NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Local Development Plan – more time to Have Your Say

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is providing more time for people and organisations with an interest in future development and investment in the area, to respond to its current consultation on its evidence papers for the Highland Local Development Plan. The deadline for responding to the consultation on evidence has been extended to 12 noon on Friday, 2 May, 2025.

    The new Highland Local Development Plan to be prepared will ultimately be used to determine planning applications and steer future development and investment in the area. The consultation seeks views on the evidence collated so far to inform preparation of the new plan.

    Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: “The Evidence Papers highlight the unique challenges that Highland is facing and what evidence is needed to address them. This is presented for Housing and Economy, Infrastructure First, Transport and Connectivity, Climate Change and Energy, Natural Environment, Our Coastline and Design, Wellbeing and Placemaking. The Evidence Papers also contain Area Profiles that focus on how each of Highland’s sub-regions functions, along with important facts and figures and attributes.”

    The evidence needs to be sufficient, and the Council needs to assess the implications of its evidence before preparing the new plan, so in the evidence papers the Council is asking for views on this.

    Getting feedback on this is important as it can help with the next stage, as the Council prepares its formal ‘Evidence Report’ that will be submitted for independent review later in 2025, before a draft plan is prepared.

    Councillor Gowans added: “Feedback is welcome on all the sections of the consultation or just those parts of most interest to the person or organisation responding.”

    Alongside the evidence consultation, the Council is inviting the submission of new development site suggestions to be considered for inclusion in the new plan. Feedback to that call for development sites is particularly encouraged from landowners, developers and communities that have land or building opportunities that they wish to promote for housing, industry or mixed-use development. The deadline for submissions is 12 noon on Friday, 2 May, 2025.

    Take part here:  https://www.highland.gov.uk/hldp

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Still time to take part in the Highland Visitor Levy Consultation

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Image of Visitor Levy banner

    The Highland Council has been hosting a series of in-person and on-line engagement events as part of the current consultation process on the proposed Visitor Levy Scheme for Highland.

    The last of the Community Webinar sessions takes place on 19 March from 18:00 to 19:00 via this link:

    https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ab67960b-8b01-43aa-b71c-513418382e29@89f0b56e-6d16-4fe8-9dba-176fa940f7c9

    The Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Bill Lobban said: “I want to thank everyone who has attended the events in person and on-line. If anyone has been unable to attend any of the sessions, there is still time to feed your views into our consultation as it runs up until 31 March.

    “In addition to the public events, we’ve taken part in several sessions specifically for the business community. As well as getting feedback from businesses and the tourism sector, it is important that we gather as many views from individuals, community groups and businesses as possible to make the consultation inclusive and ensuring that it fairly and accurately captures opinion and feedback from across all communities.”

    As well as a link to the consultation portal – https://www.highland.gov.uk/visitorlevyconsultation, the information on the Council’s website includes helpful FAQs that have been updated with questions raised at the public engagement sessions.

    Cllr Lobban added: “All comments received from the on-line consultation and public engagement sessions will be analysed and included as part of a report that will be presented to council at a future date. I therefore encourage anyone who has not yet filled in the on-line consultation, to do so before the deadline.”

    A report will be considered at a future meeting of The Highland Council which will set out the findings of the consultation.”

    18 Mar 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: INDIAN AND FRENCH NAVIES SET FOR THE 23rd EDITION OF BILATERAL NAVAL EXERCISE – VARUNA 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 18 MAR 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi

    The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, a testament to the enduring maritime partnership between India and France, is set to take place from 19 to 22 Mar 25. Since its inception in 2001, VARUNA has evolved into a cornerstone of cooperation, showcasing the two nations’ commitment to enhancing naval interoperability and operational synergy. This year’s edition promises an exhilarating array of maritime exercises and complex manoeuvres across the sub-surface, surface, and air domains. The joint participation of the aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, highlights the collaborative strength of both Navies.

    VARUNA 2025 will feature advanced air defence drills and fighter exercises, including mock air-to-air combat between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, designed to refine tactical and operational capabilities. Anti-submarine warfare exercises will provide rigorous training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will demonstrate synchronised manoeuvres and engagements by the Indian and French fleets. Maritime patrol aircraft will enhance situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises will fortify logistical cooperation. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of safeguarding a free, open, and secure maritime environment.

    By fostering the exchange of best practices and mutual understanding, the exercise reaffirms the ability of both nations to operate seamlessly in even the most complex maritime scenarios. VARUNA 2025 stands as a powerful reminder of the deep bonds uniting the Indian and French Navies in their pursuit of maritime peace and security.

    *****

    VM/SPS    

    (Release ID: 2112430) Visitor Counter : 12

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union – Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council (17 Mar. 2025)

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot took part in yesterday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where important discussions were held on several topical international issues.

    With regard to the situation in Ukraine, France reiterated the need to strengthen military support for Ukraine and to step up pressure on Russia by adopting additional sanctions. During the month of March, the EU allocated nearly €4.5 billion to support Ukraine.

    The Member States stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire in Gaza, releasing the hostages and resuming humanitarian aid. France emphasized that the plan endorsed by the Arab League on March 8 represented an important contribution. We also reaffirmed our opposition to any plan involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of European efforts to preserve the two-state solution.

    As for Syria, France condemned the violence that occurred in the coastal region and noted the gradual, reversible nature of the lifting of individual and sectoral sanctions in light of recent events. We also proposed sanctions targeting those responsible for the atrocities committed against civilians in the west of the country.

    Furthermore, at France’s initiative, European sanctions were adopted against the Islamic State – Khorasan Province and its propaganda organ. The Foreign Affairs Council also authorized the adoption of restrictive measures against nine individuals and one entity as part of the sanctions regime relating to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union on EU-Kingdom of Morocco trade agreements – O-000009/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000009/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    João Oliveira (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Estrella Galán (The Left), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Ruth Firmenich (NI), Maria Zacharia (NI), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Montero (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Fabio De Masi (NI), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    On 4 October 2024, the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning cases [C-778/21P and C-798/21P] and [C-779/21P and C-799/21P] was released. It dismissed appeals brought by the Commission and the Council of the European Union against the judgments of the General Court of September 2021 (respectively, EU:T:2021:640 and EU:T:2021:639) concerning the trade agreements between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco. Those judgments had declared the respective trade agreements null and void.

    The judgment reiterates that the Polisario Front is ‘a privileged interlocutor in the process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations with a view to determining the future status of Western Sahara, the decisions of which are binding on all EU Member States and institutions’.

    It also states that the agreements in question do not mean that the EU recognises ‘the claims of the Kingdom of Morocco concerning sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara’ and that the application of an agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco concerning the territory of Western Sahara must receive the consent of its people and its legitimate representatives, otherwise their right to self-determination would be violated.

    The conclusion of agreements with Morocco, ignoring the CJEU’s preliminary rulings, has caused damage to the Sahrawi people by granting access to resources unlawfully exploited thus far by Morocco, for which they must be compensated.

    In the light of these decisions:

    • 1.What steps has the Commission taken to comply with the CJEU decision?
    • 2.Will it start negotiations with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, to compensate for the ensuing damage and on the future trade framework for those territories?
    • 3.What steps will it take, in compliance with the provisions of countless UN resolutions, to uphold the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    Lapses: 14.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Decision by the Court of Justice of the European Union on EU-Kingdom of Morocco trade agreements – O-000008/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000008/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 142
    João Oliveira (The Left), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Estrella Galán (The Left), Andreas Schieder (S&D), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Jaume Asens Llodrà (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Maria Zacharia (NI), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Kostas Papadakis (NI), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Per Clausen (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Carolina Morace (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Irene Montero (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left), Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Fabio De Masi (NI), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Ruth Firmenich (NI)

    On 4 October 2024, the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) concerning cases [C-778/21P and C-798/21P] and [C-779/21P and C-799/21P] was released. It dismissed appeals brought by the Commission and the Council of the European Union against the judgments of the General Court of September 2021 (respectively, EU:T:2021:640 and EU:T:2021:639) concerning the trade agreements between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco. Those judgments had declared the respective trade agreements null and void.

    The judgment reiterates that the Polisario Front is ‘a privileged interlocutor in the process conducted under the auspices of the United Nations with a view to determining the future status of Western Sahara, the decisions of which are binding on all EU Member States and institutions’.

    It also states that the agreements in question do not mean that the EU recognises ‘the claims of the Kingdom of Morocco concerning sovereignty over the territory of Western Sahara’ and that the application of an agreement between the EU and the Kingdom of Morocco concerning the territory of Western Sahara must receive the consent of its people and its legitimate representatives, otherwise their right to self-determination would be violated.

    The conclusion of agreements with Morocco, ignoring the CJEU’s preliminary rulings, has caused damage to the Sahrawi people by granting access to resources unlawfully exploited thus far by Morocco, for which they must be compensated.

    In the light of these decisions:

    • 1.What steps has the Council taken to comply with the CJEU decision?
    • 2.Will it start negotiations with the Polisario Front, the legitimate representative of the Sahrawi people, to compensate for the ensuing damage and on the future trade framework for those territories?
    • 3.What steps will it take, in compliance with the provisions of countless UN resolutions, to uphold the right of the Sahrawi people to self-determination?

    Submitted: 13.3.2025

    Lapses: 14.6.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Schedule for interoperability – E-000909/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000909/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    The EU’s interoperability project aims to link up and reorganise several biometrics-based databases, including the Schengen Information System (SIS II), the Visa Information System (VIS), the Eurodac system for recording the fingerprints of asylum seekers, the Criminal Records Information System for third-country nationals (ECRIS-TCN) and the Entry/Exit System (EES). The fulcrum of the framework is the shared biometric matching system (sBMS). In addition, a European Search Portal (ESP) is to be developed to enable the simultaneous searching of all five systems. All biometric data will be stored centrally in a common identity repository (CIR). There have been, however, some serious delays in making these newly established systems operational.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s current binding schedule for implementing the interoperability project and introducing the necessary new legislation (such as the Eurodac recast)?
    • 2.When are the national and central systems ECRIS-TCN, EES, VIS4EES, ETIAS, sBMS, ESP, CIR expected to be technically ready for launch and when will they finally become operational?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to claim damages from unpunctual suppliers for the serious delays in the operational launch of the EES, and is it also investigating Agnès Diallo, the former manager at Atos and interim director of eu-LISA, in this regard?

    Submitted: 4.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Violation of European legislation due to discrimination in maternity leave for substitute teachers in Greece – E-001020/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001020/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elena Kountoura (The Left)

    In Greece, there is a serious issue of discrimination regarding maternity leave for substitute teachers, who are only entitled to 119 days of parental leave[1]. Because of this, many women are forced to return to work early or even resign[2], with multiple negative consequences for their family as well as for their financial and professional situation. The Greek Government’s refusal to equalise maternity leave for this category of workers raises a serious problem, both for the protection of women’s rights and for the country’s compliance with European law.

    Taking into account: a) the Commission’s letter of formal notice to Greece for the incorrect transposition of Directive 1999/70/EC[3] into national law, setting a two-month deadline for Greece to eliminate discrimination between workers, b) Article 5(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance, which stipulates that every worker is individually entitled to four months of parental leave[4], c) the deadline for equalising leave for substitute and permanent staff by the end of September 2024[5], d) the fact that substitute teachers are not entitled to leave in the event of threatened miscarriage, and e) the fact that the Greek Government has ignored all of the above:

    • 1.What actions does the Commission intend to take to ensure the protection of female workers and the country’s full compliance with European law?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to support Member States in protecting gender equality in the workplace?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    • [1] In contrast to the nine months provided for permanent teachers, see Article 142 of Law 3655/2008, as amended by Article 43 of Law 4997/2022 (https://www.kepea.gr/uplds/file/2022/n4997%202022.pdf) and Article 33 of Law 4808/2021 (https://www.minedu.gov.gr/publications/docs2021/adeies_anaplirotwn_ekpaideutikwn.pdf).
    • [2] It is noted that resignation is accompanied by a two-year exclusion from recruitment competitions, https://www.minedu.gov.gr/publications/docs2018/N4589FEK13.pdf.
    • [3] The directive prohibits discrimination against workers with fixed-term contracts.
    • [4] Member States shall put in place the necessary measures to ensure that each worker is individually entitled to four months of parental leave to be taken before the child reaches a certain age, up to the age of eight, to be determined by the Member State or by collective agreements, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EL/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02019L1158-20190712.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/el/inf_24_3228.
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – 70 Christians found beheaded in a church in the DRC – European Union’s response – E-001018/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001018/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR), Miriam Lexmann (PPE)

    According to an Open Doors report from field sources[1], as well as reports from media outlets such as the Dutch NOS[2], 70 Christians were found beheaded in a church in the territory of Lubero in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence perpetrated on 13 February 2025 by suspected militants from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) with proven ties to ISIS, serves as a clear indicator of widespread human rights violations against civilians and vulnerable communities, often targeting Christians, in a climate of impunity.

    • 1.What is the European Union’s political and practical response to this and other acts of violence perpetrated by militant groups in the DRC?
    • 2.What measures is the European Union ready to apply to combat impunity in the DRC in relation to this attack and broader human rights abuses by groups such as the ADF?
    • 3.On 24 February 2025, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas declared that the Memorandum of Understanding on minerals between the EU and Rwanda is currently under review. Will the Commission and the European External Action Service, when reconsidering the memorandum, take into account the allegation that it fuels violence, including against Christians, in the DRC?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.opendoorsuk.org/news/latest-news/drc-attack-church/.
    • [2] https://nos.nl/artikel/2557307-icc-aanklager-in-congo-voor-onderzoek-naar-oorlogsmisdaden-rebellen
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the Commission’s plan to consolidate development offices in EU delegations in 18 hubs and close 80 offices – E-001005/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001005/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Udo Bullmann (S&D), Barry Andrews (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE)

    Euronews reports that the Directorate-General for International Partnerships is planning to cut more than 80 % of its hubs worldwide, closing 80 offices.

    Such a change will impact the EU’s development cooperation, foreign policy and partnerships long-term, considering that the EU is a major donor globally. This plan would diminish the EU’s global role and leave a vacuum for China and Russia to fill, which is counterproductive to the aims of the Global Gateway initiative.

    A reduced presence means diminished local connections and less knowledge and understanding of local contexts, priorities and opportunities. It erodes the trust of communities and partner countries. All these elements are vital for ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness and positive impact of both development work and trade as well as the promotion of business.

    • 1.In what ways is the current set-up in EU delegations not fit to deliver on the Global Gateway?
    • 2.What parameters were used to determine that the plan will increase efficiency, serve the objectives of the Global Gateway initiative, ensure delivery on the ultimate objective of EU development aid, to eradicate poverty, and what other options were considered?
    • 3.How were the hubs selected and clustered to ensure that a centralised approach does not undermine the quality and efficiency of EU development aid in the partner countries covered by each hub?

    Submitted: 7.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The Emilia Romagna Region’s LGBTQ+ tourism initiative’s potential violation of the principle of non-discrimination – E-001022/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001022/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    Authorities in Emilia-Romagna recently announced the first-ever Italian regional initiative that will focus exclusively on LGBTQ+ tourism. The project will be run in conjunction with specialised operators and involve the adoption of protocols and certification schemes, as well as the organisation of training initiatives for tour operators.

    The initiative’s stated objective is to turn Emilia-Romagna into the destination of choice for LGBTQ+ tourists by providing tailored services for this demographic.

    Given that publicly-funded initiatives that promote tourism should be predicated on equality and inclusion and should not give preferential treatment to tourists based on sexual orientation, and given also that Article 21 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union prohibits any form of discrimination, could the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.Are public initiatives which exclusively target a tourist demographic on the basis of sexual orientation compatible with EU laws on non-discrimination and fair competition?
    • 2.Could the Commission check whether any EU funds have been allocated to this project – which, despite claiming to be inclusive, risks excluding other tourist demographics – and, if this is indeed the case, how they have or will be used?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The 28th legal regime – E-001019/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001019/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez (Renew)

    The Competitiveness Compass published by the European Commission provides that a proposal for a 28th legal regime will be presented between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, the aim of which is to make it possible for innovative companies to benefit from a single, harmonised set of EU-wide rules.

    The Autonomous Community of the Basque Country and the Autonomous Community of Navarra are special cases in terms of their taxation system. The Basque Economic Agreement and the Navarra Economic Accord are recognised in the first additional provision to the Spanish Constitution, which establishes that taxation and financial relations between the Spanish State and these Communities will be governed by the traditional foral system in the form of the Basque Economic Agreement or the Navarra Economic Accord. The EU respects and accepts this state of affairs.

    Given that our cases are unique in nature and legally recognised as historic rights:

    • 1.Does the Commission see this proposal as a second legal regime for the Member States?
    • 2.Is the option of choosing between the two regimes – one of them being the regime laid down in national legislation and the other the regime agreed between European co-legislators and applicable once transposed into national law – being considered as a possibility?
    • 3.What is the state of play with this proposal?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Agri-food imports from the USA – E-000999/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000999/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    The President of the USA bemoans his country’s trade deficit with the European Union, especially in the area of agri-food products, and has called for the EU to buy more US products. The main barrier to this, though, are the differences in food safety rules, as the EU bans imports of US products that have been treated with hormones or hazardous pesticides or which are genetically modified. Similarly, Europe’s farmers are reluctant to engage in unfair external competition with products that are produced to lower standards, making it all the more complicated to resolve this trade dispute.

    How will the Commission safeguard the European Union’s food safety standards in the context of trade agreements with the United States, given the significant regulatory differences as regards the use of hormones, pesticides and genetically modified organisms in imported foodstuffs?

    Submitted: 7.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – E-001023/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001023/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kristoffer Storm (ECR)

    According to Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC:

    From 1 January 2030, final distributors that supply alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to consumers in sales packaging within the Member States must ensure that at least 10 % of those products are made available in reusable packaging within a re-use system. From 1 January 2040, these economic operators must endeavour to make 40 % of the aforementioned products available in reusable packaging within a re-use system.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that the implementation of the recently adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation does not result in administrative burden for businesses, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the economic impact of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation’s requirements on businesses and what support schemes does the Commission plan to introduce to ensure EU businesses remain competitive?
    • 3.How will the Commission ensure that the implementation of Article 29 does not lead to a distortion of competition between large and small businesses?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Balance between renewable energy and territorial sustainability: measures to avoid saturation of large-scale projects in Aragon and encourage self-consumption – E-001027/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001027/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)

    Aragon offers great potential for renewable energy, but the enormous pressure for the installation of large-scale wind and photovoltaic projects is destroying our landscapes (including in the regions around the Moncayo and Maestrazgo), damaging rural tourism, reducing arable land, damaging biodiversity and affecting people’s health and well-being through the acoustic impact of wind turbines.

    This is the result of pressure exerted by energy oligopolies to discourage generation, self-consumption and disposal of surpluses by households and SMEs. The recent European aid for the latter has been very successful, but it has fallen short, despite Europe’s need to eliminate our energy dependence and the strategic vulnerability of a generation and supply system based on large-scale installations.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to promote mechanisms to limit the excessive concentration of huge installations in certain areas of the European Union that are already saturated, such as Aragon?
    • 2.Does the Commission not believe that support should be increased for individuals and businesses of all kinds, as a strategic and security measure, to enable them to form the primary basis of a system of generation and self-consumption?

    Submitted: 10.3.2025

    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Euro area monetary policy: Quarterly overview, March 2025 – 18-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In this issue… ● US President Trump starts enacting his economic policy agenda and threatens the EU with tariffs. ● Headline inflation falls to 2.4% as underlying indicators ease. ● ECB reduces key policy rate by 25 bps. ● The euro continues to strengthen against the dollar amid growing uncertainty on US’s tariffs. ● The Fed keeps rate unchanged among economic uncertainty while challenges to independence arise. ● ECB reckons new US approach to cryptos and CBDCs strengthens the case for a digital euro.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: CEB and EIB sign agreement to facilitate co-financing and boost investment impact

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) deepened their long-standing partnership by signing a Mutual Reliance Agreement today to strengthen co-operation, facilitate co-financing and enhance the impact of public sector projects in countries of operation outside of the European Union.

    A key element of this approach is the mutual recognition of each institution’s procurement policies and procedures, thus reducing transaction costs and administrative burden. By streamlining project preparation and implementation, the agreement will allow both the CEB and the EIB to focus on delivering tangible benefits for their member countries.

    The agreement also aligns with the recommendations of the G20 Roadmap for Better, Bigger, and More Effective Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), which calls on MDBs to enhance country-level coordination and co-financing, including through mutual reliance agreements for greater development financing efficiency.

    “As Chair of the Heads of MDBs Group this year, the CEB is committed to fostering stronger collaboration among multilateral development banks to increase our collective impact. This CEB-EIB agreement is a concrete example of how MDBs are working together more effectively as a system, to deliver financing where it is most needed. By tightening our cooperation, we can accelerate support for sustainable development, social cohesion and economic resilience in our countries of operation to benefit the communities we serve,” said CEB Governor Carlo Monticelli.  

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño said: “ It is more important than ever that we join forces in mobilising investment and supporting a strong European voice in the world. The agreement we signed today with the Council of Europe Development Bank reflects our strong partnership, financing projects that build stronger communities and improve lives across the European Union and beyond.”

    The CEB and EIB have a strong track record of co-financing projects that drive social and economic development across Europe. Recent examples of collaboration include financing vital water irrigation investments in Greece; jointly supporting a landmark cultural, social and educational hub in Cyprus; and investing in water and wastewater facilities in Serbia. Projects in the healthcare sector are also being jointly appraised in the Western Balkans region.  

    The agreement will enable both institutions to co-finance larger and more complex projects that no single lender could undertake alone, leveraging their collective financial strength and expertise to maximise the impact of strategic investments.

    Background information

    EIB   

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.  

    About the CEB

    The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) is a multilateral development bank, whose unique mission is to promote social cohesion in its 43 member states across Europe. The CEB finances investment in social sectors, including education, health and affordable housing, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable people. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. As a multilateral bank with an excellent credit rating, the CEB funds itself on the international capital markets. It approves projects according to strict social, environmental and governance criteria, and provides technical assistance. In addition, the CEB receives funds from donors to complement its activities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Exchange with European Chief Prosecutor on the EPPO Annual Report for 2024 – 19-03-2025 – Committee on Budgetary Control – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 19 March, MEPs of the LIBE and CONT committees will discuss with Laura Codruța Kövesi, European Chief Prosecutor, the Annual activity report of the Office of European Public Prosecutor for the year 2024.

    Last year has been important for the development of the EPPO activities. The Office recorded sizeable increases in terms of ongoing investigations it has carried, new opened cases and indictments it has handled. By the end of 2024, the Office had 2 666 active investigations, for a total estimated damage over €24.8 billion.

    The report highlights the overall trend where EU fraud has become highly attractive to very dangerous criminals, in particular organised crime groups and presents a major security issue for the EU. 2024 has also been an important year from the institutional perspective, as it saw Poland and Sweden to join the enhanced cooperation on the EPPO. Therefore as of the end of 2024, the EPPO was able to investigate and prosecute fraud affecting Union funds in 24 EU countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funds to environmental lobbying groups to promote the European Green Deal – E-000838/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000838/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Ondřej Kovařík (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE)

    A recent investigation by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf[1] has uncovered serious irregularities, according to which it is alleged that the Commission allocated substantial EU funds to environmental lobbying groups to promote its own ‘green agenda’.

    Furthermore, during Parliament’s Plenary Session of 22 January 2025[2], Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin admitted that ‘it was inappropriate for … the Commission to enter into agreements that oblige NGOs to lobby Members of the European Parliament’.

    Given these revelations, could the Commission clarify the following:

    • 1.Will the Commission disclose the nature, amount and source of the funds allocated for each legislative proposal that was subject to such an ‘inappropriate practice’, and provide a detailed list of beneficiaries from Czechia, specifying the amounts received by them and the lobbying objectives assigned?
    • 2.What measures has the Commission taken, or does it intend to take, to investigate and address the identified irregularities, and how will it ensure the accountability of those responsible for improper or illegal practices, and prevent further conflicts of interest in the EU’s decision-making processes?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to review and/or withdraw the European Green Deal legislation that may have been compromised by the findings revealed by De Telegraaf?

    Submitted: 25.2.2025

    • [1] Bakker, Alexander, ‘Lobbyschandaal in Brussel: EU betaalde milieuclubs in het geheim voor promotie van groene plannen Timmermans’, De Telegraaf, 22 January 2025, https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1287315486/lobbyschandaal-in-brussel-eu-betaalde-milieuclubs-in-het-geheim-voor-promotie-van-groene-plannen-timmermans.
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/CRE-10-2025-01-22-ITM-015_DE.html.
    Last updated: 18 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Trade on the European Council agenda – 18-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The repeated crises of recent years, including the COVID pandemic and the Russian war on Ukraine, have disrupted trade relations in many ways. Competition on global markets has become fiercer and the rules-based multilateral order established after World War II is increasingly challenged. The tariffs imposed by the new United States (US) administration are adding to the uncertainty. Trade in goods and services accounts for 22.4 % of EU GDP – the EU is the world’s biggest trading bloc and top trading partner for 80 countries. Trade is thus crucial for the EU’s growth and competitiveness. In that context, the development of a robust trade policy, enabling the EU to defend itself effectively against unfair trade practices and to level the playing field, has become a core priority for EU leaders. Consequently, trade – an issue traditionally in the hands of the European Commission – has grown in importance on the European Council agenda in recent years. Developing a bold trade policy is also one of the core elements of the New Competitiveness Deal, which was discussed at the EU leaders’ special meeting in April 2024. The importance of EU assertiveness on the global stage to defend its trade interests was underlined in the European Council’s 2024-2029 Strategic Agenda, the document setting out the EU’s direction for the current 5-year term, as well as in the Budapest Declaration of November 2024. It is in light of recent developments that EU leaders will discuss trade at their 20-21 March meeting in Brussels.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – ECB Communication and Policy Responses: Being Effective in an Era of Disinflation and Economic Policy Uncertainty – 18-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing report evaluates the ECB’s monetary policy in a context of declining inflation and stagnant growth. Inflation risks have been averted and, after a period of relatively tight policy in 2024, benchmark comparisons indicate that the current interest rate is consistent with the ECB’s mandate. The prevailing economic and inflation outlook supports further rate cuts. However, the high level of economic policy uncertainty necessitates cautious adjustments. Moreover, official ECB communications offer valuable signals regarding future policy steps. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 20 March 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Unpredictable Tariffs by the US: Implications for the euro area and its monetary policy – 18-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Were the US to impose large and lasting tariffs on its imports from the EU, the effect on the euro area (EA) would be substantial and far-reaching. We expect the direct impact to be inflationary in the US and contractionary on EA aggregate demand and output. The indirect impact through an appreciation of the dollar (partly already occurred) tends to transfer inflation from the US to Europe. The ECB should be mindful that both deflationary and inflationary influences may ensue, and be ready to adjust monetary policy promptly if necessary to maintain price stability. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 20 March 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The state of EU relations with Algeria following the arrest of Boualem Sansal – E-000089/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU-Algeria relations are framed by an Association Agreement[1] (2005) and Partnership Priorities[2] (2017), which have been extended. Recently, the Algerian authorities publicly expressed their intention to renegotiate the Association Agreement; however, no concrete proposals have yet been received by the EU.

    Through the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI), the EU finances projects in the field of governance and institutional capacity-building (including decentralisation), with a total budget of EUR 27 million.

    These ongoing projects are implemented in the country by European public bodies, development agencies and private companies.

    Additional projects focusing on protection of children in vulnerable situations, youth participation, women’s empowerment, and fight against sexual and gender-based violence are implemented by international organisations and civil society organisations.

    The EU has been closely monitoring the case of the Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal since his arrest and, in full coordination with the French authorities, has raised the matter with Algerian authorities in both Algiers and Brussels. The EU remains fully engaged on this issue.

    While the EU is committed to addressing human rights concerns, it believes that constructive dialogue is the most effective approach. It will continue to advocate for the respect of human rights, including freedom of expression, while maintaining engagement with Algeria.

    This will also be pursued through the institutionalised dialogue on human rights, notably within the Sub-Committee on Political Dialogue, Security and Human Rights, which was established under the EU-Algeria Association Agreement.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A22005A1010%2801%29
    • [2] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/03/13/eu-algeria/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: European Union – Main results of the Foreign Affairs Council of 17 Mar. 2025

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot took part in yesterday’s EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where important discussions were held on several topical international issues.

    With regard to the situation in Ukraine, France reiterated the need to strengthen military support for Ukraine and to step up pressure on Russia by adopting additional sanctions. During the month of March, the EU allocated nearly €4.5 billion to support Ukraine.

    The Member States stressed the importance of preserving the ceasefire in Gaza, releasing the hostages and resuming humanitarian aid. France emphasized that the plan endorsed by the Arab League on March 8 represented an important contribution. We also reaffirmed our opposition to any plan involving the forced displacement of Palestinians and underscored the importance of European efforts to preserve the two-state solution.

    As for Syria, France condemned the violence that occurred in the coastal region and noted the gradual, reversible nature of the lifting of individual and sectoral sanctions in light of recent events. We also proposed sanctions targeting those responsible for the atrocities committed against civilians in the west of the country.

    Furthermore, at France’s initiative, European sanctions were adopted against the Islamic State – Khorasan Province and its propaganda organ. The Foreign Affairs Council also authorized the adoption of restrictive measures against nine individuals and one entity as part of the sanctions regime relating to the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Lankford Introduce Bill to Protect American Farmland from Bad Actors

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) today introduced the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act to enhance oversight and transparency over foreign purchases of American agricultural land that threaten national security.

    “America has some of the best farmland in the world, and it would be a grave mistake to allow Communist China to take ownership of this valuable resource,” said Risch. “The SOIL Act will provide strict guidance and oversight to prevent bad actors, like China and Russia, from purchasing our agricultural land—particularly land near U.S. military installations.”

    “China continues to buy up American farm land, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian world view. America will demonstrate to the world our values and maintain our economic and military strength to assure the globe has the best opportunity for freedom. No one in China should doubt America’s resolve and commitment to liberty,” said Lankford.

    The SOIL Act deters criminal investment in US agriculture by:

    • Requiring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agriculture real estate purchases by certain foreign entities;

    • Banning federal assistance for certain foreign-held real estate holdings; and

    • Broadening disclosure requirements for land purchases made by foreign entities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock Rebukes Deputy Treasury Secretary Nominee’s Perception of Georgians on Medicaid, Opposes Nomination

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock Rebukes Deputy Treasury Secretary Nominee’s Perception of Georgians on Medicaid, Opposes Nomination

    Following Dr. Michael Faulkender’s previous statements that Georgians on Medicaid need to be “self-sufficient,” Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted the range of Georgians who rely on Medicaid, including children, working people, seniors in nursing homes, and one in 10 veterans 

    Faulkender is nominated by the Trump Administration to be the Deputy Treasury Secretary

    Senator Reverend Warnock highlighted how Medicaid recipients receive more scrutiny than Elon Musk, who has received $38 billion in government grants, loans, and subsidies

    Earlier this year, Senator Reverend Warnock also opposed Scott Bessent’s nomination to become Treasury Secretary, due to Bessent’s steadfast commitment to protecting tax cuts for the nation’s wealthiest

    Senator Reverend Warnock during the hearing: “Who does he [Dr. Michael Faulkender] think should be self-sufficient? Should children and seniors in nursing homes, veterans? One in 10 veterans are enrolled in Medicaid. People with mental illness or substance [use] Who is he talking about?” 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) pushed back against the misperception of Medicaid recipients during a Senate Finance Executive Session before opposing Dr. Michael Faulkender’s nomination to become the Deputy Treasury Secretary in the Trump Administration. Senator Warnock cited several issues with Faulkender’s nomination, most notably Faulkender’s perception of Americans that are on Medicaid. Last week, Faulkender suggested Georgia Medicaid recipients, including children, veterans, seniors in nursing homes, people struggling with addiction, and people working full time simply needed to become “self-sufficient.” 

    “I am disappointed that Dr. Faulkender does not seem understand or care about the concerns of hard-working Georgia families, the people I know,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “When we talked about Washington Republicans plans to cut Medicaid, and I asked the nominee his thoughts, he suggested that people just need to “Be self-sufficient” and just get better jobs with better benefits.”

    After defending the many Georgians and millions of hardworking Americans on Medicaid, Senator Warnock highlighted that Elon Musk, the leader in slashing government spending, accepted over $38 billion in government contracts, loans, subsidies and tax credits.

    “These folks have jobs and responsibilities, they are construction workers, restaurant workers, home caregivers, farmhands, and they are doing exactly want the nominee wants them to do, but he and Washington Republicans want to kick them off of Medicaid anyway,” continued Senator Warnock. “Who else does this nominee think should be self-sufficient? I wonder if he thinks Elon Musk should be self-sufficient? He has received $38 billion in government contracts, government loans, government subsidies and tax credits.”

    Earlier this year, Senator Warnock also opposed now Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s nomination. During the hearing Senator Warnock grilled Bessent on his glaring commitment to tax cuts for exclusively the nation’s wealthiest. Bessent indicated there wasn’t any high level of income which he wouldn’t continue to provide tax cuts for, including Americans making upwards to $1 billion.

    Senator Warnock has always been a champion for tax cuts, credits, and programs that support working families and fought to make sure the nation’s wealthiest pay their fair share. Senator Warnock fought to secure the Expanded Child Tax Credit as part of the American Rescue Plan and has advocated to make the Expanded CTC permanent in the effort to slash child poverty in Georgia and across America.

    Watch the Senator’s full remarks HERE.

    See below a transcript of Senator Warnock’s remarks on his vote opposing Michael Faulkender’s nomination: 

    Senator Reverend Warnock (SRW): “A week like this in Washington a reminds me of why I return every week to my pulpit. Spending time with people in my church and all across my community. They are the folks who keep me grounded. These are the folk who are seeing their paychecks buy less and less, while the rich get richer and the poor get poorer. These are ordinary people who I am thinking about when I consider whether Congress should spend trillions of dollars on a huge tax cut that overwhelmingly benefits millionaires and billionaires while the entire half of working families pick up the tab through cuts to their health care. In addition to that, blow a $4.5 trillion hole in the debt.”

    “I am disappointed that Dr. Faulkender does not seem understand or care about the concerns of hard-working Georgia families, the people I know. When we talked about Washington Republicans plans to cut Medicaid, and I asked the nominee his thoughts, he suggested that people just need to “Be self-sufficient” and just get better jobs with better benefits.”

    “I was raised by a dad who poured into me a serious work ethic, so I believe in self-sufficiency. Almost all of the adults on Medicaid are either working, or in school, or they are caregivers. If they can work, they do work. These folks have jobs and responsibilities, they are construction workers, restaurant servers, home caregivers, farmhands, and they are doing exactly want this nominee wants them to do, but he and Washington Republicans want to kick them off of Medicaid anyway. Who else does this nominee think should be self-sufficient? I wonder if he thinks Elon Musk should be self-sufficient?”

    “He has received $38 billion in government contracts, government loans, government subsidies and tax credits. Who does he think should be self-sufficient? Should children? And seniors in nursing homes, veterans? One in 10 veterans are enrolled in Medicaid. People with mental illness or substance [use]? Who is he talking about?”

    “Let’s be clear. If folks want to have a serious, bipartisan conversation about reducing our debt, I am all in on the conversation. I am deeply worried about the debt that we will leave our children and our grandchildren, as the father of two young children myself. If you want to have a conversation about that, I am ready. If you want to have a conversation about lowering health care costs, I am ready to do it in a bipartisan way. But, I am unwilling to give a hand out to the wealthiest people in our country while blowing a huge hole in the debt.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Push Back on Proposed Cuts to Disaster Programs Helping Georgians Recover From Helene

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Push Back on Proposed Cuts to Disaster Programs Helping Georgians Recover From Helene

    In a new letter, Senator Reverend Warnock led 42 of his colleagues in an effort to push back against U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s proposed cuts to disaster recovery programs

    HUD disaster recovery programs help rebuild houses and small businesses, repair roads and bridges, restore clean drinking water service, and invest in workforce development for Georgians who’ve lost jobs

    Georgia is scheduled to receive $256 million under the HUD program for Helene and Milton recovery

    The cuts would reduce the number of employees at the HUD office responsible for getting disaster relief directly to Georgians and Americans from 936 to 150 – an 84% reduction

    The proposed cuts come as Georgia and several other states throughout the Southeast are in the midst of the recovery process following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

    Senator Reverend Warnock recently called for the Trump Administration to distribute federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers that Congress secured after Hurricane Helene

    Senator Reverend Warnock has been outspoken on aimless cuts to key government agencies, departments, and federal programs that hardworking Americans rely on

    Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers: “The CDBG-DR [disaster recovery] program is critical to our states’ ability to recover from natural disasters, and it is essential that HUD distributes funding as quickly and efficiently as possible”

    Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led an effort with 42 of his Senate colleagues pushing back on U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s proposed cuts to crucial disaster recovery programs that are under the umbrella of HUD.

    The cuts would reduce employees at HUD’s office of Community Planning and Development, which administers the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, a crucial pot of funding that helps impacted communities with disaster recovery following extreme weather events like hurricanes. Under this program, Georgia is scheduled to receive $256 million for Helene and Milton recovery, which would likely be in jeopardy due to the cuts.

    This disaster relief work includes rebuilding houses and small businesses, repairing roads and bridges, restoring water services, and investing in workforce development for Georgians who’ve lost jobs. The proposed employee reduction at HUD is roughly 84%, a massive drop from 936 to 150, and would likely impede the hurricane recovery process in Georgia.

    “Communities across the country experienced significant natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. States across the South—including Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—were devastated by Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” wrote the Senators. “CDBG-DR provides states, cities, counties, and Tribes with funding to support recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters.”

    The news of the proposed cuts comes as Georgia is still in the midst of the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Senators Warnock and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) recently called for the Trump Administration to distribute federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers that Congress secured after Hurricane Helene.

    “Specifically, you [Secretary Turner] stated that “one of [your] top priorities” as HUD Secretary would “be to ensure that the disaster recovery funding passed by Congress gets out to communities swiftly” and “into the hands of Americans who have been impacted by recent disasters.”  Your statements indicated a strong commitment to providing our disaster-impacted communities with the resources they need, but we are concerned that recent actions at the Department have not matched that verbal commitment,” the Senators continued.

    “We urge you to immediately stop any additional cuts to the workforce and contracts involved in disaster recovery oversight, and reinstate any recently terminated probationary staff,” the lawmakers concluded.

    In November of last year, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressional Appropriators, and Governor Brian Kemp requested $3 billion in CDBG-DR funding for Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Senator Warnock has pushed back on several efforts, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, to aimlessly cut key government agencies, departments, and federal programs that hardworking Americans rely on. Senator Warnock fought back against cuts to Medicaid in the tax bill proposed by Washington Republicans, spoke out when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was effectively closed, and most recently warned Georgians of the impact when the announcement of five Georgia Social Security Administration offices would be closed.

    Read the letter HERE and below.

    Dear Secretary Turner:

    We write today regarding our concerns that recent actions taken by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are hampering our states’ ability to access Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, and could degrade the ability to recover from both current and future disasters. The CDBG-DR program is critical to our states’ ability to recover from natural disasters, and it is essential that HUD distributes funding as quickly and efficiently as possible. We request additional information on your plans to ensure that communities continue to receive the resources they need to rebuild.

    Communities across the country experienced significant natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. States across the South—including Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—were devastated by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, while Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Illinois experienced severe storms. States in the Northeast— including Vermont and Massachusetts —faced life-threatening floods, while states in the West —including California, Washington State, and Hawaii—saw catastrophic wildfires.

    CDBG-DR provides states, cities, counties, and Tribes with funding to support recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters. In December 2024, Congress appropriated $12 billion in emergency supplemental CDBG-DR funding. During your confirmation process, you made clear that, if confirmed, you would prioritize getting our constituents CDBG-DR funding as quickly as possible. Specifically, you stated that “one of [your] top priorities” as HUD Secretary would “be to ensure that the disaster recovery funding passed by Congress gets out to communities swiftly” and “into the hands of Americans who have been impacted by recent disasters.”  Your statements indicated a strong commitment to providing our disaster-impacted communities with the resources they need, but we are concerned that recent actions at the Department have not matched that verbal commitment.

    For years, the HUD Office of Inspector General listed disaster recovery oversight as a top management challenge at HUD, noting the need for systems and staff to keep pace with increases in CDBG-DR funding, as well as the need to build the capacity of CDBG-DR grantees. The latest Top Management Challenges report highlighted multiple ways in which HUD has made “meaningful progress,” largely due to the investment Congress has made over the years to support staff, systems, and capacity building. Over the last week, however more than one thousand HUD employees (13% of HUD’s workforce) were fired or accepted the Administration’s deferred resignation offer – including staff supporting the CDBG-DR program. Furthermore, according to recent reports, HUD “plans to discharge 50% of its overall workforce”, and the Office of Community Planning and Development, which is responsible for supporting disaster recovery efforts, is targeted for a staggering 84% cut.  Should such cuts move forward, it is unclear how the Department will continue to ensure the efficient delivery of CDBG-DR funds so our states and communities can continue to rebuild after devastating disasters. 

    HUD has also postponed previously scheduled trainings designed to help grantees understand CDBG-DR program requirements, and it is not clear when those trainings will resume.  Moreover, continued uncertainty on whether and the extent to which HUD may change the current Universal Notice governing the latest allocations from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158) could cause additional delays. At least one grantee has already started accepting public comments on their draft action plan. Any major deviations from current requirements could be a huge setback for communities, adding months to recovery efforts. 

    We urge you to immediately stop any additional cuts to the workforce and contracts involved in disaster recovery oversight, and reinstate any recently terminated probationary staff.

    To help us better understand the current status of the CDBG-DR program and your plans to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of CDBG-DR funds for our states and others across the country, we request information to the following questions no later than Monday, March 24, 2025:

    1. All grantees who received allocations from Public Law 118-158 have been using the CDBG-DR Universal Notice to develop their action plans.
      1. Do you intend to make changes to the Universal Notice?
      2. If so, how will HUD do that in a way that is minimally disruptive to the grantees whose actions plans are underway and to avoid delaying assistance?
      3. What is HUD’s timeline for reissuing the second allocation notice for Public Law 118-158 funding that was posted to the Federal Register for public inspection on January 21, 2025 but withdrawn on January 22, 2025?
    1. How many HUD employees were responsible for supporting the implementation of the CDBG-DR program, including the delivery of recently appropriated supplemental funding, on January 20, 2025? Please delineate by field versus headquarters and employee status (e.g., career, conditional, term, etc.).
    1. How many HUD employees are responsible for supporting the implementation of the CDBG-DR program, including the delivery of recently appropriated supplemental funding, on[March 17, 2025]? Please delineate by field versus headquarters and employee status (e.g., career, conditional, term, etc.).
    1. What additional plans, if any, does the Department have to further reduce the number of HUD employees responsible for implementing the CDBG-DR program?
    1. What analyses, if any, has HUD conducted to assess the impact of any proposed or implemented workforce reductions on the Department’s ability to implement CDBG-DR funding? Please provide copies of any written communications, analyses, and other documentation on how workforce reductions could impact the CDBG-DR program produced between January 21, 2025, and [March 17, 2025].
    1. What services, such as trainings and the provision of technical assistance, was HUD providing to CDBG-DR grantees on January 20, 2025?
    1. What services, if any, is HUD currently providing to CDBG-DR grantees? What changes, if any, have occurred to the services provided to CDBG-DR grantees since January 20, 2025?
    1. What additional plans, if any, does the Department have to alter the available services provided to CDBG-DR grantees? 
    1. Have any contracts related to the CDBG-DR program been terminated since January 20, 2025, as a result of the ongoing review of the ongoing reviews of HUD programs?  If so, please detail which contracts, the reason for termination, and the plan for addressing the contracted work, if applicable.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Ready on Day One: U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet Reserve Enterprise

    Source: United States Navy

    NAPLES, Italy – Chief of Navy Reserve Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore’s initial fighting instruction in 2024 directed reservists to focus efforts on preparations and readiness to respond to the call when needed, “We will posture our Force for warfighting by accelerating the pace of organizational development and strengthening our warfighters. The Navy Reserve Force will be READY on DAY ONE!”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Adolescence is a technical masterpiece that exposes the darkest corners of incel culture and male rage

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Cantrell, Senior Lecturer – Writing, Editing, and Publishing, University of Southern Queensland

    Netflix

    Filmed in a one-take style, Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham’s new crime drama Adolescence is being hailed by critics as a technical masterpiece.

    Out now on Netflix, the four-part series follows the fallout surrounding 13-year-old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper) after he is arrested and later charged for the murder of his classmate, Katie. Co-creator Stephen Graham stars as Jamie’s father, Eddie.

    Adolescence draws inspiration from the United Kingdom’s knife crime epidemic, the rise of incel culture and the brutality of online bullying. These malignant forces combine to create every parent’s worst nightmare.

    However, unlike true crime, where there is often a resolution, there is no escape from the horror.

    The show’s continuous filming style offers no reprieve, and the story itself provides no easy outs – refusing to provide a simple explanation for why an intelligent boy from an “ordinary” loving family would borrow a knife from a friend and, on a casual Sunday evening, stab another child to death.

    While Jamie’s motives remain murky, the show makes one thing clear: today’s teens inhabit an online world that adults, however well-intentioned, are incapable of understanding if they do not listen.

    Anxieties distorted by algorithms

    At the centre of the show’s broken heart is a devastating truth: the most dangerous place in the world for a teenager is alone in their bedroom.

    Trapped in the dark mirror of social media, Jamie – like a growing number of teenage boys – turns to the digital “manosphere” and the grim logic of online misogynists.



    Read more:
    The draw of the ‘manosphere’: understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost men

    He subscribes to the “red pills” of incel culture, so-called truth groups and the 80/20 rule (the theory that 80% of women are attracted to 20% of men, and that women only seek out men who are physically and socially desirable).

    While Jamie is, for the most part, an outwardly “normal” and well-adjusted teen, his explosive rage and aggrieved entitlement is revealed in a climatic scene in episode three, when he intimidates and shouts down a female psychologist (Erin Doherty).

    “You do not control what I do!” he yells. “Get that in that fucking little head of yours!”

    Jamie is quick to apologise when a guard intervenes. “I shouted,” he says. “I’m sorry. Can I have another hot chocolate, please?”

    In one particularly unnerving moment, Jamie recalls his decision to ask Katie out after receiving a topless photo of her on Snapchat.

    “I thought she might be weak cause everyone was calling her a slag,” he says. “I just thought that when she was that weak, she might like me. It’s clever, don’t you think?”

    While the sinister child-teen killer trope has been a mainstay of horror, from Child’s Play (1988) to The Exorcist (1973), Adolescence out-scares its predecessors in its unflinching portrayal of a radicalised misogynist-turned murderer.

    A nightmare with no end

    The show’s most stunning achievement is without a doubt its one-take style. Each hour-long episode is filmed in a single take which, as director Philip Barantini explains, “basically means that we press record on the camera, and we don’t stop until the very end of the hour”.

    Tapping into today’s true crime zeitgeist, the series renders Jamie’s story more real than it actually is by imitating the cinéma vérité style of documentary filmmaking.

    Each episode creates an immersive fly-on-the wall experience that is deeply compelling and uncomfortable. The lack of breaks forces viewers to feel as trapped as the characters, in an unfathomable spiral through confusion, guilt and shame.

    This unease is heightened when the action is shot in claustrophobic spaces, such as inside the family van or a police interrogation room.

    The continuous shooting style makes the viewer feel as trapped as the characters as they spiral through confusion, guilt and shame.
    Netflix

    The soundtrack adds another layer of gritty true crime trauma, with random sirens, slamming doors and thumping discordant notes designed to mirror the inner turmoil of the characters.

    As the story unfolds, it charts the devastating impact of Jamie’s crime on those around him. While Katie’s school friends struggle to process their unfathomable grief, Jamie’s parents must also confront their son’s capacity for cruelty.

    “We made him,” despairs Jamie’s mother (Manda Miller).

    The unbroken style, in this regard, is important for understanding how broken this family is. Because there are no cuts, there is no escape from the nightmare.

    Indeed, Jamie seems to have fallen through the cracks of the social institutions we relied on in the pre-internet age: the schooling system, the judiciary and the family itself.

    Jamie has fallen through the cracks of the schooling system – a social institution that is supposed to help keep him and his peers safe.
    Netflix

    The generational chasm

    The show’s true sympathy lies not with its cast of troubled teens but with the baffled adults around them. Like Jamie’s parents, viewers must surrender to the sorrow and disbelief of never truly understanding what went wrong.

    Adolescence is a convincing portrayal of the widening chasm between parents and their teenage children in a savage, unregulated digital age.

    It is also a social commentary on how little we know about how to communicate with teens effectively.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Adolescence is a technical masterpiece that exposes the darkest corners of incel culture and male rage – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-is-a-technical-masterpiece-that-exposes-the-darkest-corners-of-incel-culture-and-male-rage-252390

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

    We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

    We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.

    We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

    We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.

    Regional peace and stability in the Middle East

    We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

    We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

    We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

    We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

    Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific

    We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

    We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

    We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

    We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

    Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela

    We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

    We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

    Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.

    We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

    Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage

    We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.

    MIL OSI Europe News –