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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reform Agendas and compatibility with ‘do no significant harm’ principle – E-000599/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000599/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gordan Bosanac (Verts/ALE), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE)

    The Commission recently approved Reform Agendas under the Reform and Growth Facility for Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia. Regulation 2024/1449[1], which establishes the Facility, clearly states that investment projects ‘shall be guided’ (Article 4(5)) and ‘must be compatible’ (Article 13(1)(e)) with the ‘do no significant harm’ (DNSH) principle. However, when analysing four of the Reform Agendas (all the above except for Albania), we detected at least 15 environmentally damaging projects that go against the DNSH principle. These include six gas projects proposed by Serbia and North Macedonia that constitute a direct investment of EU funds in fossil fuels (contrary to Article 4(7)) and are in danger of becoming stranded assets in the medium or long term.

    • 1.Will the Commission revise its Implementing Decision of 23 October 2024 approving the Reform Agendas and the multiannual work programme under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (C(2024)7375)?
    • 2.What steps will the Commission take to ensure that future projects proposed by the countries benefiting from the Reform and Growth Facility strictly adhere to the DNSH principle?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans, OJ L, 2024/1449, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1449/oj.
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Net-zero homes are touted as a solution for climate change, but they remain out of reach for most

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi, Visiting Senior Researcher, Smart Structures Research Group, University of British Columbia

    Net-zero homes play an important role in combating climate change. (Shutterstock)

    Net-zero homes use natural energy sources and are designed to use less energy and, as such, are considered important in the fight against climate change. But for the average Canadian, they’re still out of reach.

    Net-zero homes are important for tackling climate change. This includes both net-zero energy (NZE) homes, which produce as much energy as they use each year, and net-zero carbon (NZC) homes, which don’t release any carbon dioxide.

    Released in the summer of 2024, the Canada Green Buildings Strategy outlines a bold vision to transform the country’s building sector, aiming for net-zero emissions and enhanced resilience by 2050. This is a bold step forward, but transforming the sector will require sustained collaboration across all levels of government, industry and communities.

    CTV News covers the federal government’s Green Buildings Strategy.

    Net-zero homes use green energy sources and efficient designs to match the amount of energy they produce with the amount they use. They use strategies like thermal shells that use less energy, high-performance components and the addition of green energy systems.

    Net-zero homes also help Canada reach larger climate goals by reducing the amount of carbon dioxide it releases into the air.

    Purchasing and installing these technologies can be cost-prohibitive, but in the long run, homeowners both save money on power bills and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

    Those who are unable to make changes to their homes can still live in a net-zero way by buying green power or carbon offsets.

    The sustainable housing market

    Net-zero homes are becoming more popular in Canada. To speed up building processes and reduce costs, builders are trying out pre-fabricated and modular building techniques.

    In 2024, the Canadian federal government announced a $600 million package of loans and funding to help make it easier and cheaper to build homes. This funding will support innovative technologies like pre-fabricated and modular construction, robotics, 3D-printing and mass timber to build homes faster and cheaper.




    Read more:
    Canada’s housing crisis: Innovative tech must come with policy reform


    The Net Zero Council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association has also been important in enhancing standards and practices and promoting novel approaches that cut costs while still being environmentally friendly. In doing so, CHBA drives the adoption of cheaper, environmentally friendly technologies and processes, enhancing industry standards and practices across Canada.

    While CHBA collaborates with government agencies, such as Natural Resources Canada to promote innovation and elevate industry standards. Government programs typically provide funding, technical support and policy guidance, whereas CHBA focuses on training, best practices and market development for its members.

    Government research programs through CanmetENERGY also work to improve technologies and give builders and planners the tools they need.

    There are several reasons that owning a net-zero home has not yet become widespread. These include: high initial costs, limited awareness and education, gaps in policy and regulation and market challenges including difficulties in scaling up and integrating net-zero technologies.

    Future directions

    To make net-zero homes accessible to all Canadians, a multi-faceted approach is required.

    Increased subsidies and incentives and expanding financial support for both builders and buyers can lower barriers to entry. The government of Canada’s 2030 Emission Reduction Plan includes $9.1 billion in new investments over the next eight years — adding to the $17 billion announced in 2021 — to support decarbonization efforts.

    Enhancing public awareness and developing educational campaigns highlighting the cost savings and environmental benefits of net-zero homes are both essential approaches to raising awareness and support.

    Policy reform can accelerate adoption of net-zero homes. Examples include harmonizing building codes and introducing mandatory energy efficiency standards to accelerate adoption.

    Supporting continued research into technical innovation and developing cost-effective materials and renewable energy systems will drive down costs. Investment in modern methods of construction should be prioritized to accelerate the transition toward sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

    Partnerships between governments, private developers and non-profits can bring together resources and expertise to scale net-zero housing initiatives.

    The Sustainable Finance Action Council recommends steps to mobilize private capital to support decarbonization and climate resilience in the Canadian economy, including in the housing sector.

    Solar panels the roofs of apartment buildings in Munich, Germany.
    (Shutterstock)

    Successful international models

    Several countries have demonstrated how net-zero homes can become a reality through innovative policies, community-driven approaches and public-private partnerships:

    BedZED in the United Kingdom is the country’s first eco-village project. It uses community-focused design and renewables to significantly cut carbon footprints.

    The Passive House standard is a German housing policy that sets a global benchmark for ultra-low energy consumption, emphasizing airtight construction and heat recovery.

    California’s ambitious Zero Net Energy policies help reduce overall carbon footprints by driving cutting-edge home construction practices.

    The Net Zero Energy House (ZEH) Program in Japan encourages advanced insulation, efficient appliances and rooftop solar.

    The Netherlands is a leader in innovative, large-scale retrofitting for net-zero housing, most notably through the Energiesprong program.

    These international models highlight that success lies in integrating strong policy frameworks, advanced technology and collaborative practices. They demonstrate that with the right mix of government support, industry innovation and residents embracing green choices, net-zero living can become more widespread.

    Housing is an important part of how to address climate change. As Canada pushes to make net-zero homes more affordable, each step forward strengthens communities, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps homeowners save money.

    Dr Ehsan Noroozinejad Farsangi has secured funding to develop innovative solutions for housing and climate crises.

    T.Y. Yang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Net-zero homes are touted as a solution for climate change, but they remain out of reach for most – https://theconversation.com/net-zero-homes-are-touted-as-a-solution-for-climate-change-but-they-remain-out-of-reach-for-most-247622

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Traceability of active ingredients in medications sold in the European Union – E-000601/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000601/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)

    There are a lot of rules and regulations in the EU to make sure that manufacturers and distributors are transparent about the origin of their products. As a result, it is easy to know where the products we eat or wear come from: everything is written on the label.

    However, this requirement for transparency does not extend to the pharmaceutical sector. In fact, laboratories are only required to indicate, on secondary packaging, the name and address of the company placing the product on the market and/or those of the company producing the drug.

    This is unclear, and sometimes even misleading for patients: while a drug might be produced in France, its active ingredient could come from a country like India or China. This causes serious problems for consumers in terms of traceability and transparency.

    In addition, given that there is a shortage of certain medications and a need for EU independence in medicine production, it would surely be advantageous for consumers to be told the origin of active ingredients, so their buying choices can be better informed, where possible.

    Does the Commission intend to take steps to ensure that active ingredients are more traceable?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regulating the number of wolves in the EU Member States – E-000598/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000598/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kristoffer Storm (ECR)

    Regarding the Commission’s proposal on changing the status of wolves from ‘strictly protected’ to ‘protected’, we ask the Commission the following:

    • 1.What does it take for an EU Member State to qualify for regulating the number of wolves in their country?
    • 2.Is it possible for Denmark to regulate its number of wolves, based on this proposal?
    • 3.If it is possible, what number is Denmark allowed to regulate, and in what way?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Environmental destruction in Zaragoza: privatisation and mass logging in the Los Pinares de Venecia natural area to expand a theme park – E-000597/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000597/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Estrella Galán (The Left)

    The Zaragoza Town Council recently approved an initial modification to its General Urban Development Plan to expand a theme park by adding a water park and a range of facilities and roads that would result in the logging of 2 000 trees.

    This environmental damage goes against Regulation (EU) 2024/1991, the obligations and commitments under the Green City Accord, the city’s awarding of the EU Mission Label and the Green Infrastructure Master Plan that resulted from the LIFE12 ENV/ES/000567 project, which highlights the need to regenerate and revitalise the pine forest.

    In addition, the construction of the water park would divert huge volumes of water away from a city that is in an area affected by desertification, which goes against the sustainability commitments.

    The project in Los Pinares de Venecia was approved without any public consultation, which fails to comply with what is established in Directive 2003/35 and the Aarhus Convention on public participation.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Will the Commission investigate the Zaragoza City Council’s proposed project in Los Pinares de Venecia for a failure to comply with the aforementioned commitments and legislation?
    • 2.Does the Commission consider the project to be in line with the commitments of an EU Mission Label city and a Green City Accord signatory?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – REGI – Committee votes – 19.02.25 – Committee on Regional Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Voting Time © Votes

    The Committee on Regional Development will vote on the draft opinion on Guidelines for the 2026 Budget – Section III (2024/2110 (BUI)). PA – PE766.967 v01-00 – Rapporteur for the opinion – Gabriella Gerzsenyi (PPE) at its meeting on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU-based shipping companies selling vessels to the Russian shadow fleet – E-000602/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000602/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE), Pär Holmgren (Verts/ALE), Sergey Lagodinsky (Verts/ALE), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE)

    In its resolution of 14 November 2024, Parliament called on the Commission to take action to prevent and limit the activities of the Russian shadow fleet and to ensure the full enforcement of sanctions against Russia.

    In early February 2025, it was revealed that more than a third of Russia’s shadow fleet consists of tankers previously owned by shipowners from Western countries. For example, four Danish shipping companies have sold at least 10 ships either directly or indirectly to companies that currently operate in the Russian shadow fleet.

    Since then, the ships have transported Russian oil products.

    • 1.Is the Commission preparing sanctions to prevent EU-based shipping companies from selling ships to companies operating in the shadow fleet?
    • 2.Shadow fleet vessels have also been implicated in the sabotage of cables in the Baltic Sea. What actions is the Commission taking to support EU Member States’ monitoring of these vessels?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Cooperation agreements and minorities: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis on official visit to Romania

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is scheduled to visit Romania from 19 to 21 February 2025. His agenda includes several bilateral meetings and the signing of cooperation agreements related to the second Swiss contribution to selected EU states. The theme of minorities will also be a common thread throughout the upcoming visit, with Mr Cassis taking part in a cultural event in Bucharest to mark the fifth edition of Romansh Language Week (Emna rumantscha) as well as in a debate in the city of Constanța on linguistic minorities.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Piero Cipollone: Striking the right balance: the ECB’s balance sheet and its implications for monetary policy

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at an MNI Connect webcast

    Frankfurt am Main, 18 February 2025

    Today I would like to discuss the ECB’s balance sheet and its implications for our monetary policy.

    In recent years, the monetary policy debate has mainly focused on our interest rate decisions. This is for good reason. In response to the biggest inflation shock in a generation, we embarked on the fastest tightening of monetary policy in the ECB’s history through rate hikes.

    During this tightening phase, we used policy rates as the primary tool for setting our monetary policy stance, while normalising our balance sheet in a measured and predictable way. We initiated the gradual unwinding of our asset purchase programmes and recalibrated our targeted longer-term refinancing operations (TLTROs).[1] As a result, the size of our balance sheet has fallen by more than a quarter from its peak.

    Policy rates remain our primary instrument and will therefore continue to attract the most attention. But we should not underestimate the important role that our balance sheet policies have played over time as a component of our overall monetary policy stance and in ensuring the smooth transmission of our monetary policy to the real economy. This still holds true today as we make our monetary policy less restrictive.

    Inflation has now fallen substantially to levels close to 2%. Our latest projections foresee it converging towards our target over the medium term, and the risks to the inflation outlook – once sharply skewed to the upside – have now become more balanced.

    At the same time, the euro area’s economic recovery remains weak – especially in the near term. The risks to the growth outlook are tilted to the downside and, if they materialise, may derail the recovery, with implications for the inflation outlook.

    Against this background, the Governing Council has gradually been reducing the degree of monetary policy restriction by cutting policy rates towards neutral territory. While our direction is clear, we are very attentive to incoming information in view of the prevailing uncertainty about the economic environment. We continue to make decisions on a meeting-by-meeting and data-dependent basis. This gives us the option to adapt our interest rate path if necessary to ensure that inflation stabilises sustainably at our 2% medium-term target.

    However, given the importance of financial conditions in determining the inflation outlook, we also need to consider the role played by the reduction of our balance sheet. In the tightening phase our rate decisions and balance sheet policies complemented each other, but they are now going in opposing directions.

    This divergence has important implications across at least two dimensions.

    First, it contributes to a steepening of the yield curve. Our rate cuts exert downward pressure primarily at the short end of the yield curve. At the same time, the gradual runoff of our asset purchase portfolios exerts upward pressure on long-term and, to a lesser extent, intermediate yields. This has been compounded by recent spillovers from the US.[2]

    Second, it may affect credit supply. Declining levels of central bank liquidity could constrain banks’ ability to extend credit, resulting in tighter credit conditions and potentially slowing down the investment and consumption that are critical for economic recovery.

    In setting the policy stance, we therefore need to consider the impact of the overall set of financial conditions resulting from our interest rate and balance sheet policies. In other words, we need to strike the right balance if we are to achieve our inflation aim without an undue negative impact on incomes and employment. A rate cut has a more contained easing effect when the balance sheet is simultaneously reduced. This has implications when discussing the appropriate policy rate path.

    We also need to consider the potential risks to the transmission of our monetary policy. In the past, abundant levels of liquidity have acted as a safeguard against spikes in liquidity needs that emerged regardless of where our rates stood. With this in mind, we need to carefully monitor the transition from abundant to less ample excess liquidity, mindful of the potential implications for financial stability.

    Today, I would like to take stock of the ECB’s experience with balance sheet policies, explaining why they remain a vital part of our monetary policy toolbox. I will then discuss the implications of the ECB’s balance sheet for our monetary policy in the current environment.

    The ECB’s experience with balance sheet policies

    At the ECB, balance sheet policies have served a dual purpose over time, allowing us to deliver on our price stability mandate amid exceptionally difficult circumstances.

    First, during periods when interest rates approached their effective lower bound and inflation remained below target, the ECB used asset purchases to support an accommodative monetary policy stance.

    For instance, the ECB launched its asset purchase programme (APP) in 2015 to stimulate the economy and inflation at a time when deflationary threats loomed large. Asset purchases and the associated provision of central bank liquidity worked in several ways – including through the portfolio rebalancing, exchange rate and credit channels – to generate a significant upward effect on both economic activity and inflation.[3]

    Second, balance sheet policies have been pivotal to ensuring the smooth transmission of our monetary policy to the real economy, in both tightening and easing phases.

    At times when we were lowering our policy rates, our TLTROs, launched in 2014, provided banks with long-term funding on favourable terms to incentivise them to lend to firms and households. This led to a persistent compression in lending rates and an increase in loan volumes over time.[4]

    But balance sheet policies were also instrumental in ensuring the smooth transmission of monetary policy at times when we were increasing our policy rates. The announcement of our Transmission Protection Instrument (TPI) in 2022 allowed us to embark on the fastest rate hiking cycle in our history without sparking financial fragmentation in the euro area.

    Of course, the stance and transmission functions of our balance sheet policies do not operate in isolation. There can be beneficial interactions between the two.

    As rates increased, for example, euro area banks had sufficient liquidity to manage any maturity mismatches that arose. This – alongside strengthened regulation and supervision – helped them to emerge unscathed from the market turbulence in March 2023 that saw the collapse of three regional banks in the United States.

    The proportionate use of balance sheet policies in an evolving economic landscape

    The substantial expansion of the ECB’s balance sheet required careful monitoring of potential side effects. That is why the principle of proportionality lies at the core of how we use our balance sheet instruments.[5]

    In its 2021 strategy review, the Governing Council assessed that its use of balance sheet measures – alongside negative interest rates and forward guidance – had indeed been proportionate, taking into account any side effects, for instance on inequality and the financial sector.[6]

    Some concerns, however, require a more nuanced perspective.

    For example, there is little evidence to suggest that excessive risk appetite may be attributable to larger central bank balance sheets. If this were the case, we should have seen less risk-taking in markets as central banks began to withdraw their market footprint.

    But the opposite has been the case. Today equity markets are near all-time highs. This may be due to “animal spirits”[7], which have also been observed outside periods of central bank balance sheet growth. We saw them at play, for instance, during the dot-com bubble – a period when the cyclically adjusted price-to-earnings ratio hit its historic peak and central bank balance sheets were distinctly lean.

    Moreover, as the Eurosystem gradually reduces its footprint in sovereign bond markets by reducing its holdings of euro area government bonds, concerns about the size of the balance sheet are becoming less and less justified (Chart 1).[8]

    Chart 1

    Size of euro area government bond market and the Eurosystem’s market footprint

    (left-hand scale: EUR billions; right-hand scale: percentages)

    Sources: Eurosystem and Centralised Securities Database.

    Notes: The chart shows the evolution of the size of the euro area government bond market and splits it into outright holdings (yellow) and mobilised collateral (green), as well as what is not held or mobilised as collateral with the Eurosystem (blue). The Eurosystem market footprint is a relative measure, computed as the share of the Eurosystem’s euro area government bond (EGB) holdings compared with the nominal amount outstanding. Outright holdings are EGBs held by the Eurosystem via purchase programmes, adjusted by EGBs lent back via the securities lending against cash collateral facilities. Mobilised collateral includes EGBs mobilised as collateral for open market operations. The latest observations are for 31 January 2025.

    Going forward, an evolving economic landscape suggests that balance sheet policies could be increasingly useful as monetary policy instruments. Let me highlight two developments that are particularly relevant here.

    First, the non-bank financial sector has grown considerably over time and is becoming increasingly relevant in the funding of the real economy.

    In the euro area, the financial assets of non-banks have more than doubled since the global financial crisis.[9] Compared with banks, non-banks are more responsive to monetary policy measures that influence longer-term interest rates, such as asset purchases.[10] Given that non-banks adjust their portfolios more actively in response to changes in interest rates, this also increases the need for sufficient liquidity in the system to facilitate these adjustments.

    Second, geopolitical fragmentation means that the global economy is becoming more shock prone and subject to higher levels of uncertainty (Chart 2).

    Chart 2

    Global Economic Policy Uncertainty index

    (index)

    Source: Bloomberg.

    Note: The latest observation is for December 2024.

    In this environment, we need to remember that the euro area is subject to fragmentation risk. A key lesson from the sovereign debt crisis is that balance sheet policies have been instrumental in making the euro area a more “normal” jurisdiction from the perspective of monetary policy.

    As we navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape, the transition from abundant to less ample excess liquidity represents an inflection point that also requires close monitoring.

    In this environment, banks’ liquidity needs are met via a broad mix of instruments under our new operational framework. These include our short-term main refinancing operations (MROs) and three-month longer-term refinancing operations (LTROs) and will also include – at a later stage – structural longer-term credit operations and a structural portfolio of securities.[11]

    However, the decline in excess liquidity warrants careful monitoring, as it could exert additional tightening pressures on financial and financing conditions, potentially exceeding the intended policy stance.

    The implications of the ECB’s balance sheet for monetary policy in the current environment

    It is in this context that I would like to talk about the implications of our balance sheet for monetary policy in the current environment.

    The ECB’s balance sheet has been reduced at a faster pace than those of central banks in other major economies during their tightening cycles (Chart 3). So far, much of this decline can be attributed to banks’ repayments of TLTRO loans.[12]

    Chart 3

    Central bank total assets

    (index = 100 at the start of the respective policy rate hiking cycles)

    Sources: Bloomberg and ECB calculations.

    Notes: The x-axis starts on 21 July 2022, 16 March 2022 and 15 December 2021 for the Eurosystem, Federal Reserve System, and Bank of England respectively. For the Bank of England, reserve balances are used as a proxy for the total balance sheet. The latest observations are for 12 February 2025.

    Looking ahead, however, any further reduction in the size of our balance sheet will stem from the gradual unwinding of our asset purchase portfolios, as the Eurosystem no longer reinvests the principal payments from maturing securities.

    As in the past, the normalisation of our balance sheet has implications for our monetary policy stance and the possible risks to monetary policy transmission.

    The monetary policy stance

    Let me start with the implications for our monetary policy stance.

    Our reaction function for rate decisions is built around three well-known criteria: (i) the inflation outlook, (ii) the dynamics of underlying inflation and (iii) the strength of monetary policy transmission.

    Inflation has fallen by around three-quarters from its peak in late 2022 (Chart 4). The disinflation process is well on track, and our staff projections see inflation averaging 2.1% this year, 1.9% next year and 2.1% in 2027.

    Chart 4

    Headline inflation

    (annual percentage changes)

    Source: Eurostat.
    Note: The latest observation is for January 2025 (flash estimate).

    Most measures of underlying inflation suggest that inflation will settle at around our 2% medium-term target on a sustained basis. In particular, the ECB’s measure of the persistent and common component of inflation (PCCI)[13] – a more forward-looking indicator of underlying inflationary pressures that tends to better predict future inflation – stood at 2.1% in December, and 2.0% when excluding energy.

    Domestic inflation remains high, as wages and prices in certain sectors are still adjusting to the past inflation surge with a substantial delay. But our wage tracker is signalling a significant moderation in wage growth, and profits are partially buffering the impact on inflation.

    It is the third leg of our reaction function – the strength of monetary policy transmission – that I would like to discuss in more detail, however.

    As we cut interest rates, new borrowing for firms and households is becoming less expensive. But financing conditions continue to be tight – in part because our monetary policy remains restrictive and past rate hikes are still working their way through the economy.[14]

    While credit continues to expand, lending to firms and households remains subdued by historical standards. In December, the annual growth rate of lending to firms was roughly two-thirds below its historical average.[15] Growth in housing loans increased gradually but also remained muted overall, at around one-fifth of its long-term average (Chart 5).[16]

    Chart 5

    Loans to firms and households

    (percentage points)

    Sources: ECB (BSI) and ECB staff calculations.

    Note: The latest observations are for December 2024.

    At the same time, the recent gradual recovery in lending has not kept pace with the nominal growth of the economy, as reflected in the continued decline of the loan-to-GDP ratio (Chart 6).

    Chart 6

    Ratio of bank loans to GDP

    (percentages)

    Sources: ECB (BSI), Eurostat and ECB staff calculations.

    Note: The latest observation is for the third quarter of 2024.

    While policy rates remain our primary instrument for adjusting our monetary policy stance, the normalisation of our balance sheet may also affect the stance through two key channels.

    First, while our rate cuts exert downward pressure primarily at the short end of the yield curve, our quantitative tightening exerts upward pressure on long-term maturities and, to a lesser extent, intermediate ones. This serves to tighten financial conditions.[17]

    Indeed, the runoff of the asset portfolios of central banks has arguably been one of several factors contributing to a steepening of sovereign yield curves in recent months – akin to a reversal of the duration risk channel previously associated with central banks through quantitative easing (Chart 7).

    Chart 7

    New duration risk absorbed by private investors

    (EUR billions per basis point)

    Sources: Bloomberg and ECB.

    Notes: The chart shows the month-on-month change in the duration of government bonds held by private investors (i.e. investors other than the domestic central bank). Rates are approximated by weighted average maturity.

    At its peak in early 2022, the impact of current and expected Eurosystem bond holdings in our asset portfolios lowered ten-year sovereign bond yields by around 175 basis points.[18] Due to quantitative tightening, however, the easing impact has now fallen to around 75 basis points and is expected to further reduce over time (Chart 8).

    Chart 8

    Impact of APP and PEPP sovereign bond holdings on ten-year sovereign risk premia

    (basis points)

    Source: ECB calculations.

    Notes: The impacts are derived from an affine arbitrage-free model of the term structure with a quantity factor (see Eser et al., op. cit.) and an alternative version of the model recalibrated so that the model-implied yield reactions to the March PEPP announcement match the two-day yield changes observed after 18 March 2020. The model results are derived using GDP-weighted averages of the zero-coupon yields of the big-four sovereign issuers (DE, FR, IT and ES). The continuous line represents estimates based on real-time survey expectations. The dashed line is based on projections of the Eurosystem’s holdings of big-four sovereign bonds in the APP and PEPP as informed by the ECB’s December 2024 Survey of Monetary Analysts. The model abstracts from any potential holdings in a structural portfolio of securities. The latest observations are for January 2025 (monthly data).

    According to ECB research, an expected €1 trillion reduction in bond holdings may raise long-term risk-free interest rates by about 35 basis points (Chart 9).[19]

    Chart 9

    Expected term premium impact from running down the asset portfolio by €1 trillion

    (basis points)

    Sources: ECB December 2024 Survey of Monetary Analysts (SMA) and Akkaya, Y. et al., op.cit.

    Notes: The chart depicts the expected effect on the term premium of various assets with a ten-year maturity resulting from an expected €1 trillion decrease in the ECB’s bond holdings. Results are based on individual SMA responses from December 2022 until December 2023.

    Second, an environment marked by declining levels of central bank liquidity may constrain banks’ ability to extend credit.

    Research documents the strong relationship between loan supply and structural sources of liquidity, such as reserves obtained through credit easing programmes or those injected through quantitative easing interventions.

    More specifically, a €1 change in non-borrowed reserves or credit easing reserves is associated with a corresponding change in credit of approximately 15 cents or 10 cents respectively.[20] In other words, a €500 billion drop in non-borrowed reserves – similar to the one expected in 2025 as a result of the decline in our APP and PEPP holdings – is associated with a €75 billion decline in credit supply, equivalent to about 0.6 percentage points of downward pressure on loans to the non-financial private sector.[21]

    Accordingly, as central bank liquidity declines, we may see tighter credit conditions in the economy. This could slow down investment and consumption, with firms cutting back on capital expenditure and consumers reducing purchases of big-ticket items that require financing.[22]

    Incoming data suggest that euro area GDP growth will remain subdued in the short term. Industrial production decreased notably in December and surveys indicate that manufacturing is continuing to contract, whereas services activity is expanding at a moderate pace (Chart 10).

    Chart 10

    Purchasing Managers’ Index

    (diffusion indices)

    Source: S&P Global.

    Notes: “Output” and “New orders” correspond to the manufacturing and composite indices, and “Business activity” and “New business” to the services index. The latest observations are for January 2025.

    Given the uncertain economic environment, we are yet to see a sustained rebound in investment (Chart 11).[23] And while we continue to expect consumption to be the main driver of the recovery, rising real incomes have not yet encouraged households to increase their spending in a commensurate manner (Chart 12).[24] In the face of subdued domestic demand, our latest staff projections forecast a slower economic recovery than had been forecast in the September projections.[25]

    Chart 11

    Detailed decomposition of euro area real GDP

    (quarter-on-quarter percentage changes and percentage point contributions)

    Sources: Eurostat and ECB staff calculations.

    Note: The latest observations are for the fourth quarter of 2024 for real GDP, and for the third quarter of 2024 for the other components.

    Chart 12

    Real household disposable income and consumption

    (second quarter of 2022 = 100)

    Sources: Eurostat and ECB staff calculations.

    Note: The latest observations are for the third quarter of 2024.

    Moreover, geopolitical risks may create further headwinds for the recovery, which we will need to monitor carefully. Forthcoming findings from the ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) suggest that consumers’ concerns about geopolitical risks are negatively affecting economic sentiment – leading to more pessimistic expectations, more elevated income uncertainty and, ultimately, a lower propensity to consume.

    We are determined to ensure that inflation stabilises sustainably at our 2% medium-term target. As we gradually cut rates towards neutral territory, we need to be mindful of the fact that we now have two monetary policy tools working in opposing directions, given our ongoing quantitative tightening. This is a first in our history at the ECB.

    We therefore need to ensure that we factor in the tightening of our balance sheet when calibrating our rate cuts to achieve our inflation aim. This is because the stance effects stemming from our rate cuts will be somewhat dampened by the tightening induced by the normalisation of our balance sheet.

    This is an important consideration when discussing the appropriate policy rate path.

    Risks to the transmission of our monetary policy

    Similarly, we need to be mindful of the possible risks to the transmission of our monetary policy to the real economy in view of the prevailing uncertainty and potential risks to financial stability.

    This cautious approach is crucial, especially given historical precedents where central banks faced unexpected challenges.

    In late 2019, for instance, the Federal Reserve System was unexpectedly forced to temporarily reverse its balance sheet retrenchment due to liquidity challenges in financial markets.[26] In 2022 the Bank of England halted quantitative tightening and launched emergency gilt purchases to safeguard financial stability after pension funds’ liability-driven investment strategies exposed systemic risks.[27]

    Recent bouts of market volatility also underscore that we should remain alert to the emergence of financial stability risks that may endanger transmission. Last August several factors converged to spark substantial market volatility.[28] The VIX, a market index that measures the implied volatility of the S&P 500 index, recorded its largest ever one-day spike (Chart 13).[29]

    Chart 13

    VIX index

    (percentages)

    Source: ECB staff calculations.

    Notes: Long run average calculated since January 2000. The latest observations are for 7 February 2025.

    Faced with such episodes of volatility, the further decline in our balance sheet must remain on a gradual and predictable path to avoid financial amplification effects.[30] This is especially important in an environment where euro area banks are already tightening their credit standards, especially for firms and consumer credit, due to higher perceived risks related to the economic outlook (Chart 14).[31]

    Chart 14

    Credit standards, demand for loans to firms and contributing factors

    (net percentages)

    Source: ECB (bank lending survey).

    Notes: “Actual” values are changes that have occurred, while “expected” values are changes anticipated by banks. Net percentages for the questions on credit standards for loans are defined as the difference between the sum of the percentages of banks responding “tightened considerably” and “tightened somewhat” and the sum of the percentages of banks responding “eased somewhat” and “eased considerably”. Net percentages for the questions on demand for loans are defined as the difference between the sum of the percentages of banks responding “increased considerably” and “increased somewhat” and the sum of the percentages of banks responding “decreased somewhat” and “decreased considerably”. “Other financing needs” as unweighted average of “M&A and corporate restructuring” and “debt refinancing/restructuring and renegotiation”; “Use of alternative finance” as unweighted average of “internal financing”, “loans from other banks”, “loans from non-banks”, “issuance/redemption of debt securities” and “issuance/redemption of equity”. The net percentages for “Other factors” refer to an average of the further factors which were mentioned by banks as having contributed to changes in credit standards or changes in loan demand, respectively. The latest observations are for the fourth quarter of 2024 (January 2025 bank lending survey).

    Our balance sheet policy instruments continue to be a crucial item in our toolbox. The expectation that we will use them if necessary protects the smooth transmission of our monetary policy and reduces the likelihood that we will need to use these tools in the first place.

    Moreover, in an environment of heightened uncertainty, even in the context of excess liquidity, we need to remain prudent and be ready to step in should another shock emerge. We should maintain the flexibility to swiftly expand liquidity facilities if stressful conditions arise.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    The ECB’s experience with balance sheet policies to date demonstrates their importance both for the monetary policy stance and for the transmission of our monetary policy to the real economy. They are a vital part of our toolkit.

    While policy rates remain our primary instrument for adjusting the monetary policy stance, we should also consider the role played by quantitative tightening in influencing overall financial and financing conditions – be it through the yield curve or through the bank lending channel.

    To strike the right balance, we should ensure that our rate decisions adequately compensate for the tightening induced by the reduction of our balance sheet.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – 29 years of failure to protect Cypriot loan borrowers from foreclosures of family homes – P-002870/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive 93/13/EEC[1] requires Member States to ensure that consumers are not bound by unfair terms and have effective remedies against such terms.

    I t applies to all kinds of contracts on the purchase of goods and services[2] and to contracts concluded in Cyprus since its accession to the EU on 1 May 2004[3].

    It is the primary responsibility of national authorities and courts to safeguard consumer rights in individual disputes such as related to mortgage enforcement[4].

    The Commission opened in 2013 an infringement procedure[5] against Cyprus for ineffective enforcement of Directive 93/13/EEC and Directive 2005/29/EC[6].

    While Cyprus responded positively to several concerns, certain unresolved grievances, including concerning the role of the Law Office of the Republic, were addressed in an additional letter of formal notice on 25 July 2019[7] and a reasoned opinion on 18 February 2021[8].

    The Commission is finalising its assessment of the case, taking into account inter alia the reply of 16 April 2021 to the reasoned opinion, subsequent changes to Cypriot consumer law last notified to the Commission in November 2022[9], and further analysis undertaken as part of the preparation of the report on the implementation of the Modernisation Directive, published by the Commission on 18 June 2024[10].

    • [1] Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ L 95, 21.4.1993, p. 29-34.
    • [2] See Section 5 of Commission Notice — Guidance on the interpretation and application of Council Directive 93/13/EEC of 5 April 1993 on unfair terms in consumer contracts, OJ C 323, 27.9.2019, p. 4-92, COM(2019) 5325 final.
    • [3] See Judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union of 5 May 2022 in Case C-567/20 A.H. v Zagrebačka banka d.d.
    • [4] See for example CJEU judgment of 30 September 2003, Case C-224/01, Köbler.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/index.cfm?lang_code=EN&typeOfSearch=false&active_only=0&noncom=0&r_dossier=INFR%282013%292082&decision_date_from=&decision_date_to=&title=&submit=Search
    • [6] Directive 2005/29/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2005 concerning unfair business-to-consumer commercial practices in the internal market and amending Council Directive 84/450/EEC, Directives 97/7/EC, 98/27/EC and 2002/65/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Regulation (EC) No 2006/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council (‘Unfair Commercial Practices Directive’), OJ L 149, 11.6.2005, p. 22-39.
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/INF_19_4251
    • [8] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/inf_21_441
    • [9] See in particular the Cypriot Consumer Protection Laws of 2021 to (No 2) 2022.
    • [10] Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2019/2161 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2019 amending Council Directive 93/13/EEC and Directives 98/6/EC, 2005/29/EC and 2011/83/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the better enforcement and modernisation of Union consumer protection rules, (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2024%3A258%3AFIN).
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Political involvement in the appointment of judges in the Netherlands – E-000591/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000591/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)

    In the Netherlands, the government plays a relatively large role in the appointment of judges and potential political influence on the judiciary is not inconceivable: the Minister of Justice appoints the board members of the Council for the Judiciary, who in turn make recommendations for all directors of courts and tribunals by means of a graduated system. A motion passed in the House of Representatives in March 2024, calling on the government to make its role in the appointment procedure of members of the Council for the Judiciary ‘as small as possible’, has not yet been implemented by the government.[1] The Council for the Judiciary itself also wants to do away with the appointment role entrusted in the Minister of Justice, with a view to avoiding active political interference in judicial appointments in the future, as was previously the case in Poland and Hungary.[2] The Commission refers to this role of the Minister of Justice in the Rule of Law Report 2024, but does not go as far as including any specific recommendations in this regard.[3]

    • 1.Is the Commission aware that the Dutch Government has so far taken no further action to reduce or eliminate the government’s role in appointing members of the Council for the Judiciary?
    • 2.In the Commission’s view, which best practices should be followed when it comes to appointing judges?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to make any recommendations in this regard to the Dutch Government in the Rule of Law Report 2025?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    • [1] https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/moties/detail?id=2024Z03627&did=2024D08501
    • [2] https://fd.nl/samenleving/1542192/adviescollege-wil-af-van-rol-politiek-bij-benoemingen-in-de-rechtspraak
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3a411497-b5f1-4b49-8d6a-1a01220453c8_en?filename=44_1_58073_coun_chap_netherlands_en.pdf
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US President Trump’s statements on ethnic cleansing in Gaza – E-000593/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000593/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Lynn Boylan (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Irena Joveva (Renew), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Özlem Demirel (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Catarina Martins (The Left), João Oliveira (The Left), Estrella Galán (The Left), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Younous Omarjee (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left)

    On 4 February 2025, US President Donald Trump told reporters that the US would take over the Gaza Strip, displace the Palestinians there and exploit Gaza’s resources. Gaza and its resources rightfully belong to the Palestinian people and any attempt to forcibly displace the Palestinian population or steal their resources is in flagrant breach of international law. Article 55 of the Hague Regulations specify that any occupying power does not have ownership of or the right to exploit the natural resources of an occupied territory.

    Will the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

    • 1.Affirm the EU’s opposition to any proposals to forcibly displace the Palestinian population of Gaza or to steal their natural resources in contravention of international law?
    • 2.Propose the imposition of sanctions on any individuals or entities who attempt to displace the Palestinian population of Gaza or to steal their natural resources in contravention of international law?
    • 3.Inform the US Government of the EU’s opposition to US President Trump’s plan and hold the US Government to account for any attempt to breach international law in this regard, including through the imposition of sanctions on individuals or entities responsible for such attempts?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Nocturnal olive harvesting ban – E-000592/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000592/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carola Rackete (The Left)

    Suction olive harvesters cause extremely significant bird mortality and disturbance.

    The olive trees are stripped at night because cool temperatures help to preserve the olives’ aromatic compounds. The birds rest in the trees at night and are dazzled by the intense lighting of the machinery and become unable to effectively escape from the path of the harvesters. If they do manage to fly away in time, they will often land on the next row of trees, only to suffer the same fate as another harvester follows.

    Scientists have confirmed that we are in the sixth mass extinction event, with the loss of an unprecedented number of species as a result of human activity. This nocturnal machine harvesting is completely at odds with the EU biodiversity strategy.

    Some olive-growing regions have banned this nocturnal suction machine harvesting practice due to bird mortality and disturbance.

    Will the Commission introduce a blanket restriction on the practice given its cruelty, the fact that it undermines the EU biodiversity strategy and in the interests of a level playing field for all olive oil producers?

    Submitted: 10.2.2025

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU funding for schools in Pakistan – E-002969/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In Pakistan, the EU has been supporting education reforms in Balochistan until 2025[1], and in Sindh until 2024[2].

    This EU support extends to the school education departments of the provincial governments, which oversee financing and operations of only the state schools.

    The EU support is focusing on institutional capacity strengthening and school rehabilitation, training of teachers, and learning. It does not directly focus on curriculum related matters such as curriculum review or development.

    To ensure that the EU support does not favour certain religious content, the subjects and content for teachers’ training are selected to remain neutral.

    For example, the teachers’ training support to Balochistan School Education Department covers the following subjects: English, mathematics and science.

    Any actions which aim to reinforce the state capacity of Pakistan to manage education programmes and schools more effectively can be expected to provide Pakistani students with further options to follow state-led education rather than religious-led one. Notably in selected areas of Balochistan,

    EU support also facilitates the provision of formal education to students enrolled in religious seminaries through a fast-track government-recognised primary or elementary certification. This has the potential to ease the transition to state schools for these students.

    There will be no more bilateral projects on primary education in Pakistan under the Multi-Annual Indicative Programme 2021-2027; the focus is on technical and vocational education training.

    The EU scrutinises its projects including those on education via field visits, reporting, results oriented monitoring missions, evaluations and other monitoring mechanisms.

    • [1] ‘Balochistan Education Support Programme II (BES II)’ adopted in 2019 as part of the Annual Action Programme 2019 — C (2019)7736.
    • [2] ‘Development through Enhanced Education Programme’ (DEEP) adopted in 2017 — C (2017)8796.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential downgrade of the protection status of the wolf – E-002717/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Member States are bound by the obligation to achieve and maintain a favourable conservation status for all protected species, irrespective of their listing under Annex IV or V of the Habitats Directive[1]. Furthermore, for species listed under Annex V, if the surveillance of the species reveals it is necessary, Member States may also implement temporary or local prohibition of hunting, regulation of the periods and methods of hunting, or the establishment of a system of licences or of quotas. In addition to strengthening the financing and implementation of prevention measures to ensure coexistence, f or wide-ranging species as the wolf, it is essential for Member States also to enhance coordination on monitoring, conservation and management of cross-border wolf populations, including with non-EU countries.

    2. The Commission does not intend to propose amendments to the international or EU legal protection status of species other than the wolf.

    3. The in-depth analysis study of December 2023 contains the most up-to-date scientific data on the wolf[2]. This includes the data published by the Large Carnivore Initiative for Europe. The Commission proposal to amend the species’ protection status under the Bern Convention[3] carefully considered all available data against the criteria contained in Recommendation No. 56 (1997)[4]. The Commission consistently promotes a science-based approach in its policy on coexistence with large carnivores.

    • [1] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/env/items/813295/en
    • [3] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-council-decision-position-be-taken-eu-bern-convention_en
    • [4] Recommendation No 56 (1997) concerning guidelines to be taken into account while making proposals for amendment of Appendices I and II of the Convention and while adopting amendments, adopted by the Standing Committee on 5 December 1997: https://rm.coe.int/168074680c
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mobility of persons with disabilities – E-002793/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In the current multiannual financial framework 2021-2027, different funding instruments, notably the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and Cohesion Policy Funds can be used to support barrier-free access to transport.

    CEF finances actions to improve transport infrastructure accessibility, and to date has included a particular focus on accessibility for persons with reduced mobility in railway stations[1].

    T he Social Climate Fund was established to support vulnerable groups, among others, in the fair transition to clean mobility. Provided that the conditions of Regulation (EU) 2023/955[2] are respected, a part of this money could be used by Member States to improve the access of persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility to sustainable transport solutions, including making public transport infrastructure more accessible.

    The revised guidelines for the development of the trans-European network (TEN-T)[3] require that, when developing the TEN-T infrastructure, priority should be given, among others, to measures improving accessibility for all users, including persons with disabilities or reduced mobility.

    This should be pursued in particular by means of better integration of the different transport modes into the urban nodes, including by developing multimodal passenger hubs, which should facilitate seamless connections of TEN-T to public transport infrastructure by 2030.

    The European Union has adopted a wide range of legislation to bring about improvements in access to transport for persons with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility[4].

    The President of the Commission has indicated in her political guidelines[5] the new Commission’s commitment to implement and enforce EU legislation in this area.

    See annex : Annex

    • [1] Since 2014, nearly 150 CEF projects included such measures.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/955 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a Social Climate Fund and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060 — OJ L 130, 16.5.2023, p. 1-51.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on Union guidelines for the development of the trans-European transport network, amending Regulations (EU) 2021/1153 and (EU) No 913/2010 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 1315/2013 (Text with EEA relevance) OJ L, 2024/1679.
    • [4] Please find a non-exhaustive list of EU legislation which improve the barrier free access of people with disabilities to transport in the annex to this reply.
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e6cd4328-673c-4e7a-8683-f63ffb2cf648_en?filename=Political%20Guidelines%202024-2029_EN.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recovery and Resilience Fund to subsidise afternoon surgeries in private healthcare facilities – E-002580/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 21 January 2024, the Council adopted the Council Implementation Decision amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Greece.

    A subproject related to afternoon surgeries was introduced under measure 16756 (Organisational Reforms in the Health System) under component 3.3 (Improve resilience, accessibility and sustainability of healthcare).

    The main objective of the subproject is the reduction of the waiting list for elective surgeries. More specifically, this allocates EUR 51 million of the Recovery and Resilience Facility grants to fund the operational cost of 37 500 afternoon surgeries. Priority would be given to patients that have been waiting the longest.

    Afternoon surgeries will be performed in public hospitals. The subproject also provides that for cases where it will not be possible to carry out the surgeries in the hospital, the surgery may be carried out in another public hospital in proximity, or in a collaborating private hospital.

    If the possibility for the surgery to take place in a private hospital is activated, it will be the citizen who will choose the private provider from a list which will include all collaborating hospitals.

    The Greek National Health Service Organisation (ΕΟPYY) has the main responsibility for the implementation of afternoon surgeries in private hospitals. The Ministry of Health is the supervising authority for the implementation of the entire project.

    The target associated with this subproject (T164a) is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 and submitted as part of Greece’s ninth payment request.

    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Insurance category of professional school bus drivers – E-002734/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009[1] regulates the conditions of access to the occupation of road transport operator. It does not concern the social security system of each Member State, does not set out the type of insurance required, and is not relevant in determining whether there is a need to be insured.

    2. As regards passenger transport, Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 applies to undertakings operating passenger transport services for the public or for specific categories of users in return for payment by the person transported or by the transport organiser; it does not apply to undertakings which have a main occupation other than that of road passenger transport operator or which are engaged in road passenger transport services exclusively for non-commercial purposes as defined in its Article 1(4) in fine. The regulation therefore does not apply to the ancillary activity of an undertaking which has a main occupation other than that of road passenger transport operator.

    As regards the transport of goods, the regulation applies to natural or legal persons engaged in the transport of goods for hire and reward with a commercial purpose. Own-account transport of goods, which does not involve hire and reward operations, is therefore not covered.

    • [1] Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC, OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, p. 51.
    Last updated: 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Economic and technical support to repair damage caused to Chios’ mastic trees – E-002423/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs)[1] provides for a number of interventions that help farmers to perform preventive actions, especially to prevent crises and build on medium and long-term resilience.

    For mitigating short-term impacts, the available tools include direct payments, which support farmers’ incomes, risk management tools helping farmers managing production risks due to adverse events, as well as sectoral interventions supporting replanting or restocking, and investments in the restoration of production potential.

    Moreover, in response to the severe weather events that hit the EU in 2024, exceptional measures have been introduced under the Rural Development Programmes to help farmers recovering from the damages suffered[2].

    The programme for the smaller Aegean islands supports the production of mastic from Chios[3], and it may be amended in the event of exceptional circumstances.

    The CAP also supports — trough the EIP-AGRI[4] Operational Groups — the bottom-up development of innovative technologies and approaches as well as the dissemination and sharing of good practices.

    Information on funded projects, workshops, seminars, brokerage events and publications are available via the European CAP Network website[5].

    Under the CSPs, Member States are expected to improve the functioning of the Agriculture Knowledge and Innovation System (AKIS) increasing knowledge flows and ensuring that AKIS actors cooperate to provide advice and innovation services to farmers.

    Additionally, the Commission is regularly organising exchanges with national administrations on good practices and lessons learnt[6].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?toc=OJ%3AL%3A2021%3A435%3ATOC&uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2021.435.01.0001.01.ENG
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/3242/oj/eng
    • [3] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/market-measures/outermost-regions-and-small-aegean-islands/smaller-aegean-islands_en
    • [4] The European Innovation Partnership for Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability (EIP-AGRI).
    • [5] https://eu-cap-network.ec.europa.eu/index_en
    • [6] On 17 December 2024 an expert group meeting was organised to exchange on risk management strategies and preparedness . Presentations are available here: https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/meetings/consult?lang=en&meetingId=58606&fromExpertGroups=3806

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Caithness Community Halls receiving ‘unseen’ help

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behalf of the Highland Community Justice Partnership

    Community owned Halls across Highland are receiving much needed help from perhaps one of the most stigmatised groups in society, namely those with a criminal record. Staxigoe Hall near Wick is a great example, where the Community Payback team has helped with the refurbishment of the Hall three times now.

    Staxigoe Hall, a great and cherished venue is beautifully situated by the harbour, which was the first and largest herring salting station in Europe. The hall has now been painted and decorated three times by the Community Payback team.

    Gabrielle Buist from Highland Community Justice Partnership says: “A sentence in the community can change the path of a person’s life, as well as contributing to and improving their community. It is often community leaders (such as Pat Ramsay) who appreciate that we all have to pull together, to invest time and skills in people in order to make our communities safer in the long term. Useful work gets done all around Highland communities which mostly goes unseen and unacknowledged. This is part of my role as HCJP Development Officer to raise awareness about what ‘community justice’ is and why it’s important. As the saying goes ‘it takes a village to raise a child’, well our responsibility towards one another should not end there. Community Justice is all about partnership and collaboration, recognising that keeping people safe and reducing reoffending is a joint responsibility.”

    Steve MacDonald, Highland Council’s – Community Payback Officer added: “Clients who are sent to us from Wick Sheriff Court have a legal obligation to pay back to the community that they have offended against. It’s important to give them structure, meaningful tasks and hopefully learn new skills while being mentored and encouraged by the Supervisors. The value of the Community Payback Order to both the client and to the community cannot be understated as they are a proven method of minimising the likelihood of a client re-offending.”

    Photo of Steve MacDonald, Highland Council’s – Community Payback Officer

    Where needed community-based sentences include treatment for underlying issues such as drug or alcohol addiction, offence-focused programmes, unpaid work, fines and compensation or restrictions of liberty such as electronic tagging and curfews. It’s not a ‘soft option’ and neither is it ‘just litter picking’. The evidence shows community justice can help people to stop breaking the law, to step away from the vicious cycle of reoffending. Sentences served in the community are more effective than those served in prison. It keeps people in their communities where they are connected to all the important relationships and support networks needed for a productive life, resulting in less crime being committed.

    An un-named Client said: “I’ve been working on this project as part of my unpaid work for a couple of weeks now. It’s good to learn new things about painting and decorating which Bob shows us and knowing that we are doing some good in the community makes it all worthwhile. Since starting this job, I can even say that I actually look forward to my unpaid work day and have even come out doing extra days.”

    Pat Ramsay is Chairperson of Staxigoe Hall Board along with her husband, Grant who is a Trustee.

    Photo of Pat and Grant Ramsay Staxigoe Hall Board

    Pat said: “I am delighted with the ongoing support from the Justice Service over many years. Our most recent project being the refurbishing of Staxigoe Village Hall has been fantastic! The Hall has had a complete new heating system installed plus internal and external insulation along with LED lighting throughout. The Justice Team has cleared the place of rubbish and then completed a programme of painting … the main hall being the largest aspect. It’s a complete transformation with a new contemporary colour scheme. The team have been so flexible in their timescale allowing us to run a few events before our official reopening soon. We’ve appreciated the regular communication and weekly updates which have been vital. The team are also working on the picnic benches at the Harbour, ready for the sunny days. They will also continue with their summer programme of grass cutting at the Harbour plus the Hall. They are an invaluable resource in our area and their work is appreciated by our community.”

    Image of Works at Staxigoe Hall

    Bob Miller, Community Payback Supervisor said: “Undertaking such sizeable projects as Staxigoe Hall is very satisfying knowing that if we weren’t here to help, it just wouldn’t get done. I’m a time served painter and decorator to trade, and I take pride in showing the clients how to effectively prepare and complete the task to a high standard. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction to know that clients are taking away valuable skills which they can use elsewhere to hopefully make their lives better in the long term.”

    Gabrielle Buist from Highland Community Justice Partnership says: “The chances of someone reoffending are reduced significantly when they can maintain their contact with family, their accommodation and their work. Community justice is about finding ways for offenders to serve a sentence from home, while getting support to rehabilitate and the opportunity to give back to the community. There is of course a place for prisons but like James Timpson (UK Gov Prisons Minister) says only one third of offenders need to be behind bars. This does call for a degree of tolerance from our communities, along with the willingness to actively offer meaningful jobs, as well as individual placements especially in remote parts of Highland.”

    The Highland Community Justice Partnership pays tribute to all those groups who are working with community payback teams and offering projects and placements; including charity shops, churches, community hubs, gardens & cafes, trusts, councils and groups all around Highland.

    If you have some jobs that need done or would consider taking on a placement then do get in touch for an initial chat.

    To find out about your local scheme, contact: criminaljustice@highland.gov.uk

    Phone:

    • Caithness & Sutherland 01955 603161
    • Ross-shire 01349 884118
    • Inverness 01463 242511
    • Lochaber 01397 704668
    • Skye & Lochalsh 01478 612943

    You can stay up to date with Community Payback projects around Highland on Facebook: facebook.com/CommunityJusticeHighland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Garage rent increase agreed for non-council tenants in Sutherland 2025/26

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Garage rents for non-council tenants in the Sutherland area will increase by 8% for 2025/26, as agreed at yesterday’s Area Committee.

    Cllr Richard Gale, Sutherland Area Chair said: “We felt it was important to give Council tenants a little break, following the 8% increase in their council rent as agreed at last week’s full council meeting. The weekly rent for non-tenants, many of whom are commercial properties, will remain affordable when compared to other garage rent costs.”

    Non-council tenants weekly rent for garages will increase by 80p to £10.81 in Ward 1 and by 81p to £10.93 in Ward 4. For Garage Sites, the weekly rent will increase to £1.39 in Ward 1 and £1.40 in Ward 4.

    Council tenants will continue to pay the weekly garage and garage site rents from last year. Garage rent will remain at £8.34 in Ward 1 and £8.59 in Ward 4. There are no council tenants paying weekly rent for a garage site in Ward 1 and garage sites weekly rent in Ward 4 for council tenants will remain at £1.29.

    As a result, the 8% increase will bring a total of £32,390.97 annually based on current occupancy.

    18 Feb 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Adult Support and Protection Day 2025

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued by NHS Highland on behalf of the Highland Adult Protection Committee.

    Residents across Highland are being asked to be alert to vulnerable adults in their communities who are susceptible to financial harm.

    Adult Support and Protection Day takes place on Thursday 20 February 2025 and NHS Highland is urging everyone to report any concerns to ensure those in need are able to access support.

    Financial harm can cover theft, fraud and pressure to sign over property or money. It also relates to rogue traders, online scammers and misuse of benefits.

    People can be at increased risk to be harmed financially through factors such as ill health, trauma and physical or mental health conditions.

    It can happen anywhere – in someone’s home, where they work, or in a public place – and is often caused by the people closest to them. It can even happen in places responsible for keeping someone safe, such as a care home, hospital or day centre.

    The Highland Adult Committee is hosting an Adult Protection Day on Thursday, 20th February 2025 in Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church, Wellside Road, Balloch.

    The event will focus on combating financial harm and protecting vulnerable adults in our communities. Tickets for the event are free, and you can book your space by visiting https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/highlandadultprotection . The event will run from 10am-3pm.

    Mark McGinty, Chair of the Adult Support and Protection Community Awareness Group for the Highland area said: “Financial harm has an impact upon us all, whether its being caught out by a scammer, a mistrust by a family member or friend, or an organisation or public body helping prevent financial harm or helping a victim recover.

    “This event provides an opportunity for professionals and the wider public alike, to learn more about what financial harm is, how to spot it, who to speak to and how to prevent it from happening. I’d urge professionals and those associated with adult care, as well as the general public, to come along if possible, it could save you or someone you know from the stress and heartache of losing money to financial harm.”

    Councillor David Fraser, Highland Council Chair of Housing and Social Work Committee said: “Highland Council welcomes this event being organised by the Adult Support and Protection Committee which ultimately aims to protect vulnerable adults in our communities who are susceptible to financial harm. If anyone has concerns about a vulnerable adult in their community who they suspect is being financially harmed they should contact either Advice Direct Scotland on 0808 164 600, who partner Trading Standards in tackling consumer scams, or Police Scotland on 101 where the financial harm is more family, friend, guardian related.”

    It’s important to speak up about any concerns you have, as the person may not be able to do so themselves. 

    Please see NHS Highland website for more details on raising a concern  Adult support and protection | NHS Highland

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Savills appointed to assess commercial options for iconic Highland capital property

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Photo by Paul Campbell. Meeting in the main hall at Inverness Town House (left to right): David Haas, Highland Council Senior Community Development Manager; Depute Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Morven Reid; Caroline Webster, Savills Director – Building Surveyor; Adam Davies, Savills Associate Director; Leader of Inverness and Area Cllr Ian Brown; Depute Provost of Inverness and Area Cllr Jackie Hendry; and Chair of the Inverness Common Good Sub Committee Cllr Alex Graham.

    The Highland Council on behalf of the Inverness Common Good Fund is pleased to announce an award of contract to Savills (UK) Ltd for the development of a feasibility study on the use of Inverness Town House.

    Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Ian Brown said: “As Trustees of the Inverness Common Good, Members of the City of Inverness Area Committee have agreed to appoint Savills (UK) Ltd.  I am delighted to announce that work is commencing on a feasibility study – the outcomes of which will help identify a long-term future for the Town House in the context of all the new developments that are taking place within the city.

    Provost of Inverness, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair added: “I am delighted that the Council has appointed such an experienced and prestigious company as Savills to appraise sustainable commercial options for the future of this much-loved historical building.

    “Since Highland Council relocated staff to its headquarters in 2023, work has been progressing well on the development of this Grade A Listed Common Good Fund asset to ensure that it continues to play a productive role into the future while remaining a fully functioning base for civic events. The study enhances our ability to deliver further on the progress to date and develop new ideas”

    Chair of the Inverness Common Good Sub Committee Cllr Alex Graham said: “As guardians of the Inverness Common Good Fund, we have an important responsibility to ensure that we maximise the return on Common Good Fund assets for the benefit of the people of Inverness. A key aim of the feasibility study is to identify ways in which to increase the Town House business potential as much as possible while retaining the historical character and civic functions of the property.”

    Savills, Associate Director. Adam Davies said: “Savills is delighted to be instructed by Highland Council to conduct a feasibility study for Inverness Town House. This is an iconic building, with an important historical legacy, situated in the heart of a fast-growing city. Ensuring its continued civic accessibility, whilst also exploring complimentary uses, will be key to finding a vibrant and sustainable solution.

    “With extensive experience of working with heritage assets in leisure and commercial markets, our study will explore a range of future uses. We look forward to presenting our findings to the Council for their consideration.”

    The feasibility study will focus on identifying options for the use of the building and engagement with stakeholders, on the potential uses of the building. The study also requires an understanding of the commercial market environment and identification of the requirements that would be required to deliver and operate the commercial options identified. An outline business case that considers the risks and challenges to provide a robust and sustainable outcome will conclude the feasibility study.

    The core principles underpinning the feasibility study are that:

    • the Town House retains a core function as a civic building in the heart of the city.
    • consideration is given to the position of the Town House and how it could align with the Castle Project and wider city developments.
    • any changes, or renovations required to the interior of the property are to support future uses and must be respectful of the building’s history and status.
    • a sustainable model is created for the operation of the Town House with the potential to make the property cost neutral or profitable.

    Further information on the Town House can be found at www.theinvernesstownhouse.co.uk.

    The study will be reported to the City of Inverness Area Committee later in the Spring.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Robber Sentenced to Additional Prison Term After Firing Machine Gun at Law Enforcement Officer

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    ATLANTA – Montrez Ballard has been sentenced to ten years in prison after firing a machine gun at a Georgia State Patrol officer. 

    “Ballard’s brazen actions endangered the life of a law enforcement officer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Moultrie, Jr.  “This lengthy prison sentence reflects Ballard’s dangerous, and potentially lethal, attack on a Georgia State Patrol trooper whose very mission is to help keep our community safe.”

    “The swift and coordinated response of law enforcement ensured that a dangerous individual was taken off the streets before he could inflict further harm. ATF will not stand by while criminals use illegally modified weapons to terrorize our communities. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who believe they can act without consequence,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones.

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court:  On July 21, 2023, Ballard, driving a Nissan Maxima, abruptly cut off a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper in Atlanta.  Ballard fled from the trooper after the officer activated his emergency equipment to stop Ballard.  In his attempt to evade the trooper, Ballard drove more than 20 miles per hour above the speed limit in a residential neighborhood, ran stop signs, and nearly struck another motorist. 

    Minutes into the chase, Ballard’s vehicle crashed into a stop sign.  Ballard then exited his vehicle and fled on foot.  When the trooper chased him, Ballard confronted the officer and fired at least three shots at the trooper.  The trooper returned fire but Ballard escaped.

    Other law enforcement agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, responded to help locate Ballard.  Officers eventually arrested Ballard – who was on probation for a state robbery offense at the time – and recovered his firearm.  Ballard’s gun, a Glock 19 9mm handgun, was examined and determined to be equipped with a device that converted the weapon into a machine gun, allowing the gun to fire continuously without multiple trigger pulls. 

     Montrez Ballard, 21, of Hampton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown, Jr. prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Champions Unite: XBO.com Becomes the Official Global Sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Argentine Football Association Partners with XBO.com, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, to unite two passionate communities. Football fans and XBO.com users will gain access to exclusive promotions, events, and VIP match experiences

    WARSAW, Poland, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Argentine Football Association (AFA), the governing body of football in Argentina, has partnered with XBO.com, a leading cryptocurrency exchange dedicated to making digital asset trading accessible, secure, and user-friendly. This collaboration aims to strengthen Argentina’s football community while providing fans with seamless and trustworthy access to cryptocurrency.

    A Landmark Partnership Between Crypto & Football

    In a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges the worlds of digital finance and sports, XBO.com is proud to become an official Global Sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team for 2025!

    The Argentine Football Association—one of the most iconic institutions in world football—and XBO.com, a next-generation cryptocurrency exchange, have signed a one-year Sponsorship Agreement for 2025. As part of this agreement, XBO.com will support the Argentine National Football Team throughout the next competitive chapter in 2025, ahead of the final World Cup 2026 qualification matches.

    This partnership marks a major milestone in XBO.com’s mission to make cryptocurrency accessible to all, while also playing a key role in AFA’s global expansion, which makes it highly sought-after by both parties.

    Two Champions, One Goal: Crypto for All

    Football and crypto have more in common than meets the eye: both unite people across borders, thrive on strategy, and reward those who stay ahead of the game. The partnership between AFA and XBO.com brings together two leading organizations from these fields to collaborate in facing new challenges and seizing opportunities.

    The Argentina National Team – A legacy of champions, reigning World Cup winners, and a global fanbase of millions.

    XBO.com – An innovative crypto exchange built to empower traders with security, ease of use, and financial freedom.

    With its global influence, AFA has no shortage of sponsorship opportunities among global brand leaders. Given this, the Association’s decision to partner with XBO.com is a strong testament to its forward-looking vision and the increasing role of crypto in the global economy.

    Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of AFA, stated:

    “We are delighted to welcome XBO.com as the new official sponsor of the Argentine Football Association. This agreement represents an important milestone in our global expansion strategy, opening new opportunities with such a prominent and innovative crypto brand. We look forward to a successful partnership and shared achievements in 2025.”

    What This Partnership Brings:

    • Exclusive Rewards & Giveaways – Win signed jerseys, VIP match tickets, stadium tours, and unforgettable fan experiences.
    • Exciting Interactive Campaigns – Participate in challenges, competitions, and promotions that blend the thrill of football with the excitement of crypto.
    • Unforgettable Events & Engagements – Be part of the action with co-branded activations, meet & greets, and unique experiences.

    According to Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA, this partnership will amplify both brands’ presence through innovative marketing initiatives:

    “AFA and XBO.com will be creating unique marketing campaigns, increasing the synergy and power of our brands in the global market. With great enthusiasm, we trust this agreement with XBO.com will be a great success.”

    More Than a Sponsorship—A Movement

    “This is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a statement,” says Lior Aizik, XBO.com’s COO & Co-founder.

    “By teaming up with AFA, we’re proving that crypto isn’t just the future of finance—it’s a global movement that belongs to everyone. Football has always been about passion, teamwork, and breaking barriers—values that align perfectly with XBO.com’s vision for financial accessibility. This collaboration is about bringing people together and creating a truly global, borderless experience.”

    As part of the partnership, XBO.com will be launching special promotions, rewards, and joint campaigns featuring the Argentine National Team as brand ambassadors. Fans and crypto enthusiasts alike will gain unprecedented access to the team’s biggest moments, players, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

    Join the Future of Crypto & Football

    The XBO.com x AFA partnership is just the beginning. Expect major announcements, massive rewards, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences ahead!

    Trade like a champion. Sign up with XBO.com today & stay tuned for upcoming giveaways and exclusive perks!

    About XBO.com

    XBO.com is an innovative cryptocurrency exchange designed for both novice and experienced traders. Built on the principles of transparency, security, and accessibility, XBO.com offers a seamless trading experience with:
    * Fiat-to-crypto swaps
    * Spot and futures trading
    * High-yield earning opportunities
    * Intuitive UI & competitive fees

    With a secure and user-friendly interface, XBO.com is redefining crypto trading and making it accessible to a global audience.

    XBO.com – Social Media Links

    About AFA

    Founded in 1893, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is the governing body of football in Argentina and one of the oldest football federations in the world. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, AFA oversees all aspects of the sport, including the organization of domestic leagues such as the Primera División, Primera Nacional, and lower divisions, as well as national cup competitions like the Copa Argentina and Supercopa Argentina.
    afa.com.ar

    Contact:
    Meirav Shacked
    Meirav.s@xbo.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by XBO.com. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities .Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/515d40f2-0cad-4e6d-a63c-bd8c16fcb41d

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

    The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations.  

    But 80 years since its creation, with more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we are falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

    And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain. 

    The climate crisis is accelerating and the Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.

    Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis.  

    In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 Member States, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members.  

    We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or unipolar one, whose challenges, climate, pandemics and cyber security are more transnational than national.

    As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system.  

    Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges.

    2025, the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path.  

    Next month we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing +30 meeting; in June we have the UN Oceans Conference; in July FFD4.  And later in the year the UN Social Summit and COP30, back in Brazil.  

    Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns.  

    Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home.

    Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security.  

    Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights.

    This starts first and foremost with the defence of the UN Charter as colleagues have references.  

    Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression.

    We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace.  

    For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan.  

    We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts, as well as a renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen.  

    This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard.

    We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve.  

    Attacks against them are unacceptable.  

    We honour, in particular today, MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC.

    Finally, in the face of growing global crises, from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN’s development and humanitarian programmes, across its agencies.  

    In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid.  

    We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need. 

    Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery.

    In conclusion, President, colleagues, the Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre. 

    While reform of its membership is needed and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate.  

    We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively and, as the Secretary-General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know is within reach.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: As Peace Gets Pushed Further from Reach, Dark Spirit of Impunity for Terrorism Spreads, Multilateral Solutions Key

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the UN Security Council open debate on the maintenance of international peace and security:  practicing multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance, in New York today: 

    I thank Minister Wang Yi and China for convening this important discussion.

    This year marks the eightieth anniversary of the United Nations.  Born out of the ashes of the Second World War, our Organization was the result of a global commitment to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”. 

    It also signalled a commitment to an entirely new level of international cooperation grounded in international law and our founding Charter.  To help countries move past the horrors of conflict to forge sustainable peace.  To tackle poverty, hunger and disease.  To assist countries in climbing the development ladder.  To provide humanitarian support in times of conflict and disaster.  To embed justice and fairness through international law and respect for human rights.  And to work through this Council to push for peace through dialogue, debate, diplomacy and consensus-building.

    Eight decades later, one can draw a direct line between the creation of the United Nations and the prevention of a third world war. Eight decades later, the United Nations remains the essential, one-of-a-kind meeting ground to advance peace, sustainable development and human rights.  But eight decades is a long time.  And because we believe in the singular value and purpose of the United Nations, we must always strive to improve the institution and the way we work.

    We have the hardware for international cooperation — but the software needs an update.  An update in representation to reflect the realities of today.  An update in support for developing countries to redress historical injustices.  An update to ensure countries adhere to the purposes, principles and norms that ground multilateralism in justice and fairness.  And an update to our peace operations.

    Global solidarity and solutions are needed more than ever. The climate crisis is raging, inequalities are growing, and poverty is on the rise.  As this Council knows well, peace is getting pushed further out of reach — from the Occupied Palestinian Territory to Ukraine to Sudan to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and beyond.

    Terrorism and violent extremism remain persistent scourges. We see a dark spirit of impunity spreading.  The prospect of nuclear war remains — outrageously — a clear and present danger. And the limitless promise of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence is matched by limitless peril to undermine and even replace human thought, human identity and human control.

    These global challenges cry out for multilateral solutions.

    The Pact for the Future you adopted in September is aimed at strengthening global governance for the twenty-first century and rebuilding trust — trust in multilateralism, trust in the United Nations, and trust in this Council.  At its heart, the Pact for the Future is a pact for peace — peace in all its dimensions.

    It puts forward concrete solutions to strengthen the machinery of peace, drawing from proposals to the New Agenda for Peace that prioritize prevention, mediation and peacebuilding.  The Pact seeks to advance coordination with regional organizations and ensure the full participation of women, youth and marginalized groups in peace processes.  And it calls for strengthening the Peacebuilding Commission to mobilize political and financial support for nationally owned peacebuilding and prevention strategies.

    The Pact also includes the first multilateral agreement on nuclear disarmament in more than a decade…  New strategies to end the use of chemical and biological weapons…  And revitalized efforts to prevent an arms race in outer space and advance discussions on lethal autonomous weapons.

    It also calls on Member States to live up to their commitments enshrined in the UN Charter and the principles of respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and the political independence of States.

    It reaffirms unwavering commitment to abide by international law and prioritize the peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue. It recognizes the role of the United Nations in preventive diplomacy.  It reinforces the need to uphold all human rights — civil, political, economic, social and cultural.  It calls for the meaningful inclusion of women and youth in all peace processes.

    And it specifically calls on this Council to ensure that peace operations are guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    But the Pact does even more for peace.  It recognizes that we must address the root causes of conflict and tensions.  Sustainable peace requires sustainable development.  The Pact includes support for a Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Stimulus to help developing countries invest in their people and tackle key challenges, like moving towards a future anchored in renewable energy.

    It includes a revitalized commitment to reform the global financial architecture to better and more fairly represent the needs of developing countries.  And it includes a Global Digital Compact that calls for an artificial intelligence governance body that brings developing countries to the decision-making table for the first time.

    The Pact also recognizes that the Security Council must reflect the world of today, not the world of 80 years ago, and sets out important principles to guide this long-awaited reform.  This Council should be enlarged and made more representative of today’s geopolitical realities.  And we must continue improving the working methods of this Council to make it more inclusive, transparent, efficient, democratic and accountable.

    These issues have been under consideration by the General Assembly for more than a decade.  Now is the time to build on the momentum provided by the Pact for the Future and work towards a greater consensus among regional groups and Member States — including the permanent members of this Council — to move the intergovernmental negotiations forward.

    Throughout, I call on Members of this Council to overcome the divisions that are blocking effective action for peace.  The world looks to you to act in meaningful ways to end conflicts and ease the suffering these wars inflict on innocent people.

    Council Members have shown that finding common ground is possible.  From deploying peacekeeping operations, to forging life-saving resolutions on humanitarian aid, to historic recognitions of the security challenges faced by women and young people, to the landmark resolution 2719 supporting African Union-led peace support operations through assessed contributions.

    Even in the darkest days of the cold war, the collective decision-making and vigorous dialogue in this Council maintained a functioning, if imperfect, system of collective security.  I urge you to summon this same spirit, continue working to overcome differences and focus on building the consensus required to deliver the peace all people need and deserve.

    Multilateral cooperation is the beating heart of the United Nations.  Guided by the solutions in the Pact for the Future, multilateralism can also become an even more powerful instrument of peace.  But multilateralism is only as strong as each and every country’s commitment to it. 

    As we look to the challenges around us, I urge all Member States to continue strengthening and updating our global problem-solving mechanisms. Let’s make them fit for purpose — fit for people — and fit for peace.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Barr, Artificial Intelligence: Hypothetical Scenarios for the Future

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated rapidly over the past few years.1 It is now commonplace to see autonomous vehicles navigating city streets, and generative AI tools are available on phones and other devices wherever we go. AI innovations make headlines and play a big role in financial markets, and generative AI has the potential to change how we think about productivity, labor markets and the macroeconomy.2 Today, I will address that question by outlining two hypothetical scenarios for AI’s impact and the implications for businesses, regulators, and society. I will focus my comments on Generative AI, or GenAI, a subset of AI that has seen significant growth and integration into economic activity in just a few short years.
    GenAI and Its AdoptionCompared to earlier iterations of AI, GenAI is able to generate content, which allows it to significantly enhance productivity across a range of knowledge-based activities and be used by people without coding skills. GenAI will likely become a “general purpose technology,” with widespread adoption, continuous improvement, and productivity enhancements to a wide range of sectors across the economy. We are already seeing GenAI improve the productivity of its own R&D.3 There is widespread enthusiasm for GenAI, and survey evidence shows much faster rates of consumer adoption of GenAI already than were seen for the personal computer or the internet.4 While actual deployment of GenAI is limited to some business functions, and there have been pitfalls along the way, businesses in almost every sector are experimenting with or considering how to make use of the technology.5
    Firms are also exploring Agentic AI—Gen AI systems that not only produce new content, but are also able to proactively pursue goals by generating innovative solutions and acting upon them at speed and scale.6 Imagining Agentic AI’s ultimate application, some speculate that we could experience a “country of geniuses in a data center”—a collective intelligence that surpasses human capabilities in problem-solving and collaboration.7 Some believe Agentic AI has the potential to connect ideas in disparate domains, potentially transforming research and development and society more broadly.8
    Hypothetical Scenarios Considering How GenAI Could EvolveToday, I will outline two hypothetical scenarios for considering how GenAI could evolve.9 In one, we see only incremental adoption that primarily augments what humans do today, but still leads to widespread productivity gains. In the other, we see transformative change where we extend human capabilities with far-reaching consequences. For each scenario, I consider the potential implications for the economy and financial sector.
    Thinking through hypothetical scenarios can help widen our lens to a range of possible outcomes and provide a framework for assessing the balance between benefits and risks. Scenarios are not predictions of the future, but provide a framework for analyzing the factors that could lead to different outcomes. Reality is complex. GenAI adoption rates will vary across industries, leading to diverse impacts on market structures. Elements of both scenarios will likely come to pass, and play out at different rates, which will influence the effects on the economy and society. In the short term, GenAI may be overhyped, while in the long run, it may be underappreciated. And, of course, things might turn out differently from these hypotheticals.
    Hypothetical 1: Incremental Progress with Widespread Productivity GainsFirst, let me begin with the incremental scenario, where GenAI primarily augments work in existing processes and leads to steady and widespread productivity gains, but does not fundamentally unlock new capabilities or transform the economy.
    In this state of the world, GenAI tools enhance efficiency and enable more personalized solutions across industries, in ways that have incremental—but still meaningful—effects on people’s lives. For instance, in customer service, professional writing—but not this speech—and software engineering, GenAI-powered tools are already supporting workers, improving accuracy and speed, and these effects could spread to other sectors.10 In this world, health care sees significant improvements as GenAI reduces administrative burdens, assists with diagnostics, and personalizes treatment plans based on real-time patient data. Medicines and other treatments are developed at a faster pace.11 Education is similarly affected, as GenAI alleviates administrative tasks for teachers, allows lessons to be tailored to individual students, and permits students to learn by doing.12 In manufacturing, GenAI-optimized supply chains anticipate and adjust more quickly to disruptions, and current manufacturing processes are refined through virtual iteration.13 In materials science, GenAI-driven experimentation accelerates the discovery of new materials, leading to advances in everything from construction to electronics.14 Turning to the financial sector, we could see similar productivity gains. Community banks leverage GenAI-powered chatbots to provide customized financial advice rooted in local knowledge, while institutions of all sizes continue to advance use of GenAI for compliance monitoring, fraud detection, risk management, and document analysis.15
    The impact to society would be incrementally positive in this state of the world. Humans would use GenAI as a tool to deliver goods and services that we currently produce in a more efficient way. Productivity would go up. The economy would grow at a faster pace.16
    What does this mean for the labor force? The impact will depend on the industry and the nature of the job. GenAI experiments suggest the technology holds the promise of levelling up skills and bringing productivity of lower-performing workers into line with higher performing workers.17 In other cases, it could augment the highest performers, leaving them more time for creativity or strategic aspects of their roles. Increasing automation for certain tasks may displace some workers, where certain skills can be replicated by GenAI. Historically, as technology has replaced some jobs, it has augmented existing roles or created new ones.18 However, this is not to downplay the individual cost for workers who need to retrain, find other employment, or change careers in response to major changes in labor demand. Society will need to account for these possible effects of AI.
    What does this mean for the economy? As I noted before, the economy should grow, if the incremental productivity gains are widespread. However, in this scenario, it is possible that the expected value creation from GenAI was overhyped, anticipating transformative breakthroughs rather than incremental productivity gains. This could trigger market corrections for the firms that have heavily invested in this technology if reality doesn’t measure up to expectations. While the U.S. economy experienced a surge of productivity growth during the dot.com boom in the late 1990s, it was followed by a wave of bankruptcies, capital overhang, and a cautious business investment climate.19 The effects of the ensuing recession were widespread.
    What does this mean for financial stability and other financial risks? In this incremental scenario, GenAI may magnify both the vulnerabilities and sources of resilience that already exist in the system. Attractive trades become more crowded, but risk managers gain new insights.20 Malicious actors gain new tools, but cyber defenders become better armed. So long as financial regulators, enterprise risk managers, and others charged with managing downside risks prioritize efforts to keep pace with the evolving financial ecosystem, there’s nothing to suggest a wholesale transformation of the balance of risks. Of course, keeping pace will pose challenges, and it’s important that we all focus on the need to meet these risks.
    Hypothetical Scenario 2: Transformative ChangeNow, let’s consider a more dramatic hypothetical scenario, in which GenAI adoption extends beyond improving on what we currently do, and provides new expertise and capabilities that have transformative effects on the economy and society. In this scenario, humans deploy their imagination and creativity—combined with robust investment in research and development—to deploy intelligent GenAI systems to make rapid breakthroughs in, for example, biotechnology, robotics, and energy, fundamentally reshaping existing industries and creating new ones. In this instance, to focus the mind, we can think of GenAI as no longer only a tool for scientists to analyze data—in a sense, it becomes the scientist, directing the research.21
    For instance, let’s say that GenAI applications in health care do not simply improve how we currently deliver care, but also enable therapies that target genetic mutations and cure diseases previously considered incurable.22 Similarly, manufacturing evolves to create GenAI-driven robotic factories, with goods produced with new materials and atomic precision.23 Materials science is transformed through the discovery of programmable materials and self-healing substances, all of which reshape construction, technology, and consumer goods.24 Meanwhile, GenAI optimizes fusion energy research, expediting the shift to sustainable energy sources.25 And GenAI helps to create the next generation of quantum computing.26 In that way, GenAI improves its own energy sources and computing capabilities, enabling it to become a more powerful creative tool.27
    Finance also looks radically different than it does today. Individuals with access to hyper-personalized financial planning and businesses with innovative products and services seamlessly connect with one another through near-frictionless or novel forms of financial intermediation.28 Trading strategies and risk-management practices are boosted by greater GenAI-based analytic tools that have dynamic real-time access to an enormous knowledge base in both the public and private domains.29
    Although this transformative scenario is more speculative and is accompanied by a far greater degree of uncertainty than the first, it is important to consider given the extraordinary opportunities for human advancement and welfare that could arise, even if just one of its transformative components were to come to fruition. We would need to fundamentally reimagine how the economy is structured.
    What are the impacts on the labor force, in a world where GenAI’s capabilities extend beyond what humans can accomplish today? Humans may have a role to manage multi-agent GenAI frameworks, or fill gaps where GenAI solutions remain expensive or inefficient for some applications. But this is a world where some workers may see their current jobs disappearing. It is also a world in which they may see their own work transformed and have many more choices about the work they do. The nature of labor would radically change, and this will require us to have broader conversations about how to organize the economy. These conversations should wrestle with how to navigate major economic shifts in a way that recognizes the impact on the human condition, and the extent to which people derive their communities, friendships, personal sense of meaning and dignity from their work.
    What about the competitive landscape? There is probably a greater likelihood that rewards for businesses would be distributed more unevenly at first, as significant breakthroughs with far-reaching ramifications may benefit a subset of firms and industries and concentrate economic power in firms that control GenAI breakthroughs. If only a handful of firms have the ability to accomplish the incredible things I’ve mentioned above, they may dominate markets and crowd out competitors. To the extent that GenAI becomes broadly effective, widely available, and cheap, these market advantages could lessen over time if the right regulatory environment supports competitive market dynamics.30 But history suggests caution in this regard; a handful of players may dominate.31
    And finally, for finance, we should anticipate fundamental changes in this scenario. When it’s working well, the financial system helps move money and risk through time and space.32 To the extent there are fundamental changes to how the economy is organized, we could need a new set of institutions, markets, and products to facilitate transactions among households, businesses, and GenAI agents.
    What Should We Do?Among the many ways in which we can help to harness the potential benefits of GenAI and minimize its risks, I will highlight only a couple today.
    Financial institutions, and the Federal Reserve System, should consider investing sufficient resources in understanding GenAI technology, incorporating it into their workflows where appropriate, and training staff on how to use the technology responsibly and effectively.33 Meanwhile, the financial regulatory community should approach the changing landscape with agility and flexibility. And beyond the financial sector, collaboration between governments, private industry, and research institutions will be critical to ensure that GenAI systems are not weaponized in catastrophic ways. We should continue to focus on responsible AI research and development and implement safeguards against misuse, including monitoring systems, standards for secure AI system development, and agreement on red lines for acceptable use cases.34 We should be attuned to the impact of GenAI on our economic and political institutions. There’s a risk that it concentrates economic and political power in the hands of the very few and could lead to the gains being realized only by a small group, while the rest are left behind.
    Another thing I want to emphasize is AI governance. I think most would agree that the goal of the technology is to improve the human condition, and to do that, we need to be intentional in advancing that goal. We should make sure that we think about GenAI as enhancing, not replacing, humans, and set up best practices and cultural norms to that end. Every financial institution should recognize the limitations of the technology, explore where and when GenAI belongs in any process, and identify how humans can be best positioned to be in the loop. We should also focus on data quality, and make sure that uses of GenAI do not perpetuate or amplify biases inherent in the data used to train the system or make incorrect inferences to the extent the data is incomplete or nonrepresentative.35 In the realm of regulation, frameworks for understanding model risk may need to be updated to address the complexity and challenges of explaining AI methods and the difficulty of assessing data quality.
    We need to be attuned to the risk in finance. The very attributes that make GenAI attractive—the speed, automaticity, and ability to optimize financial strategies—also present risk.36 When the technology becomes ubiquitous, use of GenAI could lead to herding behavior and the concentration of risk, potentially amplifying market volatility. As GenAI agents will be directed to maximize profit, they may converge on strategies to maximize returns through coordinated market manipulation, potentially fueling asset bubbles and crashes. Speed, automaticity, and ubiquity could generate new risks at wide scale.37
    We also should monitor how introduction of this technology changes the banking landscape. Nonbanks may be more nimble and risk-forward in incorporating GenAI into their operations, which may push intermediation to less-regulated, less transparent corners of the financial sector. In addition, this competitive pressure may push all institutions, including regulated institutions, to take a more aggressive approach to GenAI adoption, heightening the governance, alignment, and financial risks I mentioned before.
    In conclusion, while AI’s impact will vary across industries and the reality is evolving, the scenarios I have outlined today provide a framework to begin thinking about how we should respond to developments in GenAI. However, as I mentioned above, elements of both scenarios will likely be present in the future, and play out at different rates, which will influence the effects on the economy and society. Rapid advances in this technology, such as Agentic AI and advancements in open-source models, underscore just how new this technology is and the importance of understanding what it means for individuals, businesses, and markets. Thank you.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board. Return to text
    2. See, for instance, Lisa D. Cook, “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Path Ahead for Productivity,” (speech at Technology-Enabled Disruption: Implications of AI, Big Data, and Remote Work Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 1, 2024). Return to text
    3. See Gaurav Sett, “How AI Can Automate AI Research and Development,” RAND Commentary, October 24, 2024. Return to text
    4. See Cory Breaux and Emin Dinlersoz, “How Many U.S. Businesses Use Artificial Intelligence?” (Washington: U.S. Census Bureau, November 28, 2023); Alexander Bick, Adam Blandin, and David J. Deming, “The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI,” NBER Working Paper No. 32966 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, September 2024, revised February 2025); and Leland Crane, Michael Green, and Paul Soto, “Measuring AI Uptake in the Workplace,” FEDS Notes (Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 5, 2025). Return to text
    5. There’s evidence of firms experimenting with these tools and then abandoning them—due to a multitude of reasons. See Kathryn Bonney, Cory Breaux, Cathy Buffington, Emin Dinlersoz, Lucia S. Foster, Nathan Goldschlag, John C. Haltiwanger, Zachary Kroff, and Keith Savage, “Tracking Firm Use of AI in Real Time: A Snapshot from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey,” NBER Working Paper No. 32319 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, April 2024). Return to text
    6. For more on Agentic AI’s uses, advantages, and risks, see Mark Purdy, “What Is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work?” Harvard Business Review (December 12, 2024). Return to text
    7. See Dario Amodei, “Machines of Loving Grace,” October 2024, https://darioamodei.com/machines-of-loving-grace. Return to text
    8. For biology and drug discovery, see Jean-Philippe Vert, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Complex Biological Systems with Agentic AI,” MIT Technology Review (November 13, 2024), https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/11/13/1106750/unlocking-the-mysteries-of-complex-biological-systems-with-agentic-ai; and “Owkin Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase I AI-Optimized Clinical Trial of OKN4395, a First-in-Class EP2/EP4/DP1 Triple Inhibitor for Patients with Solid Tumors,” Business Wire, January 30, 2025, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130436779/en/Owkin-Announces-First-Patient-Dosed-in-Phase-I-AI-optimized-Clinical-Trial-of-OKN4395-a-First-in-Class-EP2EP4DP1-Triple-Inhibitor-for-Patients-with-Solid-Tumors. Return to text
    9. Others have used other types of scenarios. See Anton Korinek, “The Economics of Transformative AI,” The Reporter (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, December 31, 2024); Iñaki Aldasoro, Leonardo Gambacorta, Anton Korinek, Vatsala Shreeti, and Merlin Stein, “Intelligent Financial System: How AI Is Transforming Finance (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1194 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, June 2024); and Ethan Mollick, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2024). Return to text
    10. For worker productivity gains in customer service, see Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, “Generative AI at Work,” NBER Working Paper No. 31161 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, April 2023, revised November 2023). For GenAI assisted writing gains, see Shakked Noy and Whitney Zhang, “Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Science, vol. 381, no. 6654 (July 2023): 187–92; Jordan Usdan, Allison Connell Pensky, and Harley Chang, “Generative AI’s Impact on Graduate Student Writing Productivity and Quality,” SSRN (August 29, 2024), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4941022. For software engineering, see Sida Peng, Eirini Kalliamvakou, Peter Cihon, and Mert Demirer, “The Impact of AI on Developer Productivity: Evidence from GitHub Copilot,” arXiv:2302.06590, February 13, 2023; Leonardo Gambacorta, Han Qiu, Shuo Shan, and Daniel M. Rees, “Generative AI and Labour Productivity: A Field Experiment on Coding (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1208 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, September 2024); Zheyuan (Kevin) Cui, Mert Demirer, Sonia Jaffe, Leon Musolff, Sida Peng, and Tobias Salz, “The Effects of Generative AI on High-Skilled Work: Evidence from Three Field Experiments with Software Developers,” SSRN (September 5, 2024, revised February 10, 2025), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4945566. For worker gains in the consulting industry, see Fabrizio Dell’Acqua, Edward McFowland III, Ethan Mollick, Hila Lifshitz-Assaf, Katherine C. Kellogg, Saran Rajendran, Lisa Krayer, François Candelon, and Karim R. Lakhani, “Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality (PDF),” Harvard Business School Working Paper No. 24-013 (September 2023). Return to text
    11. See Ethan Goh, Robert Gallo, Jason Hom, et al., “Large Language Model Influence on Diagnostic Reasoning: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” JAMA Network Open (October 28, 2024), https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825395; Nikhil Agarwal, Alex Moehring, Pranav Rajpurkar, and Tobias Salz, “Combining Human Expertise with Artificial Intelligence: Experimental Evidence from Radiology,” NBER Working Paper No. 31422 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, July 2023, revised March 2024); Ashley Capoot, “Reid Hoffman Enters ‘Wondrous and Terrifying’ World of Health Care with Latest AI Startup,” CNBC, February 2, 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/02/reid-hoffman-launches-manas-ai-a-new-drug-discovery-startup.html; Kang Zhang, Xin Yang, Yifei Wang, Yunfang Yu, Niu Huang, Gen Li, Xiaokun Li, Joseph C. Wu, and Shengyong Yang, “Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development,” Nature Medicine, vol. 31 (January 2025): 45–59, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03434-4; Qian Liao, Yu Zhang, Ying Chu, Yi Ding, Zhen Liu, Xianyi Zhao, Yizheng Wang, Jie Wan, Yijie Ding, Prayag Tiwari, Quan Zou, and Ke Han, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Drug-Target Interactions Prediction: A Review,” NPJ Biomedical Innovations, vol. 2, no. 1 (January 2025), https://doi.org/10.1038/s44385-024-00003-9. Return to text
    12. For more on education, see Justin Wolfers, “An Econ Educators Guide to our AI-Powered Future,” Macmillan Learning, EconEd (presentation), September 26, 2024, https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/events/econed; and Anne J. Manning, “Professor Tailored AI Tutor to Physics Course. Engagement Doubled,” Harvard Gazette, September 5, 2024. Return to text
    13. See Maxime C. Cohen and Christopher S. Tang, “The Role of AI in Developing Resilient Supply Chains,” Georgetown Journal of International Affairs (February 5, 2024); and Remko Van Hoek and Mary Lacity, “How Global Companies Use AI to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions,” Harvard Business Review, November 21, 2023. Return to text
    14. See Sheldon Fernandez, “How Generative AI Can Be Used in Electronics,” Forbes, April 26, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/04/26/how-generative-ai-can-be-used-in-electronics-manufacturing. Return to text
    15. For U.S. financial institutions, see Elizabeth Judd, “How to Balance Human and Machine While Using Chatbots,” Independent Banker, January 1, 2025; and U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services (PDF)” (Washington: U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 2024). For foreign financial institutions, see Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority, “Artificial Intelligence in UK Financial Services—2024” (London: Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority, November 21, 2024); and Bank of Japan, “Use and Risk Management of Generative AI by Japanese Financial Institutions,” Financial System Report Annex (Tokyo: Bank of Japan, October 29, 2024). For global financial institutions, see OECD, “FSB Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Finance (PDF),” Financial Stability Board, September 30, 2024. Return to text
    16. Lida R. Weinstock and Paul Tierno, “The Macroeconomic Effects of Artificial Intelligence (PDF),” Congressional Research Service, January 28, 2025. Return to text
    17. See Shakked Noy and Whitney Zhang, “Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Science, vol. 381, no. 6654 (July 13, 2023): 187–92; Brynjolfsson et al., “Generative AI at Work” (see footnote 9); and “for software engineering” from footnote 9; Korinek (2024) from footnote 7. Return to text
    18. See David H. Autor, “Why Are There Still So Many Jobs? The History and Future of Workplace Automation,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 29, no. 3 (Summer 2015): 3–30.See Simona Abis and Laura Veldkamp. Return to text
    19. See Ben S. Bernanke, “Will Business Investment Bounce Back?” (speech at the Forecasters Club, New York, NY, April 24, 2003). Return to text
    20. See Financial Stability Board, The Financial Stability Implications of Artificial Intelligence (Basel, Switzerland: Financial Stability Board, November 14, 2024); and Jon Danielsson and Andreas Uthemann, “How AI Can Undermine Financial Stability,” VoxEU: CEPR, January 22, 2024. Return to text
    21. For some very early examples, see Davide Castelvecchi, “Researchers Built an ‘AI Scientist’—What Can It Do?” Nature, August 30, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02842-3; Daniil A. Boiko, Robert MacKnight, Ben Kline, and Gabe Gomes, “Autonomous Chemical Research with Large Language Models,” Nature, December 20, 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06792-0; and Helena Kudiabor, “Virtual Lab Powered by ‘AI Scientists’ Super-Charges Biomedical Research,” Nature, December 4, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01684-3. Return to text
    22. For more on drug discovery and gene therapy, see Betty Zou, “Team Uses AI and Quantum Computing to Target ‘Undruggable’ Cancer Protein,” Phys Org, January 27, 2025; and Mohammad Ghazi Vakili et al., “Quantum-Computing-Enhanced Algorithm Unveils Potential KRAS Inhibitors,” Nature Biotechnology, January 22, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02526-3. Return to text
    23. See NASA Technology Transfer Program, “Robonaut 2: Hazardous Environments (MSC-TOPS-44)”. Return to text
    24. For more on material sciences innovation, see Andy Extance, “First GPT-4-Powered AI Lab Assistant Independently Directs Key Organic Reactions,” Chemistry World, January 8, 2024, https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/first-gpt-4-powered-ai-lab-assistant-independently-directs-key-organic-reactions/4018723.article; Chenyang Liu, Xi Zhang, Jiahui Chang, You Lyu, Jianan Zhao, and Song Qiu, “Programmable Mechanical Metamaterials: Basic Concepts, Types, Construction Strategies—A Review,” Frontiers, vol. 11 (March 19, 2024); Aidan Toner-Rodgers, “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation,” MIT, November 27, 2024, https://aidantr.github.io/files/AI_innovation.pdf; and Thomas Hayes et al., “Simulating 500 Million Years of Evolution with a Language Model,” Science, January 16, 2025. Return to text
    25. See Tan Sui, “AI Could Help Overcome the Hurdles to Making Nuclear Fusion a Practical Energy Source,” The Conversation, January 29, 2025, https://theconversation.com/ai-could-help-overcome-the-hurdles-to-making-nuclear-fusion-a-practical-energy-source-247608; Jaemin Seo, SangKyeun Kim, Azarakhsh Jalalvand, Rory Conlin, Andrew Rothstein, Joseph Abbate, Keith Erickson, Josiah Wai, Ricardo Shousha, and Egemen Kolemen, “Avoiding Fusion Plasma Tearing Instability with Deep Reinforcement Learning,” Nature, vol. 626, February 21, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07024-9; and Massimiliano Lupo Pasini, German Samolyuk, Markus Eisenbach, Jong Youl Choi, Junqi Yin, and Ying Yang, “First-Principles Data for Solid Solution Niobium-Tantalum-Vanadium Alloys with Body-Centered-Cubic Structures,” Nature: Scientific Data, vol. 11, no. 907 (August 22, 2024), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03720-3. Return to text
    26. Nakia Melecio, “Exploring the Synergy: Quantum Computing and Generative AI at the Intersection of Innovation,” ScaleUp Lab Program, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Tech. Return to text
    27. For an example on GenAI and quantum computers, see Rahul Rao, “Quantum Computers Can Now Run Powerful AI That Works like the Brain,” Scientific American, April 22, 2024, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/quantum-computers-can-run-powerful-ai-that-works-like-the-brain. For an example about AI and clean energy, see Office of Policy, “How AI Can Help Clean Energy Meet Growing Electricity Demand” (Washington: U.S. Department of Energy, August 16, 2024). For examples of how GenAI is augmenting creativity, see Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Josh Folk, and Lokesh Venkataswamy, “How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity,” Harvard Business Review (July–August 2023); and Anil R. Doshi and Oliver P. Hauser, “Generative AI Enhances Individual Creativity but Reduces the Collective Diversity of Novel Content,” Science Advances, vol. 10, no. 28 (July 12, 2024). Return to text
    28. See Iñaki Aldasoro, Leonardo Gambacorta, Anton Korinek, Vatsala Shreeti, and Merlin Stein, “Intelligent Financial System: How AI Is Transforming Finance (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1194 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, June 2024); and Sarah Hammer, “From Turing to Trading: How AI Is Revolutionizing Finance,” Finance Centers at the Wharton School, July 10, 2024. Return to text
    29. Large language models may even allow for the creation of synthetic data that allows for enhancing macroeconomic nowcasting and forecasting through economic AI agents that can also help with analyzing macroeconomic trends and contribute to more informed financial decisionmaking. See Anne Lundgaard Hansen, John J. Horton, Sophia Kazinnik, Daniela Puzzello, and Ali Zarifhonarvar, “Simulating the Survey of Professional Forecasters,” SSRN (December 1, 2024), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5066286. Return to text
    30. Kelly Ng, Brandon Drenon, Tom Gerken, and Marc Cieslak, “DeepSeek: The Chinese AI App That Has the World Talking,” BBC News, February 4, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9po. Return to text
    31. For example, see IBM Newsroom, “Data Suggests Growth in Enterprise Adoption of AI Is Due to Widespread Deployment by Early Adopters, But Barriers Keep 40% in the Exploration and Experimentation Phases,” IBM, January 10, 2024, https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-01-10-Data-Suggests-Growth-in-Enterprise-Adoption-of-AI-is-Due-to-Widespread-Deployment-by-Early-Adopters; and Jefferies Editorial Team, “Can Startups Outsmart Big Tech in the AI Race?” Jefferies, September 17, 2024, https://www.jefferies.com/insights/boardroom-intelligence/can-startups-outsmart-big-tech-in-the-ai-race. Return to text
    32. If AI agents proliferate in financial transactions, we will also need to be careful about the potential for unintended consequences such as collusion among AI agents. See Winston Wei Dou, Itay Goldstein, and Yan Ji, “AI-Powered Trading, Algorithmic Collusion, and Price Efficiency,” Jacobs Levy Equity Management Center for Quantitative Financial Research Paper, The Wharton School Research Paper, May 30, 2024, https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4452704. Return to text
    33. See Request for Information on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan, 90 Fed. Reg. 9,088 (PDF) (February 6, 2025). Return to text
    34. See Heather Domin, “AI Governance Trends: How Regulation, Collaboration, and Skills Demand Are Shaping the Industry,” World Economic Forum, September 5, 2024. Return to text
    35. For more on bias introduced in models, see Moshe Glickman and Tali Sharot, “How Human–AI Feedback Loops Alter Human Perceptual, Emotional, and Social Judgements,” Nature Human Behavior, December 18, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02077-2; Saul Asiel Flores, “‘Bias in, Bias out’: Tackling Bias in Medical Artificial Intelligence,” Yale School of Medicine, November 18, 2024; and Adam Zewe, “Researchers Reduce Bias in AI Models While Preserving or Improving Accuracy,” MIT News, December 11, 2024. For governance in central banks, see Claudia Alvarez Toca and Alexandre Tombini, Governance of AI Adoption in Central Banks (PDF) (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, January 2025). Return to text
    36. See, e.g., Michael P. Wellman, “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services (PDF)” (written testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, September 20, 2023). Return to text
    37. See Jon Danielsson and Andreas Uthemann, “AI Financial Crises,” VoxEU: CEPR, July 26, 2024. For more on algorithm collusion, see Wei Dou et al., “AI-Powered Trading, Algorithmic Collusion, and Price Efficiency” (see footnote 33). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Plead Guilty in Multimillion-Dollar Sports-Betting and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ten men pleaded guilty this week to managing a multi-million-dollar sports-betting operation, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office.

    Timothy J. Pughsley, 53, and Nathan Burdette, 39, of Birmingham, Alabama; Christopher Burdette, 32, of Chelsea, Alabama; Thomas Zito, 59, of Vestavia, Alabama; Gary Rapp, 46, of Lakeland, Tennessee; Mark Giaquinto, 52, of Upton, Massachusetts; Matthew Voorhees, 49, of Englewood, Colorado; David Richards, 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Joshua Gentrup, 38, of Athens, Georgia, entered their guilty pleas before United States District Judge Madeline Haikala to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business and to their participation in a money laundering conspiracy. Jonathan Lind, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business. Sentencing hearings for the defendants are set in May 2025.

    According to the plea agreements, Pughsley began operating a bookmaking organization at least 17 years ago. The organization eventually became known as “Red44,” and bookmaking and betting activities occurred online via an offshore server located in Costa Rica. It is estimated that the organization accepted over $2 billion in wagers during its existence. Within the plea agreements, the defendants—all senior agents within Red44—agreed to pay excise tax restitution totaling $19,777,382.61 to the IRS arising from their acceptance of wagers from sports betters across the U.S. and to satisfy any income tax obligations that remain outstanding.

    “These guilty pleas are the end result of years of hard work by members of federal and state law enforcement agencies to enforce our nation’s gambling and tax laws,” Escalona said. “The defendants illegally accepted millions of dollars in wagers and lived lavishly while avoiding their excise tax obligations. This office will diligently pursue those who enrich themselves in violation of the law.”

    “Excise tax evasion and illegal sports betting are not victimless crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “Money obtained from illegal gambling operations is often used to finance other criminal activities. IRS-CI special agents are skilled at following the money to investigate and expose these illegal organizations, who will be held accountable. Thank you to our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in this investigation.”

    IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the Vestavia Hills Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Revenue, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine Crosby, Kristen Osborne, and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Securing a future for Grangemouth

    Source: Scottish Government

    Additional £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund.

    First Minister John Swinney has announced an additional £25 million to establish a fund to help secure the future of Grangemouth.

    During a statement to Parliament he also called on the UK Government to address the immediacy and urgency of the situation facing Grangemouth by at least matching the Scottish Government’s investment.

    The First Minister said:

    “The aim of this fund is to expedite any of the potential solutions that will be set out in the Project Willow report, as well as other proposals that will give Grangemouth a secure and sustainable future.

    “We have made the strategic decision to support this key activity through an additional draw down of ScotWind revenue totalling £25 million, to add to the £7.8 million in our budget for 2025-26. Altogether, the Scottish Government – with a finite budget – has committed or already invested £87 million in Grangemouth.

    “We need the UK Government to do at least the same and deliver a fair amount to avoid significant economic disruption in central Scotland, and to protect and promote Scotland’s – and Grangemouth’s – future interests.”

    The First Minister confirmed to Parliament that an amendment will be lodged to the Scottish Government’s 2025-26 Budget Bill to allocate an additional £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund.

    Funds will be available immediately in the new financial year to support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions over the next 12 months, and if necessary, beyond.

    He added:

    “We believe that refining at Grangemouth should continue, that this closure is premature and that it is detrimental to Scotland’s transition to net zero.

    “We recognise the significance of the fact that we are now facing a programme of redundancies at Grangemouth and the impact this will have on the lives of those employed at the site. Every person, every family and every business impacted by the closing of the Grangemouth refinery, matters. Our immediate focus, rightly, is on providing those who are losing their jobs with targeted skills support.

    “Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s net zero future. We want them to stay in Scotland and continue to make their lives here. We will do all we can to ensure they have a future in the Scottish economy as we make the transition to net zero.

    “That is why we are also working to secure Grangemouth’s role in that future and create an investible industrial strategy for the site.”

    The First Minister also called on the UK Government to continue to work together with the Scottish Government to drive forward the next phase of Project Willow; to expedite a decision on Acorn and the Scottish Cluster of carbon capture projects; and to make urgent progress on allocating funding for the second round of hydrogen production projects. 

    Background

    Securing a future for Grangemouth – First Minister’s statement – 18 February 2025

    In September 2024 the Scottish and UK Governments published a joint plan to secure the industrial future of Grangemouth. 

    In November the Scottish Government also sought views on a draft Just Transition Plan for the wider Grangemouth industrial cluster.

    Project Willow is assessing credible options to begin building a new long-term industry at the refinery site. A range of proposals have been shortlisted by the UK and Scottish governments, as part of a joint-funded £1.5 million feasibility study. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
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