NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia
    President Lai meets Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia
    2024-10-08

    On the morning of October 8, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Senate President Alvina Reynolds and Speaker Claudius J. Francis of Saint Lucia. In remarks, President Lai thanked the delegation for joining us to mark our National Day celebration, demonstrating the friendly relations between the governments and parliaments of our two countries. The president noted that Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan’s key allies in the Caribbean, and that over the years, our diplomatic alliance has continued to deepen as our bilateral cooperation in several areas has yielded fruitful results. He stated that going forward, Taiwan will continue to promote values-based diplomacy and economic diplomacy, and he expressed his hope that we will continue to enhance the well-being of our peoples and contribute more to global peace and prosperity.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I extend a warm welcome to Senate President Reynolds and Speaker Francis as they visit Taiwan once again. It is a pleasure to have you and your delegation join us to mark our National Day Celebration. Your presence demonstrates the friendly relations between the governments and parliaments of our two countries.
    Saint Lucia is one of Taiwan’s key allies in the Caribbean. It has continued to voice support and call for Taiwan’s international participation at numerous international venues, including the Central American Parliament and the General Debate during this year’s United Nations General Assembly. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the government and parliament of Saint Lucia.
    Taiwan and Saint Lucia share such universal values as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. Over the years, our diplomatic alliance has continued to deepen. At the same time, bilateral cooperation in such areas as the economy, agriculture, and education has yielded fruitful results. In working toward post-pandemic economic recovery, Taiwan and Saint Lucia have cooperated on promoting vocational training and empowerment projects for women and the youth. This has helped enhance industrial processing technology, boosted the competitiveness of goods, and created even more job opportunities.
    Furthermore, with regard to the cultivation of talent, Taiwan’s youth ambassadors visited Saint Lucia last year and shared their experiences with local students. I thank Senate President Reynolds and Speaker Francis for their warm reception of our students. And I believe that the ongoing promotion of bilateral projects designed to nurture talent will facilitate even more cooperation and exchanges.
    In closing, I want to thank you all for your longstanding support for our diplomatic relations. Going forward, Taiwan will continue to promote values-based diplomacy, strengthening ties with Saint Lucia. We will also engage in economic diplomacy, spurring further industrial development together with our democratic partners and Saint Lucia for the benefit of our peoples. Let us move forward together as we continue to enhance the well-being of our peoples and contribute more to global peace and prosperity.
    Senate President Reynolds then delivered remarks, first extending greetings to President Lai from the government, people, and members of parliament of Saint Lucia. She extended sincere congratulations to President Lai on his election success, expressing her confidence that he will lead this great country into realizing greater success. 
    Senate President Reynolds remarked that it is her distinct honor to be back in our beautiful country once again, this time to join with us as we celebrate our 113th anniversary of National Day. She noted that they celebrate our great advancements in education, technology, trade and manufacturing, community development, health and wellness, arts and culture, climate, smart agriculture, sustainable development, and our values in diplomacy. 
    Senate President Reynolds pointed out that their visit is more than a symbol of the warm and friendly relations that Taiwan and Saint Lucia have enjoyed for many years; it is also a celebration and a reaffirmation of the deep diplomatic bonds that have existed between our peoples. Over the years, this partnership has significantly impacted the lives of Saint Lucians, especially the women, children, and persons with disabilities who are the most vulnerable among them.
    On behalf of Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and the government and people of Saint Lucia, Senate President Reynolds offered their profound gratitude for Taiwan’s kind generosity over the years. She added that as Taiwan prospers and shares selflessly with the rest of the world, Saint Lucia has also benefited. Taiwan’s kind gestures, she noted, contribute to improving the lives and livelihoods of so many Saint Lucians. 
    As a former minister for health and member of parliament in Saint Lucia, Senate President Reynolds said that she was able to see firsthand the significant contributions that Taiwan has made and continues to make to Saint Lucia’s health sector. This includes, she said, the scholarships Taiwan offers to many young Saint Lucians to pursue studies in the field of medicine. She added that Taiwan has also offered opportunities for biomedical, health promotion, and health technology training, and that it has given professional assistance for the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases.
    In closing, Senate President Reynolds once again expressed gratitude to the people of Taiwan. Stating that she looks forward to us continuing to work together for the further growth and development of the peoples of Saint Lucia and Taiwan, she wished Taiwan a happy National Day.
    Speaker Francis then delivered remarks, saying that he is honored to extend heartfelt congratulations to President Lai on his election as president. He said he is confident that in assuming this role of leadership, President Lai will guide our nation toward prosperity, peace, and progress. The speaker noted that Taiwan has long been a beacon of democracy, innovation, and resilience, and that it is a shining example to nations across the globe. He added that our strides in areas such as technology, healthcare, and sustainable development have not only elevated Taiwan’s standing but have also inspired admiration and respect worldwide.
    Speaker Francis expressed gratitude on behalf of the government and people of Saint Lucia for the unwavering support that Taiwan has extended to their nation. Through partnerships in healthcare, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, Taiwan has stood by them, he said, fostering growth and enriching the lives of all Saint Lucians. He emphasized that Taiwan’s generosity and friendship have made a tangible difference in Saint Lucia, enabling them to achieve significant milestones and overcome challenges together. That spirit of collaboration between our two nations, he noted, serves as a testament to the enduring bonds of solidarity and shared values that unite us.
    Speaker Francis stated that the resilience and determination demonstrated by Taiwan in the face of global challenges exemplify the spirit of leadership and compassion that defines a true partner on the world stage. The speaker expressed his hope that we will reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand towards a brighter, more inclusive future for both of our countries, and that together we can forge paths of progress, equity, and sustainability that leave a lasting impact on generations to come. He then expressed his wish for our partnership to continue to flourish, nurturing a legacy of friendship for both Taiwan and Saint Lucia.
    Also in attendance at the meeting was Saint Lucia Senator Embert Charles. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Saint Lucia Ambassador Robert Kennedy Lewis.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Angola: US President Biden must demand immediate release of five arbitrarily detained government critics  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    During his visit to Angola from 13 to 15 October, US President Joe Biden must demand Angolan President João Lourenço and his government immediately release five government critics arbitrarily detained for more than a year, four of whom have been tortured through deliberate denial of medical care, Amnesty International said. 

    President Biden must also demand President Lourenço and his government stop the four-year crackdown on peaceful protests which has killed dozens of people, including children, and seen more than 100 arbitrarily arrested during demonstrations. Angolan authorities must respect the rights of all people in the country. 

    “In President João Lourenço’s Angola, anyone who publicly criticizes the government risks arrest, torture or even death. If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest,” said Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact. 

    Police arrested Adolfo Campos, Hermenegildo Victor (known as Gildo das Ruas), Abraão Pedro Santos (known as Pensador) and Gilson Moreira (known as Tanaice Neutro) ahead of a protest against high fuel prices in September 2023. One month earlier, police arrested social media influencer Ana da Silva Miguel (known as Neth Nahara) after she broadcast a live TikTok video criticizing President Lourenço. Neth Nahara is featured in this year’s Write for Rights, Amnesty International’s biggest human rights campaign. 

    If human rights are central to President Biden’s foreign policy, then he must demand Angola’s government immediately and unconditionally free the five arbitrarily detained government critics and end the crackdown on the right to protest.

    Deprose Muchena, Amnesty International Senior Director for Regional Human Rights Impact

    Prison authorities have denied urgent medical care, including surgery, to Campos, Gildo das Ruas and Tanaice Neutro as their health has deteriorated, amounting to torture. They also held Tanaice in solitary confinement for 36 days. Prison guards prevented Neth Nahara from accessing her daily antiretroviral medication for the first eight months of her detention. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA response to National Planning Policy Framework consultation

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The CMA has published its response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on planning system reform.

    Documents

    CMA response to National Planning Policy Framework consultation

    PDF, 160 KB, 7 pages

    Details

    The CMA responded to the consultation on proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and planning system, led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

    The CMA’s response welcomes the government’s intent to reform to the planning system in England, as these reforms consider options we had identified in our Housebuilding Market Study.

    The response also sets out where the CMA thinks the UK government should consider further reform, particularly on reform of statutory consultees, taking steps to increase the variety of houses being built, and taking further steps to support small and medium housebuilders. It also urges the government to respond to our Market Study recommendations, and so tackle issues in private management of public amenities and issues in consumer protection for buyers of new build homes.

    For queries relating to the CMA’s response, please contact the CMA advocacy team by email at advocacy@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Opening Remarks at the 2024 ASEAN Business & Investment Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this afternoon delivered opening remarks at the ASEAN Business & Investment Summit (ABIS) under this year’s theme, “ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience” in Vientiane, Lao PDR. Dr. Kao emphasised the importance of the business community in supporting innovation, competitiveness and creativity. Dr. Kao also highlighted the potential of exploring new untapped business opportunities, strengthening ASEAN’s connectivity and building resilience for a more inter-connected prosperous future.

    Download the full remarks here.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Opening Remarks at the 2024 ASEAN Business & Investment Summit in Vientiane, Lao PDR appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public hearing on “Simplification and Transparency” – 17-10-2024 – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 October 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “Simplification and transparency: Role of simplified tax policy to encourage growth, job creation, competitiveness and cross-border business within the EU”.

    Over the past years, stakeholders have been raising more and more concerns about compliance costs and administrative burden. At the same time, the recent publication of two reports, one by Enrico Letta and one by Mario Draghi, have ignited a new debate on how to improve the competitiveness of the EU’s economy in the aftermath of the COVID-pandemic and the economic hardships caused by the war in Ukraine.

    Against this background, this public hearing will gather information and discuss in which ways reducing both taxpayers’ tax compliance and governmental administrative costs could foster cross-border business, increase competitiveness, and eventually lead to more job creation and economic growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Breach of the rule of law and the fundamental rights of inmates in Italy’s prisons – E-001665/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001665/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D)

    The state of affairs in Italy’s prisons has become a genuine emergency. Inmates continue to live and work in inhuman and degrading conditions.

    According to a report by the national prisoners’ ombudsman dated 18 August 2024, there are 61 465 prisoners in Italy although there are only 46 898 lawfully available places in its prisons. The overcrowding index stands at 131%, with almost 80% of the total number of prisons having more prisoners than permitted. These figures unfortunately also include establishments for juveniles.

    In some institutions, prisoners are forced to live in less than 3 square metres, in serious violation of the standards set by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.

    The increase in suicides among prisoners and prison officers is just one of the tragic consequences. Since the beginning of the year alone there have been 70 suicides among inmates and seven among prison officers, one every three days.

    Given the gravity and urgency of this state of affairs, can the Commission say what action it intends to take to help enforce the rule of law and uphold the fundamental rights of inmates and officers in Italian prisons?

    Submitted: 10.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public hearing on “Simplification and Transparency” – Subcommittee on Tax Matters

    Source: European Parliament

    On 17 October 2024, from 9:00 to 10:30, the FISC Subcommittee will host a public hearing on “Simplification and transparency: Role of simplified tax policy to encourage growth, job creation, competitiveness and cross-border business within the EU”.

    Over the past years, stakeholders have been raising more and more concerns about compliance costs and administrative burden. At the same time, the recent publication of two reports, one by Enrico Letta and one by Mario Draghi, have ignited a new debate on how to improve the competitiveness of the EU’s economy in the aftermath of the COVID-pandemic and the economic hardships caused by the war in Ukraine.

    Against this background, this public hearing will gather information and discuss in which ways reducing both taxpayers’ tax compliance and governmental administrative costs could foster cross-border business, increase competitiveness, and eventually lead to more job creation and economic growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Maintenance work at Lake Trasimeno – E-001893/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001893/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left)

    Lake Trasimeno, located within a national park and part of the Natura 2000 network, is an ecosystem of high environmental value and a mainstay of the region’s economy, especially the tourism sector.

    EU Directives 2009/147/EC (‘Birds’) and 92/43/EEC (‘Habitats’ on biodiversity), although they are intended to safeguard natural habitats, make it difficult to maintain the lake, particularly owing to the impossibility of working on the lakebed which is the nesting ground for some protected species.

    This threatens to aggravate the already critical condition of the lake, which, as the only reservoir in Italy fed exclusively by rainwater, is suffering from the scarcity of rainfall caused by climate change, thus making the situation even harder to manage.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to reconcile the protection of biodiversity with the need for maintenance work to preserve Lake Trasimeno’s ecological functions and value for the tourism sector?
    • 2.Does it intend to look into the possibility of introducing specific guidelines for essential maintenance work in ecologically sensitive situations while ensuring the protection of species protected under Directives 2009/147/EC and 92/43/EEC?
    • 3.What technical and financial support measures can the Commission propose to address this situation?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Taxation of donations of goods – E-001888/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001888/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Moritz Körner (Renew)

    In Germany, donations of goods to recognised non-profit organisations are not exempt from VAT. It is thus makes better financial sense for companies to destroy fully functioning unsold products than to give them away.

    The obligation to pay VAT on donations of goods could be abolished in the following ways: donations of goods could be made exempt from VAT; they could remain subject to VAT, but the tax base could be set at zero; or the 0% VAT rate proposed by the Commission could be applied to socially beneficial transactions.

    • 1.Does the Commission believe it to be legally possible to introduce a tax exemption for donations of goods in Germany in accordance with EU law?
    • 2.If so, what specifically would need to be done in Germany to exempt them from VAT in accordance with EU law, and if not, what changes would be needed to EU law to enable tax exemptions for such donations?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to make a proposal to this effect, and if so, when might this be expected, and if not, why not?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste – erroneous corrigendum – P-001968/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001968/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kateřina Konečná (NI), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Ondřej Dostál (NI), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Ondřej Kovařík (PfE)

    We would like to raise the issue of the still pending proposal for a regulation on packaging and packaging waste, which should have been concluded by now.

    The text of the proposal was agreed by the Council and the Parliament at the end of the last term. However, there has been a significant shift in the meaning of the text in the final stage, when it undergoes linguistic correction (corrigendum). This process is intended solely to remove linguistic inaccuracies and typos.

    After the corrigendum, the following changes in meaning have appeared in the text:

    • Change in the definition of ‘producer’ (replacing ‘any’ with ‘the’).

    • New definition of ‘making available on the territory of the Member State’.

    • Substitution of the terms ‘consumer’ and ‘end-user’.

    • Mandatory labelling of packaging with the identification of the responsible organisation.

    • Replacement of ‘may’ with ‘must’.

    Preliminary estimates of the impact of these changes suggest that they would lead to significant economic impacts in the order of hundreds of millions of euros. Given that these clearly go beyond merely linguistic changes, when does the Commission plan to amend the text in a way that is consistent with the purpose of the corrigendum process and does not materially shift the outcome of the negotiations between Parliament and the Council?

    Submitted: 5.10.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Disproportionate or usury fees for cash withdrawal from ATMs in the EU – E-001828/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001828/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Matjaž Nemec (S&D)

    Regulation (EU) 2021/1230[1] on cross-border payments in the Union regulates cash withdrawals from ATMs within the EU, including the application of the principle of equality of charges for cross-border cash withdrawals.

    However, this Regulation does not regulate the amounts of those fees, creating ‘Wild West’ conditions on the market, with certain banks or ATM providers charging disproportionately high or usury fees for cash withdrawals, often irrespective of the withdrawn amount. Nova Ljubljanska Banka (NLB) in Slovenia charges EUR 5.99 per cash withdrawal from their ATMs for cards issued by other EU banks[2].

    NLB is one of the biggest banks in Slovenia, and particularly in certain rural areas, has a monopoly on ATM presence. Consumers are sometimes left with no choice but to pay such usurious fees for cash withdrawals.

    Due to a risk of unfair or misleading commercial practices, I ask the Commission the following:

    • 1.Are such fees in line with the relevant EU acquis?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider NLB’s cash withdrawal fees, irrespective of the withdrawn amount, as fair, and does the Commission intend to propose a cap on such fees at EU level?
    • 3.What is the Commission doing to protect EU citizens from such disproportionate and usury fees?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regularisation of illegal migrants in Spain and consequences for the EU – E-001829/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001829/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Jordan Bardella (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Malika Sorel (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Matthieu Valet (PfE)

    The Spanish Government has recently relaxed its criteria for regularising irregular migrants by introducing a residence permit for illegal immigrants with a work contract[1].

    To be eligible, they must have lived in Spain for at least 2 years, have a clean criminal record and have an employment contract for just 20 hours per week – criteria that are particularly lax. Alongside this scheme are 12-month residence permits for migrants undergoing training in sectors with shortages, despite the fact that few of them actually obtain long-term employment.

    This increase in regularisations could, however, encourage the exploitation of migrants and spread of criminal networks. Indeed, in June 2024 the police dismantled a large network involved in distributing fake work contracts[2].

    In addition to making immigration more appealing, these regularisations – adopted unilaterally – allow migrants to move freely within the Schengen Area.

    • 1.Does the Commission believe that these more relaxed rules facilitating irregular immigration meet the expectations of Europeans, most of whom want to see more action to combat illegal immigration[3]?
    • 2.Will it revise the Schengen Borders Code to limit free movement to EU nationals alone?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    • [1] https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20240722/nuevo-reglamento-extranjeria-flexibilizara-requisitos-regularizar-inmigrantes/16194594.shtml
    • [2] https://www.infomigrants.net/fr/post/57803/un-reseau-de-faux-contrats-de-travail-demantele-en-espagne#:~:text=Cent%20dix%20personnes%2C%20soup%C3%A7onn%C3%A9es%20d,situation%20aupr%C3%A8s%20des%20autorit%C3%A9s%20espagnoles
    • [3] https://fr.euronews.com/my-europe/2024/03/26/la-moitie-des-europeens-desapprouvent-la-politique-migratoire-de-lue-selon-un-sondage

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Connectivity of the Alpine passes: the consequences of prolonging the closure of the Frejus rail tunnel – E-001506/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission acknowledges that the situation created by the landslide near La Praz and the ensuing closure of the Fréjus railway line in August 2023 is serious. Renovation works on the line will take some time due to their challenging nature. At this stage, the Commission has no evidence that not all is done to reopen the line as soon as possible.

    2. Coordination of trans-Alpine transport is already addressed by existing coordination structures, in particular the Zurich Process[1] and the EU strategy for the Alpine region (EUSALP)[2]. These structures should be used to the largest extent possible in situations such as the current interruption of the Fréjus rail line following the landslide in August 2023 to ensure that traffic can continue on the most efficient routes and that excessive detours are avoided.

    3. The EU does not have the financial programmes or resources to provide subsidies to operators in such cases. Funding from the Connecting Europe Facility is only available for financing of trans-European transport (TEN-T) infrastructure and cannot be used to provide a short-term relief to users of infrastructure that has suffered the damage. Concerning potential support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the agreement in place with the French authorities specifically exclude support to this kind of infrastructure and cannot be used to provide disaster-related damage.

    Where Member States concerned consider financial compensations from national resources, such financing would have to be in line with the applicable EU State aid rules.

    • [1] https://acrossthealps.org/
    • [2] https://alpine-region.eu/
    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Romania’s accession to Schengen by land – E-001832/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001832/2024
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    Romania’s accession to Schengen by air and water has been a real success. Moreover, the pilot projects Romania has implemented with the support of the Commission have strengthened its external borders and are an example of good practice on a European scale.

    Romania’s accession to the free movement area by land can be delayed no longer. The European Union and all the Member States have to bear in mind and respect the efforts Romania has made and the legal and technical arguments in support of that accession.

    • 1.Two Justice and Home Affairs Council meetings will take place this year, on 10 October and 12 December. How likely is it that the Council of the EU will put Romania’s accession to Schengen by land this year on the agenda for the two JHA Council meetings scheduled for this year?
    • 2.At the same time, does the Council of the EU not consider that the conditions exist for a unanimity vote to be held on 10 October when the elections in Austria are over and an Austrian is set to become Commissioner for Internal Affairs?

    Submitted: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need to properly regulate the slaughter of equine animals – P-001676/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In accordance with Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292[1], horse meat shall only enter the EU from third countries which, in particular, provide guarantees of compliance with the prohibition of the use of certain substances in farm animals laid down in Council Directive 96/22/EC[2], provide guarantees of compliance with the prohibition of the use of the substances listed in Table 2 of the annex to Regulation (EU) No 37/2010[3], and have an approved residue control plan and are listed for equine in Annex I to Commission Regulation (EU) 2021/405[4].

    • [1] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292 of 6 September 2022 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to requirements for the entry into the Union of consignments of food-producing animals and certain goods intended for human consumption ( OJ L 304, 24.11.2022, p. 1 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2022/2292/oj).
    • [2] Council Directive 96/22/EC of 29 April 1996 concerning the prohibition on the use in stockfarming of certain substances having a hormonal or thyrostatic action and of ß-agonists, and repealing Directives 81/602/EEC, 88/146/EEC and 88/299/EEC (OJ L 125, 23.5.1996, p. 3 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/1996/22/oj).
    • [3] Commission Regulation (EU) No 37/2010 of 22 December 2009 on pharmacologically active substances and their classification regarding maximum residue limits in foodstuffs of animal origin ( OJ L 15, 20.1.2010, p. 1 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2010/37(1)/oj).
    • [4] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 of 24 March 2021 laying down the lists of third countries or regions thereof authorised for the entry into the Union of certain animals and goods intended for human consumption in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (OJ L 114, 31.3.2021, p. 118 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2021/405/oj).
    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Antidepressants are polluting Europe’s aquatic ecosystems posing a risk to aquatic life – E-001564/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    There is ample evidence that certain pharmaceuticals are posing problems in rivers and thus to human and animal health[1]. Starting with the Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment[2] in 2019 and the subsequent European Green Deal[3] including notably the Zero Pollution Action Plan[4], there is a high-level of attention at EU level to the toxicity of pharmaceuticals in the environment and action is being taken to better monitor and reduce the presence of pharmaceutical residues in water bodies, including through funding research and innovation[5].

    The proposal to revise the list of Surface and Groundwater Pollutants[6] includes for the first time certain pharmaceuticals compounds and proposes maximum concentrations to be respected. The Commission counts on the co-legislators to support the high level of ambition of this proposal in the forthcoming trilogues.

    The recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive[7] includes new obligations to remove micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals from all large urban wastewater treatment plants (above 150 000 inhabitants) but also for smaller plants when there is a risk for the environment or for human health.

    In line with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, industry will be required to contribute to the financing of the additional infrastructures needed to remove micropollutants. This will also incentivise research and innovation into toxic-free products.

    The proposal for the revision of pharmaceutical legislation[8] repr esents a significant step forward in mitigating the impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment i.e. it requires the Environmental Risk Assessment for antimicrobial to cover the whole life cycle including manufacturing.

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Measures to protect European companies – E-001813/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001813/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)

    Companies both in Romania and in the rest of Europe are feeling the economic impact of the sanctions the European Union has imposed on the Russian Federation.

    • 1.The Commission’s continued efforts to support European companies affected by the sanctions imposed on Russia are to be welcomed, but in circumstances where many firms in various sectors have been impacted by those sanctions, could the Commission clarify whether financial support measures and compensation for such companies already exist or are in the pipeline?
    • 2.Could the Commission provide further details on the types of financial aid available and on the procedure to follow to obtain that aid?
    • 3.Could the Commission also provide information on future initiatives that might be implemented to reduce the economic impact on the business activities of companies currently being affected?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Democratising access to tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Bern, 08.10.2024 – The Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, co-founded by the Swiss Confederation, will hold its fourth summit from 9 to 11 October in Geneva, in presence of Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The high-level political segment, focused on anticipatory science diplomacy, will centre on the theme of ensuring widespread access to the groundbreaking scientific advances that will shape our future.

    Since 2019, GESDA has brought together scientists, diplomats, representatives of the private sector and civil society to work together to anticipate the scientific breakthroughs that will impact our societies and develop solutions to best manage these developments. The foundation’s areas of action include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, synthetic biology and neurotechnologies.

    These themes will be discussed from 9 to 11 October at the 4th GESDA summit in Geneva, one of the major events on the international science diplomacy calendar. Under the theme of scientific acceleration, the summit will examine how new technologies can impact food security, intellectual property and coral reef conservation, in particular through insights from the EPFL’s Transnational Red Sea Center, an initiative supported by the FDFA.

    The impact of scientific progress on peace and security

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the FDFA, will attend the summit on 11 October 2024 and hold political discussions with various ministers and senior representatives. The main goal of this high-level political summit is to democratise access to the scientific advances that will shape the future. To advance this objective, Mr Cassis and GESDA will launch several concrete pilot projects.

    A training framework will be set up to equip decision-makers with the skills needed to anticipate and navigate a world rapidly transformed by scientific and technological advancements, primarily through regional workshops and online training programmes. An interactive exhibition, the Geneva Public Anticipation Portal, will also offer the public a gateway to the world of technological advances. This installation will be part of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka.

    GESDA, a tool of Swiss foreign policy

    GESDA was established in 2019 by the Swiss Confederation, the Canton of Geneva and the City of Geneva. The foundation is helping to strengthen Geneva’s role as a centre for international cooperation. In 2023, GESDA launched the Open Quantum Institute, now based at CERN, with the aim of putting quantum technologies at the service of the common good. Anticipatory science diplomacy is also one of the thematic objectives set out in the Federal Council’s Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–27.

    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Allegations of ‘greenwashing’ concerning JBS – E-001854/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001854/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Miriam Lexmann (PPE), Christine Singer (Renew), Pina Picierno (S&D), Engin Eroglu (Renew)

    Earlier this year, the New York Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the American subsidiary of JBS, the world’s largest producer of beef products, for misleading the public about its environmental impact. JBS has claimed that it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite plans to increase production and thereby increase its carbon footprint.

    JBS has a well-documented history of environmental degradation, deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices in the Amazon rainforest and other sensitive ecosystems. JBS has by far the highest emissions of any company in agriculture, and the company’s methane emissions exceed the combined total methane emissions of France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand.

    On top of this, there have been a litany of abuses, price manipulation practices and what has been dubbed ‘the largest corruption inquiry in history’ linked with the Batista brothers, who de facto control JBS through a holding company.

    Even while interinstitutional negotiations on the ‘green claims’ directive are still ongoing:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether it is aware of ‘greenwashing’ allegations against JBS, and the potential impact of this on EU consumers?
    • 2.What concrete steps will the Commission take to protect EU consumers?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Combating driving licence tourism – E-001896/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001896/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomas Tobé (PPE)

    The Swedish Transport Agency says that thousands of people registered in Sweden are travelling to other European Economic Area (EEA) countries in order to have a third-country driving licence exchanged for an EEA licence in a way that is not possible in Sweden.[1]

    The Driving Licence Directive regulates how driving licences are exchanged and establishes that EEA driving licences can be exchanged for a national driving licence.[2] However, the legislation was never intended to be used by people from third countries to engage in ‘driving licence tourism’ by travelling to the country affording the most favourable conditions to have a driving licence from their home country converted into an EEA licence.[3]

    Abuse of the rules on exchanging driving licences within the EEA in this way has a major impact on road safety throughout the EU, as adequate driver skills can no longer be guaranteed. The growth of driving licence tourism shows the shortcomings of the current EU legislation and an inability to keep the Union’s roads free of driving licence fraudsters.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that revision of the Driving Licence Directive, which is now at an advanced stage, adequately addresses the problems posed by driving licence tourism, or are additional initiatives needed?
    • 2.What action does the Commission intend to take to combat abuse of the current Driving Licence Directive before the new directive is implemented?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/globalassets/global/nyhetsarkiv/vag/rapport-granskning-utbyte-utlandska-korkort—korkortsturism.pdf
    • [2] Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council.
    • [3] https://www.ereg-association.eu/media/1126/final-report-ereg-topic-group-x-driving-licence-tourism.pdf
    Last updated: 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of Views on 14 October with Cedefop, Eurofound, EU-OSHA, ETF and ELA – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Agency logos.PNG © European Union

    During its meeting on 14 October, EMPL will hold an exchange of views with the Directors of EU-OSHA, ELA, Cedefop, Eurofound and ETF.

    William Cockburn (EU-OSHA), Cosmin Boiangiu (ELA), Jürgen Siebel (Cedefop), Ivailo Kalfin (Eurofound) and Pilvi Torsti (ETF) are going to give Members a snapshot of their respective Agencies’ main fields of expertise, focusing on current and planned work on important issues such as digitalisation in the world of work, just transition, skills recognition and portability, labour mobility and labour market shortages or housing, as well as ways of enhancing cooperation with the Committee in view of the start of the new mandate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Five countries to receive over €1 billion in EU aid following natural disasters

    Source: European Parliament 3

    On Tuesday, MEPs approved over €1 billion in EU Solidarity Fund aid to support recovery efforts in five EU countries due to severe floods that occurred in 2023.

    The €1,028,541,689 in aid from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) will be distributed as follows:

    • Italy: €378.8 million for the Emilia-Romagna region following flood damages in May 2023, and an additional €67.8 million for the Tuscany region after floods in October and November 2023.
    • Slovenia: €428.4 million to address the consequences of the floods in August 2023.
    • Austria: €5.2 million to assist with flood damages from August 2023.
    • Greece: €101.5 million to support recovery efforts following the floods in September 2023.
    • France: €46.7 million for flood damages suffered by the Hauts-de-France region in November 2023.

    The EUSF assistance will cover part of the costs of emergency and recovery operations, including repairing damaged infrastructure, safeguarding cultural heritage, and conducting clean-up operations.

    MEPs express their “deepest solidarity with all the victims, their families and all the individuals affected by the destructive floods in Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Greece and France as well as with the national, regional and local authorities involved in the relief efforts”. They point to the “increasing number of severe and destructive natural disasters in Europe” and consider that the “budget of the EUSF or its equivalent should be expanded in view of the upcoming Commission proposal on the new Multiannual Financial Framework”.

    The aid package was approved by 632 votes in favour, 7 votes against and 3 abstentions.

    More information can be found here  (Commission proposal) and in the  EP report  by rapporteur  Georgios Aftias (EPP, Greece). Watch the rapporteur’s plenary speech following this link.


    Background

    Since its inception in 2002, the EUSF has mobilised over €8.6 billion for 130 disasters (110 natural disasters and 20 health emergencies) in 24 member states (plus the UK), and four accession countries (Albania, Montenegro, Serbia and Türkiye).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus Statement: Marking One Year Since Hamas Attacked Israel on October 7th

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    CategoriesMIL OSI

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Debbie Wasserman Shultz (D-FL), and Tony Gonzales (R-TX), issued the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel:

    “Today marks one year since the devastating terrorist attack by Hamas that massacred more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children. On this solemn day, we embrace the families of the remaining 101 hostages and join the entire world in mourning and honoring the innocent lives lost on October 7th.

    Together, we must continue to fight to bring home the hostages, including the four living Americans, Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Omer Neutra, and Keith Siegel and ensure their return and reunification with their loved ones, as well as bringing home the remains of three Americans who were killed by Hamas in Gaza.

    As co-chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, we remain steadfast in our commitment and collaboration with our colleagues to work toward the return and reunification of the hostages with their families and to do whatever it takes to ensure the horrors of October 7, 2023 never again take place.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. García and Beatty Lead Call for IMF Surcharge Reform

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    WASHINGTON, DC — Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) and Joyce Beatty (OH-03), Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions, led 11 Members of Congress in a letter urging Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to use the United States’ voice and vote at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to push for the elimination of harmful IMF surcharges that burden debt-stricken countries.

    Surcharges are extra fees imposed by the IMF on top of regular interest and service charges when a country’s debt exceeds a certain IMF threshold. These fees significantly increase the cost of borrowing, can undermine debt reduction efforts, and may divert public resources from critical areas like health, education, and climate adaptation. Later this month, the IMF Board of Governors will meet to vote on a series of reforms, including changes to the surcharge policy.

    The Members wrote:

    “The IMF has not offered evidence that surcharges are effective in their goal of disincentivizing reliance on the Fund. In fact, surcharges significantly increase countries’ debt burdens, and the Fund’s own analyses demonstrate that the likelihood of timely repayment and sustainable financing tend to decrease as debt burdens rise. Moreover, IMF lending already comes with great political and economic costs.

    “We acknowledge that Treasury’s approach to surcharge reform endeavors to find a balance between alleviating countries’ debt burdens and maintaining IMF reserves. However, in our estimation, elimination of surcharge fees would not unduly harm the Fund’s balance sheets. The IMF’s precautionary balances target was recently met and will continue to grow above targeted levels even in the absence of surcharges.”

    Reps. García and Beatty were joined by Reps. Sean Casten (IL-06), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Bill Foster (IL-11), Al Green (TX-09), Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Susan Wild (PA-07), and Nikema Williams (GA-05).

    To see the full letter, click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visits EMSD (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council Subcommittee on Matters Relating to the Development of Smart City visited the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) Headquarters in Kowloon Bay today (October 8) to learn more about its innovation and technology (I&T) initiatives to help government departments and public organisations improve their services, as well as the latest progress in promoting smart government.

         Members first received a briefing by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, on the EMSD’s work to promote innovation in electrical and mechanical (E&M) engineering and support government departments and public organisations in the use of I&T to enhance the quality of their services. Members also gained insights into the current situation of, and challenges the EMSD faced in providing E&M engineering services.

         Members then went to the E&M InnoZone to observe the collection of exhibits showcasing applications of technologies including Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and energy efficiency technologies, which are developed by the EMSD in collaboration with local universities, start-ups and research institutions.

         Members also toured the Regional Digital Control Centre and received a briefing by its representatives on how the Centre remotely monitors the operating status of electrical and mechanical equipment at government premises and conducts incident examination and diagnosis through digital technology, thereby enhancing the efficiency of repair and maintenance work. During the visit, Members exchanged views with the EMSD representatives on how to utilise technologies and data analytics to strengthen the energy efficiency and safety of electrical and mechanical equipment with a view to promoting smart city.

         Members who participated in the visit were the Chairman of the Subcommittee, Ms Elizabeth Quat, Deputy Chairman, Mr Duncan Chiu, Subcommittee members Mr Chan Chun-ying, Mr Chan Siu-hung, Ms Carmen Kan; as well as non-Subcommittee members Mr Tony Tse, Mr Edward Leung and Mr Gary Zhang.            

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman García’s Statement on a Year After the October 7 Attacks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jesús Chuy García (IL-04)

    CHICAGO — Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) issued the following statement a year after the Hamas’ attack on Israel:

    “One year ago, I strongly condemned Hamas’ attack on Israel, during which 1,200 civilians were killed and another 251 were taken hostage. As the horror of the attack sunk in, and as we mourned those killed and kidnapped, I feared for what would come next. I feared that Israel’s military response, supported materially, diplomatically, and financially by the United States, would only push peace farther away.

    “Since then, Israel’s bombing campaigns have killed more than 42,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Lebanese. The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza grows by the day. A year in, Israel is not safer, many hostages are still being held by Hamas, and the Middle East is at an even more dangerous inflection point—on the precipice of a full-scale regional war.

    “So as I once again condemn the horrific attacks one year ago and call for the hostages’ safe return, I also reaffirm my belief that the path toward safety for Israelis, Palestinians, and Lebanese alike includes stopping the flow of unconditional weapons from the U.S. to Israel, and securing a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy Minister Mr Alvin Botes, delivers a public lecture at the University of KwaZulu Natal

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Mr Alvin Botes, delivers a public lecture at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, The Public Lecture will focus on a review of South Africa’s role in the world after 30 years of democracy, including challenges and opportunities.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qy3p4TgvYmk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved as first medicine to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

    PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

    Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

    The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

    The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

    The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. 

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.

    Read more: Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet

    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway. Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    – A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them
    – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Global: A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Amoré Elsje Nel, Applied Geomagnetic Researcher, South African National Space Agency

    Geomagnetic storms bring vibrant colours to life in some parts of the world. Christopher Mark Juhn/Anadolu via Getty Images

    A geomagnetic storm lit up the night sky in parts of the US during the first weekend in October. South Africa’s National Space Agency (Sansa) told reporters that the storm had originated from a solar flare “that erupted from sunspot 3842 on October 3”. It said this was the strongest Earth-facing solar flare recorded by Sansa in the past seven years and that the eruption briefly affected high-frequency radio communications, “resulting in a total radio blackout over the African region which lasted for up to 20 minutes”.

    What is a geomagnetic storm? The Conversation Africa asked Sansa’s Amoré Nel, who researches geomagnetics, to explain.

    What is a geomagnetic storm and how common are they?

    A geomagnetic storm is a disturbance in Earth’s magnetic field caused by solar activity. There’s a reaction called nuclear fusion that occurs continuously deep within the Sun’s core. This generates massive amounts of energy. Some of the energy is released as light (sunlight), some as radiation (solar flares), and some as charged particles.

    The Sun also continuously emits a stream of charged particles known as the solar wind. Occasionally, the Sun releases larger bursts of energy, called coronal mass ejections. It sends clouds of these charged particles, or plasma, hurtling through space. I like to explain it to children this way: the Sun sometimes drinks a soda too fast and then burps. This “burp” is the cloud of plasma which then travels through space. These emissions don’t always hit us. But when they do, they collide with Earth’s magnetic field, disrupt it, and lead to a geomagnetic storm.

    Earth’s magnetic field is an invisible force that surrounds our planet, acting like a giant magnet with a north and south pole. It helps protect us from harmful solar radiation by deflecting charged particles from the Sun.

    The solar flare from 3842 emitted both X-flares (radiation) and a coronal mass ejection. X-flares are radiation; they travel at almost the speed of light and reach Earth within minutes. That’s what caused the brief communications disruption Sansa mentioned on 3 October. But the coronal mass ejection takes much longer to reach us. We’d predicted it would do so over the past weekend but in fact it only reached us on the morning of 8 October.

    Geomagnetic storms occur fairly often. Minor ones happen multiple times per year. The severity of a storm depends on how strong the solar event was that caused it. Larger, more intense storms are less common but can happen every few years. Solar events are closely tied to the Sun’s 11-year solar cycle, which has periods of high and low activity. During the peak of the cycle, called solar maximum, more sunspots and solar flares occur, increasing the likelihood of solar storms.

    We are now heading towards the peak of Solar Cycle 25, which will be in July 2025. Solar maxima usually last between two and three years.

    Are these storms dangerous? What damage can they cause?

    Geomagnetic storms are not typically harmful to humans directly, but they can pose risks to modern technology and infrastructure. One of the most notable dangers is to power grids. Powerful storms can induce electric currents in power lines, potentially overloading transformers and causing blackouts, as happened in Quebec, Canada, in 1989.



    Read more:
    Solar storm knocks out farmers’ high-tech tractors – an electrical engineer explains how a larger storm could take down the power grid and the internet

    Satellites in space are also vulnerable. A strong storm can damage electronics onboard, disrupt communication signals, and shorten the lifespan of the satellites themselves.

    In aviation, geomagnetic storms can disrupt radio communication and GPS signals, which are vital for aircraft navigation. This is especially important for flights that pass near the polar regions, where the effects of geomagnetic storms are more pronounced. Astronauts and spacecraft are also at risk – the extra radiation can be dangerous for equipment and human health.

    Are there any upsides to this phenomenon?

    Auroras are a visually stunning aspect of geomagnetic storms. These colourful displays in the night sky occur when charged particles from the Sun get captured in Earth’s magnetic field lines, and funnel down towards the poles. Here they interact with Earth’s atmosphere, releasing energy that produces shimmering lights.

    The northern lights are seen in the sky above Alta, Norway.
    Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images

    Auroras can be seen at both the north and south pole, aptly named the northern and southern lights. If storms are big enough, it’s possible to see them in regions much further away from the poles. This happened in South Africa on 11 May 2024.

    Studying geomagnetic storms provides valuable insights into space weather. By understanding how the Sun’s activity affects Earth, scientists can better predict future storms and work to protect the technologies we rely on. The study of geomagnetic storms also contributes to our understanding of the Sun and space in general.

    Can monitoring the storms mitigate the risks?

    Geomagnetic storms are monitored using various instruments on Earth and in space. On Earth, magnetometers measure changes in the magnetic field, allowing scientists to track disturbances as they happen. Sansa operates a dense network of Global Navigation Satellite System receivers in Africa, and magnetometer stations in various parts of southern Africa, for this reason. The agency is currently setting up a magnetometer station in Ethiopia, too. This will improve our ability to monitor geomagnetic storms.

    In space, satellites equipped with sensors monitor the Sun’s activity and detect solar flares or coronal mass ejections before they reach Earth. This data feeds into prediction models used in space weather centres across the globe.

    Once a storm is detected, agencies like Sansa issue alerts and forecasts. These warnings help industries such as power grid operators, satellite companies and aviation authorities to prepare for a storm.

    For example, power companies can temporarily shut down or reconfigure parts of the grid to avoid overloading during a storm. Satellite operators can place their spacecraft into safer operating modes, such as switching off electronic components, and airlines can reroute flights away from high-risk areas.

    Monitoring alone can’t prevent all the damage caused by geomagnetic storms. But it can greatly reduce the risks. Thanks to early warning systems we can protect crucial infrastructure and minimise the effect these storms have on our daily lives.

    Amoré Elsje Nel works for the South African National Space Agency. She receives a Thuthuka Grant (TTK210406592410) from the National Research Foundation.

    – ref. A geomagnetic storm has hit Earth – a space scientist explains what causes them – https://theconversation.com/a-geomagnetic-storm-has-hit-earth-a-space-scientist-explains-what-causes-them-240737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –