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Category: Balkans

  • MIL-OSI Video: Colombia: Progress and Challenges in the Peace Agreement -Security Council Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMIC), Carlos Ruiz Massieu, today (15 Oct) told the Security Council that “historic progress has been made” in the implementation of the peace agreement, “but much remains to be done.” He welcomed the rapid response plan, or “Plan de Choque” being developed by the Minister of the Interior and other stakeholders.

    The plan, Ruiz Massieu said, “is a new instrument that should serve to energize implementation.”

    The UNVMIC Chief said, “we remain encouraged by the Government’s commitment to advancing the rural reform chapter of the Agreement – provisions that have a transformative potential, attacking structural causes of the conflict, but which had lagged in their implementation in previous years.”

    He said that as a result, “more land is being distributed and formalized for those in need, bringing the promised benefits of peace to landless peasants and those dispossessed of it during the conflict.”

    Ruiz Massieu said, “in some territories, signatories to the Agreement and social leaders continue to be the target of violence, pressure and threats from armed actors fighting for territorial control and strategic routes linked to illicit economies.”

    He noted that since the beginning of the reintegration process, five former territorial areas for training and reintegration (TATRs) have had to be relocated for these reasons

    Ruiz Massieu said, “the difficult situation in some areas continues to impact the lives of communities that are caught in the crossfire and subjected to condemnable phenomena such as the recruitment of minors, displacement and confinement.”

    Colombia’s Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo for his part said, “with the firm commitment to fulfil what has been agreed and to territorialize peace, we have developed a new strategic framework for peace, where effective and comprehensive compliance with the 2016 agreement becomes an inescapable requirement, unavoidable for the sustainability of strategic proposals surrounding territorial transformation.”

    On women’s participation in negotiation and peacebuilding, he said it was “not only is a question of justice, but it is crucial to ensure stronger and more durable agreements.”

    For this reason, he continued, “the Colombian government has formulated and is implementing a feminist foreign policy linked to the precepts of the women, peace and security agenda. Included in Security Council Resolution 1325”

    Outside the Council, Switzerland’s representative Riccarda Christiana Chanda read a statement on behalf of Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States on Women Peace and Security.

    Chanda said, “during a visit of the Security Council to Colombia in February of this year, we were able to engage meaningfully with former combatants, victim representatives, women’s organizations, indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities to discuss the progress made and remaining obstacles in the comprehensive implementation of the peace agreement. And what we have witnessed over and over again, was the urgent call for improved security guarantees, equitable land distribution, and the successful social, political, and economic reintegration of former combatants as well as the crucial implementation of gender provisions and the ethnic chapter of the Peace Agreement.”

    UNVMIC was established by the UN Security Council pursuant to resolution 2366 (2017), adopted unanimously on 10 July 2017. The resolution followed a joint request for UN support from the Government of Colombia and the then Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia–People’s Army (FARC-EP).

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaI6rgXNDS4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Christine Lagarde: Lessons from Ljubljana in uncertain times

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the official dinner of Banka Slovenije in Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Ljubljana, 16 October 2024

    It is a pleasure to be here this evening.

    Not far from here, tucked away in the National and University Library, lie copies of the Abecedarium and the Catechism. These two texts, written by the religious reformer Primož Trubar in 1550, were the first ever books to be printed in Slovenian.[1]

    At a time when German was the language of the ruling classes, Trubar’s pioneering act was fundamental in helping to establish the national identity of Slovenians.[2]

    Today, his portrait graces the €1 coin in Slovenia, framed by the famous words found in the Catechism, “Stati inu Obstati” – “to stand and withstand”.[3]

    It is telling that both books – one a primer for the Slovenian language, the other guidelines for religious observance – were designed to teach, for there is much that Europe can learn from Slovenia in the uncertain world we now face.

    The global order we knew is fading. Open trade is being replaced with fragmented trade, multilateral rules with state-sponsored competition and stable geopolitics with conflict.

    Europe had invested considerably in the old order, so this transition is challenging for us. As the most open of the major economies, we are more exposed than others.

    So, in this new landscape, we too must learn “to stand and withstand”. And we can do so by drawing on two valuable lessons from Ljubljana.

    Opportunity in times of uncertainty

    The first lesson is that uncertainty can create opportunity.

    While many in Europe are anxious about the future, Slovenians are no strangers to uncertainty.

    Within a single generation, Slovenia made a success of the extraordinarily difficult transition from a planned economy to a market economy. Policymakers defied the odds by implementing tough structural reforms to first join the EU and, later, the euro area.

    Today, Slovenia is a success story. It is a developed, stable and high-income economy, with the highest GDP per capita at purchasing power parity of central and eastern European countries (CEECs).

    The nation’s success owes much to the creativity and vigour of its people and their innate ability to seize economic turning points and transform them into opportunities.

    For example, when Slovenia joined the EU, it was exposed to greater levels of competition from other Member States in the economic bloc.

    But Slovenia quickly capitalised on its skilled workforce to develop a new business model based on deep integration in the Single Market. Today, every single car produced in Europe has at least one component that is made in Slovenia.[4]

    For Europe, the changes in the global economy today represent a similar turning point. But if we approach it with the right spirit, I believe it can be an opportunity for renewal.

    A less favourable global economy can push us to complete our domestic market. Fiercer foreign competition can encourage us to develop new technologies. More volatile geopolitics can drive us to become more energy secure and self-sufficient in our supply chains.

    For Slovenia, the transformation of the automotive supply chain will be a particular challenge. But the economy is already adapting. For example, in July this year Slovenia secured a major investment in domestic electric vehicle production.[5]

    For many Slovenians, striding into an unpredictable future may seem like second nature.

    One of your most famous paintings, “The Sower”, hangs on display here at the National Gallery. Depicting an agricultural labourer at the crack of dawn hard at work sowing seeds in a field, the painting represents Slovenians’ resolute determination in the face of uncertainty.

    The rest of us in Europe will need to draw on this example in the uncertain times ahead. If we do so, we can also turn uncertainty into opportunity.

    The importance of sharing the benefits of change

    The second lesson from Slovenia is that the benefits of change can – and should – be more widely shared.

    The path of renewal for Europe is inescapably linked with new technology, especially digitalisation. But new technologies can sometimes lead to uneven labour market outcomes.

    Slovenia has undergone remarkable technological change over the past 20 years. Today, the country’s level of digital development is 7% above the CEEC average and it can compete with some of the most digitally developed EU countries in certain areas.[6]

    Yet Slovenia’s Gini coefficient – a measure of income inequality – is the second lowest in the OECD.[7] The country also benefits from high levels of gender equality. Female labour force participation is higher than the EU average and nearly equal to that of men.[8]

    Many in Europe are worried about the challenges ahead, such as the effects of artificial intelligence on social inclusion. But we should let Slovenia’s example inspire us.

    With the right approach, we can move forward and become more technologically advanced while ensuring everyone can benefit from the gains.

    And when everyone benefits, Europe benefits too. Over three-quarters of citizens in Slovenia feel attached to Europe, and almost two-thirds identify as both Slovenian and European – levels that are well above their respective EU averages.[9]

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    In today’s uncertain world, Europe must learn “to stand and withstand”. And it can do so by looking to Slovenia as an example of how to overcome challenges that come its way.

    First, we must work hard to sow the seeds of success. And then, as the folk singer Vlado Kreslin sings, “vse se da” – “everything is possible”.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young musicians from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to showcase diverse artistic vitality of Greater Bay Area with fine music

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong Youth Symphony Orchestra (HKYSO) of the Music Office under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Macao Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) and the Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra (GSYO) will come together to present the talents of young musicians from Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao at the “2024 GBA Youth Symphonic Spectacular” concert at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall at 7.30pm on November 16 (Saturday).

         A delightful concert programme will be presented to the audience by the three youth orchestras under the batons of the conductor of the HKYSO Lee Sing-wan, the conductor of the MYSO Stephen Lam, and the Music Director of the GSYO Jing Huan respectively.

         Highlights include “Namouna Suite d’orchestre No. 1” by the prominent French composer Lalo of the Romantic era; “Romanian Rhapsody No. 1” featuring composer Enescu’s unique interpretation of Romanian folk music; and “Harvest Song”, depicting the joy of a better life. At the finale of the concert, musicians from the three orchestras, under the baton of Jing, will perform Shi Wanchun’s “Festival Overture” and Borodin’s “Polovtsian Dances” as a joint orchestra, drawing the concert to a perfect conclusion.

         Tickets priced at $70, $90 and $115 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2796 7537 or 3842 7784 or visit http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/mo/activities/yme/2024gba.html.

         This concert is one of the programmes of the 4th Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival. Hong Kong is the host city of the Festival for the first time, organising and co-ordinating over 260 performances and exchange activities to be held in the “9+2” cities in the Greater Bay Area. The festival aims to showcase the vibrant and diverse cultural richness of the region and foster cultural exchange and co-operation among the cities. For more information, please visit http://www.gbacxlo.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Course 73 ready to hit the beat

    Source: South Australia Police

    A former Victorian police officer, automotive office manager, and competitive dance instructor are among the 16 Course 73 members to graduate today from the South Australia Police (SAPOL) Academy.

    Ranging in age from 19 to 40, eight men and eight women are eager to hit the road and bring diverse backgrounds to policing, including Italian and Slovenian.

    Other graduates offer work experience as a former Police Security Officer and in Defence, as an events manager, working on oil rigs, in childcare, and in sales.

    Prior to joining SAPOL, Myah was studying as a full-time university student in Law and Criminology.

    “I believe this prior study has greatly assisted me in understanding legislation as a SAPOL member,” she said.

    “I was also working part-time as a competitive dance instructor, and at a trampoline park.

    “My most memorable experience throughout my training was the relationships that were established from the very beginning of the course that remained strong throughout.”

    Fellow graduate Craig was a serving Senior Constable from Victoria Police before deciding to pursue a South Australian lifestyle.

    “The decision to transfer was for a change of scenery for my family and I, with a goal of coastal living. I moved to South Australia with my wife and two young daughters,” he said.

    “My experiences as a police officer of seven years have assisted me throughout the recruit training process. The extra training and refreshing I experienced further developed my skills as a police officer.

    “I was drawn to South Australia itself, rostering that suits a family lifestyle, generous pay and job security.”

    Before becoming a police officer, Melanie worked full-time as an office manager in the automotive industry, also playing and umpiring netball.

    “Both experiences helped me throughout my training as being confident and taking charge were imperative to being successful, like on the netball court,” she said.

    “I was expecting the academy to be competitive, but everyone was helpful and wanted us to succeed.

    “To those thinking of joining, the academy will test you both mentally and physically, but you’re not alone, the whole academy and especially your course are there to support and help you.”

    Myah hopes to one day work in the domestic and family violence field, while Craig is interested in advancing SAPOL’s digitalised police workforce. Melanie feels experience on the road will influence her future direction but has identified community engagement as an area of interest.

    Course 73 members will be stationed at metropolitan and regional areas, including Port Lincoln, Berri and Port Pirie.

    SAPOL is currently recruiting and is keen to hear from people interested in an inspiring career with unmatched experiences and rewards.

    If you’re looking for job security, career progression pathways and a chance to make a real difference in local communities visit Achievemore – Join Us (police.sa.gov.au)

    Melanie, Myah, and Craig are among Course 73 members to graduate today from the South Australia Police Academy.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary General praises Latvia for its contributions to NATO

    Source: NATO

    On Wednesday (16 October 2024), at his official residence in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met with the Prime Minister of Latvia, Evika Siliņa, to discuss further strengthening NATO’s defences and NATO’s continued support to Ukraine.

    Mr. Rutte praised Latvia for its many contributions to the Alliance. “You spend almost 3 percent of GDP on defence, you host a multinational battlegroup where Allies work side by side to defend NATO’s eastern flank, as well as military exercises to ensure that Latvian and Allied armed forces maintain a high level of readiness and interoperability,” said Mr Rutte at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Siliņa. He referred to Latvia’s commitment to increase defence spending to 3 percent of GDP and noted Riga’s ambition to reach this goal even sooner than expected. Mr. Rutte also commended Latvia for its contributions to NATO’s peacekeeping mission in Kosovo and NATO’s training mission in Iraq.

    On Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the Secretary General reiterated that “we must deliver on the commitments we made at the Washington Summit,” noting that Russia has relentlessly attacked Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure with winter just around the corner. He recalled that “Latvia has provided extensive military training for Ukrainian soldiers” and leads a coalition that works with industry to supply drones.  “I welcome your recent announcement of a new military aid package, including armoured personnel vehicles,” added Mr. Rutte.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operation Narsil disrupts network of child abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    3 August 2023

    Tracking the money made by perpetrators and preventing the revictimization of children

    LYON, France — INTERPOL has concluded a two-year global operation to bring to justice criminals operating networks of child sexual abuse websites designed to generate profits from advertising.

    Running from December 2021 to July 2023, Operation Narsil also targeted the finance mechanisms used by the website administrators to conduct their online advertising campaigns.

    Over two years, INTERPOL member countries worked together using INTERPOL’s Worst of List (IWOL), sharing targeted intelligence, pinpointing suspects and coordinating arrests of the people managing the websites.

    Created in 2010, IWOL contains a watchlist of websites containing extreme child abuse material.  The General Secretariat headquarters works with law enforcement in all regions so that national Internet service providers close down these websites.

    “Operation Narsil sends a strong message to the criminals making money from these websites that INTERPOL, and its alliance of police forces in 195 member countries, know where they are, what they are doing, and how to find them,” said Jürgen Stock, INTERPOL Secretary General.

    “Every time a person clicks on these images, they are effectively entering a crime scene. Identifying and removing these websites reduces the availability and potential normalization of online child abuse material, and, most importantly, reduces the re-victimization of the children abused,” added Secretary General Stock.

    Worldwide crime trend

    In one case, a brother and sister, both in their early thirties, were arrested as a result of IWOL digital clues and intelligence provided by the global police community pointing investigators to the suspects in Argentina.

    Investigations by Argentina’s Victim Identification Office in the Anti Cyber Crimes against Minors Division and the Specialised Cybercrime Prosecution Unit (UFECI), working with Federal Courts in Mendoza Province, led to the identification and arrest of the two suspects.

    Fourteen electronic devices were seized from their home as well as cash and credit cards. The siblings are thought to have created, maintained and financially benefitted for more than a decade from websites featuring child sexual abuse material and associated advertising campaigns.

    “Given the technological complexities of this case and the degree to which the criminal activity went undetected, these arrests highlight the importance of police cooperation across regional, national, and international borders,” said the Head of Argentina’s Federal Police, Juan Carlos Hernandez, who also serves as delegate for the Americas on INTERPOL’s Executive Committee.

    Argentina’s Federal Police search electronic devices seized during Operation Narsil for child abuse images

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review materials seized during Operation Narsil

    Argentina’s Federal Police reviewing seized materials

    Officers of Argentina’s Federal Police review visitor statistics to the suspect’s sites

    “With synchronized arrests across continents, this operation confronted global networks that profit from child abuse images and videos. INTERPOL is a strong global network of officers fully committed to putting an end to the online abuse of children, and we applaud the action and incredible results countries have achieved in Operation Narsil,” added Argentina’s Police Chief.

    Local crime, global cooperation

    Working with the Prosecutor’s Office, Bulgarian law enforcement identified and arrested a 34-year-old man who made his living operating an online forum that facilitated the sharing of child sexual abuse materials.

    Bulgarian Police closed the online forum he had been running since 2020 and which is thought to have facilitated access to thousands of media files depicting serious child sexual abuse material.

    Following the arrest, investigations are ongoing to identify forum users.

    In one case during the Russian leg of Operation Narsil, police authorities arrested two 24-year-old citizens for the production and online circulation of materials depicting the sexual violation of minors. Authorities searched the suspects’ homes, seizing computer equipment containing specialized software for creating and administrating websites, and removable hard drives containing child sexual abuse material.

    With the support of US Homeland Security Investigations, Thai police arrested a 45-year-old Thai national for the possession and online distribution of child sexual abuse material. His arrest came after police executed a search warrant at his residence, uncovering large amounts of child sexual abuse material and financial transaction records associated with online distribution of the abuse photos.

    Narsil – meaning a longsword which tackles all evil – is one of the first INTERPOL operations to focus on identifying, locating and arresting the people receiving advertising revenues from website visitors interested in viewing the site’s child sexual abuse content.

    INTERPOL has been monitoring websites disseminating child sexual abuse imagery for more than 13 years and, in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the world, has seized more than 20,000 domains.

    Operation Narsil involved investigations triggered by law enforcement in Austria, Argentina, Belarus, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Moldova, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Marta Kos – Enlargement – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Marta Kos is self-employed, working through Kos Consulting and Coaching (2021-present), and a senior advisor at the Brussels consulting firm Kreab. From 2017 to 2021, she was Slovenian Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and Ambassador to Germany and Latvia (2013-2017). As president of the Slovenian women’s association ONA VE (‘she knows’), Kos works to raise the profile of female experts. Kos has been engaged in Slovenia’s political life as a vice-president of the social-liberal Freedom Movement party. Among the positions she held while employed by the government were director of the Public Relations and Media Office, and government spokesperson. Between 2003 and 2013, Kos headed Gustav Käser Training International Slovenia, specialising in leadership and sales training. Until 2003, Kos was vice-president for international relations at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Kos earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism in 1989 and, in 2001, a master’s degree in political science from the University of Ljubljana.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Administrator to Visit, Engage Officials in Romania, Bulgaria

    Source: NASA

    Continuing his efforts to deepen international collaboration and promote the peaceful use of space, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will travel to Romania and Bulgaria, beginning Thursday, Oct. 17. Both countries have signed the Artemis Accords, a set of commonsense principles to commit to the peaceful exploration of space.
    Nelson will meet with key government and space officials in each country, including Marcel Ciolacu, Romania’s prime minister, and Rumen Radev, president of Bulgaria.
    In Romania, Nelson will engage with Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, minister of research, innovation and digitization, and Daniel Crunțeanu, general director of the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA). He also will visit Romanian science and technology institutions to learn about the country’s science facilities.
    In Bulgaria, Nelson will meet with Dr. Rosen Karadimov, minister of innovation and growth, and visit the country’s only satellite builder, which is producing satellites for organizations globally.
    During his travels to both countries, Nelson will discuss the importance of international partnerships and collaboration in space, including the transatlantic relationships to NASA. Nelson also will meet with students to highlight the benefits science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and their roles as members of the Artemis Generation.
    For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/oiir
    -end-
    Meira BernsteinHeadquarters, Washington202-615-1747meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moldova votes on whether to join EU as Russia intensifies vast disinformation campaign

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    Moldova is emerging as a major strategic battleground in a fierce competition between Russia and the west. A Kremlin-backed disinformation campaign has intensified over the last few months, in the run-up to Moldova’s presidential elections.

    One of the key reasons for this is that a referendum on EU membership has been scheduled for the same day, October 20.

    The challenges for this small country, wedged between Ukraine and Romania, are complex. Russia continues to foment instability through its persistent disinformation initiatives, instigation of anti-government protests, and acts of sabotage and vandalism.

    Add to this credible allegations of vote buying, and efforts to call into question the legitimacy of a pro-European election and referendum result, and the situation in Moldova appears highly combustible.

    Moldova gained its independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. A brief civil war between the government and separatists in the eastern Transnistria region, supported by remnants of the Soviet army stationed there, ended with the de-facto division of the country.



    Read more:
    Moldova: Russia continues its mischief-making in breakaway Transnistria

    Attempts to settle this conflict have made little progress over the past three decades. And living with an unresolved conflict within its borders has held Moldova back in its development, and contributed to economic problems.

    Voting on EU membership

    Moldova’s incumbent, staunchly pro-western president, Maia Sandu, has tied the EU referendum to her re-election campaign. The referendum could be the country’s best chance to finally break free from its Soviet past.

    If recent polls are accurate, a clear majority of the electorate is likely to vote “yes” on whether they support joining the EU, which would be the first step in a lengthy process.

    Moldova’s president speaks to the European parliament in 2022.

    For many Moldovans, EU membership is associated with better economic development in one of Europe’s poorest countries. The October 10 visit of Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, suggested that the EU could help.

    Von der Leyen did not merely offer political support for Sandu, she also brought with her a financial support package worth €1.8 billion (£1.5 billion) over the next three years to boost economic growth.

    But this vision that the EU can help Moldova’s economy is fiercely contested by Russia and its proxies in Moldova. They exploit the anxiety among a significant number of Moldovans that a vote to join the EU is one that will force the country towards higher inflation, more immigration, politicised anti-corruption measures, mandatory English-language proficiency, and the sale of Moldovan land to foreigners.


    Shutterstock

    Persistent domestic issues such as the economy have been skilfully targeted in a vast Kremlin-backed influencing campaign.

    For a long time, Moldova has suffered from a lack of social, political, institutional and territorial cohesion. The country has significant social divisions between different ethnic and linguistic groups, as well as urban-rural and rich-poor divides.

    Politically, the party system remains highly fractured and increasingly polarised, and lacking common ground over what Moldovan national identity stands for.

    Moldova’s challenges

    Moldova’s territorial disputes also remain challenging. This is most obvious in the pro-Russian Transnistria region and in Gagauzia, but also in ethnically and culturally distinct regions such as Balti and Taraclia.

    These regions will require careful management to prevent a major political and economic crisis in the aftermath of October 20 and beyond. Some of the reforms in the country as part of the integration process, such as EU regulations on competition, subsidies and market access, will have a short-term cost for Moldova. Moldovans who oppose the country’s westward orientation are likely to exploit this in anti-EU narratives.

    So far, Russian destabilisation operations don’t seem to have eroded most Moldovans’ European aspirations. But the mix of blunt disinformation and skilfully capitalising on the cost of living crisis, which has hit Moldova hard as a result of the war against Ukraine, has given Russia and its allies tools to entrench, and in some cases deepen, divisions here.

    The world is watching the US election campaign unfolding. Sign up to join us at a special Conversation event on October 17. Expert panellists will discuss with the audience the upcoming election and its possible fallout.

    Much of the pro-European campaigning has been framed as anti-Russian. But one of the cleverer moves by the pro-Russian movement is to suggest that Moldovans can be both a friend to Moscow and Brussels, and don’t have to choose.

    If a Sandu government is building a pro-European alliance, she will want to grow support from the Russian-speaking part of the population. This will be essential to both counter Russian destabilisation efforts and to build a broader coalition.

    As countries that have joined the EU – from the Baltic to the Balkans – have demonstrated over the past two decades, the EU accession process can help reshape political and economic institutions, and can ultimately help create a more optimistic vision of the future.

    Crucially, this is not something that Russia’s narrative of fear can credibly offer to the majority of Moldovans.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Moldova votes on whether to join EU as Russia intensifies vast disinformation campaign – https://theconversation.com/moldova-votes-on-whether-to-join-eu-as-russia-intensifies-vast-disinformation-campaign-240657

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group hosts the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Chékéba Hachemi for discussions on wartime sexual violence

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©Vio Dudau/ EIB

    On 14 October 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group held an event for staff focused on tackling sexual violence in conflict zones.

    Guests at the EIB’s Luxembourg headquarters included Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, who is president of the association Stand Speak Rise Up!, and Ms. Chékéba Hachemi, former first female Afghan diplomat, women’s rights activist and the co-founder of the association. 

    The event highlighted the association’s transformative work in advocating for and supporting survivors of sexual violence in fragile environments as well as children born of rape.

    EIB President Nadia Calviño opened the discussion, saying that investing in women is key to building stronger communities worldwide. She stressed the EIB Group’s commitment to protecting women and empowering them economically, particularly in conflict areas.

    The Grand Duchess and Ms. Hachemi presented projects led by Stand Speak Rise Up! aimed at increasing access to education, housing, health and justice and at driving economic independence for survivors and children born of rape. The presentations were followed by a lively exchange of views with EIB staff members.

    The association provides a platform for victims to share their experiences and receive support. Since its creation in 2019, Stand Speak Rise Up! has offered direct help to over 6,000 women from 13 countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Ukraine.

    This EIB event offered a reminder of the shared responsibility to support victims of sexual violence, amplify their voices, advocate to end the use of rape as a weapon of war and strive for the universal protection of human rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘Change the planet, change everything’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    A more recent European Investment Bank deal is the €200 million loan in 2023 to the logistics company CTP to cover its buildings’ rooftops with solar panels.

    This firm has 11 million square metres of rooftops in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Netherlands. CTP hopes to create as much as 400 MWp of capacity by the end of 2026. MWp stands for “megawatt peak,” a measure of the output of power from sunshine. CTP estimates it could generate up to 10% of its profits from solar panels, if the company sells the electricity created from installations on the roofs of all its factories and fulfilment centres.

    “Solar panels on rooftops do not use farmland,” says David González García, a lead engineer at the European Investment Bank. “This project creates a new use on top of something that’s already useful.”

    For sheer size, it’s hard to beat the deal the European Investment Bank approved in 2023 with Solaria, the Spanish solar company. It’s €1.7 billion, to build more than 100 solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The plants will be built over the next few years and produce an estimated 9.29 terawatt hours a year.

    And even though Solaria’s parks won’t sit on rooftops like those of CTP, they won’t eat up all the land that could otherwise be used for farming. Solaria and other installation companies are developing parks that use unobtrusive cabling and mounting systems that sit higher off the ground to let livestock graze safely. This is important for countries like Italy, which has a lot of sun but whose state laws protect arable land.

    “We have to evolve our types of solar installations and our locations to keep growing,” says Lopez, the Solaria general manager. “We have been very successful in Spain and Portugal, but we need to find ways to go to new places. We think Europe is the place to be because it has big goals for green power.”

    Hemetsberger of SolarPower Europe encourages developers to promote “agri-solar” farming. Using 1% of arable land for solar parks in Europe would generate 900 gigawatts of electricity, while allowing farmers to use the same land, she says. The solar parks also can protect crops by shielding them from the harsh sun, reduce water evaporation, and give farmers an extra income.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Colombia: Shared Commitments for Women, Peace and Security – Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Joint Statement by the Security Council signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments for the Principles of Women, Peace and Security: Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, on the situation in Colombia.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NhuXewuGX0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: Former UGA Athletes C.J. Byrd and Nick Cassini Are 2024 Winners of the Arch Award Presented by The Piedmont Bank, Recognizing Stellar Business Careers After College 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA and ATHENS, Ga., Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — For the fourth consecutive year, the University of Georgia Athletic Association and The Piedmont Bank are congratulating former athletes who’ve pivoted from the field of play to become leaders in the world of business. Joining a host of male and female athletes selected before them are former football player C.J. Byrd and golfer Nick Cassini.

    “We seldom hear from our college sports heroes after they’ve left the game and entered the all-important next phase of their lives and careers,” said Monty Watson, Chairman and CEO, The Piedmont Bank. “While we revel in their athletic success, it’s important to elevate what comes next after the education and the lessons learned competing. This award is a way of honoring college athletes who’ve successfully navigated what comes next in life, providing examples for those to follow.”

    Arch Award recipients for 2024 were recognized on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium on October 12th against Mississippi State. The sponsorship program creating the Arch Award presented by The Piedmont was recently extended another four years.

    Earning an undergraduate degree followed by a master’s degree in business, C.J. Byrd started all games as a junior and senior, and played in every game during his time on campus. Today he is a Senior Principal Lead at the Chick-fil-a Corporate Support Center in Atlanta – helping new owners and operators opening restaurants. His journey with the restaurant began in 2014 through a temporary role in their Leadership Development Program with his responsibilities progressing and evolving to where he is today. Prior to Chick-fil-a, he worked with the UGAA, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Texas A&M Athletics.

    A 2001 SEC Player of the Year, two-time All-American, three-time All-SEC honoree and former Nationwide PGA tour member, Nick Cassini is a partner at the firm that bears his name, Cassini Holdings Inc. Previously he held leadership positions at Ansley Developer Services, IMI Worldwide Properties, Porto Montenegro and IMI Resort Holdings. This year, Cassini co-founded The Rose, a private golf club with fellow golfers Bubba Watson, Brendon Todd and Chris Kirk. He and his wife, Beth, also joined the Magill Society this year.

    “In 2024, it’s more important than ever for student athletes to understand the importance of sound business decisions, often starting now while they are still in school,” said Josh Brooks, J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia. “The Arch Award provides concrete examples of UGA athletes who’ve been in their shoes and are applying their lessons learned on and off the field of play to become savvy business leaders. Nick and C.J. are continuing that rich tradition.”

    To learn more about previous winners of the Arch Award Presented by The Piedmont Bank and their success on and off the field, please visit here.

    About The Piedmont Bank

    Piedmont Bancorp, Inc. is a $2 Billion asset bank holding company headquartered in Peachtree Corners, GA. Through its subsidiary, The Piedmont Bank, the company operates 16 branches in the Atlanta area and North Georgia dedicated to exceptional service and innovative products for both businesses and personal banking. For more information, visit http://www.piedmont.bank.

    Media Contact:

    Frank Lazaro
    404.202.1806
    frank.lazaro@piedmont.bank

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71135f77-9219-48cc-a861-a87c98687748

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Negotiations to begin for an Australia-Mongolia Social Security Agreement

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    Joint with:

    The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP
    Minister for Social Services 
    Member for Kingston
     

    Senator the Hon Penny Wong
    Leader of the Government in the Senate
    Minister for Foreign Affairs 
    Senator for South Australia

    The Albanese Labor Government is entering into negotiations with the Mongolian Government on a bilateral social security agreement.

    An agreement would enhance access to certain Australian and Mongolian social security benefits for eligible people who have lived and/or worked in both countries.

    Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said an agreement would not only help strengthen ties with Mongolia, but would also offer greater freedom and choice for eligible people on how and where they spend their retirement.

    “Generally, agreements allow people to maximise their income by helping them claim payments from both Australia and other countries, where they have spent part of their life making a living for themselves,” Minister Rishworth said.

    “An agreement also has the potential to benefit businesses as well as individuals in both countries.

    Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, said the commencement of negotiations is an important step in growing the Australia-Mongolia relationship

    “Australia and Mongolia are working together to deepen our cooperation across a range of areas including our people-to-people ties, economic and education linkages.

    “This agreement to commence negotiations will benefit both Mongolians and Australians and encourage trade and investment between our two countries.”  

    An agreement between Australia and Mongolia would build on Australia’s existing portfolio of 32 international social security agreements, following the recent commencement of the Social Security Agreement between Australia and Serbia.

    Mongolian Ambassador, Davaasuren Damdinsuren said he values the agreement as an essential milestone for strengthening the relationship between Mongolia and Australia.

    “It demonstrates both Governments’ commitment to protect and ensure the rights and interests of its citizens residing overseas,” Ambassador Davaasuren said.

    Ambassador Davaasuren acknowledges the importance of the agreement for strengthening bilateral relations in people-to-people ties and to encourage trade and investments between two countries.

    “This agreement will enormously benefit to the peoples of both countries residing each other’s territory.”

    In addition to improving bilateral relations, international social security agreements:

    • assist eligible people who have moved between Australia and an agreement country to access pensions from both countries they may not otherwise be able to access,
    • provide increased flexibility and choice to eligible individuals upon retirement, and
    • reduce business costs, promote bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

    More information on Australia’s current international social security agreements and what they do is available on the Department of Social Services website.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: GITEX GLOBAL 2024: Historic opening day marked by record international participation and capacity crowds at key events

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

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 15, 2024/APO Group/ —

    • Entire international tech ecosystem descended on Dubai to mark the start of GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (www.GITEX.com)  – the world’s largest and best-rated tech event
    • Innovative showcases and GITEX Editions & European Innovation Council pavilion launches also star on “Tech Investor Day”
    • “AI Super Tuesday” next up at GITEX GLOBAL 2024

    International audiences enjoyed a memorable first day at GITEX GLOBAL 2024 (http://apo-opa.co/4h8HyRu) on Monday as the world’s largest and best-rated tech event kicked off in sensational fashion – setting the stage for an unforgettable week of breakthrough tech showcases.

    Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 14-18 October, GITEX GLOBAL presents a record-breaking edition in its 44th year. It welcomes over 6,500 exhibitors, 1,800 startups, 1,200 investors alongside governments from more than 180 countries – the highest-ever international participation at GITEX GLOBAL – comprising enterprises, experts, investors, startups, academia, researchers, and the entire global tech ecosystem.

    Eagerly awaited exhibitions and events take centre stage

    Across a capacity-crowd venue, international audiences became acquainted with a wide variety of incredible innovations on Day 1 of GITEX GLOBAL 2024. UAE technology group G42 presented its Intelligence Grid immersive experience, enabling visitors to discover how AI can power every aspect of future life as a ‘super utility’. Lenovo showcased its new range of hardware and cloud solution equipped with transformative AI capabilities of the future, while e& showcased some the world’s most mindblowing protypes in all of tech. One of the highlights was the XPeng AeroHT eVTOL Flying Car – enabling audiences to discover how such innovations represent a historic opportunity to revolutionise aviation and personal transportation.

    With five incredible themes across five unmissable days this year, “Tech Investment Day” was first up with World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit (http://apo-opa.co/4dLQ9qC) amongst the many shows that drew huge crowds and received widespread audience acclaim.

    In a special briefing, His Excellency (H.E.) Abdullah Bin Touq Al Marri, Cabinet Member & UAE Minister of Economy, addressed attendees during ‘Rise of the New Economy: AI & Emerging Industries’. This session delved into the UAE’s strategic initiatives fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, and positioning the country as a global leader in the new economy.

    With the UAE’s non-oil sector accounting for 74% of national gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, H.E. Al Marri reaffirmed the Ministry of Economy’s ambitious plans for the years ahead, insisting: “We are in the business of breaking records. We’ve already achieved a non-oil sector that accounts for 74% of GDP – this record has never happened before in our country’s history. The UAE’s environment and ecosystem attracts people from around the globe – and the target now is to reach 80% by 2030 and become an R&D hub for the world.”

    With several leadership sessions held throughout the Monday schedule, H.E. Faisal Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President & Secretary General of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), shared key insights and perspectives during ‘AI Leadership: Steering Societal Transformation’. AI socio-economic implications were discussed alongside global AI leadership, models, governance, and regulation.

    Elsewhere on a historic opening day to celebrate GITEX GLOBAL’s record-extending 44th edition, new industry-defining programmes were also launched – including GITEX Editions, an exclusive platform for late-stage advanced tech companies and a premier hub for unicorns, soonicorns and rhinos.

    GITEX Editions connects 59 top global unicorns and was attended by H.E. Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE Minister of State for AI, Digital Economy & Remote Work Applications, also addressed attendees between another applauded leadership session – ‘The UAE As The Sandbox For Pragmatic Ai Regulation And Policy Development’.

    The year’s most impactful discussions surrounding AI’s future in society and industry were also attending by high numbers of visitors. While discussing the most transformative AI case studies across government, enterprise, and startups, the need to balance AI’s potential with creativity and human intuition was examined in various sessions, including ‘Regulating Tech: The Intersection of Tech, Crime and Law’.

    Didier Jacobs, Head of ICT & Chief AI Officer at Europol, stressed that heightened collaboration and cooperation are needed to overcome challenges and solve international crime, adding: “Cybercrime knows no borders. There are many technologies that can be misused for hacking, extortion, sabotage, illegal transactions, and so on. What’s needed are solutions – a blend of increased human collaboration and technology deployment is essential.”

    As this week marks the largest-ever European participation at GITEX GLOBAL with 38 European countries exhibiting alongside 1,000-plus SMEs and 450-plus startups, the European Innovation Council pavilion was officially launched to commemorate the milestone.

    With debuting exhibitors from countries including Austria, Portugal, Latvia, Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Switzerland in attendance, Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of DWTC, the organiser of GITEX GLOBAL, opened the brand-new site. This casts a unique spotlight on Europe’s AI, tech, and innovation advancements alongside the cross-continental collaboration efforts currently taking shape across the continent.

    What next at GITEX GLOBAL 2024?

    GITEX GLOBAL 2024 continues Tuesday as “Super AI Tuesday” showcases how AI is transforming business strategies, revolutionising industries, and creating new growth opportunities across the globe. Up until Friday (October 18), attendees can also explore the latest tech sector services and solutions being rolled out across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

    GITEX GLOBAL is seamlessly connecting with world’s largest network of tech events with its stellar list including GITEX EUROPE Berlin, GITEX ASIA Singapore, GITEX AFRICA Morocco, and GITEX NIGERIA. These events are fostering collaboration and driving innovation to shape the tech landscape of tomorrow.

    More information on GITEX GLOBAL and to purchase passes, please visit http://www.GITEX.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Technology partnerships between the UK and Central and Eastern Europe: Science and Innovation Network impact story

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Countries in Central and Eastern Europe offer a significant opportunity for science, innovation, and technology partnerships with the UK.

    The first outcome of the UK-Bulgaria meeting on semiconductors was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between TechWorks (UK) and BASEL (Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics).

    Summary

    The 9 countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) offer a significant opportunity for science, innovation, and technology partnerships with the UK. Together, the region’s combined GDP is over €2 trillion – an economy of emerging innovators leading a tech revolution (the region has increased its enterprise value since 2017 by 7.6 times).

    This is driven by each countries’ effort to combine their science and technology expertise and skilled workforces (Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland and Romania make up 4 of the 6 EU countries in the Top 25 countries of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) excellence) together with traditional strengths in manufacturing, IT and science. 

    The priorities of the UK’s International Tech Strategy align with pockets of excellence across the region. Austria, for example, is the fourth largest producer of semi-conductors with expanding supply chains through Czechia and Bulgaria, Croatia’s unicorns drive 4% of the country’s GDP and Poland and Czechia’s retention of 90% of their startup enterprise value show the strength of the emerging ecosystems. A recent report estimated that AI would further boost the regional economic value by €100 billion. 

    UK Science and Innovation Network (SIN) teams in Central and Eastern Europe are working to communicate these opportunities to UK stakeholders and build connections. The appetite to work with the UK is high – during the previous Horizon Europe programme, the UK was among the top partners of choice for CEE researchers. 

    Following the UK’s reassociation to Horizon Europe and Copernicus, we are keen to maintain and strengthen those connections. Our events on tech, showcased below, all help to communicate and encourage collaboration while engaging on policy approaches that will be critical to the safe and secure emergence of critical tech. 

    Impact

    Semiconductors

    In January, SIN organised a high-level roundtable on semiconductors to connect Bulgarian and UK stakeholders looking to develop cooperation and exchange approaches on semi-conductors.   

    Semiconductors is a priority sector for the UK, in the context of the UK Semiconductors Strategy and Bulgaria is recognised as partner in this area under the UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnerships Agreement. 

    Why Bulgaria?

    Bulgaria is rapidly developing opportunities in the sector, building on its ICT strengths (contributing over 7% of GDP, the highest level among CEE countries). This is a legacy of chip manufacturing (by the late 1970s, Bulgaria was one of the top 10 biggest electronics manufacturing countries in the world).

    In 1989, Bulgaria exported more computers than all other countries in CEE with 11% of workers employed in the production of computers and electronics. Today there are over 400 microelectronics, many supporting the growing demand for chips from Bulgaria’s automotive industry. 

    Bulgaria is positioned well to become a supply chain hub under the EU Chips Act – it has attracted investment by global companies such as Melexis (producing equipment and critical materials for semiconductor fabs) and Global Foundries and the government is investing in R&D centres to support the developing capacity.

    The roundtable enabled government, industry and academic contacts to share government strategy and approaches, including on skills development, explore potential commercial R&D and academic collaboration opportunities. This has led to an opportunity to work with the Bulgaria Ministry of Innovations and Growth as they prepare a report and recommendations to develop the sector in 2024, the potential to develop an accelerator programme based on the UK’s Chipstart programme and a memorandum of understanding signed between the Bulgarian Association of Electrical Engineering and Electronics (BASEL) and TechWorks UK.

    Artificial intelligence (AI)

    In February, SIN hosted the first UK-Romania research conference with a focus on AI to help us better understand emerging opportunities in AI research with Romania. Bringing together contacts from academia, SMEs, NGOs, and senior officials.

    The event was part of series of SIN initiatives on AI which started in 2021 with a UK-Romania high-level dialogue in London, an online workshop on national AI strategies, and a visit to present the Romanian government’s AI advisor, “Ion”, to the UK. The roundtable helped secure the topic as part of the forthcoming UK-Romania Bilateral Forum in 2024 within the frame of the Strategic Partnership Agreement signed in March 2023.

    Why Romania?

    A surge in AI startups and a rapidly developing ecosystem is drawing significant international attention. Romania’s IT and cyber sector drives a significant proportion of GDP – Romania is number one in Europe and sixth in the world in terms of the number of IT professionals. Companies such as Amazon, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Oracle have long operated in Romania’s IT sector, which generated €9 billion in 2022.

    In March, SIN supported a wider delegation of AI stakeholders from Czechia, Slovakia and Poland to the UK to attend the Alan Turing Institute AI Expo 2024, using the opportunity to share policy approaches on AI regulation, build connections for AI influencers in the region, and connect researchers. 

    Tech mapping

    To find out more about opportunities across the wider Central and Eastern Europe region, read our report on tech opportunities commissioned by SIN and created by researchers at Public International (a UK-based tech insights organisation). The report provides country by country snapshots on why CEE is important to the UK under each of the 5 priority technologies. 

    Technology and Innovation in Central and Eastern Europe (public.io).

    Contact details:

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Agillic audited in accordance with ISAE 3000 Type 2, testament to its commitment to security and compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release, Copenhagen, 14 October, 2024 

    Data security is non-negotiable. That is why the Agillic platform has undergone a rigorous independent audit of security practices and ensuring full compliance with GDPR and other regulatory requirements.

    Agillic’s security measures include strong encryption, continuous monitoring, stringent access controls, risk assessments, penetration tests, and vulnerability scans are performed regularly to stay ahead of potential threats.

    The ISAE 3000 Type 2 audit is an important and valuable part of Agillic’s ways to conduct business for the many different industries using the platform – not least the finance and public sectors. 

    Says Allan Sørensen, VP, Service Operations:
    “At Agillic, we prioritise our clients’ data security and privacy. We are proud to announce that our omnichannel marketing platform has been independently audited by Deloitte in accordance with the international ISAE 3000 Type 2 standard. This audit underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting clients’ data and ensuring compliance with the highest standards in information security.”

    For further information, please contact
    Emre Gürsoy, CEO, Agillic A/S
    +45 3078 4200
    emre.gursoy@agillic.com

    About Agillic A/S
    Agillic (Nasdaq First North Growth Market Copenhagen: AGILC) is a Danish software company offering brands a platform through which they can work with data-driven insights and content to create, automate and send personalised communication to millions. Agillic is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark, with teams in Germany, Norway, and Romania.
    Agillic A/S – Masnedøgade 22 – 2100 Copenhagen – Denmark – www.agillic.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Neanderthal remains found in France reveals there were not one, but at least two lineages of late Neanderthals in Europe

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Ludovic Slimak, Archéologue, penseur et chercheur au CNRS, Université de Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier

    31 out of 34 of Thorin’s teeth were found, making it the most complete dentition ever found from a Neanderthal. Ludovic Slimak, Fourni par l’auteur

    The prevailing narrative of how humanity came about seemed straightforward enough: in Europe, the last Neanderthals bowed out as Homo sapiens began arriving on the continent around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago. Neanderthals were thought to be part of a single, genetically homogeneous population, spread across Spain, France, Croatia, Belgium, and Germany. Genetic studies supported this view, suggesting a uniform population that would eventually give way to the newcomers, Homo sapiens. In just a few millennia — between 45,000 and 42,000 years ago — the brief cohabitation of these two species in Europe ended with the replacement of Neanderthals. The explanation was elegant and simple – perhaps a little too simple.

    A new lineage of Neanderthals

    Our research published in Cell Genomics on 11 September complicates this picture, revealing that there was not one, but at least two lineages of Neanderthals, following genetic analysis of body remains found in the Mandrin Cave, southeastern France. The study in Cell Genomics, which I co-lead with Tharsika Vimala and Martin Sikora, population geneticists at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, as well as Andaine Seguin-Orlando, a paleogenomicist at the University of Toulouse, is the culmination of nearly ten years of research leading to the discovery of France’s first Neanderthal body since 1978. We have chosen to call him Thorin after the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, since Thorin was one of the last dwarf kings in Tolkien’s lore. Fittingly, the Thorin of the Mandrin Cave is believed to be one of the last Neanderthals.

    He is among the most recent occupations of the Mandrin Cave. We discovered his first teeth in 2015, lying on the ground at the cave’s entrance, barely covered by a few leaves. Although the teeth were initially exposed, they were embedded in fragile sand, making the excavation delicate. The slightest brush stroke risked displacing the precious remains, making it difficult to determine their precise position in the ground. As the head of research at Mandrin Cave, I decided we proceed to excavate the body with tweezers. Grain by grain, our team worked painstakingly for two to three months each – a process that has lasted for nine years and is still ongoing. This Herculean field effort allowed the recovery of the tiniest remains, which were carefully documented in their original positions. Through three-dimensional mapping, the team has reconstructed the exact location of the remains in the ground.

    Meet Thorin

    So far, 31 teeth (Thorin had 34, representing the first Neandertal ever found with surnumerary molars), along with the jawbone, fragments of the skull, phalanges and thousands of tiny bones have been discovered. The excavation process here requires remarkable patience; after nine years of effort, we have only managed to clear a small window of about 50 cm by 30 cm wide. Numerous remains of this body are likely to gradually emerge in the coming years.

    Our study shows that Thorin’s population diverged significantly from other Neanderthals in Europe over more than 50,000 years. Unlike most late Neanderthals, who display genetic homogeneity, Thorin’s lineage remained genetically distinct from 105,000 years ago until their extinction.

    This raises the question: How could human populations remain isolated for tens of thousands of years, despite living within a two-week walking distance of each other? This is the challenge Thorin presents us with. Evolutionary, cultural, and social processes that seem unimaginable if we try to apply them to Sapiens populations, as we understand them through cultural anthropology, history, and archaeology. Something appears to profoundly differentiate the ways of being in the world of Neanderthals and Sapiens, something far deeper than mere cultural or territorial issues. It confronts us directly with the enigma of Neanderthal and, quite possibly, our own inability to understand these ancient species.

    Thorin’s peers and other ghosts

    Strikingly, we found that Thorin is not the only one in his lineage, with genetic analysis revealing links to another Neanderthal discovered over 1,700 kilometers away, in Gibraltar. This Neanderthal, nicknamed Nana, was thought to be an ancient individual who lived 80 to 100,000 years ago. However, the study in Cell Genomics reveals that Nana and Thorin lived during the same period — within the last millennia of Neanderthal existence. This close genetic proximity suggests that Nana and Thorin belonged to the same population of late Neanderthals, a population that would no longer have any exchanges with the classic European Neanderthals after the 105th millennium and up until their astonishing extinction 42,000 years ago.

    Our study also suggests the existence of a “ghost” Neanderthal lineage — another population that roamed Europe at the same time, yet remains unknown. This implies that there were other Neanderthal populations in Europe in relatively recent periods that belonged neither to the classic Neanderthals nor to Thorin’s population, but genetics is then able to identify moments when Thorin’s ancestors could episodically exchange genes with these ghost populations that remain largely unknown to archaeology and genetics. A fascinating story then slowly begins to emerge in which Neanderthal is not a monolithic block but is represented by different populations that nevertheless developed only rare (and sometimes no) exchanges among themselves.

    Rewriting everything we know about early humanity

    The revelations of additional lineages of Neanderthal are the latest discovery to prompt us to radically rethink our understanding of early humanity. In 2022, after 32 years of archaeological research, our team had already revealed the existence of a first Sapiens migration to European territory 10,000 to 12,000 before the first migrations previously recognized. In the following year, we released three papers questioning our conceptions of this singular moment in human history, redefining not only the timing of these populations’ arrival but also that they had mastered advanced technology such as the bow and arrow, tracing back their steps to the Mediterranean Levant, and proposing a profound redefinition of the entire historical structure of this singular moment in European history.

    The latest discovery of Thorin’s remains, which I began to unveil in The Naked Neanderthal, poses countless questions. Did Neanderthal die out like the dinosaurs following a natural upheaval carrying away his entire world? Around Neanderthal, theories related to climate change, volcanic explosions, cosmic radiation, or devastating epidemics have flourished in recent years. To understand Sapiens replacing Neanderthal, we must, above all, understand what Neanderthal was. And what Sapiens is. And it is my conviction that the nature of the two creatures deeply eludes us.

    The research continues, and, as more discoveries are made, the story only deepens.

    Ludovic Slimak ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. Neanderthal remains found in France reveals there were not one, but at least two lineages of late Neanderthals in Europe – https://theconversation.com/neanderthal-remains-found-in-france-reveals-there-were-not-one-but-at-least-two-lineages-of-late-neanderthals-in-europe-238606

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Balkan route – call for EU action to contain the influx of immigrants – E-001963/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001963/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    The irregular immigrants invading Europe pose a threat, since the Islamic extremists behind acts of violence and attacks arrived via the Mediterranean and Balkan routes.

    Israel’s efforts to defend itself against terrorist groups in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen make the Balkan route – the main land-based migratory path into the EU – a source of even greater danger, as a potential entry route for highly hazardous material. With many of the arrivals heading to north-eastern Italy, this is one of the areas most at risk.

    Bosnia appears to be the Achilles’ heel, while some EU support dressed up as humanitarian aid could indirectly help fuel this influx.

    Faced with these new risks, action must be taken to stem these flows and cut off the funds that are supporting this ‘asylum tourism’.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to take action – and how will it do so – to protect Europe’s borders and regulate access from Bosnia and elsewhere, perhaps even by providing police?
    • 2.Will it take steps to thwart this lucrative traffic by revising the rules on pushbacks and improving centres in third countries?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Contempt for the Prespa Agreement shown towards 12 EU ambassadors and four representatives of European bodies – E-001967/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001967/2024
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    From the date when she was sworn in on 12 May 2024 until the present, President Gordana Siljanovska, as ‘President of Macedonia’, has been engaged in violating the Prespa Agreement. From the very first of her meetings in the city of Skopje with ambassadors of Member States (Czechia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia, Germany, Croatia and Sweden) and representatives of European bodies [the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the OSCΕ and the European External Action Service (EEAS)], among others, she issued official communications that referred to the country as ‘Macedonia’.

    Five hundred incidents of this kind have been recorded; they are not merely violations, but constitute systematic ‘material breaches’, according to the international terminology[1]. It should be borne in mind that, pursuant to the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, for a bilateral treaty, when one party is in ‘material breach’ of the treaty the other party is entitled to request the suspension and termination of that treaty (Article 60(1)).

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Council aware of the contempt for the Prespa Agreement, the Member States and the European institutions shown by President Siljanovska, who is a head of state, and what is more, of a country that is a candidate for accession?
    • 2.How does it intend to formally express its displeasure?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.epitropiellinismou.gr/post/3080
    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Contempt for the Prespa Agreement shown towards 12 EU ambassadors and four representatives of European bodies – E-001966/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001966/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    From the date when she was sworn in on 12 May 2024 until the present, President Gordana Siljanovska, as ‘President of Macedonia’, has been engaged in violating the Prespa Agreement. From the very first of her meetings in the city of Skopje with ambassadors of Member States (Czechia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Poland, Hungary, Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Slovakia, Germany, Croatia and Sweden) and representatives of European bodies [the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the OSCΕ and the European External Action Service (EEAS)], among others, she issued official communications that referred to the country as ‘Macedonia’.

    Five hundred incidents of this kind have been recorded; they are not merely violations, but constitute systematic ‘material breaches’, according to the international terminology[1]. It should be borne in mind that, pursuant to the 1969 Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, for a bilateral treaty, when one party is in ‘material breach’ of the treaty the other party is entitled to request the suspension and termination of that treaty (Article 60(1)).

    In view of this:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the contempt shown by President Siljanovska for the Prespa Agreement, the Member States and the European institutions, despite the fact that she is a head of state, and what is more, of a country that is a candidate for accession?
    • 2.How does it intend to formally express its displeasure?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.epitropiellinismou.gr/post/3080
    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Gaza: Medical care under fire UPCOMING EVENT Oct 15, 2024

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    Palestinian Territories 2023 © Pierre Fromentin/MSF

    UPCOMING EVENT

    Palestinian Territories 2023 © Pierre Fromentin/MSF

    October 15, 2024

    1:00PM-1:45PM ET

    Event type: Live online

    October 15, 2024 | 1:00PM-1:45PM ET

    Gaza: Medical care under fire

    We invite you to join us for a live online event on Tuesday, October 15, from 1:00-1:45 pm ET, with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) aid workers reflecting on the catastrophic health impacts of the war in Gaza.

    MSF teams were already active providing medical care in Gaza when conflict escalated following the horrific attacks by Hamas on Israel on October 7. In response, the Israeli government launched a ferocious military offensive on Gaza. More than 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, tens of thousands more have been injured, and some 1.9 million people have been displaced–often multiple times. Much of the Gaza Strip has been reduced to rubble.

    MSF staff are providing urgent medical care even while facing the personal impacts of the war themselves–the deaths of loved ones, destruction of their homes, and constant dangers everywhere. Hospitals and health facilities have repeatedly come under fire or been forced to evacuate. The medical needs are exploding, including the spread of infectious diseases and the risk of starvation.

    Join us for a conversation with Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim, emergency physician and former medical team leader in Gaza, and Dr. Amber Alayyan, pediatrician and medical program manager for MSF in Palestine, Afghanistan and Haiti. Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib, MSF deputy medical coordinator in Gaza, will share testimony directly from Khan Younis, and Avril Benoît, MSF USA chief executive officer, will moderate the live discussion. Together they will bear witness to this unfolding emergency and reflect on the medical challenges ahead.

    Meet the speakers

    Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim

    Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim is an emergency physician and was president of MSF UK from 2017-2021. Born and raised in the UK to Sudanese Iranian parents, Javid volunteered with MSF as a medical student, and later joined MSF as an aid worker for his first assignment to Iraq. Since then, he has worked for MSF in conflict zones, crises and disease outbreaks around the world. He has completed assignments in Ukraine, Haiti, Lebanon/Syria, South Sudan, Sierra Leone (for Ebola), and on the Mediterranean Sea on one of MSF’s search and rescue vessels. Most recently, he worked as an emergency medical team leader in Gaza. 

    Dr. Amber Alayyan

    Dr. Amber Alayyan is a pediatrician and international public health consultant with over 20 years of experience in health care in conflict and post-conflict zones particularly in the Middle East, as well as malnutrition and environmental health in conflict settings. She currently works as MSF’s medical program manager for Afghanistan, Palestine, and Haiti and previously managed medical programs for Peru, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Iraq. In her current role, she manages the medical operational strategy and activities in the West Bank and Gaza. These activities include burn and trauma surgery and multi-disciplinary pre/post-operative care, pediatric inpatient care, antibiotic resistance management, primary health care, mental health, and sexual and gender-based violence. Her work with MSF over the past 13 years includes assignments in the Central African Republic, Pakistan, Yemen, Iraq, Jordan/Syria, Turkey/Syria, Lebanon, Croatia and Greece.

    Dr. Mohammed Abu Mughaisib

    Dr. Mohammed (Abu Abed) Abu Mughaisib is the deputy medical coordinator for MSF’s operations in Palestine. He holds degrees in both medicine and mental health and has worked with MSF for nearly 23 years. Last fall, he was forced to flee his home in Gaza City, and was displaced multiple times thereafter. While his wife and children managed to cross the border into Egypt, Abu Abed continues to provide lifesaving care as a critical member of our project team in Palestine. 

    Avril Benoît

    Avril Benoît is the chief executive officer of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières in the United States (MSF USA). She has worked with the international medical humanitarian organization since 2006 in various operational management and executive leadership roles, most recently as the director of communications and development at MSF’s operational center in Geneva, a position she held from November 2015 until June 2019. Throughout her career with MSF, Avril has contributed to major movement-wide initiatives, including the global mobilization to end attacks on hospitals and health workers. She has worked as a country director and project coordinator for MSF, leading operations to provide aid to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Mauritania, South Sudan, and South Africa. Avril’s strategic analysis and communications assignments have taken her to countries including Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Haiti, Iraq, Lebanon, Mexico, Mozambique, Nigeria, Sudan, Syria, and Ukraine. From 2006 to 2012, Avril served as director of communications with MSF Canada. Prior to joining MSF, Avril had a distinguished 20-year career as an award-winning journalist and broadcaster in Canada. She was a documentary producer and radio host with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), reporting from Kenya, Burundi, India, and Brazil on HIV stigma, rapid urbanization, sexual violence in conflict, and political inclusion of women, among numerous other assignments and topics. Recent articles: Surge of humanity needed for migrants and refugees  

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    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Anti-Greek collaboration between Türkiye and Albania – E-001441/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU attaches the greatest importance to respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights including the rights of persons belonging to minorities.

    Through the enlargement process and the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Agreement[1], the Commission is closely following reforms on the rule of law, the strengthening and protection of fundamental rights in Albania and provides policy recommendations in that regard.

    Since 2024 Albania also participates in the annual Rule of Law Report alongside Member States. This exercise, which for enlargement countries does not include country-specific recommendations, aims to strengthen EU support for rule of law reforms, support Albania’s reform efforts to achieve further progress in the accession process and help maintain a sustainable pattern of high standards after accession.

    The EU regularly underlines the importance of maintaining constructive engagement in regional cooperation and good neighbourly relations as these are essential elements of the European integration process.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:22009A0428(02)
    Last updated: 14 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Apostolos Tzitzikostas – Transport and Tourism – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Apostolos Tzitzikostas has been First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) since 2022. Having joined the CoR in 2015, he served as its President from 2020 to 2022. Governor of the Central Macedonia Region since 2014, Tzitzikostas has been president of the Association of Greek Regions since November 2019. From 2010 to 2014, Tzitzikostas served as the deputy regional governor for the Central Macedonia Region and head of the Thessaloniki Metropolitan Area. From 2007 to 2009, Tzitzikostas was a member of the Greek Parliament with the Nea Demokratia Party (EPP). Born in 1978, Tzitzikostas graduated in government and international relations at Georgetown University, Washington DC, in 2000. He then earned a master’s degree in European Public Policy and Economics from University College London. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Ekaterina Zaharieva – Start-ups, Research and Innovation – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Ekaterina Zaharieva is currently a member of the Bulgarian National Assembly, representing the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party (EPP). Having served in several Bulgarian governments, Zaharieva held the dual position of deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister of foreign affairs from 2017 to 2021. Earlier, she served as minister of justice from 2015 to 2017, as deputy prime minister for economic policy and minister of regional developments and public works in 2013 and 2014, and as deputy minister of regional development and public works from 2009 to 2011. Between 2011 and 2015, she acted as head of cabinet and secretary general to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. After earning a master’s degree in law from Paisii Hilendarski University in Plovdiv, Zaharieva had followed a career as a lawyer, and then as a civil servant from 2017 to 2021. Zaharieva was born in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, in 1975. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Dubravka Šuica – Mediterranean – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Dubravka Šuica has served as a Member of the European Commission and Vice-President for Demography and Democracy since 2019. She was also the co-chair of the Conference on the Future of Europe. From 2013 to 2019, Šuica was a Member of the European Parliament, where she focused on issues relating to the environment, public health and food safety, and foreign affairs. In 2019, she was a vice-chair of the European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament. As a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Šuica served three terms in the Croatian Parliament, from 2000 until 2011, also holding the position of vice-chair of the EU Integration Committee. From 2001 to 2009, Šuica served two terms as the first female mayor of Dubrovnik, her hometown. In 2006, she was honoured with the World Mayor Award. From 2004 to 2009, Šuica was a board member of the Union of the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Croatia. She later served as a councillor on the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Assembly. She also served as the president of the Croatian Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe for a decade. Since 2012, she has chaired the HDZ Committee on Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, and has been the vice-president of EPP Women. Born in 1957, Šuica graduated in English and German language and literature. She started her career in education, first as a teacher and later as director of Dubrovnik High School.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Through Time podcast – NATO’s open door (2009) with former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović

    Source: NATO

    The NATO Through Time podcast dives deep into NATO’s history, reflecting on how the past influences the present – and future – of the longest-lasting alliance in history. This episode features former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who was instrumental in leading her country, alongside Albania, to NATO membership in 2009.

    What was it like learning about NATO while growing up in the former Yugoslavia?
    Why did NATO launch “out-of-area” operations in the Western Balkans following the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s? 
    What was the road to NATO membership like for Albania and Croatia, and how did these countries help pave the way for other countries in the region to join the Alliance?  

    In this episode, former President of Croatia Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović reflects on her country’s journey to independence and its decision to “rejoin the European family” by becoming a member of NATO and the European Union. She also speaks about how Croatia has helped other countries in southeast Europe join the Alliance, and how this experience will support the future membership of further countries, including Ukraine. In addition to serving as President of Croatia (2015-2020), she was also the country’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration (2005-2008), Ambassador to the United States (2008-2011) and NATO’s Assistant Secretary General for Public Diplomacy (2011-2014), so she played a crucial role in bringing Croatia into NATO and in its early years of membership in the Alliance.   

    The podcast is available on YouTube, and on all major podcast platforms, including:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra funding committed to support Holocaust Memorial Day

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government has announced additional funding to support Holocaust Memorial Day 2025.

    • The Government has announced additional funding to support Holocaust Memorial Day 2025
    • 2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, with many Holocaust survivors expected to attend the national ceremony
    • Funding reflects the Government’s aim that the national commemorations should be seen by an audience of millions

    The Government has announced additional funding for the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to support the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau.

    Holocaust Memorial Day, marked each year on January 27th, is a day of reflection, remembrance, and education.

    2025 will mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, which will be a particularly poignant occasion, highlighting the significance of remembering the atrocities of the past while fostering a future of understanding and unity.

    Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 also marks the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Srebrenica, sending a strong reminder that hatred and intolerance have continued long after the Holocaust.

    Faith Minister Lord Khan said:

    We are absolutely committed to ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust are never forgotten. The 80th anniversary is a time for deep reflection, and to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazis.

    This funding will enable the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust to stage an event and ensure it is broadcast to millions – matching the significance of the moment. It will enable communities across the country to take part in this moment for reflection – and to hear directly from survivors who can bear witness to the appalling crimes committed by the Nazis.

    The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust’s Chief Executive, Olivia Marks-Woldman, said:

    We are delighted that the Government’s commitment to Holocaust Memorial Day Trust means that we can reach even further in this significant year. The Holocaust Memorial Day 2025 commemorations will be engaging millions of people across the UK, in local communities, on social and traditional media, and at the UK Ceremony.

    Please join us in January to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia – to learn from the past, for a better future.

    The additional funds will help facilitate broadcasting the event, broadening access to people across the country for commemoration and reflection.

    Last month, in his speech to the Holocaust Education Trust, the Prime Minister set out a new “national ambition” to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to hear recorded Holocaust survivor testimony.

    Ahead of its curriculum review, the Government has also committed to ensure that the Holocaust remains on the curriculum and that state schools which are not currently required to follow the national curriculum also teach the Holocaust.

    Notes to editors:

    • The additional funding of £80,000 is in addition to an annual grant of £900,000 given to HMDT – totalling £980,000 this year – which is provided for the annual ceremony and for support for thousands of local activities up and down the country to remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

    Updates to this page

    Published 13 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Across the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia: Diverse Adoption Rates, Consistent Outcomes

    Source: Center of Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is transforming medical practices worldwide by significantly reducing patient care wait times and reducing physician’s workload. This was a key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia shared insights into their AI initiatives in radiology. Despite the differing speed of AI adoption, the outcomes in each country have been strikingly similar.

     During the session, experts from these nations discussed their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing the standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound. Saudi Arabia is leveraging remote CT and MRI scanning to address healthcare access challenges in rural areas. Russia, meanwhile, has developed the Unified Radiology Information Service, which centralizes patient records, providing physicians with real-time access to diagnostic data.

    This innovative system drew the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in adopting similar solutions in their countries. As Yuri Vasilev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics of the Moscow Healthcare Department, stated, AI’s implementation across all participating countries has led to faster patient care and reduced physician workload.

     In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Radiology Society of Emirates, highlighted that AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality in the UAE.

     Peijun Wang, Professor and Vice Chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, outlined China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulatory documents, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in developing AI-driven medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest illnesses, and fractures.

     In Saudi Arabia, Dr.Mashael Alrujaiba, a board member of the Radiological Society of Saudi Arabia, discussed how remote diagnostic technologies, such as CT and MRI scans, are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural regions.

     Shazia Khan, Professor of Radiology from Pakistan, emphasized the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing the automation of measurements as a key advantage.

     The Russian Diagnostic Summit saw participation from over 13,000 attendees, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India, and Syria. The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions, held across 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, roundtable discussions, and masterclasses. More than 800 leading professionals presented, and over 230 companies exhibited their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI in Healthcare in UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: Different Pace of Adoption, Similar Results

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine – Moscow

    The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is transforming medical practices around the world, significantly reducing patient waiting times and reducing the workload of doctors. This was the key topic at the international session of the Russian Diagnostic Summit, where representatives from the UAE, China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia spoke about their initiatives to introduce AI in radiology.

    Despite the different speeds of AI adoption, the results in each country were strikingly similar. During the session, experts from these countries shared their experiences with AI in medical imaging. China is prioritizing standardization and regulation of AI technologies in healthcare, while the UAE is advancing the use of AI in ultrasound diagnostics.

    Saudi Arabia uses remote CT and MRI scanning to address access to healthcare in rural areas, while Russia has developed a Unified Radiological Information Service that centralizes patient records, giving doctors access to diagnostic data in real time.

    This innovative system attracted the attention of international delegates, who expressed interest in implementing similar solutions in their countries. According to Yuri Vasiliev, Senior Consultant for Radiology and Instrumental Diagnostics at the Moscow Department of Health, the implementation of AI in all participating countries has led to faster patient care and a reduced workload for doctors.

    In his presentation on musculoskeletal diagnostics, Dr. Abdulla Alremaithi, President of the Emirates Radiological Society, highlighted that in the UAE, AI has reduced scanning times by 88% and improved image quality.

    Peijun Wang, professor and vice chairman of the Chinese Society of Radiology, spoke about China’s comprehensive efforts to regulate and validate AI-enabled medical devices. As of 2022, China had issued 22 regulations, and by 2023, 62 companies were involved in the development of AI-based medical imaging tools, with 45 products supporting the diagnosis of a wide range of diseases, including tumors, cardiovascular diseases, chest diseases, and fractures.

    In Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mashael Alrujaiba, board member of the Saudi Arabian Radiological Society, spoke about how remote diagnostic technologies such as CT and MRI are improving access to healthcare for patients in rural areas.

    Shazia Khan, a professor of radiology from Pakistan, highlighted the impact of AI on workflow efficiency, citing automation of measurements as one of the key benefits.

    The Russian Diagnostic Summit was attended by over 13,000 people, including representatives from all regions of Russia and delegations from 28 countries, such as Abkhazia, Turkey, Serbia, Israel, India and Syria.

    The event featured 236 scientific and educational sessions in 21 conference halls, including forums, seminars, round tables and master classes. More than 800 leading experts presented their reports, and more than 230 companies presented their latest technological innovations at the Diagnopolis exhibition.

    MIL OSI Russia News –