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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to perspective piece discussing ultra-processed foods and public health warnings

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A perspective piece published in PLOS Medicine looks at ultra-processed foods and public health warnings. 

    Dr Ian Johnson, Nutrition researcher and Emeritus Fellow, Quadram Institute, said:

    “The term “ultra-processed food” (UPF) encompasses a very broad and poorly defined category of manufactured food products ranging, for example, from canned soft drinks to highly processed breakfast cereals, cakes, and commercially prepared ready meals.  In recent years, many epidemiological studies conducted across the industrialised world have shown associations between high consumption of UPF and various adverse health outcomes, but the associations, though statistically significant, are often not particularly strong.  The broad and imprecise definition of UPF, coupled with the limitations of observational research, have so far made it extremely difficult to identify causal mechanisms associated with particular foods.  Having considered the current state of knowledge, which is based largely on observational studies, the authors of this timely and thoughtful opinion piece are right to draw attention to the current dearth of definitive mechanistic research on this topic, and to emphasise the difficulties and possible adverse consequences of issuing blanket advice to consumers to avoid such a wide range of foods.”

    Dr Hilda Mulrooney, Reader in Nutrition & Health, London Metropolitan University, said:

    “This is an important and timely paper, given the current level of interest in UPFs and their potential effects on health.  I think this is a reasonable and realistic perspective of where we are at the moment.  It summarises a lot of complex discussion and presents a rational and cautious viewpoint, in my opinion.  It is sensible not to rush to judgment on the basis of data which does not yet demonstrate causality.  It is important to acknowledge the fact that for some groups in particular, foods classed as UPFs make very significant contributions to nutrient intakes, and these would be difficult to achieve otherwise.

    “Much of the research available shows associations between UPFs and health outcomes and cannot demonstrate causality.  This distinction is important, given that many UPFs (e.g. breakfast cereals, breads) make substantial contributions to nutrient intakes in the UK population.  The contribution will be greater for some groups than others, and as the authors suggests, a group likely to be most affected by blanket advice to avoid UPFs is those on lower incomes, who are already at greater risk of poor health and health inequalities.

    “The potential mechanisms of action of UPFs in relation to ill health are unknown, although several have been suggested.  If causality between poor health outcomes and intake of UPFs is demonstrated – and it has not been so far – then understanding how this is happening will be an important aspect of the health messages crafted.  Much of the research on UPFs focuses on the NOVA classification, a system which has been criticised for failing to include or acknowledge the nutritional contributions of UPFs, focusing instead on the extent and type of processing involved.  This ignores the emerging evidence that different groups of processed foods may have different effects in the body.  There may well be stronger evidence in the future which will allow focused messages in relation to specific types of UPFs and health, but at the moment we do not have this information.  Given this, and the potential for harm to already vulnerable groups of a blanket message about UPFs, the balanced approach of these authors is sensible.  What we know now does not change the messages we have already had in place for some years – to cut down on the UPFs which are high fat, salt and sugar foods and drinks as much as possible and include whole foods in the diet where possible.  We need to understand what the effects of different groups of UPFs on health may be, whether relationships observed are causal or not, and how any relationships are mediated.  We are not there yet.”

    ‘Ultraprocessed food (UPF), health, and mechanistic uncertainty: What should we be advising the public to do about UPFs?’ by Eric Robinson and Alexandra Johnstone was published in PLOS Medicine at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday 15 October 2024.

    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004439

    Declared interests

    Dr Ian Johnson: “I have no current conflicts of interest.  I have previously acted in an advisory capacity both to a leading food manufacturer (Barry Callebaut), and to government agencies including SACN, but I have received no funding of any kind from the food industry in the last 5 years.”

    Dr Hilda Mulrooney: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Notice Regarding Approval of Supplement to Prospectus and Final Terms of the Forth Tranche

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UAB “Orkela,” legal entity code 304099538, registered address at Jogailos St. 4, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania (the Issuer), whose securities (the Bonds) are listed and admitted to trading on the Bond List of Nasdaq, also the Bonds are being publicly offered under the base prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023 including its first supplement approved on 24 November 2023 (the Prospectus).

    The Issuer informs that the second supplement to the Prospectus has been approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 15 October 2024 (the Prospectus’ Supplement), that is attached.  Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, please carefully read the Prospectus’ Supplement.

    The Issuer would like to announce that pursuant to the Final Terms of the forth Tranche that were adopted on 15 October 2024 (the Final Terms) in accordance with the Issuer’s Base Prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023, including its first and second supplements (the Prospectus), Offering of the Bonds under the Final Terms in the total amount of EUR 5,432,000 will be carried out in the Republic of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia under the following main terms (other terms applicable are detailed in the Final Terms):

    1. Nominal Value of a Bond – EUR 1,000;
    2. Issue Price of a Bond – EUR  1,014.1267
    3. Final Maturity Date – 19 January 2025;
    4. Interest Rate – 6% (fixed) annually;
    5. Yield – 8% annually;
    6. Subscription channels – Regular Subscription where the Subscription Orders shall be accepted:

    (i) by the Issuer at the office at Jogailos st. 4, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail info@lordslb.lt;

    (ii) by the Lead Manager at the office at Šeimyniškių st. 1A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail broker@sb.lt;

    (iii) by the Manager: UAB FMĮ “Evernord”, legal entity code 303198227, at the office at Konstitucijos ave. 15-90, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail vismante.sepetiene@evernord.com;

    (iv) by the Manager: UAB “Gerovės valdymas”, legal entity code 302445450, at the office at Jogailos st. 3, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail gv@gerovesvaldymas.lt;

    (v) by the Manager: Redgate Capital AS, legal entity code 11532616, at the office at Pärnu mnt 10, Tallinn 10148, Estonia or by e-mail bonds@redgatecapital.eu.

    1. Subscription Period – 16 October 2024 – 6 November 2024;
    2. Payment Date – 7 November 2024;
    3. Issue Date – 8 November 2024.

    Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, each Investor shall read the Prospectus and Final Terms with attached relevant language summary. All aforementioned documents are attached herein and published on the Issuer’s website at https://lordslb.lt/orkela_bonds/. 

    General Manager of UAB “Orkela”
    Anastasija Pocienė

    anastasija.pociene@lordslb.lt

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ultra-processed foods: Why Public Health warnings could backfire Scientists say issuing blanket advice against UPFs would be premature Least well off could actually end up switching to LESS healthy foods More research is needed first into the links between these products and poor health :east well-off may be most affected if blanket pubic health warnings issued without more scientific evidence.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Alexandra JohnstoenScientists say issuing blanket advice against UPFs would be prematureLeast well off could actually end up switching to LESS healthy foodsMore research is needed first into the links between these products and poor health:east well-off may be most affected if blanket pubic health warnings issued without more scientific evidence.
    Premature warnings to consumers to avoid eating all ultra-processed food products have likely social costs and may harm the health of people facing food poverty – at least in the short term.
    This is the clear message to policymakers in a newly-published perspective article from Professors Alexandra Johnstone from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen and Eric Robinson of the University of Liverpool.
    They say that until the link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and poor health is better understood, the focus of official public advice should remain on avoiding known threats: high fat, sugar and salt content.
    Issuing formal warnings about UPFs in the UK – which some other countries have done – could be counter-productive, leading some people to switch to alternatives that are not classified as ultra-processed but are less nutritious than what they were consuming before, they argue.
    And they highlight the potential “social cost for many people with more limited resources” of removing convenient options and the possible negative mental health impacts on “those who worry about their health or live with eating disorders, particularly if social circumstances make avoiding UPFs difficult”.
    The article – published by PLOS Medicine as part of a collection on the subject of UPFs – concludes: “Based on the balance of current evidence, we do not believe it is appropriate to be advising consumers to avoid all UPFs and we await further evidence to inform consumer guidance on the need to limit consumption of specifics foods based on their degree or type of processing.
    “We know with certainty that foods which are energy dense and/or high in saturated fat, salt or sugar are detrimental to health and we should continue to advise consumers to limit consumption of these foods. Likewise, we should be encouraging consumption of health promoting foods, like fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.

    We must guard against the possibility that the people in our society who are already most at risk of not being able to afford to eat healthily are not put in an even worse position as we continue to investigate the links between some ultra-processed foods and poor health.” Professor Alexandra Johnstone

    “Mechanistic uncertainty over food processing and health should not prevent immediate and much needed public health policy to regulate the food industry in order to dramatically reduce the advertisement, availability and dominance of foods high in energy and/or saturated fat, salt or sugar on national diets.
    “However, mechanistic uncertainty should determine how the public are communicated to and play a central role in determining public advice and emerging national dietary guidance on UPFs and food processing health risks.”
    Pressure to issue guidance against eating UPFs – which account for a significant part of national diet  – has mounted in the media and elsewhere because of consistent evidence from a growing number of observational studies that they are linked to poor health outcomes.
    But many UPFs are also high in fat, sugar and salt and as yet, the Food Standards Agency believe other possible causes of ill health from consuming them “have not yet been fully explained by the science” and so specific public guidance has not been issued.
    Food Standards Scotland (FSS) warned in March that “there is a risk that the emphasis on ultra-processed foods creates a distraction from the key diet issues where there is robust evidence for action, i.e. high fat, salt and sugar foods, thereby providing further impetus for FSS to provide clear consumer messaging on this issue.” FSS has since published its organisational position on the topic, alongside consumer facing advice, reaffirming these conclusions.
    Professor Johnstone said: “We must guard against the possibility that the people in our society who are already most at risk of not being able to afford to eat healthily are not put in an even worse position as we continue to investigate the links between some ultra-processed foods and poor health.
    “We need more high-quality mechanistic research in humans, using controlled diets, to tease out the effects of nutrient profile and ultra-processing per se. Diet reformulation and diet quality are two key aspects of our food environment and alongside affordability, these remain food system challenges.”
    Professor Robinson said: “Foods classed as ultra-processed which are high in fat, salt and/or sugar should be avoided, but a number of ultra-processed foods are not. We should be thinking very carefully about what advice is being given to the public, as opposed to providing simplified and potentially misleading messages that grab headlines.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The “For Loyalty to Science” Award Helps Raise the Prestige of the Scientist Profession

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Award for Fidelity to Science

    The Expert Council determinedshortlist of the 10th All-Russian Prize “For Loyalty to Science”.

    The names of the winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 28. The organizer of the annual event is the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia.

    “In the Decade of Science and Technology, announced by President Vladimir Putin, the popularization of research and development is of particular importance. The “For Loyalty to Science” award helps to encourage journalists, bloggers, and popularizers, who, among other things, help to raise the prestige of the scientific profession and attract new personnel to the field for the technological leadership of our country. This year, more than 1.8 thousand applications from 80 regions of Russia were submitted for the award – almost 1.5 times more than last year. The most popular nomination was “Science for Children”. It was held for the first time and accepted applications from projects for the youngest. The emergence of such nominations and topics is an important trend, since the development of the country and our common future depend on what the younger generation will be interested in, what knowledge and skills they will develop,” emphasized Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The winners of the award will receive a cash reward and special prizes from the competition partners: a trip on a nuclear icebreaker, a trip to one of the Russian cosmodromes, an excursion to one of the high-tech facilities of PJSC Gazprom, a tour of an aircraft manufacturing plant with the opportunity to test their strength on the MC-21 pilot training complex.

    “In the last few years, our award has been breaking records in terms of the number of applications submitted. This year, the most popular nominations were: “Science for Children”, “Author of Digital Content”, “Recognition”, “Scientific Press Service of the Year”, “Work with Experience: Protecting Historical Truth”, “Russian Science for the World”. Such a wide range of applicants’ interests speaks of the great attention paid to the activities of scientists and researchers in completely different industries and spheres. Thanks to your work, dear participants, the number of people interested in Russian science is growing, especially among the younger generation, and this is especially valuable,” said Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov.

    The applications received were evaluated by journalists who widely cover scientific topics, scientists, representatives of government authorities, private foundations, companies, non-profit organizations, press services of universities, and research institutes. The laureates and diploma winners will be determined by the prize organizing committee.

    The event’s partners are the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Kurchatov Institute National Research Center, and Lomonosov Moscow State University. For more than five years in a row, the award has been supported by the Art, Science, and Sport Charity Foundation. The award is held as part of the Decade of Science and Technology announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

    The founders of special prizes are traditionally the state corporations Roscosmos, Rostec, and Rosatom. Since 2024, PJSC Gazprom and PJSC VTB Bank have become the new partners of the award.

    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/53001/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Communication of flood alerts to Member States under the Copernicus system – E-001874/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001874/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Patryk Jaki (ECR)

    In the debate on the impact of the flooding in central and eastern Europe that was held on 18 September 2024 during Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Janez Lenarčič, the EU Crisis Management Commissioner, said that the relevant EU bodies had already sent flood warnings to the governments of Member States at risk, including Poland, on 10 September 2024. Those alerts were issued through the Copernicus early warning system. In response to that statement, we have the following questions:

    • 1.When exactly did the Commission pass on the first alerts of a flood risk in Poland? On what date and at what time were those alerts relayed?
    • 2.Did the Polish Government react to those warnings?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Financing food security will yield high returns

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The problem is that countries with the highest levels of food insecurity often have the hardest time accessing financing. Among the biggest obstacles are high transaction costs, fragmented agriculture markets, insecure land rights, poor administrative capacity, weak governance, and political instability.

    One of the keys to overcoming these hurdles is to pursue stronger international partnerships. That is why the EIB, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and other international organizations are working together closely to promote food security, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience. By pooling resources and experience, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, we can overcome the chronic financing challenges.

    For example, by drawing on the expertise and convening power of FAO, we can provide more funding for agrifood and bioeconomy activities. In 2023 alone, the FAO Investment Centre helped mobilize $6.6 billion in new investment by designing 38 public investment projects backed by financing partners in 26 countries. And this came on top of implementation support to ongoing projects, representing a total of around $46.7 billion.

    But scaling up such financing requires the right kind of tools, not least financial products that reduce risk for the private sector. For example, blended finance – which combines public and private funds – and innovative financing mechanisms like climate bonds can make these investments more attractive to capital that is still sitting on the sidelines.

    Feeding the world is not just a moral responsibility; it is a strategic imperative. Hunger is an immediate global crisis that demands massive investments. Fortunately, the potential rewards are well worth it. Sustainable agrifood systems do far more than simply reduce poverty and hunger. They also create jobs, promote economic growth, reduce gender inequality, improve health, and build stronger communities. The return is enormous, and the cost of doing nothing is even greater.

    This article was originally published by Project Syndicate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group hosts the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Chékéba Hachemi for discussions on wartime sexual violence

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©Vio Dudau/ EIB

    On 14 October 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group held an event for staff focused on tackling sexual violence in conflict zones.

    Guests at the EIB’s Luxembourg headquarters included Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, who is president of the association Stand Speak Rise Up!, and Ms. Chékéba Hachemi, former first female Afghan diplomat, women’s rights activist and the co-founder of the association. 

    The event highlighted the association’s transformative work in advocating for and supporting survivors of sexual violence in fragile environments as well as children born of rape.

    EIB President Nadia Calviño opened the discussion, saying that investing in women is key to building stronger communities worldwide. She stressed the EIB Group’s commitment to protecting women and empowering them economically, particularly in conflict areas.

    The Grand Duchess and Ms. Hachemi presented projects led by Stand Speak Rise Up! aimed at increasing access to education, housing, health and justice and at driving economic independence for survivors and children born of rape. The presentations were followed by a lively exchange of views with EIB staff members.

    The association provides a platform for victims to share their experiences and receive support. Since its creation in 2019, Stand Speak Rise Up! has offered direct help to over 6,000 women from 13 countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Ukraine.

    This EIB event offered a reminder of the shared responsibility to support victims of sexual violence, amplify their voices, advocate to end the use of rape as a weapon of war and strive for the universal protection of human rights.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Will the European quotas for Senegalese fishers also be applied to Europe’s digital giants? – E-001558/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The importance of safeguarding the most sensitive European data is widely recognised. President-elect’s political guidelines[1] and mission letters to the new College echo the Commission’s intention to pave the way towards a more resilient, competitive and harmonised European digital market , including through the development of a single EU-wide cloud policy for public administrations.

    The recent report titled ‘The future of European competitiveness’ further emphasises the need to continue these efforts[2].

    The draft European Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services (EUCS) is being developed by the EU Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

    The EUCS aims to provide a coherent set of security requirements and conformity assessment methodologies thus addressing the current market fragmentation and lowering the financial barriers for cloud providers to offer secure cloud solutions across the EU.

    This change will be particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized providers, the drivers of innovation.

    The draft EUCS candidate scheme will be further discussed among the Member States’ experts in the European Cybersecurity Certification Group.

    In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/881[3], once the draft scheme’s text has been stabilised, ENISA will transfer the candidate scheme to the Commission.

    The Commission will then be responsible for preparing an implementing act based on the scheme. The adoption of this act will be controlled by the Member States through the comitology procedure defined in Regulation (EU) No 182/2011[4].

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Better fire protection in Greece – E-001485/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The primary responsibility for disaster risk management lies with Member States authorities. The Commission’s main role is to coordinate a quick and efficient response through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[1] when activated.

    The Commission also works with national civil protection authorities to support, complement and coordinate their efforts in managing wildfire risks.

    After the 2023 wildfire season, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection under the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection of Greece requested a UCPM independent peer review of its wildfire risk management system.

    The result of this process is a report, published on 20 June 2024[2], which highlights the strengths of the current system and puts forward recommendations for reinforcing it.

    The report advocates for building a more integrated wildfire risk management system, with a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, and with a long-term dedicated wildfire prevention budget.

    Moreover, the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan foresees actions to enforce Greece’s fire prevention efforts and at the same time to support forest restoration in areas affected by wildfires in the last years.

    In addition, as part of 2024 European Semester: Spring package[3], the Commission recommended to the Council to address a Country Specific Recommendation to Greece to take action in 2024 and 2025 to strengthen management of natural disasters by putting in place an effective early warning and risk prevention system.

    The Council addressed that recommendation to Greece in July 2024[4]. Greece can benefit in this regard from funding through two thematic programmes, the ‘Civil Protection’ programme[5] and the ‘Environment and Climate Change’ programme[6].

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [2] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/news/ucpm-wildfire-peer-review-report-handed-over-greek-authorities
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2024-european-semester-spring-package_en
    • [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/07/16/european-semester-2024-council-agrees-on-country-specific-recommendations/
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/in-your-country/programmes/2021-2027/el/2021el16rfpr001_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/in-your-country/programmes/2021-2027/el/2021el16ffpr003_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up to the Draghi report – E-001767/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001767/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Julien Sanchez (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    On 9 September 2024, The Future of European Competitiveness report was published. In the report, Mario Draghi paints an alarming picture of the state of European competitiveness, highlighting the fact that we are lagging behind the USA and China technologically and economically.

    He has drawn up a list of 170 proposals for responding to this existential challenge. Some of these have long been called for by Rassemblement National MEPs, for example the need to reform the EU’s electricity market, cut red tape and curb the Commission’s legislative expansion.

    Other proposals, such as extending qualified majority voting to all policy areas, are direct attacks on the sovereignty of European nations. That specific proposal would mean that Member States could no longer oppose any future EU enlargement or any action that the Commission wished to take which ran counter to national interests.

    Considering that certain political groups in the European Parliament have long been advocating for some of the proposals in the Draghi report, could the Commission state which ones it intends to follow?

    Submitted: 19.9.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Activities of Liberty Media Corporation and EU competition law – E-002003/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002003/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pascal Arimont (PPE)

    Liberty Media Corporation (LMC) is the owner of the Formula One Group (FOG), which holds Formula 1’s commercial rights until the end of 2110. A separation of commercial and regulatory activities in motor sport was approved by the Commission in 2001.

    Over time, FOG has added the Formula 2 and Formula 3 series to its roster, and affiliate company Liberty Global controls Formula E. Through F1TV, FOG controls global broadcasts. Commercial agreements also make it very difficult for new teams to join the Formula 1 series, possibly restricting competition in an unlawful way – a point the US Department of Justice is investigating[1].

    LMC has now committed to acquiring Spanish-based Dorna SL, rights holder of all MotoGP and affiliated motorcycle circuit racing events. According to LMC, approval has been granted in most major jurisdictions. In 2006, the Commission gave permission to CVC Capital Partners to proceed with a buy-out of Formula One shares, only after the firm agreed to get rid of its interests in MotoGP EU[2].

    In view of these developments, and the fact that Parliament has called for an investigation into competition concerns arising from the Formula 1 motor sport industry[3]:

    Will the Commission finally start an anti-trust investigation into regulations and commercial arrangements involving LMC, in order to protect consumers and guarantee fair competition?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-owner-liberty-media-anti-trust-probe-andretti-rejection/10643128/.
    • [2] Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes stated at the time that this was a necessary step to ward off the risk of a reduction in consumer choice.
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0027_EN.html.
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Land, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation – E-002007/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002007/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alice Teodorescu Måwe (PPE)

    The revised LULUCF Regulation is posing increasing problems for forestry throughout Europe. In Sweden, where forests are supposed to provide the EU’s largest carbon sink, forest operators are expected to drastically reduce their harvesting in order to meet the 2030 target. Operators are already testifying that the transition will lead to job losses in sparsely populated areas, which will affect prosperity, while at the same time encroaching on property rights. In addition, the Regulation does not take account of the significant contribution of wood and paper products and bioenergy to Swedish and European competitiveness and, by extension, to our green transition.

    Accordingly:

    • 1.Is the Commission planning any further measures so as to ensure that, alongside the goal of a green transition, industries that play a significant role in boosting European competitiveness are not hard-hit by LULUCF targets?
    • 2.Does the Commission see any possibility of taking a more differentiated approach to implementing or reassessing the LULUCF Regulation that takes account of the disproportionate economic and social burdens on Member States, but also takes account of Member States’ differing circumstances?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funds sent to Africa: billions of euros wasted in fight to curb immigration – E-001990/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001990/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    In 2015, following the migration crisis that occurred that year, the European Union established the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. This fund is managed by the Commission and its budget has almost tripled since it was set up, ballooning from EUR 1.8 billion to EUR 5 billion.

    According to recent surveys[1], despite the massive funding allocated for development assistance, immigration continues at much the same pace. In fact, these funds appear to be squandered on projects unrelated to the migration crisis. Attention must also be drawn to the responsibility borne by the African governments, who are benefitting from this aid without actually implementing effective reforms.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to respond to this blatant failure, and what monitoring mechanisms will it put in place to ensure that EU money is being used properly to combat illegal migration effectively?
    • 2.Would it not be more appropriate to rethink this project, requiring concrete outcomes and making aid conditional on the relevant African countries truly cooperating in the fight against illegal immigration, particularly with regard to the return of their nationals?

    .

    .

    Submitted: 8.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.eca.europa.eu/ECAPublications/SR-2024-17/SR-2024-17_EN.pdf
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024 of the European Union for the financial year 2024 – update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies – A10-0007/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024 of the European Union for the financial year 2024 – update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies

    (13195/2024 – C10‑0109/2024 – 2024/0185(BUD))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012[1], and in particular Article 44 thereof,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[2], and in particular Article 44 thereof,

    – having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024, as definitively adopted on 22 November 2023[3],

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[4],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[5],

    – having regard to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 EU of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom[6],

    – having regard to Draft amending budget No 4/2024, which the Commission adopted on 19 July 2024 (COM(2024)0931),

    – having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024, which the Council adopted on 23 September 2024 and forwarded to Parliament on 24 September 2024 (13195/2024 – C10‑0109/2024),

    – having regard to Rules 96 and 98 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A10-0007/2024),

    A. whereas the primary purpose of Draft amending budget No 4/2024 is to update the revenue side of the budget to take account of the latest developments and, additionally, to adjust the expenditure side of the budget in relation to a number of decentralised agencies,

    B. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 entails a revision of the own resources forecasts in relation to customs duties, which are 18,3% below the May 2023 forecast, in the uncapped VAT base, which is 0,6% below the May 2023 forecast, in non-recycled plastic packaging waste, which is up 0,6% compared to the May 2023 forecast, and in the total EU GNI base, which is 0,3% higher than the May 2023 forecast,

    C. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 also updates the 2024 United Kingdom contribution pursuant to the withdrawal agreement, which stands at EUR 2,38 billion, a significant reduction of EUR 1,52 billion compared to the estimate included in the 2024 budget; whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 also takes into account the fines and penalties cashed up to the end of May 2024, which increases the initial forecast for fines and penalties in the 2024 budget by EUR 513 million,

    D. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 proposes a number of adjustments to the financing of decentralised agencies, with a net increase of EUR 12 million overall and a proposal to mobilise the Flexibility Instrument for an amount of EUR 13,2 million to cover increases for the European Medicines Agency and Eurojust in the absence of any available margin under Heading 2b of the multiannual financial framework (the “MFF”),

    1. Welcomes Draft amending budget No 4/2024 as submitted by the Commission;

    2. Takes note that the decrease in the amount of own resources other than GNI (in particular with respect to customs duties) and in the size of the United Kingdom contribution to the budget results in an increase in GNI contributions of EUR 5,63 billion; notes that there is a significant divergence from the initial forecasting of customs duties and the United Kingdom contribution and calls on the Commission to examine scope for improving its forecasting, which is vital for the predictability of budgetary planning;

    3. Underlines that, with Draft amending budget No 4/2024, GNI lump-sum reductions for the five beneficiary Member States amount to just under EUR 5,4 billion net; stresses that these rebates are inflation-linked and have therefore increased at a higher rate than the MFF ceilings, which are adjusted annually on the basis of the 2 % deflator; underlines that this anomaly increases the burden on the other Member States;

    4. Emphasises the need for sustainable revenue for the Union budget, which has been severely stretched to respond to various crises in recent years; deplores, therefore, the absence of progress in the Council on the reform of the own resources system in line with the roadmap in the Interinstitutional Agreement; recalls its position in support of the amended Commission proposals and urges the Council and the Member States to adopt those proposals swiftly in order to increase the own resources available to the Union budget; recalls its long-standing position that fines and fees should be used as supplementary revenue for the Union budget;

    5. Reiterates its long-standing position that new priorities require fresh financing; notes the series of adjustments to the budgets of decentralised agencies, primarily in accordance with tasks assigned to them under recently adopted legislation; recalls that agencies must have the necessary staff and budget to properly fulfil their mandates; deplores that, in several cases, additional resources for a decentralised agency entail a corresponding reduction in the programme envelope;

    6. Regrets that, in the current MFF, a total of EUR 1,5 billion has so far been, or is proposed to be, redeployed from programmes to decentralised agencies; underlines that the magnitude of the redeployments is symptomatic of the stretched resources available to the Union budget and stresses the need for budgetary flexibility to adjust agencies’ resources in line with changes to their mandates and tasks during the MFF;

    7. Notes that Draft amending budget No 4/2024 entails an increase of EUR 2 million for Eurojust owing to inflationary pressure; underlines that inflationary pressure is clearly a challenge for all decentralised agencies, with inflation running above the annual 2 % deflator by which the MFF ceilings increase and staff and operating costs for decentralised agencies under substantial pressure as a result, considers that the current treatment of decentralised agencies’ budgets as separate from administrative spending under Heading 7 of the MFF requires further reflection as part of the Commission’s preparations for the post-2027 MFF;

    8. Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024;

    9. Instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 4/2024 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the other institutions and bodies concerned and the national parliaments.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

    Entity and/or person

    Council of the European Union

    European Commission

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that he has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    23

    5

    2

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Olivier Chastel, Tamás Deutsch, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Andrzej Halicki, Alexander Jungbluth, Ondřej Kovařík, Giuseppe Lupo, Siegfried Mureşan, Victor Negrescu, Matjaž Nemec, João Oliveira, Karlo Ressler, Julien Sanchez, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Lucia Yar

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Stine Bosse, Jonás Fernández, Michalis Hadjipantela, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Protas, Jussi Saramo

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Matthias Ecke, Marieke Ehlers, Virginie Joron

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Debate on the TSI with Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Ferreira – 21.10.24 – Committee on Budgets

    Source: European Parliament

    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.

    This discussion will be organised under Article 15(3) of the Regulation establishing TSI to ensure greater transparency and accountability in implementing the instrument. The discussion is expected to focus on the main results of the instrument, reflected in the recently published TSI 2023 Annual Report and DG REFORM’s legacy report “Delivering on Reforms”.

    The TSI’s objective, with a budget of EUR 864.4 million for the period 2021-2027 is to support Member States’ efforts to design and implement reforms at the national level to achieve economic and social recovery, resilience and convergence through tailor-made technical expertise, including reforms that address the challenges identified in the European Semester process of economic policy coordination. Furthermore, 66% of the TSI projects selected in 2023 were related to the implementation of the national recovery and resilience plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 15.10.2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    15 October 2024 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 15.10.2024

    Espoo, Finland – On 15 October 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,793,972 4.07
    CEUX 465,034 4.07
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 2,259,006 4.07

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 15 October 2024 was EUR 9,195,510. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 169,913,637 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: FDFA State Secretary Alexandre Fasel holds political consultations with Brazil

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Bern, 15.10.2024 – Alexandre Fasel, the state secretary of the FDFA, met with the deputy foreign minister of Brazil, Maria Laura da Rocha, in Brasilia. The political consultations centred on bilateral relations, issues relating to economic and security policy, respect for human rights and cooperation to protect the environment.

    Since 2008, Switzerland and Brazil have held annual political consultations to discuss bilateral and multilateral matters of the day. At the 11th edition of these consultations on 15 October 2024, Mr Fasel and Ms Da Rocha highlighted the close relations between their two countries, which are put into effect through nine regular dialogues in areas ranging from business, science, and research to human rights.

    Brazil is Switzerland’s biggest trading partner in Latin America, with a total volume of approximately CHF 4.4 billion in 2023. This corresponds to around a quarter of Switzerland’s total trade with all Latin American countries. Economic issues were thus at the centre of the discussions in Brasilia. In addition to the intensification of bilateral trade and investment, a particular focus was placed on the negotiations between the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), of which Switzerland is a member, and Mercosur, a single market of around 270 million inhabitants comprising the four South American states of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The negotiations between EFTA and Mercosur were largely concluded in 2019 and are now in the final phase. Mr Fasel and Ms Da Rocha expressed their hope that the free trade agreement can be signed soon.

    The political consultations also involved a discussion on various crises and conflicts, including regional security in general and in particular the situation in Venezuela, and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Both interlocutors underscored the importance of contributing to peace and security through dialogue and mediation. In this context, Mr Fasel emphasised that in Switzerland’s view all initiatives for peace in Ukraine that are based on international law and the UN Charter should be considered. He also informed Ms Da Rocha about Switzerland’s work during its term on the UN Security Council, which will come to an end in December 2024.

    Measures to boost cooperation to protect the environment and promote sustainability were also on the agenda of the Brasilia meeting. Switzerland supports several initiatives to protect the Amazon rainforest and in areas such as decarbonisation, sustainable infrastructure and cleantech in Brazil. These projects are coordinated as part of the run-up to the COP 30 climate conference (‘the Road to Belém’), which will take place in Belém in 2025 – the gateway city to the Amazon.

    During his visit to Brazil, Mr Fasel also held talks with representatives from the political and scientific communities in Brasilia and São Paulo. In Brasilia, he also took part in an event to mark 75 years of the Geneva Conventions and Switzerland’s presidency of the UN Security Council in October 2024.

    Brazil is a priority country in the Federal Council’s Americas Strategy 2022–25: since 2023, seven meetings have taken place between members of the Federal Council and their Brazilian counterparts, and two at presidential level.

    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 United Kingdom: New Collaboration Model For The Wee Ferintosh Bus

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued in partnership with Communities in Motion and The Highland Council

    Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

    From Monday 2 December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

    This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

    Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

    Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

    As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

    He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

    Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

    Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com

    ENDS

    Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

    From Monday 2nd December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

    This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

    Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

    Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

    As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

    He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

    Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

    Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Future of Norwich Livestock Market takes a leap forward

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Tuesday, 15th October 2024

    A green light was signalled by cross-party councillors today (15 Oct) after a unanimous vote means the council can progress plans to seek legal consent to relocate Norwich’s Livestock Market.

    This critical vote means the council can continue with its plans to manage a private bill through parliament to seek a change in legislation.

    While the change to law would remove the current legal restriction of the council having to provide a livestock market within its boundary, there remains a legal duty on the council to provide and maintain a livestock market.

    The parliamentary journey to seek a change in the law is expected to take up to 12 months.

    Norwich’s livestock market has been trading on its current site close to Hall Road since the 1960s and is now one of the last trading markets within East Anglia. 

    The council is leaseholder of the 3.25 acre site and is responsible for most of the repair liability. Detailed survey work has shown that the repair work is extensive, reflecting the age of the facility and the need to introduce modern biosecurity and animal welfare standards which all markets must comply with.

    Work includes the demolition of a former auction building, removal of asbestos across the site, refurbishment of the current auction building and major work to the parking areas and roadways. The repair work required is expected to cost up to £3m.

    Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Securing this important vote means we can carry on with our plans to seek legal permission to be able to relocate a new livestock market outside our boundary.

    “As the private bill progresses through parliament there is much more work to be done.

    “This will involve a rigorous assessment and full business case appraisal on two sites close to the A47 that we have identified as possible relocation alternatives.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Several People and Companies in a $280 Million Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced it filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against:

    • Traders Domain FX LTD. d/b/a The Traders Domain, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines company with principal operations in Canada, and its two co-founders, Fredirick Teddy Joseph Safranko, a/k/a Ted Safranko, of Ontario or British Columbia, Canada, and David William Negus-Romvari of Ontario, Canada and Mexico
    • Ares Global Ltd. d/b/a Trubluefx, a Saint Lucia company
    • Algo Capital LLC, a Florida company
    • Algo FX Capital Advisor LLC n/k/a Quant5 Advisor LLC., a Delaware company with principal operations in Medley, Florida, and four of their officers and agents including Robert Collazo Jr. of Miami Lakes, Florida, Juan Jose Herman a/k/a/ JJ Herman of Miami, John Fortini of North Miami, Florida, and Stephen Likos of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Michael Shannon Sims of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Holton Buggs Jr., of Houston
    • Centurion Capital Group Inc., a Florida company, and three of its officers and agents including Alejandro Santiestaban a/k/a Alex Santi, Gabriel Beltran, both of Hialeah, Florida, and Archie Rice of Fulshear, Texas 

    The complaint alleges that, among other things, the defendants individually, and at times working in conjunction, made material fraudulent representations to their customers and misappropriated customer funds. In sum, more than 2,000 customers deposited no less than $283 million in connection with the alleged fraud.

    The CFTC seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.

    On Oct. 3, Federal District Court Judge Roy K. Altman entered a statutory restraining order against the defendants, freezing their assets, and giving the CFTC immediate access to their books and records. The court scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for Oct. 29.

    Case Background

    The complaint alleges from at least November 2019 through the present, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari orchestrated a multi-layered scheme to solicit funds for trading leveraged or margined retail commodity transactions, specifically gold-to-U.S. dollar pairs (XAU/USD), as well as assorted other commodities, through pooled and individual accounts. 

    The complaint states TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari made fraudulent and material oral and written misrepresentations and omissions, and misappropriated customer funds. The complaint alleges TD and Safranko falsified trading records and TD’s successor, Trubluefx, further misappropriated customer funds by failing to refund the money despite repeated attempts by thousands of customers to access and/or liquidate their accounts.

    According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari also used other individuals and entities (sponsors) on TD’s behalf, with each sponsor acting like a spoke extending from the TD hub. 

    The sponsors Algo Capital and Algo FX Capital Advisor n/k/a Quant5, and their agents Collazo, Herman, Fortini, and Likos; Sims; Buggs; and Centurion, and its agents Santi, Beltran, and Rice, also fraudulently solicited customers and misappropriated funds. The sponsors actively downplayed red flags and continued to solicit customers, helping to create the false impression customers were participating in legitimate trading even as the scheme was on the brink of collapse.

    In the fall of 2022, customers began to experience extreme withdrawal delays and/or were unable to withdraw their funds. According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari, and the sponsor defendants provided numerous, conflicting excuses for the delays — falsely assuring customers their funds were safe, and withdrawals would be processed. All while the sponsor defendants continued to solicit funds from new and existing customers to be traded in the TD Pool, allowing the defendants to continue their fraudulent scheme for more than six months and bilk customers out of millions of additional dollars.

    The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the National Futures Association, Ontario Securities Commission, the Financial Services Authority Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Finantsinspektsioon (Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority), and Vanuatu Financial Services Commission. 

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this matter are Alison B. Wilson, Sean Hennessy, Sarah Wastler, Kelly Folks, Maura Viehmeyer, Michelle Bougas, Erica Bodin, Stephanie Cooper, and Rick Glaser. Jeremy Christianson and Christopher Beatty from the CFTC’s Office of Data and Technology also assisted.

    CFTC’s Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory

    The CFTC has issued several customer protection Fraud Advisories and Articles, including the Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory, which provides information about a type of fraud involving individuals and firms, often unregistered, offering investments in commodity pools. The CFTC also urges the public to verify a company’s registration at NFA BASIC before investing funds. If an entity is unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity.

    Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, should be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the CFTC Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/Humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian Territory
    -Yemen
    -Ukraine
    -Statelessness
    -Women/Social protection
    -International Day of Rural Women
    -Briefings Tomorrow

    LEBANON
    The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
    In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
    The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
    The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
    In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
    As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
    The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
    The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
    The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
    In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
    The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
    The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
    WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
    OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
    As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
    Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
    UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
    Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
    The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FEMA Assistance for Georgians is Available in a Variety of Languages

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency 2

    strong>ATLANTA – Don’t let language be a barrier to applying for FEMA assistance. Regardless of language or accessibility needs, FEMA is in Georgia to help eligible homeowners and renters with damage to their home or personal property due to Tropical Storm Debby, with an incident period of Aug. 4-20, 2024, and/or Hurricane Helene. Non-English speakers can receive assistance in their language when applying for FEMA disaster aid. Additionally, assistive communication tools are available for those who require them when visiting a Disaster Recovery Center. 

    Language Is Not a Barrier to FEMA Assistance

    Interpreters in a variety of languages are available to people who call the FEMA Helpline. Multilingual phone operators are available to help non-English speaking survivors register for disaster aid and answer questions. When calling the helpline at 800-621-3362, callers should choose Option 2 for Spanish and Option 3 for other languages. 

    Disaster Recovery Centers have a sign with the phrase “I Speak” in over 40 languages, which staff members can use to connect you with an interpreter that speaks your language, including American Sign Language. To request a video remote interpreter at a recovery center, send an email to FEMA_ASL_Staff@fema.dhs.gov and call 202-705-9500 to ensure the request was received. A specialist will provide the Zoom link information to connect to the service.  

    Assistance is Available for All 

    Disaster Recovery Centers also have assistive listening devices, amplified phones and caption phones available for survivors who are deaf or hard of hearing. Magnifying devices and printed information in Braille and large print are available for people who are blind or have low vision.

    Apply for FEMA Assistance Today

    Georgians who applied for assistance for damage related to Tropical Storm Debby are encouraged to apply for damage related to Hurricane Helene if they had home or property loss for each disaster. There are several ways to apply:

    • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
    • At a Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, go online to: DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Ex: DRC 40019).
    • By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
    • Download the FEMA mobile app.

    To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance – YouTube.

    For the latest information on Georgia’s recovery from Tropical Storm Debby visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and for Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Yemen, Statelessness & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (15 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/Humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian Territory
    -Yemen
    -Ukraine
    -Statelessness
    -Women/Social protection
    -International Day of Rural Women
    -Briefings Tomorrow

    LEBANON
    The United Nations notes with concern the continued strikes across the Blue Line by Hizbullah and the Israel Defense Forces. Launches
    In this regard, the airstrike on Aitou in North Lebanon which resulted in at least 23 fatalities, according to Lebanese authorities, is deeply concerning. The Secretary-General strongly condemns the civilian loss of lives.
    The UN remains deeply concerned at the impact on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line but particularly in Lebanon. All actors must uphold obligations under international law, including International Humanitarian Law, and to protect civilians.
    The UN also notes that clashes continue in southern Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces has conducted ground operations since 1 October.
    In recent days the UN underscored our alarm about UNIFIL peacekeepers coming under fire, with at least five peacekeepers injured, and UN premises being impacted on at least 20 occasions since 1 October. The Secretary-General reiterates that UNIFIL personnel and its premises must never be targeted. Attacks against peacekeepers are in breach of international law, including international humanitarian law. They may constitute a war crime.
    As the President of the Security Council stated on behalf of all 15 Council members yesterday, “all parties [are] to respect the safety and security of UNIFIL personnel and premises”.
    The UN notes that the Council “… recalled that UN peacekeepers and UN premises must never be the target of an attack.”
    The UN appreciates the stated support of the Council for the work of our brave peacekeepers who remain in position, in support of efforts to create space for a diplomatic solution to this crisis and support a return to a cessation of hostilities and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).
    The UN reiterates its calls for an immediate ceasefire, noting this is the only way to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers as well as to protect the populations of Lebanon and Israel from further suffering.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    This crisis has a huge impact on civilians on both sides, in Lebanon and in Israel.
    In Lebanon, today, a 12-truck convoy carrying vital aid arrived in the villages of Marjeyoun [Marji-yun] and Klayaa in the south of the country.
    The inter-agency mission – supported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, the UN Refugee Agency, UNICEF and the UN Population Fund – delivered bottled water, family hygiene kits, blankets, pillows and mattresses, among other essential items.
    The UN and partners continue to support the tens of thousands of men, women and children impacted by the ongoing crisis across Lebanon.
    WFP provides ready-to-eat food and cash to some 200,000 people on a daily basis, while UNICEF and UNHCR continue to support primary health care services and provide water, hygiene kits, mattresses, blankets and other basic items.
    OCHA reports that ongoing hostilities continue to displace people. The national authorities in Lebanon report that 1.2 million people have been affected or displaced.
    As of October 13th, the International Organization for Migration has identified more than 740,000 people displaced by the escalation of hostilities within the country.
    Of these people, more than 188,000 are staying in about 1,000 government shelters.
    UNHCR is working with the Lebanese authorities to upgrade the shelters with weatherproofing and rehabilitation of water and sanitation facilities, as well as assessing more sites to host displaced people.
    Together with their partners, UNHCR continues to support people in Syria who have fled Lebanon at five border crossings by providing water, food, blankets and mattresses.
    The UN reiterates that all civilians, both in Lebanon, Israel and elsewhere, must be always protected whether they leave or stay. And aid must be allowed to reach civilians wherever they are, safely and without impediment.

    Full Highlights:
    https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=15%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCHZtzOb6Qc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Latest Canada-India diplomatic tensions are another serious obstacle to an improved relationship

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Saira Bano, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Thompson Rivers University

    Canada-India relations have suffered a major setback after Canadian law enforcement authorities accused Indian agents of involvement in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts” on Canadian soil.

    In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma.

    In a tit-for-tat move, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, rejecting Canada’s allegations as “preposterous” and politically motivated, particularly given the Sikh diaspora’s political significance as a key voting bloc for Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government.

    India has consistently denied the accusations and refused to co-operate with the Canadian investigation, which ultimately compelled the federal government to make these allegations public.

    Trudeau has acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong relations with India, but condemned India’s actions targeting pro-Khalistan leaders as “unacceptable.”

    But without a shared understanding of the pro-Khalistan issue, the relationship between the two countries is likely to remain strained. Both nations continue to approach the situation from fundamentally different perspectives.



    Read more:
    The fraught history of India and the Khalistan movement

    Nijjar’s assassination fallout

    Canada-India relations have been strained since Trudeau’s bombshell statement in September 2023, when he accused India of being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader based in Canada.

    The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement that aims to establish an independent Sikh state in northern India.

    The assassination led to the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat linked to the case and a rapid deterioration of bilateral ties, with India expelling Canadian diplomats and suspending visa services. India later demanded the repatriation of 41 Canadian diplomats, citing the principle of diplomatic parity.



    Read more:
    Alleged assassination plots in the U.S. and Canada signal a more assertive Indian foreign policy

    India has long accused Canada of being too lenient on the Khalistan movement, which it views as a serious threat to its national security and territorial integrity.

    The Sikh diaspora in Canada, the largest in the world, includes elements that have supported the pro-Khalistan cause, fuelling India’s concerns. Canada, however, emphasizes the right to freedom of expression, including peaceful protests, as a core tenet of its democratic values.

    In a related incident, the United States revealed in November 2023 that it had thwarted an alleged Indian plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York. This development, coupled with Trudeau’s statement in 2023 that there was “credible evidence” linking India to Nijjar’s slaying, has further substantiated concerns over India’s alleged covert actions targeting pro-Khalistan activists.

    India’s strategic calculations

    India’s strategic significance, particularly in counterbalancing China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, adds complexity to its diplomatic relations.



    Read more:
    Justin Trudeau’s India accusation complicates western efforts to rein in China

    India views its alliance with the United States as essential for safeguarding its interests, given the power imbalance with China. The U.S., in turn, sees India as a cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific strategy, with initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). It includes the U.S., India, Japan and Australia and is designed to promote the region as an “arc of democracy.”

    Bipartisan support in the U.S. for deepening ties with India has led to expanding defence and economic partnerships, with a growing emphasis on technology transfer as a critical pillar of this relationship.

    During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington, D.C. in June 2023, President Joe Biden’s administration finalized an agreement for the joint production of General Electric (GE) F-414 jet engines.

    At present, only four nations — the U.S., U.K., Russia and France — have the capability to manufacture jet engines, with China still lacking this advanced technology. The GE F-414 collaboration is intended to strengthen U.S.-India defence co-operation and improve their collective ability to counter China’s advancements in defence technology.

    India also plays a central role in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, unveiled in 2022. In the official document outlining the strategy, Ottawa described China as a “disruptive power” and emphasized the need to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific nations, particularly India.

    The strategy highlights “India’s growing strategic, economic, and demographic importance” as key to achieving Canada’s geo-strategic objectives. As part of this approach, Canada committed to negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India. But due to the diplomatic tensions sparked by Canada’s allegations, these negotiations have been suspended.

    The West’s disapproval

    The Modi government may have calculated that India’s strategic value to the West would shield it from criticism over its handling of pro-Khalistani activists abroad. However, the unequivocal response from both the U.S. and Canada suggests otherwise, with the West making it clear that such actions are unacceptable, regardless of India’s strategic significance.

    India will probably continue to deny Canada’s accusations and further sever diplomatic ties in an enduring dispute that will affect all aspects of the bilateral relationship.

    From Canada’s perspective, Indian actions on Canadian soil represent a blatant violation of sovereignty. Ottawa expects co-operation and assurances from India that such transnational repression will not occur in the future. From India’s point of view, it’s a matter of national security issue as Canada appeases pro-Khalistan elements.

    While the Indian diaspora has generally been an asset for the Modi government in fostering relations with western countries, the Sikh diaspora in Canada has been a significant hurdle in improving ties.

    Without a common denominator to reconcile these differing perspectives, the relationship between the two countries is likely to remain strained, despite broader strategic factors that would otherwise encourage closer ties.

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

    – ref. Latest Canada-India diplomatic tensions are another serious obstacle to an improved relationship – https://theconversation.com/latest-canada-india-diplomatic-tensions-are-another-serious-obstacle-to-an-improved-relationship-241406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Union Finance Minister to attend Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank

    FM will also take part in  G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries and organisations

    Smt. Sitharaman will engage in multilateral discussions on multiple fora and also showcase India’s attractiveness as an investment destination

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a visit to Mexico and USA on an official visit beginning 16th October, 2024.

    During the official leg of her maiden visit to Mexico from 17th to 20th October 2024, the Union Finance Minister will lead an Indian delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance, underscoring a positive trajectory of growing bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries.

    Beginning her visit in Guadalajara, Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman will chair the Tech Leaders Roundtable that will bring together global technology leaders, including the major Indian IT giants present in Guadalajara. Later, Smt. Sitharaman will also visit the TCS headquarters in Guadalajara — a significant contributor to the Mexican IT ecosystem and known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Mexico with a significant presence of major global IT and tech companies. 

    Smt. Sitharaman will also hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart H.E. Mr. Rogelio Ramirez de la O, Minister of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico. Besides, the Union Finance Minister will also hold discussions with several members of the Mexican Parliament to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and foster economic development.

    In Mexico City, Smt. Sitharaman will deliver a keynote address at the India-Mexico Trade and Investment Summit with participation from key industry captains from both the countries. Separately, Smt. Sitharaman will also engage with leading business figures and industry representatives from Mexico. These meetings with leading business leaders and investors are aimed at highlighting India’s policy priorities, and deliberate on measures to facilitate foreign investment by showcasing India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

    In the last leg of her maiden visit to Mexico, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a community event, being hosted by the Indian diaspora.

    During the official leg of her visit to the USA from 20th to 26th Oct. 2024, Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor (FMCBG) Meetings, besides the G20 Joint Meeting of FMCBGs, Environment Ministers, and Foreign Ministers; and G7 – Africa Ministerial Roundtable.

    In the course of her two-city visit to New York City and Washington D.C., the Union Finance Minister will participate in the Pension Funds Roundtable at New York Stock Exchange; interact with students and faculty at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and also at the Columbia University; and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and take part in discussions organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) respectively.

    The Union Finance Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with several countries, including United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany, besides holding one-on-one meetings with heads of World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and CEOs of banking and financial institutions.

    In a high-level event, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a World Bank Group discussion ‘From Idea to Implementation: New Financial Solutions to Accelerate Development’.

    The Union Finance Minister will also share her thoughts during a discussion on Bretton Woods Institutions (BWI) with other panelists, Mr. Lawrence H. Summers; Mr. Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain; and Ms. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Egypt. The event is organised by the Centre for Global Development (CGD).

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2065036) Visitor Counter : 100

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Day 2 of the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities Workshop Concludes at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The second day (15th October 2024) of 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) workshop happening in Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi, concluded today. There were a number of technical presentations and moderated panel discussion on the regulatory framework of various regulatory agencies across the world.

    Yesterday, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the 19th ICDRA. The event which is being hosted for the first time in India, from 14th – 18th October 2024 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from different WHO member states.

    The purpose of 19th ICDRA is to facilitate focused discussions on quality issues, regulatory reforms and strengthening regulatory systems, safety of medical products, detection, prevention and response to substandard and falsified medical products, access to quality medical products, smart regulation of clinical trials, regulatory collaboration, harmonization, rationalization and reliance, access to new and novel technologies, regulation of novel medical products, regulation of herbal medicines, etc.

    During the workshop, co-moderators, Speakers and panellists from different countries like Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil, Uganda, Tanzania, Netherlands, Canada, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, El Salvador, Nigeria, USA, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Denmark, and India delivered presentations on a range of issues like Access to Medical Products, Quality of Pharmaceutical Starting Materials, Regulation of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products and Replacing, Reducing and Refining dependence on animal studies, Improving Access to Medical Devices (including IVDs) Through Prequalification and Reliance and Prequalification of Medical Products etc. The African Medicines Agency provided update on the operationalisation of the AMA.

    The main objective of the presentations was to discuss the impact of facilitated product introduction pathways on increasing access to medical products. They aimed to promote awareness of the dimensions and impact of issues related to the quality of pharmaceutical starting materials, sharing experiences, approaches, and interventions from regulators and other stakeholders, with a focus on high-risk starting materials. The presentations also sought to promote the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, raise awareness and create opportunities for replacing, reducing, and refining reliance on animal studies, and provide information on the WHO prequalification of IVDs. Additionally, they explained the processes of reliance and recognition through prequalification and the Collaborative Registration Procedure (CRP), while addressing the successes and challenges of implementing reliance for IVD pre-market approval, and promoting the WHO Prequalification of Medicines (WHO PQT).

    The presentations were followed by moderated panel discussions, Q&A sessions and finalization of recommendation/suggestions.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ 2nd Day of ICDRA /15th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2065079) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and Colombia sign Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement to boost film co-production and cultural ties

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

    India and Columbia have signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement which will enable Indian and Colombian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of the film industries of both countries thereby, unfolding a new chapter of collaboration. The agreement was signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and His Excellency Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to India.

    Colombia – 17th Country to sign Audio Visual co-production Agreement with India

    The agreement between India and Columbia is expected to benefit producers from both the countries in pooling their creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources for the co-production. It will also lead to exchange of art and culture and create goodwill among the people of both the countries thereby boosting cultural ties.

    The agreement will also provide an opportunity to create and showcase India’s ‘Soft Power’ and lead to employment generation among artistic, technical and non-technical human resources engaged in film production including post-production and marketing.

    The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan, highlighted the strengthening cultural and cooperative ties between India and Colombia. Speaking on the long-standing relationship, the Minister emphasized India’s diverse and multi-dimensional collaboration with Colombia.

    “India has enjoyed a rich cultural exchange with Colombia over the years. We have cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IIT, health, and culture. The Government of India acknowledges the importance of co-production agreements, a significant step towards fostering international partnerships. Our first co-production agreement was a landmark moment, and we have consistently built on that foundation,” said the Minister.

    The agreement is expected to boost the utilization of Indian locales for shooting. It will increase the visibility/prospects of India as a preferred film shooting destination across the globe and will lead to the inflow of foreign exchange into the country. The agreement will also lead to the transparent funding of Film Production and will boost export of Indian Films into the Columbian Market.

    Audio-visual co-production agreements with various countries

    Earlier, the Government of India had signed similar agreements with the Government of Italian Republic and Government of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 2005, Federal Republic of Germany in 2007, Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil in 2007, Republic of France in 2010, Republic of New Zealand in 2011, Republic of Poland and Republic of Spain in 2012.  More recent agreements were signed with Canada and China in 2014, Republic of Korea in 2015, Bangladesh in 2016, Portugal in 2017, Israel in 2018, Russia in 2019 and Australia in 2023.

    Agreements unlock Government financial aid and support

    The Co-production agreements signed so far seek to achieve economic, cultural and diplomatic goals. For filmmakers, the key attraction of a treaty co-production is that it qualifies as a national production in each of the partner nations and can avail benefits that are available to the local film and television industry in each country. Benefits accruing from such agreements include government financial assistance, tax concessions and inclusion in domestic television broadcast quotas.

    Enhanced financial support for official co productions and foreign productions in India

    India has increased the incentives for film production in India including for coproductions 12 times with the maximum incentive possible being 300 Million Rupees. The incentives scheme for official co-productions offers reimbursement of up to 30% of costs incurred in India, with a maximum of ₹300 Million. Services undertaken in India for Foreign Productions can claim an additional bonus of 5% for showcasing Significant Indian Content subject to a maximum of INR 300 Million. A further 5% can be claimed for employing 15% or more Indian manpower raising the reimbursement to 40% of the expenses.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced about India’s upcoming role as a global platform for the best in cinema, media, and entertainment. “Starting from the 20th of November, India will be hosting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa which will showcase the best cinema from across the world and within India. ” said the Secretary.

    The Secretary also highlighted that in February 2025, India will also be hosting the much-anticipated World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will witness the convergence of traditional broadcasting, films, and new forms of media and entertainment, marking a pivotal moment in the future of the industry.

    Participants from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India –

    I.          Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting

    II.        Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (I&B)

    III.       Ms. Neerja Shekhar, Additional Secretary(I&B)

    IV.       Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films)

    V.        Ms. Shilpa Rao Tanugula, Director, (IIS, IIMC, CRS)

    Participants from Republic of Colombia

    I.          H.E. Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia (Head of Delegation)

    II.        H.E. Dr. Victor H. Echeverri Jaramillo, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to India

    III.       Mr. Juan Carlos Rojas, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Colombia to India

    IV.       Ms. Laura Montejo Espitia, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia

    V.        Ms. Alejandra María Rodríguez, Second Secretary, Embassy of Colombia to India

    VI.       Mrs. Minni Sawhney, Resource person.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tiwari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2065093) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    The Australian Government has launched a landmark new Humanitarian Policy to set the long-term direction and focus for Australia’s humanitarian action to ensure it saves lives, alleviates human suffering, and builds resilient communities.

    Right now, there is more conflict than any time since the Second World War and the worsening impacts of climate change mean Australia’s humanitarian action must be fit for our times and the future.

    The Policy outlines the role Australia will play when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond, and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

    The new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three priorities:

    • Building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur and working with our international partners to lessen their impact;
    • Responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable immediately and in the long-term; and
    • Reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.

    The Policy maintains Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific, where Australia can make the greatest impact, drawing on our strengths and deep relationships.

    Australia will also provide $5 million to support a newly-established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to rapidly respond to escalation in humanitarian needs in complex crises and disasters in our region.

    The launch of the Policy complements the Albanese Government’s global initiative to drive action to protect aid workers in conflict zones, announced at the United Nations last month.

    Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

    “Australia has a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world requires a new approach.

    “The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

    “It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

    “When Australia’s friends and neighbours need help, we respond – just as they have consistently helped Australia in our own times of need.

    “Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes.

    “It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice, while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Does the Commission buy positive reporting? Questions on transparency with regard to media spending – E-001377/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission strives to bring the EU closer to its citizens by informing and engaging them on the role of the EU and EU policies and initiatives, or how EU citizens can make the best of their rights in the EU. To achieve this, it uses a wide range of communication tools. These include public communication campaigns and advertising.

    As part of specific communication actions, the Commission also engages with content creators by providing them with information on EU topics and organising study visits to the EU institutions.

    The Commission’s communication actions involving advertising or work with social media influencers are carried out in full transparency and respect the editorial independence of the media.

    When running advertising campaigns, the Commission adheres to applicable national legislation and uses the transparency tools provided by each media and social media platforms, such as transparency labels and notices.

    As regards political advertising, Regulation (EU) 2024/900 on the transparency and targeting of political advertising[1] sets, among others, new rules on labelling and transparency notices, including to provide information about the sponsor of the political advertising, the amounts spent and their sources, which will enter fully into application from October 2025.

    The Commission provides financing in the limit of the authorised appropriations for this purpose in accordance with the rules under the Financial Regulation[2].

    In the period 2021-2023, the Commission had an annual budget of EUR 30 million used to finance EU-wide corporate communication campaigns, including advertising in media outlets. Recipients of EU funds of EUR 15 000 and above are listed in the Financial Transparency System[3].

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32024R0900
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32018R1046
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘Change the planet, change everything’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    A more recent European Investment Bank deal is the €200 million loan in 2023 to the logistics company CTP to cover its buildings’ rooftops with solar panels.

    This firm has 11 million square metres of rooftops in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Netherlands. CTP hopes to create as much as 400 MWp of capacity by the end of 2026. MWp stands for “megawatt peak,” a measure of the output of power from sunshine. CTP estimates it could generate up to 10% of its profits from solar panels, if the company sells the electricity created from installations on the roofs of all its factories and fulfilment centres.

    “Solar panels on rooftops do not use farmland,” says David González García, a lead engineer at the European Investment Bank. “This project creates a new use on top of something that’s already useful.”

    For sheer size, it’s hard to beat the deal the European Investment Bank approved in 2023 with Solaria, the Spanish solar company. It’s €1.7 billion, to build more than 100 solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The plants will be built over the next few years and produce an estimated 9.29 terawatt hours a year.

    And even though Solaria’s parks won’t sit on rooftops like those of CTP, they won’t eat up all the land that could otherwise be used for farming. Solaria and other installation companies are developing parks that use unobtrusive cabling and mounting systems that sit higher off the ground to let livestock graze safely. This is important for countries like Italy, which has a lot of sun but whose state laws protect arable land.

    “We have to evolve our types of solar installations and our locations to keep growing,” says Lopez, the Solaria general manager. “We have been very successful in Spain and Portugal, but we need to find ways to go to new places. We think Europe is the place to be because it has big goals for green power.”

    Hemetsberger of SolarPower Europe encourages developers to promote “agri-solar” farming. Using 1% of arable land for solar parks in Europe would generate 900 gigawatts of electricity, while allowing farmers to use the same land, she says. The solar parks also can protect crops by shielding them from the harsh sun, reduce water evaporation, and give farmers an extra income.

    MIL OSI Europe News –