NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor launches new toolkits and workshops in London primary schools to help educate pupils about healthy and respectful relationships

    Source: Mayor of London

    • The new innovative £1million toolkit is now available online for all primary schools in the capital and will help champion healthy and respectful relationships and attitudes. Online courses will train teachers to run classes and workshops in every school
    • The move comes as research shows that young people are increasingly being exposed to misogynist influencers on social media – with one in three young males having a positive view of ‘self-proclaimed misogynist’ Andrew Tate and one in ten children having watched pornography by the time they are nine
    • The Mayor has today written to every primary school in London to highlight the importance of pupils learning about equality and respect
    • Today the Mayor warned there has never been a more important time to counter the pernicious influence of those who preach misogyny online, saying ‘young people must learn about respectful relationships before they start seeing content from individuals like Andrew Tate online.’

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today launched a new landmark toolkit for every primary school in London to teach pupils about healthy and respectful relationships, as part of his work to tackle violence against women and girls.

    Sadiq has written to every primary school in London explaining the importance of young boys and girls learning about equality and respect.

    The new innovative £1million toolkit1, funded by the Mayor and developed by educational experts Tender2, uses workshops, drama and interactive sessions in the classroom to engage with young Londoners aged between 9-11 and champion healthy and respectful relationships and attitudes.

    Tender is a pioneer in educating primary schools about healthy relationships and this is the first time they have put that knowledge and experience into a toolkit specifically for primary schools. Funding from the Mayor has allowed them to put their knowledge and experience into a toolkit to run classes and workshops empowering young people to confidently recognise, call out and help stamp out inequality and sexism among their own peer groups.

    The move comes as research shows that young people are being increasingly exposed to misogynist influencers on social media – with one in three young males having a positive view of ‘self-proclaimed misogynist’ Andrew Tate. 4 Young people are also being exposed to pornography online from as young as nine years old and this is having a negative role in shaping children’s understanding of girls and relationships. 5

    The toolkit will help educate the next generation of Londoners on what harmful behaviour looks like, and why it is not ok. It will be delivered by primary school teachers and supported by specially trained workshop leaders.

    It builds on work already delivered by the Mayor’s Violence Reduction Unit, which has pioneered a public health approach to tackling violence. It’s £2million funding includes investing in Tender to deliver work with 15,200 children and young people taking part in arts and drama-based healthy relationships sessions. This work has led to ​90 per cent of pupils having a better understanding of healthy relationships​ and 80 per cent now able to spot red flags in a friendship or relationship​.

    The action is the latest part of the Mayor’s approach to tackling the underlying causes of violence against women and girls (VAWG)6. It will build on the success of his multi award-winning #HaveAWord campaign and allyship training in secondary schools which is working to educate and empower young Londoners to take a stand and help prevent violence against women and girls. 

    The launch of the new toolkit, following a successful trial3, is based on the Mayor’s early intervention and prevention approach to tackling VAWG which places a stronger emphasis on partnership working, prevention and education across a wide range of services in London.

    The Mayor is clear that it is never too early to start educating young Londoners about the need to treat one another fairly and kindly. And that education from a young age is key to strengthening the resilience young people have to toxic influences and attitudes towards women and girls in society and those proliferating on social media.

    It is part of the Mayor’s record £233million investment to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms – as well as its underlying causes. This funding is working to educate young people about harmful attitudes and behaviours, save lives, reduce waiting lists, keep doors open for vital specialist support services for victims and supporting the police and agencies to go after the worst perpetrators of violence.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “It’s never too early to start educating young Londoners about the need to treat one another fairly and kindly. And it’s important for young boys and girls to learn about equality and respect for one another.

    “That’s why I have written to all primary school headteachers in the capital today to outline the support, resources and funding I’m investing from City Hall so this important training can be delivered to thousands of young Londoners. It will give teachers the expert training they need to empower the next generation of Londoners to stand up to sexism and misogyny in all its forms.

    “There has never been a more important time to counter the pernicious influence of those who preach misogyny online. we must ensure that young people are clear what healthy and respectful relationships are about before they start seeing content from individuals like Andrew Tate online.

    “I will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that ending violence against women and girls is treated with the utmost urgency both by our police, and society as a whole to build a safer London for all.”

    Broadcaster and DJ Ashley James said: “As a mum-of-two, I’m really pleased that the Mayor of London is introducing education in primary schools to help tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls. Nobody is born a misogynist but social media and other influences can embed harmful ideas unless children have already built a strong foundation of equality and respect.”

    Emma, a Headteacher at a North London Primary School, said: “Supporting our children to recognise and develop healthy and respectful relationships is absolutely vital as we aim to set them up for a positive future. Broaching issues like misogyny and sexism with young children can be really challenging and is something that we need to be prepared to deal with. Thanks to the Mayor’s new teacher Toolkit, we now have expertly crafted, tried and tested tools and activities to safely and confidently teach this important subject matter. All our teachers have taken part in the online training sessions with Tender and we are really excited about working with our children to educate them on why it is important to treat each other fairly, kindly and with respect.”

    Taiba Year 6: “These sessions have taught us about what makes us good people. We talk about our equal rights and how we should treat people as well as how people should treat us.”

    Ege Year 6: “I liked learning about the house of friendship because it shows us what is expected of our friends. We also looked at behaviours to look out for if we feel we are not being treated fairly or we are being pressured into something.”

    Abdurahman Year 6: “I really enjoyed the roleplays because you get to see a number of situations that we could get into and how we can have a different response to them.”

    Susie McDonald, CEO of Tender, said: “Primary school is a critical time for children, as they develop core skills in communication, empathy and respect. It’s therefore imperative that they learn about healthy relationships. and are supported to build positive attitudes and behaviours.

    “It’s often difficult to begin exploring topics like healthy relationships and gender inequality with young people of any age. Our creative, evidence-led toolkit and corresponding training sessions guide teachers in this vital work, with practical activities and advice that are expertly designed for this age group.

    “By challenging potentially problematic attitudes at their root, we can prevent a culture of abuse against women and girls. We hope as many teachers, children and young people as possible benefit from these resources, as we work towards ending this abuse once and for all.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Over 6 million illegally exported pills seized in international operation against drug trafficking network

    Source: Eurojust

    The criminal group, which operated throughout Europe, bought pills from other criminal networks in Serbia. The pills, used to treat anxiety, seizures and insomnia, were then hidden in tyres, in cars, which were transported on lorries, and in clothing to be taken to Romania and Estonia. After arriving in Romania or Estonia, the pills were transported on to the Nordic countries. Members of the criminal group in Finland and Norway acted as distributors and sold the pills on the streets. The sale of the pills was highly profitable for the criminal group. The pills seized during the operations done by the national authorities has a market value of approximately EUR 12.5 million.

    To dismantle the intricate network of criminals, the Romanian authorities launched an investigation into the group. Given the transnational nature of the criminal group, with activities in Romania, Estonia, Finland, and Serbia, international cooperation between the authorities started, supported by Eurojust and Europol.

    A joint investigation team (JIT) was set up at Eurojust between Romanian, Estonian, Finnish and Serbian authorities to collect and exchange information and evidence directly, and carry out joint operations.

    To investigate the activity of the criminal group, special investigative techniques such as control delivery and undercover investigator were successfully used by the authorities of all the countries involved. To this end, Eurojust facilitated the coordination and execution in Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia of European Investigation Orders issued by Romania. Following these actions, 39 people were arrested, and more than 4 million prescription pills were seized.

    After these measures, the JIT continued their investigations to halt the activities of the criminal group and bring them to justice.

    A large-scale international operation on 17 October coordinated from Eurojust’s headquarters in The Hague, led to the arrest of 14 people in Romania, 11 people in Serbia and 1 person in Finland. 41 houses searches were carried out simultaneously in Romania, 19 in Serbia and one in Finland.

    Items seized during the operation include large quantities of pills, cash, mobile phones, firearms and luxury cars. 2 houses have been also seized in Romania. Europol facilitated the overall operation by liaising with the operating authorities, processing the available data and deploying two specialists with mobile offices to support the action day.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • Romania:
      • Prosecution Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice
      • Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism
      • Oradea Territorial Office
      • General Inspectorate of the Romanian Police
      • Directorate for Combating Organized Crime
      • Department for Special Operations
      • Central Intelligence Analysis Unit of the Romanian Police;
      • General Inspectorate for Border Police – Bors, Nadlac and Petea Offices
    • Estonia:
      • Northern District Prosecutor’s Office
      • Police and Border Guard Board, Northern Prefecture, Crime Bureau, Drug and Organised Crime Unit
    • Finland:
      • Prosecution District of Southern Finland
      • Helsinki Police Department and National Prosecution Authority
    • Serbia:
      • Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime
      • Criminal Investigations Directorate
      • Service for Combatting Organized Crime
      • Department for Combating Organized Drug Smuggling

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Who is Tundu Lissu? Tanzania’s opposition leader is fighting for change in the face of fresh attacks on political freedoms

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nicodemus Minde, Researcher, United States International University

    Tundu Lissu has become the face of opposition in Tanzania following his defiant and unrelenting criticism of the government. Since he came into the national limelight in 1995 when running for a parliamentary seat, Lissu has been a champion of democracy and human rights. He has taken on the ruling elite, exposing corruption and demanding accountability. This almost cost him his life in 2017.

    In September 2024, new evidence presented at a London tribunal revealed that the telecommunications company Tigo had shared Lissu’s mobile phone data – including his location – with the Tanzanian government. The implication was that the company was assisting the government in its harassment of the politician. Tigo’s owners have distanced themselves from these reports.

    The revelations coincided with a resurgence in government crackdowns on opposition figures.

    In the most recent developments, leaders of the country’s main opposition party Chadema (Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo) – including Lissu, who is the party’s vice-chairperson, and chairman Freeman Mbowe – were arrested in September 2024. This followed their attempt to organise mass protests, which were foiled by the police. The protests had been organised to demand government accountability after the killing of a senior Chadema official and the disappearance of other party members believed to have been abducted by state operatives.

    I have studied Tanzania’s political party dynamics for a decade and interviewed Lissu as part of my PhD research on the country’s democracy. Lissu’s persistence in tackling democratic backsliding in Tanzania has made him a formidable force, challenging the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.

    Lissu spent about three years in exile in Belgium after the 2017 shooting. He staged a comeback as a presidential candidate in the 2020 elections. He lost to John Magufuli in a poll marred by violence and allegations of rigging.

    There have been changes in the country since Magufuli’s death in March 2021 and a string of political reforms under President Samia Suluhu. This has created the space for Lissu and his party Chadema to establish an opposition that now threatens the ruling party’s six-decade hold on power. Presidential elections are due to be held in 2025.

    So who is Lissu? What’s his history and how did he became involved in politics?

    Early years

    Lissu’s political activism began during his university years in the early 1990s. This marked the start of a career that would later shape Tanzania’s political landscape. Lissu studied law at the University of Dar es Salaam before going to the UK for a master’s degree in law.

    His first foray into national politics came in 1995, when he vied for a parliamentary seat. He was 27. The election was Tanzania’s first under a multiparty system. It introduced Lissu to the arena of opposition politics following his defeat.

    A year later, Lissu was one of the lead investigative lawyers for a public interest environmental law organisation investigating abuses and irregularities at a World Bank-backed gold mine in northern Tanzania. His early work focused on environmental and human rights.

    Lissu and his colleague Rugemeleza Nshala were investigating the killing of 62 small-scale miners and the evictions of thousands at the mine in 1996. They were charged with sedition over these investigations. The government eventually stopped following up on the case.

    Lissu thereafter worked on community land rights at the World Resources Institute, a global organisation focusing on policy research.

    Parliamentary years

    In 2010, Lissu won the parliamentary seat for Singida East under the opposition party Chadema. As a first-term member of parliament, he gained prominence by exposing significant state corruption scandals, particularly in the energy sector.

    Lissu and other Chadema opposition figures became a formidable force, openly naming corrupt government officials and exposing grand theft.

    They also began making calls for constitutional reform. These were aimed at addressing excessive presidential powers and the power imbalances of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. This push culminated in then president Jakaya Kikwete initiating a constitutional review process in 2010.

    Lissu’s legal acumen played out in the constituent assembly, the body convened to deliberate on constitutional reforms. However, the assembly, dominated by members of the ruling party Chama Cha Mapinduzi, rejected many of the key provisions of the draft constitution. It had been widely regarded as the “people’s draft” because it included citizen participation. Its key provisions included reduced presidential powers and the establishment of independent state institutions.

    The process was to culminate in a referendum in 2014. This prematurely aborted and Tanzania went into the 2015 election without a new constitution.

    In these elections, Lissu successfully defended his parliamentary seat. As a second-term legislator, he focused on strengthening Chadema’s presence. This included door-to-door conversations with the public and grassroots mobilisation to build the party.

    The party’s momentum, however, was halted by a repressive regime under Magufuli, who became president in 2015. He cracked down on critics and instituted a partial ban on political rallies.

    Lissu became very critical of Magufuli’s economic policies. In a public address in 2017, Magufuli admitted to the government’s tapping of Lissu’s phone and described those who opposed his own economic reforms as traitors. Soon after this, Lissu was shot 16 times after leaving parliament buildings in the capital, Dodoma.

    Exile

    Lissu officially went into exile in Belgium after the shooting. In 2020, he published Remaining in the Shadows: Parliament and Accountability in East Africa, a critical examination of the presidentialist systems in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, which he argued had undermined democratic consolidation in the region.

    Through this publication, Lissu continued his activism, challenging political structures.

    His brief return to Tanzania to contest the presidency in 2020 was marked by repeated arrests and intimidation during the electoral campaign. After his loss to Magufuli, Lissu went back to Belgium.

    He announced his return home in 2023.

    Tanzania today

    It’s important to understand why Lissu and Chadema are viewed as a current threat in Tanzania.

    The country is entering an election period. Local government elections are scheduled for November 2024 ahead of general elections in 2025.

    The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, has in the recent past relied on state violence to secure electoral victories. The last general election in 2020 was marred by violence, as well as intimidation of the opposition and censorship.

    It looks likely that Chadema will once again nominate Lissu to contest the presidency in the 2025 general election against president Samia. Lissu’s fearlessness and defiance make him the best candidate to take on the ruling party. Samia has already described Lissu as a troublesome character.

    With the ongoing opposition clampdown, it looks clear that the ruling party is once again willing to do whatever it will take to hold on to power. Even if Tanzania’s democracy suffers.

    – Who is Tundu Lissu? Tanzania’s opposition leader is fighting for change in the face of fresh attacks on political freedoms
    – https://theconversation.com/who-is-tundu-lissu-tanzanias-opposition-leader-is-fighting-for-change-in-the-face-of-fresh-attacks-on-political-freedoms-240821

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University in the top 60 best universities in the BRICS university rankings

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    The Association of Ranking Authors has published a pilot ranking of universities in the BRICS member countries. The final list includes 600 universities representing 10 member states. Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took 59th place in the overall ranking.

    The new BRICS university ranking was one of the first steps in the systematic assessment of the quality of higher education institutions in the association of states. The list of the best BRICS universities included 161 universities from Russia. St. Petersburg Polytechnic University took 59th place overall and 15th in Russia. The experts took the model of the international ranking “Three University Missions” as a basis and added national features characteristic of BRICS members. For example, the participation of students in international Olympiads provides the university with a higher place in the ranking than the organization’s budget. The Association of Ratings Compilers emphasizes that the methodology for assessing universities uses only verifiable objective indicators and does not depend on subjective expert assessments.

    We perceive the creation of a ranking of universities of the BRICS countries as a major step towards an objective assessment of the association’s universities, taking into account their national identity. The ranking reflects our interaction with the BRICS countries in the field of education: this includes the number of foreign students studying with us and victories in prestigious international Olympiads. The citation rate of our scientists in Russian scientific publications also had a positive effect on our position in the ranking, – noted Acting Vice-Rector for Prospective Projects Maria Vrublevskaya.

    The idea of creating our own university ranking was recorded in the final declaration following the meeting of the BRICS education ministers. This association of states with a population of over 3.6 billion people is today the largest educational market in the world.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    https://vvv.spbstu.ru/media/nevs/achievements/polytechnic-in-the-top-60-best-universities-in-the-ranking-of-universities-of-Brix-countries/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Marat Khusnullin: The urban development potential of integrated territorial development projects is more than 230 million square meters of real estate

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The integrated territorial development instrument (ITD) continues to develop actively, involving more and more territories where housing, social, communal and road infrastructure facilities are being built.

    At present, 630 decisions on KRT have been made, more than 120 of which have been made since the beginning of this year alone. 292 documents on territorial planning have also been approved, which allows us to determine their investment attractiveness, including the volume of housing and infrastructure construction.

    “In addition to those KRT projects that are already in the implementation stage, that is, decisions have been made on them, contracts have been concluded, tenders have been organized, construction permits have been issued, new ones are being selected in parallel. Thus, in total, 1,303 territories with a total area of 30.8 thousand hectares with a development potential of about 233.7 million square meters are currently being developed, of which 168.2 million square meters are residential areas,” noted Marat Khusnullin.

    First Deputy Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Alexander Lomakin emphasized that in order to continue to expand the portfolio of KRT projects, a constant dialogue is being conducted with residents, regional authorities, representatives of the State Duma and the Federation Council, and the expert community. “In general, 755 territories with an area of 17.6 thousand hectares are in the active implementation stage in 77 regions of Russia,” said Alexander Lomakin.

    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.

    Please note; This information is raw content directly from the information source. It is accurate to what the source is stating and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    http://government.ru/nevs/53041/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester to be guest city at iconic Barcelona festival next year

    Source: City of Manchester

    The iconic La Mercè Festival

    Manchester is to team up with Barcelona next September at the Catalan city’s iconic La Mercè festival – which each year attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors into the city for a 4-day cultural festival that sets the very highest of bars for festivals everywhere, showcasing the very best of traditional Catalan culture, outdoor arts and music.

    Manchester has been chosen by its Catalan counterparts to be the first-ever English guest city at next year’s event in a move that will see partners from the two cities working closely over the next 12 months to put together a spectacular programme of Mancunian-grown talent in outdoor arts and music for audiences in Barcelona. 

    The invitation to be guest city at the festival is regarded as a big coup for Manchester and one that it’s hoped will lead to a sustained relationship between the two cities that goes beyond next year. 

    It follows a recent visit to Barcelona by a deputation from Manchester that included Leader of Manchester City Council Bev Craig and Deputy Leader of the Council Garry Bridges, for discussions with their Catalan counterparts including Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni. 

    It’s further hoped that the year-long cultural partnership will help forge an even closer relationship between the two cities that extends beyond culture into other areas of shared policy interest.  

    Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We’re honoured to have been invited by Barcelona to be the 2025 guest city at their historic La Mercè Festival. 

    “Our two cities share very similar visions and through celebrations like the incredible La Mercè festival and our own Manchester Day and packed programme of year-round city-wide cultural activity, it’s clear we both also value the importance of culture and the part it plays in helping build communities, pride and prosperity in our cities.

     “Our city-to-city friendship with Barcelona already spans several decades through various collaborations in culture and sport, as well as in areas like housing, higher education, digital technologies, and sustainability.  We’re very much looking forward to now further strengthening our relationship with the city, both through the next year in the run-up to La Mercè 2025, and beyond.”

    La Mercè attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year

     A Memorandum of Understanding was signed during the visit between the cities – with the Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, noting that the two cities share a very similar industrial past with histories that are linked to workers’ movements, as well as a present and future with great cultural wealth linked to the creative industries.

    The Memorandum – which both Manchester and Barcelona hope will continue after next year – puts the cultural collaboration between the two cities into effect and provides a working framework for artists, organisations and other partners involved, focusing initially on music productions and street arts events for next year’s La Mercè festival.

    Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, said: “We’re deeply honoured to invite Manchester to be the guest city for their historic La Mercè in 2025.

    “It will be very interesting for the people of Barcelona to discover Manchester’s cultural expression first hand, its music, for which it is known the world over, but also its visual and street arts, sports and theatre.”

    The invitation for Manchester to be guest city at next year’s La Mercè festival follows a long relationship over many years between cultural organisations in Barcelona and Manchester-based arts organisations XTRAX and Without Walls, and will see XTRAX acting as Creative Director across next year’s guest city programme. 

    Maggie Clarke, Director at Xtrax said:  “I’m proud to have helped secure Manchester as Guest City for La Mercè festival 2025, a relationship XTRAX has nurtured over many years. Our winning bid focuses on outdoor arts, and we’re supporting the Artistic Director of La Mercè street arts festival to select a programme of diverse and ambitious outdoor arts from Manchester to feature in the festival in Barcelona in 2025. 

    “XTRAX believes in the importance of outdoor festivals and is committed to international collaboration. Since 2001 we’ve supported hundreds of artists to showcase their work at international festivals in the UK and around the world. In light of the challenges to European mobility presented by Brexit, I am thrilled that this collaboration with one of Europe’s major outdoor festivals allows us to showcase the variety and quality of work from the UK, and Manchester in particular. We hope this will pave the way for more European collaborations in the years to come.” 

    Manchester’s contribution to next year’s La Mercè will also be closely supported by Without Walls as Co-Curator and Strategic Partner. 

    Ralph Kennedy, Chief Executive at Without Walls said: “As an organisation rooted in Manchester, we’re immensely proud to be part of the La Mercè Festival in 2025 and to help bring outstanding outdoor work to its audiences next year. 

    “Together with XTRAX we look forward to co-curating an outdoor arts programme that celebrates innovation, excellence and international cultural exchange to support and showcase the diversity of artists that reflect the city we live in today.”  

    The Manchester music programme for next year’s festival will be curated by Manchester-based music organisation Brighter Sounds.

    Kate Lowes, Director, Brighter Sound, said: “Manchester is renowned globally for its rich musical heritage and pioneering new artists, and we are delighted to be able to showcase this at Barcelona’s vibrant La Mercè festival in 2025. As a member of the Music Cities network, Manchester is proudly international in its musical outlook and there are exciting opportunities ahead for collaboration with the incredible music scene in Catalonia. We look forward to strengthening the bond between our two cities through our shared love of music at La Mercè, and for years to come.”

    Live music at this year’s La Mercè

    The collaboration between Manchester and Barcelona as two cities with very similar backgrounds and identities is also being championed by Marketing Manchester, with benefits expected for both cities from the partnership.   

    Victoria Braddock, Managing Director at Marketing Manchester, said: “Barcelona’s annual La Mercè Festival is a fantastic showcase of civic pride and inimitable Catalonian culture, and we’re honoured that Manchester has been invited to join the event in 2025 as guest city. There are many synergies between Manchester and Barcelona: both vibrant cultural hubs, rich in history, with strong identities, and a shared passion for so much, especially music and sport. This is a perfect city-to-city partnership, and we look forward to bringing our cities even closer together over the coming years.” 

    The cultural partnership between the two cities is also being supported by Arts Council England.

     Jen Cleary, Director North and Combined Arts, Arts Council England, said: “We’re delighted to support this unique creative collaboration between Manchester and Barcelona – celebrating and showcasing some of the best outdoor artists and companies in both cities. The partnership opens up new opportunities for international touring and artistic exchange, as well as providing a platform to strengthen civic ties through arts and culture. La Mercè is a major event in the European outdoor arts calendar and we can’t wait to see Manchester take pride of place as the Festival’s Guest City.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stylish new opening of The Cream Store in Sheffield city centre Independent premium fashion retailer The Cream Store has opened a 3,000 sq ft flagship shop on the ground floor of Burgess House today in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, the Council’s prize-winning redevelopment scheme. 18 October 2024

    Source: City of Sheffield

    Independent premium fashion retailer The Cream Store has today opened a 3,000 sq ft flagship shop on the ground floor of Burgess House in Sheffield’s Heart of the City, the Council’s prize-winning redevelopment scheme.

    On 7 November, a limited-edition collaboration with Carhartt WIP will launch, along with Thornbridge who will host a limited-edition beer for the event, as well as other activities taking place throughout the day.

    Sheffield will become The Cream Store’s second dedicated shop in the UK, following the long-term success of the company’s Nuneaton store, which opened in 2005. The new opening provides the local community with a ‘go to’ place to shop for quality in a relaxed, ambient atmosphere where customers can view the latest fashion collections.

    The store, which also boasts a raised mezzanine, will stock contemporary clothing and lifestyle accessories for both men and women. Premium brands, which are regularly refreshed and rotated, include the popular Carhartt WIP, Fred Perry, Edwin, Nudie Jeans Co, Gramicci, plus many more.

    Like Nuneaton, the store will also house its acclaimed ‘Sneaker Treat’ service, offering customers a range of sustainable cleaning and restoration solutions to bring their favourite trainers back to life.

    Councillor Ben Miskell, Chair of the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee at Sheffield City Council, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome The Cream Store to Heart of the City, which is another significant addition to the growing fashion offer in Sheffield. As one of the largest urban regeneration schemes in Britain, this has been a huge year for Heart of the City, which has seen the Radisson Blu, Cambridge Street Collective food hall and Leah’s Yard as new additions, BOX sports bar and kitchen set to open its doors next month and being named Outstanding Development of the Year.”

    Manish Patel, Director of The Cream Store, said: “We’re incredibly excited to open our doors to the Sheffield public and showcase what we’re all about. The store looks stunning. We have fully committed to a bespoke design, where the team has gone above and beyond to create something truly unique to us that reflects our brand. It will offer a relaxed, ambient atmosphere for our clients to chat, linger, and browse our latest collections.

    “Client service is at the heart of everything we do. We love connecting with our clients, sharing our advice, and discussing our passion for our products. This approach has helped us maintain a loyal client base over the last two decades, and we’re excited to grow something even bigger in Sheffield.”

    The Cream Store also boasts a dedicated online shop, with a ‘click and collect’ service. Please visit https://thecreamstore.com for more details.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TUV seek to raise status of PIRA in Stormont

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV MLA Timothy Gaston:

    “Today’s statement by the PSNI  broadcast on the Nolan Show that the security service assessment of the role and status of the PIRA and its Army Council hasn’t changed does not come as a surprise to TUV. However, it is worth remembering that the Ministerial Pledge of Office which all members of the Executive are required to take says they “commitment to non-violence and exclusively peaceful and democratic means…, to challenge paramilitary attempts to control communities [and] to support those who are determined to make the transition away from paramilitarism”.

    “It is incompatible with democracy that a party controlled by the PIRA Army Council should be leading the government of Northern Ireland. Those who partner them should be ashamed. I think particularly of the DUP who, in 2007, signed up to Stormont on the basis of the pledge in their manifesto:

    “The DUP holds to its long standing position that there can only be an agreement involving Sinn Fein when there has been delivery by the republican movement, tested and proved over a credible period, in terms of support for the PSNI, the Courts and the rule of law, a complete end to paramilitary and criminal activity and the removal of terrorist structures.”

    “For most of the past 17 years the DUP have, as they do today, partnered Sinn Fein while the IRA Army Council continues to have a key role in the organisation.

    “While others shrug their shoulders and claim there is nothing they can do about it, TUV is determined to make Stormont face up to these issues and hold those who, for the sake of office, choose to ignore the fact that their partners in government continue to be controlled by an illegal terrorist organisation responsible for the best part of 2,000 murders.

    “To that end, I have tabled both an urgent oral question to the Justice Minister and a Matter of the Day for Monday. It is over to the speaker if time will be set aside for these matters. I trust he will regard them as sufficiently serious.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi to attend 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, Oct. 18  — Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, from Oct. 22 to 24 at the invitation of President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying announced here on Friday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO military leadership participates in the 2024 International Week in Kyiv

    Source: NATO

    Jointly organized by the NATO Defense College (NDC) and the National Defence University of Ukraine (NDUU), the conference addressed the Alliance’s role in a new era of collective defence. The Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee and the Director of the International Military Staff provided keynote speeches. Discussions also took place on the topics of a changing security environment, partner engagement, resilience building and deterrence and defence ten years from now.

    The Director of the International Military Staff (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Adamczak virtually opened the 2024 International Week alongside Colonel General Koval and Lieutenant General Nielsen, Commandants of the NDUU and the NDC.

    “Today is the 965th day of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. During this time, President Putin launched various devastating attacks over Ukrainian territory. What he didn’t expect was the will and determination of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to protect and defend their country”, Lieutenant General Adamczak stated.

    In his speech, DGIMS outlined what the Alliance is doing to support Ukraine, having mentioned projects such as the Joint Analysis, Training and Education Centre (JATEC), the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) and the Pledge of Long-Term Security Assistance for Ukraine, among others.

    Closing remarks were given by the Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee (DCMC), Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling, on the topic of strategic imperatives for NATO post Washington Summit. 

    “In July, Allies restated the commitment to collective security, enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, the condemnation to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the bond to shared values such as individual liberty, human rights, democracy and the rule of law”, Lieutenant General Rohling underscored. “Nations reaffirmed their unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine and stated that a strong, independent, and democratic Ukraine is vital for the security and stability of the Euro-Atlantic area”.

    During their interventions, DGIMS and DCMC expressed that Ukraine’s path to NATO membership is irreversible. “Ukraine’s future is in NATO. We have witnessed concrete progress at democratic, economic and security aspects. And as Ukraine continues this vital reform work, we will continue to support its path to full NATO membership”, Lieutenant General Adamczak emphasized. 

    “We need to ensure that Ukraine can win this war, by keeping you in the fight, by training your soldiers. We will help you with the capabilities, and with ammunition. But looking into the future of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, as NATO and Ukraine are closer than ever, we are increasingly focusing on developing interoperability and standardization aspects for seamless transition in Ukraine’s eventual path to NATO membership”, Lieutenant General Rohling said.

    The International Week contributes to a deeper understanding of NATO’s mission, organization, operations, partnerships, cooperation and future priorities by NDUU students and senior military and civilian officers.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Investigation under way following fatal collision involving a police car in Eltham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An investigation is under way following a collision involving a police car in Eltham in which a pregnant woman and her baby have very sadly died.

    At about 18:15hrs on Thursday, 17 October an unmarked police car was in collision with a member of the public’s car on the A20, near the junction with Kidbrooke Park Road, SE9.

    London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and London’s Air Ambulance all attended.

    A heavily pregnant woman, aged 38, who was in the car, and her unborn baby sadly died as a result of their injuries.

    Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing in Greenwich, said: “My heart goes out to the woman’s family and friends who have lost their loved ones in these tragic circumstances.

    “An investigation into the circumstances of this collision is under way by the Independent Office for Police Conduct and we will assist with their enquiries in any way we can.

    “A road closure will remain at the scene today and I am grateful for the patience of the local motorists, who will need to use alternative routes.”

    Two officers who were in the unmarked car were also taken to hospital following the collision. They have since been discharged.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible distortions of competition in Formula 1 team entries – P-002093/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002093/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    The fact that the Formula One Group (FOG) rejected Andretti’s entry into Formula 1, despite the team having FIA approval, could indicate a fundamental conflict of interest. Existing teams may be forming a de facto cartel that systematically excludes new competitors to protect their revenues and market values. This practice could significantly distort competition in the European motor sport industry.

    The case of the Williams team illustrates the issue, as financial difficulties during the COVID-19 crisis meant that the long-established company had to be sold, with the Williams family having to give up all its shares. The high team values resulting from market foreclosure make it practically impossible for innovative private entrepreneurs such as Eddie Jordan or Ross Brawn to enter into Formula 1 or take over existing teams.

    This situation has direct implications on the internal market, as many Formula 1 teams are based in the EU.

    • 1.Given this problematic set-up, what is the Commission’s assessment of the cartel-like structures in Formula 1, which hinder the entry of new teams and lead to a concentration of team owners among large investors?
    • 2.What measures is the Commission considering to ensure a fairer and more transparent process for the entry of new teams into Formula 1 and a wide range of team owners?
    • 3.Is the Commission planning to investigate the impact of these entry barriers and the resulting market concentration on innovation, jobs and the competitiveness of the motor sport and automotive sector in the EU?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    Last updated: 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Defence of the public interest in the nationalisation of Efacec – E-002013/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002013/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lídia Pereira (PPE), Sebastião Bugalho (PPE), Hélder Sousa Silva (PPE), Sérgio Humberto (PPE)

    The nationalisation of Efacec in July 2020[1] was ‘carried out without technical or independent justification of the public interest’ and ‘when making the decision, the State did not prepare a forecast of its impact on public finances, which harmed the taxpayers’ right to transparency.’ Those are two of the conclusions in a Portuguese Court of Auditors report following its audit of the public funding of Efacec[2]. The Commission has twice been asked about this matter[3][4].

    According to the report, (i) ‘the goals of nationalisation have not been achieved’, (ii) ‘deterioration in Efacec’s financial and commercial standing was not avoided’, (iii) ‘its financial and operational value was not stabilised’ and (iv) ‘jobs have not been protected’. In light of these points, the natural conclusion is that the decision went against the public interest and the rights of Portuguese taxpayers. The operation involved public funding to the tune of EUR 484 million, which could rise to EUR 564 million as a result of contingent liabilities.

    • 1.What contact was there with the Portuguese Government during this process?
    • 2.What does the Commission make of this audit with regard to competition rules?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    • [1] https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/33-a-2020-137126910
    • [2] https://www.tcontas.pt/pt-pt/ProdutosTC/Relatorios/RelatoriosAuditoria/Documents/2024/rel009-2024-2s.pdf
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-005241_EN.html
    • [4] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2022-003870_EN.html
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – India’s connectivity initiatives: A multi-faceted strategy – 18-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Over the past decade, corridors have occupied an increasingly important place in international connectivity initiatives. They take several forms, ranging from ‘simpler’ transport corridors to more complex economic corridors. For them to be successful, several conditions need to be in place, both relative to the participating countries and to the wider regions they connect. Once operational, they can bring various benefits to participating countries, both economic and societal. India has had a two-pronged policy in recent years. On the one hand, it is investing increasingly in national infrastructure projects, such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. On the other, it is part of several major international infrastructure projects. Three such projects that stand out are the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the more recent India-Middle East-Europe Corridor. According to experts, India’s approach towards international connectivity appears to be driven more by geostrategic sensitivities than purely economic considerations. Broadly, Delhi chooses to participate in projects that help to increase its regional and global footprint. It also takes into consideration the fact that Asia is a region with several nuclear powers, rising nationalism and the absence of a security structure. Its choices are further conditioned by Chinese initiatives in the region, US policy towards China, and developments following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The EU and India have long-standing diplomatic ties. In recent years, owing to both rising trade volumes and geopolitical considerations, they have increased their cooperation further. Aspects of this cooperation are the revival of negotiations on a free trade agreement, the launch of a Trade and Technology Council and the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC). Once completed, these three initiatives could bring significant synergies to the parties involved. IMEC is facing several challenges, however, both logistical and geopolitical, that could delay its implementation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s statement on 81st anniversary of the rounding up of Jews in Rome during WWII

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    On 16 October 81 years ago, Rome witnessed one of the most brutal crimes ever committed in Italy. At dawn, Nazi troops, with the complicity of the Italian fascist regime, started a merciless manhunt and forcibly removed 1,259 innocent people from their homes, deporting them to death camps. Men, women, elderly people and children. No one was spared, and only 16 returned.

    As Primo Levi said, “if understanding is impossible, knowing is imperative”. Still today, those words indicate the path to keeping the memory of what happened alive and to renewing our commitment against anti-Semitic hatred, which has been revitalised following Hamas’s brutal attack against the Israeli people on 7 October 2023.

    On this anniversary, the Government expresses its closeness to the Jewish Community of Rome and to the relatives and descendants of the deported.

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Italy: Europe to gain advanced industrial edge as EIB finances BeDimensional with €20 million for new graphene and other 2D materials plants

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB supports Italian materials manufacturer BeDimensional to scale up production of cutting-edge graphene.
    • BeDimensional to expand production more than tenfold following inauguration today of Genoa plant.
    • EIB financing backed by InvestEU, the investment programme of the European Union.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is offering Italian materials manufacturer BeDimensional SpA financial support to expand production of cutting-edge graphene that promises to help Europe bolster its industrial base and global competitiveness. The EIB is providing €20 million in venture debt financing to BeDimensional to help it become a leading producer of breakthrough two-dimensional crystals known as Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) and Few-Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride (FLhBN or FLB).  

    EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and BeDimensional Chief Executive Officer Vittorio Pellegrini announced the financing accord at the inauguration today of the company plant in Genoa that is the world’s first producer of FLG and FLB. BeDimensional plans to build a second plant in Italy to scale-up production of FLG and FLB by 2027.

    BeDimensional’s new graphene technologies have shown unprecedented performance in batteries for electric vehicles and a new generation of metal-free engine oils. As a result, the technologies mark a milestone in Europe’s green transition and will herald job creation in Italy’s advanced-manufacturing sector.

    “This project is a perfect example of how the EIB can help European innovators scale up new technologies that are critical for the EU’s industrial base and the green transition,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “We are contributing to Europe’s technological leadership, reducing our dependence on external suppliers and creating high-skilled jobs.”

    With EIB support, which is backed by the InvestEU programme, BeDimensional plans to increase its capacity to produce two-dimensional crystals more than tenfold to over 30 tonnes a year by 2028. Today’s plant inauguration was attended by academics, researchers, members of Italy’s Parliament officials from the Liguria Region and the Municipality of Genoa, executives from BeDimensional’s partner companies and financial-sector representatives.

    “We are at the beginning of novel greentech market opportunities,” said BeDimensional CEO Vittorio Pellegrini. “We are excited and grateful that the EIB has decided to join our investors to support our industrial expansion. We are committed to becoming a champion of this emerging market of two-dimensional crystals, securing Europe a leadership position in the production and supply of these advanced materials.”  

    BeDimensional, a spin-off from the Graphene Labs of the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, has established itself as a leader in the development of two-dimensional crystals. The company’s mission is to revolutionise material manufacturing by producing graphene, hexagonal boron nitride and other two-dimensional crystals at industrial scale and competitive costs.

    Graphene is widely recognised for its transformative potential in a range of industries including energy storage and conversion, smart textiles, paints, coatings and composite materials. Its most promising application is in battery technology, where it has been already shown to play a crucial role in stabilising silicon-dominant anodes.

    By enhancing the lifecycle and maximising the capacity of new generation anodes, graphene-based batteries deliver substantial advantages over traditional technologies, such as increased specific capacity and faster charging speeds. These advancements are expected to boost the adoption of EVs, significantly contributing to the decarbonisation of transport and supporting the EU’s environmental goals.

    Background information

    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 contribute to EU policy. EIB projects boost competitiveness, foster innovation, promote sustainable development and improve social and territorial cohesion while supporting a fair and rapid transition towards climate neutrality. Over the past five years, the EIB Group has provided more than €58 billion in financing for projects in Italy.

    The EIB provides a long-term Venture Debt product tailored to meet the specific funding needs of rapidly growing innovative companies. This financing structure features bullet repayments and compensation tied to the equity risk of the investees, complementing existing venture capital investments. Since 2015, the EIB has invested €6 billion in Venture Debt, backing over 200 companies and realising over 50 exits. For more information on Venture Debt, click here: Venture debt (eib.org)

    The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps to mobilise private investment for the European Union’s strategic priorities such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings all EU financial instruments previously available for supporting investments within the European Union together under one roof, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme has three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is allocated through implementing partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.

    BeDimensional is a leading producer of Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) and Few-Layer Hexagonal Boron Nitride (FLhBN or FLB). Its mission is to scale up production of these two-dimensional crystals for industrial use at competitive costs, revolutionizing manufacturing with more efficient and sustainable materials. As a spin-off from the Italian Institute of Technology’s Graphene Labs, BeDimensional leverages deep scientific expertise to drive rapid industrialization. Its patented process produces FLG and FLhBN with atomic-level thickness, the highest quality on the market, which can easily be integrated into any material to enhance performance and durability. BeDimensional’s technologies are applied across industries, in energy storage and conversion products, smart textiles, paints, coatings, and composite materials. Its growth potential has attracted major investors, including Eni Next and venture capital funds like CDP Venture, Eureka! Venture, and Nova Capital. The EIB investment follows BeDimensional’s collaboration, since its founding, with the EU’s Graphene Flagship, the community’s largest investment in research and development dedicated to bringing 2D materials to market.

    BeDimensional Two Dimensional Crystals (IEU GT2)
    Italy: Europe to gain advanced industrial edge as EIB finances BeDimensional with €20 million for new graphene and other 2D materials plants
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    BeDimensional Two Dimensional Crystals (IEU GT2)
    Italy: Europe to gain advanced industrial edge as EIB finances BeDimensional with €20 million for new graphene and other 2D materials plants
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and European Environment Agency deepen cooperation over biodiversity and climate action

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Environment Agency (EEA) will strengthen collaboration to promote climate action, environmental sustainability, and sustainable finance. In a new agreement, the EIB and the EEA pledged deeper cooperation in technical areas including biodiversity, climate adaptation, circular economy, and urban sustainability.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow the EIB to use the EEA’s expertise on data and modelling when evaluating projects and measuring impact of the Bank’s financing. For its part, the EEA will be able to integrate the EIB’s sustainable finance expertise in way that makes European environmental data more useful to the broader financial community.

    “We need the best available data and knowledge to address the triple planetary crisis of biodiversity, climate change and pollution,” EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said. “That’s why we are reinforcing our partnership with the European Environment Agency. We will work on methodologies and technical approaches that will help to enhance the impact of our projects to accelerate the green transition worldwide.”

    “Scaling up and re-orienting financial flows in a more sustainable direction is a pre-requisite for meeting our environment, climate and sustainability objectives under the European Green Deal. Enhanced co-operation between the European Environment Agency and the European Investment Bank will boost our common knowledge base across a wide spectrum of areas to further support the transition towards a more sustainable and competitive European economy,” said EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.

    The EIB Group has consolidated its role as “The Climate Bank”. The EIB Group Climate Bank Roadmap 2021-2025 lays out how the EIB Group supports the European Green Deal and a just transition to low-carbon, climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable development. Consolidating our role as the EU Climate Bank is one of the eight key priorities in the EIB Group’s 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. In 2021, the EIB Group became the first MDB to apply Paris alignment criteria to all its new financing operations. In 2023, the EIB Group achieved a record year of green finance with €49 billion: this is more than 50% of our total financing activities. The mid-term review of our Climate Bank Roadmap has confirmed that the EIB Group is on track to achieve the goal of supporting €1 trillion of green financing in this decade.

    The EEA is an agency of the European Union that delivers knowledge and data to support Europe’s environment and climate goals. In collaboration with its partner network, Eionet, the EEA informs decision-makers and the public about the state of Europe’s environment, climate change and wider sustainability issues.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Investing in nature

    Source: European Investment Bank

    To scale up nature-positive investment, we need to do four things. First, build more effective public-private partnerships. Between countries and public development banks, as well as with nature organisations, companies and private-sector financial institutions. This would help de-risk investments, prepare projects, and deliver impact at scale for climate, nature, and inclusive economic development. Second, revive and mainstream regenerative practices and stewardship of biodiversity, particularly in the agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors. Third, common principles, standards and disclosure mechanisms to track nature-positive finance and its impact, and to disclose more information on the nature-related impact, dependencies and risk exposure of companies and financial institutions. Finally, to take nature into consideration in all policies and investment decisions, to reorientate and decrease the flow of financing to activities harmful to nature.

    Multilateral development banks will play a key role in scaling up green investments. Institutions like the European Investment Bank are already stepping up support for the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of nature with the launch of common principles for tracking nature-positive finance. Such information is essential for measuring and incorporating nature into multilateral lenders’ operations, as well as informing other investors about what constitutes a nature-positive investment. Partnerships and joint efforts to put these principles into practice are ongoing.

    At the European level, the EIB is working closely with the European Commission to support the implementation of the European Union’s 2030 Biodiversity Strategy worldwide. We strive to ensure that all the projects we finance cause “no loss” of biodiversity, and we are factoring biodiversity and ecosystem considerations into all our activities.

    Moreover, because one of the biggest challenges in scaling up nature-positive investments lies in structuring projects, we are providing advisory services to help nature-restoration and biodiversity initiatives get off the ground. In Morocco, the EIB advised and lent €100 million ($109 million) to preserve and restore more than 600,000 hectares of forest. In Ivory Coast, we are gearing up to support sustainable cocoa farming in which forests are preserved, rather than cut down. And to support marine conservation, we are working with partner institutions on the very successful Clean Oceans Initiative, which is ahead of schedule in providing €4 billion for projects to limit plastic waste.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Deepening the single market in the light of the Letta and Draghi reports – 18-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Often considered the ‘cornerstone’ of European integration, the single market now serves 449 million consumers and 31 million active companies, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It has delivered substantial economic benefits, ranging between 8 % and 9 % of European Union gross domestic product (GDP). Trade between Member States has risen steadily over the years, and today accounts for an estimated 56 million European jobs. The EU is among the largest trading blocs in the world, representing 15 % of world GDP, compared with the United States at 16 % and China at 19 %. The single market’s attractiveness for foreign businesses also serves as an important geopolitical tool, enhancing the EU’s influence amid geopolitical shifts. Recent shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have revealed not only the single market’s vulnerability in crises, but also the extent to which the EU’s competitiveness relies on a well-functioning single market, ensuring unhindered access to the goods, services, and strategic inputs EU supply chains need. Although the single market has generally been a success, recent analyses, including those put forward by Enrico Letta and Mario Draghi in 2024, clearly demonstrate that it remains highly fragmented, limiting EU companies’ ability to scale up and compete internationally, and preventing EU citizens from reaping the full benefits. For instance, 60 % of the barriers companies face today are of the same type as were already reported 20 years ago. The two reports converge on many points, not least on the need to take rapid action to deepen the single market. Advancing the single market requires action in multiple policy fields, its digital dimension gaining increasing importance in recent years. Ultimately, a well-functioning single market, fit for the green and digital transitions, new technological developments and changing geopolitical realities can be seen as central to the EU’s industrial policy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024: invitation to award ceremony

    Source: European Parliament

    The award ceremony will take place at 18.00, on Wednesday 23 October 2024, at the European Parliament in Strasbourg (Daphne Caruana Galizia Press Room).

    Accredited journalists are cordially invited to join the award ceremony, which will be opened by the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The finalists are also invited to join the ceremony, with one of them having been chosen by the Jury members as the winner of the Daphne Caruana Galizia Prize for Journalism 2024.

    Discover here the 13 finalists’ works.

    The winner will be officially announced by a representative of last year’s laureates, a Greek, German and British consortium, who won for an investigation on the Adriana shipwreck, which left over 600 migrants dead off Pylos in Greece.

    Programme

    18.00 Welcome by Vice-President Pina Picierno followed by opening speech by President Roberta Metsola

    18.15 Speech by the President of the Berlin Press Club and representative of the jury, Juliane Hielscher

    18.30 Announcement of 2024 winner by 2023 laureates, followed by speech by the 2024 winner

    18.45 Closing of ceremony by Vice-President Pina Picierno

    18.50 Photo opportunity

    19.00 Reception at the private salon C0.1 (opposite the press bar)

    You can follow the event via webstreaming or by EbS.


    Press seminar     on “Safeguarding Media Freedom: the role of the European Union”

    Just before the award ceremony, a press seminar is being organised on “Safeguarding Media Freedom: the role of the European Union”. The seminar begins at 15:00 in room Weiss S2.2, with an introduction by EP Vice-President Pina Picierno. A panel of journalists will then discuss the continued threats to media and press freedom, through their personal experience. The seminar will be closed by the speeches of Matthew Caruana Galizia, son of Daphne Caruana Galizia, and Vice-President Picierno.

    Journalists who would like to join the seminar online, please write a mail to European Parliament Media Seminars media-seminars@europarl.europa.eu to get the link.

    Background

    The Prize, with the support of the European Parliament, is a tribute to the Maltese investigative journalist and blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was assassinated in October 2017. It rewards, on a yearly basis, outstanding journalism that promotes or defends the core principles and values of the European Union, such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and human rights.

    The Prize is open to professional journalists and teams of professional journalists of any nationality to submit in-depth stories that have been published or broadcast by a media outlet based in one of the 27 European Union member states. From 3 May to 31 July 2024, more than 300 applications were submitted by journalists from the 27 EU countries for this fourth edition of the Prize.

    The Prize itself, and the €20,000 prize money, demonstrate the European Parliament’s strong support for investigative journalism and the protection of journalists around the world.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bern, 18.10.2024 – On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. ‘Building sustainable peace’ is one of Switzerland’s priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).

    Under the UN Charter, the Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. Next Monday, the Security Council, chaired by Mr Cassis, will explore how scientific knowledge and new technologies can be deployed to prevent conflicts. In view of the rapid advances in research, the Security Council must be able to anticipate scientific developments that could pose a risk to peace and security in the world of tomorrow.

    Opportunities and risks of new technologies for peace and security
    Scientific and technological advances bring both opportunities and risks for international peace and security, neurotechnology being one such example. Neurotechnology could lead to new methods of treatment for traumatised war victims or people injured by landmines. However, there is also a risk that neurotechnology may be used to enhance the performance of military personnel, potentially affecting warfare.

    Scientific actors have already presented findings to assist the Council, including the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and other organisations based in International Geneva, which are working to ensure that scientific developments and new technologies are used for the benefit of humanity. On 26 August 2024, Security Council members met Geneva-based organisations to discuss data, science and innovation in relation to conflict prevention and security.

    Switzerland is chairing the Security Council this October and in that capacity has added the topic of ‘the impact of scientific developments on peace and security’ to the agenda. A scientist and experts from International Geneva have been invited to brief the Council at its meeting on 21 October.

    Key topic for Switzerland on the UN Security Council
    In briefing the Security Council, Switzerland is reaffirming its priority of ‘building sustainable peace’. When Switzerland last served as Council president in May 2023, Mr Cassis underlined, while in New York, the importance of mutual trust for the benefit of peace and security, emphasising the crucial role of science in preventing conflicts.

    Mr Cassis will return to New York on 29 October to chair a ministerial Security Council debate on the Middle East.

    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Post-2027 multiannual financial framework cohesion policy and the role of regions – E-001622/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    There is still no proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The current legislation requires the Commission to make such a proposal only in mid-2025.

    In her political guidelines, the President of the Commission, put forward ‘a plan for each country linking key reforms with investment, and focusing on our joint priorities, including promoting economic, social and territorial cohesion’[1].

    At the same time the President also stressed in these guidelines that the European Union needs a ‘strengthened cohesion and growth policy with regions at its centre’, and that cohesion policy needs to be designed ‘in partnership with national, regional, and local authorities’.

    The Commission’s Communication on the ninth Cohesion Report adopted on 27 March 2024[2] already emphasised that any future change to Cohesion Policy or any new delivery model needs to be aligned with the Treaty objective of economic, social and territorial cohesion, including the importance of its place-based dimension, partnership principle, as well as regions as core of its multi-level governance.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/system/files/2020-04/political-guidelines-next-commission_en_0.pdf
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/cohesion-report_en
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – COVID: why was the Commission’s 2024 call for tenders for the supply of 146 million vaccine doses open only to mRNA vaccines, despite the AstraZeneca vaccine being cheaper? – E-001556/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 16 January 2024, the Commission published a call for tender for the supply of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine under the Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA). 18 countries expressed interest to participate in the joint procurement to contribute to their preparedness and security of supply.

    The Commission also launched a call for tender for protein-based COVID-19 vaccines under the JPA on 16 July 2024.

    Both calls for tender specifically target COVID-19 vaccines tailored to the latest circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. This is in line with European Regulatory[1] and the World Health Organisation (WHO)[2] recommendations for updating COVID-19 vaccines strain composition.

    The primary purpose of the two calls for tender was to bolster contracting authorities’ preparedness and supply security, while guaranteeing access to adapted vaccines.

    The calls did not apply a comparative criterion for safety or efficacy between adapted mRNA vaccines and other COVID-19 vaccines, with marketing authorisation in the EU, but both target two different vaccine technologies, based on the needs expressed by the parties to the JPA.

    The COVID-19 vaccine contracts enabled Member States to have access to COVID-19 vaccines adapted to SARS-CoV-2 variants as they received a marketing authorisation within the EU.

    • [1] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/human-regulatory-overview/public-health-threats/coronavirus-disease-covid-19/covid-19-medicines/public-health-advice-covid-19-medicines#advice-on-covid-19-vaccines-13334
    • [2] https://www.who.int/groups/technical-advisory-group-on-covid-19-vaccine-composition-(tag-co-vac)
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The rule of law in Cyprus and the case of Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides – P-001794/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the EU Treaties, the Commission has no general powers to intervene in individual judicial cases, nor is the Commission in a position to examine how individual cases are addressed by the judicial authorities of a Member State. The adjudication in specific cases comes under the responsibility of judicial authorities of each Member State.

    The Commission monitors significant developments concerning the rule of law in all Member States, including Cyprus, in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report[1], which includes country specific recommendations to all Member States.

    The 2024 Country Chapter on Cyprus, published in July 2024, reported that limited access to relevant information affects the ability of the Audit Office to effectively perform audits on the finance of public institutions.

    The Commission follows closely developments in this area, also in view of the important oversight role of the Audit Office in checking the expenditure of public institutions and detecting suspicions of corruption, and will provide an up-to-date assessment in its 2025 Rule of Law Report.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Abysmal reception conditions at Samos’ prison-like refugee camp – E-001575/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    A steady increase in arrivals on the Greek islands in the second half of 2023 has contributed to a challenging situation, including on Samos.

    It has improved since, with faster registrations and occupancy in the Multi-Purpose Reception and Identification Centre (MPRIC) of Samos standing at 66%[1]. Daily water provision in the MPRIC of Samos has increased to 9 hours per day.

    The new healthcare project called ‘Hippocrates’[2] (replacing PHILOS II) is being rolled out and is expected to offer renewed support towards comprehensive health provision.

    The Commission and the EU agencies will continue to support Greece in view of ensuring sufficient reception capacity and adequate standards of living.

    The new Reception Conditions Directive[3] gives more prominence to how Member States organise reception systems, by introducing possibilities and clarifying the actions Member States can undertake to manage their reception capabilities, including mechanisms to assess and address the needs of national reception systems and allocation of applicants for international protection to specific geographical areas or accommodation.

    Decisions on detention of applicants should be subject to the principles of necessity and proportionality and be based only on grounds set out in the directive.

    This is accompanied by procedural safeguards to ensure that the applicants’ rights are upheld, and detention remains a measure of last resort, following an individual assessment of each case.

    Transposition and implementation of the new Reception Conditions Directive by Member States is a key part of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, to ensure efficient, rights-based and well-organised reception systems.

    • [1] https://www.scribd.com/document/768803516/NSP-Eastern-Aegean-12-09
    • [2] Hippocrates is implemented by IOM since July 2024 under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF).
    • [3] Directive (EU) 2024/1346 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 laying down standards for the reception of applicants for international protection.
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Failure to report costs incurred and supervisory fees charged for the monitoring of very large online platforms under the Digital Services Act – E-002017/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002017/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE)

    Under Article 8 of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1127[1], the Commission should have reported on the supervisory costs incurred under the Digital Services Act by the end of March 2024. This report should also have been published on the Commission’s website.

    • 1.Why has the report not been published yet?
    • 2.When and where will the report be published?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    • [1] Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/1127 of 2 March 2023 supplementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council with the detailed methodologies and procedures regarding the supervisory fees charged by the Commission on providers of very large online platforms and very large online search engines (OJ L 149, 9.6.2023, p. 16, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_del/2023/1127/oj).
    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Concerns over procurement procedure for Bulgarian customs financed by EU CCEI grant – P-002016/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002016/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Radan Kanev (PPE)

    The Bulgarian Customs Agency (BCA) has terminated a transparent public procurement procedure for scanning equipment (CCEI: 2021-BG-BCROSS 101079791), funded primarily by the EU Customs Control Equipment Instrument (CCEI) grant. Instead, the BCA has opted for a secretive procedure involving direct negotiations with an undisclosed partner, which raises serious concerns about Bulgaria’s commitment to the rule of law and its prospects for becoming a full member of the Schengen area. This has also raised legitimate security concerns due to the lack of transparency regarding the equipment supplier.

    The BCA is adamant that all procedural steps are in line with EU and Bulgarian law. However, it did deviate from the transparency obligations outlined in Directive 2014/24/EU[1], citing national security reasons. The BCA also asserts that it coordinated the process closely with the Commission.

    Given the foregoing:

    • 1.Does the Commission agree that the acquisition of CCEI-funded scanning equipment can justify a secretive procedure without transparency for intelligence purposes?
    • 2.Why is the derogation for national security interests applicable here, when similar equipment has been acquired transparently under other CCEI procedures?
    • 3.How will the Commission ensure that potentially illegal actions of BCA officials do not endanger Bulgaria’s prospects of joining the Schengen area and harm taxpayers’ interests?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The impact of the Russian merchant fleet on port safety – E-002020/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002020/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Johan Danielsson (S&D)

    The EU has closed its ports to Russia’s entire merchant fleet of over 2 800 vessels, with some exceptions (vessels carrying pharmaceutical, medical, agricultural and food products, humanitarian aid, and energy-related products, including coal, nuclear fuel and other goods necessary for the functioning of civil nuclear capabilities).

    In recent weeks, residents of the North Sea and Öresund regions were informed that the damaged ship, the MV Ruby, carrying large amounts of the highly explosive agricultural product ammonium nitrate, had been seeking to dock in European ports and, at some point, had also sought passage through the Öresund strait.

    This raises serious questions as to port safety, including of dockworkers, and safety in the surrounding metropolitan areas, as well as the security of critical transport infrastructure.

    • 1.In addition to problems related to the Russian ‘shadow fleet’, has the Commission analysed the risks related to the remaining Russian merchant fleet and shipments to and from Russia with regard to port safety and the security of critical transport infrastructure?
    • 2.What actions is the Commission proposing, for example in the upcoming comprehensive EU port strategy, to reduce the risk to port safety and the security of critical transport infrastructure that is posed by the remaining Russian merchant fleet and shipments to and from Russia?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Debate on the TSI with Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Ferreira – Committee on Budgets – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Elisa Ferreira -Portugal -Cohesion and Reforms © European Union 2019 – EP

    Members of the Committee on Budgets (BUDG) and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) will hold their first joint exchange of views in the 10th term with Commissioner Ferreira on the implementation of the Technical Support Instrument (TSI) on Monday, 21 October 2024 in Strasbourg.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – TikTok’s problematic practices towards young people and consumer protection – E-002014/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    10.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002014/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pascal Arimont (PPE)

    On 8 October 2024, several states in the US filed lawsuits against TikTok in their respective courts. The actions relate inter alia to manipulative features on TikTok that exploit young people’s psychological vulnerability, in particular the proposed beauty filters, which inter alia are suspected of reinforcing unrealistic beauty ideals, undermining users’ self-confidence and causing body image disorders.

    In addition, in March 2024 the competent Italian authority fined TikTok for breaches of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. The ruling also addressed questions as to the platform’s responsibility for addictive design practices, in particular vis-à-vis young people.

    In this context, the Digital Fairness Fitness Check published on 3 October 2024, which assesses the three consumer protection directives forming the EU consumer protection framework – on unfair commercial practices (2005/29/EC), on consumer rights (2011/83/EU) and on unfair terms in consumer contracts(93/13/EEC) – is of particular importance. For instance, the assessment makes express reference to problems faced by users in the digital environment, including the misleading and addictive designs and functions of user interfaces, which can only be partially covered by the consumer protection framework.

    In the light of the above, what specific legislative measures is the Commission considering so as to safeguard young people more effectively against problematic practices such as beauty filters and digital dependency?

    Submitted: 10.10.2024

    Last updated: 18 October 2024

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