NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Hadja Lahbib – Preparedness and Crisis Management; Equality – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Hadja Lahbib a member of the Mouvement reformateur (MR) party, which sits with the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament, has been serving as Belgian minister for foreign affairs, European affairs and foreign trade, and federal cultural institutions since 2022. She was elected as a member of the Parliament of the Brussels Capital Region in 2024 but is currently on leave to fulfil her ministerial duties. Before joining the Belgian government, she co-led the Brussels bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Born in Belgium in 1970 to a family of Algerian Kabyle origin, Lahbib obtained a master’s degree in journalism and communication from the Université Libre de Bruxelles. She then worked as a journalist and presenter for Belgium’s French-speaking public broadcasting company and other broadcasters, where she gained international experience in covering conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. She produced several documentaries to highlight injustices, especially those against women in Afghanistan, Kenya and Belgium.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Ekaterina Zaharieva – Start-ups, Research and Innovation – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Ekaterina Zaharieva is currently a member of the Bulgarian National Assembly, representing the Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party (EPP). Having served in several Bulgarian governments, Zaharieva held the dual position of deputy prime minister for judicial reform and minister of foreign affairs from 2017 to 2021. Earlier, she served as minister of justice from 2015 to 2017, as deputy prime minister for economic policy and minister of regional developments and public works in 2013 and 2014, and as deputy minister of regional development and public works from 2009 to 2011. Between 2011 and 2015, she acted as head of cabinet and secretary general to the President of the Republic of Bulgaria. After earning a master’s degree in law from Paisii Hilendarski University in Plovdiv, Zaharieva had followed a career as a lawyer, and then as a civil servant from 2017 to 2021. Zaharieva was born in Pazardzhik, Bulgaria, in 1975. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Glenn Micallef – Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    From 2020 to June 2024, Glenn Micallef served as the head of the Secretariat of the Maltese Prime Minister, Robert Abela, as well as his adviser on EU affairs, and as Malta’s sherpa at the European Council. Additionally, from 2021 to 2024 he held the position of president of St John’s Co Cathedral Foundation in Malta. Prior to these roles, Micallef worked as a research analyst for the Maltese Ministry for EU Affairs, focusing on the Council of the EU’s competitiveness configuration. He then headed the unit for external relations and preparations for the 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council. Following this, Micallef served as the director-general of Malta’s EU Coordination Department at the Foreign Affairs Ministry from 2017 until 2020. Born in 1989, Micallef graduated from the University of Malta with a degree in commerce and economics. He also holds a master’s degree in European politics, law and economics from the same university. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Jessika Roswall – Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Jessika Roswall is a politician from the Moderate Party in Sweden, affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP). Prior to her nomination for the post of Commissioner, Roswall was Sweden’s minister for European affairs, from October 2022 to September 2024. Between 2010 and 2022, she served as a member of the Swedish Parliament, holding the position of second vice-president of its EU affairs committee from 2019 to 2022. Roswall was also a member of the ‘transparency councils’ of the Swedish Consumer Agency (2015-2018), the County Administrative Board of Uppsala (2016-2022), and the Authority for Work Environment Expertise (2018-2019). Born in 1972 in the county of Uppsala, Jessika Roswall holds a law degree from Uppsala University. After graduating in 2002, she worked as a lawyer for the law firm Wigert & Placht, from 2002 to 2010.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Andrius Kubilius – Defence and Space – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Andrius Kubilius has been a Member of the European Parliament since 2019, where he sits in the European People’s Party (EPP) group. He has served among other things as a member of the AFET and ITRE committees and of the Subcommittee on Human Rights (DROI). He has also served as chair of the delegation to the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly and thus also as a member of the Conference of Delegation Chairs, as well as a member of the delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee. Prior to his time in the European Parliament, he served two terms as Lithuania’s prime minister (from 1999 to 2000 and from 2008 to 2012). From 2003 to 2015, Kubilius chaired the Homeland Union (Lithuanian Christian Democrats) party. From 1992 to 2019, he served as a member of the Republic of Lithuania’s national parliament, the Seimas. When not in government, he had various periods when he held the position of leader of the opposition or first deputy speaker, and also had a spell as chair of the Committee on European Affairs. Andrius Kubilius was born in Vilnius, Lithuania, in 1956. He received a degree in physics from Vilnius State University and completed postgraduate studies there too. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Maria Luís Albuquerque – Financial Services and the Savings and Investments Union – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Since 2022, Maria Luís Albuquerque has been independent non-executive director and a member of the Audit, Risk, and Nomination committees at Morgan Stanley and a member of the Operating Team at Horizon Equity Partners. She has been a member of the ISCTE University Institute of Lisbon’s Executive Education Advisory Board since 2019. Prior to her current roles, she was an independent non-executive director (chair of the Sustainability Committee) at the asset management firm Arrow Global Group (2016-2021), and a member of the High-level forum on the capital markets union, an expert group within the European Commission (2019-2020). In her political career, she has served as an elected member of the Municipal Assembly of Almada (2017-2021), a member of the Portuguese Parliament (2015-2019), minister of state and finance (2013-2015), and deputy minister for the treasury (2011-2013). Before that, she was director of the Department of Financial Management at the Portuguese Rail Infrastructure Company, and head of the Issuing and Markets Department at the Portuguese Debt and Treasury Management Agency. Born in 1967, Maria-Luís Albuquerque holds a master’s degree in financial and monetary economics from the Lisbon School of Financial and Monetary Economics (ISEG), and a degree in economics from the University of Lusíada. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Costas Kadis – Fisheries and Oceans – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Costas (Costantinos) Kadis is a scientist with a solid academic profile who has held ministerial portfolios in health, education and agriculture in various Cypriot governments. Kadis is professor of biodiversity conservation at Frederick University, where he also heads the Nature Conservation Unit and has been appointed as deputy president of the University Council. Between 2014 and 2023, Kadis served in two successive Cypriot governments without belonging to a political party. He was minister for education and culture (2014-2018), and minister for agriculture, rural development and environment (2018-2023). In the latter position, he was also responsible for fisheries and marine research. Born in Nicosia in 1967, Kadis graduated and obtained a PhD in biology from the University of Athens. After several research-related positions in Greece and Cyprus, he joined Frederick University in Cyprus in 2005, where he was appointed associate professor, founded the Nature Conservation Unit, and was Dean of the School of Education. He held these positions until 2014, apart from the period from July 2007 to February 2008 when he served as minister of health (as a member of the centre-right Democratic Party (DIKO). Kadis also chaired the Greek Cypriot Environment Committee from 2008 to 2014 as part of the government’s (unsuccessful) efforts to reunify Cyprus. This work did lead to important environmental cooperation agreements with the Turkish Cypriot community. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Magnus Brunner – Internal Affairs and Migration – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Magnus Brunner has been Austria’s federal minister for finance since December 2021. Prior to this role, he served as a state secretary in the Federal Ministry of Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology from 2020 to 2021. From 2018 to 2020, Brunner was vice-president of the Federal Council of Austria, after having served as a member of this institution from 2009 to 2020. Additionally, he served on the Municipal Council of the Höchst Municipality from 2000 to 2004. From 2009 to 2020 Brunner was a member of the Federal Council of the Austrian People’s Party (ÖVP), affiliated to the European People’s Party (EPP) group in the European Parliament. Brunner’s earlier professional experience includes serving as the political director of the Austrian Economic Association (2002-2005), as well as holding the position of head of corporate development, communication and strategic development at the Austrian energy company Illwerke VKw Group (2006). He was also on the Board of the Austrian energy company OeMAG (2007-2020). Born in 1972, Brunner is a graduate of King’s College London (LLM), the University of Innsbruck and the University of Vienna (where he obtained a PhD in law). This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Dan Jørgensen – Energy and Housing – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Dan Jørgensen has most recently served as Danish Minister for Development Cooperation and Minister for Global Climate Policy. His role has been to oversee Denmark’s international development initiatives and global climate policies, including co-facilitating COP28 climate negotiations and co-chairing a number of working groups and alliances. Jørgensen is a member of the Social Democratic Party in Denmark, which is affiliated to the S&D group in the European Parliament. He has been a member of the Danish parliament since 2015 and previously served as Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, where he co-facilitated COP26 and COP27 negotiations and served as chair of the International Energy Agency’s Global Commission on People-Centred Clean Energy Transitions. Jørgensen was a Member of the European Parliament (2004-2013), where he served as vice-chair of the Committee on Environment, president of the Animal Welfare Intergroup and head of the Danish delegation of Social Democrats (2009-2013). Born in 1975, Jørgensen holds a master’s degree in political science from Aarhus University. His professional career also includes academic positions as adjunct professor and external lecturer. This is one of a set of briefings designed to give an overview of issues of interest relating to the portfolios of the Commissioners designate. All these briefings can be found at: https://epthinktank.eu/commissioner_hearings_2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Christophe Hansen – Agriculture and Food – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Christophe Hansen was re-elected as a Member of the European Parliament in June 2024 where he sits in the EPP group and is currently a member of the Committees for International Trade, Employment and Social Affairs, and Transport and Tourism. In the previous parliamentary term, Hansen sat on the Committee on International Trade and the Subcommittee on Tax Matters. He also served as Quaestor for a year, before stepping down after being elected to the Luxembourg Parliament in October 2023. In 2014, Hansen joined the Luxembourg Permanent Representation to the EU, chaired the Council of the EU’s Working Party on the Environment during the Luxembourg Presidency (July-December 2015), and served as an economic and commercial attaché at the Luxembourg Embassy in Brussels. From March 2017 to August 2018, Hansen represented Luxembourg in the European Economic and Social Committee. From 2007 to 2014, he had worked in the European Parliament as a political adviser to the centre-right MEP Astrid Lulling on agriculture, the environment, and economic and monetary affairs. Christophe Hansen was born in 1982 in Wiltz, Luxembourg. He earned a master’s degree in geosciences, environmental sciences and risk management from Louis Pasteur University in Strasbourg in 2007.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Confirmation hearings of the Commissioners-designate: Dubravka Šuica – Mediterranean – 15-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Dubravka Šuica has served as a Member of the European Commission and Vice-President for Demography and Democracy since 2019. She was also the co-chair of the Conference on the Future of Europe. From 2013 to 2019, Šuica was a Member of the European Parliament, where she focused on issues relating to the environment, public health and food safety, and foreign affairs. In 2019, she was a vice-chair of the European People’s Party Group in the European Parliament. As a member of the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), Šuica served three terms in the Croatian Parliament, from 2000 until 2011, also holding the position of vice-chair of the EU Integration Committee. From 2001 to 2009, Šuica served two terms as the first female mayor of Dubrovnik, her hometown. In 2006, she was honoured with the World Mayor Award. From 2004 to 2009, Šuica was a board member of the Union of the Association of Towns and Municipalities of Croatia. She later served as a councillor on the Dubrovnik-Neretva County Assembly. She also served as the president of the Croatian Delegation to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe for a decade. Since 2012, she has chaired the HDZ Committee on Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, and has been the vice-president of EPP Women. Born in 1957, Šuica graduated in English and German language and literature. She started her career in education, first as a teacher and later as director of Dubrovnik High School.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent activation of the EU Solidarity Fund for Madeira – P-001692/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF)[1] can only be activated at the request of Portugal which has a deadline of 12 weeks as from the first damage occurred, demonstrating that the total direct damage exceeds the thresholds specified in Article 2 Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002. The EUSF may cover a part of the costs for emergency and recovery operations incurred by public authorities[2]. Pursuant to Article 2(3) of the above Regulation, the EUSF may provide support to outermost regions in cases of ‘regional natural disasters’ if the direct damage exceeds 1% of the concerned region’s gross domestic product (instead of the normally applicable excess of 1.5% of direct damage).

    Support is also available under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[3] for prevention, restoration and resilience against fires, with a planned amount in Madeira of EUR 36.6 million for 2014-2022, and EUR 11.9 million for 2023-2027.

    2. In its communication on the Outermost regions[4], the Commission has committed itself to supporting actions on risk prevention and resilience as regards natural disasters, fostering knowledge exchange and giving due consideration when implementing the EUSF. The Commission is also fully committed to offer all possible support to Portugal and the outermost regions, including Madeira, in its fight against the wildfires.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 2012/2002 of 11 November 2002 establishing the European Union Solidarity Fund (OJ L 311, 14.11.2002, p. 3) as amended by Regulation (EU) No 661/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council of 15 May 2014 (OJ L 189, 27.6.2014, p. 143) and by Regulation (EU) 2020/461 of the European Parliament and the Council of 30 March 2020 (OJ L 99, 31.3.2020, p. 9). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:32002R2012
    • [2] This means, for example, the recovery of essential infrastructure, provision of temporary accommodation to the population, cleaning-up operations, and protection of the cultural heritage.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435/1, 6.12.2021.
    • [4] COM(2022) 198 final.
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The Batteries Regulation – P-001565/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The powers conferred on the Commission to adopt delegated and implementing acts and the detailed requirements in terms of the subject, scope and timing of those acts are laid down in the Batteries Regulation[1].

    In adopting implementing acts the Commission is assisted by the committee established by Article 39 of Directive 2008/98/EC[2] (code C37000[3]). As regards delegated acts, the Commission consults the expert group on waste (code E03343[4]).

    Drafts of the delegated act on the calculation and verification of the carbon footprint of electric vehicle batteries and of the implementing act for the carbon footprint declaration were published for public feedback[5] on 30 April 2024.

    Following a dedicated meeting of the expert group and of the committee on 11 July 2024, the Commission is currently analysing the way forward in view of their adoption pursuant to Article 7 of the regulation .

    A draft delegated act on the calculation and verification of rates for recycling efficiency and recovery of materials pursuant to Article 71 of the regulation was published for public feedback[6] on 20 September 2024. This act is due to be adopted by February 2025.

    The Commission is also preparing implementing acts establishing rules for harmonised application of the labelling requirements for batteries pursuant to Articles 13 and 7, and the format for reporting on waste batteries pursuant to Article 76 of the regulation. These acts are due to be adopted by August 2025.

    Further work on secondary legislation, for example related to the collection of waste batteries and to recycled content in new batteries, is at early preparatory stages.

    The Commission will continue to carry out appropriate consultations during its preparatory work to implement the regulation.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries, amending Directive 2008/98/EC and Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and repealing Directive 2006/66/EC, OJ L 191, 28.7.2023, p. 1-117.
    • [2] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/comitology-register/screen/committees/C37000/consult
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/expert-groups/consult?lang=en&groupID=3343
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13877-Batteries-for-electric-vehicles-carbon-footprint-methodology_en and https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/13878-Batteries-format-of-carbon-footprint-declaration_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14265-Calculation-and-verification-methodology-of-rates-for-recycling-efficiency-and-recovery-of-materials-of-waste-batteries_en
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Water scarcity is causing serious problems in many parts of Greece – E-001474/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Neither the Water Framework Directive[1], the Drinking Water Directive[2] nor the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive[3] establishes whether the management and supply of water should be done by the public administration or by private entities. Moreover, Article 12 of Directive 2014/23[4] explicitly excludes the water sector from its scope, leaving the organisation and governance of water services a matter of national competence.

    2. Greece is a major beneficiary of EU funding including for water infrastructures. Cohesion Policy[5] supports Greece with more than EUR 1 billion to modernise infrastructures including water transportation and wastewater treatment plants. For instance, in November 2022 Greece received EUR 21.1 million from the Cohesion Policy Funds[6] for upgrading its water infrastructures. Moreover, the European Regional Development Fund[7] and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development[8] also co-fund measures in Greece to improve regional water infrastructures. Importantly, the selection of projects under all these funds remains ultimately the responsibility of each Member State. Within Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP)[9], a water regulatory authority has been established with the aim to strengthen the institutional framework, supervise the water sector and ensure the sustainability of water services, while Greece benefits from RRP funding for water supply and water saving infrastructures. Greece also participates in several research and innovation projects of Horizon Europe[10] for water resilience like ‘Water Security for the Planet’[11], ‘PRIMA’[12] and ‘A Soil Deal for Europe’[13].

    • [1] Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32-35.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (recast), OJ L 435, 23.12.2020, p. 1-62.
    • [3] Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste-water treatment, OJ L 135, 30.5.1991, p. 40-52.
    • [4] Directive 2014/23/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 February 2014 on the award of concession contracts, OJ L 94, 28.3.2014, p. 1-64.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/cohesion-fund_en
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en
    • [8] Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 2 December 2021 establishing rules on support for strategic plans to be drawn up by Member States under the common agricultural policy (CAP Strategic Plans) and financed by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) and by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1305/2013 and (EU) No 1307/2013, OJ L 435/1, 6.12.2021.
    • [9] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/greeces-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en
    • [10] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
    • [11] https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/
    • [12] https://prima-med.org/
    • [13] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/soil-deal-europe_en
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov met with the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Urals Federal District Artem Zhoga

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Denis Manturov met with the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Urals Federal District Artem Zhoga

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov held a meeting with the Plenipotentiary Representative of the President of Russia in the Urals Federal District Artem Zhoga. The meeting discussed issues of industrial development in the Urals, as well as increasing the efficiency of defense industry enterprises in the district.

    Let us recall that Denis Manturov is the curator of the Urals Federal District in the Government. Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Artem Zhoga as his plenipotentiary representative in the macro-region on October 2, 2024. Previously, this post was held by Vladimir Yakushev.

    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/52995/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Launch of the new Entry/Exit System (EES) – P-002000/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002000/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Assita Kanko (ECR)

    On 3 September 2024, the Commissioner for Home Affairs announced that the new Entry/Exit System (EES) would finally launch on 10 November 2024.

    The EES Regulation[1] stipulates that the Commission should set an operation launch date only when eu-Lisa has declared the successful completion of a comprehensive test in cooperation with the Member States, and after the Member States have declared their readiness.

    As the launch of EES will challenge border infrastructure and is likely to increase traveller processing times, at least initially, any lack of preparedness may lead to long queues and disruption. While I fully agree that EES should be put in place as soon as possible to enhance security, everything should be done to avoid negatively affecting legitimate travellers who contribute to our economy and transport sector.

    I understand that three Member States have not yet declared their readiness. I also understand that the Commission is considering a partial launch of EES, which would be limited to the Member States that have declared their readiness.

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that a full EU-wide launch will only happen when the required legal conditions are in place?
    • 2.Can the Commission explain what a partial launch would look like?
    • 3.Can the Commission confirm that contingency plans are in place should the launch of EES present difficulties, including excessive delays, for travellers?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2017/2226 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 November 2017 establishing an Entry/Exit System (EES) to register entry and exit data and refusal of entry data of third-country nationals crossing the external borders of the Member States and determining the conditions for access to the EES for law enforcement purposes, and amending the Convention implementing the Schengen Agreement and Regulations (EC) No 767/2008 and (EU) No 1077/2011 (OJ L 327, 9.12.2017, p. 20, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2226/oj).
    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement on the competitiveness of EU companies – E-001988/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001988/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE)

    France’s opposition to the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement is justified. This draft agreement poses a serious threat to our food and environmental sovereignty. We have to protect our farmers against products that do not comply with the standards applied within Europe.

    There are also legitimate concerns about the agreement’s impact on the competitiveness of EU firms and fairness in international trade. This agreement could distort competition as a result of the discrepancy in the social and environmental standards in the two regions. Allowing products that do not meet our standards to enter the EU would weaken our farmers and the most vulnerable sectors.

    The competitiveness of EU firms is thus at risk from products from countries where the social and environmental standards are much less rigorous. Competition with less regulated countries undermines our competitiveness and the economic balance in the EU, irrespective of the repeated assurances from the Commission, which appear to be insufficient.

    In view of this:

    • 1.How will the Commission assess and prevent the economic and social impact of the EU-Mercosur free trade agreement on the vulnerable sectors of the EU economy?
    • 2.What steps will it take to support our producers who are at risk from distortions of competition?

    Submitted: 8.10.2024

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mission Possible: How Doctors at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station Save Patients

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    A car with a red cross and flashing lights, a siren on, doctors and paramedics in blue uniforms – the ambulance service rushes to patients in the most urgent situations, when minutes count, and the price of delay can be human life. The fast and efficient work of one of the most important city services is ensured by its complex and well-thought-out structure.

    In anticipation of the 105th anniversary of Moscow’s ambulance service, which is celebrated on October 15, a mos.ru correspondent spoke with employees Stations of emergency and urgent medical care (SS and NMP) named after A.S. Puchkov and learned how the professionalism and dedication of doctors, combined with advanced technologies, save lives.

    Smart algorithms help process calls

    On October 15, 1919, a team of Moscow doctors went out for the first time to a patient with a broken leg. This date is considered the founding day of the Moscow ambulance service, which at that time occupied three rooms in the left wing of the Sheremetyevo Hospital (today, the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency Care. — Ed.). At that time, the service employed 15 doctors, 30 orderlies, and two service telephones.

    Today, more than a thousand medical teams make daily trips to the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station. By dialing 103 or the 112 system, anyone can contact the single city dispatch center, where more than 60 dispatchers work around the clock. The response time to a call is three to four seconds – and after the request is processed, a team of doctors is sent to the patient.

    “Since 2017, we have been transitioning to a single center for receiving ambulance calls. Depending on the workload, for example, during peaks of seasonal illnesses, we connect additional operators to process calls faster. The system allows us to analyze calls using elements of artificial intelligence to determine whether an ambulance team is really needed, and if so, what kind of ambulance it is — emergency or urgent. This data is very helpful in our work,” says Georgy Vvedensky, Deputy Chief Physician of the A.S. Puchkov SS and NMP for medical affairs, Honored Healthcare Worker of Russia and laureate of the Moscow City Prize in Medicine.

    The digitalization of the Moscow ambulance service and its integration with the Unified Medical Information and Analytical System (EMIAS) have simplified the work of doctors and made it even faster. Now specialists can review the patient’s medical history on the way to him. To do this, they use digital tablets. After examining and providing first aid, doctors enter data into the system, which is available in the electronic medical record for both the attending physicians and the patients. If a person is hospitalized, information about his condition is transmitted to the hospital online. It is seen by specialists in the admissions department. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, doctors can begin preparing for his arrival in advance. This is especially important when every minute counts.

    Morozov Hospital Cardiac Surgeons Save Child with Complex Congenital Heart DefectMoscow doctors have developed a technique for diagnosing childhood strokes — Sobyanin

    A miracle happens every day

    All Moscow ambulances are equipped with modern equipment. The teams have a defibrillator-monitor with a capnometry function, a portable compressor inhaler, an electrocardiograph, an artificial lung ventilation device and many medical drugs. And a tablet connected to the information system allows you to quickly select a hospital with available operating rooms, angiographs, etc.

    “Over the past few years, the working conditions of doctors and the approach to providing emergency care to patients have changed. Modern equipment, ambulances and advanced information services have appeared. Recently opened flagship centers and admission departments of multidisciplinary hospitals operate according to the new standard of emergency care. If before the patient was taken to the hospital and there might not be any available equipment, now we know where it is. As a result, we manage to save many more lives,” continues Georgy Vvedensky.

    Georgy Vvedensky began his career as a nurse in his second year at the medical institute. Today, at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station, he oversees the most important issues – from organizational to modernization and digitalization projects.

    “Almost every day we see fantastic stories of rescue, when ambulance crews take very seriously ill patients, sometimes in a state of clinical death, and thanks to special equipment they take them to the operating room, where doctors bring them back to life. This can truly be compared to a miracle,” says Georgy Vvedensky.

    A Profession by Inheritance. A Surgeon at the V.M. Buyanov Hospital on How Work Becomes a CallingSobyanin: Grants from the city accelerate the development of new methods of treating patients

    Medical teams are advised by the best experts

    Specialists from the City Advisory Center for Anesthesiology and Resuscitation, a center for critical conditions founded in 2021, help doctors save patients. They provide online consultations to ambulance crews and doctors from the intensive care and intensive care units of hospitals, and also monitor patients in serious condition. One of the founders of the center is Petr Davydov, Deputy Chief Physician for Medical Affairs and Curator of the Resuscitation Service of the A.S. Puchkov SS and NMP.

    “The Critical Conditions Center was conceived as a platform where emergency or hospital doctors can seek advice in particularly severe cases. The most competent medical professionals from the capital’s hospitals and the best emergency medical workers work there. We monitor severe calls, and in such cases, the center’s specialists connect with medical teams, analyze extracts, tests, images, and research data that are uploaded to EMIAS, and then offer the necessary solutions,” says Petr Davydov.

    Anesthesiologist-resuscitator Petr Davydov has been working in emergency services for 15 years, he is one of the best specialists in his field. The mos.ru interviewee chose his profession in childhood, inspired by the example of his relatives.

    “I remember one of the first cases – I had just learned how to do tracheal intubation. A car hit a young man on Maryinsky Park Street, he received severe injuries. I arrived on call and used this method to provide artificial ventilation, administered painkillers and hemostatic drugs, and then we took him to the hospital. A few months later, a guy came to my work and said that he was the same patient whose life I saved. This made an indelible impression on me, a young doctor at the time. And subsequently, I could no longer work with less dedication than on that day,” recalls Pyotr Davydov.

    Sobyanin: Vascular centers received 8 angiographs with 3D modeling functionNeural networks helped the capital’s radiologists process 13 million studies

    A special medical team is rushing to help

    Petr Davydov is one of the leading specialists in Moscow working in the extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) team. The professionals have unique equipment at their disposal, which can be compared to an artificial heart and lungs inside an ambulance. Advanced technologies help save the lives of patients whose blood circulation has stopped. Through cannulas inserted into the large vessels and vena cava of the patient, with the help of pumps, blood is pumped through an oxygenator, saturating it with oxygen.

    The first ECMO ambulance team appeared in Moscow in January 2022.

    “In recent years, the Moscow ambulance system has undergone dramatic changes. Thanks to digitalization, we can obtain information about the patient and pass it on to our colleagues in the hospital. The equipment inside the salons is regularly updated. In each district of Moscow, resuscitation teams work at ambulance substations. They are considered a medical special squad,” says Pyotr Davydov.

    As little time as possible should pass from the arrival of the resuscitation team to the patient’s hospitalization, during which time doctors need to have time to carry out intensive therapy and stabilize the person’s condition.

    “The main quality of an ambulance worker is the desire for constant development. A good doctor must analyze each case, improve their knowledge and identify inaccuracies in order to avoid them in the future. Stress resistance is formed together with professionalism, when you clearly know how you will act in a given situation,” the anesthesiologist-resuscitator believes.

    The plans at the A.S. Puchkov Emergency and Urgent Medical Care Station include the development of digital technologies. With their help, more and more results of examinations conducted by doctors and other patient data will be sent online to the critical care center and hospitals.

    Moscow has been digitalizing its healthcare system for over 10 years. The basis of this process is a single digital platform, which is being developed jointly by the Moscow Social Development Complex and the capital’s Department of Information TechnologyIt allows for personalized care of each patient at all stages – from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up.

    A large formation was removed from a patient’s heart at the N.V. Sklifosovsky Research Institute of Emergency CareRobotic surgeons, transplantation and research. How Botkin Hospital became a scientific and clinical centerSergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of high-tech medical care for children in Moscow

    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://vvv.mos.ru/nevs/item/145254073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Elafibranor approved to treat adults with a rare liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved elafibranor (Iqirvo) to treat adult patients with a rare type of liver disease known as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

    PBC is a type of chronic liver disease in which the small bile ducts in the liver become injured and inflamed and are eventually destroyed. Where there are damaged bile ducts, bile builds up and causes liver damage. This disease can get gradually worse over time and without treatment may lead to liver failure.

    Elafibranor helps to improve how the liver works by reducing the amount of bile acids the liver produces and reducing the build-up of bile. It also acts by reducing inflammation of the liver.

    The recommended dose is one tablet, once a day, at about the same time each day for adult patients. Elafibranor may be given by itself or together with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA).

    Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:

    Enabling safe access to high quality, safe and effective medicines is a key priority for us.

    We’re assured that the appropriate regulatory standards of safety, quality and effectiveness for the approval of this new formulation have been met.

    As with all products, we will keep its safety under close review. 

    The MHRA’s approval of the medicine is supported by evidence from a placebo-controlled main study involving 161 adults with PBC, the majority of whom had been taking UDCA for at least one year and continued taking it during the study (though some had stopped taking due to side effects).

    The measure of effectiveness was based on the number of patients whose blood levels of the substances Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (markers of liver damage) decreased to a level considered normal (for both ALP and bilirubin) and by at least 15% (for ALP) after 1 year of treatment.

    The study showed that elafibranor was more effective than placebo at reducing the blood levels of ALP and bilirubin. Overall, levels decreased by the required amount in around 51% (55 out of 108) of patients treated with elafibranor, compared with around 4% (2 out of 53) of patients on placebo.

    A full list of all side effects reported with this medicine is available in the patient information leaflet or from the product information published on the MHRA website. 

    If a patient experiences any side effects, they should talk to their doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the product information leaflets.

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA’s Yellow Card scheme.

    ENDS

    Notes to editors  

    • The new marketing authorisation was granted for elafibranor (Iqirvo) on 04 October 2024 to Ipsen Ltd via National Procedure.
    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Removal of hereditary peers from Parliament moves a step closer with Second Reading in the House of Commons

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The landmark legislation will remove the right of the remaining 92 hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and is the largest constitutional reform to the UK Parliament in a quarter of a century

    • Bill will deliver largest constitutional change to Parliament in a quarter of a century
    • Removal of hereditary peers is an important step in creating a second chamber more reflective of modern Britain, inclusive of women and those from diverse backgrounds
    • The UK is one of two countries with a hereditary element to its Parliament

    Today [Tuesday 15 October] the House of Lords (Hereditary Peers) Bill moves a step closer to becoming law with its Second Reading in the House of Commons. 

    The landmark legislation will remove the right of the remaining 92 hereditary peers to sit and vote in the House of Lords and is the largest constitutional reform to the UK Parliament in a quarter of a century. 

    This Bill is the first step in delivering the manifesto commitment to update the UK’s constitution, delivering long overdue and essential reform to the heart of Westminster. 

    The UK remains one of just two countries in the world with a hereditary element in its legislature. The first steps to ending this were taken in 1999 when most hereditary peers lost their right to sit in the House of Lords under the House of Lords Act 1999. This new Bill, introduced last month, will complete that process and will be the first step in wider reform of the House of Lords.

    Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Paymaster General & Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, said:

    The Government’s commitment to reform the House of Lords is demonstrated by taking action in the first 100 days of governing. It is indefensible that, in the twenty-first century, there are seats in our legislature allocated by an accident of birth. This is a long-overdue reform and a progressive first step on the road of change.

    To maintain trust in our democratic institutions it is important our second chamber reflects modern Britain.

    Baroness Smith of Basildon, Leader of the House of Lords, said:

    The Government is determined to deliver on its promise to reform the House of Lords. Given the ambitious scale of reform it is right we consult on proposals, taking a phased and pragmatic approach to ensure change is delivered.

    Should the Bill pass its Second Reading today it will then progress to Committee Stage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Turkey: British Embassy Bilateral Programme Fund

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The call for bids under The British Embassy Bilateral Programme is now open

    The British Embassy in Ankara invites eligible organisations to submit project proposals for funding under the Bilateral Programme Fund. A total of £100,000 is available for projects in two thematic areas, with £50,000 allocated to each:

    Women and Girls Thematic Area

    • Improved Access to Education and Skills Training
    • Economic Empowerment

    Social Foundations Thematic Area

    • Improved Media Capacity and Training of Journalists
    • Greater Public Awareness of Climate and Gender Issues
    • Strengthened Civic Space

    Eligibility and Guidelines

    We are seeking proposals from NGOs, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and other relevant partners that align with the objectives of the Fund’s strategic priorities. Projects should demonstrate clear impact, measurable outcomes, and strong value for money.

    Given the limited time for implementation, applicants must adhere to the following deadlines:

    • Proposal Submission Deadline: 31 October 2024
    • Spending Requirement: At least 80% of the allocated funds must be spent by 31 December 2024

    Projects with innovative approaches, strategic partnerships, or pilot initiatives with the potential for scale-up are particularly encouraged to apply.

    How to Apply

    Please submit your proposals, using the required format (below), to bef.projects@fcdo.gov.uk by 31 October 2024. Late applications will not be considered.

    Contact Information

    For inquiries or further details, please contact us at bef.projects@fcdo.gov.uk

    British Embassy Bilateral Programme Fund

    Annexes:

    Annex_1_-_British_Embassy_Bilateral_Programme_-_Bidding_Guidance

    ODT, 12.9 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Annex 2 – Project Proposal Form above £10k

    ODT, 61.1 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Annex 3 – Activity Based Budget Template

    ODS, 10 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Annex 4 – Due Diligence Questionnaire

    ODT, 76.2 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: The Eclipse Foundation Releases the 2024 Jakarta EE Developer Survey Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRUSSELS, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Eclipse Foundation, one of the world’s largest open source software foundations, today announced the availability of the 2024 Jakarta EE Developer Survey Report, the industry’s most prominent survey for technical insights into enterprise Java. The results showcase a significantly increased growth in the use of Jakarta EE and a growing interest in cloud native Java overall. The 2024 Jakarta EE Developer Survey Report can be downloaded in its entirety here.

    “The growing adoption of Jakarta EE and cloud native Java technologies shows that the enterprise Java ecosystem continues to evolve in line with modern development practices,” said Mike Milinkovich, executive director of the Eclipse Foundation. “With Jakarta EE 11 on the horizon, we are committed to delivering innovations that align with the evolving needs of the enterprise Java ecosystem.”

    Now in its seventh year, the Jakarta EE Developer Survey continues to be a vital resource for understanding developer needs, preferences, and trends within the Java ecosystem. It also offers business leaders valuable insights into the evolving landscape of cloud native enterprise Java, helping them shape their strategies. Conducted from March 19 to May 31, 2024, the survey gathered insights from 1409 participants, providing a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of enterprise Java.

    Key findings from the 2024 survey include:

    • Spring/Spring Boot remains the leading Java framework for cloud native applications, while Jakarta EE and MicroProfile have seen notable growth.
    • Jakarta EE adoption continues to rise, with 32% of respondents having migrated (up from 26% in 2023).
    • Jakarta EE 10 adoption has doubled to 34%, indicating a strong shift towards newer versions, while usage of Java EE 8 has declined from 46% to 40%.
    • Interest in aligning Jakarta EE with Java SE innovations, such as Records and Virtual Threads, has also grown (37%, up from 30% in 2023).
    • The top five priorities for the Jakarta EE community include better support for Kubernetes, microservices, adapting to Java SE innovations, support for testing improvements, and faster innovation.

    The Jakarta EE community welcomes contributions and participation from individuals and organisations alike. With the Jakarta EE Working Group hard at work on the upcoming Jakarta EE 11 release, which includes innovative cloud native features, there’s no better time to join this vibrant community and make your voice heard. Get involved and connect with the global community by visiting us here.

    For organisations that rely on enterprise Java, the Jakarta EE Working Group offers a unique opportunity to shape its future. Membership not only supports the community’s sustainability but also provides access to marketing initiatives and direct engagement with key contributors. Explore the benefits of membership here.

    Quotes from Jakarta EE Working Group Member Organizations

    IBM

    “Jakarta EE continues its drive to deliver innovation developers can use as shown by its widespread and increasing adoption,” said Ian Robinson, CTO IBM Application Runtimes. “With a combination of standard APIs and operational efficiency in our Liberty runtime and tooling, IBM is bringing complete Jakarta EE compatibility and production support, along with MicroProfile, making it ideal for cloud native applications.”

    Microsoft

    “We are glad to see the Java ecosystem continue to remain vibrant, including both Spring and Jakarta EE,” said Scott Hunter, Microsoft VP of Product, Azure Developer Experience. “We are especially proud to play a key role in the upcoming Jakarta EE 11 release alongside our partners Oracle, IBM, Red Hat, and Broadcom.”

    Oracle

    “The survey shows growing adoption of and interest in Jakarta EE and MicroProfile technologies, along with the latest Java versions, in microservices and hybrid architectures, across multiple clouds, with AI integration,” said Tom Snyder, VP of Engineering, Oracle Enterprise Cloud Native Java. “Oracle’s investments in WebLogic Server, Helidon, Coherence, Java and AI are aligned with these trends. We’re excited to be working with the community to build future generations of enterprise Java.”

    Payara

    “Payara strongly believes that Jakarta EE offers an ideal platform to support the development of future-proof, forward-looking applications, and the 2024 Jakarta EE Developer Survey Report reaffirms this vision,” said Steve Millidge, CEO and Founder at Payara Services. “The growing adoption of Jakarta EE, especially with the upcoming Jakarta EE 11 and the creation of the Jakarta EE Future Directions Interest Group, underscores its ability to evolve and meet the ever-changing demands of modern enterprise environments. Payara is committed to supporting Jakarta EE’s evolution, as we see its flexibility, standardisation, and vendor-neutrality as key enablers for developers building the cloud native, scalable, and interoperable applications of the future.”

    About the Eclipse Foundation
    The Eclipse Foundation provides our global community of individuals and organisations with a business-friendly environment for open source software collaboration and innovation. We host the Eclipse IDE, Adoptium, Software Defined Vehicle, Jakarta EE, and over 420 open source projects, including runtimes, tools, specifications, and frameworks for cloud and edge applications, IoT, AI, automotive, systems engineering, open processor designs, and many others. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, the Eclipse Foundation is an international non-profit association supported by over 385 members. Visit us at this year’s Open Community Experience (OCX) conference on 22-24 October 2024 in Mainz, Germany. To learn more, follow us on social media @EclipseFdn, LinkedIn, or visit eclipse.org.

    Third-party trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    Media contacts:
    Schwartz Public Relations for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBL (Germany)
    Gloria Huppert/Marita Bäumer
    Sendlinger Straße 42A
    80331 Munich
    EclipseFoundation@schwartzpr.de
    +49 (89) 211 871 -70/ -62

    Nichols Communications for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBL
    Jay Nichols
    jay@nicholscomm.com
    +1 408-772-1551

    514 Media Ltd for the Eclipse Foundation, AISBL (France, Italy, Spain)
    Benoit Simoneau
    benoit@514-media.com
    M: +44 (0) 7891 920 370

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Detectives investigate blackmail offences targeting Chinese community

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating a series of blackmail offences affecting the Chinese community in Islington have released images of people they want to identify and speak with.

    Since January, a number of victims have been approached in the areas around Chapel Market and Liverpool Road by suspects who asked if they knew a doctor before demanding they withdraw large quantities of money from nearby ATMs. The victims were told that if they refused, their family members would “mysteriously” get hurt in the coming days.

    Detective Constable Paulo Roberts, leading this investigation, said: “These incidents left the victims incredibly shaken and we know it has caused huge concern within the Chinese community.”

    “I want to assure local people that extensive enquiries have been conducted, and our work is still ongoing. The images we have are good quality and I am sure there is someone out there who will recognise these individuals.”

    Anyone who has information about people pictured should report online, dial 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 3232/14OCT24.

    To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces capital’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced that the capital’s annual Diwali on the Square celebrations will return to Trafalgar Square on Sunday 27 October.

    The free family-friendly celebration of the Festival of Lights will bring together Londoners and visitors in the heart of the capital to enjoy a fantastic programme of dance, music, activities and food from 1-7pm.

    Delivered in partnership with the volunteer-led Diwali in London committee, and supported by headline sponsor Remitly, the event will showcase the very best of culture from London’s Hindu, Sikh and Jain communities.

    The afternoon opens with a burst of colour and music as 200 traditionally dressed dancers are set to perform in the centre of Trafalgar Square.

    There will be a variety of market stalls and free, family-friendly activities to enjoy. These includes dance workshops, yoga and meditation, comedy from Soho Theatre, Sari and Turban tying and the Glimpse of Goddesses stall where visitors can find out more about Hindu goddesses. New this year is the Bhajan singing space where groups will perform throughout the day.

    Visitors can also enjoy South Asian food, with a range of caterers serving up delicious traditional and fusion vegan and vegetarian cuisine.  

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Diwali on the Square is a fantastic family celebration of light and colour. It brings together Londoners and visitors of all backgrounds to mark the symbolic victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance with a packed programme of entertainment. As global tensions continue to affect us all, Diwali’s central messages of peace and hope are more pertinent than ever. By uniting to celebrate our diversity, we are showing why our capital is the greatest city in the world, as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

    Parul Jani, of the Brahmin Society North London, and Chair of Diwali in London Committee 2024, said: “On our 23rd year of Diwali on Trafalgar Square, always supported by the Mayor of London, wishing everyone a very Happy Diwali right from the heart. Jai Siya Ram.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rosneft has developed a tabletop “monopoly” for training oil workers

    MILES AXLE Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Specialists from the Rosneft Research Institute in Ufa have developed a board game to train workers in the oil and gas industry. Participants in the “oil monopoly” go through all stages of field development, from prospecting and exploration to design and commissioning.

    The integrated modeling game is intended for specialists of any level and field, including students.

    The teams’ playing field is divided into three blocks: geology and development, development, and economics. By throwing a die and moving their token around the field, the participant answers questions on the oil and gas business, as well as gets acquainted with Rosneft’s corporate software and makes decisions on the development of their assets. Random events can occur in the game – from changes in tax legislation to the introduction of innovative technologies.

    The winner is the participant or team that develops the deposit with the greatest economic efficiency. Game techniques help improve skills in building an asset development strategy in conditions of market competition and limited resources.

    More than 50 copies of the “oil monopoly” have been transferred to Rosneft perimeter enterprises and third-party oil and gas companies. For training personnel in the oil and gas industry, the game is planned to be transferred to 8 universities in the country, including the Company’s corporate departments at the Ufa State Petroleum Technological University and the Ufa University of Science and Technology.

    At present, specialists from the Ufa Institute are developing a course for teaching specialists and students the rules of the game and are working on the prospect of digitalizing the game for the subsequent creation of an electronic version.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft October 15, 2024

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

    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://vvv.rosneft.ru/press/nevs/item/220913/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Half term activities at The D-Day Story include crafts, Airfix and more

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    This October half term (28 October – 1 November) The D-Day Story is hosting a range of activities for visitors to enjoy.

    On Tuesday 29 and Thursday 31 October, be inspired by the 83-metre Overlord Embroidery. During the Colour, Collage and Create family craft activity you’ll create your own unique artwork to take home. Suitable for ages three plus, it’s free with a museum ticket or annual pass.

    On Wednesday 30 October, the museum will once again welcome the Royal School of Needlework for a family stitch drop-in workshop, where you can learn embroidery stitches with an expert tutor. The D-Day Story is proud of its long-standing partnership with the prestigious Royal School of Needlework, whose members stitched the Overlord Embroidery from 1968 to 1974. Sessions run from 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm, and are free with a museum ticket or annual pass.

    An Airfix extravaganza takes place on Friday 1 November, from 11am to 3pm. Make your own genuine Airfix model to take home in this exclusive event that’s fun for kids aged eight and above. Pass on the model making passion to the next generation, or simply try out a new hobby with help from friendly volunteers. Museum admission cost plus £2 per model. No need to book but arrive early to guarantee your spot.

    Portsmouth City Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “There is so much going on for all the family this half term at The D-Day Story, the UK’s only dedicated museum about the events of D-Day, which are free or very low cost with a museum ticket.”

    Families can also experience the family audio guide together to learn more about the fascinating D-Day objects in the museum and the stories behind those impacted by the events of June 1944. It has been specifically designed with a younger audience in mind but can be experienced by all the family.

    For the full list of events and more information about The D-Day Story, visit http://www.theddaystory.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Magistrates’ Court hosts anti-knife crime event for local London schools

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Around 30 schoolchildren aged between 14 and 16 years took over courtroom 10 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday 14 October 2024, as part of an initiative to highlight the dangers and consequences of carrying and using a knife.

    As well as playing leading roles in a mock trial, the teenagers heard from lawyers, first aiders and campaigners about the impact of knife crime, and what actions they could take to help make our streets safer.

    The event brought together pupils from Chadwell Heath Academy and Winchmore School – two schools in areas of London most affected by knife crime – for an interactive day of learning.

    Heidi Alexander MP, Minister of State for Courts and Legal Services at the Ministry of Justice, joined the students and expressed her support, saying:

    Reducing knife crime is a priority for this government, and today’s event demonstrates the power of collaboration between the justice system, schools, and community organisations to address this issue. It is vital that young people understand the dangers of carrying knives and the devastating impact it can have on families and communities.

    I am incredibly impressed by the dedication of everyone involved in organising this initiative, and I hope it inspires these young people to make positive choices for their futures.

    HMCTS legal adviser, Ian Rawlins, who has been involved for many years in community volunteering to tackle knife crime, was the organiser behind the day. With an impressive line-up of speakers and practical sessions, the day offered students insight into the criminal justice process, support services, the role of law enforcement, and the broader impact of knife crime on lives and communities.

    Toks Adesuyan, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said:

    It’s really important that we contribute to events like this that target and engage young people, not only to inspire future legal and Civil Service careers, but also to educate on the real and devastating consequences of carrying knives.

    Some of the messages we deliver are hard-hitting, but if that means we’ve helped to divert young people away from knife crime, then we must continue to provide platforms for education in order to reduce the prevalence of violence amongst children and young adults.

    Speakers inspire and educate

    The event featured a range of expert speakers, who engaged the students with powerful talks and practical tips about community support, first aid, and self-empowerment when it comes to reducing violence among young people.

    Speakers included:

    • Tan Ikram CBE DL, the Deputy Senior District Judge, who addressed students on the importance of understanding and respecting the law
    • Toks Adesuyan, Senior District Crown Prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, who spoke about their role in the criminal justice process
    • Saj Hussain, Detective Superintendent at the Metropolitan Police, who explained the role of the police in attempting to reduce knife crime and the steps they take when suspecting someone of knife-related offences
    • Fadi Daoud, Crime Partner at Lawrence and Co. Solicitors, who spoke about the role of a defence solicitor in representing a person accused of a criminal offence
    • The High Sheriff of Greater London, Millicent Grant KC, who explained her personal and professional experiences of the criminal justice system
    • Anti-knife crime charity Steel Warriors, which provided real-world perspectives on how knife crime can harm lives and communities
    • Street Doctors, who aim to put young people at the centre of emergency first-aid provision
    • Representatives from the Ben Kinsella Trust, a charity that aims to tackle knife crime through education and campaigning

    Students also had the opportunity to speak to professional footballer Kayne Ramsey of Charlton Athletic Football Club about following personal goals and avoiding violent crime.

    Mock trial sees teenagers take over courtroom 10

    A highlight of the day was a mock trial, organised by the National Justice Museum, in which students took on the roles of legal professionals, judges and others involved in a criminal court hearing. Through this hands-on experience, they gained a better understanding of the justice system and the consequences of breaking the law. This session aimed to raise aspirations for legal careers while offering students a new perspective on how courts work to ensure justice is served.

    For more information about the day, stay tuned to the Inside HMCTS Podcast channel on GOV.UK, where an episode about Ian’s work and the event at Westminster Magistrates’ Court will be published soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study on the rate of increase of global warming

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in Nature Communications and Earth & Environment looks at the recent increase of global warming. 

    Dr Kevin Collins, Senior Lecturer Environment and Systems, Open University, said:

    “With many people and places experiencing year on year record temperatures around the globe in the last decade, it is very human to assume global warming is accelerating or ‘surging’.  However, through an authoritative statistical analysis of temperature increases since 1970, this research concludes that there is no detectable surge. Yet.

    “Instead, the results suggest global warming is occurring at a steady state. However, as the authors acknowledge, this may be because the size of any acceleration is either statistically too small, or there is simply not enough data to detect a surge in the last decade.  In other words, it is still too early to tell if the last decade (the warmest on record) represents a ‘leap’ in the warming trend.  By 2035 or 2040 we may look back and be able to see from 2015 onwards there has been a fundamental shift in the warming trend.

    “There is a very real danger that the new research is misinterpreted to show that there is no global warming or that a steady state increase in temperature means we have lots of time to act.

    “The bald statistics of a global warming world are already being lived by many populations and communities whose livelihoods are being severely impacted by heatwaves, droughts, floods, sea-level rise and other environmental changes.”

    Prof Richard Allan, Professor of Climate Science, University of Reading and National Centre for Earth Observations, said:

    “The new research highlights the difficulty in detecting an increase in the rate of surface warming, which is influenced by natural variations such as swings between warm El Niño and cool La Niña events. However, satellite observations and ocean measurements already detect a steady increase in Earth’s heating rate that is less susceptible to year to year fluctuations at the sea surface.

    “In fact, when all lines of evidence are scrutinized it is apparent that climate change is accelerating rather continuing steadily. Halting global warming by stabilizing Earth’s climate and limiting further damage from worsening extreme weather and rising sea levels is only possible through rapid and massive cuts in greenhouse gas emissions.”

     

    ‘Is the Recent Surge in Global Warming Detectable?’ by Claudie Beaulieu et al. was published in Nature Communications Earth & Environment at 22:00 UK time on Monday 14th October.

    Declared interests:

    Dr Kevin Collins: No conflicts to declare.

    Prof Richard Allan: No conflicts to declare.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Can we reduce our demand for critical minerals?

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report from the National Engineering Policy Centre, led by the Royal Academy of Engineering, examines how we can reduce our demand for critical materials and therefore our dependency on imports of scarce materials.

    Critical minerals are used in a number of technologies that we will increasingly rely on in a low carbon future, such as:

    • larger wind turbines, which rely on neodymium magnets
    • solar panels
    • batteries e.g. in electric vehicles, often requiring lithium cobalt, manganese, nickel
    • nuclear power, which requires chromium as well as other critical materials
    • hydrogen electrolysers, which can use a variety of rare metals

    The report presents a range of policy and engineering innovations that can reduce the UK’s dependency on critical materials and therefore its risk exposure.

    Journalists came to this online briefing to hear from three of the authors of the report.

    Speakers included:

    Dr Colin Church, Chief Executive of the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining

    Dr Charlotte Stamper, Strategic Partnerships Manager at EMR Renewables

    Tim Chapman FREng, Partner and Director of Boston Consulting Group

    Prof Joan Cordiner FREng, Chair of the National Engineering Policy Centre Working Group on materials and net zero

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens warn that when government “cuts red tape” this too often means harming environmental standards and workers’ rights

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party MP for North Herefordshire, Ellie Chowns said: “Starmer’s pledge to investors that he will “cut red tape” is a tired cliché that, in practice, too often means harming environmental standards and workers’ rights. We’ve had fourteen years of successive Conservative governments promising to “cut red tape,” and all we have to show for it is a flatlining economy and falling living standards. If Starmer is serious about attracting investment to the UK, he will need a bolder approach that delivers on the “change” he promised in his election campaign. He could start by re-evaluating our relationship with our biggest trading partner, the European Union.”

    by Green Party

    Press Releases

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –