) of the various committees will assess whether a Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College and to carry out the particular duties they have been assigned.

    Once all hearings are completed, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of the confirmation hearings and forward its conclusions to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will conduct the final evaluation and decide whether to close the hearings.

    Election of the Commission in plenary

    After the hearings have been concluded, Commission President-elect Ursula von der Leyen will present the full College of Commissioners and its programme in plenary.

    Her statement will be followed by a debate, and any political group or at least one-twentieth of Members of Parliament (low threshold) may table a motion for a resolution.

    The full Commission needs the consent of Parliament (by a majority of the votes cast, by roll-call).

    Once elected by Parliament, the Commission is formally appointed by the European Council, acting by a qualified majority.

    Background

    Annex VII of the EP Rules of Procedure specifies Parliament’s role in approving the European Commission and monitoring the commitments made during the hearings.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Floods in Poland – P-001841/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001841/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jacek Ozdoba (ECR)

    In the debate on the impact of the flooding in Central and Eastern Europe that was held on 18 September 2024 during Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Janez Lenarčič, the EU Crisis Management Commissioner, said that the relevant EU bodies had already sent flood warnings to the governments of Member States at risk, including Poland, on 10 September 2024. Those alerts were issued through the Copernicus early warning system. In response to that statement, we have the following questions:

    • 1.When exactly did the Commission pass on the first alerts of a flood risk in Poland? On what date and at what time were those alerts relayed?
    • 2.Did the Polish Government react to those warnings?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Canada and Nova Scotia announce significant investment to purchase more wildfire equipment and build resilience to wildfires

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy for Nova Scotia, the Honourable Tory Rushton, announced a joint investment of nearly $30 million over five years through two Government of Canada initiatives: the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate (FWMC) Capital Fund and the Building Resilient Communities through FireSmart program.

    October 1, 2024 Halifax, Nova Scotia Natural Resources Canada

    As the frequency and severity of wildfires increase in Canada – to the detriment of our health, economy, living environments and wildlife – the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are supporting their citizens whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by wildfires.

    The Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, and the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy for Nova Scotia, the Honourable Tory Rushton, today announced a joint investment of nearly $30 million over five years through two Government of Canada initiatives: the Equipment Fund for the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (CGFFCC) and the Resilient Communities through FireSmart program.

    A joint investment of $25.6 million from the CGFFCC Equipment Fund will support Nova Scotia in its efforts to purchase wildfire equipment, including helicopters, fire trucks, communications vehicles, incident command trailers, weather stations, technology upgrades and personal protective equipment. By supporting the acquisition and upgrade of specialized wildfire equipment, as well as the recruitment and training of personnel to meet peak needs, this investment will improve Nova Scotia’s response capacity. It will also strengthen community and firefighter safety and the ability to share resources across Canada.

    The investment builds on last year’s $169,292 contribution to the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) to train firefighters to fight wildfires in several Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia. The contribution came from the CGFFCC Program Training Fund Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), which prioritizes support for Indigenous communities and organizations in training firefighters and provides NRCan with a better understanding of the needs and barriers in this area. Staff from CIFFC and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy provided this training to 21 Mi’kmaq firefighters in 2023.

    Through the Building Resilient Communities through FireSmart program, Nova Scotia and NRCan will invest up to $3.9 million over five years to support fire preparedness, risk reduction and the expansion of FireSmart principles and practices in Nova Scotia. With this funding, Nova Scotia will provide education and awareness related to wildfire prevention and mitigation at the community level. The funding will be used to build capacity to better assess fire risk and develop tools to support prevention and mitigation. This initial investment is part of a series of joint investments to help provinces and territories advance FireSmart principles and practices to prevent and mitigate wildfire impacts.

    While strengthening our ability to fight wildfires when they occur is critical, we also need to make proactive investments to reduce risks in the first place. The federal government has invested on both fronts by helping fire departments across the country better prepare for and respond to wildfires and by implementing community-based measures to prevent wildfires and reduce their impacts.

    The governments of Canada and Nova Scotia have the health and safety of Canadians as their top priority. Working with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the federal government continues to support and lead the fight against wildfires to keep our communities safe by protecting the lives, health, livelihoods and homes of our citizens from coast to coast to coast.

    Cindy CaturaoPress SecretaryOffice of the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources613-795-5638cindy.caturao@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca

    Patricia JreigeCommunications AdvisorNova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewable Energy902-718-7866media.spsa@gov.sk.ca

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: From Berlin, closing of the conference on the future of Europe in a multipolar world.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: President of the Republic of France in French (video)

    To follow the Presidency of the Republic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysee.fr Twitter: https://twitter.com/elysee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pr-sidence-de-la-r-publique

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Department of State Reminds Voters of Upcoming Registration Deadline for November 5 General Election

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    PROVIDENCE, RI � Secretary of State Gregg M. Amore and the RI Department of State Elections Division are today reminding eligible voters of important deadlines for the November 5, 2024 General Election.

    The deadline for individuals to be registered to vote to participate in the General Election is October 6, 2024.

    Eligible individuals can register online at vote.ri.gov or by visiting their local board of canvassers’ office. Below is a list of local voter registration form drop-off locations which will be open on Sunday, October 6.

    Mail ballot applications are also available. Registered voters can apply for a mail ballot using a paper form or the RI Department of State’s online mail ballot application portal. The deadline to request a mail ballot for the General Election is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Voters are also reminded of a new law that allows mail ballot applications received within three days of the deadline to be accepted, so long as they are postmarked by the deadline. Mail ballots will be sent to voters beginning the week of October 7.

    Voters can find important information and deadlines online here.

    To learn more about elections in Rhode Island, register to vote, or check your registration status, visit vote.ri.gov.

    ###

    El Departamento de Estado de RI le Recuerda a los Votantes Sobre las Pr�ximas Fechas L�mite para la Inscripci�n y Desafiliaci�n para las Elecciones Generales del 5 de Noviembre

    PROVIDENCE, RI � El Secretario de Estado Gregg M. Amore y la Divisi�n de Elecciones del Departamento de Estado de RI les recuerdan hoy a los votantes elegibles para votar, sobre las fechas l�mite importantes para las Elecciones Generales, que se llevar�n a cabo el 5 de noviembre del 2024.

    La fecha l�mite para que las personas se inscriban para votar y participen en las Elecciones Generales es el 6 de octubre del 2024.

    Los votantes elegibles para votar pueden inscribirse en vota.ri.gov o visitando su junta local de elecciones. A continuaci�n, encontrar� una lista de los lugares para entregar los formularios de inscripci�n de votantes, los cuales estar�n abiertos el domingo 06 de octubre.

    Las solicitudes para las papeletas de votaci�n por correo tambi�n se encuentran disponibles. Los votantes inscritos para votar pueden solicitar una papeleta de votaci�n por correo utilizando un formulario impreso o el Sistema de Solicitud Digital para una Papeleta de Votaci�n por Correo del Departamento de Estado de RI. La fecha l�mite para solicitar una papeleta de votaci�n por correo para las Elecciones Generales es el martes 15 de octubre del 2024. Tambi�n se recuerda a los votantes una nueva ley que permite aceptar las solicitudes para votar por correo recibidas dentro de los tres d�as anteriores a la fecha l�mite, siempre que lleven franqueo de la fecha l�mite. Las papeletas de votaci�n por correo ser�n enviadas a partir de la semana del 7 de octubre.

    Los votantes pueden encontrar informaci�n importante y fechas l�mite aqu�.

    Para obtener m�s informaci�n sobre las elecciones en Rhode Island, inscribirse para votar o verificar el estado de su registro, visite vota.ri.gov.

    ###

    BARRINGTON Barrington Public Safety Building 100 Federal Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    BRISTOL Bristol Police Department 395 Metacom Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    BURRILLVILLE Burrillville Town Hall Drop Box 105 Harrisville Main St. Harrisville, RI Until 4 p.m.

    CENTRAL FALLS Central Falls Police Department 160 Illinois St. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    CHARLESTOWN Charlestown Town Hall 4540 South County Trail Charlestown, RI 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    COVENTRY Mail Ballot Drop Box or Coventry Library Reference Desk 1670 Flat River Rd. Drop Box: until 4 p.m. Library: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    CRANSTON Mail Ballot Drop Box Cranston City Hall 869 Park Ave (side entrance of the building, next to Cranston East) (entrada lateral del edificio, junto a Cranston East) Until 4 p.m.

    CUMBERLAND Cumberland Police Department 1379 Diamond Hill Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    EAST GREENWICH East Greenwich Police Department 176 First Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    EAST PROVIDENCE East Providence City Hall Drop Box (Grove Ave side of building) 145 Taunton Ave. Until 4 p.m.

    EXETER Exeter Mail Ballot Drop Box 675 Ten Rod Rd. or Animal Shelter 169 South County Trail Drop Box: until 4 p.m. Animal Shelter: 9:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.

    FOSTER Foster Town Hall Drop Box 181 Howard Hill Rd. Until 4:00 p.m.

    GLOCESTER Glocester Town Hall 1145 Putnam Pike Chepachet, RI 1:00 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    HOPKINTON Hopkinton Town Hall Drop Box 1 Townhouse Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    JAMESTOWN Jamestown Town Hall 93 Narragansett Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    JOHNSTON Johnston Police Department 1651 Atwood Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    LINCOLN Lincoln Police Department 100 Old River Rd. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    LITTLE COMPTON Public Safety Complex 60 Simmons Rd. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    MIDDLETOWN Middletown Police Department 123 Valley Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    NARRAGANSETT Narragansett Town Hall Drop Box 25 Fifth Ave. Until 4 p.m.

    NEWPORT Newport City Hall Municipal Drop Box � Bull Street 43 Broadway (Completed forms may be placed in the City Hall Drop Box on Bull St.) (Los formularios completados pueden ser depositados en el Buz�n Municipal ubicado en Bull Street) Until 4 p.m.

    NEW SHOREHAM New Shoreham Town Hall Drop Box 16 Old Town Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    NORTH KINGSTOWN North Kingstown Town Hall 100 Fairway Dr. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    NORTH PROVIDENCE North Providence Public Safety Complex � Service Desk 1835 Mineral Spring Ave. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    NORTH SMITHFIELD North Smithfield Police Station 575 Smithfield Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    PAWTUCKET Blackstone Valley Visitors Center 175 Main St. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Town Hall 2200 East Main Rd. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    PROVIDENCE Public Safety Complex – Lobby 325 Washington St. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    RICHMOND Richmond Town Hall Drop Box 5 Richmond Townhouse Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    SCITUATE Scituate Town Hall Drop Box 195 Danielson Pike Until 4 p.m.

    SMITHFIELD Smithfield Police Department 215 Pleasant View Ave. 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    SOUTH KINGSTOWN South Kingstown Town Hall Drop Box 180 High St. Wakefield, RI Until 4 p.m.

    TIVERTON Tiverton Police Department 20 Industrial Way 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WARREN Warren Police Department 1 Joyce St. Until 4 p.m.

    WARWICK Warwick City Hall � Drop Box 3275 Post Rd. or Warwick City Annex � Sawtooth Building Drop Box 65 Centerville Rd. Until 4 p.m.

    WESTERLY Westerly Town Hall Drop Box 45 Broad St. (Completed forms may be deposited in the Drop Box located along the driveway to the left side of Town Hall) Until 4 p.m.

    WEST GREENWICH West Greenwich Police Department 280 Victory Highway 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WEST WARWICK West Warwick Town Hall 1170 Main St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    WOONSOCKET Woonsocket Police Department 242 Clinton St. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With uptick in traffic fatalities, California makes record investment in enforcement and road safety projects

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 2, 2024

    What you need to know: California is investing record amounts of federal funding and implementing new measures to save lives following an increase in traffic fatalities.

    SACRAMENTO – As states across the nation, including California, continue to see an increase in traffic-related deaths, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced new record investments in transportation safety, education and enforcement programs. The record funding complements a slate of new safety measures recently signed by the Governor.

    The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is awarding a record $149 million in federal funding for 497 grants that expand safe biking and walking options and provide critical education and enforcement programs that will make roads safer throughout the state. This is the third consecutive year of historic funding, exceeding last year’s amount by $21 million. 

    Roughly 12 people are killed on California roadways every day. Thanks to the help of the Biden-Harris Administration, we’re doing something about it – surging record investments to communities across the state for enforcement and safety improvements and programs. This funding builds on action we recently took with the legislature to protect Californians on our roads and highways. 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Last week, Governor Newsom announced he signed legislation allowing Malibu to add new speed cameras to a stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. He also signed legislation setting long-term goals for safer and more inclusive transportation infrastructure, as well as new accountability measures.

    The OTS funds hundreds of projects throughout the state addressing alcohol and drug-impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts and child safety seats, bicycle and pedestrian safety, emergency medical services, police traffic services and traffic records. 

    The investments are part of Governor Newsom’s infrastructure agenda to build more, faster. See projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

    “The OTS is supporting the biggest investments in traffic safety programs since the 1960s,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “The once-in-a-generation funding will benefit communities across California as we continue to forge a path toward our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads with the immediate action, urgency and undivided attention traffic safety deserves.” 

    Among the projects funded today:

    • Approximately $51 million for law enforcement agencies: More than 200 law enforcement agencies are receiving grants to conduct equitable enforcement targeting the most dangerous driving behaviors such as speeding, distracted and impaired driving, as well as support education programs focused on bicycle and pedestrian safety.
    • Approximately $13 million for Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Programs: Funding for bicycle and pedestrian safety programs increased by 12% from the previous grant cycle. The programs fund walking and biking safety assessments and trainings to implement infrastructure solutions that improve active transportation, including a pilot speed limit setting and technical assistance program that looks at promising speed management policies and practices to make roads more bicycle and pedestrian friendly.
    • Approximately $2.74 million for Emergency Medical Services: Funds extrication equipment, also known as the “Jaws of Life,” for three dozen fire departments, a nearly 40% increase in funding from the previous grant cycle. Research shows that approximately 42% of fatal crash victims were alive immediately following the crash. Increased investments in approaches to address post-crash care also include supporting the development and use of the Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services Agency’s trauma training mobile application used to help treat victims at the crash site. 
    • $350,000 for University of California, Berkeley Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC): Funds the development of an autonomous vehicle crash data dashboard and mapping system using crash and disengagement records from the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as a public survey to understand California residents’ comfort with new emerging vehicle technology. 
    • $143,078 for Calaveras County Public Health Department: Funds a prevention focused program that addresses multiple traffic challenges in the rural county, such as child passenger safety, school zone safety, and bicycle safety, with the goal of serving as a model for rural road safety efforts in other counties throughout the state.

    California encourages the public to join the movement for safer roads and sign up as a “traffic safety champion” at gosafelyca.org/get-involved.

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    Oct 1, 2024

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    Oct 1, 2024

    News What you need to know: A recent joint enforcement operation led by the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), seized and destroyed millions of dollars of illegally cultivated cannabis. The Alameda County operation also led to the confiscation of a…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California makes major strides for water supplies and climate resilience over the past year

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 2, 2024

    What you need to know: With California experiencing climate-driven extremes in weather, the state is continuing to take aggressive action to protect and expand the state’s water supplies, including prioritizing groundwater recharge and infrastructure improvements and supporting vulnerable drinking water systems. 

    SACRAMENTO — The State of California, under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, has made significant strides in securing and enhancing water supplies while building climate resilience. Over the past year, California has implemented innovative water management strategies and invested heavily in drinking water systems, groundwater protection and infrastructure projects, benefitting millions of residents statewide.

    As the state begins a new water year, here’s an overview of some key developments:

    Key milestones

    • Connecting hundreds of thousands of people to clean drinking water: Close to 900,000 more Californians now have access to clean drinking water since 2019, thanks to consolidation efforts and infrastructure improvements benefiting underserved areas across the state. Since Governor Newsom took office, California has reduced the number of people who lack access from 1.6 million to approximately 700,000.
    • Supporting drinking water systems: Nearly 400 communities across California have received support to bolster their drinking water and wastewater systems and build resilience against climate impacts through $880 million distributed by the State Water Board in the 2023-2024 fiscal year alone. These projects, which focus on both immediate and long-term needs, ensure cleaner and more reliable water access for local communities. Since 2019, California has facilitated more than 140 water system consolidations to provide safe drinking water, and the Governor last month signed SB 1188 (Laird) to support struggling small water systems with technical resources.
    • Streamlining Sites Reservoir project: California is forging ahead with this major water storage project which could store enough water for 3 million households’ yearly usage. The Sites Reservoir project cleared a legal hurdle last month under expedited judicial review enabled by the Governor’s infrastructure streamlining law.
    • Making progress on the Delta Conveyance Project: California released the final Environmental Impact Report for this critical project, as well as a new cost-benefit analysis showing that it would create billions of dollars in benefits for California communities – including reliable water supplies, climate change adaptation, earthquake preparedness and improved water quality. With every $1 spent, $2.20 in benefits would be generated. Through the rest of the year, local water districts that depend upon the State Water Project  will vote on funding the project. To date, the boards of the first three such districts to vote have committed to providing planning funds for the project.
    • 10 years of protecting groundwater supplies: California last month marked the first decade of protecting and sustaining our critical groundwater supplies through the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), which empowers local agencies to tackle overpumping that endangers water supplies for communities, agriculture and ecosystems. Since the law’s enactment, more than 300 local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies have been formed and are implementing enforceable groundwater sustainability plans. The state has invested nearly $1 billion in SGMA to achieve groundwater sustainability for future generations​.
    • Increasing groundwater supplies: California has increased its groundwater reserves, investing in projects that recharge groundwater basins, including capturing excess stormwater. In 2023 alone, 4.1 million acre-feet of water were added to underground aquifers through managed efforts.
    • Water Plan for extreme weather: Governor Newsom unveiled an update to the California Water Plan, outlining comprehensive solutions to enhance the state’s ability to capture and store more water, especially during extreme weather events like floods. This plan includes infrastructure improvements and technological advancements to build climate resilience.
    • Clearing $880 million in water utility debts: The state distributed $880 million to eliminate water utility debts for 4 million Californians, alleviating financial burdens on residents and businesses and ensuring continued access to water services during challenging economic times.

     As California begins a new water year, the state remains ready to respond to changing water conditions, including the potential return of dry conditions. With estimates that hotter, drier conditions could reduce California’s water supply by up to 10% by the year 2040, the state is implementing an all-of-the-above approach to safeguard and boost water supplies as outlined in the California Water Plan, Water Supply Strategy and Water Resilience Portfolio. 
     

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    Oct 1, 2024

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    Oct 1, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Board of Elections Encourages Rhode Islanders To Become Poll Workers For November 5th General Election

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    CRANSTON, RI � The Rhode Island Board of Elections is encouraging Rhode Islanders to become poll workers for the November 5th General Election.

    “Our city and town board of canvassers partners are actively recruiting paid poll workers for the upcoming November 5th General Election,” said Rhode Island Board of Elections Executive Director Miguel Nunez. “This is a great opportunity to participate in the democratic process, help your community, and get paid for working the polls on election day.”

    Poll worker responsibilities include setting up polling places, greeting voters, verifying voter registrations, and issuing ballots. Poll workers also assist voters in understanding the voting process by demonstrating the use of voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. Poll workers can earn between $125 and $250. Click here for statewide poll worker pay rates.

    Poll worker trainings will be conducted October 2nd through November 1st.

    For more information about becoming a poll worker and to sign-up, visit https://elections.ri.gov/elections/poll-worker-information or contact your local board of canvassers.

    # # #

    About the Rhode Island Board of Elections The Rhode Island Board of Elections is the state agency of dedicated professionals responsible for regulating various aspects of the elections process within Rhode Island. For more information, visit elections.ri.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klamath River dams fully removed ahead of schedule

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 2, 2024

    What you need to know: The largest river restoration project in American history has officially completed all of the work to remove the dams, a massive infrastructure project that was done ahead of schedule and on budget. Work will continue for several years restoring the 2,200 acres of formerly submerged lands.

    SACRAMENTO – Today, Governor Newsom announced that the Klamath River restoration project completed the final work to remove the dams from the river. The largest such infrastructure project in American history has came in ahead of schedule and on budget.

    While the dam removal portion of the project is now complete, work will continue for several years restoring the 2,200 acres of formerly submerged lands.

    Governor Newsom helped convene leaders in 2020 to advance this restoration plan and since then has pushed for the needed federal approvals, returned land to the Shasta Indian Nation, visited the site, and more. In August, the Governor announced that the project had gotten to the point of fish being able to swim freely for the first time in more than 100 years, with the Klamath River returning to free-flowing.

    “This is a monumental achievement – not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet. By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river. This is proof of what’s possible when we come together to prioritize our environment, our people, and future generations.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The removal of the dams, which had blocked the river’s natural flow for over a century, restores nearly 400 miles of vital habitat for salmon and other species that are essential to the river’s ecosystem and the communities that depend on them.

    Here’s what tribal leaders had to say: 

    • “Our áama, ancestral companions, can now return to over 400 miles of unleashed spawning grounds, renewing a bond that has nourished our people since time immemorial. The river is cleansing itself, and with time, its waters will grow purer. The scars left by the dams will fade and balance will be restored to the land. This is a reclamation of our cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and sovereign rights. We are thankful to everyone who made this possible. Yôotva!” – Chairman Russell ‘Buster’ Attebery of the Karuk Tribe
    • “The tribally led effort to dismantle the dams is an expression of our sacred duty to maintain balance in the world. That is why we fought so hard for so long to tear down the dams and bring the salmon home.” – Yurok Tribal Chairman Joseph L. James

    The Klamath River, once the third-largest salmon-producing river on the West Coast, has faced drastic declines in fish populations since the construction of hydroelectric dams began in 1918. The river’s blocked flow reduced water quality, increased temperatures, and made it nearly impossible for salmon and steelhead to complete their life cycles. 

    This represents a major victory for the Klamath Basin tribes, the States of California and Oregon, and numerous environmental and fishing groups.

    Below is how the river has transformed with each dam’s removal:

    Before and after photos can also be found here, attributable to Swiftwater Films. 

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    News What you need to know: With California experiencing climate-driven extremes in weather, the state is continuing to take aggressive action to protect and expand the state’s water supplies, including prioritizing groundwater recharge and infrastructure improvements…

    Oct 2, 2024

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    Oct 1, 2024

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Millions of Californians to receive average $71 credit on October electric bills

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 2, 2024

    What you need to know: California’s Cap-and-Trade Program is providing an average $71 electricity bill credit to millions of customers of investor-owned utilities, including PG&E, Southern California Edison, and SDG&E, among others. 

    SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that more than 11.5 million Californian households will automatically see savings on their October electricity bill through the California Climate Credit, funded by the state’s innovative Cap-and-Trade Program. 

    This credit will average $71 per electric bill customer. Including credits that went out in April, Californians will receive an average of $217 in bill credits during 2024. Since 2014, Californian households have already received an average of $971 in combined automatic April and October climate credits on their utility bills, totaling more than $14 billion statewide.

    “Thanks to our state’s Cap-and-Trade program, millions of Californians will see an average credit of $71 on their electric bills this month. Not only does this credit provide much-needed relief for families, it’s helping Californians make the switch to cleaner energy.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Electricity bill credits this month will range from approximately $32 to $174. More than 1 million small businesses are also expected to receive the credit. Customers may remember receiving a similar credit on electricity bills in April. 

    The California Climate Credit comes from the State’s Cap-and-Trade Program, which collects funds by requiring companies to pay for climate pollution, and is managed by the California Air Resources Board. The credit on utility bills represents the consumer’s share of the payments from the State’s program. 

    Press Releases, Recent News

    Recent news

    Oct 2, 2024

    News What you need to know: The largest river restoration project in American history has officially completed all of the work to remove the dams, a massive infrastructure project that was done ahead of schedule and on budget. Work will continue for several years…

    Oct 2, 2024

    News What you need to know: With California experiencing climate-driven extremes in weather, the state is continuing to take aggressive action to protect and expand the state’s water supplies, including prioritizing groundwater recharge and infrastructure improvements…

    Oct 2, 2024

    News What you need to know: California is investing record amounts of federal funding and implementing new measures to save lives following an increase in traffic fatalities. SACRAMENTO – As states across the nation, including California, continue to see an increase…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker

    Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
    jejohnson6

    An American Indian tribe that settled in southeastern North Carolina soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker.

    The marker commemorating the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe will be dedicated during a ceremony Oct. 12 at 10 a.m., at the Waccamaw Siouan tribal grounds (7239 Old Lake Rd, Bolton, N.C.).

    The “People of the Falling Star,” currently known as the Waccamaw Siouan Indian Tribe, were first documented in 1701 by John Lawson as he visited the tribal areas located on the lower Neuse River not far from the Tuscarora Tribe. Lawson recorded 143 words from the Siouan Language which is a similar dialect of the southwestern neighboring Catawba Tribe, which resides in present-day South Carolina. The words are documented in Lawson’s book, “A Vocabulary of Woccon,” which can be found in the State Archives of North Carolina.

    After the Indian Wars in North Carolina known as the Tuscarora (1711-1713) and Yamassee (1715) Wars, the Waccamaw Siouans (Woccon) retreated southeast to the current day Green Swamp in Columbus County, while others were adopted by the Catawba Tribe with their similar language dialects. The Waccamaw Siouan remained in obscurity until the late-1700s.

    Tribal history speaks of the formation of Lake Waccamaw. The lore says a huge meteor crashed into the earth’s surface, creating a large crater and forming the lake. While there is no known translation of the word “Waccamaw,” a study of the Catawba language provides clues to its origin. A game played by the Catawba Indian children is spelled Wap Ka’ Hare, which translated is “ball knock.” Listening to an Indian say this word sounds like “Wah-um-wah.” Historians say it is reasonable to conclude that “Waccamaw,” is the English translation of part of the phrase that told of the ball of fire that “knocked” into the earth and created Lake Waccamaw.

    The Waccamaw Siouan received North Carolina state recognition in 1971 and hold membership with the North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs. The tribe was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization in 1977. On the third week of October, an annual powwow is held on the tribal grounds. The major communities of tribal members are St. James, east of Lake Waccamaw, and Buckhead and Council, north of Bolton, N.C.

    For a more complete history of the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe visit https://waccamaw-siouan.org

    For more information about the historical marker, please visit https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2023/12/12/waccamaw-siouan-indian-tribe-d-123, or call (919) 814-6625.

    The marker is one of nine markers being dedicated in 2024 that highlight American Indian culture and history in North Carolina. Historical markers were approved for the Coharie, Haliwa-Saponi, Lumbee, Meherrin, Occaneechi Band of the Saponi, Sappony, and Waccamaw Siouan tribes. In addition, historical markers were approved for the site of the East Carolina Indian School and the Buie Mound site. The N.C. American Indian Heritage Commission staff worked closely with N.C. tribes to complete applications to be considered for the historical marker program.

    The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Oct 2, 2024

    MIL OSI USA News –