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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – B10-0079/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Daniel Caspary, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0079/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia

    (2024/2822(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    – having regard to the statement by the High Representative and the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement of 17 April 2024 on the adoption of the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law,

    – having regard to the statement by the High Representative of 18 September 2024 on the Georgian law on ‘family values and protection of minors’,

    – having regard to the statement by the European External Action Service Spokesperson of 4 April 2024 on the draft law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’,

    – having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690),

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1],

    – having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

    – having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights,

    – having regard to the joint statement by the Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia of 18 April 2024 on the reintroduction of the draft law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ in Georgia,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental rights enshrined in the Georgian Constitution;

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

    C. whereas Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution provides that ‘the constitutional bodies shall take all measures within the scope of their competence to ensure the full integration of Georgia into the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’;

    D. whereas the EU expects Georgia, a candidate country for EU accession, to abide fully by the Association Agreement and other international commitments it has made and, in particular, to fulfil the conditions and take the steps set out in the Commission’s recommendation of 8 November 2023; whereas the European Council decided to grant candidate status to Georgia solely on the understanding that these steps would be taken, including combating disinformation and interference against the EU and its values, engaging opposition parties and civil society in governance, and ensuring freedom of assembly and expression, as well as meaningfully consulting civil society and involving it in legislative and policymaking processes and ensuring that it can operate freely;

    E. whereas on 20 February 2024 the Parliament of Georgia passed amendments to the electoral code, changing the procedure for the election of chairman and so-called professional members of the Central Election Commission and abolishing the post of deputy chairman, which is filled by an opposition representative;

    F. whereas on 4 April 2024 the Georgian Parliament adopted amendments to the country’s electoral code, abolishing mandatory parliamentary quotas for women, which required that at least one in four candidates on a party list be of a different gender than the majority;

    G. whereas on 28 May 2024, the Georgian Parliament adopted the so-called transparency of foreign influence law, which requires organisations receiving over 20 % of their funding from abroad to register within two months as ‘organisations pursuing the interests of a foreign power’ and label themselves as such; whereas these organisations are subjected to additional scrutiny, reporting requirements and possibly sanctions, including administrative penalties of up to GEL 25 000; whereas this law seriously restricts media and civil society organisations’ ability to operate freely; whereas adopting this law has led to the suspension of EU financial assistance for Georgia;

    H. whereas on 6 June 2024 the US imposed visa restrictions on dozens of Georgian officials over the adoption of the ‘foreign agents law’;

    I. whereas on 11 July 2024 the US Congress Committee on Foreign Affairs adopted Georgia sanctions legislation known as the Megobari Act, which imposes sanctions against Georgian officials responsible for undermining the country’s democratic system;

    J. whereas on 17 September 2024 the Georgian Parliament passed a law on ‘family values and the protection of minors’, which strips the LGBTI community of its rights and bans Pride events and public displays of the rainbow flag;

    K. whereas a parliamentary election will take place in Georgia on 26 October 2024; whereas there is growing anti-Western and hostile rhetoric from the Georgian Dream party against Georgia’s democratic partners, as well as promotion of Russian disinformation and manipulation; whereas the Georgian Dream party is pursuing a narrative of the West as a ‘global war party’ trying to push Georgia back into a war with Russia;

    L. whereas on 28 August 2024, the leader of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, at the inauguration of his party’s electoral campaign, spoke of his desire to ban democratic opposition parties; whereas he was seconded by the Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, who stated that if their party achieved a majority in the Georgian Parliament, it would ban certain opposition parties;

    1. Strongly condemns the adoption of the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and the law on ‘family values and protection of minors’, as well as the changes to the electoral code; considers that the foregoing are incompatible with EU values and democratic principles, run against Georgia’s ambitions for EU membership, damage Georgia’s international reputation and endanger the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration; strongly underlines that unless the abovementioned legislation is rescinded, progress cannot be made in Georgia’s relations with the EU; regrets that Georgia, once a champion of democratic progress with Euro-Atlantic aspirations, has been in a democratic backsliding free fall for a considerable period;

    2. Expects Georgian Dream to respect the will and free choice of the Georgian people in the upcoming parliamentary election and to relinquish power peacefully if defeated; demands that Georgian Dream and its leaders immediately stop the violence, intimidation, hate speech, persecution and repression that it is committing against the opposition, civil society and independent media;

    3. Strongly believes that the EU should consider temporarily suspending its visa-free regime with Georgia if the conduct of the election is not in line with accepted international standards and base its decision to do so also on Georgia’s fulfilment of the visa liberalisation benchmarks, in particular the fundamental rights benchmark;

    4. Strongly believes that the upcoming election will be decisive in determining Georgia’s future democratic development and geopolitical choice, as well its ability to make progress with its EU member state candidacy; considers that the result of the Georgian election should allow the country to return to its pro-Western democratic agenda, implement the necessary reforms and launch accession negotiations with the EU;

    5. Reiterates its unwavering support for the Georgian people’s legitimate European aspirations and their wish to live in a prosperous country, free from corruption, that fully respects fundamental freedoms, protects human rights and guarantees an open society and independent media; underlines that the decision to grant Georgia EU candidate country status was motivated by the wish to acknowledge the achievements and democratic efforts of Georgia’s civil society, as well as the overwhelming support for EU accession among its citizens; appreciates the efforts made by Georgia’s President Salome Zourabishvili to return Georgia to the democratic and pro-European path of development;

    6. Deplores the personal role played by Georgia’s sole oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who returned to active politics on 30 December 2023 when he became ‘honorary chairman’ of the Georgian Dream party, in the current political crisis and in yet another attempt to undermine the country’s Western-oriented course in favour of pivoting towards Russia; reiterates its call on the Council and the EU’s democratic partners to consider imposing personal sanctions on Ivanishvili for his role in bringing about the deterioration of the political process in Georgia and in working against the interests of its people;

    7. Calls for the EU and its Member States to hold to account and impose personal sanctions on all those responsible for undermining democracy in Georgia, who are complicit in the violence committed against political opponents and peaceful protesters and who spread anti-Western disinformation; welcomes the personal sanctions imposed by the US on Georgian Dream officials;

    8. Highlights the worrying fact that many recent legislative decisions of Georgian Dream betray the aspirations of the large majority of the Georgian people to live in a democratic society, continue democratic and rule of law reforms, pursue close cooperation with Euro-Atlantic partners and commit to a path towards EU membership;

    9. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected under all circumstances, particularly in a country aspiring to join the EU;

    10. Recalls that the European Council of 14 and 15 December 2023 granted Georgia candidate country status on the understanding that the relevant steps set out in the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 would be taken; stresses that recently adopted legislation clearly goes against this ambition and has effectively put on hold Georgia’s integration into the EU;

    11. Urges the Georgian Government to return to its European path, uphold its commitment to respect, strengthen and promote democracy, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and genuinely engage in the full implementation of the steps required to fulfil the conditions for candidate country status and EU membership, in a spirit of engagement and cooperation with Georgia’s civil society and political opposition;

    12. Reiterates the tangible opportunities that Georgia would take advantage of once the accession negotiations begin, such as pre-accession assistance that would improve the standard of living of Georgian citizens, as well as support the institutions, infrastructure and social services;

    13. Expresses deep concern about the increased influence of Russia in Georgia, the increased number of Russian citizens residing in Georgia, increased trade ties with Russia, and Georgia’s willingness to pursue reconciliation with Russia despite Russia’s war in Ukraine and its occupation of a fifth of Georgian sovereign territory; calls on the Government of Georgia to impose sanctions against Russia in response to its war of aggression against Ukraine;

    14. Reiterates its call on the Georgian authorities to release former President Mikheil Saakashvili from prison;

    15. Calls on the Georgian Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough investigation of police brutality during the spring protests against the law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ in Georgia;

    16. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Deteriorating situation in eastern Congo – E-001902/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001902/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Hilde Vautmans (Renew)

    According to a recently published report by Human Rights Watch, Rwandan troops and M23 rebels have committed large-scale violence against civilians, including women and children, in eastern Congo, especially in camps for displaced persons. The European Union has pledged EUR 20 million to Rwandan troops through the European Peace Facility, which gives rise to the following questions about the potential impact of our financial aid:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to ensure that the EUR 20 million provided to Rwandan troops through the European Peace Facility do not further add to the violence in eastern Congo? Are specific mechanisms in place to monitor the use of these funds?
    • 2.What does the Commission intend to do if it is ascertained that these funds do in fact further add to to the conflict or to human rights violations?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU finance ministers welcome proposals for new EIB Group initiatives to deepen Europe’s capital markets, channel savings into productive investments and boost competitiveness

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Plans discussed with European Finance ministers in Luxembourg will broaden financing options and tools available to scale up European innovative companies and unicorns.
    • The instruments to be deployed by the EIB Group include expanding the successful European Tech Champions Initiative Fund-of-Funds, equity and venture capital investments for scale-ups, and a new Exit platform to facilitate purchases and listing of tech start-ups.

    European Union Finance ministers have welcomed an Action Plan to be deployed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, to support the development of the Capital Markets Union. The Plan includes measures to untap private savings and channel them into productive investment, to boost innovation, competitiveness, strategic autonomy, and productivity growth in Europe.

    The Action Plan was discussed at the meeting of EIB Group President Nadia Calviño with finance ministers at the Eurogroup in Luxembourg today. It was developed after months of intensive engagement with member states and financial markets partners, and received broad support by the Boards of Directors of the EIB and of the European Investment Fund (EIF) last week.

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño, said “The EIB Group is itself already a Capital Markets Union instrument. The Action Plan discussed with ministers will help European innovators scale up their business and contribute to channel savings into productive investments, boost innovation, create jobs and lead Europe toward a more robust growth model, ensuring that European companies born in Europe, stay in Europe”.

    The Action Plan covers three main areas:

    • Improving market integration for green and digital bonds: The EIB Group will continue to play a leading role in the European green bond market, through issuance and also scaling up bond acquisition.
    • Closing the funding gap throughout the company and innovation cycle: The EIB Group plans to scale up support for the EU venture capital and private equity markets to help close the financing gap and to retain the most innovative scale-ups in Europe.
    • Mobilizing large-scale investments for EU policy priorities: For instance, working with the Commission on a financing platform for housing.

    Today’s meeting has focused on the second area, with proposals to finance the scale-up of European unicorns, including through an extension of the successful European Tech Champions Initiative, scaling up equity and venture debt investments and  a new dedicated fund, an “exit platform”, for financing acquisitions and listing of tech start-ups by European companies.

    These proposals will be further discussed and finalised by the EIB’s Board of Directors, in partnership with the Commission. Today’s discussion follows up on the Eurogroup’s mandate in March for the EIB Group to support the integration of European capital markets with new instruments that will further facilitate access to financing for small and medium-sized businesses and innovators.

    EU leaders committed, in April 2024, to advancing work without delay toward integrating the Union’s capital markets, while a Savings and Investment Union, including banking and capital markets, is among the flagship goals included in the political guidelines of European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for the new institutional cycle. Helping develop well-functioning cross border capital markets is among the EIB Group’s core priorities, included in the Strategic Roadmap for 2024-2027, which was unanimously endorsed by EU finance ministers in June.

    Capital markets fragmentation has been singled out as a key impediment to European competitiveness by both Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi in their flagship reports. The European Central Bank has repeatedly emphasized that deep and integrated single market for capital is essential for financial stability and for achieving some of the EU’s flagship policy goals, from financing the green and digital transitions to enabling savers to earn higher returns.

    The EIB Group is uniquely positioned to support the development of a European Savings and Investments Union, as it is the only truly pan-European financial institution, with operations in every member state and every region of the EU. It has an unparalleled record and expertise in introducing and shaping innovative financing instruments and tools.

    The EIB Group has just reached the €100bn milestone of green bond issuance, since pioneering this market back in 2007, and is the largest provider of venture debt in Europe. It offers a full range of products and services, from debt and equity to advisory, to clients ranging from public sector and large corporates to SMEs and innovative startups. The EIB Group has a stellar AAA credit rating, and outstanding Environmental, Social and Governance credentials.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment contributing toward EU policy goals. The EIB Group is the largest provider of venture debt in Europe and the largest public investor in European venture capital funds. It is also a major financier of climate investment, with over €100 in cumulative green bond issuances, and is well on track to support €1 trillion in green investment in the critical decade to 2030.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed a total of €88 billion in new financing for over 900 projects last year. These commitments are expected to mobilise around €320 billion in investment, supporting 400 000 companies and 5.4 million jobs. Over half of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower. This underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and the convergence of living standards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financial support for tourism businesses in disaster-stricken Magnesia – E-001908/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001908/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    After storm Daniel hit in September 2023, extensive parts of the Region of Thessaly were ravaged by floods, which caused severe damage to infrastructure and businesses. On top of this, towards the end of August this year, thousands of dead fish washed up on the shores of the Pagasetic Gulf causing a major environmental disaster, which brought the area to its knees and drove tourists away. The tourism sector, a mainstay of the local economy, in particular Magnesia’s economy, now finds itself in a critical situation as businesses are unable to return to business as usual without direct financial support.

    Given how serious and urgent a matter this is, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Will it deploy available financial instruments to provide direct support to tourism businesses in Magnesia that have been affected by Storm Daniel and the dead fish in the Pagasetic Gulf?
    • 2.Is it considering the possibility of giving priority funding from European programmes to activities focused on rebuilding and strengthening the tourism sector in the regional unit of Magnesia?
    • 3.What steps will it take to ensure the viability of tourism businesses in areas such as Magnesia that are affected by environmental disasters, bearing in mind the increasing risk posed by climate change?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Takes Action to Shut Down Monroe County Nonprofit for Financial Mismanagement

    Source: US State of New York

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a petition to dissolve the Community Resource Collaborative (CRC), a Monroe County not-for-profit, for misusing government funds intended to support local organizations that provide services to Rochester-area communities. The CRC, founded by Tina Paradiso, was created in 2021 to distribute millions of dollars in federal funds to 12 local organizations that provide housing, food, and other essential services to New Yorkers in the Rochester area as part of a program known as the Neighborhood Collaborative Project. However, the CRC’s executives used tens of thousands of dollars in federal funds to pay for personal expenses and failed to deliver more than $243,000 to the local organizations that were promised aid. Attorney General James seeks to dissolve CRC and appoint a receiver to liquidate its remaining assets to distribute owed funds to the local nonprofits.

    “Vulnerable communities in the Rochester area were relying on financial support from the Community Resource Collaborative, but they only saw a fraction of what they were promised,” said Attorney General James. “The CRC’s executives cheated local organizations that provide essential services to the needy to pay for their personal luxuries instead. To right this wrong, my office is taking action to dissolve CRC for rampant financial mismanagement and to help recoup funds for nonprofits that were promised aid and were left empty-handed.” 

    In November 2022, CRC was chosen to receive $7.1 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act over a four-year period for the Neighborhood Collaborative Project, an initiative intended to fund 12 local nonprofits that serve the Rochester area. In 2023, CRC received $1,067,971 in federal funding, but only $750,514 was distributed to the local nonprofits. 

    An audit into CRC by Monroe County found that the nonprofit paid for expenses unrelated to its mission, including $28,000 in transportation expenses, most of them Uber charges for CRC executives, and $180,000 in disbursements to repay loans made by CRC’s founder, Tina Paradiso. The organization also made direct payments to its directors for no apparent reason, including $28,000 in rent payments to Tina Paradiso’s company Imprintable Solutions, $10,000 for personal security, and $20,000 in direct payments to CRC board member Anthony Hall. The report also concluded that CRC failed to maintain a proper financial management system and financial records. In many instances, accounting entries lacked detail and disbursements were not accounted for by the program and/or agency. 

    As a result of this self-dealing and financial mismanagement, the CRC failed to deliver $243,907.02 to community charities that provide food, housing, and other services and were promised aid.

    Through this petition, Attorney General James seeks to dissolve CRC for violating New York’s not-for-profit corporation laws and to appoint a receiver to liquidate CRC’s assets and use those funds to pay the local nonprofits the money they are owed. 

    Attorney General James thanks the Monroe County Law Department for their cooperation and assistance in this matter.

    Attorney General James has always held nonprofits, organizations, and bad actors accountable when they misuse charitable funds. In May 2024, Attorney General James secured nearly $6.3 million for individuals who were defrauded by an Albany attorney and a financial advisor who looted family trusts intended to benefit charitable organizations throughout the Capital Region. In August 2023, Attorney General James recovered $510,000 for charity from Long Island lawyers who allegedly illegally paid themselves more than $1.3 million from a deceased client’s trust and charitable foundation. In February 2022, Attorney General James sued the former President and CEO of the Humanitarian Organization for Multicultural Experiences, Inc. (H.O.M.E.) for diverting or misusing nearly a million dollars in H.O.M.E.’s charitable assets for her personal gain. In May 2019, Attorney General James announced a settlement with Oneonta Elks over their wrongful use of charitable assets to pay for capital improvements to its lodge building and property, as well as covering general operating expenses. 

    This matter is being handled by Deputy Assistant Attorney General in Charge Benjamin Bruce and Assistant Attorney General Audrey Cooper both of the Rochester Regional Office which is led by Assistant Attorney General-in-Charge Ted O’Brien.  The Rochester Regional Office is a part of the Division of Regional Offices, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General for Regional Affairs Jill Faber and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor issues statement on the death of John Arthur Smith

    Source: US State of New Mexico

    SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement Monday on the passing of Senator John Arthur Smith

    “Today, I join New Mexicans in mourning the loss of Sen. John Arthur Smith, an extraordinary public servant and a cherished colleague and mentor of mine and many other public servants in our state.

    Senator Smith was committed to fiscal responsibility while consistently aiming to improve quality of life for all New Mexicans. His leadership of the Senate Finance Committee helped put the state on sound financial footing and earned respect from colleagues across the political spectrum. Senator was not only a masterful legislator; he was kind and honest. He provided an example of ethical and decent conduct that all elected officials, including those in Washington, D.C., would be wise to follow.

    Senator Smith’s lifetime of dedication to New Mexico leaves a legacy that will continue to benefit our communities for generations to come. All New Mexicans owe him a debt of gratitude.

    An announcement regarding lowering state flags in honor of Senator John Arthur Smith’s many contributions to New Mexico will be forthcoming.

    Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Janette, his family, and the countless individuals whose lives he touched.

    May he rest in peace.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: “What’s Happening Across Our City” – Inverness Strategy Interactive Storymap Launches

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    An interactive online “StoryMap” has been launched to bring forward a partnership approach to promoting the City of Inverness as the hub of economic, social and cultural activity in Highland.

    The site, which features extensive visuals, is part of the Inverness Strategy workstream and draws together recent projects and initiatives into a single, coordinated framework.  This overview of ‘what’s happening’ and ‘in the pipeline’ makes clear what projects are intended to be delivered, when this looks likely to happen, and who is responsible.

    City Leader, Councillor Ian Brown said: “The Inverness Strategy is about collating recent and anticipated projects across the City and area to build on one another to bring about a much bigger, collective vision.

    “The site is a great resource to capture what’s happening across our city with details of projects planned, underway or completed in an easy-to-use format that reflects the partnership approach across the public, private and community sectors.”

    Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The city of Inverness is at an exciting stage in its evolving role as the main economic, service and administrative centre for Highland and a transport hub for the wider Highland and Islands region.

    “By bringing together what’s happening across the City, the site clearly lays out the collective vision all partners have. This collective approach will improve the coordination, funding and delivery of existing and emerging plans, projects and workstream to ensure Inverness remains Highland’s prime destination for those who live, work, visit and invest here.”

    The StoryMap includes sections on;

    • Culture and night-time economy
    • Key sectors for future
    • Community action and leadership
    • Green Freeport
    • City centre
    • Transport
    • Housing

    A public face-to-face event to showcase projects highlighted as part of the Inverness Strategy and featured on the StoryMap website will be held at Inverness Town House on 26 November from 2pm – 7pm.

    Key sources for the development of Inverness Strategy include:

    • Inverness City Centre Vision (360 Architecture): Post-Covid review of how the city centre can continue to be a vibrant, healthy and attractive place to work, live and do business.
    • Inverness 2035: One City, One Vision (Inverness Futures Group).
    • National Planning Framework 4: qualities of successful places.
    • Highland Local Development Plans and associated supplementary guidance: including the Indicative Regional Spatial Strategy (IRSS), emerging Local Development Plan, city-specific development briefs.
    • Draft Inverness Community Partnership Plan.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Remarks at the “Bell ringing ceremony”

    Source: Bundesbank

    Check against delivery.

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    It is a great pleasure to be here today to celebrate the European Commission joining the European repo market at Deutsche Börse/EUREX. This is a significant milestone, and I am happy to share this moment with all of you.

    The Bundesbank will act as a General Clearing Member for the Commission. Having provided similar services to several other public entities for many years, the Bundesbank brings experience to the table. With this robust track record, we are happy to provide our services to the Commission. I can assure you that you are in good hands.

    EUREX already supports a wide range of repo transactions and is a major player in Europe’s financial landscape. Since 2021, the Commission has been issuing bonds under the temporary NextGenerationEU programme, and this will continue until 2028. In total, bonds worth approximately €800 billion will ultimately be issued. The EU is therefore set to become an important player in the euro bond market for some time to come. The repo facility introduced today will significantly enhance liquidity in the secondary market for these bonds.

    Ladies and gentlemen, today’s event not only highlights the attractiveness of Frankfurt as a financial hub, it also helps strengthen it further. This is particularly important as much investment will be needed in the areas of digitalisation and decarbonisation in the future. Of course, bank loans will likely continue to play a vital role in financing these investments. But there is also substantial potential for more financing through capital markets.

    As many of you probably already know, I have long been an advocate of greater integration of European capital markets. I firmly believe that advancing the Capital Markets Union is essential, particularly in the areas of securitisation, insolvency laws, and venture capital.

    A transparent and high-quality securitisation market would enable banks to transfer parts of their loan portfolios to the capital market. This would relieve their balance sheets and create scope for additional loans. An effective and harmonised insolvency regime would facilitate cross-border investment and the reallocation of scarce resources to innovative firms striving to build a digital and carbon-neutral future. Finally, better access to venture capital would help young European firms turn innovative ideas into marketable products.

    For now, I look forward to implementing our newly established partnership and to the benefits it will bring to our financial system.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: DG Okonjo-Iweala on World Cotton Day: Efforts yielding results, maintain momentum

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Held on African soil for the first time, this year’s World Cotton Day showcased Benin’s  economic successes under the leadership of President Guillaume Athanase Talon, said Director-General Okonjo-Iweala. She praised Benin for its strong economic performance and the prudent management of its economy.

    The Director-General emphasized the importance of cotton to the economies of West and Central Africa, particularly Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire — collectively known as the Cotton4+ countries. As the largest cotton-producing region in Africa, these countries produce over 1 million tons of cotton annually, accounting for 50% of Africa’s total output and 4% of global production.

    In terms of cotton trade, West and Central Africa ranks as the third-largest exporter after the United States and Brazil, contributing significantly to global trade, which has grown from USD 8.2 billion in 2003 to USD 23 billion in 2022, she noted.

    Despite the high quality and environmentally friendly nature of African cotton, the sector faces significant challenges, from market distortions to climate change, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. She noted that 20 years ago, the Cotton4 countries made a call for action at the WTO against unfair trade practices in cotton. This led to cotton gaining a unique status within the WTO, with members regularly meeting to address both the trade and development aspects of the sector.

    Regarding cotton trade, the Director-General emphasized the importance of levelling the playing field by reducing subsidies, which currently amount to USD 8 billion, to allow developing countries greater market access and enable them to benefit more from trade. She noted that WTO members have worked hard and will continue advancing negotiations to achieve this goal.

    On the development front, she highlighted the significant progress made in supporting Cotton4 countries in enhancing their competitiveness and tapping into the vast potential of cotton markets, both in Africa and globally. “The African market for cotton alone is worth USD 12 billion. We are also exploring external opportunities, including the sports apparel value chain, which is expected to reach USD 250 billion by 2026,” she added.

    The Director-General highlighted that new WTO-led initiatives are helping African cotton unlock its full potential, with the milestone “Partenariat pour le Coton” initiative, launched in February 2024, serving as a key example.

    This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering public-private partnerships and empowering Cotton4+ countries to achieve sustainable transformation and advance up the value chain. The first phase of the initiative has already been completed, including a baseline study and thorough assessments of each country’s national priorities and challenges.

    The baseline study estimated that Cotton4+ countries need to attract USD 12 billion in investment over the next decade to unlock the full potential of the sector, which could create 500,000 direct jobs, especially for women and youth, DG Okonjo-Iweala said. 

    To facilitate this much-needed investment, the WTO has mobilized resources and called on partners to provide financial and technical support for African cotton. This includes the signing of a joint declaration with the Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, the African Finance Corporation, Afreximbank, United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and the International Trade Center.

    The Director-General also commended the regional textile and clothing industrial hubs established by Cotton4 governments and financial partners, highlighting the Glo-Djigbe industrial park in Benin, which “plays a crucial role in connecting Benin to global cotton value chains.”

    Looking ahead, the Director-General stated that the partners of the Partenariat pour le Coton will prioritize assisting governments and financial institutions in developing concrete investment projects aligned with each country’s national priorities. She emphasized the need for increased investment in infrastructure, capacity building, product certification, and logistics to support the sustainable growth of the cotton sector.

    The Director-General urged all partners of the Partenariat pour le Coton to seize the opportunity presented by the World Cotton Day event to strengthen cooperation and coordination, with the goal of delivering tangible improvements in the lives of cotton producers and traders.

    WTO’s activities on World Cotton Day

    WTO senior officials will be actively involved throughout the two-day event, contributing to thematic panel discussions and the Business Forum, which will focus on strengthening public-private partnerships to build a sustainable cotton-textile value chain.

    The WTO website features a dedicated page for the event, including news, videos, and the programme: WTO | World Cotton Day 2024. Additional information on the history of World Cotton Day and previous celebrations is also available here: WTO | World Cotton Day: Celebrating the global importance of cotton.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa’s unity government is being tested – the toppling of a mayor in a key city exposes faultlines

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Booysen, Visiting Professor and Professor Emeritus, University of the Witwatersrand

    South Africa’s long-governing party, the ANC, performed disastrously in the country’s May 2024 elections. Its electoral fortunes are now tied to regaining support in Gauteng, the most populous and economically important province, which it had governed with outright majorities since 1994. In 2024 the ANC’s Gauteng result of 34.8%, along with its 17% in KwaZulu-Natal, sealed the party’s loss of its national outright majority. We asked political scientist Susan Booysen for her perspective on the ANC’s battle for Tshwane, the administrative seat of the national government, where the party used a newly constituted coalition to topple the Democratic Alliance mayor, Cilliers Brink.

    What lies behind the Gauteng ANC’s toppling of the DA mayor of Tshwane?

    For the ANC (African National Congress) to regain majority electoral support, much will depend on the Gauteng province’s populous base. The three Gauteng metropolitan municipalities of Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni are key in this project. Besides constituting South Africa’s financial hub and having huge budgets, these metropolitan councils (metros) symbolise the country’s cultural heartbeat, and are a gateway to the rest of the continent.

    The ANC’s political control of these bases has been lessening. It fears further lapses may make the losses irreversible. It lost outright control of the Gauteng metros in 2016: it slipped to 49% in Ekurhuleni, 46% in Johannesburg and 41% in Tshwane. The 2021 local elections confirmed both the ANC’s slide and rule by unstable coalition governments.

    Since the 2021 elections, the metros have had multiple coalition governments. The ANC has, through coalition, reclaimed control of the top council positions in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

    What does the toppling of Brink say about internal ANC party dynamics?

    Following their national coalition agreement of June 2024, parties to the coalition government have been discussing cascading the agreement to the provincial and local levels. These talks have been inconclusive.

    The ouster of the mayor of Tshwane was not explicitly or publicly condoned by the ANC’s national leadership. Neither did they stop it. The Tshwane crisis exposes the ANC’s internal party dynamics.

    The ANC in the province and in the Tshwane council constituted an alternative alliance – between the party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA. ActionSA broke its previous alignment with the Democratic Alliance in favour of the ANC.

    Jointly the ANC, EFF and ActionSA hold 117 out of the 214 Tshwane council seats. They used this majority to pass a motion of no confidence against Brink and, in effect, his entire mayoral committee. A small band of one-seat parties reinforced Brink’s ejection.

    The Tshwane development highlighted one of the key faultlines in the government of national unity: the Gauteng ANC’s disdain for the unity government agreement. The national unity government comprises the ANC, DA, Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus and five other tiny parties. The agreement has the support of the majority in the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC), its highest decision-making body between elective conferences.

    The NEC had originally been strongly divided on forming a coalition with the DA.

    After being elected Gauteng premier with the support of the DA, Panyaza Lesufi constituted the Gauteng executive with the Patriotic Alliance, Rise Mzansi and Inkatha Freedom Party. It excludes the DA.

    Lesufi had offered the DA executive posts that would have placed it in a minor and subjected position in the province. The ANC’s national leadership accepted this. The DA rejected it.

    What are the implications for ANC-DA cooperation in the national government and other municipalities?

    The DA is fighting to have Cilliers Brink reinstated as mayor of Tshwane. It argues that the ANC’s capturing of the position threatens the unity government.

    The DA appears to be angling for a fairer dispensation within the overall coalition formation, given its importance as the second largest party in the coalition government, rather than rejection of the GNU government. The DA needs the coalition as much as the ANC does.

    The coalition government’s statement of intent, and how it is reflected in the lower provincial and municipal levels, are the key issue at stake.

    The Tshwane crisis stands in the context of other local governments where new alliances are forming outside the formula of the national coalition government.

    The crisis is in all probability not threatening the national coalition. But it may result in the fleshing out of the generally vaguely defined and minimalist Statement of Intent (the coalition agreement). In recent weeks more clarity has already emerged regarding conflict resolution in the unity government. The Tshwane crisis is likely to show whether and how the national level agreement resonates provincially and locally.

    In fact, the lesson from the Tshwane coalition fiasco might be that there ought to be no expectations that the coalition government’s formula of approximate proportionality among its constituent parties will be reflected in the executives of the lower-level structures.

    The DA stressed at the time of Brink’s removal that it had been in discussions with ANC national secretary general Fikile Mbalula and ANC negotiator David Makhura – and progress had been made for the two parties to jointly “stabilise” the Gauteng metros (read “exercise power-sharing”). It may have entailed the DA supporting the ANC in Ekurhuleni, and the ANC the DA in Tshwane.

    But the proposal came to naught when the ANC proceeded to capture Tshwane, which it last governed in 2016.

    The effect of the Tshwane fallout is likely to be heightened instability in South Africa’s metro councils. Without ANC-DA cooperation, much of the coalitions detente that had become possible in the wake of the national coalition agreement may dissipate. Instead, alternating coalition governments, through motions of no confidence, may proliferate.

    The instability caused by such party political tit-for-tats and coalition musical chairs, both in the large metropolitan councils and the local municipalities, will contribute to citizens suffering poor delivery of services – although it is not the sole cause.

    What does the ANC’s failure to sing from the same hymn book mean for the party?

    The Tshwane crisis goes to the heart of the struggles unfolding in the ANC.

    The ANC of 2024 is inherently unstable as it fights for electoral survival.

    Its national executive committee and presidency act in ways that hint at them lacking the power to call the shots in relation to coalitions in some provinces and municipalities; and reining in its Gauteng premier and provincial executive committee.

    This, as the party is trying to position itself favourably, through leadership changes, ahead of its national general council meeting next year, and its elective conference of 2027, in the hope of reversing electoral declines in local, provincial and national elections.

    Besides KwaZulu-Natal’s centrality to this process, Gauteng holds the base of ANC succession given that it is political home to its deputy president, Paul Mashatile, and Lesufi.

    The search for a new mayor for Tshwane unleashed a candidacy contest within the ANC. ANC mayoralty candidates are proliferating. They are emerging from the ranks of the politically powerful, anointed by high-level ANC power holders, along with candidates in the local ANC party structures and in the council itself.

    The legacy of the 2016 violent struggles and mayhem in the city amid anger about succession are invoked to justify some proposals. These struggles seem oblivious to new coalition contexts, and the ANC’s loss of majority power.

    Unless the fractious and divided ANC finds a united and consistent voice on coalitions, it may lose out on the possibility of using coalitions to regain electoral support. Unless the ANC in Gauteng is using the metros to confirm its alternative to the national formula.

    – South Africa’s unity government is being tested – the toppling of a mayor in a key city exposes faultlines
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-unity-government-is-being-tested-the-toppling-of-a-mayor-in-a-key-city-exposes-faultlines-239986

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Visits Western Coalfields Limited to Review WCL Performance.

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy Visits Western Coalfields Limited to Review WCL Performance.

    Minister Emphasizes on all CIL Subsidiaries to Achieve their Annual Targets to Meet the Nation’s Energy Security

    Minister Urges for Swift Action on Land Acquisition, Environmental and Forest Clearances, and Adoption of New Technology

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, today visited the headquarters of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) in Nagpur to review the company’s performance. He was accompanied by Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari. The review meeting was also attended by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Smt. Rupinder Brar, Chairman of Coal India Limited, Shri P.M. Prasad and senior officials from WCL and the local administration.

    During the meeting, Shri G. Kishan Reddy reviewed WCL’s coal production, productivity, dispatch efficiency, and addressed issues concerning Project Affected People (PAPs). A detailed presentation was made, covering key metrics of coal production, dispatch, and Overburden Removal (OBR) for the first and second quarters of current financial year. Further, it was assured that WCL will meet its annual production targets by the end of the financial year.

    In his address, Shri G. Kishan Reddy emphasized the need for all CIL subsidiaries to achieve their annual targets to meet the nation’s coal requirements. Minister said that both enhancing existing mining operations and launching new projects are vital to making India self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in the coal sector. Furthermore, he assured full support from the Ministry of Coal in driving these efforts forward, including assistance with land acquisition, environmental and forest clearances, and the adoption of modern technologies.

    After the review meeting, Shri G. Kishan Reddy honoured sanitation workers for their exceptional contribution to the ‘Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024.’ Minister also extended financial assistance to daughter of late Shri Nunhare, a former sanitation worker, to support her education and family needs.

    Prior to the review meeting, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy planted a sapling as part of the Ministry of Coal’s ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Minister visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) at the WCL headquarters, an innovative AI-enabled facility for mine surveillance. During this visit, he also launched WCL’s Coal SHAcTE Dal, a specialized team of armed security personnel equipped with modern tools and technology to respond swiftly to emergencies, including intrusion and unauthorized access in coal mines.

    Minister also inaugurated the NaCCER (National Center For Coal And Energy Research) and launched WCL’s CSR flagship project, ‘Tarash 2.0’. This initiative will provide coaching to 40 students for IIT-JEE and NEET exams, along with accommodation, meals, books, and a monthly stipend of ₹1,000. Shri G. Kishan Reddy also honored four students from the Tarash 2.0 program who achieved over 90% in their 10th-grade exams.

    This visit underscores the government’s focus on energy security, technological advancement, and community welfare. The launch of NaCCER and ‘Tarash 2.0’ marks a new era in innovation, education, and progress for a self-reliant coal sector & strengthen R&D in coal and enhance operational efficiency, contributing to a sustainable energy future.

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    ST

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) commences operations in GIFT City

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 4:02PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 7 October 2024

     

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), the UAE’s largest sovereign wealth fund and one of the largest such funds in the world, has commenced its India operations after obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and opening its office in the GIFT City. The office is expected to drive further intensification of ADIA’s investment activities in India.

    Ways to leverage its presence in India to further deepen ADIA’s investment profile in India were discussed during the 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments in Mumbai today (October 7, 2024). The meeting was co-chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industries Minister, Government of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

    Since its establishment, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Ahmedabad is fast emerging as a leading global financial & technology hub, providing a thriving financial ecosystem to support and expand businesses. 

    During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abu Dhabi in July 2023, it was announced that ADIA would establish a presence in GIFT City. This was reiterated in the Joint Statement issued during the visit of the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to Ahmedabad in January 2024. Subsequently, ADIA announced setting up an Alternative Investment Fund in GIFT City to hold all its India-related investments. 

    ADIA’s presence in the GIFT City underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy. It also buttresses GIFT City’s reputation as a world-class financial services centre, operating under a robust regulatory and legal framework.

    UAE continues to be the largest Arab investor in India, with investments amounting to around US$ 3 billion in FY 2023-24. The UAE was the sixth-largest FDI source for FY 2023-24 and the seventh-largest overall since 2000. Over 70% of all GCC investments come from the UAE. The new India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, which entered into force on August 31, 2024, will further strengthen two-way investment flows.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi today

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chairs a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi today

    Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we will completely eliminate Naxalism by 2026

    Naxalism is the biggest hurdle in the development of tribal areas and an enemy of humanity as a whole

    Due to Naxalism, more than 8 crore people have been deprived of basic amenities, a major violation of human rights

    Since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been neutralized, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh

    A zero-tolerance approach to Left Wing Extremism and full implementation of government schemes will transform LWE-affected areas into fully developed areas

    Modi government is strengthening 3-C i.e Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity

    During the Modi government, security spending in LWE-affected states has nearly tripled, reaching Rs. 3,006 crore

    From 2004 to 2014, only 66 fortified police stations were constructed, but the Modi government has built 544 such stations in the last 10 years

    Violent incidents in LWE-affected areas dropped by 53%, from 16,463 cases between 2004 and 2014 to 7,700 in the last 10 years

    Chief Ministers of all LWE affected states should review development and anti-Naxal operations once a month and Director Generals of Police at least once in 15 days

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 6:24PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah chaired a review meeting on Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in New Delhi today. The Chief Ministers of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Telangana, Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh participated in the meeting. Union Ministers from various ministries, who are cooperating with the states to accelerate developmental works in LWE-affected areas, were also present during the meeting. The Union Home Secretary, Director Intelligence Bureau, Deputy National Security Advisor, senior officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and the central government, Chief Secretaries, Director Generals of Police, and senior officials from LWE-affected states also participated in the meeting.

    In his address, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, all LWE-affected states, working shoulder to shoulder, are committed to completely eliminate Naxalism by March 2026. He mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has set the goal of making India a developed nation by the year 2047, and our 8 crore tribal brothers and sisters have a very important role in it. Shri Shah added that the true meaning of a developed India is that development reaches the 140 crore people of the country, including our 8 crore tribal brothers and sisters. He said that the biggest obstacle in bringing development to remote areas and tribal communities today is Naxalism. He said that Naxalism prevents education, healthcare, connectivity, banking, and postal services from reaching villages. Shri Shah emphasized that in order to ensure that the development reaches the last person in the society, we must completely eliminate Naxalism.

    Union Home Minister said major success has been achieved in the fight against Naxalism from 2019 to 2024. He stated that through the joint efforts of the central and state governments, we aim to replace the darkness created by left-wing extremism with the constitutional rights and start a new era of development and trust instead of the violent ideology of left-wing. Shri Shah emphasized that with a zero-tolerance approach towards left-wing extremism and 100% implementation of government schemes, we want to fully develop the LWE-affected areas.

    Shri Amit Shah said that the government had laid down two rules of law to fight left wing extremism. First, to establish the rule of law in Naxalism-affected areas and completely stop illegal violent activities. Second, to quickly compensate for the loss in those areas which were deprived of development due to the long Naxalite movement.

    Union Home Minister said that for the first time in 30 years, the number of casualties due to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) was below 100 in 2022, which is a significant achievement. He mentioned that from 2014 to 2024, there has been a substantial decline in Naxal-related incidents. He said that 14 top Naxal leaders have been neutralized, and the government welfare schemes have been better implemented to reach to the last man in the queue. Shri Shah said that the fight against LWE is in its final phase, and by March 2026, with everyone’s cooperation, the country will be completely free from this decades-old menace. He further mentioned that areas like Buddha Pahad and Chakarbandha have been completely free from the grip of Naxalism. He added that 85 per cent of the LWE cadre strength in Chhattisgarh has been eliminated, and now the need is to deliver a final blow to Naxalism.

    Shri Amit Shah said that since 2019, the Modi government has implemented a multi-pronged strategy, under which vacuums were identified for the deployment of CAPFs. As a result, more than 194 camps were established in just one year, leading to significant success. Shri Shah mentioned that the filling of security vacuums through 45 police stations, strengthening state intelligence branches, and the excellent performance of state special forces contributed to the success of the strategy. He further said that the provision of helicopters has drastically reduced the number of casualties among our troops. Earlier, there were only two helicopters deployed for the service of the forces, but today, 12 helicopters, 6 from BSF and 6 from the Air Force, are operational.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation complimented Chhattisgarh government for its success in combating Naxalism. He mentioned that since January 2024, a total of 237 Naxalites have been killed, 812 arrested, and 723 have surrendered in Chhattisgarh. Home Minister appealed to the youth involved in Naxalism to abandon the path of violence and join the mainstream of society to contribute to the country’s development. He noted that more than 13,000 people from the Northeast, Kashmir, and LWE affected areas have renounced violence and joined the mainstream. Shri Shah asked the youth engaged in Naxalism, that all states have developed beneficial rehabilitation schemes for them. He emphasized that it has now been fully proven that no one benefits from Naxalism.

    Shri Amit Shah said that Rs 1,180 crore was spent under the security related expenditure scheme from 2004 to 2014, which the Modi Government has increased almost 3 times to Rs 3,006 crore between 2014 to 2024. He said Rs 1,055 crore has been given under the scheme of assistance to central agencies for managing LWE. Shri Shah said that Special Central Assistance is a new scheme under which the Modi Government has spent Rs 3,590 crore in the last 10 years. He said that a total of Rs 14,367 crore has been approved so far, out of which Rs 12,000 crore has been spent.

    Union Home Minister said that 66 fortified police stations were built between 2004 and 2014, whereas 544 fortified police stations have been built between 2014 to 2024. In the 10 years before 2014, 2,900 km of road network was constructed, which has increased to 14,400 km in the last 10 years. He added that no efforts were made for mobile connectivity in the last 10 years from 2004 to 2014, whereas during 2014 to 2024, 6,000 towers have been installed and the work of converting 3,551 towers to 4G has also been completed. Before 2014, only 38 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were approved, now in the last 10 years, 216 schools have been approved, out of which 165 EMR schools have come into existence. The Home Minister said that all these efforts show with what intensity we have worked to accelerate development.

    Shri Amit Shah said that in the 10 years between 2004 and 2014, 16,463 incidents of violence had occurred which have now come down to 7,700 with a reduction of about 53%. Similarly, the deaths of civilians and security forces have reduced by 70%, 96 districts reporting violence have now come down to 16 with a reduction of 57 percent. Police stations reporting violence have also come down to 171 from 465, out of which 50 police stations are new. Shri Shah said that this success is the result of joint efforts of all the states and the central government. He added that we have to take it forward with more determination and vigor.

    Union Home Minister said that the success achieved in Chhattisgarh against Naxalism inspires all of us. He said that the Chhattisgarh government has launched a new campaign of development in all the districts affected by Left Wing Extremism. A target has been set for 100% saturation of about 300 schemes of central and state governments for personal and family welfare. He added that due to these schemes, grains and medicines at cheaper rates, schools, public health centers etc. have now reached the villages.

    Shri Amit Shah highlighted that since 2019, to fill the security vacuum, 280 new camps have been established, 15 new Joint Task Forces have been created, and six CRPF battalions have been deployed to assist state police in various states. Along with this, an offensive strategy has been adopted by activating the NIA to choke the financing of Naxalites, which has resulted in a shortage of financial resources for them. Home Minister added that multiple long-duration operations were conducted, ensuring that the Naxalites are surrounded, leaving them with no opportunity to escape.

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation stated that apart from the flagship schemes, the Modi government has placed significant emphasis on key development areas such as road connectivity, improvement in telecommunications, financial inclusion, skill development, education, health, and nutrition, which have yielded positive results. He mentioned that on October 2, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ from the land of Jharkhand. He added that this campaign will be a milestone in providing personal amenities for achieving full saturation in rural areas in over 15,000 villages, benefiting nearly 1.5 crore people in LWE affected areas. Shri Shah emphasized that Modi government is strengthening 3-C i.e Road connectivity, Mobile connectivity and Financial connectivity.

    Union Home Minister emphasized that Naxalism is not only the biggest obstacle to the development of tribal areas but also the enemy of humanity and the greatest violator of human rights. He mentioned that depriving 8 crore people of basic amenities is a major violation of human rights. Shri Shah pointed out that thousands of innocent tribal brothers and sisters are killed by landmines planted by Naxalites, and it is due to Naxalism that development in these areas has been halted.

    Union Home Minister stated that in order to completely eradicate Naxalism, it is essential to give a final push to eliminate this menace once and for all. He urged the Chief Ministers of all affected states to review the progress of development and anti-Naxal operations at least once a month, and requested the Director Generals of Police to conduct such reviews at least once every 15 days.

    Shri Amit Shah said that we must work towards the complete elimination of Naxalism. He emphasized that by April 2026, through the collective strength of the people, we should be able to announce that the states and central government, working together, have fully eliminated the menace of Naxalism. He added that once this is achieved, there will be no obstacle to development, no human right violations, and no violence in the name of ideology.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Source: Government of India (2)

    12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments

    Food parks among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to establish a subsidiary at GIFT City: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Invest India office to open in UAE: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Interlinking of the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE) to facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 5:09PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai (India), 7 October 2024

     

    The 12th Meeting of the India-UAE High Level Joint Task Force on Investments (HLJTFI) took place in Mumbai today. It was co-Chaired by Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA).

    The HLJTFI was established in 2013 to promote trade, investment and economic ties between India and the UAE. Since its formation, it has provided an effective mechanism to discuss opportunities and prospects for further investments in India and the UAE, while acting as a forum to resolve issues faced by investors of the two countries.

    During the 12th HLJTFI meeting, the Co-Chairs acknowledged the continued growth and strengthening of the bilateral relationship between India and the UAE, including on trade and investment related matters. The India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty, signed during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the UAE in February 2024, has been ratified by both sides and entered into force with effect from 31 August 2024. 

    The Co-Chairs also acknowledged the rapid rise in bilateral trade under the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which came into force in May 2022. The Joint Task Force reviewed the working of the India-UAE CEPA, which was one of the fastest-ever negotiated Free Trade Agreements. This landmark agreement designed to stimulate increased trade and boost the trading relationship between the two countries. During the course of the last two years, the CEPA has helped reduce tariffs on the majority of product lines, sought to address other barriers to trade and created new avenues for cooperation. As a result of the deal, bilateral trade has risen consistently, with non-oil trade rising to US$28.2 billion in the first half of 2024, a 9.8% year-on-year increase. The agreement has also spurred FDI – as of 2023, the UAE is India’s fourth largest foreign investor with US$3.35 billion committed across a wide range of sectors, representing a threefold increase on 2022. Indian FDI into the UAE in 2023 totalled US$ 2.05 billion, more than 2021 and 2022 combined. These figures represent real growth with real, on-the-ground impact. Further, it has led to job creation in Indian market and export from labour-oriented sectors is growing rapidly.

    Considering the strategic agreements and initiatives signed during the recent official visit of H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India, the two sides noted the existing and future investments and projects of UAE entities in key sectors of the Indian economy, including energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, food and agriculture, which total approximately US$100 billion. The meeting also reviewed UAE investments in Indian infrastructure assets.

    During the HLJTFI meeting, the two sides reviewed progress on several key initiatives, including some that were previously announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and expressed satisfaction at the rapid pace of implementation. These initiatives include bilateral trade in local currencies, the integration of payment systems of India and the UAE, cooperation on Central Bank Digital Currencies, the launch of work relating to a Virtual Trade Corridor and the development of a food park in Ahmedabad. 

    Food parks are among areas for greater collaboration and investments between India and UAE. It will lead to higher income for farmers, jobs’ creation in food processing sector, and enhance food security for UAE. Small working groups between Central Government, State Governments and UAE Government will take forward food corridors between the two countries on a mission-mode basis. The strong progress made on these initiatives attests to the high level of commitment from both sides to ensure the implementation of their respective leaders’ visions. 

    The two sides welcomed the announcement of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) establishing a subsidiary at GIFT City. This underlines the strong interest from UAE’s institutional investors in India’s growing and dynamic economy, and GIFT City’s reputation as world-class financial services centre, operating under a strong regulator and a robust legal framework.

    To augment the relationship, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), via its international subsidiary NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) is collaborating with Al Etihad Payments (AEP), to enable creation of domestic card scheme JAYWAN in UAE. The JAYWAN card scheme is an outcome of deep collaboration between NIPL and AEP. It is based on the RuPay card stack (developed and deployed at great scale by NPCI in India), which is shared with the AEP to enable UAE be sovereign in the area of digital payments. The two governments are now working on interlinking the two national payment platforms – UPI (India) and AANI (UAE), which will facilitate seamless cross-border transactions between the two countries. This will benefit over 3 million Indians residing in UAE enabling them use power of UPI and AANI, for real-time cross-border remittance, which is aligned with the vision of bringing speed, transparency, accessibility and cost efficiency in cross-border remittances.

    The Government of India has also decided to open an office of Invest India in Dubai, UAE to serve as a dedicated point of contact for potential UAE investors seeking to invest in India. The issue was discussed during the India-UAE HLJTFI meeting today. This will be the first such overseas office of Invest India in the Middle East region and its second overseas office overall after Singapore.

    In course of the HLJTFI meeting, the Co-chairs Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce & Industry Minister of India, and His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, also expressed satisfaction on the progress being made by Bharat Mart. Work on the ground has commenced, and design work on the layout of retail spaces and warehousing is making rapid progress.

    The HLJTFI provides a forum to deliberate on ways and incentives for encouraging further growth in investment flows from both sides. In this context, the Indian side shared opportunities for investments in priority sectors like renewable energy, green hydrogen, pharmaceuticals and genomics, among others. The UAE side also raised opportunities for investment in India’s aerospace sector, due to the rapid growth of its aviation market.  

    Issues related to investments from both sides, as well as specific challenges faced by companies from both countries, were also discussed during the meeting, with a view to removing obstacles and facilitating their resolution. The Co-Chairs directed both teams to work together and with the relevant government entities to address these issues in a timely and mutually acceptable manner. 

    The HLJTFI meeting was attended by Shri Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India; Shri Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE, H.E. Dr. Abdulnasser Jamal Alshaali, Ambassador of the UAE to India, and a number of senior officials from both the governments.

    Shri Piyush Goyal, Commerce and Industries Minister, Government of India, and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI said: “India-UAE partnership stands on the pillars of innovation, investment and sustainable development. The Joint Task Force meeting today was useful to take a stock of all the laudable initiatives that India and the UAE have jointly undertaken, such as local currency settlement, virtual trade corridor, Bharat Mart, and so on. With the strong framework now provided by India-UAE CEPA and Bilateral Investment Treaty, I encourage stakeholders to further explore investment opportunities and trade possibilities.”

    His Highness Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) and Co-Chair of the HLJTFI, said: “The India-UAE CEPA, signed in 2022, has been a major catalyst for strengthening economic ties and enhancing cross-border trade between the UAE and India. Against this positive backdrop, the Joint Task Force continues to play an important role as a forum to explore new investment opportunities, remove impediments to further cooperation and work together in pursuit of shared goals.”

     

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    PIB Mumbai | SR/ SC/ DR

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 3rd edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) concludes in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    3rd edition of Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) concludes in New Delhi

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi gave a special address at the KEC2024 to the participants, evoking enthusiasm in its ongoing effort to make India a developed economy by 2047

    The Prime Minister emphasised India’s emergence as a preferred global investment destination due to substantial reforms over the last decade

    Union Finance Minister gave an overview of India’s high economic growth, fiscal management and investment on infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology while reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and reforms

    Dr. Jaishankar stressed on the emergence of AI and its far-reaching impact on economic and social activities

    Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati lauded the Prime Minister for his leadership, emphasising his timely intervention with a shift from inward-looking policies to a more open, productive economy

    KEC2024 showcased India’s new role in setting the global agenda, particularly in areas like green energy, technology, and trade reform, and highlighted India’s aspirations for inclusive growth and its evolving role as a strategic leader of the Global South

    Over 150 prominent economists, policymakers, and academic pioneers from India and around the globe participated in the KEC2024

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 8:37PM by PIB Delhi

    The third edition of the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2024 (KEC2024) held between October 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi, was successfully concluded yesterday. The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the KEC2024 with a special address to the participants, evoking enthusiasm in its ongoing effort to make India a developed economy by 2047.

    Over 150 prominent economists, policymakers, and academic pioneers from India and around the globe participated in the KEC2024, organised by the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) in partnership with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance (MoF). It featured 11 Plenary Sessions, 12 interactive sessions and bilateral discussions on contemporary economic and social challenges facing both India and the world.

    The Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat is predicated on continued economic growth, structural reforms and harnessing the cutting edge of technology.

    In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised India’s emergence as a preferred global investment destination due to substantial reforms over the last decade, including advancements in banking, taxation, and infrastructure, and also discussed India’s commitment to green energy, highlighting initiatives like the green hydrogen mission and the Global Biofuel Alliance, which were critical outcomes of India’s G20 Presidency.

    Earlier, the KEC 2024 kicked off with an inaugural address by Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, who emphasised India’s robust macroeconomic fundamentals and its abilities to address multiple uncertainties.

    Smt. Sitharaman also gave an overview of India’s high economic growth, fiscal management and investment on infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology while reiterating the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and reforms.

     

     

    The KEC2024 concluded with the Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar in conversation with Mr. N.K. Singh, President of the Institute of Economic Growth, where they discussed India’s strategic role in the Global South.

    Dr. Jaishankar highlighted how India is seen as a “trusted and articulate member” and spoke on the increasing importance of alternative global frameworks such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA), which are shaping global collaboration beyond traditional structures like the UN. Dr. Jaishankar also stressed on the emergence of AI and it’s far reaching impact on economic and social activities.

    A key highlight was the participation of Prof. Jagdish Bhagwati, one of India’s most respected economists, who praised India’s transformation from “taking advice” from global institutions like the World Bank to now “giving advice” to them. He lauded the Prime Minister for his leadership, emphasising that his timely intervention shifted from inward-looking policies to a more open, productive economy given the complexities, strategies have been nibble to grasp new opportunities while addressing ongoing challenges.

    Throughout the KEC2024, experts delved into several critical topics like the challenges affecting factors of productivity such as skilling to enhance employment, and growth enhancing strategies; the urgent need to address climate change and strategies for a green transition; best international and domestic practices in industrial policy; the challenges and consequences of geo-economic fragmentation; reforming the international financial architecture; and artificial intelligence and its potential effects on jobs and the economy, to mention a few.

    The KEC2024 featured a wide array of distinguished participants, both from India and abroad. Key international participants included, among others, Bhutan’s Finance Minister Mr. Lyonpo Lekey Dorji; Ms. Amelie de Montchalin, Frech Permanent Representative of OECD & former French Minister; Mr. Albert Park, Chief Economist and Director General, Asian Development Bank; Mr. Masood Ahmed, President Emeritus of the Centre for Global Development; Mr. Justin Yifu Lin, Dean of the Institute of New Structural Economics at Peking University; Mr. Erik Berglof, Chief Economist at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Lord Nicholas Stern, IG Patel Professor of Economics and Government, London School of Economics; and mr. John Lipsky, Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Institute, Johns Hopkins University. Among the Indian participants, notable figures included Mr. Arvind Panagariya, Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission; Mr. Suman Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; Dr. V. Anantha Nageswaran, Chief Economic Advisor, and Secretaries from the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of External Affairs.

    These discussions spanning over three days – centred around the theme of “the Indian Era”. There were sessions on topics such as “Relationship between climate and development goals”; “Geo-economic fragmentation and the implications for growth”; “Financing the green transition”; “The rise of Asia and its implications for development economics”, etc.

    The deliberations at the conclave showcased India’s shift from following global directives to setting the global agenda, particularly in areas like green energy, technology, and trade reform, and highlighted India’s aspirations for inclusive growth and its evolving role as a strategic leader of the Global South, while reinforcing its ambition to become a developed economy by 2047.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expresses heartfelt gratitude on completion of 23 years as head of government

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expresses heartfelt gratitude on completion of 23 years as head of government

    During my 13 years as Chief Minister, Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’: PM

    Over 25 crore people have been freed from the clutches of poverty. India has become the fifth largest economy: PM

    India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally: PM

    I will not rest till our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised: PM

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 9:06PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed his heartfelt gratitude for completing 23 years as the head of a government. Shri Modi recalled his time as the Chief Minister of Gujarat and said that Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring prosperity for all sections of society. Reflecting on the past decade, the Prime Minister said that India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally. He reassured the citizens he would keep working tirelessly and not rest till the collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised.

    The Prime Minister posted a thread on X:

    “#23YearsOfSeva…

    A heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has sent their blessings and good wishes as I complete 23 years as the head of a government. It was on October 7, 2001, that I took on the responsibility of serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. It was the greatness of my Party, @BJP4India, to task a humble Karyakarta like me with the responsibility of heading the state administration.”

    “When I assumed office as CM, Gujarat was facing numerous challenges – the 2001 Kutch Earthquake, before that a Super Cyclone, a massive drought, and the legacy of many decades of Congress misrule like loot, communalism and casteism. Powered by Jana Shakti, we rebuilt Gujarat and propelled it to new heights of progress, even in a sector like agriculture, for which the state was not traditionally known.”

    “During my 13 years as Chief Minister, Gujarat emerged as a shining example of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ ensuring prosperity for all sections of society. In 2014, the people of India blessed my Party with a record mandate, thus enabling me to serve as Prime Minister. This was a historic moment, as it marked the first time in 30 years that a party secured a full majority.”

    “Over the past decade, we have been able to address several challenges our nation faces. Over 25 crore people have been freed from the clutches of poverty. India has become the fifth largest economy and this has particularly helped our MSMEs, StartUps sector and more. New avenues of prosperity have opened for our hardworking farmers, Nari Shakti, Yuva Shakti and the poor as well as marginalized sections of society.”

    “India’s developmental strides have ensured that our country is being viewed with utmost optimism globally. The world is keen to engage with us, invest in our people and be a part of our success. At the same time, India is working extensively to overcome global challenges be it climate change, improving healthcare, realising SDGs and more.”

    “Much has been achieved over the years but there is still more to be done. The learnings over these 23 years enabled us to come up with pioneering initiatives which have made an impact both nationally and globally. I assure my fellow Indians that I will keep working tirelessly, with even more vigour in service of the people. I will not rest till our collective goal of a Viksit Bharat is realised.”

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ministry of Textiles celebrates ‘World Cotton Day’ 2024

    Adoption of best farm practice can increase yield of Cotton: Textiles Minister

    Industry signs several Memorandum of Understandings to promote Indian Kasturi Cotton Brand

    Posted On: 07 OCT 2024 10:11PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Minister of Textiles, Shri Giriraj Singh attended the celebration of World Cotton Day 2024 here today. The Ministry of Textiles jointly hosted the conference with Confederation of Indian Textile Industries (CITI) and Cotton Corporation of India focusing on the theme of “Megatrends Shaping Cotton Textile Value Chain”.

    The Textiles Minister while addressing the august gathering reiterated the commitment of the government to achieve the target of USD 350 billion by 2030 including export target of USD 100 billion. This could only be achieved, if all the stakeholders in the cotton value chain join hands together. He also shared the experience that how adoption of best farm practice  like high density planting, closer spacing, drip fertigation etc., can increase the yield to even 1500 Kgs per hectares as against the present national average yield of about 450 kgs. Therefore, there is dire need to adopt best farm practices on saturation mode. The outcome of this pilot project will encourage the farmers of other area to adopt these practices for better yield.

    He also expressed his concern about the problem of weed management in cotton farming which increases labour cost to cotton farmers. Further, cotton being predominantly grown in black soil causes difficulties in wet soil to have timely weed management. The efforts be made to help cotton farmers to overcome weed management problem by adopting suitable new seed varieties and he appealed to take this issue with all seriousness and examine the suitability of this new seed technology available in the world like HT BT for adoption in our country.

    Smt Rachna Shah, Textiles Secretary in her address mentioned about the importance of cotton economy, which provides livelihood to six million cotton farmers directly and another employment to 45 million people engaged directly or indirectly in various other activities in the cotton value chain. She mentioned about the share of cotton fibre to the total fibre in the country at about 60%, where the same is at 23% in the world. However, she urged that all the stakeholders of the cotton value chain to concentrate in increasing cotton productivity, as India ranks 35th in terms of yield. She appealed all stakeholders to adopt collaborative approach to address this serious challenge of productivity, being faced by entire cotton value chain.

    Smt. Shubha Thakur, Additional Secretary, MoA&FW while discussing on the initiatives of the government in increasing yield of cotton, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to work in close coordination with Ministry of Textiles, in adopting best farm practice by the farmers so as to improve livelihood of the farmers.  

    Smt Prajakta Verma Joint Secretary, Ministry of Textiles while delivering key note address informed that enhancing sustainability is paramount and therefore Ministry has encouraged collaborative approach through formation of Textile Advisory Group (TAG) where the challenges of Textile Industry are being addressed through participative approach. She also highlighted inter-ministerial coordination in launching initiative of holistic plan to increase cotton production and yield which enable the farmers to increase their income.

    The Union Minister of Textiles along with the dignitaries of the event visited to various exhibitor stalls who showcased Kasturi cotton products, recycled textiles, products of scrap fabrics, Handloom products etc.

    The one day conference in commemoration of World Cotton Day 2024, highlighted best practices and sustainable farming methods, traceability, ESG data points for connecting farm to fashion, targeting technology like HDPS,  spanning from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign. Brainstorming sessions addressed crucial topics, including “Enhancing Sustainability & Traceability”, “Decent work in cotton supply chain”, “Evolving Trends in Cotton Farming” and “Cotton Trading and Risk Management “for Enhancing Quality & Productivity of Cotton”.

    During inaugural session Shri Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textile highlighted that the country has set a target of creating Textile Ecosystem of USD 350 bn by 2030 from current USD 176 bn. He urged the stakeholders of cotton textile value chain to be cognisant of the challenges that are being posed by current and potential competing fibres so that cotton will be legacy sector of Indian Textile Industry, further he emphasised the sustainability is a sine qua non for cotton textile value chain. 

    Shri Lalit Kumar Gupta, CMD CCI highlighted the important role being played by CCI as central nodal agency in empowering cotton farmers by use of technology and provides an alternate market channel for selling their produce.

    Shri Rakesh Mehra, Chairman CITI emphasized that cotton being the oldest fibre in the textile industry plays a significant role in driving economic growth, employment generation, provides livelihood to farmers, women empowerment. He urged that the cotton to be produced more and more and increase the productivity so that the industry gets the raw material at competitive price.

    The various other eminent speakers shared their experience and valuable insights during the occasion.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financing the Al Sharq Forum using European funds – E-001867/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001867/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    It is vital, today, that we ask questions about the use of European funds, which, far from protecting our citizens, sometimes seem to be used to finance organisations that are dangerously close to Islamism.

    The case of the Al Sharq Forum is revealing. This organisation, with close ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, issued a call on 2 August for homage to be paid to Ismail Haniyeh[1], the leader of Hamas, an organisation recognised as a terrorist entity by the EU itself. However, between 2021 and 2023, the same EU paid EUR 110 279 to that organisation through the Erasmus+ programme.

    • 1.How can the Commission justify funding for an organisation that is close to Salafist movements and which claims to support organisations described by the EU as terrorists? What criteria are used to justify the payment of such grants?
    • 2.What specific action is being taken to prevent European taxpayers’ money from being used to support entities that spread ideologies contrary to our values and that threaten the security of our nations?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    • [1] https://x.com/SharqYouth/status/1819454212763242596
    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU forking out EUR 123 million for a bridge to be built by a Chinese company in Tunisia – E-001871/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001871/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The fact that the contract to build the Bizerte bridge in Tunisia has been awarded to the Chinese company Sichuan Road and Bridge Group has raised concerns about the allocation of public funds to third countries. Costing EUR 200 million in total, the project is primarily financed by a loan of EUR 123 million from the European Investment Bank.

    With the EU being one of the main donors, one has to question the transparency of the selection processes and the relevance of using EU funds to support non-EU companies, especially in a context where China is stepping up its efforts to establish itself in North Africa through the New Silk Routes Initiative.

    • 1.What control mechanisms has the Commission put in place to ensure that priority is given to allocating EU funds to European companies in international projects?
    • 2.How will it ensure greater transparency in the award of contracts financed by the EU abroad?
    • 3.How will it strengthen Mediterranean cooperation while ensuring that European companies are better positioned in future EU-funded projects in third countries?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Organic farming in Europe – E-001866/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001866/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Olivier Chastel (Renew), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Sophie Wilmès (Renew)

    In September 2024, the European Court of Auditors published a report on organic farming in the EU.

    The report flagged gaps relating to quantifiable targets for objectives and actions, as well as a lack of indicators with which to monitor progress. The only objective for the organic sector, namely to have 25% of agricultural land be organically farmed, is non-binding and is intended only to increase the area.

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to strengthen the performance criteria? If so, how and by when?
    • 2.The Court points out that five Member States alone accounted for 62% of the EAFRD budget allocated to organic farming between 2014 and 2022. What initiatives has the Commission planned to support the development of organic farming in Europe in light of the differences between Member States?
    • 3.The Court states that training and advisory services should be provided to farmers to allow them to build necessary knowledge. According to the report, farmers face an administrative and financial burden when they decide to convert to organic farming. Will the Commission take action in relation to this?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential election and a constitutional referendum on EU integration – B10-0082/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    B10‑0000/2024

    European Parliament resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential election and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

    (2024/2821(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Articles 2 and 49 of the Treaty on European Union,

    – having regard to the European Council decision of 23 June 2022 to grant EU candidate country status to Moldova,

    – having regard to the interim opinion of the Venice Commission of 13 March 2023 on the draft law on limiting excessive economic and political influence in public life (de‑oligarchisation),

    – having regard to the joint staff working document of 6 February 2023 entitled ‘Association Implementation Report on the Republic of Moldova’, reviewing Moldova’s implementation of reforms under the EU-Moldova Association Agreement since October 2021 (SWD(2023)0041),

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe; whereas Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has further affected living standards;

    B. whereas the Russian Federation has been using provocation, disinformation, illegal funding of political parties, cyberattacks and other hybrid means to undermine the stability, sovereignty, constitutional order and democratic institutions of the Republic of Moldova;

    C. whereas Russian missiles targeting Ukraine have flown over the Republic of Moldova’s territory on several occasions, in clear violation of Moldova’s sovereignty;

    D. whereas oligarchs have an excessive influence on vested interests in economic, political and public life in Moldova;

    E. whereas in September, certain members of the party founded by fugitive oligarch Ilan Șor were accused by the Moldovan judiciary of having received money from accounts held by the Russian bank Promsvyazbank in order to take part in demonstrations ahead of the presidential election in October; whereas oligarch Ilan Șor fled to Russia in 2019 after being sentenced to 15 years in prison for fraud and money laundering; whereas Șor’s party was declared ‘unconstitutional’ by the Constitutional Court, accused of seeking to destabilise Moldova in collusion with Russia, and banned;

    F. whereas in July 2023, the Transnistrian Communist Party leader, Oleg Khorzhan, was found stabbed to death in his home; whereas Oleg Khorzhan was a public critic of the de facto authorities and reported on human rights abuses in prison; whereas no effective investigation into his death has been carried out;

    G. whereas presidential elections are scheduled to be held on 20 October 2024 in conjunction with a referendum on joining the EU; whereas Moldova was officially granted candidate status by the EU in June 2022 and negotiations were opened in December 2023;

    H. whereas reducing corruption is one of the nine steps Moldova needs to address before joining the EU;

    1. Notes with concern the attempts by Russia to influence the outcome of the presidential election and referendum in Moldova, notably through the actions of several members of the party funded by the convicted oligarch Ilan Șor, who is also subject to EU sanctions;

    2. Notes with concern the increasing spread of pre-election propaganda and disinformation by Russian sources in Moldova on social media, with the aim of misleading voters or reducing turnout in the referendum; calls on social media platforms to adapt the design of their algorithms to mitigate the spread of illegal content, hate speech and disinformation online;

    3. Recognises and encourages the efforts of the Moldovan authorities to allow all Moldovans to vote, including those living in the breakaway Republic of Transnistria or residing abroad;

    4. Expresses understanding that the Moldovan authorities are intervening against social media and other actors who are clearly operating on behalf of Russia in spreading lies and seeking to sabotage a fair election process; underlines the importance of supporting the Moldovan authorities in their efforts to counter Russian influence; calls for the EU to continue helping Moldova to strengthen its capacities and resilience in the area;

    5. Calls on the Moldovan authorities to protect basic democratic values, including freedom of expression, the media and organisation, and to never impose any limits on the possibility to work for a legitimate opposition or engage in critical scrutiny of the media;

    6. Underlines the importance of a stable and democratic Moldova for stability, peace and cooperation throughout the region; calls for the EU to continue to support Moldova’s democratic structures;

    7. Takes note of the importance of the nine conditions set by the Commission for the accession procedure; recognises Moldova’s reform efforts; underlines the importance of continued support from the EU, including strengthening the rule of law and the independence and effectiveness of the Moldovan authorities;

    8. Underscores that financial support should have strong social conditionalities attached to it; recalls that such support should also encompass strengthening the capacities, independence and plurality of civil society organisations and social partner organisations; recommends establishing a sustainable social dialogue as another key area of social intervention;

    9. Highlights the need to speed up the introduction of the new guaranteed minimum wage for all and to improve social protection; reiterates its criticism that the implementation of the social acquis is under-represented in the Commission’s assessments and recommendations and calls for this situation to be changed;

    10. Notes with concern the strong direct and indirect dependence on Russian gas; calls for the EU to support energy conservation, domestic renewable energy production and Moldova’s continued integration into European electricity and gas grids;

    11. Recognises the significant efforts made by the country in receiving Ukrainian refugees; is concerned, however, that with the newest immigration regime, refugees risk losing access to critical goods and services, including access to employment and certain other rights;

    12. Notes Russia’s attempts to foment tensions between the autonomous region of Gaugazia and the Moldovan authorities; condemns Gaugazia Governor Evghenia Gutul’s meeting with Vladimir Putin; encourages the Moldovan Government’s efforts to reduce tensions with the autonomous region of Gaugazia through dialogue and reform;

    13. Underlines the fact that the region of Transnistria is under Russian influence and is being used to destabilise the democratic government in Moldova; condemns President Vladimir Putin’s decision to revoke a 2012 decree committing Russia to finding a solution for Transnistria; calls on Russia to immediately dismantle its military presence in Transnistria; reiterates its support for a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova with a special status for the region of Transnistria; encourages the implementation of all confidence-building measures designed to avoid destabilisation; believes that a comprehensive and peaceful settlement of the Transnistrian conflict is important for Moldova’s EU accession process;

    14. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, the UN, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Enquiry on strengthening the enforcement of EU AML regulations and legal protections in cases involving legal professionals – E-001883/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001883/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

    Concerns have arisen regarding the misuse of attorney trust accounts in the EU, where legal professionals may be implicated in facilitating financial crimes, including money laundering. Despite evidence and existing anti-money laundering (AML) regulations, national courts in some Member States have not sufficiently addressed the responsibility of legal professionals involved in such misconduct. This raises broader questions about the enforcement of EU regulations and the protection of victims who suffer financial losses due to inadequate judicial oversight.

    In relation to this:

    • 1.How does the Commission ensure that the Member States fully implement and enforce AML laws, particularly in cases involving legal professionals?
    • 2.What measures can the Commission take when Member States’ legal systems fail to adequately protect victims of financial crimes or fail to uphold EU legal standards?
    • 3.Can the Commission provide guidance or establish mechanisms for addressing deficiencies in the judicial handling of cases involving legal professionals, especially when it undermines EU financial regulations?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 7 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – B10-0086/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    B10‑0086/2024

    European Parliament resolution on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in

    Georgia

    (2024/2822(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

    – having regard to the European Council conclusions of 14 and 15 December 2023 and of 27 June 2024,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690) and to the accompanying Commission staff working document entitled ‘Georgia 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0697),

    – having regard to the joint statement of 8 November 2023 by the Chair of the Delegation for relations with the South Caucasus and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur on Georgia on the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 on the EU membership application of Georgia,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1], which entered into force on 1 July 2016,

    – having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, in particular Article 215(2) thereof, and to the Treaty on European Union, in particular Article 29 thereof,

    – having regard to the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Conflict in Georgia and to its September 2009 report,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the exercise of freedom of opinion, expression, association and peaceful assembly is a fundamental right enshrined in the Georgian Constitution;

    B. whereas Georgia, as a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, has committed itself to the principles of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights;

    C. whereas Russia has occupied Abkhazia and South Ossetia since the August 2008 conflict that followed Georgia’s attack on Tskhinvali on the night of 7 to 8 August 2008;

    D. whereas in June 2014, the EU and Georgia signed an Association Agreement that entered into force on 1 July 2016;

    E. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia the status of EU candidate country;

    F. whereas in March 2017, the EU visa liberalisation agreement with Georgia came into effect, following Georgia’s successful implementation of all the benchmarks set in its visa liberalisation action plan;

    G. whereas parliamentary elections are scheduled to be held in Georgia on 26 October 2024;

    H. whereas Georgia has over 26 000 NGOs –1 for every 142 citizens, which is greater than the EU average;

    I. whereas following the 2020 parliamentary elections, the NGO International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED), which received external funding, challenged the official election results and questioned their legitimacy, but later admitted that it had made a significant error in its calculations;

    J. whereas the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law, which was signed into law on 3 June 2024 despite the President’s veto; whereas the law was met with protest from parts of Georgian civil society; whereas the law requires organisations receiving more than 20 % of their funding from overseas to register as ‘agents of foreign influence’;

    K. whereas on 17 September 2024, the Parliament of Georgia adopted the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, which bans gender transition, prohibits adoption by gay and transgender people, nullifies, on Georgian territory, same-sex marriages performed abroad, and provides a legal basis for the authorities to outlaw Pride events and public displays of the LGBTQ+ rainbow flag and to impose the censorship of films and books;

    L. whereas the Venice Commission stresses that international standards recognise that ensuring gender equality is a positive obligation of the state; whereas on 4 April 2024, the Parliament of Georgia repealed the 2020 amendments introducing gender quotas for candidate lists in parliamentary and local elections, and abolished the associated financial incentives for political parties;

    1. Stresses that Georgia’s future must reflect the will of its people; underlines the necessity of holding free and fair elections, without foreign intervention from any side;

    2. Recalls that the EU accession process is based on objective criteria; regrets the European Council’s decision to suspend financial assistance to Georgia; underlines the benefits of the visa liberalisation agreement and the need to maintain it; emphasises the need for a constructive dialogue between the Government of Georgia and the EU;

    3. Rejects, with deep concern, the adoption of the ‘family values and the protection of minors’ law, and considers it an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and a threat to civil liberties as a whole; rejects, furthermore, the law’s implications for the media, given that it imposes censorship by banning broadcasters from reporting freely on LGBTQ+ issues; reiterates that media freedom and tolerance towards sexual minorities are key factors for the functioning of a democracy;

    4. Notes that the ‘transparency of foreign influence’ law entails the risk that NGOs, civil society organisations, opposition media outlets and other organisations that receive funds from other countries will be labelled as ‘foreign agents’;

    5. Emphasises that the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to peaceful protest are fundamental freedoms and must be respected in all circumstances; expresses concern over reports of the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force against demonstrators; highlights that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stated that ‘[a]ny restrictions to these rights must abide by principles of legality, necessity and proportionality. The use of force during protests should always be exceptional and a measure of last resort when facing an imminent threat’;

    6. Expresses its readiness to participate in an impartial and independent international election observation mission;

    7. Takes note of the Parliament of Georgia’s decision to abolish mandatory gender quotas; reiterates the need for balanced gender representation in political participation; calls on the Government of Georgia to undertake initiatives in this regard;

    8. Takes note of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s statements at a press conference at the UN General Assembly in New York and the corresponding willingness of Georgian officials to resolve outstanding issues in a peaceful, diplomatic way; encourages both sides to undertake solid initiatives in this direction;

    9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the President, Government and Parliament of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration – B10-0080/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    to wind up the debate on the statement by the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

    Siegfried Mureşan, Andrzej Halicki, Michael Gahler, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver, Ioan‑Rareş Bogdan, Daniel Buda, Gheorghe Falcă, Mircea‑Gheorghe Hava, Dan‑Ştefan Motreanu, Virgil‑Daniel Popescu, Adina Vălean, Loránt Vincze, Iuliu Winkler
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    B10‑0080/2024

    European Parliament resolution on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration

    (2024/2821(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its recent resolutions on the Republic of Moldova,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of Moldova, of the other part[1], which includes a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area,

    – having regard to the Republic of Moldova’s application for EU membership of 3 March 2022, and the European Council’s consequent granting of candidate status on 23 June 2022 based on a positive assessment by the Commission and in line with the views expressed by Parliament,

    – having regard to the convening of the first intergovernmental conference on Moldova’s accession to the EU, held in June 2024,

    – having regard to Articles 2 and 49 of the Treaty on European Union,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Republic of Moldova will hold presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration on 20 October 2024;

    B. whereas the Russian Federation has been using provocation, disinformation, illegal funding of political parties, cyberattacks and other hybrid means to undermine the stability, sovereignty, constitutional order and democratic institutions of the Republic of Moldova; whereas Russia’s subversive activities in Moldova seek to undermine popular support for the European path chosen by the Moldovan people and foster destabilisation;

    C. whereas in 2023, the EU imposed sanctions on key Moldovan oligarchs and pro-Russian sympathisers, such as Ilan Shor, Vladimir Plahotniuc, Igor Ceaika, Gheorghe Cavaliuc and Marina Tauber, on the basis of a recently established sanctions regime targeting persons responsible for actions aimed at destabilising, undermining or threatening the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Moldova;

    D. whereas in June 2024, the US, together with the UK and Canada, exposed Russia’s efforts to engage in subversive activities and electoral interference targeting the Republic of Moldova;

    E. whereas in September 2024, the US designated three entities and two individuals for their involvement in Russia’s destabilising actions abroad, highlighting the covert capabilities of state-funded RT, formerly Russia Today; whereas the US revealed that RT has moved beyond media operations and is actively engaged in cyber activities, covert influence, military procurement, information warfare across multiple regions and efforts to interfere in Moldova’s electoral processes, as well as directly supporting fugitive Moldovan oligarch Ilan Shor and coordinating with Russian intelligence to influence the outcome of Moldova’s October 2024 presidential elections and constitutional referendum on EU accession;

    F. whereas the Republic of Moldova has taken steps to combat Russian interference, including by banning pro-Russian political parties, sanctioning oligarchs, suspending media outlets that spread disinformation, and increasing customs controls;

    G. whereas, despite all these attempts at destabilisation, the Moldovan people and the Moldovan leadership have remained determined to follow their chosen pro-European path;

    H. whereas on 3 March 2022, the Republic of Moldova applied for EU membership and, on 17 June 2022, the Commission presented its opinions on the applications submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova; whereas Moldova was granted the status of EU candidate country on 23 June 2022; whereas the Commission outlined nine steps for Moldova to address in its 2023 enlargement package report, which was presented on 8 November 2023, recommending the opening of accession negotiations, provided that remaining reforms in justice, anti-corruption and deoligarchisation were accomplished; whereas the European Council decided to open accession negotiations on 14 December 2023, and the first intergovernmental conference formally launching these negotiations was held on 25 June 2024; whereas EU accession remains a merit-based process that requires fulfilment of the EU membership criteria;

    I. whereas the Moldovan Government has been pursuing an ambitious political, judicial and institutional reform process; whereas despite the dramatic effects of the war on Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova has managed to significantly consolidate its democracy and maintain the reform trajectory; whereas the improvements in the country’s democratic system have been reflected in its progress on various international indexes;

    J. whereas on 24 April 2023, the EU set up the Partnership Mission in Moldova under the common security and defence policy, with the objective of enhancing the security sector’s resilience in the areas of crisis management, hybrid threats and countering foreign information manipulation and interference;

    K. whereas on 21 May 2024, Moldova became the first country to sign a Security and Defence Partnership with the EU, which will help strengthen cooperation on security and defence policy between the EU and Moldova;

    1. Reaffirms its commitment to the Republic of Moldova’s future membership of the EU and acknowledges that its place is in the EU; believes that its membership in the EU would constitute a geostrategic investment in a united and strong Europe;

    2. Calls on the Commission to accelerate the completion of the bilateral screening process, which will allow for the swift organisation of future intergovernmental conferences and for the opening of negotiations under Cluster I on Fundamentals as soon as possible;

    3. Condemns the increasing malicious activities, interference and hybrid warfare deployed by the Russian Federation, its institutions and proxies, with the aim of undermining and subverting the democratic electoral process, stability and sovereignty of the Republic of Moldova ahead of the presidential elections and the constitutional referendum on EU integration;

    4. Reiterates its call on the Russian authorities to respect the Republic of Moldova’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to cease its provocations and attempts to destabilise the country and undermine its constitutional order and democratic institutions;

    5. Calls for the EU and its Member States to ensure that all necessary assistance is provided to the Republic of Moldova to strengthen its institutional mechanisms and its ability to respond to hybrid threats and counter disinformation and cyberattacks; underlines the importance of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova in strengthening the resilience of Moldova’s security sector in the areas of crisis management and hybrid threats, including cybersecurity and countering foreign information manipulation and interference, and calls for its mandate to be extended;

    6. Encourages the EU and its Member States to actively support Moldova in countering disinformation, hybrid threats, cyberattacks and multifaceted Russian interference; emphasises the particular importance of countering Russia’s falsification and instrumentalisation of history, which underscores its malign interference in the Republic of Moldova and is used to justify its war of aggression against Ukraine and its threats of further aggression against other states; considers that this should include enhancing the Republic of Moldova’s capacity to combat disinformation, strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure and improve resilience against foreign malign influence, ensuring a secure and democratic environment; calls for increased support for Moldova’s Center for Strategic Communication and Combating Disinformation;

    7. Calls for the EU and like-minded states to closely monitor Russian interference in the Moldovan electoral process and to stand ready to use existing sanctions regimes against individuals and entities that actively participate in subverting and destabilising the political landscape, spread disinformation and sow chaos;

    8. Underlines the importance of continuing the country’s reform process, not only in order to achieve the political objective of EU membership, but above all to tangibly improve the standard of living for all sections of society in the country; welcomes the widespread support in the Republic of Moldova for its European integration;

    9. Calls for the EU and its Member States to increase financial and technical assistance to the Republic of Moldova to facilitate the process of the country’s swift and effective integration into the EU; recommends the creation of robust and flexible tools tailored to Moldova’s specific needs in order to efficiently address its economic and structural challenges, ensuring the country remains resilient and capable of implementing necessary reforms on its EU accession path, and ensuring that it is adequately funded; calls on the Commission, in this regard, to include the Republic of Moldova in the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance and to prioritise funding for candidate countries in its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework (2028-2034), ensuring the path towards EU membership;

    10. Calls for the adoption of a new growth plan for the Republic of Moldova so as to adequately finance and support Moldova in achieving economic convergence with the EU; believes that this plan should finance investments in infrastructure, human capital and the digital and green transitions, facilitating sustainable economic growth;

    11. Reiterates its call for an innovative, complementary and flexible interaction between the implementation of the Association Agreement and the accession negotiation process, allowing for the Republic of Moldova’s gradual integration into the EU single market, based on a priority action plan and relevant sectoral programmes and providing access to relevant EU funds, enabling Moldovan citizens to reap the benefits of accession during the process rather than only at its completion;

    12. Advocates increased financial assistance from the European Peace Facility to further enhance Moldova’s defence capabilities, with a particular focus on air defence systems, mobility and transport, command and control, electronic warfare and logistics;

    13. Welcomes the Moldovan authorities’ considerable efforts to advance the reform agenda in order to progress towards EU membership; commends the progress made by the Republic of Moldova on justice-sector reform, especially in the context of the implementation of the Commission recommendations on Moldova’s accession application; encourages the Moldovan Government to continue working with all stakeholders towards a sustainable and comprehensive justice and anti-corruption reform, in line with EU and Venice Commission recommendations; emphasises the absolute priority of strengthening the rule of law, which has substantially gained in importance in the EU accession process and remains one of the most important conditions for EU membership to ensure that EU enlargement strengthens rather than weakens the EU and its single market;

    14. Encourages the Commission to assist the Republic of Moldova in strengthening its energy security by supporting the construction of new electricity interconnections with neighbouring countries; calls on the Commission to stand ready to offer emergency assistance in case of an energy crisis ahead of and during the heating season; calls for the EU to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects as a clean and sustainable way of diversifying Moldova’s energy supply;

    15. Commends Moldova’s accession to EU programmes such as EU4Health, Customs, Horizon Europe, LIFE, FISCALIS, Connecting Europe Facility, the Single Market Programme, Digital Europe, Creative Europe, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Joint Procurement Agreement to procure medical countermeasures, Employment and Social Innovation Programme, Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021-2027, Interreg Danube Region Programme 2021-2027, Interreg NEXT Romania-Republic of Moldova Programme 2021-2027 and Erasmus+; supports the inclusion of Moldova in the ‘roam like at home’ initiative;

    16. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service to improve strategic communication about the EU in the Republic of Moldova; calls on the Commission and the Member States to continue to support media literacy and the independence of the media in the Republic of Moldova, and to support the digital hardening of its critical infrastructure and the replacement of Russian-origin information and communications technology systems;

    17. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, the Russian Federation, the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and the Council of Europe.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Casey, Fetterman, Reschenthaler, Deluzio, Lee Urge Army Corps to Respond to Navigation Concerns on Monongahela River, Help Mon Valley Economy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Pennsylvania Bob Casey
    Army Corps is leading on lock and dam removal in broader effort to modernize Monongahela River, key for region’s economy
    Members: “We understand that the various agencies of the Commonwealth are already standing ready to support the needed work on the Mon River. The Corps must do the same, as quickly as possible”  
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and U.S. Representatives Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA-14), Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), and Summer Lee (D-PA-12) continued to demand action on significant navigation issues on the Monongahela River and the ongoing impacts to the local economy. Due to significant changes in water levels, commercial barges continue to encounter shallow areas that damage equipment and impede regional commerce. The Members pressed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to act swiftly to do all in its power to help alleviate the depth and navigational issues to keep the Mon—and Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy—flowing.
    “We recognize that addressing shallow areas that hinder navigation is a shared priority for all stakeholders involved. Because the dam removal led to the current navigational challenges, we believe it is imperative that the Corps does everything in its power to assist in remedying the navigational issues on the Mon River,” the Members wrote.
    In the letter, the Members highlighted how the project will be extensive and require a multi-party effort to address and urged USACE to commit to assist in determining outstanding dredging needs with the U.S Coast Guard, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and industry stakeholders.
    The Members continued, “We understand that the various agencies of the Commonwealth are already standing ready to support the needed work on the Mon River. The Corps must do the same, as quickly as possible.”
    The removal of the Elizabeth Locks and Dam is part of a broader effort to modernize the Monongahela River, a key waterway for Southwestern Pennsylvania’s economy. Earlier this summer, USACE began the dam removal project with help from the U.S. Coast Guard to keep the river safe and navigable during the project. Unfortunately, due to a resulting shallowness in the lock chamber, commercial barges could not initially navigate the Mon River at standard draft. The Members alerted the Corps to the ongoing issue and urged the Corps to do everything in its power to remedy the navigational challenges that continue to threaten the economy in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
    Senators Casey and Fetterman and Representatives Reschenthaler, Deluzio, and Lee have consistently pressed USACE to act swiftly to restore commercial barge navigability to normal. In August, the Members raised alarms to the Corps after learning that the water levels in the Elizabeth Locks were too shallow to accommodate traditional commercial vessels. In July, the Members urged USACE to prioritize the restoration of the nine-foot draft and provide ongoing updates about the project’s status. They also reminded USACE about the steep economic costs of delaying this project.  
    Read the letter HERE or below:
    Dear Lieutenant General Graham:
    We write to reiterate our ongoing concerns with the impact of the dam removal at Locks and Dam (LD) 3 on navigation traffic on the Monongahela River (“Mon River”) near Elizabeth, Pennsylvania. The project’s goal was to create one, continuous pool of water between Charleroi, PA and Braddock, PA, reducing travel times for commercial vessels and boosting the regional economy. While some overall reduction in water levels were expected, the drop observed after the initial demolition at Elizabeth has been unexpectedly detrimental to navigation. The resulting low water levels have created new navigational challenges on the river, that must be remedied to ensure that the benefits of the removal become a reality. 
    We recognize that addressing shallow areas that hinder navigation is a shared priority for all stakeholders involved. Because the dam removal led to the current navigational challenges, we believe it is imperative that the Corps does everything in its power to assist in remedying the navigational issues on the Mon River. We understand that the Corps’ support for this work could include, but is not limited to:
    Developing and sharing all relevant data, including all survey results that may be helpful to determining outstanding dredging needs with the Coast Guard, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), and industry stakeholders;
    Exploring potential beneficial uses of dredged materials produced as a result of Corps dredging and any supplementary dredging;
    Expediting permitting for dredge work on the Mon River;
    We appreciate the Corps’ ongoing work to respond as it can to the high points by using existing funding to quickly begin dredge work on problematic areas. However, the outstanding work required to return the river to its pre-demolition functionality is extensive and will require a multi-party effort to address. To facilitate that essential collaboration, we respectfully request answers to the following questions:
    Will USACE commit to taking all action possible to return the Mon to its pre-demolition functionality, including but not limited to sharing all relevant river survey results with the Coast Guard, PennDOT, and industry stakeholders, exploring potential beneficial uses of dredged material, and expediting permitting as possible and appropriate? 
    What is USACE’s plan for the remainder of the dam at the Elizabeth Locks and Dam? Will USACE and its contractors continue to detonate and remove the dam? If so, does USACE anticipate that this will have any impact on water levels?
    How is USACE prepared to work with other permitting agencies to expedite any needed permit adjustments?
    We understand that the various agencies of the Commonwealth are already standing ready to support the needed work on the Mon River. The Corps must do the same, as quickly as possible. We appreciate your prompt attention to the urgent needs on the Mon River and the questions above. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden introduces bill for congressional oversight of postmaster general, blasts proposed rural mail delays

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressmen Jared Golden (ME-02) and August Pfluger (TX-11) today introduced the bipartisan Postmaster General Reform Act, which would establish term limits for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) postmaster general and require nominations to be confirmed by the Senate. Golden’s bill comes after he co-led a new bipartisan letter to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy criticizing the agency’s announcement that it will further slow mail delivery for rural communities. 

    “The Postal Service should be accountable to the people it serves,” Golden said. “Requiring congressional approval for the head of the agency is a basic yet necessary step to make the postmaster general more responsive and attentive to the communities who justifiably feel ignored by current USPS leadership.”

    “As Americans across the country experience mail delays and difficulties, especially in rural areas, it is important to uphold standards of efficiency and attention to detail in our postal service,” Pfluger said. “By giving the President and Senate the power to appoint a postmaster general we are holding an incredibly important agency accountable.”

    Currently, only the Postal Service Board of Governors has the power to appoint or fire the postmaster general, who may serve an unlimited term. The Board of Governors is composed of nine presidential appointees that must be confirmed by the Senate. 

    The Postmaster General Reform Act would move these authorities to the president and require the Senate to approve any postmaster general nominee. After the conclusion of a five year term, the Senate would have the ability to extend the postmaster general’s term to a second and final five year term.

    A Senate version of the Postmaster General Reform Act is led by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA).

    “We look forward to more oversight and control over the Postmaster General, as the current system is failing,” Scott Adams, president of the American Postal Workers Union Local 458 said. 

    Golden’s newest bipartisan letter to Postmaster DeJoy — signed by 20 House lawmakers  — follows the Postal Service’s announcement that it will lengthen delivery times by at least 24 hours for communities further than 50 miles from a USPS processing center. Maine’s only processing centers are located in Scarborough and Hampden.

    “While we understand the need for modernization and financial changes across the Postal Service, these changes cannot come at the expense of rural residents who rely on the USPS,” the lawmakers wrote. “Americans, particularly those living in rural areas depend on the Postal Service for medicine, food, paychecks and bills. For many families that we represent, a one-day delivery delay could mean late fees on a bill, a held-up paycheck creating financial stress and increased health risks awaiting critical medication. This is especially important for rural constituents who may not live near a hospital or doctor’s office.”

    Golden has been a champion of holding the Postal Service accountable to Mainers throughout his time in Congress. Following his outreach to Postmaster General DeJoy earlier this summer,USPS signed a new lease for its West Paris facility, which had been closed for more than three years.USPS reopened its Etna facility earlier this year after pressure from Golden. Last month, USPS announced that it was postponing plans to consolidate the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Facility in Hampden after bipartisan efforts led by Golden and other members of Congress. His bipartisan Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act — which he introduced in April — would permanently block the process USPS uses to consolidate mail processing facilities across the country. 

    Text of the Postmaster General Reform Act can be found here. Golden’s letter can be found here, and is attached below in full:

     

    +++

    September 30, 2024

    Postmaster General Louis DeJoy
    USPS – Headquarters
    475 L’Enfant Plaza, SW
    Washington, DC 20260

    Postmaster General DeJoy:

    We are writing to express our extreme concern with the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) August 22, 2024, announcement that you will be adjusting mail delivery times, resulting in additional delays for our constituents who live in rural areas and areas that are more than 50 miles from a USPS processing center.

    While we understand the need for modernization and financial changes across the Postal Service, these changes cannot come at the expense of rural residents who rely on the USPS. Americans, particularly those living in rural areas depend on the Postal Service for medicine, food, paychecks and bills. For many families that we represent, a one-day delivery delay could mean late fees on a bill, a held-up paycheck creating financial stress and increased health risks awaiting critical medication. This is especially important for rural constituents who may not live near a hospital or doctor’s office.

    With this in mind, we ask you to reconsider your proposed changes to service standards, which could result in longer shipping times for those who do not live near a major USPS hub. While we understand that our constituents, regardless of proximity to larger postal facilities, would still be under the existing one-to-five-day service standards, USPS has already been failing to meet these delivery standards for many of our constituents. Adding up to 24 hours of additional delays for rural residents will only exacerbate the existing on-time delivery problems our constituents are facing.

    In the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, USPS reported that their on-time quarterly performance fell to 69.9% for three-to-five-day First Class mail delivery, far below USPS’s target of 90.3% on-time delivery for three-to-five day mail. This means that even before these changes take effect, nearly a third of USPS customers who use the three-to-five-day mailing options are not receiving their mail on time. Increased delays for some consumers will only increase delivery issues for our rural constituents and further decrease public faith in USPS’s ability to deliver on-time mail for all constituents, regardless of location.

    Given the information provided, we strongly urge you to reconsider these plans. We also ask that you provide us with a list of counties, towns and ZIP codes that will face longer wait times for mail as a result of this plan. We request a response in writing by October 18, 2024.

    We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Rep. Adam Smith on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    Statement from Rep. Adam Smith on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack 

    Today, Representative Smith released a statement on the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack, reiterating the importance of a ceasefire and a return of the hostages. 

    “Today marks the one-year anniversary of the horrific attack on Israel by Hamas. On October 7, 2023, over 1,200 men, women, and children were brutally murdered, including 46 U.S. citizens, and hundreds more were taken hostage. My thoughts are with the victims of this staggering act of terrorist violence, as well as their loved ones and survivors. 

    “As I have said before, I vehemently condemn that attack, and Israel has a right and a duty to ensure Hamas is never able to commit such an atrocity again. Israel also has a right to defend against hostilities from Iran, Hezbollah, and other threats. I support the U.S.’s financial and military commitment to Israel’s security. Attacks on Israel from regional actors have significantly increased, threatening civilians across the Middle East and in Israel. We must continue to assist Israel in their defense against these existential threats.

    “The U.S. must also remain committed to working with all partners in the region to try to reduce hostilities and ultimately get to a ceasefire. The war in Gaza has killed tens of thousands of people and, despite countless attempts to rescue them, more than 100 hostages remain in captivity – including four American citizens. Civilians in the Gaza strip are struggling to survive in catastrophic conditions lacking basic necessities like food, water, medical care, and shelter. It is crucial that Israel do everything they can to safeguard civilians and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Ensuring a future of self-governance for the Palestinian people is in the best interest of not only the Palestinians, but also of Israel and the Middle East. It is the only path that offers viable long-term security for Israel and peace, prosperity, and dignity for the Palestinian people. Israel, the United States, and allies and partners in the region must keep working toward that end.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hurricane Helene Recovery Resources

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Collins (R-Georgia 10th District)

    Hurricane Helene has devastated parts of our state, and I wish you and your family well as you recover from any damage sustained in your neighborhoods. If you have been impacted, please know that you are not alone. If you require assistance or information, please view the below resources. 

    Local Resources

    State Resources

    • Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA): 404-635-7200
    • Report damage to GEMA.
    • Hurricane Helene Cleanup Hotline: 844-965-1386
    • Check current highway conditions.

    Federal Resources

    • To report crop loss or seek assistance regarding your farm, please contact your local USDA Service Center or call 877-508-8364. The following are USDA disaster assistance resources and links:
    • Apply for FEMA Assistance online or check your status by phone at 1-800-621-3362.

    How to Apply for Individual Assistance

    Homeowners and renters in Georgia’s 10th Congressional District communities of Elbert, Butts, and Newton counties who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance. Individual Assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, immediate housing and food needs, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene.

    There are several ways to apply: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA Appor call 800-621-3362.

    Understanding Your FEMA Eligibility Letter

    If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Helene, you will receive an eligibility letter from FEMA in the mail or by email.

    The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

    You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

    • Proof of insurance coverage
    • Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
    • Proof of identity
    • Proof of occupancy
    • Proof of ownership
    • Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

    If you have questions about your letter, or disagree with the initial decision, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, if available, or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.

    How to Appeal

    The letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that FEMA needs. It will also include an optional appeal form that you can use. Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your decision letter.

    You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal your FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance.

    Supporting documents may include:

    • Receipts,
    • Bills,
    • Repair estimates,
    • Property titles or deeds, or
    • Any other information that may support the reasons for the appeal.

    What should I include on documents I send to FEMA?

    All documents you send to FEMA as part of your appeal should include your:

    • Full name,
    • Current phone number and address,
    • Disaster Number (DR-4821-GA for Tropical Storm Debby) (DR-4830-GA for Hurricane Helene) and FEMA Application Number written on all pages, and
    • Address of the disaster-damaged home.

    Receipts, bills and estimates must include the business name and contact information to help FEMA confirm the information.

    Can someone appeal for me?

    Yes. If you send a written explanation for the appeal that is written by someone other than you, it must include their signature. FEMA will need your written permission to share information about your application. You can do this by completing an Authorization for the Release of Information Under the Privacy Act form and sending it to FEMA.

    How can I send documents?

    You can send appeals or supporting documents to FEMA by:

    • Uploading to your disaster assistance account at DisasterAssistance.gov,
    • Mailing to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
    • Faxing to 800-827-8112.
    • Visiting a Disaster Recovery Center, if available

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: South Africa’s unity government is being tested – the toppling of a mayor in a key city exposes faultlines

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Susan Booysen, Visiting Professor and Professor Emeritus, University of the Witwatersrand

    South Africa’s long-governing party, the ANC, performed disastrously in the country’s May 2024 elections. Its electoral fortunes are now tied to regaining support in Gauteng, the most populous and economically important province, which it had governed with outright majorities since 1994. In 2024 the ANC’s Gauteng result of 34.8%, along with its 17% in KwaZulu-Natal, sealed the party’s loss of its national outright majority. We asked political scientist Susan Booysen for her perspective on the ANC’s battle for Tshwane, the administrative seat of the national government, where the party used a newly constituted coalition to topple the Democratic Alliance mayor, Cilliers Brink.

    What lies behind the Gauteng ANC’s toppling of the DA mayor of Tshwane?

    For the ANC (African National Congress) to regain majority electoral support, much will depend on the Gauteng province’s populous base. The three Gauteng metropolitan municipalities of Tshwane, Johannesburg, and Ekurhuleni are key in this project. Besides constituting South Africa’s financial hub and having huge budgets, these metropolitan councils (metros) symbolise the country’s cultural heartbeat, and are a gateway to the rest of the continent.

    The ANC’s political control of these bases has been lessening. It fears further lapses may make the losses irreversible. It lost outright control of the Gauteng metros in 2016: it slipped to 49% in Ekurhuleni, 46% in Johannesburg and 41% in Tshwane. The 2021 local elections confirmed both the ANC’s slide and rule by unstable coalition governments.

    Since the 2021 elections, the metros have had multiple coalition governments. The ANC has, through coalition, reclaimed control of the top council positions in Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni.

    What does the toppling of Brink say about internal ANC party dynamics?

    Following their national coalition agreement of June 2024, parties to the coalition government have been discussing cascading the agreement to the provincial and local levels. These talks have been inconclusive.

    The ouster of the mayor of Tshwane was not explicitly or publicly condoned by the ANC’s national leadership. Neither did they stop it. The Tshwane crisis exposes the ANC’s internal party dynamics.

    The ANC in the province and in the Tshwane council constituted an alternative alliance – between the party, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA. ActionSA broke its previous alignment with the Democratic Alliance in favour of the ANC.

    Jointly the ANC, EFF and ActionSA hold 117 out of the 214 Tshwane council seats. They used this majority to pass a motion of no confidence against Brink and, in effect, his entire mayoral committee. A small band of one-seat parties reinforced Brink’s ejection.

    The Tshwane development highlighted one of the key faultlines in the government of national unity: the Gauteng ANC’s disdain for the unity government agreement. The national unity government comprises the ANC, DA, Inkatha Freedom Party, Patriotic Alliance, Freedom Front Plus and five other tiny parties. The agreement has the support of the majority in the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC), its highest decision-making body between elective conferences.

    The NEC had originally been strongly divided on forming a coalition with the DA.

    After being elected Gauteng premier with the support of the DA, Panyaza Lesufi constituted the Gauteng executive with the Patriotic Alliance, Rise Mzansi and Inkatha Freedom Party. It excludes the DA.

    Lesufi had offered the DA executive posts that would have placed it in a minor and subjected position in the province. The ANC’s national leadership accepted this. The DA rejected it.

    What are the implications for ANC-DA cooperation in the national government and other municipalities?

    The DA is fighting to have Cilliers Brink reinstated as mayor of Tshwane. It argues that the ANC’s capturing of the position threatens the unity government.

    The DA appears to be angling for a fairer dispensation within the overall coalition formation, given its importance as the second largest party in the coalition government, rather than rejection of the GNU government. The DA needs the coalition as much as the ANC does.

    The coalition government’s statement of intent, and how it is reflected in the lower provincial and municipal levels, are the key issue at stake.

    The Tshwane crisis stands in the context of other local governments where new alliances are forming outside the formula of the national coalition government.

    The crisis is in all probability not threatening the national coalition. But it may result in the fleshing out of the generally vaguely defined and minimalist Statement of Intent (the coalition agreement). In recent weeks more clarity has already emerged regarding conflict resolution in the unity government. The Tshwane crisis is likely to show whether and how the national level agreement resonates provincially and locally.

    In fact, the lesson from the Tshwane coalition fiasco might be that there ought to be no expectations that the coalition government’s formula of approximate proportionality among its constituent parties will be reflected in the executives of the lower-level structures.

    The DA stressed at the time of Brink’s removal that it had been in discussions with ANC national secretary general Fikile Mbalula and ANC negotiator David Makhura – and progress had been made for the two parties to jointly “stabilise” the Gauteng metros (read “exercise power-sharing”). It may have entailed the DA supporting the ANC in Ekurhuleni, and the ANC the DA in Tshwane.

    But the proposal came to naught when the ANC proceeded to capture Tshwane, which it last governed in 2016.

    The effect of the Tshwane fallout is likely to be heightened instability in South Africa’s metro councils. Without ANC-DA cooperation, much of the coalitions detente that had become possible in the wake of the national coalition agreement may dissipate. Instead, alternating coalition governments, through motions of no confidence, may proliferate.

    The instability caused by such party political tit-for-tats and coalition musical chairs, both in the large metropolitan councils and the local municipalities, will contribute to citizens suffering poor delivery of services – although it is not the sole cause.

    What does the ANC’s failure to sing from the same hymn book mean for the party?

    The Tshwane crisis goes to the heart of the struggles unfolding in the ANC.

    The ANC of 2024 is inherently unstable as it fights for electoral survival.

    Its national executive committee and presidency act in ways that hint at them lacking the power to call the shots in relation to coalitions in some provinces and municipalities; and reining in its Gauteng premier and provincial executive committee.

    This, as the party is trying to position itself favourably, through leadership changes, ahead of its national general council meeting next year, and its elective conference of 2027, in the hope of reversing electoral declines in local, provincial and national elections.

    Besides KwaZulu-Natal’s centrality to this process, Gauteng holds the base of ANC succession given that it is political home to its deputy president, Paul Mashatile, and Lesufi.

    The search for a new mayor for Tshwane unleashed a candidacy contest within the ANC. ANC mayoralty candidates are proliferating. They are emerging from the ranks of the politically powerful, anointed by high-level ANC power holders, along with candidates in the local ANC party structures and in the council itself.

    The legacy of the 2016 violent struggles and mayhem in the city amid anger about succession are invoked to justify some proposals. These struggles seem oblivious to new coalition contexts, and the ANC’s loss of majority power.

    Unless the fractious and divided ANC finds a united and consistent voice on coalitions, it may lose out on the possibility of using coalitions to regain electoral support. Unless the ANC in Gauteng is using the metros to confirm its alternative to the national formula.

    Susan Booysen in the past had received funding from HSRC, via various (completed) university projects; and has until recently been employed full-time by MISTRA.

    – ref. South Africa’s unity government is being tested – the toppling of a mayor in a key city exposes faultlines – https://theconversation.com/south-africas-unity-government-is-being-tested-the-toppling-of-a-mayor-in-a-key-city-exposes-faultlines-239986

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Civil Society Organizations Brief the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on the Situation of Women in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women was this afternoon briefed by representatives of civil society organizations on the situation of women’s rights in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand, whose reports the Committee will review this week.

    In relation to Lao People’s Democratic Republic, speakers raised concerns regarding gender-based violence, human trafficking, and the experiences of Hmong women and girls. 

    Non-governmental organizations speaking on Saudi Arabia raised topics on the imprisonment of women human rights defenders, women on death row, and the treatment of female domestic workers. 

    On New Zealand, speakers addressed the situation of Māori women and girls, the treatment of transgender and intersex persons, and the gender pay gap.

    The following non-governmental organizations spoke on Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Association for Development of Women and Legal Education; Gender Development Association; the Alliance for Democracy in Laos; Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization in affiliation with its member the Congress of World Hmong People; and Hawai’i Centre for Human Rights Research and Action and on behalf of the Advocates for Human Rights, the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, and Harm Reduction International.

    The following non-governmental organizations spoke on Saudi Arabia: Amnesty International; MENA Rights Group and ALQST; the Advocates for Human Rights, the World Coalition against the Death Penalty, and the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights; Migrants Rights and Global Detention Project; and Sema Nami, Global Alliance against Traffic in Women, Solidarity Centre, IZWI Domestic Worker Alliance, and Africa End Sexual Harassment Initiative. 

    The New Zealand Human Rights Commission spoke on New Zealand, as did the following non-governmental organizations: Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge, Homeless Women’s Coalition and Maori Women’s Welfare League; Pacific Allied Council (of women) Inspires Faith Ideals Concerning All; Shakti; Pacific Women’s Watch; and the National Council of Women.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s eighty-ninth session is being held from 7 October to 25 October. All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, 8 October to consider the tenth periodic report of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (CEDAW/C/LAO/10).

    Opening Remarks by the Committee Chair

    ANA PELÁEZ NARVÁEZ, Committee Chairperson, said this was the first opportunity during the session for non-governmental organizations to provide information on States parties that were having their reports reviewed during the first week, namely Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand.  A second meeting would be held on Monday, 14 October, where civil society would provide information on the countries under consideration in the second week of the session.

    Statements by Non-Governmental Organizations from Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia and New Zealand

    Lao People’s Democratic Republic

    On Lao People’s Democratic Republic, speakers, among other things, said the percentage of women and girls who experienced gender-based violence was high.  Authorities had misconceptions about what violence against women looked like. It was recommended that the Government develop an appropriate platform to raise awareness and expand shelter services, to ensure women and girls had access to protection and legal mechanisms. There were also limitations for women’s access to the justice system, especially in the context of violence against women.  Customary law was often applied to violence against women cases, without women representatives.  It was recommended that the Government enhance the capacity of law enforcement and mediation units, and review relevant laws for ensuring the full protection of women and girls. 

    There was a great difference in the rates of young births between the rural and urban areas; 23.5 per cent of girls aged 15 to 19 were married or in a relationship.  It was recommended that the Government develop communication tools for ethnic women and provide community hospitals and resources. Around 32 per cent of young females between 15 and 17 years of age did not go to school, primarily due to financial reasons.  It was recommended that the Government enhance the monitoring and data collection system.  Many young women and girls were often offered for sale to men in China on the internet. The internet trade continued unabated, and perpetrators roamed free.  Many women human rights defenders were murdered or disappeared.  The Government had announced that it would do everything to improve the situation, but there were many laws which only existed on paper and had not truly been implemented. 

    The systemic discrimination faced by the Hmong had been underlined but was not present in the list of issues. The Hmong were the third largest ethnic group in the country, and their women and girls endured poverty, deprivation and a lack of health care services.  The Hmong were targeted for extrajudicial killings.  Women and girls were strategically targeted when searching for food, particularly for trafficking, sex slavery and rape.  Lao People’s Democratic Republic must address gender-based violence against this group.  It was strongly requested that the Committee raise these concerns with the State party.  Women faced greater oppression when standing up for those who had been disappeared. Many people were waiting for their loved ones bodies to be returned or for more information on their whereabouts. Women often received unfair trials with mandatory death sentences, particularly when it came to drug-related crimes.  There should be a moratorium on the death penalty. 

    Saudi Arabia

    Concerning Saudi Arabia, speakers acknowledged some positive reforms on the male guardianship system since the last review.  However, authorities had pursued a ruthless crackdown on human rights defenders, unfairly trialling women human rights defenders and subjecting them to torture and imprisonment.  The family law, which entered into force in 2022, showed that newly enacted legislation entrenched a system of discrimination in all aspects of family life and did not adequately protect women from domestic violence or rape. 

    The Government was called on to release all women rights activists in prison and repeal discriminatory legislation. Many women human rights activists were placed under illegal travel bans and were being subjected to arbitrary arrests for being vocal about human rights issues.  The authorities used anti-terrorism laws to target women human rights defenders, who were often placed in secret detention centres and denied contact with their families.  Saudi Arabia needed to ensure women human rights defenders were protected and included in shaping society. 

    Between 2020 and 2024, at least 11 women were executed for drug-related crimes, all of whom were migrant women. Several women had been convicted without legal counsel.  Increased transparency was needed in the judicial process, particularly for women on death row.  There needed to be a moratorium on the death penalty. 

    Speakers highlighted the plight of domestic and migrant workers within the country, and said Saudi Arabia should improve its treatment of migrant women and their families during the immigration process.  Saudi Arabia should rescind its regime which punished women seeking to escape exploitation. Immigration detention for women who became pregnant at their place of work should be ended.  Saudi Arabia should ratify International Labour Organization Convention 198 and incorporate domestic workers into their labour legislation. Domestic workers in Saudi Arabia were subjected to lower pay and forced to live in inhumane conditions which diminished their dignity.  Some were subject to extreme abuse, including physical violence, starvation and sexual harassment.  Justice remained out of reach for most of these women. 

    New Zealand

    Among other things, speakers urged the New Zealand Government to focus on gender equality.  Too many indigenous women were unhoused and unsafe.  The New Zealand Government was a serial perpetrator of colonial violence.  Māori women and girls were profiled as a minority group and were othered.  They were in urgent need of a global, indigenous women’s forum and needed the Government to develop a national action plan on their behalf.  The Committee had the power to recommend that the Government affirm its commitment to the Convention.  The New Zealand Government should endorse and recognise Pacific women’s leadership and aspirations. 

    The issue of forced marriage remained unequally addressed despite recommendations by the Committee.  Women on non-permanent residence visas faced immense barriers in accessing justice and social security.  Religious abuse was unrecognised; women were kept in limbo about their marital status in the name of religion.  The Committee should call for stronger reforms for migrant women living in an increasingly ethnically diverse New Zealand. 

    The Government should adhere to its commitments to establish stalking as a criminal act.  The Government should evaluate legal and court processes to ensure victims were not prohibited from seeking justice.  The Government ought to establish an enquiry into non-consensual surgeries on intersex persons and provide redress.  Transgender and intersex persons needed to be protected. In rural areas, internet coverage was limited, which impacted outcomes for rural families.  The Government should invest in mobile communications and infrastructure for these communities.  Pay gaps for women, including Māori women, needed to be closed. The State was urged to implement national machinery which ensured disaggregated data was available to inform policy. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert asked what the Government of New Zealand should do to release women from religious marriages? What should be done to combat forced marriage? 

    Another Expert asked if there were situations of statelessness among Māori women and girls in New Zealand? Were there issues relating to women, nationality and citizenship? 

    An Expert asked about the internet trade in Lao People’s Democratic Republic which saw young girls being trafficked.  Did the Government recognise this as a great problem?  What was the view on increasing family violence?

    A Committee Expert said given the Government of New Zealand had established an intersex clinical reference group, were there any positive recommendations or movements coming out?

    Another Expert asked New Zealand if there were any specific challenges affecting education?  What could be done to address these challenges? 

    An Expert asked about the situation of education in Lao People’s Democratic Republic? 

    A Committee Expert said information provided claimed that there was a genuine change in Saudi Arabia; women could obtain drivers’ license and travel with their own passport, among other things. Could more information on these reforms be provided?  How many women human rights defenders were in jail? 

    An Expert asked about data sovereignty in New Zealand?  There had been an important climate case decided in New Zealand, regarding the extractive industry being sued for alleged contribution to climate change. Could more information on this be shared with the Committee? 

    A Committee Expert asked non-governmental organizations from Saudi Arabia what were the main issues when it came to the limitations of legislation on trafficking? 

    Responses by Non-Governmental Organizations

    Lao People’s Democratic Republic

    Responding to questions, speakers said the Government did not take any effective actions against human trafficking, especially for young girls.  Internet control for criminals was not effective in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. People in the country were very poor and their income was very low.  Around 30 per cent of young people did not have any employment. 

    Saudi Arabia

    Answering questions on Saudi Arabia, speakers said since 2018, Saudi Arabia had implemented reforms to its male guardianship system, including allowing women to obtain passports and be legal heads of households, among others.  However, there were still issues under the Personal Status Code, including that women needed permission from males to marry, and that women were considered as custodians of their children rather than guardians.  There was also a disobedience law still in place. Families feared speaking about women in prison so there were no official statistics.  There were dozens of cases of women who had been jailed for expressing their views on women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, but without open and fair trials, there were no exact numbers. 

    New Zealand

    Speakers answering questions on New Zealand said women’s connection to culture empowered them to navigate diverse environments.  It was essential that the Government recognised this to empower women and communities.  The reference group had been established in New Zealand for intersex persons which sought to establish medical guidelines.  As this was quite recent, it was hard to say its impact.  Even if it was successful, it would not help those who had already been through the system.  Further answers would be provided in writing. 

    Statement by the National Human Rights Institution of New Zealand

    SAUNOAMAALI’I DR KARANINA SUMEO, Acting Chief Commissioner of the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, said Māori women’s rights in New Zealand were at serious risk due to a lack of constitutional protection and regressive policy and legislative measures.  Today, Māori women and girls continued to experience inequities across health, justice, state care, employment, income and housing.  Despite this, the Government was currently working through a reform programme that looked to further undermine Māori rights.  The programme included disestablishing the body created to advance Māori health equity and self-determination; introducing a bill to reinterpret treaty principles to omit reference to Māori self-determination and recognition of Māori as indigenous peoples; and reviewing the role of the Waitangi Tribunal, the primary avenue for Māori to raise claims regarding Crown breaches of Te Tiriti. 

    The Government had already overridden Māori rights recognised by the Tribunal and courts, and stopped all work to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  The Acting Chief Commissioner urged the Committee to recommend that the Government strengthen legal and constitutional protection of Te Tiriti; take meaningful action to implement the Declaration; and ensure all law and policy reforms met obligations under Te Tiriti and general recommendation 39. 

    New Zealand unfortunately had one of the highest rates of family and sexual violence.  Women were more at risk of sexual violence and family violence than men, particularly Māori, Pacific, ethnic and disabled women.  In 2022, the Government launched Te Aorerekura – the National Strategy and Action Plan to Eliminate Family Violence and Sexual Violence. However, there had been a recent reduction in funding to prevent and respond to sexual and gender-based violence, further impacting access to justice for women. 

    In September 2024, the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State and Faith-based Care (2018-2024) was publicly released, revealing the grave extent of physical, psychological and sexual abuse that took place, in some cases amounting to torture.  Gender-based abuse of women and girls included regular intrusive genital exams and ‘health checks’ providing cover for abuse.  The Government had committed to designing a new redress system, but survivors still had no immediate prospect of full redress, including compensation and rehabilitation.  The Committee was urged to recommend that the Government develop and implement an updated Te Aorerekura action plan and mainstream gender-specific issues; resume the regulatory review of online services and platforms; and implement all the recommendations of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care.

    In 2019, the Welfare Expert Advisory Group made 42 recommendations to restore dignity to the social security system. Some recommendations were progressed but some had recently been reversed, which would disproportionately affect the incomes of women, particularly older, disabled, and Māori and Pacific women.  The social security system still did not allow people to retain their individual income if they were viewed to be in a relationship ‘in the nature marriage’.  This created risks for women, including social isolation, financial entrapment, and difficulties leaving violent or abusive relationships. 

    The previous Government had announced its intention to introduce mandatory gender and ethnic pay gap reporting. The current Government announced in July 2024 that it would not progress mandatory reporting but develop another voluntary tool.  This decision neglected the role factors, including racism, ableism and violence and harassment in the workplace, playing a role in affecting pay, progression, income security and preparation for a dignified life in retirement for women. The Committee was urged to recommend that the Government adjust income support rates to those recommended by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group adjusted for inflation; individualise income support entitlements; and introduce appropriate temporary special measures to ensure equal employment opportunity by gender, ethnicity and disability. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said that at the last dialogue with New Zealand, the outlook for Māori women and girls had been positive; what was the reason behind the setback?

    Another Expert asked if there were specific references within the proposed framework which dealt with the rights of women and girls? 

    An Expert asked about the situation of abortion in rural areas? 

    A Committee Expert asked if there were cases where temporary special measures had a negative effect? 

    Responses by the National Human Rights Institution

    In response, Ms. Sumeo said New Zealand did not have a formal constitution which was one of their weak areas, leaving indigenous women vulnerable.  If there was a law which weakened women’s rights, it was difficult to push against targeted policy.  There was now a different Government, which was why there was a different view from the previously positive position.  The previous Government’s policies assumed everyone was equal to begin with, which was not the case now. 

    New Zealand was far away from having equal pay despite having an Equal Pay Act since 1972.  Many women were facing situations of homelessness.  Under the Human Rights Act, there was the ability for organizations to develop measures which ensured equality. Unfortunately, those measures were seen as somehow violating human rights and were seen as discriminatory in some parts of New Zealand.  The ability to address inequity had become more difficult under the current climate. It was difficult to address issues such as the gender-pay gap if there was a reluctance to use temporary special measures. 

    BRITTANY PECK, Legal Advisor, said the Government was not providing an adequate response to gender-based violence, including police attending fewer family-based callouts. These compounded the existing high rates of violence in New Zealand.  Because of this retrogression, it was expected this would be reflected in the cases of Māori women over time.  It was expected that over 90 per cent of sexual violence was not reported to police. New Zealand was experiencing a workforce health crisis and there was a gap in the availability of abortion services in rural areas. 

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

    CEDAW24.023E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –