Category: AM-NC

MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cyprus is the only EU Member State still under military occupation, 50 years on from the illegal Turkish invasion – E-001394/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The Commission is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded and the EU acquis.

Türkiye is expected to actively support the negotiations on a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework[1].

The EU has repeatedly called for the speedy resumption of negotiations and expressed its readiness to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all appropriate means at its disposal.

The EU does not recognise the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ and is bound by UN Security Council resolution 541[2].

The EU remains fully committed to defending its interests and those of its Member States and to ensuring that the UN Security Council resolutions and generally recognised principles and norms of international law, particularly with respect to the sovereignty, independence and integrity of states, are fully upheld.

The Commission’s key instrument to support a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community[3].

The overarching objective of the programme, since its creation in 2006, is to facilitate Cyprus’ reunification. Since 2006, the EU has allocated over EUR 700 million to the programme.

Reunification can be also fostered through increased trade across the Green Line, as it not only contributes to economic integration but also builds trust. The Commission is responsible for the implementation of the Green Line Regulation[4].

While this trade stood at around EUR 4 to 5 million per year until 2019, it reached a record of EUR 16 million in 2023.
- [1] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/eb90aefd-897b-43e9-8373-bf59c239217f_en?filename=SWD_2023_696%20T%C3%BCrkiye%20report.pdf
- [2] UN Security Council resolutions on Northern Cyprus (UNSC Resolution No 541 of 18 November 1983 and UNSC Resolution No 550 of 11 May 1984).
- [3] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/support-turkish-cypriot-community/aid-programme-turkish-cypriot-community_en
- [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1481620173103&uri=CELEX:02004R0866-20150831
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: EIB and Intesa Sanpaolo announce agreement to stimulate up to €8 billion investment in the wind industry
Source: European Investment Bank

©maxpro/ Shutterstock
- The operation includes a €500 million EIB counter-guarantee enabling Intesa Sanpaolo to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion, expected to unlock €8 billion of investment in the real economy.
- The agreement is part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package to boost Europe’s wind power manufacturing sector.
- The operation is backed by InvestEU, the EU programme aiming to mobilise investment of more than €372 billion by 2027.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo have agreed on a new initiative with the potential to unlock investment of up to €8 billion for the European wind industry. It forms part of the EIB’s €5 billion wind power package, an investment plan announced by the EU bank at COP28 in Dubai and activated in July, and it is the first agreement under this package supported by InvestEU. It follows a similar initiative between the EIB and Germany-based Deutsche Bank AG. The EIB wind-focused programme aims to support the production of 32 GW of the 117 GW of wind capacity needed to enable the European Union to meet its goal of generating at least 45% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. It is a key element of the European Wind Power Package, in particular its Action Plan, presented by the European Commission in October 2023.

In concrete terms, the EIB will provide a €500 million counter-guarantee to Intesa Sanpaolo, enabling the Italian bank to create a portfolio of bank guarantees of up to €1 billion. These will back the supply chain and power grid interconnection for new wind farms projects across the European Union. The leverage effect of the EIB counter-guarantee is expected to mobilise additional funding from other investors to support increasing production and accelerating wind energy development, helping to stimulate an estimated €8 billion of investment in the real economy.

“Wind energy is central to European energy independence,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “Producers are facing challenges such as high costs, uncertain demand, slow permitting, supply chain bottlenecks and strong international competition. This agreement shows how the EIB’s risk-sharing instruments help overcome these difficulties and finance key projects for the green transition and the decarbonisation of the European economy, while enhancing industrial competitiveness.”

Mauro Micillo, Chief of Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate & Investment Banking Division, commented: “The energy transition requires significant investments and a virtuous collaboration between public and private stakeholders. In this context, the development of renewable energies is one of the key objectives of the green strategies at national and European level. Thanks to many years of collaboration with the EIB, the IMI CIB Division of Intesa Sanpaolo has developed innovative instruments aimed at supporting large international groups’ infrastructure investments, including interconnections and electricity grids, enabling strategic sustainable projects in Europe. The recent transactions enhance our support for the entire wind energy supply chain, with a focus on ESG goals, in collaboration with our clients and the European institutions. The Intesa Sanpaolo Group thus confirms its role as a driver of innovation and its support to corporates and institutions for a sustainable economic development.”

European Commissioner for the Economy Paolo Gentiloni said: “This agreement marks another important step in Europe’s efforts to support the wind power manufacturing sector. Amid global uncertainty, the InvestEU programme is mobilising crucial investments where they are most needed. With €8 billion in investments flowing into the real economy, we are reinforcing our commitment to achieving the climate neutrality and energy independence, while contributing to economic growth and job creation.”

Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said: “Ensuring that the European wind manufacturing sector remains a strong power player is key to achieve our clean energy and climate goals and keep our industry competitive. I welcome this further initiative of the EIB with Intesa Sanpaolo. It will help deliver our European Wind Power Package by unlocking investments in this crucial sector for the green transition.”

Background information

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It provides long-term financing for sound investments that contribute to EU policy. The Bank finances projects in four priority areas: infrastructure, innovation, climate and environment, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Between 2019 and 2023, the EIB Group provided €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps to crowd in private investment for the European Union’s strategic priorities such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments previously available for supporting investments within the European Union together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub, and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is deployed through implementing partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

The European Commission presented the European Wind Power Package in October 2023 to tackle the unique set of challenges faced by the wind sector, including insufficient and uncertain demand, slow and complex permitting, lack of access to raw materials and high inflation and commodity prices, among others. In a specific Action Plan, the Commission set out a set of initiatives concerning permitting, auction design, skills and access to finance to ensure that the clean energy transition goes hand-in-hand with industrial competitiveness and that wind power continues to be a European success story. As part of this plan, in July 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) activated a €5 billion initiative to support manufacturers of wind-energy equipment in Europe.

Intesa Sanpaolo, with over €422 billion in loans and €1.35 trillion in customer financial assets at the end of June 2024, is the largest banking group in Italy, with a significant international presence. It is a European leader in wealth management, with a strong focus on digital and fintech. In the environmental, social and governance domain, it plans to make €115 billion in impact contributions to the community and green transition by 2025. Its programme to support people in need totals €1.5 billion (2023-2027). Intesa Sanpaolo’s Gallerie d’Italia museum network is an exhibition venue for its artistic heritage collection and cultural projects of recognised value. Intesa Sanpaolo’s IMI Corporate and Investment Banking Division will use the EIB funds to provide bank guarantees on advances received and plant performance to wind energy producers. The EIB has signed agreements totalling almost €5 billion with Intesa Sanpaolo over the last five years.

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MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Spain’s failure to comply with the 2019 directive on work-life balance – P-001637/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
On 16 November 2023, the Commission decided to refer Spain to the Court of Justice of the European Union (with Belgium and Ireland) for failing to notify national measures fully transposing EU rights on Work-life Balance for parents and carers .

Therefore, the case is now before the Court of Justice of the EU (the Court). Since the cases concern the failure to notify transposition measures of a legislative directive, the Commission asked the Court to impose financial sanctions on those Member States[1]. The final amount of the sanctions will be decided by the Court.

The Commission as guardian of the Treaties monitors the application of EU law in Member States and may open other infringement procedures where necessary.

The above-mentioned case concerns non-communication of the national measures transposing the directive into national law. Once the transposition is completed, the Commission will check the compliance of the said national measures with the directive; if it considers that the Member State’s legislation doesn’t comply with the requirements of the directive, the Commission may open new infringement proceedings.

[1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5372
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Need for a united and decisive legislative response to tackle homophobia in Europe – E-001446/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The Commission tackles discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) people and strives to ensure their safety, as set out in the LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1].

In 2021, the Commission proposed[2] to include hate speech and hate crime in the list of EU crimes under Article 83 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU)[3].

In the absence of a unanimous Council decision according to the third subparagraph of Article 83(1) TFEU, the Commission is currently not able to take further steps in that regard.

Also, the Commission’s high-level group on combating hate speech and hate crime discusses and facilitates exchanges of best practices and collection of data, including on LGBTIQ, and adopted in 2022 guiding principles on cooperation between law enforcement authorities and civil society organisations.

Under the Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values Programme[4], the Commission provides funding to projects addressing hate crime and hate speech and enhancing LGBTIQ equality.

While respecting Member States’ responsibilities on education systems and teaching content, the Commission supports learning and exchange of good practices to ensure safe and inclusive education for young people.

In 2023, the working group on equality and values in education and training published a paper on tackling different forms of discrimination[5].

The Commission has recently published guidelines[6] on enhancing supportive learning environments for vulnerable learners, addressing violence, including gender-based and (cyber) bullying.

On 25 September 2024, the Commission published a report on the implementation of the LGBTIQ strategy[7]. It is expected to update the strategy for post-2025, as announced in the political guidelines[8] for the next Commission.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0698
- [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0777
- [3] The current legislation only covers racist or xenophobic hate crime: Council Framework Decision 2008/913/JHA of 28 November 2008 on combating racism and xenophobia of 2008. OJ L 328, 6.12.2008, p. 55-58.
- [4] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/programmes/cerv
- [5] https://education.ec.europa.eu/lv/news/new-issue-paper-tackling-prejudice-and-discrimination-in-and-through-education-and-training
- [6] https://education.ec.europa.eu/news/supporting-wellbeing-at-school-new-guidelines-for-policymakers-and-educators
- [7] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/combatting-discrimination/lesbian-gay-bi-trans-and-intersex-equality/lgbtiq-equality-strategy-2020-2025_en
- [8] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – EP leaders adopt calendar for Commissioners-designate hearings

Source: European Parliament

The Conference of Presidents decided on the detailed calendar for the hearings of Commissioners-designate.

The hearings will take place from 4 to 12 November. After the consultation of committee chairs, the European Parliament President and political group leaders adopted the detailed schedule of which Commissioner-designate will be heard by which committees and at which time slot.

European Parliament leaders also adopted the written questions prepared by the different committees that Commissioners-designate should reply to by 22 October 2024.

Each hearing will be followed by a meeting in which the Chairs of the Committees and group representatives (coordinators) concerned will evaluate the performance of the Commissioner-designate they just heard.

After the completion of the evaluation process, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of all hearings and forward its recommendation to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will exchange views and decide whether to close the hearings in its meeting on 21 November; it will also decide to place the vote on the College as a whole on the plenary agenda.

Plenary vote

The full Commission needs to be elected by a simple majority of the votes cast in plenary, by roll call. The vote is currently scheduled to take place during the (25-28) November session in Strasbourg.

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.

Current Rules of Procedures (in force as of July 2024) have been amended on 10 April 2024, as part of the wider reform of Parliament’s internal working methods, as endorsed by the Conference of Presidents in December 2023.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Suspected violation of human rights through the use of state institutions as a tool for exerting pressure – P-001548/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is following the situation in Bulgaria and is in a constant dialogue with the Bulgarian authorities to promote the rule of law within the framework of the comprehensive annual rule of law cycle.

The 202 4 Rule of Law Report, published on 24 July 20 2 4 , presents developments and recommendations related to the rule of law in the Member States of the EU and includes a dedicated country chapter on all 27 Member States, including Bulgaria[1].

In the particular case of Bulgaria, the 2024 report notes that concerns have been raised as to the functioning and independence of certain regulatory and independent authorities in the country.

[1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2024-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing and discussion of a draft delegated regulation – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Source: European Parliament

On 14 October, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will hold a public hearing on the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, which has enabled the main stakeholders to envision the development of the European farming and food systems. Members will also discuss a draft delegated regulation on the controls on organic products to be exported to the Union.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – DROI to exchange views with EU Fundamental Rights Agency Director, Sirpa Rautio – Subcommittee on Human Rights

Source: European Parliament

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights © European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights

On 17 October, the DROI Subcommittee will exchange views with the new Director of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA), Sirpa Rautio, who became Director in March this year. She will present FRA’s latest and upcoming work. Created in 2007 to collect data on the situation of fundamental rights within the EU, FRA also includes more and more candidate countries to EU membership in its surveys. Its work is made available to Parliament to ground its positions on well-established evidence.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: PEUGEOT Completes its EV Line-up with the New PEUGEOT E-408: Unexpected from Every Angle, 100% Electric
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

CASABLANCA, Morocco, October 10, 2024/APO Group/ —

PEUGEOT (www.PEUGEOT.com) completes its EV line-up, with a fully electric version of the PEUGEOT 408, following the launch of the plug-in hybrid version in 2022. The new PEUGEOT E-408 combines the unexpected allure of a fastback silhouette with zero emission efficiency, the thrill of a powerful 157 kW/210 hp motor, and the pleasure of the PEUGEOT electric driving experience, with up to 453 km range. When it comes to recharging, the process is made simple with the integrated trip planner. PEUGEOT also offers total peace of mind to its customers by providing the PEUGEOT E-408 with 8 years/160,000 km warranty through its ALLURE CARE programme.

ALLURE: With its fastback silhouette and 100% electric powertrain, the PEUGEOT E-408 is an entirely unique offering in the market.

EMOTION: The pleasure of 100% electric driving is amplified with the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and its embedded trip planner.

EXCELLENCE: The PEUGEOT E-408 completes PEUGEOT’s EV line-up, the widest of any mainstream manufacturer in the European electric market with 12 electric passenger cars and LCVs.

By unveiling the PEUGEOT 408 in June 2022, PEUGEOT brought the allure of an unprecedented fastback silhouette to the top of the C segment. Unexpectedly different, the 408 stands out with its feline posture, dynamic lines offering an elevated driving position, and the premium sophistication of its design down to the finest details.

The two electrified powertrains, PLUG-IN HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 and PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8, marked a first step in electrification for the 408. Earlier this year, the 48V HYBRID 136 e-DCS6 joined the 408 line-up. The new PEUGEOT E-408 takes this electric strategy to the next level with a zero-emission powertrain of 157 kW/210 hp paired with a 58,2 kWh (usable) NMC battery.

The launch of the PEUGEOT E-408, with the opening of orders from 2^nd October, marks the latest step in PEUGEOT’s ambition to become the mainstream EV leader in Europe. The new PEUGEOT E-408 will be built at the Mulhouse plant and benefits from the ALLURE CARE programme and is warranted for up to 8 years / 160,000 km, the longest of any European brand.

ALLURE: AN UNEXPECTED AND DYNAMIC FASTBACK DESIGN

The innovative and unexpected fastback design perfectly matches the modernity of the new PEUGEOT E-408. A platform that allows for total electrification without compromising on style, dynamism, or interior comfort.

With an overall length of 4.69m and a width of 1.85m (with the mirrors folded), the PEUGEOT E-408 uses the multi-energy E-EMP2 (Efficient Modular Platform), notable for its wheelbase length of 2.79 m. This generous dimension allows the battery to be installed in the car’s underbody, under the floor between the wheels, thus preserving the cabin space and lowering the PEUGEOT E-408’s centre of gravity for dynamic road behaviour where pleasure drives progress.

This architecture combines the dynamic elegance of a fastback, road behaviour worthy of the best saloons, and a slightly elevated driving position that enhances daily enjoyment, safety, and comfort.

A feline posture

With its wide tracks – 1.59 m at the front and 1.60 m at the rear – the PEUGEOT E-408 is firmly anchored to the road. Despite being elevated, this model offers a sleek and sporty profile thanks to a limited height of 1.49 m, which improves aerodynamics.

The feline character of the PEUGEOT E-408 is highlighted by the unique and sharp treatment of the body surfaces, particularly noticeable towards the rear – with the ‘cat’s ears’, the boot lid, and the shape of the wings, creating sharp facets designed to play with the light.

Side body and wheel arch protections extend into a robust black rear bumper, which, by cutting the body colour diagonally, accentuates the rear’s dynamism. The large 19-inch Graphite wheels with innovative design receive 225-50R19 tyres with very low rolling resistance (A+ class).

A modern identity

The body-colour treatment of the PEUGEOT E-408’s grille “dematerialises” it by blending it into the bumper’s overall shape – a sign of a generational change and the electrification era of the PEUGEOT range.

The brand’s identity is more visible than ever through the sophisticated work on lighting. At the front, the LED technology allows for very thin – and very effective – headlights that form the PEUGEOT E-408’s look: a resolutely PEUGEOT look. The light signature extends downward with two LED strips in the shape of fangs plunging into the bumper. At the rear, PEUGEOT’s identity takes the form of the iconic three LED claws, inclined for even more dynamism.

Five colours are available for the new PEUGEOT E-408: Okenite White, Obsession Blue, Selenium Grey, Elixir Red and Perla Nera Black.

EMOTION: MORE THAN EVER, PLEASURE DRIVES PROGRESS

Generous power, immediate torque… the 100% electric drive of the PEUGEOT E-408 offers pure driving pleasure. This is further amplified by the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® and road behaviour, in true PEUGEOT tradition.

A unique driving experience

The incomparable PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® offers exceptional ergonomics. The compact steering wheel enhances driving pleasure by allowing unique agility and precision of movement. Positioned at eye level just above the steering wheel, the digital cluster includes a fully customisable and configurable 10-inch 3D digital panel.

More than ever, driving pleasure is embedded in the new PEUGEOT E-408’s genes, with exemplary road handling, high-end ride comfort, and perfect manoeuvrability in the city, enabled by a curb-to-curb turning radius of 11.18 m. To improve vibrational comfort, the body rigidity is optimized by bonding structural elements.

Performance contributes to driving pleasure

The new PEUGEOT E-408 features a synchronous electric motor with permanent magnets developing 157 kW (210 hp) and a generous torque of 345 Nm. This motor is produced in France, in Trémery, by the STELLANTIS-NIDEC joint venture. The reducer it is associated with is manufactured by STELLANTIS in Valenciennes (France).

The PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with countless connected services*

The 10-inch high-definition central screen allows you to control the PEUGEOT i-Connect® Advanced system, which comes standard on the PEUGEOT E-408 and offers efficient and effective TomTom connected navigation. For optimal readability, the map display covers the entire 10-inch touchscreen. As for system updates, they are carried out “over the air,” meaning directly through data transmission via the telecom network.

Efficient navigation with a trip planner and optimised solutions. The navigation system includes a “trip planner” function that optimally plans routes to maximise the car’s range and facilitate recharging. To calculate the ideal route, the system takes into account numerous pieces of information, including the distance to be travelled, the battery charge level at the start, the desired battery charge level at the destination, speed, energy consumption, traffic, type of road, elevation, and of course, available charging stations near the destination.

The e-Routes by Free2move Charge application is also accessible in the vehicle by connecting a smartphone to the PEUGEOT i-Connect® system. It optimises all trips by calculating the best route based on the vehicle’s range needs, the location of charging stations, traffic conditions, the distance to be travelled, etc.

The mirroring function that connects the smartphone to the car’s infotainment system is wireless (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), and it is possible to connect two phones via Bluetooth simultaneously. Four USB-C ports complete the connected setup of the PEUGEOT E-408.

The fully configurable i-toggles arranged under the central screen like an open book, provide a unique aesthetic and technology level in the segment. Each of the 5 customisable i-toggles offer a touch-sensitive shortcut to climate control settings, a phone contact, a radio station, an app launch… configured to the user’s choice. This can be customised for each driver, with up to 8 customisable profiles.

A daily ally for more safety and ease, the “OK PEUGEOT” natural language voice recognition command allows access to all infotainment functions and ChatGPT. Like all the latest generation PEUGEOTs, the new PEUGEOT E-408 integrates the generative artificial intelligence ChatGPT, which responds, via voice command, to all requests, such as tourist information or generating a quiz to keep children occupied during a trip…

The MyPEUGEOT® smartphone app is particularly practical and allows:
- Launching or scheduling thermal preconditioning. Beyond comfort, this feature allows, when the vehicle is plugged in, to optimise range (faster convergence of the temperature setpoint during startup phases by anticipating the optimal operating temperature of the battery).
- Consulting, scheduling, launching, or delaying battery charging.
- Activating the welcome light sequence, for example, to locate the car in a crowded parking lot.
A warm atmosphere inside the cabin

The new PEUGEOT E-408 is designed as a high-end fastback in the C segment. It offers numerous features intended to fully enjoy the pleasure of travel and mobility.

Inside the new PEUGEOT E-408, the LED ambient lighting (8 colours to choose from) behind the central screen, diffuses a soft light and contributes to the sophisticated cabin ambiance. The same

light extends to the padded door panels, which are covered with either fabric, Alcantara® (RHD), or real stamped aluminum pieces (LHD), depending on the trim level.

The thermal and acoustic comfort of the new PEUGEOT E-408 is optimised by the technologies implemented for the design and manufacture of its windows:
- At the front and rear, the windows have a thickness (3.85 mm) above average.
- At the front, the side windows are laminated (3.96 mm on GT) for better sound insulation and increased security.
Of course, the air conditioning contributes to the thermal comfort of the occupants. The vents bringing fresh air into the cabin are positioned high at the front, and the rear passengers benefit from 2 air vents placed at the back of the central console.

To ensure a healthy interior atmosphere, the PEUGEOT E-408 GT can be equipped with the optional AQS (Air Quality System), which continuously monitors the quality of the air entering the cabin and can automatically activate air recirculation. This serenity is complemented on the GT level by the Clean Cabin, an air treatment system with pollutant gas and particle filtration, with the air quality being displayed on the central touch screen.

The new PEUGEOT E-408’s Hi-Fi Premium FOCAL® system is a result of over 3 years of co-design working with the high-end audio specialist. Complemented by ARKAMYS digital sound processing, the Hi-Fi Premium FOCAL® system consists of 10 speakers with exclusive patented technologies:
- 4 TNF tweeters with inverted aluminum domes,
- 4 woofers/midrange speakers with Polyglass membranes and TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) suspension of 165mm,
- 1 Polyglass central channel,
- 1 Power Flower™ triple coil oval subwoofer.
- They are paired with a new 12-channel 690 W amplifier (boosted class D technology).
Particularly enveloping, the front seats have obtained the AGR (Aktion für Gesunder Rücken) label awarded by an independent German association of ergonomics and back health experts. This label rewards both the ergonomics and the range of adjustments of the front seats. These can also have 10-way electric adjustments with two possible memory settings for the driver, 6 ways for the passenger, as well as 8-pocket pneumatic massage with 8 different programs, and heated seats.

The seat design has been thought to highlight the quality of the materials used: mottled fabric, technical meshes, Alcantara, embossed leather, and nappa leather (for select markets). On the GT versions, they are adorned with an Adamite colour signature thread, which also outlines the dashboard, door panels, and padded console pads.

Between the front seats, the central console’s arch extends to a space dedicated to wireless phone charging. Thus, the rest of the console is entirely dedicated to storage and practicality, with an armrest, 2 USB C ports (charge/data), 2 large-diameter cup holders, and up to 33 liters of various storage.

The rear space is particularly generous, thanks to the long wheelbase of 2.79 m, making the new PEUGEOT E-408 the most spacious PEUGEOT for rear seated passengers: they benefit from 183 mm of leg room. The footwell, the space dedicated to the rear passengers’ feet under the first-row seats, is designed to maximise freedom of movement; the seat design and seating angle are

intended to give passengers the opportunity to make the most of their space for optimal comfort during trips.

Connectivity is not left behind with the presence, from the Allure level, of 2 USB C charging ports at the back of the central console.

The new PEUGEOT E-408 offers a 2-part (60/40) bench seat with a ski hatch as standard. In the GT trim, it benefits from an immediate folding system of its 2 parts by operating two easily accessible controls from the trunk sides.

The boot volume of the new PEUGEOT E-408 is particularly generous, offering 471 dm³ of loading capacity. With the rear seats folded, the space available is further increased to 1,545 dm³. Once the bench seatback is folded down, it is possible to load an object up to 1.89 m long. For daily practicality, the boot area is equipped with a 12V socket located on the right boot trim, LED lighting, a net and storage elastic, and bag hooks.

EXCELLENCE: A CONSTANT QUEST FOR EFFICIENCY, SAFETY, AND QUALITY

Efficiency was at the heart of the PEUGEOT teams’ concerns throughout the design and development of the PEUGEOT E-408.

Designed for a smooth energy transition

The aerodynamics of the new PEUGEOT E-408 (SCx: 0.66) received particular attention. Bumpers, front air intake, underbody screen, and lower rear guards for the the front wheels. The new PEUGEOT E-408 also receives a specific underbody forming an aerodynamic flat floor, the result is a low electricity consumption of 15.2 kWh / 100 km and up to 453 km WLTP combined range according to the WLTP cycle.**

The PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped with a high-voltage battery of 58,2 kWh usable. With NMC 811 technology – 80% Nickel, 10% Manganese, 10% Cobalt – it benefits from increased energy density with 18 onboard modules. The new PEUGEOT E-408 offers a range of 453 km in the WLTP mixed cycle, meeting the needs of most C-segment customers, whose typical daily mileage is under 45 km (Industry data).

Regenerative braking allows for a smoother driving experience. Using the paddles behind the compact steering wheel, the driver can easily activate regenerative braking in 3 levels, the left paddle increases regeneration, and the right one decreases it… The three regeneration levels are: Low (-0.6 m/s²) for sensations close to a thermal vehicle, Moderate (-1.3 m/s²) for increased deceleration when releasing the accelerator pedal and, Increased (-2.0 m/s²) for maximum deceleration when releasing the accelerator pedal and thus maximum regeneration. The last two levels automatically illuminate the rear stop lights.

The driver can also choose between three drive modes, depending on their priorities. Normal is the default mode, setting the power at 140 kW (190 hp) and torque at 300 Nm, offering an ideal balance between dynamism and range. The Sport mode (157 kW/210 hp and 345 Nm) is available for maximum performance and activates automatically and temporarily during “kick downs.” The ECO mode (125 kW/170 hp, 270 Nm) favours range while preserving driving pleasure.

The new PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped as standard with a heat pump, as well as heated steering wheel and seats, optimizing passenger thermal comfort while preserving battery energy. A simple and fast recharge. For AC charging, the new PEUGEOT E-408 is equipped as standard with an 11 kW three-phase charger. For DC charging via superchargers, the PEUGEOT E-408 accepts power up to 120 kW, allowing a charge from 20% to 80% of the battery in just over 30 minutes (under nominal battery temperature conditions) and recovering 100 km of range in just over 10 minutes. To optimise charging, the driver can program the lower and upper thresholds from the PEUGEOT E-408’s central screen. For example, from 20% minimum charge to 80% maximum charge.

Something for everyone

Two plug-in hybrid engines are also available on the PEUGEOT 408:

PLUG-IN HYBRID 225 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 180 bhp (132 kW) turbo engine and an 81 kW electric motor coupled with the e-EAT8 8-speed automatic gearbox / currently undergoing homologation.

PLUG-IN HYBRID 180 e-EAT8: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 150 bhp turbo engine (110kW) and an 81kW electric motor coupled with the 8-speed e-EAT8 automatic gearbox / currently undergoing homologation.

The Li-ion battery on both plug-in hybrid versions has a capacity of 12.4kWh. Two types of on-board chargers are available: a 3.7kW single-phase charger as standard and an optional 7.4kW single-phase charger.

Estimated charging times are the following:
- From a 7.4kW Wall Box (32 A) and with the 7.4kW single-phase on-board charger, fully charged in 1 hour 40 minutes.
- From a reinforced socket (14 A) and with the 3.7kW single-phase on-board charger, fully charged in 3 hours 55 minutes.
- From a standard socket (8A) and with the single-phase on-board charger (3.7kW), full charging takes approximately 7 hours 05 minutes.
One hybrid engine is available on the PEUGEOT 408:

HYBRID 136 e-DCS6: 2-wheel drive / combination of a 136 hp turbo engine (100kW) and a 48V battery coupled with the 6-speed e-DCS6 automatic gearbox.

This PEUGEOT HYBRID 48V system, which consists of a new-generation 136 hp petrol engine coupled with a dual-clutch 6-speed gearbox that incorporates an electric motor. Thanks to a battery that recharges while driving, this technology offers extra torque at low revs and a reduction of up to 15% in fuel consumption (5.2 l/100 km in WLTP mixed cycle**). In urban driving, the new 408 Hybrid 136 e-DCS6 can operate up to 50% of the time in 100% electric zero-emission mode.

Maximum safety for optimal peace of mind

Onboard the new PEUGEOT E-408, a comprehensive set of latest-generation driving aids, powered by information gathered from 5 cameras and 3 radars, secure and ease driving, maneuvers, and travel. Some of these systems are directly derived from higher segments:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go function and adjustable inter-vehicle distance setting.
- Automatic emergency braking with collision risk alert: it detects pedestrians and cyclists, day and night, from 7 km/h to 140 km/h depending on the version.
- Active lane departure warning with trajectory correction.
- Driver attention alert detecting vigilance issues during long drives and at speeds above 65 km/h, using steering wheel micro-movement analysis.
- Extended recognition and display on the digital cluster of traffic signs: stop, no entry, no overtaking, end of no overtaking, in addition to the usual speed-related signs.
- Long-range blind spot monitoring (75 metres).
- Rear traffic alert: during reverse, alerts of approaching danger nearby.
A clear and straightforward range

The new PEUGEOT E-408 is available in two trims: Allure and GT

The new PEUGEOT E-408 is available in two versions: Allure and GT.

The PEUGEOT E-408 Allure comes standard with: LED headlights, 19” alloy wheels, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a customisable 10” digital instrument cluster, connected navigation with trip planner, OK PEUGEOT voice command, wireless mirroring Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 6-speaker audio system, heated driver seat and steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear parking camera and sensors, heat pump, etc.

The PEUGEOT E-408 GT comes standard with, in addition to the Allure version’s equipment: Matrix LED headlights, front parking sensors, PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® with a customisable 10” digital instrument cluster, aluminum interior trims with customisable 8-colour ambient lighting, aluminum door sills, hands-free motorised tailgate, Drive Assist Plus package (Level 2 semi-autonomous driving), etc.

Superior quality

The new PEUGEOT E-408 is positioned at the top of the C segment, offering ergonomics, quality, finish, and equipment worthy of higher categories.

As on all its 100% electric models, PEUGEOT will offer its PEUGEOT Allure Care program on the new PEUGEOT E-408, which covers the electric motor, charger, transmission, and main electrical and mechanical components for up to 8 years or 160,000 kilometers. PEUGEOT Allure Care complements the specific PEUGEOT warranty that already applies to the high-voltage battery for 8 years/160,000 km to provide comprehensive vehicle coverage. PEUGEOT Allure Care activates automatically and free of charge every 2 years or 25,000 kilometers after each maintenance performed within the PEUGEOT network.

Owners of the PEUGEOT E-408 will benefit from reduced maintenance constraints, with a service program every 2 years or 25,000 kilometers.

*Some services may require a subscription.

** WLTP cycle under approval

MIL OSI Africa –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violation of LGBTQ+ rights by the Republic of Bulgaria – P-001504/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
As set out in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union, equality and respect for human dignity and human rights are values common to the Member States on which also the EU is founded.

The Commission remains steadfast, within the limits of its competences, in its commitment to tackling discrimination, inequalities and challenges faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) individuals, including in education, as outlined in our LGBTIQ Equality Strategy 2020-2025[1], of course including in Bulgaria .

The Commission is aware of the law adopted by the Bulgarian parliament.

On 13 August 2024, Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli, sent a letter to the Bulgarian Minister of Education and Science, Mr Galin Tsokov, to request further information on the legislation. The Commission received the reply of the Minister on 3 September and is assessing it.

The Commission is analysing whether the legislation is aligned with EU law, including the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. The Commission will use all the instruments at its disposal to protect the EU’s values and will not hesitate to take the necessary actions within the limit of its competence.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52020DC0698
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Local harm caused by olive oil regulations – E-001663/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Olive oil marketing standards are a part of the agricultural product quality policy. Their purpose is to take into account the expectations of consumers, to contribute to the improvement of the production and marketing of agricultural products and their quality as well as to ensure a level playing field for EU producers.

Since 1991, olive oils are categorised based on a number of parameters, including organoleptic and chemical, currently included in Regulation 2022/2104[1].

The organoleptic characteristics are checked by panels of tasters in accordance with the International Olive Council organoleptic assessment method.

Panels are approved by Member States in accordance with Article 10 of Regulation 2022/2105[2]. Tasters undergo regular training and panels participate in ring trials to continuously improve their performance.

In addition, in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation 2022/2105, if a panel does not confirm the category declared by an operator, operators can request a counter-assessment, where the oil is assessed by two additional panels.

[1] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2104 of 29 July 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards marketing standards for olive oil, and repealing Commission Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 29/2012; OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 1-22; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2104/oj

[2] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2105 of 29 July 2022 laying down rules on conformity checks of marketing standards for olive oil and methods of analysis of the characteristics of olive oil; OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 23-48; ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2022/2105/2022-11-04
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Preliminary findings against X on breaching the Digital Services Act and a secret deal with other platforms – E-001450/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament

The Commission exercises its powers in accordance with the Treaties. The protection of fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, is one of the main values, according to Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union[1], of the European Union law to which its institutions abide.

Likewise, at the heart of the Digital Services Act (DSA)[2] lays a deep commitment to the protection of fundamental rights. The DSA horizontal rules against illegal content are carefully calibrated and accompanied by robust safeguards for freedom of expression and an effective right of redress.

Under the DSA, the Commission is responsible for supervising and enforcing the specific DSA obligations that apply to very large online platforms and search engines.

To monitor their compliance with the DSA, the legislator has entrusted the Commission with investigative and enforcement powers.

All actions taken by the Commission, including in the context of the proceedings against X, as well as all other enforcement actions against other very large online platforms, are undertaken within the limits of its supervision and enforcement powers and strictly follow the procedures laid out in Chapter IV, Section 4 of the DSA, in compliance with the principles of good administration, legal certainty and respect for the rule of law.

On 12 July 2024, following its investigations, the Commission adopted preliminary findings against X for breach of the DSA. X now has the possibility to exercise its rights of defence by examining the documents in the Commission’s investigation file, including evidence and sources underpinning the case, and by replying to the Commission’s preliminary findings.
- [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:2bf140bf-a3f8-4ab2-b506-fd71826e6da6.0023.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
- [2] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065, OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p 1-102.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public Hearing and discussion of a draft delegated regulation – 14-10-2024 – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Source: European Parliament

On 14 October, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will hold a public hearing on the Strategic Dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, which has enabled the main stakeholders to envision the development of the European farming and food systems. Members will also discuss a draft delegated regulation on the controls on organic products to be exported to the Union.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Netherlands: Dutch Life Science Tools LUMICKS secures €20 million from EIB to accelerate drug discovery for cancer.
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB
- Amsterdam-based LUMICKS signs €20 million venture debt with EIB to accelerate the development and launch of its new product, designed to advance immunotherapy development for cancer research.
- LUMICKS’ next generation high-throughput cell avidity platform aims to transform the drug discovery process by replacing traditional screening methods, expediting development for life-saving treatments, and improving reliability in the drug discovery process.
- The investment is backed by the European Commission through the InvestEU initiative, which seeks to foster innovation projects and job creation across Europe.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and LUMICKS have signed a €20 million venture debt agreement to accelerate the launch of its next generation, high throughput cell avidity platform. The financing is supported by the European Commission under the InvestEU initiative.

LUMICKS’ Cell Avidity technology is transforming the discovery process in cancer immunotherapy by addressing a critical challenge: the lack of tools to directly measure the binding interaction of immune cells, such as CAR-T cells, with cancer cells. This limitation creates uncertainties in the preclinical funnel and slows therapy development. By providing high-throughput measurement of such interactions, LUMICKS’ empowers researchers to optimize therapies faster and with greater accuracy, with the goal of improving success rates in clinical trials.

“The Netherlands is home to a vibrant Life Sciences industry and the EIB has been proudly supporting this sector to ensure it continues to lead in medical innovation and transformative healthcare solutions.” stated EIB vice president Robert de Groot. “The new financing to LUMICKS is a testament of this. With the backing of InvestEU, the EIB can provide LUMICKS with stable long-term funding matching the highly innovative profile of the Company and tailored to its current needs for continued growth, market expansion, and development of its technologies.”

“This investment from the EIB enables us to accelerate our R&D timeline, ensuring we continue innovating to deliver a long-lasting impact in the immunotherapy space” stated LUMICKS CEO Hugo de Wit. “By providing deeper insights into cellular interactions, our instruments empower researchers to make faster, better-informed decisions, with the goal of improving success rates in clinical trials and accelerating the development of effective therapies.”

LUMICKS, founded in 2014, employs 170 people globally and has a proven track record of developing and commercializing cutting-edge life science tools. Widely adopted by top universities and research institutions worldwide, LUMICKS’ technologies have contributed to numerous publications in top journals across fields such as oncology and immunotherapy.

Background information:

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. Over the last ten years, the EIB has made available more than €27 billion in financing for Dutch projects in various sectors, including research & development, transport, drinking water, healthcare and SMEs.

The EIB is the European Union’s bank; the only bank owned by and representing the interests of the European Union Member States, The Netherlands owns a 5,2% share of the EIB. It works closely with other EU institutions to implement EU policy and is the world’s largest multilateral borrower and lender. The EIB provides finance and expertise for sustainable investment projects that contribute to EU policy objectives. More than 90% of its activity is in Europe.

The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investment for EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments previously available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is deployed through implementing partners who will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

LUMICKS is a pioneering life science tools company dedicated to accelerating drug discovery in cancer research and advancing the understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms at the molecular and cellular levels. Our innovative technologies empower researchers to reveal crucial insights into the biological complexity of health and disease, driving the development of next-generation therapies and accelerating immunotherapy breakthroughs.

Mission:

We empower academic and pharmaceutical communities with cutting-edge technologies to deeply understand the mechanisms of life and disease, driving the discovery and development of life-saving therapies.

Vision:

By 2027, more than 250 world-leading researchers developing therapies and understanding biological mechanisms will use cell avidity and single-molecule data to develop cures that will impact more than 1 million lives.

Lumicks (IEU LS)
Dutch Life Science Tools LUMICKS secures €20 million from EIB to accelerate drug discovery for cancer.
©EIB
Download original

Lumicks (IEU LS)
Dutch Life Science Tools LUMICKS secures €20 million from EIB to accelerate drug discovery for cancer.
©EIB
Download original

Lumicks (IEU LS)
Dutch Life Science Tools LUMICKS secures €20 million from EIB to accelerate drug discovery for cancer.
©EIB
Download original
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: How catalysts remove dangerous nitrogen oxides (last modification, the 10.10.2024)

Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

Paul Scherrer Institut

Villigen, 10.10.2024 – Catalysts belonging to the zeolite family help to remove toxic nitrogen oxides from industrial emissions. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have now discovered that their complex nano porous structure is crucial. Specifically, individual iron atoms sitting in certain neighbouring pores communicate with each other, thereby driving the desired reaction.

Industry produces gases that are harmful to both humans and the environment and therefore must be prevented from escaping. These include nitric oxide and nitrous oxide, the latter also known as laughing gas. Both can be produced simultaneously when manufacturing fertilisers, for example. To remove them from the waste gases, companies use zeolite-based catalysts. Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, in collaboration with the Swiss chemical company CASALE SA, have now worked out the details of how these catalysts render the combination of these two nitrogen oxides harmless. The results of their research have been published in the journal Nature Catalysis and provide clues as to how the catalysts could be improved in the future.

An entire zoo of iron species

“The Lugano-based company CASALE contacted us because they wanted to develop a better understanding of how their catalysts used for the abatement of nitrogen oxide actually work,” says Davide Ferri, head of the Applied Catalysis and Spectroscopy research group at the PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences. The zeolites used for this are composed of aluminium, oxygen and silicon atoms forming a kind of framework. Zeolites occur naturally – as minerals in rock formations, for example – or they can be manufactured synthetically. Many catalysts used in the chemical industry are based on these compounds, with additional elements added to the basic structure depending on the specific application.

When the zeolite framework also contains iron as an active substance, it enables the conversion of the two nitrogen oxides, nitric oxide (NO) and nitrous oxide(N2O), into harmless molecules. “However, these iron atoms can be located in many different positions of the zeolite framework and can possess various forms,” says Filippo Buttignol, a member of Ferri’s group. He is the principal author of the new study, which he conducted as part of his doctoral thesis. “The iron can lodge in the small spaces of the zeolite in the form of single atoms, or else several iron atoms can bound together and with oxygen atoms in slightly larger spaces in the regular lattice as diatomic, multiatomic or polyatomic clusters.” In short, the catalyst contains an entire zoo of different iron species. “We wanted to know which of these iron species is actually responsible for the catalysis of nitrogen oxides.”

The researchers, who specialise in spectroscopic analyses, knew exactly which three types of experiment they needed to carry out to answer this question. They performed these while the catalytic reaction was taking place in their zeolite sample. First they used the Swiss Light Source SLS at PSI to analyse the process using X-ray absorption spectroscopy. “This allowed us to look at all the iron species simultaneously,” explains Buttignol. Next, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, they used electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy to identify the contribution of each species. And finally – again at PSI – the scientists used infrared spectroscopy to determine the molecular aspect of the different iron species.

Catalysis happens at individual but communicating atoms

Each of these three methods contributed a piece of the puzzle, eventually leading to the following overall picture: Catalysis takes place at single iron atoms which are located in two very specific, neighbouring sites of the zeolite lattice. During the process, these two iron atoms act in concert with each other. One of them, sitting at the centre of four oxygen atoms in the zeolite arranged in the form of a square and responsible specifically to convert nitrous oxide, communicates with a different iron atom, which is surrounded by oxygen atoms arranged in the form of a tetrahedron and at which the nitric oxide reacts.

“Only where this precise arrangement is found do we see iron contributing to the catalysis of the simultaneous abatement of the two gases,” says Buttignol. Each of these iron atoms gave up an electron and took it back again, in other words the typical redox reaction of catalysis took place there over and over again.

Removing hazardous nitrogen oxides more efficiently

Ferri sums up the significance of the new study: “If you know exactly where the chemical reaction takes place, you can start adjusting the manufacture of catalysts accordingly.”

The catalysis of nitric oxide and nitrous oxide and thus their removal from industrial waste gases is important because both are toxic to humans. Beyond this, both gases are also harmful to the environment: nitric oxide is one of the causes of acid rain, while nitrous oxide has such a strong impact on the climate that one molecule of it contributes almost 300 times more to the greenhouse effect than a molecule of carbon dioxide.

Text: Paul Scherrer Institut PSI/Laura Hennemann

Technical terms explained

Catalyst: A material that enables a chemical reaction to take place which would otherwise be much more difficult to achieve. Individual atoms or agglomerates of atoms of the catalytic material can move to and from between different chemical states (see redox reaction), but always return to their original state. This means that a catalyst is neither consumed nor permanently altered during the process.

Spectroscopy: Spectroscopic analyses use visible light or other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum (including ultraviolet and infrared radiation, as well as X-rays, microwaves and other spectral ranges, all of which are invisible to the human eye). Many different techniques exist, which differ in their details. What they all have in common is that the light interacts with the sample and the result reveals information about certain aspects or properties of the sample.

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS): This particular spectroscopic analysis uses X-rays. The sample absorbs individual parts of the X-ray spectrum, allowing researchers to deduce certain properties of the sample.

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy: This involves placing the sample in a magnetic field and simultaneously irradiating it with microwaves.

Infrared spectroscopy: The infrared range of the spectrum can be used to excite vibrations or rotations of molecules. This means that infrared spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively characterise known substances or to determine the structure of unknown substances.

Tetrahedron: A tetrahedron is a pyramid whose base is a triangle (as are all its sides).

Redox reaction: The term redox reaction is a portmanteau for “reduction-oxidation” reaction. In a redox reaction, two chemical substances – a reducing agent or reductant and an oxidising agent or oxidant – exchange electrons. The former loses or donates electrons, while the latter gains or accepts them.

About PSI

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI develops, builds and operates large, complex research facilities and makes them available to the national and international research community. The institute’s own key research priorities are in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether PSI employs 2300 people, thus being the largest research institute in Switzerland. The annual budget amounts to approximately CHF 460 million. PSI is part of the ETH Domain, with the other members being the two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, as well as Eawag (Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology), Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and WSL (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research).

Original publication

F. Buttignol, J. W. A. Fischer, A. H. Clark, M. Elsener, A. Garbujo, P. Biasi, I. Czekaj, M. Nachtegaal, G. Jeschke, O. Kröcher and D. Ferri
Iron-catalyzed cooperative red-ox mechanism for the simultaneous conversion of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide
Nature Catalysis, 10.10.2024 (online)
DOI: 10.1038/s41929-024-01231-3

Address for enquiries

Dr Davide Ferri
PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
+41 56 310 27 81
davide.ferri@psi.ch
[German, English, French, Italian]

Dr Filippo Buttignol
PSI Center for Energy and Environmental Sciences
Paul Scherrer Institute PSI
+41 56 310 37 58
filippo.buttignol@psi.ch
[English, Italian]

Publisher

Paul Scherrer Institut

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Human rights breaches in Türkiye, China and Iraq

Source: European Parliament

On Thursday, the Parliament adopted three resolutions on human rights issues in Türkiye, China and Iraq.

The case of Bülent Mumay in Turkey

MEPs express their deep concern about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, and the targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members.

They condemn the sentence against Bülent Mumay and call on the authorities to drop the charges against him and all arbitrarily detained media workers, political opponents, human rights defenders, civil servants and academics. MEPs deplore a complex web of legislation that systematically silences and controls journalists, and denounce the new “foreign agent regulation” to be introduced by the end of 2024.

Parliament calls on Turkish authorities to restore judicial independence, respect press freedom and ensure compliance with international human rights obligations.

The resolution was adopted by show of hands. The full version will be available here (10/10/2024).

The cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas

China must immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti, 2019 Sakharov Prize laureate, and Gulshan Abbas, as well as all those arbitrarily detained in China, MEPs say. They strongly condemn the human rights violations against Uyghurs and people in Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China.

The resolution demands that all internment camps be closed and denounces abusive policies, intense surveillance, forced labour, sterilisation, birth prevention measures and the destruction of the Uyghur identity, which amount to crimes against humanity and constitute a serious risk of genocide. MEPs welcome the EU’s forced labour regulation and call on businesses operating in China to comply with the human rights due diligence obligations.

Parliament calls on the EU and member states to adopt additional sanctions against high-ranking officials and entities involved in human rights violations in China, address transnational repression of Chinese dissidents and Uyghurs, and prosecute the individuals responsible.

The resolution was adopted by 540 votes for, 23 against, and 47 abstentions. The full version will be available here (10/10/2024).

Iraq, notably the situation of women’s rights and the recent proposal to amend the Personal Status Law

MEPs urge Iraq’s Parliament to fully and immediately reject the amendments to the Personal Status Law and warn of the consequences of this recent proposal, which violates Iraq’s international obligations on women’s fundamental rights. They praise the women, including Members of the Iraqi Parliament who have condemned the reform, and the NGOs, activists and members of civil society that are fighting to preserve one of the most progressive laws in the region.

They underline that the penal code does not legally protect women and child victims of domestic violence in the country and deplore the fact that the proposed amendments to the law, if enacted, would lead to an even more radical application of Sharia law.

The resolution urges Iraq to adopt a national action plan to eliminate child marriage, criminalise marital rape, fight domestic violence and strengthen women’s and girls’ rights, in line with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.

MEPs call on the EU delegation to Iraq to make development grants conditional on judicial training on sexual and gender-based violence and the establishment of women’s shelters, and demand member states increase their support to women’s and children’s rights defenders in Iraq.

The resolution was adopted by show of hands.
The full version will be available here (10/10/2024).

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Future of the COPOLAD programme – E-001942/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001942/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

COPOLAD is an EU-funded delegated cooperation programme that has been fostering dialogue and cooperation between the EU[1] and the Latin American and Caribbean countries on anti-drug policies for a decade.

The European Commission, in its Communication of 18 October 2023 on the EU roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime, states that ‘regional technical assistance programmes, such as EL PAcCTO, EUROFRONT and COPOLAD III as well as the Global Illicit Flows Programme, have proven to be effective instruments in boosting national and regional capabilities to fight organised crime.’

The current programme, COPOLAD III, has a budget of EUR 15 million and an execution time of 4 years from February 2021. It will expire in January 2025.

In light of the above:

1.Is the European Commission working to renew the highly significant COPOLAD programme beyond 2025?

2.In view of the growing threat of drug trafficking in Latin America and its consequences in Europe, are there plans to raise the budget for the new COPOLAD programme?

Submitted: 3.10.2024

[1] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/index_en
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up to the EU-CLASI Joint Declaration – E-001941/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001941/2024
to the Council
Rule 144
Francisco José Millán Mon (PPE)

Organised crime and drug trafficking currently constitute one of the most serious threats to security in the European Union.

In view of this scourge, a joint meeting was held on 18 September 2023 between the EU’s interior ministers and 14 Latin American interior and security ministers belonging to the Latin America Internal Security Committee (known as ‘CLASI’). At the meeting a joint declaration[1] on the fight against organised crime and also drug trafficking was adopted.

In this declaration, the countries of both regions undertook, among other things, to ‘step up the cooperation to tackle the global drug situation affecting both regions’, in particular through increased information exchange and joint investigations in addressing drug trafficking. The parties also agreed to hold regular meetings to strengthen the relationship between the two sides. It was also agreed to hold a meeting of ministers to review progress in the implementation of the joint declaration.

1.Has a schedule of meetings between the two sides been established?

2.Will there be a joint meeting of ministers as set out in the declaration itself?

3.What concrete measures have been implemented or are planned to make good on the commitments made in the declaration?

Submitted: 3.10.2024

[1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-12838-2023-INIT/en/pdf
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – High Representative respecting the prerogatives of his post – E-001887/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001887/2024
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Pierre-Romain Thionnet (PfE)

In a statement made on 18 September 2024, in regards to the Israeli operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell wrote: ‘I can only condemn these attacks that endanger the security and stability of Lebanon’.

Without commenting on the substance thereof, according to Article 18(2) of the Treaty on European Union, ‘The High Representative shall conduct the Union’s common foreign and security policy. He shall contribute by his proposals to the development of that policy, which he shall carry out as mandated by the Council’.

1.Did Mr Borrell, who is still the High Representative, publish a personal opinion here or did he make this statement on behalf of the Member States as a representative of the Council?

2.In the latter case, which Council decision or declaration did he base this on, in line with the prerogatives of his post as defined by the Treaty?

Submitted: 1.10.2024
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ukraine’s ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate – E-001881/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001881/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Fernand Kartheiser (ECR)

At the end of August 2024, Ukraine banned the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate. The UN, Pope Francis, the World Council of Churches and several other bodies have all voiced their concern about the law, which they believe violates the freedom of religion and poses a threat to human rights. Its opponents say the ban is tantamount to a collective punishment of the faithful and infringes many human rights provisions laid down in international conventions.

1.What does the Commission make of this ban, and has it made its view known to the Ukrainian authorities?

2.What impact will this ban have on Ukraine’s accession process?

3.Will the Commission continue to advocate for the freedom of religion?

Submitted: 30.9.2024
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Flood risk information provided to Poland via the Copernicus European alert system – E-001762/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001762/2024/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Piotr Müller (ECR), Michał Dworczyk (ECR), Waldemar Buda (ECR), Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR), Marlena Maląg (ECR), Daniel Obajtek (ECR)

Janez Lenarčič, the EU Crisis Management Commissioner, has said that the Commission has been using the Copernicus European Flood Alert System to warn Member States about the risk of flooding since 10 September.

In this context:

1.When exactly was flood risk information provided to the Polish institutions via the Copernicus European Flood Alert System?

2.Have Polish institutions given any feedback or asked for clarification of the information provided? If so, when, and which institutions got in touch about flood risk in Poland? To which bodies did they send this information/these queries?

Submitted: 19.9.2024
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 10 October – World Mental Health Day – Subcommittee on Public Health

Source: European Parliament

Mental health mind map © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

The silent pandemic of mental health conditions affects millions of people worldwide. This year’s theme is “Mental Health at Work”. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 14 October – Committee on Development
Source: European Parliament

The Committee on Development will meet on Monday 14 October to vote on two different drafts:
- In association with the Delegation to the Africa-EU Parliamentary Assembly (DAFR) : exchange of views with the Commission and humanitarian partners on the humanitarian situation in Sudan;
- In association with the Delegation for Relations with the Mashreq countries (DMAS): exchange of views with the Commission and humanitarian partners on the humanitarian situation in Lebanon;
- Exchange of views with the Commission on the state of play of the Global Gateway strategy.
The next DEVE meeting will take place on Monday 17 October from 9.00 to 10.30
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cohesion Policy as a tool to influence regional elections in the EU – P-001882/2024
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001882/2024/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN)

In the current programming period (2021-2027), around EUR 373 billion has been earmarked for EU Cohesion Policy.

When I asked at the REGI Committee meeting on 9 September 2024 what tangible results EU Cohesion Policy had brought, Commissioner Ferreira was vague in her response. The main point she made in her comments was that Cohesion Policy had a direct influence on elections in beneficiary regions – more specifically, it tended to bring down the anti-EU vote.

According to an April 2024 study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy entitled ‘Paying off Populism: EU-Regionalpolitik verringert Unterstützung populistischer Parteien’ [‘EU regional policy reduces support for populist parties’], targeted EU regional policy measures and investments have the power to shave 2-3 % off the right-wing populists’ share of the vote[1].

1.Is EU Cohesion Policy being used to target projects in regions in which anti-EU or patriotic parties are polling better than average?

2.In the current programming period, are projects which seek to steer or push things in a specific pro-European political direction being financed by EU Cohesion Policy?

Submitted: 30.9.2024

[1] https://www.ifw-kiel.de/fileadmin/Dateiverwaltung/IfW-Publications/fis-import/f16df84e-a721-422e-a087-de3d56c8473e-KPB_172_dt_0804_V3.pdf
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Colombia: EIB Global provides Enel Colombia with $300 million loan for renewable energy generation and power grid improvements
Source: European Investment Bank
- The facility finances solar photovoltaic (PV) plants totalling approximately 486 MW of capacity, and the improvement and expansion of the Enel Colombia distribution business.
- The loan is in Colombian pesos and with the help of a synthetic product neutralises exchange rate risks.
- The loan is the first of its kind to be issued by the EIB in favour of an Enel Group subsidiary.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), in partnership with Enel and SACE, the Italian Export Credit Agency, has provided Enel Group subsidiary Enel Colombia with a loan in the local currency, for a maximum amount in Colombian pesos equivalent to $300 million, which through a synthetic product neutralises the exchange rate risk. The loan is backed by a SACE guarantee. Through this facility, aimed at financing the development of power grids and renewable energy generation in Colombia, the EIB, Enel and SACE have joined forces to support the energy transition in the country and mitigate the effects of climate change.

This agreement is in line with the EU Commission’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, and it is the first EIB framework loan exclusively dedicated to financing Enel Colombia’s sustainable development, as well as being the first EIB synthetic product with an Enel Group subsidiary.

Specifically, the facility will finance the solar PV plants Guayepo I and II, totalling approximately 486 MW of capacity, and the improvement and expansion of the Enel Colombia distribution business, which serves more than 3.7 million customers in Bogota, boosting resilience as well as enabling new connections and e-mobility, in line with the Bogotá Region 2030 project.

The agreement builds upon the EIB’s longstanding successful collaboration with Enel and SACE in Latin America which has already granted a multi-country, multi-business and multi-currency facility of up to $900 million in Latin America to Enel Group’s subsidiaries in the area.

“This project, in line with the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, contributes to reducing the infrastructure gap between wealthier and less developed regions of Colombia and increases the participation of renewable energy in the power matrix of the country by incorporating additional solar energy generation capacity. I welcome the opportunity to continue the fruitful cooperation with the Enel Group, which has a longstanding and successful relationship with the EIB and is one of its largest borrowers, and SACE, with whom the EIB also has an extensive relationship in supporting projects inside and outside the European Union,” said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris.

“The agreement with the EIB and SACE is a virtuous example of synergies between the public and private sector and confirms our sustainability commitment,” said Enel CFO Stefano De Angelis. “This partnership adds further value to our business projects through a development strategy focused on renewables and grids, while contributing to accelerate the energy transition as well as the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in line with our Group’s Strategic Plan, the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda.”

“We are pleased to be part of this high-impact transaction, which testifies to our long-lasting partnership with Enel and the EIB and our strategic vision of long-term growth. Latin America and Colombia represent a significant opportunity for both the energy transition and the Italian technologies that can support it. Our team in Bogotá, where we have inaugurated our office in recent days, will continue to play a vital role for these projects,” stated Valerio Perinelli, Chief Business Officer at SACE.

Background information

About the EIB

The European Investment Bank is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. The EIB brings the experience and expertise of in-house engineers and economists to help develop and appraise top quality projects. As an AAA-rated, policy-driven EU financial institution, the EIB offers attractive financial terms – loans at competitive interest rates and with durations aligned with the projects it finances. Through our partnerships with the European Union and other donors, we can provide grants to further improve the development impact of the projects we support.

About EIB Global in Latin America

EIB Global has been providing economic support for projects in Latin America since 2022, facilitating long-term investment with favourable conditions and offering the technical support needed to ensure that these projects deliver positive social, economic and environmental results. Since the EIB began operating in Latin America in 1993, it has provided total financing of around €14 billion to support more than 160 projects in 15 countries in the region.

About the Global Gateway initiative

EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. Investing in connectivity is at the very heart of what EIB Global does, building on the Bank’s 65 years of experience in this domain. Alongside our partners, fellow EU institutions and Member States, we aim to support €100 billion of investment (around one-third of the overall envelope of the initiative) by the end of 2027, including in Colombia and Latin America.

About SACE

SACE is the Italian financial insurance company specialised in supporting the growth and development of businesses and the national economy through a wide range of tools and solutions to improve competitiveness in Italy and worldwide. For over 40 years, SACE has been the partner of reference for Italian companies exporting to and expanding in foreign markets. SACE also cooperates with the banking system, providing financial guarantees to facilitate companies’ access to credit. This role has been reinforced by the extraordinary measures introduced by the so-called Liquidity Decree and by the Simplifications Decree. With a portfolio of insured transactions and guaranteed investments totalling €156 billion, SACE serves over 26 000 companies, especially small and medium businesses (SMEs), supporting their growth in Italy and in around 200 foreign markets, with a diversified range of insurance and financial products and services.

About Enel

Enel is a multinational power company and a leading integrated player in the global power and renewables markets. At global level, it is the largest renewable private player, the foremost electricity distribution network player by number of grid customers served and the biggest retail operator by customer base. The Enel Group is the largest European utility by ordinary EBITDA^[1]. Enel is present in 28 countries worldwide, producing energy with more than 88 GW of total capacity. Enel Grids, the Group’s global business line dedicated to the management of the electricity distribution service worldwide, delivers electricity through a network of 1.9 million kilometres with 69 million end users. Enel’s renewables arm Enel Green Power has a total capacity of around 64 GW and a generation mix that includes wind, solar, geothermal and hydroelectric power, as well as energy storage facilities installed in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Enel X Global Retail is the Group’s business line dedicated to customers around the world, with the aim of effectively providing products and services based on their energy needs and encouraging them towards a more conscious and sustainable use of energy. Globally, it provides electricity and integrated energy services to around 58 million customers worldwide, offering flexibility services aggregating 9 GW, managing around 3 million lighting points, and with 27 300 owned public charging points for electric mobility.

^[1] Enel’s leadership in the different categories is defined by comparison with competitors’ FY2023 data. Fully state-owned operators are not included.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential agreements and avoiding preventive censorship on digital platforms under the DSA – E-001563/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Freedom of expression and information is a pillar of democracy and protected under the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1], which is binding on the EU institutions and the Member States when they are implementing EU law, as well as under the European Convention on Human Rights[2].

The Digital Services Act (DSA)[3] does not stipulate whether content is illegal[4]. Its objective is to ensure that users in the EU can enjoy online platform services safely while respecting fundamental rights.

It defines the platforms’ responsibilities and provides for mechanisms to mitigate risks, preventing algorithmic amplification of illegal content and over-removal of lawful content, especially for very large online platforms and search engines (VLOPSEs)[5].

The Commission supervises DSA compliance by the VLOPSEs. To this effect, the co-legislator entrusted the Commission with investigative and enforcement powers.

These powers and related procedures are laid out in the DSA[6], and allow the Commission to accept and make binding commitments, i.e. remedial measures offered by platforms on voluntary basis to address the Commission’s concerns without proceeding to a non-compliance decision and imposition of fines.

The Commission stands ready to explain to companies its concerns, so as to enable them offering appropriate commitments. The Commission adopted the first DSA commitment decision on 5 August 2024, making binding TikTok’s commitments to permanently withdraw TikTok Lite Rewards programme from the EU[7].

All acts and decisions adopted by the Commission based on the DSA, including in the case concerning X and all other enforcement actions, are undertaken within the limits of its powers and are subject to judicial review.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX%3A12012P%2FTXT

[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/glossary/european-convention-on-human-rights-echr.html

[3] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market for Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act).

[4] As in the offline world, that is a matter for specific laws and the courts to determine.

[5] VLOPSEs are designated online platforms with more than 45 million users in the EU (10% of the EU population).

[6] DSA, Section 4.

[7] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/IP_24_4161
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cooperation between the EU and Algeria in the area of migration – P-001621/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The general framework for the partnership between the EU and Algeria is set out in the Association Agreement[1] signed in 2002, which covers a large number of cooperation sectors.

The EU has not concluded any agreement with Algeria on the readmission of Algerian nationals in irregular situation in the EU territory nor on the management of irregular migration from third countries.

The EU and Algeria have agreed to cooperate to support the assisted voluntary return and reintegration in their countries of origin of migrants stranded in Algeria through a programme implemented by the International Organisation for Migration.

Algeria has not sent a request to the Commission to support/finance projects aimed at securing the border with Tunisia and there are no ongoing discussions/reflection on this subject.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A22005A1010%2801%29
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views with EUIPO’s Executive Director – Committee on Legal Affairs

Source: European Parliament

Social dialogue © AdobeStock

On 14 October, the Legar Affairs Committee will hold an exchange of views with Executive Director of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) on the draft Strategic Plan 2030 in accordance with Article 157(4)(e) of Regulation (UE) 2017/1001.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Tunnel expansion project in Vigo – E-001950/2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001950/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)

The Vigo government has announced the extension of a tunnel in the city centre. The tender for the original tunnel was awarded in 2020 for EUR 13.4 million, which rose to EUR 16.6 million in 2023. Despite initially being a two-year project, the tunnel remains unfinished, with completion now slated for 2026 and forecast to cost EUR 20 million, 63 % more than it was first budgeted at.

1.Given that road-traffic alternatives have been in place for the past few years, and that one of the aims of the Green Deal is to reduce the use of private vehicles in city centres, would the Commission agree that these works are unnecessary and contradictory?

2.The works are contingent on an increase in funding that will ostensibly come from a reallocation of EU funds, all for a project that will not improve the air quality in a city that exceeds the EU’s 2030 legal limits for pollution. Does the Commission plan to monitor this likely misuse of EU funds?

Submitted: 3.10.2024
Last updated: 10 October 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 23, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Diplomacy is the way to achieve peace and security for Lebanon and Israel: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Lebanon.

Location:

United Nations, New York

Delivered on:

10 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

The situation in Lebanon is worsening by the day. Civilian casualties are mounting, and more than a quarter of the Lebanese population has been displaced.

The humanitarian implications of the conflict are devastating and compounding an existing crisis in Lebanon, particularly for vulnerable groups who are unable to move or face considerable challenges in doing so. Israel must do everything possible to minimise civilian casualties.

And Syrian refugees in Lebanon, already displaced from their homes, now face the choice of staying in the face of this conflict, or facing persecution from Assad’s regime if they return. For a year, Hizballah have been launching missiles at northern Israel, forcing more than 60,000 Israelis to flee their homes.

They must take their responsibility for ending this cycle of violence rather than recklessly endangering the lives of Israelis and Lebanese alike.

All parties must do everything possible to protect civilians and fully comply with international humanitarian law. The UK is committed to supporting the people of Lebanon and we have announced an additional $19.5m aid package of to meet their immediate humanitarian needs.

We are gravely concerned to hear that two UN peacekeepers have been injured by Israeli troops and we wish them a speedy recovery. We reiterate that attacks on UN Peacekeepers are unacceptable. All parties must take all necessary measures to protect UNIFIL personnel and premises and allow it to fulfil its mandate.

President, we must not lose sight of the destabilising role of Iran across the Middle East through their support to militias, including Hizballah, Hamas and the Houthis. Iran must immediately halt its attacks on Israel and its support for its militias to prevent an already tragic humanitarian situation deteriorating further.

A political solution consistent with Resolution 1701 is the only way to restore the sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability of Lebanon. This requires an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel now, and immediate negotiations to re-establish security and stability for the people living on either side of the Israeli-Lebanon border.

My Foreign Secretary has repeatedly and consistently called for an immediate ceasefire and I repeat that call today.

Diplomacy, not violence, is the way to achieve peace, stability and security for Israel or Lebanon. Diplomacy, not violence, will bring wider regional stability.

The risks of continued escalation and spill over into the wider region cannot be overstated. The UK will continue to strive tirelessly for a diplomatic solution to end this cycle of violence.

Updates to this page

Published 10 October 2024

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

January 23, 2025