NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission has it in for French rail freight – E-001141/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001141/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    On 18 January, the Commission launched an in-depth investigation into Fret SNCF, jeopardising not only the future of the public operator, but also that of the French rail freight sector as a whole. Although rail freight is a strategic pillar of energy autonomy and industrial competitiveness, the Commission seems to favour a deregulatory approach that risks undermining the public sector for private gain.

    It is worth remembering that since the rail freight market was opened to effective competition in 2006, the modal share of rail freight transport has been halved and Fret SNCF has seen its workforce reduce by two thirds.

    What factors justify jeopardising a sector that is essential to France’s supply chain and industrial competitiveness?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Athens: the ‘accidental deaths’ of two migrants – E-001985/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Protecting the fundamental rights of individuals in the EU is key for the Commission. As stressed in previous replies[1], any use of force by law enforcement authorities should always be exercised in a proportionate manner and inhumane or degrading treatment of any individual is unacceptable.

    The EU Charter of Fundamental Rights applies to Member States when implementing EU law. National authorities, including the courts, must ensure the respect of fundamental rights provided under their constitutional order and their commitments under international law.

    Greek authorities have the exclusive competence and obligation to conclude independent and accountable investigations to determine all relevant facts and take legal action when appropriate.

    The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) promotes common respect for, and understanding of, fundamental rights in law enforcement, such as the rights, support and protection of victims and suspects of crime.

    CEPOL supports the respect of fundamental rights including police ethics and integrity, having ‘Fundamental Rights’ as one of its four flagship training programs.

    Justice and Home Affairs Agencies created a Fundamental Rights toolkit shared with Member States’ national authorities to ensure that fundamental rights approach is applied in national training activities.

    • [1] E-003732/2020, E-005750/2020, E-006692/2020, E-001857/2021 and E-003458/2021, E-000040/2022 .
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Introduction of European Defence Bonds – E-002814/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President presented the first ever European Defence Industrial Strategy in March 2024.

    The strategy was outlining that ‘it is necessary to launch a discussion on quantifying the EU’s financing needs for defence industrial readiness which would be commensurate with this change of the security paradigm, and on how to ensure such adequate financing’[1].

    In June 2024, the European Council invited the Commission and the High Representative to present developed options, to be discussed by the Council, for public and private funding to strengthen the defence technological and industrial base and address critical capability gaps.

    In this context, the Commission President sent a letter to the European Council on 4 March 2025 presenting the ReArm Europe Plan, including the proposal for a new financial instrument to support Member States in boosting their defence capabilities. This instrument will deliver loans to Member States, borrowing funds based on a guarantee provided by the EU budget.

    When it comes to the energy transition and green energy it is important to note that Member States still benefit from the Recovery and Resilience Facility — Next Generation EU, providing grants and loans to help EU economies emerge stronger and more resilient from the Coronavirus crisis, notably by investing in the green transition.

    Both the ReArm Europe Plan and the Next Generation EU have been tailored to support Member States in facing exceptional circumstances outside their control while not endangering the financial stability of the EU.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en%5E/ip_24_1321
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting Serbia’s Christian heritage – E-001122/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001122/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    According to information and photographic material that has come to my attention, the Hermitage of St. Peter in the Municipality of Prizren, which is part of the religious heritage of the Serbian Orthodox Church in Kosovo, has been severely damaged. Despite having been declared a protected area, including by the Pristina authorities, a private company has begun excavation works for the construction of a road and this is affecting the foundations of the temple and the hermitage. The site has also suffered vandalism and other deterioration over time.

    Given that the preservation of cultural and religious heritage in Kosovo is important for stability and reconciliation in the region, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Is it aware of the damage in question and the activities taking place at the Hermitage of St. Peter?
    • 2.In the context of EU policy on the protection of cultural and religious heritage, what measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure the restoration and protection of the site?
    • 3.Bearing in mind that the protection of cultural and religious heritage is a prerequisite for Kosovo’s accession to the EU, does the Commission intend to raise this issue in talks with the Pristina authorities?

    Submitted: 17.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European Train Control System in Greece: implementation delays and the need for transparency – E-001129/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001129/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    Although two years have passed since the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS) was announced, it is unclear how much progress has been made in Greece towards its installation and operation. The need for transparency and clarity is imperative, especially following the recent tragedy in Tempi, which shone a spotlight on shortcomings in railway safety. The installation of the ETCS would enable the automatic surveillance of trains, improving safety by means of information on train speed and location. This upgrade is essential to prevent human error and to align with European standards.

    In light of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.How does it assess Greece’s progress with regard to the installation and operation of the ETCS, and what specific measures are being taken in response to Member States that delay the implementation of this project?
    • 2.What measures does it intend to take to enhance transparency and accountability in the implementation of the ETCS across Europe?
    • 3.How does it intend to ensure that all Member States comply with all the commitments on safety standards?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting EU patients by exempting the medical device sector from EU and US tariffs – E-001185/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001185/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Laurent Castillo (PPE)

    The Commission’s decision to retaliate against the United States’ trade measures was both necessary and a question of principle, as American tariffs cannot be allowed to undermine the economic interests of the EU’s industrial and agricultural sectors.

    However, by including medical technologies and their components in its list of targeted US products, the Commission could end up harming not only the EU’s medical device industry, but also the innovation and supply chains of a sector that is already having to cope with two administratively burdensome regulations.

    To make matters worse, the Commission’s response could discourage research investment and drive up the cost of accessing medical devices, thus undermining public health in the EU.

    Exempting medical devices from tariff measures is therefore vital to ensuring that European patients can continue to access high-quality healthcare and that the EU’s medical device industry can attract investors.

    What measures will the Commission put in place to guarantee that EU and US tariffs do not target medical devices or affect their supply chains?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social crisis at Thales Alenia Space – E-001133/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001133/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left)

    In March 2024, management at Thales Alenia Space announced their intention to cut more than 1 300 jobs in Europe, including 1 124 in France. However, the Thales Group has made a record profit of EUR 20.6 billion, up 11.7 %, and its order book is full, thanks, in particular, to public orders such as the demonstration contract for the HydRON project, signed recently, and industrial activities for the IRIS2 project.

    In response, workers were stirred into action to protect their jobs and rail against the deterioration in their working conditions: according to its occupational health services, more than 50% of the group’s employees are overworked and 13% are already burned out.

    At a time when the EU has decided to boost its autonomy in the defence and space sector, does the Commission intend to:

    • 1.ensure that jobs and skills are maintained and improve the working conditions of employees at a company that has signed public contracts?
    • 2.step up checks to see to it that working conditions are decent at companies that have signed public contracts?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regulation of gambling advertising and Maltese breach of EU law – E-001136/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001136/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carolina Morace (The Left)

    Online gambling is a European problem: we have 27 different sets of regulations and 70 % of betting is on unlicensed sites in the countries where they operate. This fragmentation fuels an illegal market linked to organised crime and pathological gambling, which affects millions of people, particularly the young, who are attracted to it through misleading advertising.

    What is more, Malta’s recently adopted Bill 55 prevents the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments against gaming companies registered in that country, creating a free port for the gambling industry and seriously hampering judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters, in breach of the principles of mutual recognition of judicial decisions enshrined in EU law.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to propose, in compliance with Article 168 TFEU on the protection of public health, an EU regulatory framework to ban gambling advertising, similar to those for tobacco and alcohol?
    • 2.In line with Article 35 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, what measures will it take to combat illegal gambling and protect people from addiction?
    • 3.As Bill 55 limits the effectiveness of judicial decisions issued in other Member States, will the Commission open an infringement procedure against Malta?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reporting of EU funding to press bodies and implications for journalistic independence – E-001183/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001183/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Borchia (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE), Roberto Vannacci (PfE)

    Press sources report that the European Commission provided EUR 132.82 million to various media outlets – including significant Italian newspapers – through the company Havas Media France around the time of the June 2024 European elections. No information is available on the beneficiaries and specific amounts disbursed.

    Given that the EU institutions do not pursue commercial purposes and have internal structures for institutional communication:

    • 1.What criteria justified the allocation of these resources through a private intermediary, without applying the public tendering obligations for sums over EUR 14 000?
    • 2.There is evidence to suggest that articles and services have been tailored to the preferences of Brussels’ top dogs, undermining the principle of the independence of the press. In the light of this in particular, how will the Commission ensure that such funding, if indeed provided, is not used to politically influence the beneficiaries, curtailing their editorial freedom?
    • 3.Why has the information on beneficiaries and specific amounts disbursed not been published in full?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – IRIS² satellite constellation and contracts with European industrial manufacturers – E-001134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001134/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left)

    In March 2023, the Council adopted the EU’s Space Secure Connectivity programme for the period 2023-2027, which includes deploying, via the IRIS² programme, a constellation of 300 European satellites necessary for telecommunications to function smoothly.

    In December 2024, the European Union’s sovereign telecommunications constellation contract was signed with a European consortium of satellite operators, which should now be placing orders with European manufacturers.

    Since then, no contract has been signed, raising concerns about orders being given to non-European companies, such as Starlink, and European companies having to face large-scale job cuts as a consequence. This would mean a loss of skills for the European Union which, in the current climate, would be extremely serious.

    At a time when the EU has decided to boost its autonomy in the defence and space sector, does the Commission intend to:

    • 1.Establish a mandatory European preference when signing industrial contracts between European industrial consortia, such as Thales and Airbus, and satellite operators?
    • 2.Guarantee the exclusion of non-European companies from this programme, especially those from countries that have declared a trade war on the EU?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lack of respect for civil partnerships among EU Member States – E-001135/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001135/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carolina Morace (The Left)

    In Italy, civil partnerships are recognised under Law No 76/2016 which, however, draws a distinction between them and marriage. Spain, on the other hand, has had marriage equality since 2005 but Italian civil partnerships are not equivalent to marriage.

    A couple of Italian citizens who have moved to Spain therefore find themselves forced to dissolve a civil partnership contracted in Italy to be able to marry and obtain full legal recognition of their rights in their new country of residence. This case highlights the lack of regulatory harmonisation in the EU, which can have significant consequences in terms of assets, inheritance and family rights, and create concrete obstacles to the exercise of the right to free movement enshrined in Article 21 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

    Can the Commission say:

    • 1.Whether it believes the failure to recognise civil unions between Member States to be in breach of the principles of non-discrimination and freedom of movement?
    • 2.Whether it intends to propose measures to ensure the mutual recognition of same-sex civil partnerships and marriages throughout the EU.
    • 3.What it intends to do to prevent LGBTQIA+ couples from being forced to dissolve a civil partnership in order to obtain legal recognition in another Member State.

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reshoring pharmaceutical production back to Europe and conditions for accessing the European market – E-001139/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001139/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The global health crisis of 2020 and, more recently, the buyout of a Sanofi division by a US group have brought into relief Europe’s growing dependence on third countries for medicine production, highlighting the risks to the security of supply and public health. This weakness makes Europe vulnerable to stock shortages and price increases, and hampers its responsiveness to crises.

    In order to bolster the strategic independence of both France and the rest of Europe, pharmaceutical production needs to be reshored. Indeed, many are calling the sector to be reindustrialised for the sake of reliable and controlled supply.

    Against this background, does the Commission intend to set a local production quota as a prerequisite for obtaining a marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Energy sanctions against Russia and audit request – E-001144/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001144/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The energy sanctions the EU has imposed against a number of third countries, including Russia, have had a dramatic economic impact on our businesses and citizens. In particular, the energy price hikes pose a serious threat to both our industry’s competitiveness and the purchasing power of the French people. Experts are also pointing to the fact that these sanctions could prove to be counterproductive, effectively bolstering in the long term the economy and strategic autonomy of the countries targeted.

    In the light of these repercussions and the current decline, it is now crucial to assess objectively the effectiveness of these sanctions and their real impact on Europe’s energy security.

    In view of this, does the Commission plan to have an independent and transparent audit carried out to analyse the impact of the energy sanctions on the European economy and on the energy sovereignty of the Member States, as well as their objective impact on the economies of the countries concerned?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible infringement of EU legislation by Project Gama (Altri’s large-scale cellulose plant) in Galicia – E-001197/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001197/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Estrella Galán (The Left)

    On Friday 14 March 2025, the Official Journal of Galicia published a favourable environmental impact statement (EIS) for Project Gama[1], a large-scale cellulose plant promoted by a consortium of the Portuguese company Altri and the Galician company Greenalia.

    The Xunta de Galicia is thus completely ignoring the numerous complaints, studies and expert reports requested by official bodies, which show that the Altri plant will have serious environmental and socio-economic effects.

    Similarly, the government headed by Alfonso Rueda is also ignoring the outright rejection by the public[2], who have organised historic demonstrations and protests against this project.

    In its answer E-001598/2024[3] to my previous question, the Commission stated that it was ‘too early to verify compliance with the applicable EU law’ because the environmental impact assessment had not yet been published.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission now investigate the infringement of EU legislation – in terms of industrial emissions, environmental impact and public participation – that this project entails?
    • 2.Given the serious impact and potential dangers of the project identified by numerous independent scientific studies, does it intend to apply the precautionary principle and request the suspension of the project?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] https://climatica.coop/xunta-da-luz-verde-macrocelulosa-altri/.
    • [2] https://www.eldiario.es/galicia/altri-xunta-gobierno-ignora-manifestaciones-historicas-tierra-mar-amenaza-ambiental_1_12134178.html.
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2024-001598-ASW_EN.html.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding for animal experiments – E-001196/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001196/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE)

    The announcement from the Mauritian Minister of Agro-Industry regarding a memorandum of understanding with Charles River Laboratories to conduct experiments on long-tailed macaques in Mauritius has raised concerns about the potential increase in public EU funding for animal experiments in countries with lower standards than Directive 2010/63/EU.

    Several EU countries have already funded primate experiments in China, Kenya and St Kitts, where there is little to no animal welfare oversight and no transparency regarding the sourcing of these animals. This is particularly alarming as the International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) as endangered since 2022, with the biomedical industry being identified as a major threat. Additionally, ongoing US investigations into alleged trafficking by Charles River have uncovered evidence of poaching and fraud.

    • 1.What measures are in place to prevent EU funds from supporting animal experiments in non-EU countries that would not be permitted under EU legislation?
    • 2.Will the Commission revise Directive 2010/63/EU to prohibit public institutions and publicly funded projects from conducting animal experiments in facilities not complying with EU welfare regulations?
    • 3.How will the Commission address the risk of Directive 2010/63/EU being undermined by the EU or Member States funding animal experiments overseas?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Audit of the Polish poultry industry – E-001195/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001195/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE)

    In her reply on 10 June 2024 to written question E-001344/2024 on hygiene issues in the Polish poultry sector, former Commissioner Kyriakides stated that ‘the audit planned for this year will contribute to this follow-up and assess the effectiveness of the actions taken’.

    The Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety published a report in 2024 on an assessment of Poland’s controls on antimicrobial veterinary medicinal products[1]. Commission experts state that there has been significant improvement in this important area of human safety, but there are still significant problems. I concluded from the response to written question E-001344/2024 that the Polish poultry industry would also be audited to assess progress in reducing salmonella contamination. An article published on 31 January 2025 in The Guardian entitled ‘Delays to post-Brexit border checks may have let diseased chicken enter UK’ stated: ‘officials were also worried that the salmonella contamination had become more widespread, involving multiple producers from Poland and a greater number of food products, the documents show. While attention had initially focused on breaded chicken and other highly processed products, testing had revealed that fresh chicken and raw pet food was also implicated’.

    Can the Commission please state whether an audit of the Polish poultry industry was carried out in 2024, and if so, what was found?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit-report/download/16871.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Is the Commission aware of the serious trade difficulties faced by French wines and spirits? – E-001192/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001192/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gilles Pennelle (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE)

    On Wednesday 12 March, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Maroš Šefčovič, the Commissioner for Trade, Economic Security, Interinstitutional Relations and Transparency, unveiled retaliatory measures in response to the new US tariffs on steel and aluminium imports.

    While these measures are laudable in principle, it is regrettable that the US bourbon is targeted, exposing French wines and spirits to potential US taxes. French spirits are already suffering from the recent increase in Chinese taxes, which severely penalises them.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the serious trade difficulties faced by the French spirits sector?
    • 2.Can it explain why it is exposing the wine and spirits sector to US taxes, given the serious difficulties it is facing?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE)
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 28.03.2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    28 March 2025 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 28.03.2025

    Espoo, Finland – On 28 March 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:                

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 2,831,492 4.90
    CEUX 1,500,000 4.90
    BATE – –
    AQEU 184,539 4.89
    TQEX 150,000 4.89
    Total 4,666,031 4.90

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 28 March 2025 was EUR 22,850,954. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 209,385,537 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 931 580 507
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: United Community Banks, Inc. Announces Date for First Quarter 2025 Earnings Release and Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GREENVILLE, S.C., March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) announces it will release its first quarter 2025 financial results on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, before the stock market opens. The company also will hold a conference call at 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to discuss its financial results, business highlights, and outlook.

    Participants can pre-register for the conference call by navigating to https://dpregister.com/sreg/10198403/fed7e1f137. Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in by calling 1-844-481-1970. Participants are encouraged to dial in 15 minutes prior to the call start time. The conference call also will be webcast and can be accessed by selecting “Events and Presentations” under “News and Events” within the Investor Relations section of the company’s website, ucbi.com.

    About United Community Banks, Inc.

    United Community Banks, Inc. (NYSE: UCB) is the financial holding company for United Community, a top 100 U.S. financial institution that is committed to improving the financial health and well-being of its customers and the communities it serves. United Community provides a full range of banking, wealth management and mortgage services. As of December 31, 2024, United Community Banks, Inc. had $27.7 billion in assets, 199 offices across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, as well as a national SBA lending franchise and a national equipment lending subsidiary. In 2025, United Community became an 11-time winner of J.D. Power’s award for the best customer satisfaction among consumer banks in the Southeast region and was recognized as the most trusted bank in the Southeast. Additionally, United was named by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For” for the eighth consecutive year. In 2025, United was also recognized in the Greenwich Best Bank awards for the ninth consecutive year, receiving five awards that included national honors for overall satisfaction for middle market banking in the U.S. Forbes has also consistently listed United Community as one of the World’s Best Banks and one of America’s Best Banks. Additional information about United can be found at ucbi.com.

    For more information:

    Jefferson Harralson
    Chief Financial Officer
    (864) 240-6208
    Jefferson_Harralson@ucbi.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Immediate impact of US funding cuts on civil society and LGBTI+ rights in the Western Balkans and Türkiye – E-001190/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001190/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)

    Recently, the US has stopped funding LGBTI+ civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Western Balkans and Türkiye. This withdrawal has forced several organisations to shut down and has put activists at direct risk of persecution as local governments intensify their crackdowns on civil society. Anti-LGBTI+ and nationalist groups are already exploiting this crisis to further discredit and attack these organisations. Without an immediate European response, the region’s efforts to promote democracy and human rights will be severely undermined[1].

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that the work of LGBTI+ organisations in the Western Balkans and Türkiye is crucial, particularly in the context of their EU accession process and duty to comply with the fundamental values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that LGBTI+ organisations in the Western Balkans and Türkiye are sufficiently funded to prevent closures and lay-offs, and will the Commission consider expanding eligibility criteria for EU funding to ensure that LGBTI+ organisations can get better access to financial recourses? If not, why not?
    • 3.What other measures will the Commission take to counter the growing anti-LGBTI+ rhetoric that is being used to undermine CSOs in the Western Balkans and Türkiye, which embodies discriminatory policies and further stigmatises human rights defenders, creating a chilling effect on activism and advocacy efforts?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    • [1] ERA – LGBTI Equal Rights Association for Western Balkans and Turkey: Impacts of U.S. funding cuts on LGBTI+ rights organizations in the Western Balkans and Türkiye: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BcOtAM49adb5MJZQP_v–BLAZXD8K5oK/view.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Need for a European detention system for members of organised crime gangs and the mystery surrounding the release of crime bosses in Italy – E-001096/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001096/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    Recent organised-crime-combating operations against Cosa Nostra in Sicily have shown there to be shortcomings in the penal system, which allow the heads of organised crime gangs to continue to run their criminal activities, even while in jail[1]. Despite the adoption of maximum security systems, there is still a shortage of resources and a need for more effective cooperation between European authorities.

    On top of this, reports concerning the release of Mafia bosses have raised doubts as to the transparency and effectiveness of the Italian penal system[2].

    This situation would seem to be putting police informers at serious risk of retaliation, and highlights the need for proper support and protection[3].

    It seems clear that there is an urgent need to establish a uniform European detention system for high-risk prisoners[4].

    In view of the above, can the Commission state:

    • 1.What specific measures are being planned to improve cooperation between national authorities in order to strengthen detention systems for members of high-risk organised crime gangs and furthermore, are legislative initiatives being planned in respect of the combating of organised crime in order to strengthen investigative and security measures within European prisons?
    • 2.What steps can be taken to improve protection and support for police informants across the EU so as to ensure their safety and opportunities for reintegration without risk of retaliation?
    • 3.How many additional places have been created in European prisons through the construction of prisons using EU funds?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2025/02/mafia-maxi-retata-dei-carabinieri-a-palermo-oltre-180-ordinanze-cautelari-7502ca17-6e4b-4260-af45-e3ade32d2b9b.html
    • [2] https://palermo.repubblica.it/cronaca/2025/03/09/news/lista_boss_scarcerati_antimafia_dap-424051354/
    • [3] https://www.antimafiaduemila.com/home/mafie-news/309-topnews/104210-mistero-attorno-ai-boss-scarcerati-la-lista-del-dap-e-top-secret.html
    • [4] The basis for a proposal for a special European detention system is contained in Articles 82 and 83 TFEU and two European Parliament resolutions: the resolution of 23 October 2013 on organised crime, corruption and money laundering: recommendations on action and initiatives to be taken (final report) (2013/2107(INI)), paragraph 84; and the resolution on organised crime in the European Union (2010/2309(INI)), paragraph 32.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Tackling early leaving from education and training – E-001188/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001188/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikos Pappas (The Left)

    Early leaving from education undermines social cohesion and economic development. However, Regulation (EU) 2021/817, through Erasmus+ (2021-2027), promotes lifelong learning, inclusiveness and the reduction of inequalities in education.

    Despite the EU’s target of reducing early leaving from education and training to below 9% by 2030, recent Eurostat data show that several Member States still record high rates, with fluctuations exceeding 15% in some regions. The main factors contributing to the phenomenon include economic difficulties leading to early entry into the labour market, a lack of quality and flexible educational programmes for vulnerable students, and insufficient learning and psychosocial support. These make it difficult to complete studies.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to use Erasmus+ (2021-2027) to tackle early leaving from education, in particular through mobility programmes, exchange of good practices and collaboration between educational institutions and local communities?
    • 2.Is any increase in Erasmus+ funding planned to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to ensure equal access to education and training?
    • 3.Is there any intention to create a single European cooperation and data exchange mechanism within Erasmus+, which would allow for timely intervention in areas with high rates of early leaving from education and training?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Access to open air areas for young organic poultry – E-001189/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001189/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Singer (Renew)

    Regulation (EU) 2018/848 (Regulation on Organic Products) requires poultry to have access to open air areas ‘from as early an age as practically possible’, which can be interpreted as from the first day of life (Annex II, Section 1.9.4.4(e)). This rule is neither conducive to animal welfare nor practical and creates health risks for young poultry, especially in the first weeks of life.

    Chicks are particularly susceptible to diseases, sensitive to the cold and at risk from predators at this early stage of development. Premature access to open air areas increases the risk of infection, as the immune system is only fully developed from the third or fourth week of life. In addition, it leads to greater energy consumption, and damp bedding can cause health problems.

    Many farms also face insurmountable infrastructural challenges, as their existing housing facilities are not designed to provide access to open-air areas at such an early stage. Strict implementation of the provision could significantly reduce organic poultry farming and jeopardise the survival of many farms.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to ensure that the requirement for access to open air areas only applies when this is actually possible without causing problems, in line with the physiological development of the animals, and does it intend to consider clarifying or adapting the requirement?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take to enable Member States and certification bodies to implement the regulation flexibly so that businesses are not forced to take measures that are contrary to animal welfare?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Return and readmission cooperation with the Palestinian Authority – E-002107/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU provides humanitarian and development assistance in line with the European Joint Strategy in support of Palestine[1]. However, contacts established in this framework are not per se relevant in view of operational cooperation on readmission. The possibility for identification, issuance of travel document and carrying out return operations depends on the situation on ground.

    The Qualification Directive[2] allows Member States to revoke refugee status based on several grounds, including if the person has committed serious crimes or poses a threat to national security.

    If after an individualised assessment, the Member State authorities decide that an individual satisfies the aforementioned conditions and revoke the refugee status, it will be possible to return the individual to the country of origin if this does not violate the principle of non-refoulement.

    The Return Directive[3] requires an individual assessment deciding on the issuance of a return decision. This decision needs to respect certain safeguards, including the respect of the principle of non-refoulement.

    The Return Directive provides for the possibility to apply firmer rules for third-country nationals representing a serious threat to public policy, public security or national security (such as no granting of a period for voluntary departure and issuance of an entry ban longer than five years).

    The Commission has proposed a new Regulation on a European approach to return that would provide for stricter rules for such cases, including mandatory forced return, longer entry bans, and a separate detention ground.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/European%20Joint%20Strategy%202021-2024.PDF
    • [2] Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (recast).
    • [3] Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mediterranean Pact and the situation of Christians in the region – P-000187/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The New Pact for the Mediterranean[1] will strive to refocus the partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood region around mutual interests and with a clear objective to put people at the centre.

    The Mediterranean region is home to an exceptional cultural and religious diversity. Upholding the EU values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, and the rule of law will remain at the core of the engagement.

    In partnership with regional counterparts, the Commission will aim at co-creating an inclusive framework that safeguards the rights of all individuals.

    Through open dialogue and mutual understanding, the Commission will work to strengthen protection for vulnerable groups against persecution, discrimination, violence, and forced displacement.

    The EU has all the assets to support the right of people in the Middle East, regardless their religious belonging, to live in peace and security, and it will make sure to use its voice to uphold fundamental values.

    The Commission will reinforce its role as an essential actor of constructive dialogue with governments, religious leaders and civil society organisations, to promote mutual understanding, tolerance and respect for human rights.

    Providing financial and technical assistance to support projects and initiatives that promote intercultural dialogue will remain a core strand of cooperation, while also integrating human rights and protection of minority groups into development programmes and projects across the board.

    • [1] A Joint Communication is under preparation by the European Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU-Israel Association Agreement – P-000496/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has reiterated on several occasions its strong opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and repeated actions taken in this context, notably demolitions and confiscations including of EU-funded assets, issuing numerous statements regretting the demolition of Palestinian structures.

    On a number of occasions, Israel has been requested to provide restitution of, or compensate for, EU funded assets that have been demolished, dismantled or confiscated.

    On the occasion of the 13th EU-Israel Association Council held on 24 February 2025, the EU stated that it strongly condemns the demolitions of the structures funded by the EU or its Member States and expects that Israel make good the damage in accordance with international law[1].

    On a yearly basis, the EU publishes the ‘Report on demolitions and seizures in the West Bank including East Jerusalem’ (latest released on November 2024[2]), which includes the number of structures demolished or seized and the total financial loss. Between 2015 and 2023, 927 structures have been demolished or seized for a total financial loss of EUR 2 902 099.

    The EU has consistently raised with Israel the need to meet its obligations under international law towards the Palestinian population in the occupied West Bank, including in Area C and East Jerusalem.

    The EU has conducted public advocacy that includes frequent visits of various sites in the occupied Palestinian territories by the EU and its Member States representatives, most recently the diplomatic mission visit to the Al-Bustan-Silwan neighbourhood in East-Jerusalem[3].

    • [1] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf
    • [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/2024/One%20Year%20Report%20on%20Demolitions%20and%20Seizures%20in%20the%20West%20Bank%20including%20East%20Jerusalem%20-%201%20January%20%2031%20December%202023.pdf
    • [3] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/palestine-occupied-palestinian-territory-west-bank-and-gaza-strip/diplomatic-missions-visit-residents-al-bustan-silwan-neighborhood-east-jerusalem-threatened-imminent_en
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Transparency and accountability over EU funds for Ukraine – E-000497/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU financial assistance to Ukraine follows a control framework with both internal and external controls, which includes checks by the Commission before making payments, expenditure verifications by independent auditors contracted by the Commission, audits by the European Court of Auditors on expenditure and performance, and administrative and criminal investigations by the Anti-Fraud Office and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

    With the establishment of the Ukraine Facility[1], the Commission has even more robust powers to exercise audit and control, which became binding on Ukraine with the framework Agreement between the Union and Ukraine[2].

    An independent Audit Board[3] assists the Commission in assessing the effectiveness of Ukraine’s management and control systems for the funds provided under the Ukraine Facility.

    In implementing the Ukraine Facility, the Commission and Ukraine are taking appropriate measures to protect the financial interests of the Union.

    The Commission conducts comprehensive ex ante controls prior to any payment requests submitted by Ukraine. Following the disbursement, the Commission also carries out risk-based ex-post audits on Ukraine Plan steps.

    Regarding the future reconstruction of Ukraine, it is currently too early to provide specific details on costs and the involvement of various donors.

    The Commission will continue to collaborate with Ukraine and its partners to support recovery and reconstruction efforts, particularly through the Ukraine Donor Platform.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/792/oj/eng
    • [2] Commission Decision C(2024)3456 of 17 May 2024 approving the framework Agreement between the European Union and Ukraine laying down the principles of financial cooperation under the Ukraine Facility.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dec_impl/2024/1697/oj/eng
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: United States Secures Extradition of More Than a Dozen Fugitives from 10 Countries

    Source: US State of California

    Defendants Wanted for Murders, Drug Trafficking, Alien Smuggling, and Cybercrime in the District of Columbia, California, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Washington State

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom resulted in the extraditions this month of alleged murderers, a child rapist, an MS-13 leader, an alien smuggler, Colombian drug traffickers, a Russian cybercriminal, a Nigerian fraudster, and an immigration scammer.

    “The dedicated, persistent work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs with foreign partners resulted in the extradition of fugitives wanted in the United States for violent crimes,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue and bring to justice in the United States transnational criminals and hold them accountable for the death and violence they have committed here and abroad.”

    The fugitives extradited to the United States in March 2025 include:

    • Eswin Mejia, 28, was extradited from Honduras to face charges of vehicular homicide and failure to appear in court for the January 2016 killing of 21-year-old Sarah Root in Douglas County, Nebraska. Mejia was arrested and released on bond in February 2016 and subsequently fled the country to evade prosecution by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.
    • Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, an alleged leader of a Guatemala-based alien smuggling organization, was extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the Western District of Texas for his alleged role in the June 2022 San Antonio mass casualty incident that resulted in the death of 53 Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican nationals, including children, and the injury of 11 others.
    • Moises Humberto Rivera Luna, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent gang MS-13, was extradited from Guatemala to face racketeering conspiracy charges in the District of Columbia regarding racketeering activities to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes.
    • Carlos Espino Farfan, 36, was extradited from Spain to face charges of first-degree felony rape of a child and first-degree felony sodomy upon a child filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
    • Jair Alberto Alvarez Valenzuela, 54, and Luis Carlos Diaz Martinez, 32, former Colombian Navy personnel were extradited to face charges in the Middle District of Florida for their alleged role in selling locations of Colombian Navy drug interdiction vessels to international drug traffickers.
    • Louie Hernandez, 61, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in King County, Washington, of first-degree murder in connection with the February 2024 fatal shooting of his alleged estranged partner, Reyna Hernandez.
    • Juan Ramirez, 37, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in Santa Clara, California, for the March 22, 2013, fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Sandra Cruzes-Gonsalez.
    • Solomon Sincler Gheorghe, 20, an Irish national, was extradited from France to face charges in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, of felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. Gheorghe is alleged to have been impaired by alcohol and drugs when he caused a multi-vehicle wreck on Sept. 20, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy, and with injury to others.
    • Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was extradited from Israel to faces charges in the District of New Jersey for his alleged role as a developer for the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. The LockBit group has attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States.
    • Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, 24, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges in the Southern District of New York of murder, narcotics, and firearms in connection with his alleged role in an attempted gunpoint robbery of a Mount Vernon, New York, warehouse that sold various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. Two people — one employee of the warehouse and one member of the roughly 15-man robbery crew — were shot and killed during the failed robbery attempt.
    • Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, 41, a Nigerian national, was extradited from the United Kingdom to face charges in the Southern District of Florida for allegedly engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme targeting elder U.S. consumers.
    • Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates living in Dubai, was extradited from Spain to face charges in the Western District of North Carolina of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to damage a protected computer, and wire fraud for his alleged role in an extensive tech support fraud scheme.
    • Danhong “Jean” Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, 60, a San Jose, California, immigration attorney, was extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to face charges in the Northern District of California for allegedly committing visa fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the government’s Employment-Based Immigration Fifth Preference, or “EB-5,” visa program. Chen is the first extradition from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States on federal criminal charges.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: United States Secures Extradition of More Than a Dozen Fugitives from 10 Countries

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    Defendants Wanted for Murders, Drug Trafficking, Alien Smuggling, and Cybercrime in the District of Columbia, California, Florida, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Texas, and Washington State

    Extensive coordination and cooperation efforts between the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement authorities in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain, and the United Kingdom resulted in the extraditions this month of alleged murderers, a child rapist, an MS-13 leader, an alien smuggler, Colombian drug traffickers, a Russian cybercriminal, a Nigerian fraudster, and an immigration scammer.

    “The dedicated, persistent work of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs with foreign partners resulted in the extradition of fugitives wanted in the United States for violent crimes,” said Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti. “The Justice Department will aggressively pursue and bring to justice in the United States transnational criminals and hold them accountable for the death and violence they have committed here and abroad.”

    The fugitives extradited to the United States in March 2025 include:

    • Eswin Mejia, 28, was extradited from Honduras to face charges of vehicular homicide and failure to appear in court for the January 2016 killing of 21-year-old Sarah Root in Douglas County, Nebraska. Mejia was arrested and released on bond in February 2016 and subsequently fled the country to evade prosecution by the Douglas County Attorney’s Office.
    • Rigoberto Ramon Miranda-Orozco, 48, an alleged leader of a Guatemala-based alien smuggling organization, was extradited from Guatemala to face charges in the Western District of Texas for his alleged role in the June 2022 San Antonio mass casualty incident that resulted in the death of 53 Guatemalan, Honduran, and Mexican nationals, including children, and the injury of 11 others.
    • Moises Humberto Rivera Luna, 55, an alleged international leader of the violent gang MS-13, was extradited from Guatemala to face racketeering conspiracy charges in the District of Columbia regarding racketeering activities to include murder, narcotics distribution, extortion, robberies, obstruction of justice, and other crimes.
    • Carlos Espino Farfan, 36, was extradited from Spain to face charges of first-degree felony rape of a child and first-degree felony sodomy upon a child filed by the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office.
    • Jair Alberto Alvarez Valenzuela, 54, and Luis Carlos Diaz Martinez, 32, former Colombian Navy personnel were extradited to face charges in the Middle District of Florida for their alleged role in selling locations of Colombian Navy drug interdiction vessels to international drug traffickers.
    • Louie Hernandez, 61, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in King County, Washington, of first-degree murder in connection with the February 2024 fatal shooting of his alleged estranged partner, Reyna Hernandez.
    • Juan Ramirez, 37, was extradited from Mexico to face charges in Santa Clara, California, for the March 22, 2013, fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Sandra Cruzes-Gonsalez.
    • Solomon Sincler Gheorghe, 20, an Irish national, was extradited from France to face charges in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, of felony death by motor vehicle and felony serious injury by vehicle. Gheorghe is alleged to have been impaired by alcohol and drugs when he caused a multi-vehicle wreck on Sept. 20, 2023, resulting in the deaths of two adults and a 12-year-old boy, and with injury to others.
    • Rostislav Panev, 51, a dual Russian and Israeli national, was extradited from Israel to faces charges in the District of New Jersey for his alleged role as a developer for the LockBit ransomware group from its inception in or around 2019 through at least February 2024. The LockBit group has attacked more than 2,500 victims in at least 120 countries around the world, including 1,800 in the United States.
    • Marco Tulio Fernandez-Rodriguez, 24, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was extradited from the Dominican Republic to face charges in the Southern District of New York of murder, narcotics, and firearms in connection with his alleged role in an attempted gunpoint robbery of a Mount Vernon, New York, warehouse that sold various unlicensed marijuana and nicotine products. Two people — one employee of the warehouse and one member of the roughly 15-man robbery crew — were shot and killed during the failed robbery attempt.
    • Ehis Lawrence Akhimie, 41, a Nigerian national, was extradited from the United Kingdom to face charges in the Southern District of Florida for allegedly engaging in a transnational criminal organization that operated an inheritance fraud scheme targeting elder U.S. consumers.
    • Bikramjit Ahluwalia, 39, a dual citizen of the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates living in Dubai, was extradited from Spain to face charges in the Western District of North Carolina of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to damage a protected computer, and wire fraud for his alleged role in an extensive tech support fraud scheme.
    • Danhong “Jean” Chen, also known as Maria Sofia Taylor, 60, a San Jose, California, immigration attorney, was extradited from the Kyrgyz Republic to face charges in the Northern District of California for allegedly committing visa fraud and related crimes to obtain immigration benefits for more than 100 foreign investors through the government’s Employment-Based Immigration Fifth Preference, or “EB-5,” visa program. Chen is the first extradition from the Kyrgyz Republic to the United States on federal criminal charges.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrests and extraditions along with the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department thanks and acknowledges the instrumental role of its law enforcement partners in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mexico, Spain and the United Kingdom for making these extraditions possible.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Joins Colleagues in Supporting Foresters Affected by Natural Disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) in reintroducing legislation to help America’s landowners recover from the loss of timber after natural disasters. The Disaster Reforestation Act amends and makes improvements to the tax code to allow forest owners to deduct the value of their timber prior to the loss caused by a natural disaster.
    Sen. Tuberville cosponsored this legislation in the 118th Congress.
    “Natural disasters can’t be stopped, but we can help those who are affected by them,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Taking care of Alabama’s foresters is crucial to our state’s industry. This bill lightens the load when our forest owners are hit by a storm. It’s encouraging to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle coming together to help future foresters in the wake of disaster.”
    “Louisianans know too well the importance of natural disaster relief,” said Sen. Cassidy. “When their lives and communities are torn apart by storms, they need a fix like this.”
    U.S. Sens. Tuberville and Cassidy were also joined by U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-AL), Angus King (I-ME), and Raphael Warnock (D-GA) in cosponsoring the legislation.
    This legislation is supported by the Alabama Forestry Association, American Forest Foundation, Arkansas Forestry Association, Association of Consulting Foresters, California Forestry Association, Florida Forestry Association, Forest Resources Association, Forestry Association of South Carolina, Georgia Forestry Association, Hardwood Federation, Iowa Coalition For Trees and Forests, Iowa Woodland Owners, Kentucky Forest Industries Association, Louisiana Forestry Association, Massachusetts Forest Alliance, Mississippi Forestry Association, National Alliance of Forest Owners, National Association of State Foresters, National Woodlands Association, North Carolina Forestry Association, Ohio Forestry Association, Oklahoma Forestry Association, Pennsylvania Forestry Association, Society of American Foresters, Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association, Southern Group of State Foresters, Tennessee Forestry Association, Texas Forestry Association, The Carbon Fund, Trees Forever, Virginia Forestry Association, Washington Farm Forestry Association, Washington Forest Protection Association, and Wildlife Mississippi.
    Read full text of the legislation here.
    BACKGROUND:
    Previous disaster relief policies and programs provide much-needed relief for agriculture crops and farmers, however, they do not provide any economic relief for farmers whose timber crops were destroyed. The Disaster Reforestation Act allows landowners to deduct the full value of timber destroyed during disaster events in the same way the tax code treats other crops.
    In the case of the loss of uncut timber from fire, storm, other casualty, or theft, the basis used for determining the amount of the deduction may not be less than the excess of the appraised value of the uncut timber determined immediately before the loss was sustained or over the salvage value of the timber.
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –