Question for written answer E-002150/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Barry Andrews (Renew), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Daniel Attard (S&D), Irena Joveva (Renew), Lynn Boylan (The Left), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew), Billy Kelleher (Renew), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D), Pierre Jouvet (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (S&D), Marc Botenga (The Left), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D), Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Thijs Reuten (S&D), Chloé Ridel (S&D), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Eric Sargiacomo (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Evin Incir (S&D), Seán Kelly (PPE), Maria Walsh (PPE), Nina Carberry (PPE)
All Member States agree that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and are an obstacle to a two-state solution, as confirmed by the European Council conclusions of 22 March 2024[1].
By trading with the illegal Israeli settlements, the EU is not only supporting their continuation and the abuses underpinning them, but also breaching its obligations under international law.
On 19 July 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled[2] that states are under an obligation ‘to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory; … and to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory’.
The current EU policy of differentiation[3], whereby goods made in the Israeli settlements are not covered by the EU-Israel Association Agreement but traded through a ‘technical arrangement’, does not comply with the obligations laid out by the ICJ, which require a blanket ban on trade with the settlements.
Will the Commission comply with its obligations under international law and urgently ban all trade with the illegal Israeli settlements?
Question for written answer E-002165/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
The Commission had been expected to publish its proposal for a revision of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers[1] in the second quarter of 2022, following on from its 2020 communication entitled ‘A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system’[2].
1.Will the Commission publish this proposal and, if not, why not?
2.Does the Commission agree that failure to publish undermines the European Green Deal and the EU’s biodiversity strategy for 2030, as the farm to fork strategy is a key element of both?
Question for written answer E-002157/2024 to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Rule 144 Alice Teodorescu Måwe (PPE)
In February this year, a representative of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) attended the annual meeting organised by the local branch of the Swedish Left Party in Angered in Gothenburg municipality. Under Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/332 of 16 January 2024, the PFLP is classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU. It has had that status since 2002. According to the Chair of the Angered local branch of the Left Party, Kristofer Lundberg, the PFLP expressed thanks at the meeting for ‘the Angarad Left Party’s role in showing solidarity with Palestine’.
Accordingly:
1.Is the fact that the Swedish Left Party invites representatives of the PFLP, which is classified as a terrorist organisation, to the annual meeting of its local section in Gothenburg municipality compatible with the EU’s rules on sanctions against organisations classified as terrorist organisations?
2.To what extent has the EU’s objective of isolating the PFLP succeeded, in the judgement of the Vice-President / High Representative, given that the Swedish Left Party, which is represented in both the Swedish Parliament and the European Parliament, invites representatives of that terrorist organisation to its annual meetings?
The EU-funded programme has supported the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing potential investment projects.
These projects have been identified in the sectors of forestry, water supply, and waste management, and were presented today as ready for financing, with a total investment need of approximately €260 million.
EIB Global is ready to assess these projects for financing.
The European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste and the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) have worked closely with the Government of Timor-Leste to prepare investment projects aimed at improving the country’s infrastructure and fostering sustainable development. The three proposals resulting from this collaboration focus on water supply, solid waste management, and forestry, and are now ready to be transformed into tangible investments.
The three projects include a commercial forestry initiative in the municipalities of Covalima and Bobonaro, a national solid waste management project including a health waste management component, and a water supply project for selected municipalities. The forestry project aims to transform underutilised state lands, generating essential resources like firewood and timber, while creating thousands of jobs for local communities. The national waste management project introduces solutions for the safe and efficient management of waste thus reducing significantly the pollution discharged into the environment. The water supply project focuses on improving access to clean water in key municipalities, addressing both urban and rural needs for better sanitation and reliable water sources. Together these initiatives require a total investment of about €260 million.
The preparation of the three investment projects was made possible through the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP), which concluded today with the final Steering Committee meeting where these projects were presented. Managed by EIB Global, the PPIP was supported by a €5 million budget, including €4.75 million in technical assistance from the EU and €250,000 from the Cotonou Partnership Agreement.
The final Steering Committee meeting was chaired by H.E. the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa, and attended by representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, EIB Global, the EU Delegation to Timor-Leste, and other stakeholders.
The Ambassador to the European Union Delegation to Timor-Leste, Mr Marc Fiedrich said: “If converted into a loan, the Project Preparation and Implementation Programme opens a new era of cooperation. Until today, our support, although significant in terms of funds, consisted of limited instruments: grants, technical assistance, and budget support. With this programme, we add loans and guarantees, and maybe later private investments. This is the new trend of cooperation promoted by the EU, the innovative Global Gateway strategy that may become the norm in the near future.”
The Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Ambroise Fayolle said: “Alongside our EU partners on the ground, we have been supporting the Government of Timor-Leste in identifying and preparing investment projects. By focusing on strategic sectors such as forestry, water supply, and waste management, these initiatives will not only address immediate community needs but also lay the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. We look forward to turning these project proposals into tangible investments. As the EU’s financial arm, the EIB stands ready to provide the necessary financial support to make these projects a reality, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.”
His Excellency the Minister for Planning and Strategic Investments, Gastão Francisco de Sousa said: “All three projects have the potential to make significant and long-term contributions to Timor-Leste’s development, and to improved rural and urban environments. The projects comply with and support our national development objectives for their respective sectors.” He emphasised the role of the Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investments in facilitating and coordinating efforts across the sectors.
His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry, Marcos da Cruz said: “I would like to thank the EIB, the EU Delegation and COWI for the design of the Timor-Leste Commercial Forestry Project. We welcome this innovative approach to the development of commercial forestry in Timor-Leste, using currently unproductive land. In addition, the project is expected to provide jobs for people living in the target areas, re-green vulnerable areas, increase incomes from forest products, and increase Government’s income.”
His Excellency the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral said: “We are grateful for the European Investment Bank’s support for waste management projects. Providing adequate and affordable waste services to the entire population is of great concern for the Government. It will improve public health and is much needed for protecting the terrestrial and marine environment. Specifically, better healthcare risk waste management is urgently needed. In this respect, the EIB project proposal provides a modern, efficient, and sustainable solution that should be implemented as soon as possible.”
Background information:
Project Preparation and Implementation Programme (PPIP) is an EU-funded and EIB-managed project designed to assist the Government of Timor-Leste in the identifying, preparing and implementing projects that are technically sound, financially viable, and environmentally and socially responsible, and are ready for investments. The programme has identified potential projects in the three sectors — water, solid waste management and forestry — by conducting prefeasibility studies for six projects and completing three feasibility studies. Investment projects in forestry and solid waste are now ready for the Government of Timor-Leste to request loan from the EIB and EU grant funding, should they choose to move forward with these initiatives.
Steering Committee of theProject Preparation and Implementation Programmeis chaired by the Ministry for Planning and Strategic Investments. The committee also includes representatives from several key government entities of Timor-Leste, such as by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of State Administration, the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry and Bee Timor-Leste public utility company.
The European Union (EU) is a unique economic and political union between 27 European countries that cover much of the continent together. In Timor-Leste, the EU is the second largest donor of development aid (grant funding). The EU is committed to supporting Timor-Leste’s 2011-2030 Strategic Development plan, which aims to transform Timor-Leste into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 based on rapid, inclusive growth enabling it to improve infrastructure, worker skills, education, training and health systems, and combat poverty and malnutrition. The EU assistance focuses on green and sustainable economic recovery and development, rural development, good governance for sustainable development and gender equality.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term financing institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. EIB Global is the EIB’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance outside the European Union. EIB Global is a key partner of the EU Global Gateway strategy, and is designed to foster strong, focused partnerships within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.
Global Gateway is the European Union’s strategy to reduce the worldwide investment gap, boost smart, clean and secure connections in the digital, energy and transport sectors, and strengthen health, education and research systems. The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States and European development finance institutions. It aims to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments between 2021 and 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
Question for written answer E-002128/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)
Annex IV to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases bans all gases (including HFOs).
Owing to the sudden need to cut the use of fluorinated gases, many European companies are announcing delays to investments in new heat pump production lines[1] and experiencing slumps in sales of air-conditioning and refrigeration systems[2].
The development of the new generation of heat pumps and air-conditioning systems is also crucial for the implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.
Article 35(5) of the Regulation provides that the entry into force of those bans is conditional on a re-evaluation of the technologies available on the market and their effectiveness on the basis of a report to be published by 2030, which implies that there will be six years of deadlock and uncertainty for industry.
In the light of the above:
1.Given the six-year wait for the report, with a view to giving industry greater regulatory certainty and enabling it to plan, can the Commission provide it with reassurance?
2.In the light of the objectives of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive with regard to the decarbonisation of buildings, should the phasing out of HFOs not be reconsidered?
Question for written answer E-002169/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Malika Sorel (PfE), Julien Sanchez (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE)
The European Court of Auditors is sounding the alarm over the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa[1], a mechanism intended to tackle the causes of illegal migration and facilitate the return of migrants. Partly financed from our taxes, the Fund is turning out to be a EUR 5 billion sinkhole.
The Commission has clearly not taken into account the recommendations already made by the Court in 2018.
The Fund is apparently even being used by people to facilitate their illegal migration using traffickers, or even being misappropriated by the traffickers themselves, who are the very people the programme was intended to tackle.
Out of a sample of 115 investments examined, 33 were no longer operational and a further 66 risked becoming unsustainable.
There are almost no controls. These are just a few examples:
In sub-Saharan Africa, blenders are distributed to cookery schools with no electricity.
In Gambia, one beneficiary receives the same aid twice for poultry projects that do not even exist.
Can the Commission:
1.Explain why it continued to pay into the Fund without taking into account the recommendations made by the Court of Auditors in 2018?
2.Say whether France has contributed to the Fund, and if so, how much?
3.Guarantee that the Fund has not financed migrant traffickers?
Question for written answer E-002167/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
Many institutions, such as higher education institutions, draw down money from the ESF+ to help with their work.
Does the Commission:
1.Set out any conditions pertaining to pay for institutions that draw down from the ESF+?
2.Ensure that, in the spending of EU funds, there are not significant differences between the amounts spent on similar services in the same regions of Member States, given that costs would be similar?
Question for written answer E-002164/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Kathleen Funchion (The Left)
1.Can the Commission explain why the political commitment made in 2021 under its Beating Cancer Plan to amend the FIC Regulation[1] by introducing mandatory ingredient and nutritional labelling on all alcoholic beverages by the end of 2022 has not been fulfilled?
2.Can it state when these amendments will be introduced, so that the Commission’s stated aim ‘to leave no stone unturned to take action against cancer’ can be achieved?
3.Finally, will the Commission make a statement on this matter?
Submitted: 18.10.2024
[1] Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, amending Regulations (EC) No 1924/2006 and (EC) No 1925/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Commission Directive 87/250/EEC, Council Directive 90/496/EEC, Commission Directive 1999/10/EC, Directive 2000/13/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Directives 2002/67/EC and 2008/5/EC and Commission Regulation (EC) No 608/2004, OJ L 304, 22.11.2011, p. 18, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/1169/oj.
Question for written answer E-002123/2024 to the Commission Rule 144 Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Alexandra Geese (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Thomas Waitz (Verts/ALE), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew), Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), Damien Carême (The Left), Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Nela Riehl (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Andresen (Verts/ALE), Matjaž Nemec (S&D), Per Clausen (The Left), Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE), Irena Joveva (Renew), Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Katrin Langensiepen (Verts/ALE)
In an article published on 10 October 2024[1], The Guardian again reported on the brutality of the Croatian border police: strip-searching and threatening asylum seekers, and burning their phones, passports and other belongings after pushing them back to Bosnia. Illegal pushbacks accompanied by violence, including sexualised violence as also described in this article, have been reported multiple times by the United Nations as well as non-governmental organisations. However, the burning of documents and phones, both needed to seek asylum and to record the presence of asylum seekers on EU territory, is a new, terrifying ‘practice’ of deterrence.
Croatia has been a member of the Schengen area since 1 January 2023, following the Commission’s positive evaluation of Croatia’s application of the Schengen acquis, including its fundamental rights obligations.
1.Has the Commission-supported and often criticised ‘independent human rights monitoring mechanism’ reported on this practice of burning phones and documents, and have steps been taken to investigate and remedy this illegal behaviour?
2.What does the Commission plan to do in the context of the reformed Schengen Evaluation and Monitoring Mechanism and Schengen Borders Code, as well as the Schengen Council and Forum, to ensure the rule of law and effective access to asylum at the Croatian-Bosnian border?
3.What steps are being taken with the Croatian authorities to roll out the new fundamental rights monitoring mechanisms set out in the Screening Regulation?
BUDG members will exchange with Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Tony Murphy, President of the European Court of Auditors (ECA), on the lessons learnt from the current EU long-term budget.
The debate will contribute to the preparation of the BUDG own-initiative report “A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world”. The Parliament will define in it its priorities and expectations for the next EU long term budget (post 2027) before the European Commission puts forward its proposal during the summer of 2025.
2. Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns (debate)
Commission statement: Managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns (2024/2882(RSP))
Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Tomas Tobé, on behalf of the PPE Group, Iratxe García Pérez, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Nicola Procaccini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Valérie Hayer, on behalf of the Renew Group, Tineke Strik, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jeroen Lenaers, Ana Catarina Mendes, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Marieke Ehlers, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Malik Azmani, Diana Riba i Giner, Ilaria Salis, who also declined to take blue-card questions from Susanna Ceccardi and Anna Maria Cisint, Mary Khan, Erik Kaliňák, Lena Düpont, who also answered a blue-card question from András László, Cecilia Strada, Jean-Paul Garraud, Assita Kanko, Fabienne Keller, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Fabrice Leggeri, Erik Marquardt, Konstantinos Arvanitis, Monika Beňová, Dolors Montserrat, Matjaž Nemec, Paolo Borchia, who also answered a blue-card question from Maria Grapini, Charlie Weimers, Abir Al-Sahlani, who also answered a blue-card question from Rihards Kols, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Siegfried Mureşan, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Elena Yoncheva, Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, Tom Vandendriessche, Rasa Juknevičienė, Harald Vilimsky, François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Malika Sorel, Paulo Cunha, Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz and Loránt Vincze.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Paulius Saudargas, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Susanna Ceccardi, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Hilde Vautmans and João Oliveira.
IN THE CHAIR: Sophie WILMÈS Vice-President
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper, Matej Tonin and Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli.
The debate closed.
3. Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs (debate)
Commission statement: Tackling the steel crisis: boosting competitive and sustainable European steel and maintaining quality jobs (2024/2883(RSP))
Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Christian Ehler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Dan Nica, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Borchia, on behalf of the PfE Group, Daniel Obajtek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, René Aust, on behalf of the ESN Group, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Estelle Ceulemans, Ondřej Knotek, Elena Donazzan, Brigitte van den Berg, Sara Matthieu, Rudi Kennes, Marcin Sypniewski, Adam Jarubas, Jens Geier, Anna Bryłka, Anna Zalewska, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Dennis Radtke, Raphaël Glucksmann, Tom Berendsen, Giorgio Gori, Letizia Moratti, Elena Sancho Murillo, Radan Kanev, Eero Heinäluoma, Johan Danielsson and Idoia Mendia, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Susana Solís Pérez, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Michał Kobosko, Branislav Ondruš, Massimiliano Salini, Michele Picaro, Kateřina Konečná, Manuela Ripa, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Seán Kelly, Ondřej Krutílek, Diego Solier and Mirosława Nykiel.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli.
The debate closed.
(The sitting was suspended at 11:57.)
IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA President
4. Resumption of the sitting
The sitting resumed at 12:03.
5. Statement by the President
The President made a statement to mark the 68th anniversary of the Hungarian Uprising of 1956. She paid tribute to the victims and to those who had suffered under Soviet oppression.
⁂
The following spoke: Ondřej Knotek and Peter Liese (the President made some clarifications).
6. Voting time
For detailed results, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.
6.1. Deforestation Regulation: provisions relating to the date of application ***I (vote)
Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards provisions relating to the date of application [COM(2024)0452 – C10-0119/2024 – 2024/0249(COD)] – ENVI Committee
REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION from the ENVI Committee (Rule 170(6))
Parliament approved the request for urgent procedure.
The following tabling deadlines had been set: – amendments: Wednesday 6 November 2024 at 13:00 – requests for separate votes and split votes: Thursday 12 November 2024 at 16:00.
Vote: at a later part-session.
6.2. Draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (vote)
(Majority of Parliament’s component Members required)
DRAFT AMENDMENTS
(The draft amendments adopted would appear as an annex to the Texts Adopted)
The following had spoken:
After the vote, Péter Benő Banai (President-in-Office of the Council) had noted the differences between the positions of Parliament and of the Council and had agreed to the President’s convening of the Conciliation Committee in accordance with Article 314(4)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
(‘Results of votes’, item 1)
6.3. General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 – all sections (vote)
Report on the Council position on the draft general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2025 [12084/2024 – C10-0099/2024 – 2024/0176(BUD)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteurs: Victor Negrescu and Niclas Herbst (A10-0008/2024)
(Majority of the votes cast)
MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
Rejected
The following had spoken:
Before the vote, Victor Negrescu (rapporteur) on the basis of Rule 189(4).
Leila Chaibi, to move an oral amendment to paragraph 68. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.
(‘Results of votes’, item 2)
6.4. Guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States * (vote)
Report on the proposal for a Council decision on guidelines for the employment policies of the Member States [COM(2024)0599 – C10-0084/2024 – 2024/0599(NLE)] – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs. Rapporteur: Li Andersson (A10-0004/2024)
8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting
The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.
9. Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war (debate)
Commission statement: Continued war crimes committed by the Russian Federation, notably killing Ukrainian prisoners of war (2024/2897(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Chloé Ridel, on behalf of the S&D Group, Tomasz Buczek, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, and Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
The following spoke: Lukas Sieper on the allocation of speaking time in the debate (the President made some clarifications).
The debate closed.
10. U-turn on EU bureaucracy: the need to axe unnecessary burdens and reporting to unleash competitiveness and innovation (topical debate)
The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn to open the debate proposed by the PPE Group.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Markus Ferber, on behalf of the PPE Group, René Repasi, on behalf of the S&D Group, Klara Dostalova, on behalf of the PfE Group, Antonella Sberna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jutta Paulus, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jussi Saramo, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Uhrík, on behalf of the ESN Group, Tom Berendsen, Lara Wolters, Vilis Krištopans, Kosma Złotowski, Svenja Hahn, Kim Van Sparrentak, Stanislav Stoyanov, Branislav Ondruš, Christine Schneider, Lina Gálvez, Ondřej Knotek, Stephen Nikola Bartulica, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Marie Toussaint, Anja Arndt and Katarína Roth Neveďalová.
IN THE CHAIR: Younous OMARJEE Vice-President
The following spoke: Lídia Pereira, Nikos Papandreou, Raffaele Stancanelli, Stefano Cavedagna, Katri Kulmuni, Mirosława Nykiel, Tiemo Wölken, Julie Rechagneux, Ľudovít Ódor, Aura Salla, Jorge Martín Frías, Angelika Niebler, Susanna Ceccardi, Isabella Tovaglieri and Barbara Bonte.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli.
The debate closed.
11. Presentation of the Court of Auditors’ annual report 2023 (debate)
Presentation of the Court of Auditors’ annual report 2023 (2024/2784(RSP))
Tony Murphy (President of the Court of Auditors) made the presentation.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission).
The following spoke: Tomáš Zdechovský, on behalf of the PPE Group, José Cepeda, on behalf of the S&D Group, Csaba Dömötör, on behalf of the PfE Group, Dick Erixon, on behalf of the ECR Group, Olivier Chastel, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Niclas Herbst, Giuseppe Lupo, Virginie Joron, Marco Squarta, Joachim Streit, Giuseppe Antoci, Monika Hohlmeier, Eero Heinäluoma, Julien Sanchez, Bogdan Rzońca, Ciaran Mullooly, Jacek Protas, Fernand Kartheiser, Caterina Chinnici and Dirk Gotink.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sebastian Tynkkynen and Grzegorz Braun.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli and Tony Murphy.
The debate closed.
12. Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland’s abortion law (debate)
Commission statement: Findings of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland’s abortion law (2024/2867(RSP))
Helena Dalli (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Ewa Kopacz, on behalf of the PPE Group, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, on behalf of the S&D Group, Anna Bryłka, non-attached Member, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Abir Al-Sahlani, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alice Kuhnke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Manon Aubry, on behalf of The Left Group, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik, on behalf of the ESN Group (the President reminded the House of the rules on conduct), Arba Kokalari, Ana Catarina Mendes, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, who also answered blue-card questions from Bruno Gonçalves, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle and Irene Montero, Małgorzata Gosiewska, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Abir Al-Sahlani, Michał Kobosko, Mélissa Camara, Irene Montero, who also answered a blue-card question from Alvise Pérez, and Tomasz Froelich.
IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE Vice-President
The following spoke: Grzegorz Braun, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Heléne Fritzon, Laurence Trochu, who also answered a blue-card question from Manon Aubry, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, who also answered a blue-card question from Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Benedetta Scuderi, Hanna Gedin, Maria Walsh, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Paolo Inselvini, who also answered a blue-card question from Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, who also answered a blue-card question from Robert Biedroń, Mirosława Nykiel, Lina Gálvez, Birgit Sippel, Elisabeth Grossmann, Evin Incir, who also answered a blue-card question from Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, and Alessandra Moretti.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Łukasz Kohut, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Emma Fourreau, Lukas Sieper, Magdalena Adamowicz, Bruno Gonçalves and João Oliveira.
The following spoke: Helena Dalli.
The debate closed.
13. Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (debate)
Commission statement: Seven years from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia: lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta (2024/2868(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: David Casa, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Fabrice Leggeri, on behalf of the PfE Group, Alessandro Ciriani, on behalf of the ECR Group, Moritz Körner, on behalf of the Renew Group, Daniel Freund, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Ana Miguel Pedro, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sophie Wilmès, Gaetano Pedulla’, Judita Laššáková, Peter Agius, Daniel Attard, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, who also answered a blue-card question from Alex Agius Saliba, Evin Incir, Sunčana Glavak and Thomas Bajada.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Sandro Ruotolo, Katarína Roth Neveďalová and Lukas Sieper.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK Vice-President
The debate closed.
14. The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (debate)
Commission statement: The important role of cities and regions in the EU – for a green, social and prosperous local development (2024/2869(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Andrey Novakov, on behalf of the PPE Group, Mohammed Chahim, on behalf of the S&D Group, Rody Tolassy, on behalf of the PfE Group, Denis Nesci, on behalf of the ECR Group, Ľubica Karvašová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Gordan Bosanac, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Valentina Palmisano, on behalf of The Left Group, Arno Bausemer, on behalf of the ESN Group, Elena Nevado del Campo, Jean-Marc Germain, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Ciaran Mullooly, Vladimir Prebilič, Younous Omarjee, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Nora Junco García, Krzysztof Hetman, Marcos Ros Sempere, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Waldemar Buda, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Ana Miranda Paz, Elena Kountoura, Isabelle Le Callennec, Nora Mebarek, Raffaele Stancanelli, Ruggero Razza, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Mārtiņš Staķis, Gabriella Gerzsenyi, Carla Tavares, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Barry Cowen, Fredis Beleris, René Repasi, Nikolina Brnjac, Javi López, Marco Falcone, Camilla Laureti, Antonio Decaro, Rosa Serrano Sierra, Dario Nardella, Sabrina Repp, Raffaele Topo, Marko Vešligaj, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin, Stefano Bonaccini, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Sofie Eriksson and Alex Agius Saliba.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Maria Grapini, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Niels Geuking, Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Maravillas Abadía Jover.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
The debate closed.
15. Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (debate)
Commission statement: Foreign interference and hybrid attacks: the need to strengthen EU resilience and internal security (2024/2884(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Lena Düpont, on behalf of the PPE Group, Hannes Heide, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Beata Szydło, on behalf of the ECR Group, Helmut Brandstätter, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alexandra Geese, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Petar Volgin, on behalf of the ESN Group, and Mirosława Nykiel.
IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA Vice-President
The following spoke: Tobias Cremer, who also answered a blue-card question from Reinier Van Lanschot, Aleksandar Nikolic, Rihards Kols, Reinier Van Lanschot, Kateřina Konečná, Ana Miguel Pedro, Brando Benifei, Nikola Bartůšek, Geadis Geadi, Javier Zarzalejos, Mathilde Androuët, Ivaylo Valchev, Pekka Toveri, Aurelijus Veryga, Salvatore De Meo and Patryk Jaki.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Michał Szczerba, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Majdouline Sbai, András Tivadar Kulja, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Magdalena Adamowicz.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
The debate closed.
16. Proposals for Union acts
The President announced that the President of Parliament had declared the following proposals for Union acts to be admissible under Rule 47(2):
– Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Jorge Martín Frías, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Hermann Tertsch, on classifying the activity of military personnel, police officers, prison officers and private security guards as dangerous professions in the Union (B10-0018/2024)
committee responsible: EMPL
– Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Jorge Martín Frías, on the need to protect families, businesses and self-employed persons from the rise in fuel prices in Europe (B10-0077/2024)
committee responsible: ECON committee asked for opinion: ITRE
– Proposal for a Union act tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Jorge Martín Frías, on the need for cheaper access to housing (B10-0078/2024)
committee responsible: ECON committee asked for opinion: EMPL
17. EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia (debate)
Commission statement: EU actions against the Russian shadow fleets and ensuring a full enforcement of sanctions against Russia (2024/2885(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
The following spoke: Sandra Kalniete, on behalf of the PPE Group, Thijs Reuten, on behalf of the S&D Group, András László, on behalf of the PfE Group, Reinis Pozņaks, on behalf of the ECR Group, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Jonas Sjöstedt, on behalf of The Left Group, Zsuzsanna Borvendég, on behalf of the ESN Group, Francisco José Millán Mon, Heléne Fritzon, Veronika Vrecionová, Karin Karlsbro, Ville Niinistö, Li Andersson, Pekka Toveri, Sérgio Gonçalves, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Ivars Ijabs, Per Clausen, Mika Aaltola, Emma Wiesner, Ondřej Kolář, Lukas Mandl and Tom Berendsen.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
Motions for resolutions to be tabled under Rule 136(2) would be announced at a later stage.
The debate closed.
Vote: next part-session.
18. Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe (debate)
Commission statement: Need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe (2024/2896(RSP))
Didier Reynders (Member of the Commission) made the statement.
IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ Vice-President
The following spoke: Dariusz Joński, on behalf of the PPE Group, François Kalfon, on behalf of the S&D Group, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, on behalf of the PfE Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Elena Kountoura, on behalf of The Left Group, Arno Bausemer, on behalf of the ESN Group, Sophia Kircher, Vivien Costanzo, Jana Nagyová, Adrian-George Axinia, Ana Vasconcelos, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Tilly Metz, Arash Saeidi, Luis-Vicențiu Lazarus, Nikolina Brnjac, Ondřej Krutílek, Pär Holmgren, Sebastian Everding, Kostas Papadakis and Krzysztof Hetman.
The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Marta Wcisło, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Ana Miranda Paz, João Oliveira, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Per Clausen, Carmen Crespo Díaz and Magdalena Adamowicz.
The following spoke: Didier Reynders.
The debate closed.
19. Explanations of vote
Written explanations of vote
Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.
20. Agenda of the next sitting
The next sitting would be held the following day, 24 October 2024, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.
21. Approval of the minutes of the sitting
In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.
22. Closure of the sitting
The sitting closed at 21:57.
LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT
I. Motions for resolutions tabled
Urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation
Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0121/2024) Catarina Martins on behalf of The Left Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0122/2024) Christine Anderson on behalf of theESN Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0123/2024) Tiemo Wölken on behalf of the S&D Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0124/2024) Andreas Glück on behalf of the Renew Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0125/2024) Peter Liese on behalf of the PPE Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0126/2024) Ignazio Roberto Marino on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0127/2024) Ondřej Knotek, Viktória Ferenc on behalf of the PfE Group
on the urgent need to revise the Medical Devices Regulation (2024/2849(RSP)) (B10-0128/2024) Ruggero Razza, Pietro Fiocchi, Michele Picaro, Laurence Trochu, Aurelijus Veryga on behalf of the ECR Group
Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):
Peter Liese on behalf of the PPE Group Tiemo Wölken on behalf of the S&D Group Ondřej Knotek on behalf of the PfE Group Ruggero Razza on behalf of the ECR Group Andreas Glück on behalf of the Renew Group Ignazio Roberto Marino on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))
Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament
– Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards on information to be exchanged between competent authorities (C(2024)06766 – 2024/2875(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 10 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: ECON
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/688 as regards certain animal health requirements for movements within the Union of terrestrial animals (C(2024)06985 – 2024/2870(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 9 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: AGRI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the listing of pesticides and industrial chemicals (C(2024)07071 – 2024/2880(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 15 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 as regards short-necked clam and red seabream (C(2024)07102 – 2024/2876(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 11 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: PECH
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1013/2006 as regards changes on shipments of electrical and electronic waste agreed under the Basel Convention (C(2024)07198 – 2024/2900(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 18 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2024/1157 as regards changes on shipments of electrical and electronic waste agreed under the Basel Convention (C(2024)07199 – 2024/2899(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 18 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2015/757 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the rules for the monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions from offshore ships and the zero-rating of sustainable fuels (C(2024)07210 – 2024/2894(DEA))
Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 16 October 2024
referred to committee responsible: ENVI
III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)
Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament
– Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for fenbuconazole and penconazole in or on certain products (D096823/04 – 2024/2898(RPS) – deadline: 18 December 2024) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the removal of the flavouring substance 4-Methyl-2-phenylpent-2-enal (FL No 05.100) from the Union list (D099950/02 – 2024/2873(RPS) – deadline: 11 January 2025) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the inclusion of (E)‐3‐benzo[1,3]dioxol‐5‐yl‐N,N‐diphenyl‐2‐propenamide in the Union list of flavourings (D099953/02 – 2024/2874(RPS) – deadline: 11 December 2024) referred to committee responsible: ENVI
– Commission Regulation amending Regulations (EC) No 2150/2002 and (EC) No 1552/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council, as well as Commission Regulations (EC) No 1726/1999, (EC) No 1916/2000, (EC) No 198/2006, (EC) No 1062/2008 and (EU) No 349/2011, as regards references to the statistical classification of economic activities NACE Revision 2 established by Regulation (EC) No 1893/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D100325/01 – 2024/2901(RPS) – deadline: 21 January 2025) referred to committees responsible: EMPL, ENVI
IV. Documents received
The following documents had been received:
– Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 12/2024 – Section III – Commission (N10-0019/2024 – C10-0122/2024 – 2024/2059(GBD)) referred to committee responsible: BUDG
– Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 13/2024 – Section III – Commission (N10-0021/2024 – C10-0135/2024 – 2024/2060(GBD)) referred to committee responsible: BUDG
V. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions
In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF 5/2024 – Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee.
In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations INF 3/2024 – Section VII – Committee of the Regions.
In accordance with Article 29 of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve transfer of appropriations No 1/2024 – Section VIII – European Ombudsman.
In accordance with Article 31(3) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve Commission transfers of appropriations DEC 09/2024 and DEC 10/2024 – Section III – Commission.
In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve Commission transfers of appropriations DEC 09/2024 and DEC 10/2024 – Section III – Commission.
EIB’s Advisory Hub to support major railway modernization across Greek rail network
Goal is to improve infrastructure, safety, and efficiency
EIB to provide targeted advisory services for free as part of InvestEU programme
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will advise Greece on its planned major upgrade of the national railway network to improve safety, punctuality, and sustainability. Under the agreement with the Greek Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, the EIB will assist authorities in developing a long-term business plan for a newly established rail infrastructure management company and in outlining near-term network investments.
The accord, which comes under the InvestEU programme, builds on the Greek government’s commitment to restructuring the national railway sector and to fulfilling European Union safety and environmental standards. It also highlights the EIB’s commitment to promoting modern and sustainable transport networks in the EU as part of the bank’s strategic roadmap.
EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris and Greek Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Christos Staikouras signed the agreement today in Athens.
“The EIB’s Advisory Services will provide the Greek government with the technical expertise necessary to implement long-term strategies, helping to ensure that the country’s railway system is both safe and competitive,” said Tsakiris. He added: “The EIB will support the Greek government in developing a multiyear investment plan for the railway sector, which will serve as a roadmap for the country’s infrastructure development over the next decade.”
“The European Investment Bank, with its extensive expertise and experience, will provide a coherent strategic business plan, which will serve as a valuable guide in the organizational efforts of the new entity. This plan will support the Government’s priorities for developing a modern, safer, faster, and fully interoperable network, in line with the requirements of the Trans-European Transport Network and the standards set by the European Union. By utilizing the knowhow offered by the EIB, we are creating a sound and rational framework on which this crucial reform of the railway sector will be based. In this way, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is implementing another important — and promising — initiative for the modernization and future development of the Greek railway system.”, said Staikouras.
Strategic priorities for Greece’s railway sector
Greece aims to develop a modern, safe, and fully interoperable rail system, aligning with Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) requirements.
Key strategic priorities outlined for the Greek rail sector include:
Completing the Patras-Athens-Thessaloniki-Promachonas (PAThEP) corridor, a crucial part of the TEN-T network.
Expanding rail connections to ports and industrial zones, strengthening the economic infrastructure.
Facilitating cross-border rail connections with Europe to enhance regional connectivity.
Shaping the future of Greek rail investment
The advisory accord marks a significant opportunity for the EIB to help shape rail investment in Greece over the next two decades. The EIB work will feed into the Greek National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which requires the adoption of a multiyear investment plan by mid-2025.
The assignment will run for run for six months, during which the EIB will engage external service providers to execute three main tasks:
· Development of a strategic business plan for the new rail infrastructure entity.
· Preparation of a medium-term (2025-2034) implementation plan for the railway sector.
· Creation of a comprehensive funding plan to support the implementation of priority projects.
Background information
About the EIB
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances sound investments that further EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.
The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), consisting of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), reported total financing signatures in Greece of €2.5 billion in 2023, 33% of which went to supporting sustainable energy and natural resources projects. Overall, the EIB Group signed €88 billion in new financing in 2023.
Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower. This underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and the convergence of living standards.
Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English
Originally developed for electric cars, nowadays they supply mobile phone antennas with electricity, and tomorrow perhaps entire districts: The salt battery is a safe and long-lasting battery technology with huge potential. Empa researchers are collaborating with an industrial partner to further develop these special batteries.
The leader of Venezuela’s democratic forces and the opposition candidate in the July presidential elections will receive the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola announced the winners of the 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought in the chamber on Thursday, following the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, which took the decision.
President Metsola said: “The 2024 Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded to María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia for their brave fight to restore freedom and democracy in Venezuela. In their quest for a fair, free and peaceful transition of power, they have fearlessly upheld values that millions of Venezuelans and the European Parliament hold so dear: justice, democracy and the rule of law. The European Parliament stands with the people of Venezuela and with María Corina Machado and President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia in their struggle for the democratic future of their country. This award is for them.”
María Corina Machado was elected as the Venezuelan opposition’s presidential candidate on behalf of the ‘Unity Democratic Platform’ in 2023 but was later disqualified by the regime-controlled National Electoral Council.
Edmundo González Urrutia, a diplomat and politician who succeeded her as the ‘Unity Democratic Platform’ candidate, denounced the Venezuelan government’s failure to publish the official results of the presidential elections and contested Nicolás Maduro’s declared victory. Mr González Urrutia left the country in September after a warrant was issued to arrest him.
In a resolution adopted on 19 September 2024, MEPs stressed that international election observation missions made it clear that the Venezuelan presidential election did not comply with international standards of electoral integrity. They recognised Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate and democratically-elected president of the country, and María Corina Machado as the leader of the democratic forces.
Parliament condemned “the electoral fraud” and the serious and systematic human rights violations perpetrated against the democratic opposition, the Venezuelan people, and civil society.
According to the Venezuelan government, 2 400 people were arrested during demonstrations that followed the election and non-governmental organisations have reported the deaths of 24 people. María Corina Machado remains in hiding, while Edmundo González Urrutia fled to Spain, which granted him political asylum on 7 September.
In its September 2024 resolution, Parliament called on the EU to extend sanctions against the Venezuelan regime and to apply targeted sanctions through the EU Global Human Rights Sanctions Regime against Nicolás Maduro and his inner circle. Before the elections, the European Parliament urged member states to maintain the sanctions imposed on the Maduro regime and criticised the unconstitutional decision to prevent prominent political opposition figures such as María Corina Machado from running in the 2024 elections.
Award ceremony on 18 December
The award ceremony for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought will take place on 18 December in Strasbourg, during Parliament’s plenary session.
Background
Named after Soviet physicist and political dissident Andrei Sakharov, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought is the EU’s highest human rights award. Created in 1988, it is awarded every year by Parliament to individuals or organisations, in recognition of their work in one of the following areas: the defence of human rights and fundamental rights, in particular freedom of expression, the safeguarding of minority rights, respect for international law, the development of democracy and the defence of the rule of law.
The Commission would like to underline that, in accordance with the Air Services Regulation 1008/2008[1], airlines are free to set their own airfares.
However, air carriers must also provide information to passengers on the elements of those fares, particularly as regards optional price supplements such as ‘priority boarding’ services.
As regards the boarding process, it is up to air carriers and airports to design and implement it. It should be however emphasised that accordingly to EU rules on consumer protection and a common principle of consumer contract law, the customer can request a refund if a service has been paid for but is not provided.
Furthermore, if an airline expects that the flight will be delayed beyond the scheduled departure time, passengers are entitled to assistance depending on the length of the delay and distance of the flight.
Finally, while the Commission has no power to intervene in individual disputes between passengers and air carriers, passengers who believe their rights under the regulation have not been respected can contact the body in the country where the incident took place[2] or contact a European Consumer centre when it comes to general consumer rights[3].
[2] List of National Enforcement Bodies : https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/d7b5dd33-4083-4faa-8132-b6dc8b3a1c07_en?filename=2004_261_national_enforcement_bodies.pdf
[3] List of European Consumer Centres Network : https://commission.europa.eu/live-work-travel-eu/consumer-rights-and-complaints/resolve-your-consumer-complaint/european-consumer-centres-network-ecc-net_en
The European Commission has received complaints against the Decree of the Italian Ministry of Health of 27 June 2024 and is currently analysing its compliance with Union law. In this context it will assess its compliance also under Article 36 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU[1].
1. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[1] can only be activated at the request of Greece which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from when the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. It may cover the costs of emergency and recovery operations by the public authorities. Private damage is not eligible. So far, Greece has not requested EUSF assistance for this disaster.
2. Overall , more than EUR 2 billion are planned under Cohesion Policy to support the prevention and management of fire risk. These investments target the reduction of the vulnerability of more than 130 million people to wildfire risk, particularly in regions with higher risk of wildfire exposure. The 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy programmes for Greece include allocations for addressing fire risk prevention and management actions, with a total public funding of EUR 421 million. Under shared management, Greece decides how to deploy these funds, in line with the applicable regulatory framework, and the objectives and priorities set up in the above-mentioned programmes.
3. Regarding the organisation and functioning of firefighting services, the Commission refers to the reply to written question 000020/2024 of 28 February 2024[2].
[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9).
The Commission welcomes and follows closely scientific publications that may have an impact on fisheries, and therefore, is aware of the publications mentioned.
Some of the conclusions, such as those on the potential of some fishing techniques to reduce the impact on the seabed were already shared by the Scientific Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries in 2020[1], and echoed by the first report on the implementation of the Technical Measures Regulation (EU) 2019/1241[2].
While not included in the initial Commission proposal for that regulation, the final decision of the co-legislators in 2019 was to ban electric pulse fishing and allow it to continue only for scientific purposes under strict conditions set out in the above-mentioned Regulation.
The second report on the implementation of the regulation was adopted in July 2024[3]. This report includes updates on the scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea on innovative gear[4] and underlines the need to invest in research and innovation. It presents as well the efforts made by both Member States and stakeholders in this field.
The Commission will continue to engage with the scientists, fisheries managers and stakeholders to encourage the development and use of innovative fishing techniques within the context of continuing to optimise fishing patterns, reduce impact on sensitive habitats and with a view of transitioning to less energy use.
The Commission will closely follow the outcomes of these discussions, as well as the scientific advice on the field, and regularly assess whether amendments to the existing legal framework are justified.
[1] Review of technical measures, Part I, STECF 20-02. EUR 28359 EN.
[2] Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on the conservation of fisheries resources and the protection of marine ecosystems through technical measures, amending Council Regulations (EC) No 1967/2006, (EC) No 1224/2009 and Regulations (EU) No 1380/2013, (EU) 2016/1139, (EU) 2018/973, (EU) 2019/472 and (EU) 2019/1022 of the European Parliament and of the Council, and repealing Council Regulations (EC) No 894/97, (EC) No 850/98, (EC) No 2549/2000, (EC) No 254/2002, (EC) No 812/2004 and (EC) No 2187/2005, OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 105-201 — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52021DC0583
The $15 million financing will enable BURN to produce and distribute its industry-leading ECOA Induction Cooker to over 1 million households across East Africa.
The investment will positively impact 6.5 million people, avoiding 12 million tons of carbon emissions over a period of 5 years.
Today BURN, the world’s leading clean cooking appliance manufacturer, distributor, and carbon project developer, and the European Investment Bank signed an agreement to invest $15 million from the EIB to fund the distribution of BURN’s ECOA Electric Induction cooker to households across the East African region.
Announced at a signature ceremony on the margins of the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington, the US$15 million debt investment from EIB Global will finance a solution that could significantly reduce indoor air pollution in homes across the world – a problem that currently causes 4 million premature deaths a year, and disproportionally affects the health of women living in developing countries.
Speaking from Washington the EIB Group President, Nadia Calviño said, “The investment that we have agreed today is not just about improving lives, but saving them as well. With relatively simple technology for clean cooking we will strengthen communities, especially by protecting the health of women, and their families.
This will have a positive impact on the climate as well by lowering carbon emissions. Supporting potentially transformative projects like BURN’s expansion of affordable clean cooking for more than a million households in Africa is the kind of initiative that the European Union aims to support more of under our Global Gateway Initiative.”
From Washington, Peter Scott, Founder and CEO of BURN, stated, “BURN has already brought our unique PAYC electric cooking solution to thousands of households in Kenya and Tanzania that were previously relying on traditional charcoal stoves. This investment by EIB will help us transition over a million low-income households to cooking with electricity, allowing them to cook on grids that are 80-95% powered by renewable energy.”
The EIB financing announced today in Washington will enable the appliances to be offered via BURN’s innovative, Pay-As-You-Cook payment offering. This tech-enabled payment solution enables affordable financing for low-income households currently using solid biomass as their primary cooking fuel but who are unable to afford full upfront payments typically required for clean electric cooking appliances.
This project is also actively supporting the empowerment of women – and has been qualified as a gender lens investment by the 2X Challenge, a global initiative launched at the G7 summit in 2018, with the EIB as one of its members. The 2X Challenge aims to accelerate private sector investments that support women in low- and middle-income countries, using a standardized set of criteria known as the 2X criteria.
The financing support to BURN is through the Desiree Investment Envelope under the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Impact Finance Envelope (“IFE”).
The financing package from the European Commission aims to support the participation by the EIB in high-risk projects in ACP countries to support greater investments in energy efficiency and electrification ventures. The IFE supports projects that generate superior developmental impact with the overarching objective of poverty reduction through developing the private sector by taking a higher risk of investment for high developmental impact.
The ECOA Induction cooker is bundled with a high-quality, 3-piece stainless steel induction cookware set, fully manufactured in Kenya. The appliances reduce indoor air pollution by 100%, decrease cooking time by 70%, and save households money on cooking fuels.
BURN’s electric cooking appliances generate high-integrity carbon credits by using integrated cellular-enabled IoT technology which allows for effective, real-time and end-to-end monitoring of energy usage. These electric appliances reduce ~2.5 tonnes of carbon emissions annually, and contribute to EIB’s climate action, gender equality, and economic development objectives.
The company, which is also exporting its products to other countries, is also showcasing Africa’s untapped manufacturing opportunities, that create sustainable job opportunities for many young people.
To date, BURN has distributed over 5 million clean cookstoves across Africa, transforming the lives of 25 million people and preventing 26 million tons of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere.
ABOUT BURN
Founded in 2011, BURN is Africa’s leading producer of clean cookstoves, committed to saving lives, protecting forests, and reducing CO2 emissions. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, BURN operates in 9 countries and employs over 3,500 people, with a mission to revolutionize the clean cooking sector and provide sustainable cooking solutions across the continent.
The efficiency, safety, and benefits of BURN’s clean cooking appliances have been independently verified through peer-reviewed Randomized Control Trial (RCT) by the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Chicago.
The study found a match to BURN’s usage and consumption measurements, finding a fuel savings of 39% against the baseline, saving families US$119 per year, with each cookstove reducing CO2 emissions by approximately 3.5 tons per year (their recent update to the study found these savings to be robust for 3 years and counting, with 98% of the stoves still in use). This study was peer-reviewed and published in the world’s leading economics journal, The American Economic Review (AER).
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027, around one third of the overall target of this EU initiative. With Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.
The EIB Group aims to embed gender equality and in particular women’s economic empowerment in its business model and is also committed to driving gender equality in its workplace. The EIB financed a total of 63 projects across the globe in 2023 that significantly contributed to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, providing €5.8 billion of investment, more than half of which also supported climate action.
Vadym Chursin’s mother died long before the war. His father, Dmytro, has been his parent and best friend since he was very young. The two have grown even closer since their town near Ukraine’s southern border was occupied by Russian soldiers.
“There is barely anything left of our house today and not a single building still standing in our old town,” says Vadym, who is 16 years old and had lived in Oleshky, a city near Kherson, where his father ran a business building trendy tiny homes on wheels. For the past two years, father and son have been renting half a house about 220 kilometres to the west in Odesa, near Vadym’s new school. “We’re what people call displaced persons. There are many of us here and all of us are helping each other.”
Vadym attends Odesa School No. 41, one of the first schools repaired in 2021 under the European Investment Bank’s first Ukraine recovery programme. The Bank has helped modernise a group of Odesa schools since then and a city hospital.
Schools are a focus for the dozens of engineers, economists, loan officers and advisory specialists at the European Investment Bank who are trying to meet the urgent needs of Ukraine. Other critical work involves electricity lines, heating, water, roads, hospitals, community centres and bomb shelters. These types of projects allow people to go to work, drive to the doctor, buy groceries, get an education and stay safe during bomb attacks.
The Russian invasion has caused widespread devastation and created a humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and surrounding countries. Roads, bridges, hospitals, schools and residential buildings need repair in Ukraine, particularly in areas of intense fighting such as Kharkiv and the Donbas region. One study estimates economic damage in Ukraine at more than $150 billion since Russia invaded in February 2022. The cost of recovery over the next decade is estimated at about $500 billion.
The European Investment Bank is helping to renovate more than 300 schools, kindergartens, hospitals and social housing facilities in about 150 Ukrainian cities. It has improved electricity, gas, water, sanitation and solid waste management in more than a dozen regions, and has finished more than 100 projects. It receives new requests for help every week.
Pavel Novak, a public sector engineer at the European Investment Bank who is from Kyiv, where his parents still live, says a friend who was disabled in the war reminded him that soldiers are fighting to beat Russia, but also to see that other Ukrainians can continue to live normal lives in their home cities and communities today.
“My friend said to me, ‘Look, Pavel, we are doing this to keep life going on, bakeries and restaurants open, keep kids going to school and ensure that something beyond war still exists in this country.’”
In September 2024, the European Union’s financing arm proposed a €600 million energy rescue plan to help Ukraine as winter approaches, ensuring that businesses and homes have electricity and heat. Shelters will be built to protect electricity substations from bombings. The European Investment Bank is in regular discussions with Ukrhydroenergo, Ukraine’s largest hydropower company, and Ukrenergo, the national electricity transmission operator, to repair damaged power networks. It’s common for some parts of Ukraine to lose electricity for half of every day.
Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English
On 23 October, the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Guy Parmelin, signed a memorandum of understanding in Washington D.C. reaffirming the close cooperation between Switzerland and the US on vocational education and training. The agreement is aimed at strengthening the exchange of information between public and private stakeholders in education and business in both countries in the years 2024–27.
A delegation of six Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), accompanied by the Chair of the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, will travel to London (UK) from 28 to 30 October 2024. The delegation, led by the INTA Chair, Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), will exchange with the UK government, parliamentarians and stakeholders on the trade aspects of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
The context of this visit is the ‘reset’ of the EU-UK relations announced recently by the UK Prime Minister, the first review of the TCA due in 2026 and the upcoming democratic consent vote of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly on the continuation of the application of major provisions of the Windsor Framework in December 2024.
The UK and the EU are also faced with the same challenges at global level regarding international trade. In the past decade, geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions have heightened, in part due to the strategic competition between the United States and China. In the last few years the situation has deteriorated further, notably due to the supply chain disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic and to the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as recently the major crisis in the Middle East, bringing both competitiveness and economic security to the forefront.
Public Health has published the Life Expectancy and Healthy Life Expectancy Report. This report describes life expectancy in Jersey for the period 2021-2023, and the Healthy Life Expectancy for the period of 2022/2023.
Key findings for Life Expectancy for 2021-23 include:
life expectancy (at birth) for females in Jersey was 84.9 years, around 3.5 years higher than that for males (81.3 years)
male life expectancy has increased by 1.9 years since the 2011-2013 period, whilst for females there has been no statistically significant increase or decrease.
once people reach age 65 in Jersey, they can expect to live on average another 21.2 years
average life expectancy in Jersey was around 2 years higher than that for England overall, and was around 1 year higher than the South West region of England.
Key findings for Healthy Life Expectancy for the 2022/2023 include:
healthy life expectancy at birth for males in Jersey was 63.8 years, around 2.5 years higher than that for females (61.2 years)
healthy life expectancy at age 65 for females in Jersey was 12.9 years, around 1.5 years higher than that for males (11.3 years)
male healthy life expectancy at birth has remained statistically similar, and female healthy life expectancy is statistically lower between 2016-2018 and 2022/2023
male healthy life expectancy at birth was statistically higher than in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, but similar to England. Female healthy life expectancy at birth was statistically similar when compared to the devolved nations of the UK.
The winners of this year’s Active Travel Challenge have been revealed!
Run by the Isle of Wight Council as part of its Junior Travel Ambassador (JTA) road safety scheme, the challenge encourages children to walk, cycle, scooter or skate to and from school.
Youngsters record their daily walking, cycling, scootering and running activities — those who complete at least three weeks of the challenge are entered into a prize draw to win a scooter.
This year’s challenge was sponsored by Bailey Street Furniture Group Ltd and the winners were:
Skyla from St Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Primary School
Max from Dover Park Primary School
Hayden from Newport CE Primary School
St Thomas of Canterbury and Newport CE Primary schools were the joint winners in the schools’ category, with each receiving a Scooterpod scooter rack as their prize.
Hayden said: “I feel so excited about using my new scooter! Walking and scooting to school is so important for everyone’s energy! It’s a great start to my day!”
Skyla added: “Thank you for the amazing prize, I cannot wait to use my scooter going to school now!”
Lewis Campbell, the council’s road safety officer, said: “Congratulations to all of the prize winners and thank you to the schools who took part in this years’ Active Travel Challenge. The challenge will be back next year and will be open to schools taking part in the JTA scheme.
“Also, a massive thank you to our sponsors for supporting the challenge, who offered a free Scooterpod to support our promotion of active travel.”
Around 25 primary schools have now signed up to the JTA scheme.
Junior Travel Ambassadors meet regularly to share ideas and opinions about what they think needs to change to improve road safety for their school, as well as lead assemblies, activities and competitions throughout the academic year.
They also look at ways they can promote sustainable modes of travel within their communities.
For the JTA scheme, the council provides participating schools with assembly presentations, lesson plans, guidance, posters and other resources for free — there is no cost to take part.
Schools can find out more by emailing roadsafety@iow.gov.uk
Sutton Connect, a new Green Travel District for the Sutton Walmley, Minworth & Reddicap area, has been launched to help encourage sustainable travel.
Developed alongside the Peddimore employment park and Langley Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE) developments, which will bring thousands of new jobs and homes to the area, Sutton Connect brings a range of partners and stakeholders together to coordinate activity and ensure both developments are well connected and sustainable with the necessary infrastructure, policies and supporting initiatives in place.
The vision of Sutton Connect is for less congestion, less pollution, fewer accidents and healthier, safer, more productive communities.
Councillor Majid Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Transport at Birmingham City Council said: “I am so pleased we have worked closely with partners to set up a Green Travel District (Sutton Connect) for this part of Sutton Coldfield, bringing everyone together to discuss transport issues and collaborate on opportunities to enhance sustainable travel across the area. This is exciting news for the entire region and will see investment in schemes and initiatives that benefit all those living, working and travelling locally.”
David Smith, Director, Planning & Communities, IM Properties, development partner for Peddimore site, said: “Sustainable travel that prioritises walking, cycling and public transport is central to the Peddimore vision, connecting local people in Birmingham, Royal Sutton Coldfield and neighbouring North Warwickshire with new employment opportunities. We‘ve created a striking landscape setting that sensitively links with the surrounding area and provides attractive, safe, and accessible active travel routes. This contributes to an engaging and welcoming workplace, supporting the wellbeing of employees and visitors, while minimising impact on the environment.”
Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council are also backing the Green Travel District approach, seeing the benefits it will bring to the town. Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “The Green Travel District clearly supports our Active Travel Vision across the town where residents and visitors can leave the car at home if they wish and move safely and efficiently through our streets and spaces. Providing real green transport choices supports better health, economic and environmental outcomes and will ensure future generations can continue to enjoy the rich heritage, biodiversity and natural beauty of our town.”
People can sign up for regular Sutton Connect updates for more information about this initiative and to find out what support and activities will be available in future.
To enable people to travel by public transport two new bus services have been launched to serve the Peddimore site. The 64/X64 Birmingham – Peddimore/Minworth via Erdington, The Fort, Bromford & Castle Vale. Also, the 68 Birmingham – Peddimore/Minworth via Lichfield Road, Tyburn Road is in line with Amazon shift times at Peddimore but may be suitable for those living/travelling locally.
The Pandemic Institute, a world leading facility committed to helping the world prevent, prepare, and respond more effectively to pandemics, celebrates three years of vital work to keep the public safe.
Since opening in autumn 2021, the Institute has advanced research to predict and prepare for the next pandemic. It’s built resilience in society to respond and recover from COVID-19 and future health crises and worked to prevent disease outbreaks and epidemics from developing into pandemics.
Ove the last three years The Pandemic Institute has:
Supported a portfolio of research worth more than £50m led by The Pandemic Institute’s investigators based at the University of Liverpool, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and Liverpool John Moores University.
Established research industry partnerships with a value of more than £5m, strengthening the local economy and employment prospects. One such partnership is with CSL Seqirus, a global leader in influenza prevention. Together they are researching both the threat of seasonal influenza and the development of innovative approaches to pandemic preparedness and response.
Awarded £3.6m in critical pandemic research funding, and responded rapidly to emerging infections such as Mpox, which was recently declared a global emergency by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Provided funding towards the development of diagnostics for some of the world’s deadliest viruses including Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). Transmitted by tick bites, it has a mortality rate of around 30% but there is currently no vaccine. Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine has developed a rapid point-of-care lateral flow test, as well as conducting clinical trials to assess a potential treatment.
Supported researchers at Liverpool John Moores University who are looking at health inequalities and resilience in communities during a pandemic, and how future responses can be tailored and improved.
Invested in infrastructure including a new pre-clinical trials unit for testing new vaccines and treatments, based at the University of Liverpool.
Provided critical advice and support on pandemic prevention and preparedness to the UK Health Security Agency, Department of Health and Social Care, and other government departments.
Professor Tom Solomon, Director of The Pandemic Institute said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done in just three short years, helping to develop new diagnostic tests, treatments and vaccines, for emerging infection threats, and strengthening the research infrastructure.
“Thanks to our dedicated and ongoing efforts we are in a position to rapidly mobilise funding for essential research and be flexible in times of swiftly changing circumstances.”
Director of Public Health for Liverpool, Professor Matthew Ashton, said: “Liverpool has a rich history of delivering bold public health interventions, and the launch of The Pandemic Institute continued our long and proud tradition.
“The funding shows the ongoing commitment to delivering an innovative response to pandemics on an international scale.
“It is playing a vital role in the global work to tackle the next pandemic, wherever and whenever that will be, and we should be immensely proud of the foresight the city showed in establishing it.”
What’s next
The Pandemic Institute will continue to develop new infrastructure in Liverpool to harness the combined expertise of the region.
In spring, The Pandemic Institute was awarded funding as part of the Liverpool City Region’s Investment Zone plans. Part of the £160m Government pledge will support the Institutes’ ambitions to build a new Pandemic Preparedness and Response Facility in Liverpool containing state-of-the-art research laboratories that will strengthen the UK’s infectious disease research and innovation capabilities.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding healthcare professionals to ensure patients are aware of the known side effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
These medicines are used to treat type 2 diabetes or obesity, with the common risk of gastrointestinal side effects which may affect more than 1 in 10 patients. While most side effects for these medicines are mild, some may also be serious.
Healthcare professionals should also be alert for signs of misuse of these medicines in their patients, warn these patients that they are at risk of side effects and report any adverse reactions via the Yellow Card scheme.
GLP-1 receptor agonists approved for weight management, are effective treatment options for patients with a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher or equal to 30 kg/m2 or for patients whose BMI is higher or equal to 27 kg/m2 and have a weight-related medical condition, such as cardiovascular disease.
GLP-1 receptor agonists can only be prescribed by a registered healthcare professional.
When appropriately used in line with the product licence, the benefits of these medications outweigh the risks for patients. However, this benefit-risk balance is positive only for those patients within the approved indications for weight management or type 2 diabetes as described in the product information.
If patients obtain a private prescription (from a non-NHS prescriber), they should ensure this is dispensed from an authorised source, such as a registered pharmacy, to avoid the risk of receiving a falsified pen. They should be aware that some falsified medicines have been found to contain insulin, which if used, could cause severe hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) requiring urgent medical attention.
It is vital for patients to carefully read the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet and use the prescribed dose. Potential side effects of these medicines can include gastrointestinal conditions, such as vomiting and diarrhoea. In most cases, these are not usually serious, but may sometimes lead to more serious complications such as severe dehydration, resulting in hospitalisation. Patients are advised to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout treatment.
Gastrointestinal side effects are more likely to occur at the start of treatment or after a recent increase in dose. Healthcare professionals should also discuss the risk of serious, but less common side effects such as pancreatitis and gall bladder disorders.
Hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can occur in non-diabetic patients using some GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management and healthcare professionals should ensure patients are aware of the symptoms and signs of this condition, such as sweating, shaking, feelings of tiredness or weakness and confusion. Where this occurs, patients should eat or drink something that will raise their blood sugar quickly, and if symptoms persist they should seek medical attention.
Patients prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists should speak to a healthcare professional if they have any questions about potential side effects.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:
“All medicines carry a risk of potential side effects and GLP-1RAs are no exception.
“We encourage healthcare professionals to ensure patients being treated with these medicines are aware of the common side effects and how to minimise risk.
“The balance of benefits and risks outside the licensed indication has not been shown to be favourable. Please report cases of misuse especially if harm occurs”
Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:
“Weight-loss drugs have enormous potential. When taken alongside healthy diet and exercise, they can be game changers in tackling obesity and getting people back to good health.
“But these are not cosmetic drugs that should be taken to help get a body beautiful picture for Instagram. These are serious medicines and should only be used responsibly and under medical supervision. They’re not a quick fix to lose a few pounds and buying them online without appropriate assessment can put people’s health at risk.
“Drugs approved for weight management should only be used by those tackling obesity, where diet and exercise has been tried first, and where patients are eligible.”
Healthcare professionals should consult our Drug Safety Update for further advice.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, with active ingredients including exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide. They work by mimicking the action of the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, reducing glucagon secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and promoting satiety.
Not all GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved for weight management, products can include the active ingredients semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and liraglutide (Saxenda). GLP-1 receptor agonists can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. Some GLP-1 receptor agonists have also been approved for weight management in obese patients with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m² or overweight patients with a BMI of 27 kg/m.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) can be found on the NHS website.
Falsified medicines can cause a serious risk to health, patients should only receive prescriptions from authorised prescribers.
A licensed indication refers to the approval to treat or manage a specific medical condition.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
The Minister for the Middle East attended the Lebanon Support Conference in Paris on 24 October 2024 to reiterate calls for a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Location:
Paris
Delivered on:
(Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)
The situation in Lebanon is worsening daily, and civilian casualties are mounting.
The risks of further escalation cannot be overstated. We cannot let Lebanon become another Gaza.
This is why today the UK repeats our call for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Lebanese Hizballah.
Let us not forget that this conflict started when Hizballah launched rockets at northern Israel, forcing the Israelis to flee their homes.
The UK stands with Israel and recognises its right of self defence in the face of unlawful Iranian attacks.
Iran must immediately halt those attacks, and stand down its proxies.
Meanwhile, we are working with the Lebanese Armed Forces, the sole legitimate defender of that state, to support security and stability.
I am pleased to be joined today by one of our most senior military officers, Air Marshal Harvey Smyth, who leads our work to support the Lebanese Armed Forces. We stand ready to do more.
We are also committing £15 million to respond to the humanitarian emergency in Lebanon, supporting food, medicine and clean water.
Many generous British citizens are now donating to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal for Gaza, Lebanon and the wider region – my government will now pledge to match that generosity up to £10 million.
The aid workers striving to alleviate suffering in Lebanon must be able to carry out their duties in safety – including UN workers, who have a vital role to play in resolving armed conflict and mitigating its impact.
Britain condemns all threats to the security of UNIFIL.
We call on all parties engaged in this conflict to take all necessary precautions to avoid civilian deaths and injuries and protect essential infrastructure.
Before I conclude, let me reflect briefly on the wider crisis in the region.
Following the death of the terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar, it is time for a new chapter in Gaza.
We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid.
We must focus all our efforts on stopping this cycle of violence.
A political solution consistent with 1701 is the only answer – and the only way to secure a stable future for those on both sides of the Blue Line.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the opening of the first international scientific conference “Science for Public Administration in Russia”, which is being held at the Presidential Academy in Moscow
October 24, 2024
Rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov
October 24, 2024
Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the opening of the first international scientific conference “Science for Public Administration in Russia”, which is being held at the Presidential Academy in Moscow
October 24, 2024
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Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the opening of the first international scientific conference “Science for Public Administration in Russia”, which is being held at the Presidential Academy in Moscow
Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko spoke at the opening of the first international scientific conference “Science for Public Administration in Russia”, which is being held at the Presidential Academy in Moscow on October 24–25.
At the beginning of his speech, the Deputy Prime Minister quoted President Vladimir Putin, noting that today science is the basis for solving many large-scale problems of the country. He also recalled the mission of a civil servant – service, the connection of his life with Russia and the people.
“It is symbolic that this conference is taking place within the walls of the Presidential Academy, which trains professionals for public service according to the highest standards. Today, about 274 thousand students study at the Academy and its 47 branches,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that this is a difficult historical period, but Russia will be able to effectively confront challenges: this is evidenced by the unprecedentedly low level of unemployment and many other parameters.
“We see the colossal success of President Vladimir Putin in terms of recognition of Russia. 35 countries arrived in Kazan to participate in the BRICS summit, 22 are represented at the highest level – by their presidents. It is clear that Russia has become a center of attraction instead of an outcast. The entire progressive world has appreciated how our economy has not only withstood unprecedented pressure and the largest number of sanctions in the world, but also shows growth,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.
The economies of the BRICS countries are developing at an accelerated pace. The share of the BRICS countries in the world economy in terms of purchasing power parity confidently exceeds the share of the “Big Seven”.
The plan to isolate Russia and ban everything Russian has failed. All countries want to live in a multipolar and fair world. Our policy is based on mutual respect, the sovereign equality of our states.
“The effective work of civil servants will determine how Russia will realize the window of opportunity. President Vladimir Putin said that the authorities must work constantly and intensely, like fighters on the front lines of the SVO. Such a comparison obliges us to do a lot. We must do everything in our place to achieve results and correspond to our spiritual and moral values,” noted Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that such traditional spiritual and moral values include serving the Fatherland and responsibility for its fate. Role models are needed to protect state sovereignty. To increase the number of such specialists, a Center for training managers for scientific and technological development and their teams was created this year at the Higher School of Public Administration of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration.
“I consider it important to create and improve mechanisms to ensure a strong connection between the Government’s management decisions and the advanced achievements of Russian science,” concluded Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The first international scientific conference “Science for Public Administration in Russia” brings together more than 2.8 thousand participants and 205 speakers. The event is dedicated to current issues of public administration and prospects for effective interaction between the economy, law and the social sphere in the context of modern global challenges.
“Development of the scientific potential of the Presidential Academy is one of the most important tasks for the coming years. Today, RANEPA is a leader in training civil servants in Russia. The President has instructed us to prepare the country’s new elite. I am confident that the accumulated knowledge and work experience will allow us to conduct the most modern and relevant scientific research. So that decisions can be made on their basis on how to counter new threats and challenges. The international scientific conference “Public Administration in Russia” is an important step in the implementation of this plan and the first such large-scale scientific event in the history of our country dedicated to the topic of public administration,” said Alexey Komissarov, Rector of the Presidential Academy.
Participants will also discuss priorities for scientific and technological development, strategic objectives for the development of science to ensure national security and technological independence of Russia, the economics of the scientific sphere, and much more.
The conference will feature the presentation of five books, including the first Russian textbook on management, prepared by the authors’ collective of the Presidential Academy, a meeting of the expert council on the development of the creative economy, and the signing of a number of agreements.
Participants in the plenary session included Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vladimir Ivanov, Rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov, Dean of the Faculty of Economics of Lomonosov Moscow State University Alexander Auzan, Deputy Secretary of the Public Chamber of Russia Alexander Galushka. The moderator was Nikita Marchenkov, Chairman of the Coordination Council for Youth Affairs in Science and Education of the Presidential Council for Science and Education.
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.
Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Samotlorneftegaz, a Rosneft production asset, has reduced the construction time of wells using multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (MSHF) in deep formations to 5 days from 47 to 42. This result was achieved by using domestically produced new-model HF couplings. They are driven by new-model bushings with soluble balls of a single size.
Rosneft is systematically working on the development of domestic technologies and import substitution. Developments of corporate research institutes and equipment of domestic manufacturing plants are actively implemented at production sites.
The design feature of the new couplings made it possible to ensure the tightness of horizontal wells by fully cementing the shank. This allows for faster multistage hydraulic fracturing and an economic effect of up to 9 million rubles per cycle on one well. With traditional technology, couplings activated by dropping soluble balls of different diameters were used, and horizontal sections were isolated using specialized devices (casing packers), which increased the cost of the operation and extended the drilling time of the well.
The use of new-style couplings makes it possible to carry out hydraulic fracturing operations with an unlimited number of stages and increase the starting flow rate of wells.
Reference:
Samotlorneftegaz is one of the main production assets of Rosneft. The company is developing the largest Samotlor field in Russia, where industrial hydrocarbon production began in 1969. The share of wells with multistage hydraulic fracturing in the total volume of drilling of the company exceeds 86%.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 24, 2024
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.