NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with the Tribunal of the Roman Rota on the occasion of the inauguration of the Judicial Year

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with the Tribunal of the Roman Rota on the occasion of the inauguration of the Judicial Year, 31.01.2025
    This morning, in the Vatican Apostolic Palace, the Holy Father Francis received in audience the prelate auditors, officials, lawyers and collaborators of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, on the occasion of the solemn inauguration of the Judicial Year.
    After the greeting from the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, Archbishop Alejandro Arellano Cedillo, the Pope delivered the following address:

    Address of the Holy Father
    Dear Prelate Auditors,
    The inauguration of the Judicial Year of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota offers me the opportunity to reiterate my appreciate and my gratitude for your work. I warmly greet the Monsignor Dean and all those who provide your service in this Tribunal.
    This year will be the tenth anniversary of the two Motu Proprio, Mitis Iudex Dominus Iesus and Mitis et Misericors Iesus, with which I reformed the process for the declaration of nullity of marriage. It seems timely to take this traditional opportunity to meet with you to recall the spirit that permeated this reform, which you applied with competence and diligence, and for the benefit of all the faithful.
    The need to modify the norms regarding the procedure for annulment was made manifest by the synod Fathers gathered in the extraordinary Assembly of 2014, formulating the request to make trials more accessible and streamlined (cf. Relatio Synodi 2014, 48). The synod Fathers expressed in this way the urgency to complete the pastoral conversion of structures, already called for in the Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium (cf. no. 27).
    It was all the more opportune that such conversion should also touch the administration of justice, so that it would respond in the best way possible to those who turn to the Church to shed light on their marital situation (cf. Address to the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, 23 January 2015).
    I wanted the bishop, the diocesan bishop, to be at the centre of the reform. Indeed, he is responsible for administering justice in the diocese, both as a guarantor of the closeness of tribunals and supervision of them, and as judge who must decide personaliter in cases in which nullity appears manifest, or rather via the processus brevior as an expression of care for the salus animarum.
    Therefore, I urged the inclusion of the activity of the tribunals in diocesan pastoral care, instructing the bishops to ensure that the faithful are aware of the existence of the procedure as a possible remedy to the situation of need in which they find themselves. It is sometimes saddening to learn that the faithful are unaware of the existence of this avenue. Furthermore, it is important “that processes remain free of charge, [so] that the Church manifest … the gratuitous love of Christ by which we have all been saved” (Mitis et Misericors Iesus, Proemio, VI).
    In particular, the solicitude of the bishop is implemented in guaranteeing by law the constitution in his diocese of the tribunal, equipped with well-trained persons – clerics and laity – suited to this function; and ensuring that they carry out their work with justice and diligence. The investment in the training of such workers – scientific, human and spiritual training – is always to the benefit of the faithful, who are entitled to careful consideration of their petitions, even when they receive a negative response.
    The reform was guided – and its application must be guided – by the concern for the salvation of souls (cf. Mitis Iudex, Proemio). We are called upon by the pain and hope of so many faithful who seek clarity regarding the possibility of full participation in the sacramental life. For many who have
    “experienced an unhappy marriage, verification of the presence or lack of validity of the bond represents an important possibility; and these people must be helped along this road in the swiftest manner” (Address to participants in the course promoted by the Roman Rota, 12 March 2016).
    The norms that establish the procedures must guarantee some fundamental rights and principles, primarily the right of defence and the presumption of validity of the marriage. The purpose of the process is not “to complicate the life of the faithful uselessly, nor far less to exacerbate their litigation, but rather to render a service to the truth” (Benedict XVI, Address to the Rota Romana, 28 January 2006).
    I am reminded of what Saint Paul VI said, after completing the reform carried out by the Motu Proprio Causas matrimoniales. He observed that “in the simplifications […] introduced in the treatment of matrimonial cases, the intention is to make this exercise easier, and therefore more pastoral, without prejudice to the criteria of truth and justice, to which a trial must honestly adhere, in the confidence that the responsibility and wisdom of the Pastors are religiously and more directly committed” (Address to the Roman Rota, 30 January 1975).
    Likewise, the recent reform was intended to favour “not the nullity of marriages, but the speed of processes – the speed – as well as the simplicity due them, lest the clouds of doubt overshadow the hearts of the faithful” (Mitis Iudex, Proemio). Indeed, to avoid that, as a result of overly complex procedures, the saying “summum ius summa iniuria” (Cicerone, De Officiis, I, 10, 33) become a reality, I abolished the need for a dual conforming judgment and encouraged more rapid decision-making in trials in which nullity is manifest, aiming at the good of the faithful and wishing to bring peace to their consciences. It is evident – but I would like to reiterate it here – that the reform strongly challenges your prudence in applying the norms. And this “requires two great virtues: prudence and justice, which must be informed by charity. There is an intimate connection between prudence and justice, because the exercise of the prudentia iuris is aimed at the knowledge of what is just in the specific case” (Address to the Roman Rota, 25 January 2024).
    Every protagonist of the process approaches the conjugal and family reality with veneration, because the family is a living reflection of the communion of love that is God the Trinity (cf. Amoris laetitia, 11). Moreover, spouses united in marriage have received the gift of indissolubility, which is not a goal to be achieved by their own efforts, nor even a limitation to their freedom, but a promise from God, whose faithfulness makes that of human beings possible. Your work of discernment on the existence or otherwise of a valid marriage is a service, it is a service to the salus animarum, inasmuch as it allows the faithful to know or accept the truth of their own personal situation. Indeed, “every just judgment of the validity or nullity of marriage is a contribution to the culture of indissolubility both in the Church and in the world” (Saint John Paul II, Address to the Roman Rota, 29 January 2002).
    Dear sisters, dear brothers, the Church entrusts a task of great responsibility to you, but first of all of great beauty: to help purify and restore interpersonal relationships. The Jubilee context in which we find ourselves fills your work with hope, the hope that does not disappoint (cf. Rom 5:5).
    I invoke upon all of you, peregrinantes in spem, the grace of joyful conversion and the light to accompany the faithful towards Christ, who is the meek and merciful Judge. I bless you from my heart, and I ask you, please, to pray for me. Thank you!

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man jailed for importing large quantities of cannabis

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been jailed for importing and supplying large quantities of cannabis following a court hearing.

    Rhys Herbert, 24 (29.06.00) of Lonsdale Road, Notting Hill had previously pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a controlled Class B drug (cannabis) and the fraudulent evasion of a prohibition in relation to Class B drugs (cannabis).

    A Newton Hearing held at Lincoln Crown Court on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 December 2024. On 31 January a Judge determined that Herbert played a significant role in the movement and supply of cannabis with estimated quantities of at least 45kg involved.

    He was sentenced to three years and 11 months imprisonment.

    An investigation into Herbert was launched after he was stopped for a driving offence in Westminster in November 2023. During the stop it was established a malicious communication offence may have been committed after Herbert posted personal information about one of the officers on social media. Herbert’s phone was seized and subsequently found to contain information that implicated his role in large scale drugs importation and supply.

    He was arrested for these offences at an address in Lincoln on 21 February 2024 and due to the weight of evidence officers had gathered against him, pleaded guilty when he appeared in court.

    Detective Constable Jacob Saville, who led the investigation, said: “Rhys Herbert has already admitted to his role in the importation and supply of large quantities of cannabis; now a Judge has reviewed all of the evidence and determined he played a significant role in this operation.

    “As soon as we became aware of the various messages and information held on Herbert’s phone, detectives began to compile a wealth of evidence that proved his involvement was irrefutable.

    “Drugs and the associated criminality they bring devastates communities and we will continue to identify and arrest those responsible who engage in this activity.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Secretary announces Land Use Framework

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Steve Reed sets out how the most sophisticated land use data ever published will support decision-making by local government, landowners, businesses and farmers

    Thanks to Tim for the introduction, and to the Royal Geographical Society for hosting us here today.

    I want to start by celebrating the work of the late Sir Dudley Stamp, President of the Royal Geographical Society from 1963 – 1966.

    In the 1930s, Sir Dudley carried out the Land Utilisation Survey of Great Britain, the first-of-its-kind nation-wide survey of how land was then being used in our country.

    He recruited the help of thousands of schoolchildren and their teachers, who embarked on a trip right around Britain to map mountains, rivers, fields, back gardens, forests, covering every piece of land across the country.

    You can see examples of these maps can be found in this room today.

    Across the survey, some maps were clearly done quickly as a pupil ran out of time, or perhaps even lost interest, others are coloured meticulously with additional notes and labels for good measure.

    Yet, whether they were rushed or done in painstaking detail, Sir Dudley’s maps are invaluable, providing a comprehensive record of how land was being used across England, Wales and Scotland.

    These maps were quickly put to use with the dawn of the Second World War, used by the local War Agricultural Committees to identify land that could maximise food production.

    Sir Dudley’s maps are a snapshot in history – a fascinating insight into how the countryside has changed over time.

    But the story of our land goes much deeper even than that.

    Our landscape embodies our lives, our culture, our celebrations, and our tragedies.

    How it looks has changed as our population has grown and shrunk, through wars, in times of disease and hardship, through changing industries and shifting habits. The stories of our ancestors are embedded in the rich heritage of our land.

    In the woodlands of the New Forest where, in 1697, trees were protected by law to supply timber for the Royal Navy’s growing fleet.

    In the ridges and furrows in our fields, and the stone walls of enclosures, that give a glimpse into the lives of millions of farmers who’ve worked our land for tens of thousands of years.

    In the parkland designed by ‘Capability’ Brown across England’s glorious Georgian Estates, visited by millions of us to this day.

    Our landscape reflects generations of innovators.

    In the emergence of new terraced houses in the industrial towns of Lancashire and West Yorkshire, remnants of the late 18th century textile revolution.

    In the creation of our transport system, from canals to the railways through the 19th century, to the opening of England’s first motorway in 1958.

    From the world’s first public electricity supply in Surrey in 1851, to the UK producing its trillionth kilowatt hour of electricity from renewable sources in May 2023.

    It’s the fabric of Stevenage and Harlow, created under the New Towns Act of 1946 to meet the urgent need for housing in the post war years, and in the opening of our National Parks during that same period, representing the desire of a nation to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

    It tells the story of farmers who have changed how they farm time and again to grow the food we need and steward our countryside, embracing mechanisation in the 20th century, automation in more recent decades, and the nature-friendly practices we’re seeing emerge today.

    Wherever you are in England, the history of our landscape is ever present. The distinctive features that make up the nation we know and love are never far away.

    Two hours from the room we’re all in right now, I could be at Stonehenge. Go the other way, I’m in the Norfolk Broads or on the beach at Margate. I can easily get to the canals of Birmingham, the uplands of the Yorkshire Dales or the sparkling white cliffs of Dover.

    This is one of England’s greatest joys. But also one of its challenges. Because England’s land area is small. To put it in perspective, France is four times bigger than England but our population is around the same.

    And there are more demands and more opportunities on our land than ever before.

    To grow the economy and deliver the change that this Government was elected to do, we must make the best use of the land around us. But we need better data and tools to inform decision making. 

    So we can grow the food to feed the nation. Build 1.5 million new homes to address the housing crisis. Construct the energy infrastructure to secure home-grown clean power. And, underpinning all these ambitions, protect and restore nature here in one of the most nature-depleted countries on Earth. 

    In the years since Sir Dudley’s work, we’ve seen subsequent land use surveys, and advances in spatial data science and earth observation means we have detailed land analysis at our fingertips, including that used by Tim in Land App, to help people plan how we use our land better.

    But, until now, there has been no clear direction set by Government on how our land could best be used across England. How to support those who make decisions about the land. How to minimise trade-offs and maximise its potential.

    Today, following Sir Dudley’s groundbreaking survey almost 100 years ago, I’m asking for your help to shape the first-ever comprehensive Land Use Framework for England.

    This will be the most sophisticated land use data and toolkit ever published in our country’s history.

    This Government has a cast-iron commitment to maintain long-term food security.

    The primary purpose of farming will always be to produce the food that feeds the nation.

    This framework will give decision makers the toolkit they need to protect our highest quality agricultural land, and make decisions about the long term future of farm businesses.

    Farming faces a rapidly changing climate. More severe flooding and droughts are damaging food production, hitting yields and hitting profits. At the same time our natural environment is in decline. Much-loved British birds and wildlife are at risk of national extinction.

    Our rivers, lakes and seas are choked by unacceptable levels of pollution.

    Some of our most treasured landscapes are in a very poor condition.

    This is the scale of the challenge we face.  And we must do more to restore our natural world while maintaining and strengthening food production. 

    That is why the Government must go further and faster to support farmers through the transition to a more sustainable way of farming.

    But there’s good news too.  That transition is already underway. Embracing innovation that will boost long-term food production. Restoring habitats and supporting once-endangered species. Doing things like planting orchards alongside cropland, or restoring and maintaining peatland.

    I know from conversations with farmers and landowners that they not only understand the need for change, they are already making change happen. 

    They know their land best, and it is only right that they lead this transition.

    We can make the most of food production, nature’s restoration and economic growth if we support farmers and landowners with better information to help them navigate their way into the future. 

    That may mean doing things differently, and I know that can be worrying, but the decision on how to manage land will and must always rest with the individual farmer or landowner.

    We will work with farmers to shape the framework and support them in making their businesses more sustainable, productive and profitable by opening up Government data so innovators like Tim can put new insights into the hands of farmers, planners and developers when taking their own decisions about the best use for their land.

    It will look at how we create the certainty that private investors need to invest in farming businesses, and consider how best to use public funding to secure the most benefits for food production and for nature.

    We are working on common sense changes that create a win-win for nature and the economy, and the Land Use Framework is a significant part of that.

    Nature is the common thread that runs through the Government’s missions. It is healthy soils and abundant pollinators that enable us to grow the food we need despite the changing climate. It’s a resilient water supply that is essential to building the homes, schools, hospitals, and datacentres that we need. And trees and vegetation that help the land hold more water and give us better protection from flooding.

    It’s the biodiversity and wildlife that safeguards our ecosystems to fight off animal and plant diseases, while access to our wild landscapes and green spaces helps improve mental and physical health and reduce the burden on our NHS.

    Beyond nature and the farming sector, this Framework will unlock growth through better spatial planning.

    It will work hand in hand with our housing and our energy plans, so we can meet our ambitious housing targets and achieve Clean Power by 2030, without jeopardising food production or nature.

    This land use data will shape decision-making about where and how we build things in this country so we can grow the economy and meet the challenges of future decades.

    Major infrastructure will be built with sensitivity to our landscapes, by ensuring our strategic spatial energy plan and 10 year infrastructure strategy draw from the land use framework.

    And by linking the Framework with our spatial approach to housing, we can develop new settlements that make space for nature and allow access to our beautiful green countryside.

    This is about creating a coherent set of policies that work together, rather than against each other.

    We have taken on recommendations from Henry Dimbleby’s Food Strategy, the Food Farming and Countryside Commission, a House of Lords Committee, and a range of other voices – many who I see in front of me in this room, to consult on a Land Use Framework for England.

    Starting a national conversation on the vast opportunities for how we use land in this country.  

    It won’t tell anyone what to do with their land, it will help them take better decisions shaped by the life experiences of farmers, landowners and planners.

    Using the most sophisticated land use data ever published, we will boost food production, protect the best agricultural land, restore our natural world and drive economic growth.

    This is not a set of rules. This is providing better data and information to make sure the farming transition that is already happening is fair and just.

    Ensuring the evidence gathered here will also feed into the wider reform that we are delivering through our Farming Roadmap and Food Strategy.

    So just as Sir Dudley asked schoolteachers and their pupils for help all those years ago, I am asking for your help.

    I won’t be giving out mapping sheets and testing your colouring skills you’ll be pleased to hear.

    But I do want to hear your views and draw from your expertise on what a Land Use Framework for England should look like and – importantly – how we get there.

    Today we are launching a 12-week consultation, that will be supported by workshops and roundtables around the country.

    Bringing together farmers, landowners, businesses, planners – everyone involved in how we use our land.

    We’ll be asking for your views on a future vision for the land, what our policies on land use need to include, and what you need to realise that vision.

    Tell us how can we change the way our spatial data is presented and shared so it’s more valuable in decision making and can be used to drive economic growth.

    Tell us where the skills gaps are, and what skills we need to transition our land.

    Tell us how we can best help landowners, land managers and communities understand and prepare for the challenges of climate change,

    Or support farmers to make land-use changes while boosting food production.

    If we get that right, the prize is huge.

    We can have a multifunctional landscape that delivers economic growth and puts money back in the pockets of hardworking people.

    Where farmers continue to produce the food we need, working with nature and maximising the potential of their land to strengthen food security in the face of climate change and geopolitical shocks. 

    We can have healthy ecosystems, abundant habitats and species, clean waterways and beautiful countryside for everyone to enjoy.

    We can have families living in well-designed homes, with green spaces, amenities and protection from flooding.

    We can lower energy bills and increase national energy security by generating more homegrown, clean energy.

    This is about shaping the future England we want to see.

    The consultation may be just 12 weeks – but the conversation will be ongoing.

    Just as it has throughout history, our landscape will continue to change – and we will work with you so that the Land Use Framework evolves to reflect this. 

    Our landscape is shaped by those who’ve lived and worked it for generations.

    This is England’s next chapter. We are the authors. Let’s write it together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World Wetlands Day 2025: Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future

    Source: United Nations

    Celebrated annually on 2 February, World Wetlands Day aims to raise global awareness of the vital role of wetlands for people, nature and culture. This year’s theme, ‘Protecting Wetlands for Our Common Future’, reminds us of the benefits wetlands provide for biodiversity and human wellbeing.

    Wetlands are among the world’s most productive ecosystems and critical for wildlife preservation. Wetlands help us cope with the impacts of climate change and secure critical freshwater recources. Wetlands have also shaped human cultures over centuries, and inspired our creativity. We need healthy wetlands for our future, and for our well-being.

    Wetlands are protected under many conservation instruments, yet they are among the planet’s most theratened ecosystems. UNESCO supports the work of the Ramsar Convention on conservation and wise use of wetlands. Many wetlands have been recognised not only as Ramsar sites but also as UNESCO World Heritage properties and Biosphere Reserves. International designations can support the protection of wetlands and improve access to resources which are often much needed for securing their values.

    Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay (France) is one of the dual designations under the Ramsar and World Heritage Conventions. It is a vital coastal wetland that provides essential habitat for migratory birds and supports local fisheries with a unique Gothic-style Benedictine abbey which is a great combination of culture and nature. Conservation efforts have helped maintain the delicate balance between the region’s natural environment and human activities, offering sustainable livelihoods to local communities while preserving cultural heritage.

    Wood Buffalo National Park (Canada) protects one of the world’s largest inland deltas. This wetland plays a critical role in the health of the surrounding ecosystems and provides a source of fresh water for local communities. By conserving the park’s wetlands, indigenous people and local residents benefit from enhanced food security, including access to fish and wildlife.

    Banc d’Arguin National Park (Mauritania) is an important coastal wetland that provides a haven for migratory birds, fish, and other wildlife. Local people benefit from the health of this wetland, which sustains fish stocks and supports their traditional livelihoods.

    Itsukushima Shinto Shrine (Japan) and its surrounding wetlands are crucial for maintaining the natural beauty of the region and has been a holy place of Shintoism. By protecting the wetlands, local communities benefit from the economic boost of tourism, while also preserving the cultural and spiritual significance of the landscape that has shaped their traditions for centuries.

    This year, World Wetlands Day shares the same theme with the 15th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Convention on Wetlands (COP15), which is scheduled for July 2025 in Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, and has one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world.

    Visit the official World Wetlands Day 2025 website to explore global events, access communication materials and pledge your message for protecting wetlands for our common future.

    Learn more about our efforts to protect wetlands of global importance : here   

     

     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly to assess Mayor’s Co-Chairs of Cultural Leadership Board nominees

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board is a high-level statutory body appointed by the Mayor of London in accordance with the Greater London Authority (GLA) Act 1999.1

    Board members, known as ‘Ambassadors’, advise the Mayor of London on emerging and ongoing issues facing the creative industries and culture sector. The Board also helps to champion the Mayor’s work.

    The role of the Co-Chairs is to:

    • Lead and chair the Mayor’s Culture Leadership Board to advise and support the Mayor on the delivery of his culture strategy
    • Lead the formulation of the Mayor’s Culture Leadership Board objectives and liaise with the Secretariat, GLA and other functional bodies to deliver these
    • Lead and represent the views of the Mayor’s Culture Leadership Board in its work, meetings and events
    • Act as the key spokesperson to the media and stakeholders relating to culture and the Mayor’s Culture Leadership Board
    • Meet with the Deputy Mayor for Culture & Creative Industries on a regular basis to update on any work.2

    The London Assembly will hold an extraordinary confirmation hearing on Monday, to assess the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan’s proposed appointees to the role of Co-Chairs of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board.

    The Assembly Confirmation Hearings Committee will question:

    • Amanda Parker – Proposed appointee to the role of Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board
    • Tom Sleigh – Proposed appointee to the role of Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board                                                                       

    Questions may cover four key areas:

    • Whether the nominee is qualified for the position
    • Whether the nominee has the time and capacity for the position
    • Whether the nominee is fit (independent and impartial) for the position
    • Key responsibilities and issues for the organisation to which the Mayor is proposing to appoint the nominee

    Following the hearing, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Mayor as to whether they agree or reject the proposed appointment.3

    The hearing will take place on Monday 3 February at 3pm in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly W/C 3 February

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 3 February

    Co-chairs of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board

    Confirmation Hearings Committee – Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board members, known as ‘Ambassadors’, advise the Mayor of London on emerging and ongoing issues facing the creative industries and culture sector. The Board also helps to champion the Mayor’s work.

    The London Assembly will hold an extraordinary confirmation hearing to assess the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan’s proposed appointees to the role of Co-Chairs of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board.

    The Assembly Confirmation Hearings Committee will question:

    • Amanda Parker – Proposed appointee to the role of Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board
    • Tom Sleigh – Proposed appointee to the role of Co-Chair of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smith on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 5 February

    Swimmable Rivers

    Environment Committee – Committee Rooms 2 & 3, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The London Assembly Environment Committee will hold the final meeting of its investigation into the Mayor’s ‘swimmable rivers’ manifesto commitment, asking guests what the Mayor’s plan should include, how to ensure London’s rivers are safe and accessible, and what it will take to achieve the Mayor’s aims.

    The guests are:

    Panel 1

    • James Wallace, Chief Executive, River Action
    • Alex Nickson, Director for Environmental Compliance and Partnerships, Thames Water
    • Rob Gray, Chair and Director – Crane Valley CIC / Friends of the River Crane (FORCE)
    • Ros Daniels, London and South East Director, Canal and Rivers Trust

    Panel 2

    • Mete Coban MBE, Deputy Mayor of London for Environment and Energy, GLA
    • Sam Longman, Head of Sustainability and Corporate Environment, TfL
    • Abby Crisostomo, Head of Green Infrastructure, GLA
    • Pete Daw, Head of Climate Change, GLA

    MEDIA CONTACT: Anthony Smith on 07763 251727 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rail fare hikes will cause misery for workers and commuters

    Source: Scottish Greens

    31 Jan 2025 Transport End Peak Rail Fares

    Inflation-busting increases are inaccessible and unaffordable for everyone.

    More in Transport

    Rail travel must be accessible and affordable for all, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell, following the announcement that ScotRail fares will increase by an inflation-busting 3.8% from April 1st.
     
    When in government the Scottish Greens secured a landmark scheme to remove peak rail fares for 12 months, with the SNP reintroducing them last year.
     
    The Greens have joined trade unions in calling for cheaper public transport through ending peak rail fares and introducing a £2 bus fare cap, to ensure that cleaner, greener travel is more available, affordable and accessible for all.
     
    In this year’s budget the Scottish Greens secured  the regional trial of a £2 bus fare cap beginning in January 2026, a move that they want to see extended across the country.
     

    The Scottish Greens’ spokesperson for transport, Mark Ruskell MSP, said:

    “These hikes will cause misery for commuters. If we want rail to be the first and best option for regular journeys then it has to be affordable and accessible for all.
     
    “When the Scottish Greens were in government we secured the removal of peak rail fares, only for the SNP to bring them back as soon as we were out of the room.
     
    “With household budgets being stretched to their limits, workers and regular commuters across our country are looking to find the cheapest ways to travel. These hikes will only deter people from using trains.
     
    “If we want safer and cleaner communities and less cars on our roads then we need to cut the cost of public transport. That is how we will encourage more commuters to leave their cars at home and hop on the train or bus, while benefiting people and planet.”

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “It was right to take ScotRail into public ownership, but we have a long way to go in building a modern and affordable rail network.
     
    “It shouldn’t have to cost a fortune to get to work, to hospital appointments or even to explore Scotland. We must end peak rail fares and stop financially penalising those who have no say on when they have to travel.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Anti-terrorist training held at Polytechnic University

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On January 30, the Polytechnic University held a training session aimed at practicing anti-terrorist protection of university facilities and territories.

    The Polytechnic University regularly holds events related to civil defense, prevention and elimination of emergency situations, as well as anti-terrorist protection and fire safety.

    This time, the training was attended by employees of the Civil Security Department of SPbPU and employees of the security organization “U-Piter”. The head of the Civil Security Department, Oleg Savoshinsky, was the head of the event.

    Participants worked out algorithms for actions when committing or threatening to commit terrorist crimes in two scenarios: “placing an explosive device” and “attack by an unmanned aerial vehicle.”

    The goals and objectives were fully achieved. Following the exercise, the SPbPU management highly appreciated the actions of the university staff and employees.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Ivanov Dynasty

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Five generations of the Ivanov family are closely connected with the Polytechnic University. Evgeny Aleksandrovich Ivanov was among the first students, and his son Konstantin also became a Polytechnician. Both grandsons of the first representative of the dynasty, Vadim and Aleksandr, have been working at the university for several decades now. Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Professor of the Physics Department of the Institute of Physics and Mathematics V. K. Ivanov told about the history of his family and about how the family tradition is continued by his children and grandchildren.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Honorary King’s Counsel welcomed by Lord Chancellor

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    His Majesty The King has approved the award of 9 new Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa) in England and Wales.

    His Majesty The King has approved the award of nine new Honorary King’s Counsel (KC Honoris Causa). Their biographies are listed below. Honorary KC is awarded to those who have made a major contribution to the law of England and Wales, outside practice in the courts. 

    The Lord Chancellor will preside over the award ceremony at Westminster Hall in March 2025, where she will formally award the Honorary KC to the successful nominees. 

    Honorary King’s Counsel biographies 

    Professor Martin Dixon  

    Professor Dixon is a legal scholar specialising in real property law. He is the Professor of the Law of Real Property at the University of Cambridge, where he is also Director of the Cambridge Centre for Property Law (CCPL) and a Fellow of Queens’ College. 

    He was nominated for his work on property law through his scholarship, co-authorship of leading practitioner texts, and participation in Law Commission projects. Additionally, for his co-founding of the Modern Studies in Property Law Conference and for his Editorship of The Conveyancer. 

    Rebecca Hilsenrath 

    Rebecca Hilsenrath is a lawyer and public servant with a career spanning corporate law, human rights, and strategic leadership. Currently the interim Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman (PHSO), she has served as Chief Executive of the PHSO, Legal Adviser to the Attorney General, and Chief Executive of LawWorks. Previously, she was the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Legal Officer of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), where she championed equality and tackled human rights issues.   

    She was nominated for her efforts in promoting diversity in panel counsel appointments for the government and at the EHRC, increasing pro bono contributions in the legal sector, and leading international legal engagement in equality and human rights. 

    Rachel Horman-Brown 

    Rachel Horman-Brown is a solicitor focused on cases involving domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, and forced marriage. As Director, she leads the Family Department at Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors. She is also the Chair of Paladin, the National Stalking Advocacy Service.   

    She was nominated for her campaigning for policy and legislative changes around stalking, domestic abuse, and violence against women and girls. In addition, for her work with Paladin, where she shaped legislation, including for the creation of coercive control as a specific criminal offence. She has also provided evidence to parliamentary committees and advisory groups, thereby influencing police practices and approaches to trauma. 

    Dr Laura Janes  

    Dr Laura Janes is a solicitor specialising in complex cases involving people detained in the criminal justice and mental health systems. As Legal Director at the Howard League for Penal Reform from 2016 to 2022, she led a legal service for young people in custody and spearheaded challenges against practices such as solitary confinement. She is a consultant solicitor at GT Stewart Solicitors and Scott-Moncrieff and Associates. Laura Janes is an advocate for access to justice, having founded Young Legal Aid Lawyers and held leadership roles in several legal organisations. She holds a professional doctorate in youth justice and teaches law at London South Bank University.  

    She was nominated for her contributions to the legal profession promoting access to justice, her work to drive policy changes, representing vulnerable individuals in prison, advocating for the rights of children and young people in custody and reforms to the IPP sentence.   

    Susanna McGibbon  

    Susanna McGibbon is an employed barrister and the current Treasury Solicitor, HM Procurator General and Permanent Secretary of the Government Legal Department (GLD). As the most senior Civil Service lawyer she is head of the Government Legal Profession. Her previous roles include serving as Director of GLD Litigation Group, Legal Director at the Department for Communities and Local Government and Legal Director at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. She is a Bencher of Lincoln’s Inn and this year holds the office of Keeper of the Walks. 

    Ms McGibbon was nominated for her legal advice on complex and sensitive issues within government especially in public and administrative law and national security. Also, for her leadership in a range of high-profile cases and inquiries and for her advocacy for diversity and inclusion across the legal profession.   

    Professor Renato Nazzini  

    Professor Nazzini is a legal scholar focusing on competition law, commercial arbitration, and construction law. He is the Director of the Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London and a partner at LMS Legal LLP.   

    He was nominated for his contributions to competition law by developing policies on collective actions and abuse of dominance, influencing the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the 2008 European Commission Guidance on Article 102. He has also contributed to construction law, including by leading the Centre of Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London, producing reports on construction adjudication and promoting diversity within the field.    

    Susan Willman  

    Susan Willman (known as Sue Willman) is a solicitor specialising in public interest litigation, focusing on human rights, environmental justice, and migrants’ rights. She is a senior consultant at legal aid firm, Deighton Pierce Glynn, and has led cases addressing systemic social and environmental injustices. She is also employed by the Dickson Poon School of Law, King’s College, London as a Senior Lecturer, and Assistant Director of the King’s Legal Clinic. She has held key leadership roles, including Chair of the Law Society Human Rights Committee.    

    She was nominated for founding the Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP), providing free representation to destitute asylum-seekers. As well as for publishing articles, authoring a series of textbooks on asylum support, and advising a parliamentary committee on an inquiry to drive legislative reforms. 

    Douglas Wilson OBE 

    Douglas Wilson is a government lawyer currently serving as Director General and Head of the Attorney General’s Office. He has previously held positions such as Director of Legal Affairs and International Relations at GCHQ, Legal Director at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and has served in legal and diplomatic roles at UK posts overseas. 

    He was nominated for advising on issues such as Brexit, military operations, and intelligence cooperation, which shaped the law on the use of military force, cyberspace, and investigatory powers. Furthermore, he has promoted effective and inclusive legal practice within government.  

    Professor Adrian Zuckerman 

    Professor Zuckerman is a scholar in civil procedure and evidence law. He is Emeritus Professor of Civil Procedure at the University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of University College, Oxford. He is Editor-in-Chief of the Civil Justice Quarterly and a Consultant Editor of Halsbury’s Laws of England. 

    Professor Zuckerman is a prominent commentator on the administration of civil justice. He has influenced legislative policy and judicial practice, notably through contributions to the Woolf Report on Access to Justice, and the Jackson Review of Civil Litigation Costs. He has campaigned for improving access to court and for making justice available to all at proportionate cost. His work on criminal evidence refocused evidence scholarship around fundamental normative principles. 

    He was nominated for his contributions to the Civil Procedure Rules in England and Wales. His academic work, particularly “Zuckerman on Civil Procedure,” is cited in courts across the common law world. 

    Further information 

    Honorary KC is awarded by HM The King, on the advice of the Lord Chancellor. The Lord Chancellor is advised by a selection panel of senior representatives from across the legal sector, civil service, judiciary, and academia. More information about the purpose of the award can be found on GOV.UK. 

    For further information, please contact the Ministry of Justice press office. Follow us @MoJGovUK. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Court charges tenant £7,964.75 for failed disrepair complaint

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 31 January 2025

    Council tenants are being reminded to report repairs to their landlord as ‘no win, no fee’ legal firms target York tenants and a judge orders an unsuccessful disrepair claimant to pay £7,964.75 costs.

    The Council’s reminder follows a campaign advising its tenants to tell City of York Council about any concerns with repairs so they can be put right. It also comes during another rise in housing disrepair claims brought by firms of solicitors on behalf of housing tenants. Some of these disrepair claims have failed in court, with tenants being ordered to pay £1,000s in costs.

    These ‘no win no fee’ legal firms press tenants to make claims against the council for failing to repair their home or not doing it well enough. Unsolicited and unaccredited ‘surveyors’ have been reported going door to door, cajoling tenants to make compensation claims against their landlord. They then sell this information on to legal firms for their own gain, with some suggesting that they work for the Council, when they do not. 

    A ‘no win, no fee’ case by a tenant against the Council was heard in York County Court this month (January 2025). It was dismissed by the District Judge who ordered the unsuccessful tenant to pay costs of £7,964.75.

    This follows another unsuccessful ‘no win, no fee’ case against the Council in 2023 which left that tenant being ordered by a judge to pay costs of £10,409.72.

    Any tenant approached by people touting for this work is urged to:

    • talk to your Housing Management Officer (HMO) first!
    • call the police if they feel scared or threatened
    • always ask to see identification and check it
    • call Trading Standards on 0808 223 1133 if these workers at the doorstep claim to be from the Council.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities said: “We strive to get repairs done quickly and efficiently and 86% of them are completed on a first visit. Our tenants are always invited to talk to officers about any repairs needed, or any delay or dissatisfaction with them.

    “We are committed to making good any repairs for which we are responsible, and our ongoing and significant housing repair programme is upgrading and modernising homes.

    “These claims against the Council mean that everyone loses – except for these legal firms – and have left tenants owing £1,000s in court costs. The time and money spent by the Council to defend these claims could be better invested in tenants’ homes.”

    Any council tenant who feels their home needs a repair or if there’s a problem with a repair, please call the Council first on 01904 551550 (option 4, option 1). Our team will ensure you get the right support.

    Anyone unhappy about how we have responded to a request for a repair, or how we have carried out one, should please tell us first.

    All concerns will be assessed and handled impartially. Find out more here or email your concerns.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen in 2025 Britain in Bloom finals!

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Aberdeen is in the 2025 finals of the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition hoping to add yet another flower crown to the city’s successes over the decades.

    Last year, Aberdeen won the overall best in Scotland award – the Rosebowl – along with the City Trophy, the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society Award, the VisitScotland Award for Tourism and a Gold Medal Certificate, at the Beautiful Scotland Awards. In 2023, the city won gold in Britain in Bloom. In 2022, and 2021, Aberdeen won gold in the ‘City’ category in Beautiful Scotland and was also crowned Overall Joint overall winner in 2022. In 2020, Aberdeen was a finalist for Champion of Champions award in Britain in Bloom but the competition was cancelled due to the pandemic.

    Aberdeen has won a medal in either Britain in Bloom or Beautiful Scotland every year since 2008 and has been award-winning in the competitions since 1964. Aberdeen City Council this year is also celebrating 61 years competing in Britain in Bloom and Beautiful Scotland.

    Aberdeen City Council In Bloom Champion Councillor Neil MacGregor said: “It truly is an accolade for the city to be in the finals of Britain in Bloom.

    “This is thanks to the great work carried out by our enthusiastic gardeners and greenkeepers as well as all the amazing community organisations, groups and individuals who help to continue make Aberdeen’s green spaces beautiful along with support from Keep Scotland Beautiful.

    “It is fantastic that we will be welcoming Britain in Bloom judges back into the city in the summer and we look forward to showing them around including meeting many of the people involved in ensuring our green areas look great.”

    Britain in Bloom is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and is the top gardening competition for councils and other community organisations across the UK. Major winners from regional competitions including Beautiful Scotland are put forward for the UK-wide finals.

    The city will be judged on its horticulture which is amazing parks and green spaces, community involvement which is all the fantastic green partners and volunteers including Friends groups, schools, businesses, community groups and the thousands of volunteers who help out, and environmental responsibility which is the work carried out for the Council’s climate plan, carbon reduction, and other similar projects.

    The winners for the various categories will be announced at an awards event in the autumn.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: City centre – updates for St Mary’s Boulevard

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Highway works to help improve road, pedestrian and cycling safety, and support ongoing developments at Riverside Sunderland, are getting underway.

    Works are on St Mary’s Boulevard alongside St Mary’s multi-storey car park and the Holiday Inn hotel.

    The first section of works will see one of the three eastbound lanes next to the multi-storey reallocated to increase the width of the shared footway for pedestrians and cyclists. This is to help make it safer and reduce conflict between pedestrians and cyclists at the multi-storey’s pedestrian entrance.

    The box junction and traffic lights next to the multi-storey will remain. Work, beginning after peak journey hours on Monday 3 February, is expected to take around eight weeks to complete.

    A second set of works is then scheduled on the westbound carriageway of the boulevard alongside the Holiday Inn. This is to introduce a taxi lay-by and improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity at the crossing point between Keel Square, City Hall and to the new Wear footbridge which is due to open this summer.

    This second set of works is expected to also take around eight weeks and all works to be completed by June. Traffic management will be in place throughout the works to minimise any possible disruption.

    Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Net Zero, Councillor Lindsey Leonard said: “As we continue to deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects at Riverside Sunderland, we’re seeing more people living, visiting and working in our city centre.

    “Footfall will increase significantly when Maker and Faber, the new footbridge, and Culture House open later this year and as development of the new Sunderland Eye Hospital, Vaux housing and Riverside Park continue at pace.

    “We can also anticipate more pedestrians as we look forward to being a host city for the women’s rugby World Cup.

    “We’re implementing these changes now to help encourage sustainable travel and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other highways users.

    “In addition, these changes support the delivery of our low carbon framework and City Plan that is creating a more dynamic, healthy, vibrant and smart Sunderland for all residents, businesses and visitors.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New parking charges to help safeguard frontline services to residents

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Friday, 31st January 2025

    Fees for parking in the city’s surface and multi-storey parking facilities will change at the end of March.

    The increase will generate an additional £300,000, enabling the council to continue investing in vital frontline services that our residents rely on us to provide. The money raised from these car parks has helped the council to avoid making cuts to services in the next financial year.

    Based on a typical parking stay of between one and two hours, the increase will be 10-20 pence.

    Season ticket prices will also increase, but on-street residential parking permits will remail unchanged. Blue Badge holders will continue to receive a 50% discount.

    As non-residents travelling from outside the city are subject to the same charges, it means they also contribute to the running costs of the city council’s services.

    Next year the council will spend around £100 million on vital services across the city. While funding from central government has gone down, the cost of things like energy and materials has gone up due to inflation.

    Councillor Emma Hampton, cabinet member for a climate responsive Norwich, said: “Increasing fees for our services is always a last resort. With funding from central government dwindling, and the cost of things like energy and materials going up due to inflation, we are under financial pressure to do more with less – like all local council up and down the country.

    “The cost-of-living crisis has also meant more people need our help, creating extra demand for council services. 

    “Despite these really difficult budget challenges, the city council has a strong record of sound financial management and that means we’ve been able to find a way to ensure that there will be no cuts to frontline services in the next financial year.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North Cornwall coast path improvements completed

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The path around the South West’s glorious coastline is further enhanced thanks to improvements to the Marsland Mouth to Newquay section in Cornwall.

    Walking the coast path from Pentire Point towards Polzeath

    These works form part of a national programme to create a coastal path around the whole of England. Once completed this will be the longest managed coastal walking route in the world and the UK’s longest National Trail.

    Stretching from Marsland Mouth on the North Cornwall coast down to Newquay, some 75 miles in total, the path follows the route of the existing South West Coast Path (SWCP) National Trail, beginning at the border with Devon and stretching to the railway station in Newquay.

    For anyone walking the path, there is plenty to see, with towns and villages such as Bude, Boscastle, Tintagel, Port Isaac, Polzeath, Padstow and Mawgan Porth.  Plus, the path passes by the historic highlights of Crackington Haven, Tintagel Castle, the Rumps at Pentire with its Bronze age burial mounds, the Camel Estuary (including the ferry), Trevose Head and its lighthouse and Bedruthan Steps.  In addition, there are glorious sandy beaches to stop off throughout the route.

    Making the path line up with the sea

    In establishing the new trail, Natural England has sought to improve the alignment of the SWCP where possible or move it closer to the sea. For example, at Penhalt Cliff it has been taken off road on to farmland, improving safety for walkers and drivers. For the first time wider coastal access rights on foot have been established between the trail and the sea, including cliff tops and beaches.  

    It also brings legal provision for the trail to ‘roll back’ in response to coastal erosion, thereby securing people’s rights into the future and protecting the investment being made now. You will still encounter steep climbs and descents as well as gently undulating walking along the cliff tops.

    Boscastle harbour viewed from the coast path

    Better alignment, better surfacing, better drainage

    Andrea Ayres, Deputy Area Director for Natural England said:

    This improved stretch of path takes in some of the best views in the South West and much-loved places that have been attracting visitors for many years.

    With the improvements to the path and the additional access rights, we hope it will continue to give people the chance to get out and enjoy nature, as well as continue to bring visitors to the county, since tourism is so vital to the local economy.

    While much of Cornwall’s 300-mile section of the South West Coast Path is owned by private landowners and organisations, the path is managed by Cornwall Council. The council and Cormac have worked to deliver the improvements on this stretch.

    Martyn Alvey, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for environment, said:

    The South West Coast Path is a wonderful asset popular with local residents and visitors alike, but by its very nature, is susceptible to the elements and coastal erosion.

    This funding has meant we have been able to make significant improvements to the path in Cornwall, bringing forward many projects which may otherwise have been many years away from happening.

    We’ve been able to move inland sections closer to the coast, improve surfacing and drainage, repair paths and realign hazardous sections. It is fantastic to see completion of the Marsland Mouth to Newquay section and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by all for many years to come.

    Julian Gray, Director, South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA) said:

    The King Charles III England Coast Path creates new open access rights around the coast to help connect people to nature. It also gives us new powers to manage the National Trail in the face of coastal erosion, helping us continue to improve the South West Coast Path as one of the world’s great trails.

    What is the King Charles III England Coast Path?

    The King Charles III England Coast Path (KCIIIECP) is a National Trail around the entire coast of England. Existing coastal national trails and other regional walks make up parts of the KCIIIECP and this newly improved stretch of the South West Coast Path forms part of the KCIIIECP.

    You can plan your walk on the KCIIIECP, which follows the enhanced route of the SWCP between Marsland Mouth to Newquay, by visiting the KCIIIECP or the South West Coast Path pages of the National Trails website.

    Background

    The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 places a duty on the Secretary of State and Natural England to secure a long-distance walking trail around the open coast of England, together with public access rights to a wider area of land along the way for people to enjoy. 

    Natural England is working at pace to ensure completion of the KCIIIECP. By the end of 2024 it had opened 1,400 miles. Subject to resources we expect to complete the KCIIIECP by spring 2026.

    To plan their visit walkers can access route maps of all opened sections of the King Charles III England Coast Path and any local diversions on the National Trails website. And can check for any restrictions to access on Natural England’s Open Access maps.

    You can promote your business, service, event or place of interest for free on the National Trails website, inspire people to spend more time in your area and benefit from the economic impact of visitors.

    National Trails, marked by the acorn symbol, pass through spectacular scenery, support local tourism and offer a range of routes from short circular walks to long distance challenges.

    King Charles III England Coast Path: 

    We have a map showing progress to complete the King Charles III England Coast Path.

    The King Charles III England Coast Path will be our longest, National Trail, passing through some of our finest countryside, maritime and industrial heritage, coastal settlements and rural locations.

    It will also be the world’s longest managed coastal trail (i.e. the trail is maintained to National Trail standards). It will secure legal rights of public access for the first time to typical coastal land including foreshore, beaches, dunes and cliffs that lies between the trail and the sea.

    Improvements to existing access to the coastline include: 

    • a clear and continuous way-marked walking route along this part of the coast, bringing some sections of the existing coastal footpath closer to the sea and linking some places together for the first time

    • targeted adjustments to make the trail more accessible for people with reduced mobility, where reasonable

    • uniquely amongst our National Trails the KCIIIECP may be moved in response to natural coastal changes, through ‘roll back’ if the coastline erodes or slips, solving the long-standing difficulties of maintaining a continuous route along the coast – and making a true coastal path practicable

    • the legal provision for roll back is proposed to sections of the trail where a need has been foreseen but can be retrospectively applied to other parts of the route if deemed necessary

    • the route of the trail can also be altered through planning proposals and where coastal and flood defence works or habitat creation would impact on the proposed or open route of the KCIIIECP

    • we have a webpage showing progress near you to create the King Charles III England Coast path

    • we work closely with a broad range of national and regional stakeholders around the country including wildlife trusts, National Trust, RSPB, NFU, CLA, RA, OSS, Environment Agency and local authorities

    The Countryside Code is the official guide on how to enjoy nature and treat both it, and the people who live and work there, with respect.  

    For landowners

    Landowners who have KCIIIECP coastal access rights on their land enjoy the lowest liabilities in England. Here is our guidance on managing your land in the coastal margin.

    About Natural England  

    Established in 2006, Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public. 

    We establish and care for England’s main wildlife and geological sites, ensuring that over 4,000 National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Sites of Special Scientific Interest are looked after and improved,

    We work to ensure that England’s landscapes are effectively protected, designating England’s National Parks and National Landscapes , and advising widely on their conservation.

    We run Environmental Stewardship and other green farming schemes that deliver over £400 million a year to farmers and landowners, enabling them to enhance the natural environment across two thirds of England’s farmland.

    We fund, manage, and provide scientific expertise for hundreds of conservation projects each year, improving the prospects for thousands of England’s species and habitats.

    We promote access to the wider countryside, helping establish National Trails and coastal trails and ensuring that the public can enjoy and benefit from them.

    For more information, visit our page on how the King Charles III England Coast Path is improving public access to England’s coast. 

    About the South West Coast Path Association

    The South West Coast Path Association is a charity (Registered Charity Number 1163422) that works to ensure the South West Coast Path is one of the best walks in the world and protects it for all to enjoy. Supporting the charity helps the South West Coast Path Association to improve the South West Coast Path and keeps the way open to beautiful coastal places.

    For more information visit the South West Coast Path Association website.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of fatally stabbing Hackney resident following Met investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of fatally stabbing Hackney resident Robert Weston, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

    Jaden Sheriff, 20 (22.01.05), of Forston Street, Hackney, was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 January.

    A jury convicted him of killing 37-year-old Robert Weston, who was stabbed in Hamilton Crescent, Harrow, on Monday, 26 February, 2024.

    DI Devan Taylor, who led the investigation into the murder, said: “This is a tragic case. Robert Weston lost his life, and Jaden Sheriff has to live the rest of his life knowing that he killed a man.

    “He stabbed his victim over what was effectively a neighbourhood dispute. Despite the efforts of paramedics to save his life, Mr Weston was pronounced dead shortly after.

    “This senseless murder has had a devastating impact on the victim’s loved ones. They conducted themselves with great dignity throughout the trial, and my thoughts are with them at this time.”

    Police attended an address Hamilton Crescent around 14:10hrs on 26 February last year. Mr Weston had suffered two stab wounds – one of them to the heart – and, despite the efforts of emergency services, was pronounced dead at the scene.

    In his initial interviews with officers, Sheriff claimed he accidentally stabbed Mr Weston in self-defence, after the victim pulled a knife on him.

    However, police spoke to witnesses, who revealed that the killer set upon Mr Weston following a dispute.

    Forensic evidence revealed that the wounds on Mr Weston could only have been caused by deliberate stabbing to the chest.

    Investigators obtained phone records, which showed that Mr Weston had called 999 on February 23 to complain about Sheriff.

    After an argument with the defendant, Mr Weston told police: ‘I’ve just been threatened in my own house.’

    This was used at trial to illustrate the spiralling relationship between the two men, which culminated in murder days later.

    Sheriff will be sentenced on Friday, 14 February.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Interim report for Q1 of 2024/25 (the period 01.10.2024 – 31.12.2024)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nørresundby, Denmark, 31 January 2025
    Announcement no. 03/2025

    Q1 DELIVERS IMPROVED REVENUE AND GROSS MARGIN COMPARED TO Q1 LAST YEAR.

    “We observed a significant increase in both revenue and gross margin in Q1 2024/25 compared to Q1 2023/24. Historically, Q1 is the lowest-performing quarter for RTX, as many customers reduce inventories to manage year-end working capital.

    In Q1 2024/25, revenue reached DKK 101 million, with a gross margin of 51%, aligning with both our expectations and the previous quarter’s performance. While maintaining strong gross margins across segments, we remain focused on driving revenue growth.

    Order intake increased in this quarter, which is an encouraging development. With short lead times on orders, our visibility for the full year remains limited. However, the first half of the financial year is expected to show an increase in both revenue and EBITDA compared to last year.”

    Mille Tram Lux

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • Revenue in Q1 2024/25 showed an increase of more than 20% compared to Q1 last year, reaching DKK 101 million compared to DKK 82 million in Q1 2023-24.
    • Gross margin reached a solid level of 51% for Q1 2024/25 compared to 39% in Q1 2023/24.
    • Q1 2024/25 showed an increase in new orders compared to previous quarter, however still with order horizons of 3-6 months.
    • Contract signed with Henrik Mørck Mogensen, who will take on the role as CEO of RTX from 1st of March 2025.

    OUTLOOK
    RTX confirms the previously announced financial outlook for 2024/25:

    • Revenue DKK 490 to 520 million
    • EBITDA DKK 0 to 20 million
    • EBIT DKK -35 to -15 million

    RTX A/S

    PETER THOSTRUP        MILLE TRAM LUX
    Chair                                CFO

    Investor and analyst conference call
    On Tuesday, 4 February 2025 at 10:00 CET, RTX will hold a conference call for investors and analysts hosted by Danske Bank.

    To register for the conference call, please e-mail vonh@danskebank.dk.

    Enquiries and further information:
    Peter Thostrup, Chair, tel +45 96 32 23 00
    Mille Tram Lux, CFO, tel +45 96 32 23 00

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JLT Mobile Computers AB nomination committee 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Växjö, Sweden, 31 January 2025 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, announces today that, in accordance with the established principles for appointing JLT Mobile Computers’ Nomination Committee, the company’s major shareholders/shareholder groups have appointed a Nomination Committee, with Emil Hjalmarsson as convener.

    The company’s Nomination Committee shall consist of three members, with one member appointed by each of the three largest shareholders. The members of the Nomination Committee are:

    • Jan Olofsson, representing personal holdings
    • Emil Hjalmarsson, appointed by AB Grenspecialisten
    • Wilhelm Gruvberg, appointed by Alcur Fonder 

    The Nomination Committee has appointed Emil Hjalmarsson as its Chairman.

    The Nomination Committee is responsible for preparing proposals on the following matters to be presented for resolution at the 2025 Annual General Meeting:

    • Proposal for the Chairman of the Annual General Meeting
    • Proposal for Board members
    • Proposal for the Chairman of the Board
    • Proposal for director fees and other remuneration for Board assignments, including compensation for committee work
    • Proposal for the company’s auditor
    • Proposal for auditor’s fees
    • Instructions for the Nomination Committee ahead of the 2025 Annual General Meeting 

    Shareholders who wish to submit proposals to the Nomination Committee may do so via email to Emil Hjalmarsson at emil@grenspecialisten.com or by mail to:

    JLT Mobile Computers nomination committee
    Attn: Emil Hjalmarsson, AB Grenspecialisten
    Box 4042
    203 11 Malmö, Sweden

    Proposals must be submitted no later than February 28, 2025.

    Financial information about JLT is available online on: jltmobile.com/investor-relations/.

    About JLT Mobile Computers

    JLT Mobile Computers is a leading supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for demanding environments. 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled JLT to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support and solutions to ensure trouble-free business operations for customers in warehousing, transportation, manufacturing, mining, ports and agriculture. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France, and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994, and the share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at jltmobile.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Efficiency, resilience and digital horizons: perspectives and challenges for the public sector | Keynote statement at the Digital Excellence Forum

    Source: Bundesbank

    Check against delivery.

    1 Introduction

    Against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical environment, the relevance of digital advances and innovations has further increased. 

    I have just returned from a discussion among policy makers and researchers in Washington D.C., and many of the exchanges touched on the economic outlook in a potentially more fragmented world economy. 

    For both reasons, I am delighted to be part of this conference about digital excellence here in Berchtesgaden. 

    Representing the Bundesbank on this panel, I would like to contribute three considerations from a public sector perspective.

    While there is a lot of discussion about digitalisation in Germany and the need to catch up in particular in the public sector, there are encouraging examples. The Bundesbank is at the forefront of public sector digitalisation: it is using artificial intelligence in multiple ways and is among the first public institutions to move seriously into the public cloud. 

    International financial architecture, markets and instruments are changing due to ongoing economic fragmentation and technological advances. Working on the digital euro is a way for the European Central Bank System to prepare for those changes and to take an active role. 

    Given the geopolitical environment and growing cyber risks, the Bundesbank is investing in its cyber resilience, including the setting up of a new governance model for IT security.

    Allow me to expand on that.

    2 Innovation

    The Bundesbank is breaking new ground by proactively using the public cloud. This is a significant step forward for a public sector institution. As a first step, our innovative, high-performance and secure eBusiness portal for our currently over 180,000 customers – NExt – went “live” in the cloud. Customers are banks, insurances, corporates or other public sector institutions.

    At the same time, we built up a Bundesbank-owned private cloud in our computer centres for particularly sensitive data. Through our hybrid cloud strategy and investments in technological trends like artificial intelligence, we are ensuring our readiness for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

    Artificial intelligence will help us to expand our economic analyses and improve our understanding of the effects of various policy measures on inflation, employment and economic growth. 

    It also plays a pivotal role in our risk analysis efforts. 

    Take, for example, the risk controlling function and its analysis related to the many counterparties with whom the Bundesbank conducts financial transactions or purchases securities. By combining diverse sets of data and information, artificial intelligence helps us identify potential financial difficulties of a counterparty at an early stage. Given the sheer volume and complexity of the data involved, collecting and evaluating this information manually would be nearly impossible. 

    Through the strategic application of artificial intelligence, we can detect risks more quickly and with greater precision, allowing us to take timely and informed action. 

    We are also using an artificial intelligence platform that allows access to the latest language models in a secure environment. It is a chatbot that works in a very similar way to ChatGPT – only ours has different requirements, for example in terms of data governance. The requests are neither stored in the cloud nor used for training purposes.

    3 Future of Finance

    The international financial architecture, markets and instruments are currently changing due to ongoing economic fragmentation and technological advances. 

    Against this backdrop, there are several reasons in favour of the digital euro.

    The first reason is related to autonomy and sovereignty. So far, there is no sovereign pan-European solution for payment in the digital space. As a result, there is a risk that Europe will become overly dependent on US providers for critical infrastructure. A digital version of the euro renders the currency more attractive as means of payment internationally and will facilitate a start-up ecosystem around it.

    Another reason is related to efficiency. We are seeing very strong fragmentation in the European payment market and increasing concentration through international card systems that are all US–based. The digital euro establishes standards that simplify competition.

    Lastly, we also have to consider resilience. With the digital euro, we are safeguarding ourselves against competing currencies and stablecoins. The digital euro would be the next step in the development of the euro and would bring central bank money into the digital age.

    The Bundesbank is a key player in the development of a digital euro thanks, amongst other things, to its IT expertise in payment systems and in the area of tech trends. 

    4 Cybersecurity

    Cybersecurity is a decisive factor for the stability of the global economy and the functioning of our modern society. Operators of critical infrastructure, such as the Bundesbank, are under growing pressure from targeted cyber attacks.

    Of course, the Bundesbank, too, is subject to the most common types of attacks like phishing or denial of service attacks. To give you an example: on average, we receive a phishing attack every 5 minutes. 

    That’s why the principle “Secure by Design” is of crucial importance from the very beginning when developing and operating IT solutions and services.

    The Bundesbank has just rolled out a new governance model for IT security in order to create the basis for effectively counteracting growing threats. 

    Concretely, we are appointing a designated “security architect” in each Bundesbank department who serves as the go-to person for all architecture-related security concerns. The security architect will support product owners and agile teams in implementing security processes and regularly evaluating the impact of security-relevant information.

    This role is complemented by “security champions” within each product team. These champions will help maintain the required level of information security throughout the entire product lifecycle, including regular checks for new vulnerabilities.

    The governance model includes not only dedicated roles and responsibilities but also professional development and training measures for all staff in order to sensitise them to the fact that IT security is a critical discipline for everyone.

    5 Conclusion

    To conclude: By keeping up with technological developments, playing an active role in providing future forms of payment and of course safeguarding our security, the Bundesbank contributes to the competiveness of the German and European economy. 

    This is more relevant than ever in the current geopolitical context. 

    That’s why I’m thrilled to participate in this excellent conference and exchange.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Constitutive Meeting on 3 October 2024 – Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Association Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    At its constitutive meeting on 3 October 2024, the Delegation for relations with the countries of Central America, including the EU-Central America Parliamentary Association Committee (DCAM) elected the following bureau members:

    Chair: Diana RIBA I GINER (Greens/EFA, Spain)

    1st Vice-Chair: postponed

    2nd Vice-Chair: postponed

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Polish Government’s social agreement with mining unions – E-002854/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the economic and social challenges that coal regions, including in Poland, face in view of the transition towards climate neutrality.

    The Just Transition Mechanism accompanied with the Just Transition Fund[1] or the Coal regions in transition Initiative[2], among other initiatives, aim to ensure that the transition leaves no one behind and to support the economic diversification and reconversion of the territories concerned by the transition.

    The mentioned report has been written by external authors as part of the Commission’s Coal regions in transition Initiative[3]. As a general rule, such reports, if written by consultants, cannot be considered as representing the views of the Commission or its official position.

    As regards public support for the Polish mining industry, the Commission is in close and constructive contact with the Polish authorities. The Commission is neither in a position to comment further on the content of such discussion, nor can it predict the timing or outcome.

    Pursuant to Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the Court of Justice has jurisdiction to review the legality of acts of the Commission.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1056 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 June 2021 establishing the Just Transition Fund (OJ L 231, 30.6.2021, p. 1).
    • [2] For more information see: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/clean-energy-transition/eu-coal-regions-transition_en
    • [3] The Secretariat for Technical Assistance to Regions in Transition, which is made up of a consortium of external actors, listed here: https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/carbon-management-and-fossil-fuels/eu-coal-regions-transition_en#the-secretariat
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Grants paid to suspended Eramet Group project – E-002578/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission attaches utmost importance to ensuring that EU funding supports sustainable industrial development, job creation, and Europe’s strategic autonomy, whilst guaranteeing an effective use of the funds.

    The specific project mentioned has been selected for funding under the Innovation Fund, which is financed through revenues from the European Union Emissions Trading System and supports innovative low-carbon technologies.

    The Innovation Fund awards projects based on five award criteria. ‘Project maturity’ is an important one of them.

    Here, the project’s technical, financial and operational feasibility is assessed. The project in question scored highly on this metric, as well as on the other award criteria, and was thus selected as part of the 2021 Innovation Fund’s call for proposals for large-scale projects. You are invited to consult the press release[1] and Innovation Fund project dashboard[2].

    Payments from the Innovation Fund are provided subject to the project reaching pre-defined milestones. So far, no funding has been paid to the mentioned project.

    The Innovation Fund aims to support high-risk, first-of-a-kind and very innovative projects, some of which may also fail. The Commission is closely monitoring the projects that the Innovation Fund supports and aims to be a partner to industry and project developers.

    The Commission continually reflects on the effectiveness of project selection criteria, safeguards, and monitoring systems to minimise risks while ensuring that EU funding delivers its intended benefits.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_4402
    • [2] https://dashboard.tech.ec.europa.eu/qs_digit_dashboard_mt/public/sense/app/6e4815c8-1f4c-4664-b9ca-8454f77d758d/sheet/bac47ac8-b5c7-4cd1-87ad-9f8d6d238eae/state/analysis

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Contribution of contrails to global warming – E-002574/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While non-CO2 effects from aviation are short-lived pollutant, it is estimated that they warm the climate at least as much as long-lived CO2 from aviation.

    Based on the precautionary principle and in accordance with Article 14(5) of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive[1], the Commission implements a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) mechanism of the non-CO2 aviation effects.

    Based on the adopted rules, aircraft operators should monitor the non-CO2 aviation effects as of 1 January 2025, enabling the calculation of a CO2 equivalent per flight.

    Airlines are required to report non-CO2 aviation effects annually. In 2025 and 2026, reporting may include all routes but is mandatory only for routes within the European Economic Area (EEA), and routes from EEA departing to Switzerland or to the United-Kingdom. From 2027 onwards, the MRV will extend to all flights departing from or arriving at EEA.

    The implementation of the MRV and Commission research initiatives enhance knowledge on non-CO2, informing effective avoidance strategies.

    Contrail avoidance by flight altitude adjustments is possible[2]. However, open questions need to be solved prior to an operational implementation of contrail avoidance in air traffic management.

    In addition to the European measures under the EU ETS, the Commission is ready to work with international partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, to take further action on mitigating non-CO2 in the short-term .

    ReFuelEU Aviation and the uptake of SAF (e.g. Power-to-Liquid) could allow to reduce emissions that contribute to non-CO2 climate impact. The Commission explores ways to improve jet fuel composition in Europe, to reduce aromatics and sulphur levels .

    • [1] EU ETS Directive https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2003/87/oj
    • [2] For example: R Sausen et al, 2023, Can we successfully avoid persistent contrails by small altitude adjustments of flights in the real world?: https://elib.dlr.de/195244/1/avoiding%20contrails%20preprint%20230517.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mitigating the social impact of upcoming EU rules about fossil-fuel-powered vehicles – E-002576/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans[1] provide a framework for the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which is essential to achieve our objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

    The impacts for consumers have been analysed in the Commission’s impact assessment[2], which showed that b oth first- and second-hand car users would benefit from a lower total cost of ownership over the vehicles’ lifetime. This will be increasingly the case as more affordable zero-emission vehicles become available.

    In 2025, th e Commission will prepare a progress report[3], which will look into the affordability of zero- and low-emission vehicles and the impacts on consumers of the transition to zero-emission mobility. In 2026, the Commission will review the regulation[4], which will be an opportunity to assess how to best ensure a fair transition .

    The EU Social Climate Fund is established to address the social impacts of the new carbon pricing for the fuels used in buildings, road transport and small industry (ETS2)[5] on the most vulnerable groups.

    The Fund will mobilise at least EUR 86.7 billion between 2026 and 2032. It will support citizens in transport poverty by improving access to zero- and low-emission mobility, incentivising the use of public transport, shared mobility services and active mobility.

    Each Member State will have the option to spend up to 37.5% of their allocation to support the incomes of their most vulnerable citizens under certain conditions.

    Spain is set to be one of the largest beneficiaries of the Fund; and will be able to mobilise around EUR 9 billion for measures and investments.

    Furthermore, Spain can use its ETS2-revenues for measures to accelerate the uptake of zero-emission vehicles or recharging infrastructure.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj
    • [2] Impact assessment accompanying Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the Union’s increased climate ambition.
    • [3] Article 14a of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    • [4] Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    • [5] http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2023/959/oj.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protection of borrowers’ personal data and the need for non-performing loan management companies to comply with Directive 2021/2167 – E-002566/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2021/2167 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2021 on credit servicers and credit purchasers[1] (‘the NPLD’), amending Directives 2008/48/EC[2] and 2014/17/EU[3], had to be transposed by 29 December 2023 by Member States. It introduces requirements protective of the borrower in the context of debt purchasing and debt servicing in the EU.

    Regarding the protection of borrowers’ personal data, Article 10(1)(c) of the NPLD states that, in their relationships with borrowers, credit purchasers and credit servicers respect and protect the personal information and privacy of borrowers.

    The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)[4] lays down the rules to ensure the protection of personal data. Without prejudice to the competences of the Commission as guardian of the Treaties, the enforcement of the GDPR in individual cases lies with the competent national authorities and courts.

    In this context, Cyprus received a letter of formal notice in January 2024, and a reasoned opinion in July 2024, requiring the communication to the Commission of transposition measures of the NPLD.

    The Cypriot authorities have notified in November complete transposition of the NPLD. the status of this procedure can be followed under the following website (with the following infringement procedure reference INFR(2024)0018)[5], which is currently being assessed by the Commission to ensure its completeness and conformity. These do not apply to NPL transferred prior to 30 December 2023[6].

    For credit agreements transferred after this date to companies operating without a license, the NPLD requires Member States to provide national supervisory authorities with the power to act.

    • [1]  OJ L 438, 8.12.2021, p. 1-37.
    • [2]  OJ L 133, 22.5.2008, p. 66-92.
    • [3]  OJ L 60, 28.2.2014, p. 34-85.
    • [4] Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1-88.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/atwork/applying-eu-law/infringements-proceedings/infringement_decisions/?lang_code=en
    • [6] Article 2(5)(d) of the NPLD.
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Review of EU electric-vehicle strategy and impact of decision to ban combustion-engine vehicles by 2035 – E-002171/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The revised CO2 emission standards for new cars and vans[1] provide a clear framework for the transition to zero-emission vehicles, which is essential to deliver on the European Union’s objective of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

    The agreed 2035 targets create certainty for manufacturers and investors on the road ahead, with sufficient lead time to plan for a fair transition. They support the EU industry’s competitiveness, in a global vehicle electrification context.

    The impacts of the revised CO2 standards on employment and consumers have been analysed in the Commission’s impact assessment[2]. A small overall increase in employment was projected.

    Both first- and second-hand car users would benefit from a lower total cost of ownership over the vehicles’ lifetime. This will be increasingly the case as more affordable zero-emission vehicles become available.

    The Commission has set up a Social Climate Fund and will work with Member States on their Social Climate Plans to ensure that resources are spent to support the most affected vulnerable groups, such as households in energy or transport poverty.

    The forthcoming Clean Industrial Deal Communication and an Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act will support companies by simplifying, investing and ensuring access to cheap, sustainable and secure energy supplies and raw materials.

    In 2025, th e Commission will prepare a progress report on the transition[3]. In 2026, the Commission will review the regulation[4], which will be an opportunity to assess how to best ensure a fair transition, also considering changing global circumstances.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/851/oj
    • [2] Impact assessment accompanying Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards strengthening the CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and new light commercial vehicles in line with the Union’s increased climate ambition.
    • [3] Article 14a of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    • [4] Article 15 of Regulation (EU) 2019/631.
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Universal health coverage – global health challenges – E-002589/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission remains committed to addressing global health inequalities and reinforcing public health resilience. The Commission will continue to implement Global Gateway[1], which identifies health as one of its five key partnership areas.

    The EU Global Health Strategy[2] serves as the external dimension of the European Health Union[3]. The strategy puts forward three overarching and interrelated priorities: to deliver better health and well-being; to strengthen health systems and advance universal health coverage; and to prevent and combat health threats by applying a One Health approach.

    The strategy recognises the importance of mobilising domestic resources in partner countries integrating a ‘health in all policies approach’ and bolstered by innovative financing mechanisms, private sector engagement, and the Team Europe approach.

    The Commission is making progress in implementing the strategy in partnership with different stakeholders at various levels, to support improving health across the world with a particular focus on countries with weaker health systems.

    The EU4Health Regulation[4] provides that a maximum of 12.5% of the EU4Health budget shall be reserved for supporting global commitments and health initiatives.

    The Commission is constantly monitoring this commitment and so far, approximately EUR 55 million have been committed for international health initiatives and cooperation through the EU4Health programme[5].

    The Commission also pledged an additional EUR 125 million contribution[6] for the period 2023-2027 for the Universal Health Coverage Partnership work with global partners.

    Preparatory work for the 2025 EU4Health Work Programme is ongoing with a current focus on its strategic orientations and priorities.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/stronger-europe-world/global-gateway_en
    • [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/eu-global-health-strategy-better-health-all-changing-world_en
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/promoting-our-european-way-life/european-health-union_en
    • [4] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/522/oj
    • [5] https://health.ec.europa.eu/funding/eu4health-programme-2021-2027-vision-healthier-european-union_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/api/files/document/print/en/ip_22_7287/IP_22_7287_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 – E-002418/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of the European Parliament and of the Council[1] adopted in December 2021 and amending among others Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council[2] and Regulation (EU) No 251/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council[3], lays down new labelling requirements concerning the ingredient list and nutrition declaration for grapevine products and aromatised wine products, applicable from 8 December 2023, except for wine produced before that date.

    The amending Regulation allows this information to be presented either on a label attached to the package or by electronic means identified on the package or the physical label — with the exception of the energy value and the allergens which have to be always provided on the package or on a label attached thereto.

    The beers and spirit drinks sectors signed in 2019 two Memoranda of Understanding concerning the labelling of the list of ingredients and the nutrition declaration, which are currently being implemented.

    The spirit drinks sector provides the energy value on label and the list of ingredients via a digital label, while the beer sector provides such information on label.

    Approaches to support addressing harmful alcohol consumption would be most effective when communicated consistently from reliable resources, including healthcare professionals.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/2117 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 amending Regulations (EU) No 1308/2013 establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products, (EU) No 1151/2012 on quality schemes for agricultural products and foodstuffs, (EU) No 251/2014 on the definition, description, presentation, labelling and the protection of geographical indications of aromatised wine products and (EU) No 228/2013 laying down specific measures for agriculture in the outermost regions of the Union https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2117/oj
    • [2] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2013/1308/oj
    • [3] Regulation — 251/2014 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2014/251/oj
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reconsideration of the Rail Baltica project – E-002657/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The main source of European funding for the Rail Baltica project in the current multiannual financial framework ( MFF) period 2021-2027 is the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). The maximum co-funding rates and the costs eligible for funding are set out in the CEF Regulation[1] and under certain conditions it can be up to 85%. The funding that can be provided also depends on the budget available in the facility.

    The Rail Baltica project is the biggest recipient of CEF funding. The Commission encourages all beneficiaries, including the Latvian authorities, to make best use of the resources available and progress on the implementation of the projects as set up in the respective grant agreements within the legal limits set therein. Other sources of funding, including private capital and state funding, should be explored as well.

    2. The Commission is aware of the political discussions in Latvia on financing of the project. The European Coordinator and the Commission have in their exchanges with the Latvian authorities underlined that the project needs to be planned and implemented in a way that is cost effective and sustainable for Latvia’s state budget while ensuring that Latvia meets its commitments to Estonia and Lithuania. The cost-benefit analyses of the project show a positive long-term socioeconomic return for the three Baltic countries.

    3. The Commission is committed to support the national authorities to complete the Rail Baltica project, which continues to have very high EU added value. The current geopolitical situation underlines the urgent need to connect the three Baltic states to the European rail network. A swift implementation is required.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014.
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Competition in the waste incineration plant sector and the conduct of the Municipality of Rome in the management of the municipal energy and environment company (ACEA) – E-002077/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. EU waste legislation is technology neutral and ensures a high level of environmental protection while respecting the waste hierarchy: first prevention, then preparation for re-use, then recycling, then other recovery (incineration with energy recovery), and ultimately disposal as a last resort (incineration without energy recovery or landfilling)[1]. The Commission has no information that the mentioned incineration plant undermines recycling efforts. Incineration plants[2] must operate in accordance with a permit based on Best Available Techniques[3]. EU competition law does not prohibit exclusivity agreements which are assessed on a case-by-case basis to establish if they are capable of excluding actual or potential competitors from the market. Without prejudice to national or EU rules governing public procurement procedures, this is typically not the case if exclusivity is the result of an open, transparent and non-discriminatory tender procedure.

    2. Emissions from waste incineration are subject to national commitments under the Effort Sharing Regulation[4]. Member States can opt to include these emissions into the Emission Trading system[5]. There are stringent emissions targets for 2030 under both systems. The communication ‘Towards an ambitious Industrial Carbon Management for the EU’[6] recalls that the 2026 review of the EU emissions trading system (ETS)[7] will assess the feasibility of including municipal waste incineration installations and other waste management processes in the EU ETS. Regardless of the scheme, EU institutions and Member States shall take the necessary measures to enable the collective achievement of the climate-neutrality objective by 2050[8].

    • [1] Article 4 and 13 of Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109-140.
    • [2] Annex I to the Industrial Emissions Directive, Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control), OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17-119.
    • [3] As described in BAT conclusions: Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/2110 of 11 October 2022 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions, for the ferrous metals processing industry (notified under document C(2022) 7054), OJ L 284, 4.11.2022, p. 69-133.
    • [4] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/effort-sharing-member-states-emission-targets/overview_en
    • [5] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en
    • [6] COM(2024) 62 final.
    • [7] Directive (EU) 2023/959 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a system for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 concerning the establishment and operation of a market stability reserve for the Union greenhouse gas emission trading system.
    • [8] Article 2 of the European Climate Law, Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 June 2021 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999, OJ L 243, 9.7.2021, p. 1-17.
    Last updated: 31 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –