NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets the Minister of Industry of the United Arab Emirates

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    September 23, 2024

    On the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Special Envoy for Climate and Minister of Industry of the United Arab Emirates, Sultan Al Jaber.

    At the center of the meeting were the opportunities for investment and economic and technological collaboration between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, with particular attention to the renewable energy sector and interconnection projects.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to deepen discussions on possible joint initiatives in Africa, within the framework of the Mattei Plan and the Rome Process on migration and development, with a focus on renewable energy also through the involvement of the respective private sectors active in the African continent.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Romanian Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Identities to Fraudulently Obtain Public Assistance Funds

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    SANTA ANA, California – A one-time Orange County man who is one of Romania’s most notorious criminals was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison for stealing victims’ identities to withdraw money from their public-assistance accounts without their permission.

    Florin Duduianu, 39, whose last known residence was in Mission Viejo, was sentenced by United States District Judge John W. Holcomb, who also ordered him to pay $1,850 in restitution.

    Duduianu pleaded guilty on January 5 to three counts of bank fraud and unlawful use of unauthorized access devices. After a two-day bench trial, Judge Holcomb on January 23 found Duduianu guilty of two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    “This defendant came to our country to victimize the neediest members of our society,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada. “Our nation is not a piggy bank for foreign criminals, and those who think they can take advantage of our liberties to harm our people are sorely mistaken.” 

    “Duduianu stole money which was meant to serve as a critical lifeline to those most in need,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “It was a serious offense, and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners across the globe to identify fraudsters like this defendant and hold them fully accountable for their crimes.”

    In August 2023, law enforcement was conducting an operation to combat Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) fraud at various banks and ATMs in Placentia. Police saw Duduianu, accompanied by a passenger, drive up to a Wells Fargo ATM and make multiple withdrawals on different cards. Based on this information, officers pulled Duduianu over. Duduianu lied to the officers, telling them he was depositing, not withdrawing, money from the ATM.

    During a search of Duduianu’s passenger, officers found four Visa gift cards, three Wells Fargo ATM receipts, and $1,850 in cash. The Visa gift cards were encoded with EBT card numbers. Those numbers were run through an EBT database, which showed that they belonged to four different people. Based on the Wells Fargo receipts, Duduianu used two of the cards to make three withdrawals totaling $1,850 from the ATM.

    The FBI contacted the accountholders for the two EBT accounts from which Duduianu made withdrawals. The accountholders said that they did not know Duduianu or his car passenger and did not give permission to anyone to withdraw funds from their accounts.

    During a search of Duduianu’s cellphone, law enforcement found dozens of photos and videos related to ATM skimming as well as tools and techniques used to skim EBT information. Law enforcement also found photos of large sums of cash and hundreds of EBT numbers from multiple states. In the chat history of Duduianu’s phone, the government found an article about EBT fraud that was sent from his phone to four other phone numbers.

    On another smartphone law enforcement recovered during Duduianu’s arrest, law enforcement found additional videos related to ATM skimming. Phone records and EBT records showed that this phone was used to check the balance of the EBT accounts of the victims in this case, five days before Duduianu withdrew $1,850 from those same accounts.

    “Until his arrest in this case…Duduianu was one of Romania’s ‘Most Wanted’ criminals and an INTERPOL fugitive,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “He leads the ‘Duduianu Clan,’ an exceptionally violent and influential

    organized crime group and was previously convicted of attempted murder. In 2020, [Duduianu] fled Romanian prosecution following charges of robbery and blackmail.”

    The FBI and the Placentia Police Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys David Y. Pi of the Major Frauds Section and Diane B. Roldán of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council raises awareness of market operator’s licences

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is asking any businesses, companies or organisations who are planning to hold any type of market, including Christmas or festive type markets, to contact the Licensing Service to check if they require a market operator’s licence.

    If a licence is required, organisers will have to have applied for, and had this granted, prior to the market taking place.

    Applications should be submitted at least four weeks before the proposed market date to allow sufficient time for processing.

    Further information (including guidance notes and conditions of licence) is available on the Council’s website at: www.highland.gov.uk/marketoperatorlicence

    There are certain exemptions from the requirement to be licensed for non-commercial markets. For example, if the market is to be organised by charitable, religious, youth, recreational, community, political or similar organisations.

    If you wish to check if your market will require a licence, please do not hesitate to contact the Council’s Licensing team at licensing@highland.gov.uk

    23 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Analysis of the Proposal for a Directive on Transparency of Third-Country Interest Representation – 23-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This analysis discusses specific issues regarding the proposal for a Directive on the transparency of third-country lobbying. It highlights complex questions in relation to civil society organisations and the need for uniform implementation and effective judicial protection. If designed and implemented well, the Directive could establish a transparent framework for foreign governments to engage in lobbying within the EU. This document was provided by the Policy Department for Economic, Scientific and Quality of Life Policies at the request of the Committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Partial payments under the Recovery and Resilience Facility: An overview – 23-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which began in 2021, will go on until the end of 2026. In 2024, the fourth year, this implementation is well under way, although with some differences having emerged across EU Member States. In August 2024, disbursements had reached €170.8 billion in grants and €94.6 billion in loans, or 41 % of the total RRF funding available. With the exception of pre-financing, the condition for disbursing RRF funds to Member States is the successful achievement of pre-defined milestones and targets, or qualitative and quantitative steps. They are laid out in the annexes to the Council implementing decisions endorsing the individual national recovery and resilience plans, and linked to each payment request. The RRF Regulation envisages the possibility of suspending all or part of the financial contribution available to Member States if milestones and targets have not been satisfactorily achieved. At an early stage of RRF implementation, both the European Court of Auditors and the European Parliament urged the European Commission to develop a methodology that would allow the impact of not meeting a milestone or target to be quantified. In February 2023, the Commission delivered on that request and published a methodology for partial suspension of payments. As a result, the Commission has been able to proceed with partial payments to Member States corresponding to what they have achieved, despite the non-fulfilment (or partial fulfilment) of one or more milestones or targets linked to a given request. This has helped keep RRF implementation on track. The suspension payment methodology has already been applied in several instances. The first country to be subject to it was Lithuania, followed by Romania, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Belgium. In 2023, a total of €841 million was withheld (0.13 % of all RRF funds). While Member States have generally welcomed the methodology, it is still perceived as lacking in clarity and raises questions, not least as to the discretion it affords the Commission in defining the amounts to be suspended.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – Research for PECH Committee – The EU oceans and fisheries policy – Latest developments and future challenges – 13-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    This study provides an overview of the Common Fisheries Policy and other EU policies in relation to Fisheries, Aquaculture, the Blue Economy and International Ocean Governance. The current and future challenges facing these are described. Strengths and weaknesses of EU policy in addressing these challenges are assessed, leading to the authors making a range of specific policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Banking Market Integration in Europe and Insolvency Law – 23-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Despite considerable progress towards a Banking Union in the euro area, banks in the EU continue to be subject to widely varying insolvency law as applied to their lending customers. This paper provides evidence that bank interest margins tend to be higher in countries with weaker loan enforcement. Higher bank interest margins are a sign of less efficient bank intermediation, and hence the evidence of this paper suggests that bank intermediation is less efficient in countries with weaker loan enforcement. This policy-induced national variability in bank efficiency is incompatible with banking union.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Activities of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre – P-001773/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001773/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (NI)

    During a plenary debate in Strasbourg on the subject of floods on 18 September 2024, Janez Lenarčič, Commissioner for Crisis Management, stated explicitly that:

    ‘In Central and Eastern Europe, we have been monitoring the situation closely since 9 September. Providing regular updates from the Emergency Response Coordination Centre, our 24/7 operational crisis hub in Brussels, whilst in close collaboration with the Joint Research Centre […] we provided early warnings to areas in danger from 10 September onwards, liaising with national authorities to raise awareness of the situation and to offer help, as well as sending over 100 warnings to authorities across the region by 13 September.’

    • 1.At what point did the Emergency Response Coordination Centre increase monitoring in the part of Europe at risk of flooding?
    • 2.For what reason was monitoring increased on 9 June, and what did this early warning consist of for the areas at risk?
    • 3.Could the Commission please list the Member States that received such an early warning?

    Submitted: 20.9.2024

    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aliyev’s speech at various international events and the EU’s subsequent silence – E-001686/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001686/2024/rev.1
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    After the ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh perpetrated by Azerbaijan, the Aliyev regime has not ceased to use warmongering and maximalist rhetoric. For example, on 24 April 2024, the President of Azerbaijan not only bragged about the mass exodus of Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh but also suggested that EU Mission in Armenia (EUMA) observers should be grateful to him for not harming them.

    On July 22, at the second so-called ‘Global Media Forum’ in Shusha, Aliyev again asserted territorial claims against the sovereign territory of Armenia and strongly condemned the decision of the Council of the European Union to provide the first assistance measure in support of the Armenian armed forces under the European Peace Facility and open up dialogue on visa liberalisation with Armenia.

    • 1.Why is the EU hesitant to condemn the Aliyev regime for threatening to kill the EU civilian mission observers – European citizens – deployed in Armenia?
    • 2.When is the EU going to react to such unacceptable behaviour and distance itself from a policy of appeasement towards a dictatorial state such as Azerbaijan?
    • 3.When will the EU impose sanctions against the leadership of Azerbaijan, particularly Mr Aliyev’s entourage, for the ethnic cleansing perpetrated against the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh, systematic violations of basic human rights, unlawful arrest and the imprisonment of prominent politicians, activists and journalists?

    Submitted: 12.9.2024

    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – CRR/CRD: The delegated act on the date of application of the own funds requirements for market – 20-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    The CRR 3/CRD 6 package constitutes the final phase in the implementation of the internationally agreed finalised Basel 3 prudential requirements for banks into the EU financial services acquis. In particular, the CRR 3 introduces the revised market risk requirements as binding own fund requirements. These requirements were introduced in the CRR 2 only as reporting requirements. However, at the time of the adoption of the CRR 3 it was not clear how and whether other major jurisdictions will apply the finalised market risk framework. Therefore, co-legislators mandated the Commission to monitor possible differences in the international implementation of the market risk framework and, in case of ‘significant differences’, empowered the Commission to postpone the application of the capital requirements for market risk for up to two years or to introduce temporary amendments to CRR 3 market risk requirements in the form of capital multipliers or targeted operational relief measures (Art. 461a CRR). On 24 July 2024, the Commission adopted a delegated act (DA) postponing the date of application of the market risk framework by one year to 1 January 2026.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Possible non-compliance of public broadcaster STVR’s new administrative structure with the European Media Freedom Act – E-001374/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[1] which entered into force on 7 May 2024 sets out safeguards for journalists and media service providers.

    The EMFA will start to apply progressively as of November 2024. Most of the provisions of the EMFA will apply as of August 2025, including those related to public service media.

    The Commission is in touch with authorities of Member States, including Slovakia, in order to discuss preparations for the implementation of the EMFA at national level.

    As guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will monitor the application of the EMFA. The Commission makes full use of the tools available to it under the Treaties to ensure compliance with EU law, including launching infringement proceedings against relevant Member States.

    Meanwhile, prior to the start of application of the new rules, Member States are bound by a duty of sincere cooperation, in line with Article 4(3) of the Treaty on European Union[2].

    Finally, regarding the situation of media freedom and pluralism in Slovakia, the Commission notes, in its 2024 Rule of Law Report[3], that ‘there has been no progress to enhance the autonomy of public service media as the new Act regulating public service media dissolved the current broadcaster and established a new entity leading to concerns on the future independence of the broadcaster’.

    On this basis, the Commission recommended Slovakia to ‘strengthen the rules and mechanisms to restore and further safeguard the independent governance and editorial independence of public service media taking into account European standards on public service media’.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202401083
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/resource.html?uri=cellar:2bf140bf-a3f8-4ab2-b506-fd71826e6da6.0023.02/DOC_1&format=PDF
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2024-rule-law-report-communication-and-country-chapters_en
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission proposes €120 million support to farmers affected by adverse weather events in Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy and Romania

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 23 Sep 2024 Today, the Commission proposed to allocate €119,7 million from the agricultural reserve to directly support farmers from Bulgaria, Germany, Estonia, Italy and Romania who have been impacted by exceptional adverse climatic events in Spring and early Summer.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Leading African fund managers receive awards for supporting promising entrepreneurs and start-ups across the continent

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest and Knife Capital achievements awarded for their work in African venture capital.
    • The Africa Venture Finance Programme at Oxford’s Saïd Business School hosted 41 prominent African and Africa-focused venture capital fund managers, with more than half of them being women.
    • The programme is funded by the EU, through Boost Africa, and by the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW

    African venture capital (VC) fund managers First Circle Capital, SpeedInvest and Knife Capital have all received awards recognising their success in supporting promising entrepreneurs and start-ups across African countries. The awards were presented during the Africa Venture Finance Programme, a week-long, in-person course, organised for the third time at Oxford university’s Saïd Business School from 9 to 13 September 2024. The programme aims to support VC fund managers investing in early and growth-stage technology companies in Africa, with Boost Africa and AfricaGrow hosting 41 leading fund managers from 31 African VC funds.

    The ‘Most Promising Fund Manager’ award was given to the all-female team from First Circle Capital, who invest in and support early-stage fintech founders.

    The ‘Best Deal’ award went to SpeedInvest for their investment in Moove, a rapidly growing company providing vehicle financing and supply solutions.

    Lastly, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ was presented to Keet van Zyl, founding partner of South Africa-based Knife Capital, in recognition of his contributions to the venture ecosystem and leadership.

    “We are proud of Boost Africa’s role in supporting a vibrant and resilient VC ecosystem in Africa and helping African entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful businesses,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “The EIB is committed to financing new technology and ideas that will address the global challenges we all face.”

    The shortlisted candidates were peer-selected by fellow fund managers, and a panel of judges composed of limited partners determined the winners from the shortlisted candidates. Investors from funds including Partech, AfricInvest, TLcom, Norssken, Speedinvest came together to discuss innovative solutions for Africa’s unique challenges. The five-day event allowed participants to share expertise and facilitate discussions to drive rapid growth in Africa’s technology venture capital sector. Attendees from all over the continent took part, with more than half of them being women, reflecting increased gender inclusiveness within venture capital leadership.

    Several Oxford academics joined the group discussions covering a wide range of topics such as the growing need for innovative funding instruments and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the continent’s future. Additionally, several prominent African investors attended the forum to share best practices and discuss the way forward. Participants engaged with representatives from different development finance institutions and international organisations. This included Andrea Clerici, Director for Corporate Finance & Global Activities at the European Investment Bank, and delegates from the European Commission and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States.

    “The opportunity to exchange confidential insights, discuss inherent challenges, and ultimately build deeper human bonds is essential for strengthening our collective ability to build our VC ecosystem together. No other conference or event has provided anywhere near as much value as this one.” – Nivesh Pather, Principal at Norrsken22.

    “It is important for me to always be learning. The trends in our part of the world are equal parts cyclical and rapidly evolving. We heard so many fresh perspectives and voices coupled with experience. I left Oxford with a renewed commitment to focus on the how.” –  Ory Okolloh, Partner at Verod-Kepple Africa Ventures.

    “This year’s Africa Venture Finance Programme proved once again the enormous potential of venture capital in Africa. A whole new generation of investors are taking the long view on building an entire new ecosystem. At Oxford Saïd Business School we are proud to be part of supporting this journey which will transform African economies, one startup at a time!” – Thomas Hellmann, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Saïd School of Business, Oxford University

    The Africa Venture Finance Programme is supported by the EU via the Boost Africa programme and by the AfricaGrow Technical Assistance Facility.

    Background information

    About Boost Africa

    Boost Africa is a joint initiative between the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to enable and enhance entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa in a commercially viable way. It addresses a current gap in the African market by providing early-stage venture capital paired with skills development.

    Boost Africa focuses on financial intermediaries investing in innovative business models and start-ups developing digital solutions across various sectors including, inter alia, information and communication technologies (ICT), healthcare, climate mitigation and adaptation, education, financial services, and manufacturing sectors. There is a particular emphasis on financial intermediaries focusing on youth and women and on sectors where innovation can improve the quality of people’s lives, in particular for lower-income households.

    Boost Africa Technical Assistance Facility, part of the broader Boost Africa programme, provides bespoke support to strengthen the core professional and operational skills of partner fund managers and their investees to realise growth potential among innovative tech start-ups and high growth SMEs in Africa. The Facility is funded by the European Commission and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, through the 11th European Development Fund. The funding is managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and implemented by Adam Smith Europe, part of the Adam Smith International Group.

    About AfricaGrow

    The AfricaGrow Fund of Funds is a blended finance vehicle managed by Allianz Global Investors and serves as a catalyst for private capital into Africa by providing a de-risked capital structure for institutional investors, fostering indirect investments into African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups via local Private Equity and Venture Capital fund investments. Its LPs are DEG, KfW – on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Allianz insurance companies.

    As a legally independent entity, AfricaGrow is a central instrument of the Compact with Africa (CwA) initiative, which was launched in 2017 under the 50 German G20 presidency. The Technical Assistance Facility is funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through KfW, while the fund is managed by Allianz Global Investors and advised by DEG Impact GmbH.

    About the EIB

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: European Heritage Days in Chartres.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    President Emmanuel Macron visited Chartres, in Eure-et-Loir, this Friday, on the occasion of the 41st edition of the European Heritage Days.

    He visited the Lorin Workshops and the treasure of the Notre-Dame de Chartres cathedral, accompanied by Brigitte Macron and Stéphane Bern, in charge of the Heritage Mission.

    Created in 1863, the Lorin Workshops were operated until 2017. The city of Chartres then purchased the buildings in order to perpetuate the activity of these stained glass creation and restoration workshops, to promote the rich archive collection and to develop a museum component.

    As part of the Heritage Lottery, 500,000 euros are being devoted to the renovation of the Workshops.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Rising Russian gas imports undermine European plans to become independent of Russian gas – E-001376/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Russian gas imports did not rise over the period 2022-24. On an annual basis the EU has significantly reduced its imports of Russian gas from ca. 150 billion cubic meters (bcm) before 2021 and the beginning of the gas crisis, to 45 bcm in 2023[1].

    T he EU Energy Platform including its AggregateEU mechanism contributed to the security and diversification of gas supplies to the EU and Energy Community, and increased market transparency[2].

    The expiry of the Russian gas transit agreement through Ukraine at the end of 2024 would contribute further to phasing out Russian fossil fuel dependence by halting imports via Ukraine.

    Demand reduction measures contributed to reducing the gas demand by 18% between August 2022 and May 2024. Unprecedented development of renewables has been achieved. Wind and solar capacity have increased by 36% between 2021 and 2023, saving the equivalent of 24 bcm gas over 2 years .

    The Commission continues to implement the REPowerEU plan[3], including through limited financing to gas projects by the Connecting Europe Facility and the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

    New projects will help diversify supplies, such as the Adriatica Line, Gdansk LNG terminal and Gdańsk-Gustorzyn pipeline, the expansion of Krk LNG Terminal, Romanian Black Sea Gas exploitation or Trans-Balkan pipeline reverse flow, which the Commission has facilitated through the work of the CESEC High-Level Group.

    • [1] To compensate, the EU replaced Russian gas supply with imports from other international suppliers. Norway and the United States became the EU’s largest gas suppliers, representing 34% (47 bcm) and 18% (25 bcm), respectively of EU gas imports in the first five months of 2024, followed by North Africa, Azerbaijan and Qatar.
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/energy-security/eu-energy-platform_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal/repowereu-affordable-secure-and-sustainable-energy-europe_en
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Report on press and media freedom in Italy – E-001455/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to safeguarding pluralistic and independent media, essential for democracy and the rule of law, and to the functioning of the internal market for media.

    As part of its annual Rule of Law Report, the Commission assesses the situation on media freedom and pluralism in the Member States[1].

    The EU support for the action entitled ‘Defending media freedom and pluralism — Rapid response mechanism’ is up to EUR 3 100 000 for the 24-month period between 16 July 2023 and 15 July 2025[2].

    It is financed through the Creative Europe programme[3] and encompasses fact-finding, advocacy, monitoring, awareness raising and providing practical help to journalists under threat in Member States and candidate countries, without specific budget allocation per country.

    The action is carried out in an independent manner, without the Commission intervening in operational aspects, such as earmarking funds for the preparation of a particular report or selection of contributors to a particular report.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/policies/justice-and-fundamental-rights/upholding-rule-law/rule-law/annual-rule-law-cycle_en
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/how-to-participate/org-details/999999999/project/101112154/program/43251814/details
    • [3] https://culture.ec.europa.eu/creative-europe
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Improving digital infrastructure in rural areas – E-001489/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere in the EU has access to performing digital infrastructure and fast Internet connections. The Digital Decade Policy Programme (DDPP) sets ambitious targets like gigabit connectivity for all EU households and 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030[1].

    The White Paper[2] presents the challenges and opportunities Europe faces in the rollout of future connectivity networks and proposed a series of scenarios to make the EU regulatory and investment frameworks fit to facilitate the achievement of EU digital objectives.

    According to the second annual report on the State of the Digital Decade[3], which monitors the implementation of the DDPP, very high-capacity networks (VHCN) coverage in the EU’s rural areas at the end of 2023 reached 56% of households, while 5G coverage made it to 74%. Reaching the targets may require at least a total investment of EUR 148 billion[4], including both private and public funding.

    The Commission supports the deployment of performing digital infrastructure through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital with a budget of EUR 1.7 billion. CEF Digital inter alia supports 5G infrastructure for rural communities in sectors like smart farming.

    In addition, the allocation to digital connectivity under the recovery and resilience facility (RRF) reaches almost EUR 14 billion[5]. In Austria, the RRF provides support for the deployment of performing digital infrastructure and fast Internet connections in rural areas through the Austrian federal state aid broadband scheme[6] approved by the Commission in March 2022.

    The Commission also supports the implementation of the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite ( IRIS2) programme[7] with a budget of EUR 2.4 billion, which will also ensure fast Internet connections in rural areas, as satellite broadband can bring broadband services with up to 250 Mbps download speeds.

    Finally, the EU is also leveraging connectivity investments through cohesion funds, e.g. by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (about EUR 2.3 billion[8]) and through InvestEU[9].

    • [1] The Digital Decade Decision sets out digital targets grouped into four cardinal points, which were first identified in the Digital Compass Communication (COM/2021/118 final) (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0118 ) as key areas for the digital transformation of the EU: digital skills, digital infrastructures, the digitalisation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services.
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/white-paper-how-master-europes-digital-infrastructure-needs
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/second-report-state-digital-decade-calls-strengthened-collective-action-propel-eus-digital
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/investment-and-funding-needs-digital-decade-connectivity-targets
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/assets/thematic_analysis/scoreboard_thematic_analysis_connectivity.pdf
    • [6]  ‘Broadband Austria 2030’ scheme is part of Austria’s strategy to address the needs of citizens and businesses in the context of digitalisation and focuses on rural areas first.
    • [7] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
    • [8] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/available-budget_en
    • [9] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/broadband-public-and-private-funds-financing-broadband-deployments

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Promoting agricultural research and innovation – E-001492/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission promotes agricultural research and innovation (R&I) in the Member States through the EU R&I framework programme (Horizon Europe (HE)) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), working in synergy.

    Under HE, the Commission invests in R&I projects that involve beneficiaries to provide new knowledge and solutions for competitive and sustainable farming. The CAP[1] offers funding to strengthen the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS)[2] in Member States across the EU.

    Under the HE (2021-2027)[3], the Commission earmarked approximately EUR 3.3 billion for transnational R&I projects in agriculture, forestry and rural areas.

    Under the CAP 2023-2027, the Member States have planned around EUR 3.6 billion for EIP[4]-AGRI operational group projects (OGs)[5] and other knowledge sharing and creation activities .

    As regards security of data from EU farmers collected through public authorities, the Commission has strict procedures in place on data access, re-use, publication and anonymisation, which are defined in the regulation that mandates the data collection[6].

    As regards data collected by R&I projects, the HE[7] requires it to be open access but allows for the exceptions when legitimate data security risks apply.

    • [1]  Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R2115
    • [2] Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) are defined in the regulation — 2021/2115 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R2115) as the combined organisation and knowledge flows between persons, organisations and institutions who use and produce knowledge for agriculture and interrelated fields.
    • [3] Horizon Europe Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’.
    • [4] European Innovation Partnerships.
    • [5] EIP-AGRI OGs are bottom-up interactive innovation projects at local/national level.
    • [6] For example Regulation (EU) 2011/2115 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/2115/oj, in particular Recital 128 and Articles 150 and 151.
    • [7] Regulation (EU) 2021/695, Article 39, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32021R0695
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cuba’s inclusion in the list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ – E-001475/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU considers that the United States (US) embargo and connected measures such as the inclusion of Cuba in the US list of countries sponsoring terrorism (SST) have a negative impact on the Cuban population and are an important factor — even if not the only one — in the serious economic crisis the country is undergoing.

    The EU and Member States have consistently supported the United Nations (UN) Declaration against the US embargo on Cuba, which is voted yearly (last time in November 2023)[1].

    The US removal of Cuba from its list of countries not fully cooperating on counterterrorism efforts (in May 2024) is a positive step and it is hoped that the US will also be able to complete the process by removing Cuba from the SST list.

    On every pertinent occasion, the High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) and/or his services pass clear messages to its US interlocutors in line with the UN Declaration, reiterating the need to end the embargo and the importance of removing Cuba from the SST list.

    The HR/VP and/or his services also take these opportunities to recall that external trade and foreign investment can play a crucial role in setting the island on a path towards modernisation and reform.

    • [1] https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/11/1143112
    Last updated: 23 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkey – an unreliable acceding country – E-001429/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Türkiye is a candidate country, a key regional player and a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted Türkiye’s relevance as a regional actor, especially in the Black Sea.

    Türkiye has supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, voting in favour of the relevant resolutions at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, engaged politically, economically and diplomatically, facilitating the export of Ukrainian grain and prisoner exchanges.

    In August 2024, Türkiye ratified the free trade agreement with Ukraine[1]. While a strategic partner for Ukraine in the defence sector, Türkiye maintains strong trade, economic and political relations with Russia.

    Türkiye has refrained from aligning with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia, keeping its position of not supporting those adopted outside the UN framework.

    As the EU and Türkiye share a customs union, the EU has called consistently on Türkiye to implement additional measures to effectively prevent the circumvention of EU restrictive measures and this has led to some progress.

    Türkiye took some measures throughout 2023 to prevent the transit and re-export of sanctioned goods to Russia notably what concerns the items in the common high priority (CHP/battlefield) list of 50 harmonised system (HS) codes.

    The Commission continues to actively monitor the trade data and exchanging with Türkiye. The EU Sanctions Envoy leads the cooperation efforts, latest discussed with Türkiye at the High-Level Dialogue on Trade (8 July 2024)[2].

    In its 2023 enlargement report[3], the EU called on Türkiye, as a candidate country, to align with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia.

    • [1] https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2024/08/20240802.pdf (Türkiye’s Official Gazette, Law no. 7523).
    • [2] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_24_3684
    • [3] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/eb90aefd-897b-43e9-8373-bf59c239217f_en?filename=SWD_2023_696%20T%C3%BCrkiye%20report.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Dispute panel established to review certain tax credits under US Inflation Reduction Act

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS623: United States — Certain Tax Credits Under the Inflation Reduction Act

    China submitted its second request to establish a panel to determine whether certain tax credits under the United States Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are in line with WTO rules. The United States said it was not in a position to agree to China’s first request in July, justifying its actions as necessary to combat climate change. China stated that the IRA’s subsidies favour US goods over imports, violating WTO rules prohibiting such discrimination.

    The United States expressed disappointment over China’s decision to pursue a panel request and reiterated that the IRA is its most significant step toward clean energy, aimed at ensuring secure and sustainable supply chains for a global clean energy future.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Norway, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, the United Kingdom and Venezuela reserved their third party rights to participate in the panel proceedings.

    DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)

    For the 12th time, the United States raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at a DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter again as a result of recent developments in Hong Kong, China regarding free speech and human rights. The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.

    Hong Kong, China criticized the US for once again raising this matter at the DSB. It referred to previous WTO panels that dismissed US claims that invoking national security in defense of a trade-restrictive measure is entirely self-judging.  Any objections should be heard by the WTO’s Appellate Body, which remains blocked due to the US refusal to allow appointment of new Appellate Body members, said Hong Kong, China.

    China reiterated its firm belief that a restored appeal mechanism is the proper place to address claims of panel error made by the US and rejected in the strongest terms what it said was US interference in the internal affairs of another WTO member.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Speaking on behalf of 130 members, Colombia introduced for the 79th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States repeated that it does not support the proposed decision to commence the appointment of Appellate Body members as its longstanding concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed.

    Twenty members then took the floor to comment. Many of these members referred to their previous statements made on this matter at earlier DSB meetings and underlined the urgent need to meet the mandates set out at the 12th and 13th Ministerial Conferences in 2022 and early 2024 respectively to conduct discussions with the view to having a fully and well-functioning dispute settlement system accessible to all members by 2024.

    Several members welcomed the progress being made in the formal dispute settlement reform process now underway and the need to accelerate discussions to achieve the 2024 goal.

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of the 130 members, said it regretted that for the 79th occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the DSU to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.

    The DSB chair, Ambassador Saqer Abdullah Almoqbel (Saudi Arabia), concluded by expressing his full support for the facilitator in the dispute settlement reform discussions, Ambassador Usha Dwarka-Canabady of Mauritius, in her efforts towards achieving a positive outcome within the mandated time frame.

    Other business

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”,  DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 28 October.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Piero Cipollone: From dependency to autonomy: the role of a digital euro in the European payment landscape

    Source: European Central Bank

    Introductory statement by Piero Cipollone, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs of the European Parliament

    Brussels, 23 September 2024

    It is a pleasure to be here today to meet the new members of this Committee and to update you on the status of the digital euro project. Let me also congratulate Madame Lalucq on her election as ECON Chair.

    The ECB appreciates the open and valuable exchanges we have had with the ECON Committee on the digital euro since the beginning of the project. I am fully committed to continuing these exchanges and look forward to our future discussions.

    Today I will focus on three key areas. First, Europe’s dependency on foreign players for retail payments. Second, the benefits of a digital euro for everyone, including consumers, merchants and banks. And third, the progress we have made on the digital euro project so far.

    Foreign dominance in the European payment landscape

    Fast-forward to the year 2030. Imagine you are at the football World Cup in Spain. You want to buy a drink, but you can only pay with Alipay. This scenario is not as far-fetched as it may seem: this summer, buying tickets for the European Football Championships in Germany was only possible with Chinese or American means of payment.

    Could you imagine this happening in the United States? Going to the finals of the American football league, for example, and having no American means of payment available? I certainly cannot.

    The Eurosystem will of course continue to ensure that people in Europe can pay with cash.[1] However, cash is becoming less and less popular as digital payments and online shopping grow.[2]

    For example, more and more people are buying their groceries online. But you can’t use cash to pay for these. More often than not, the only option is PayPal or an international card scheme like Visa or Mastercard.

    And more and more people are using digital wallets like PayPal or Apple Pay on their mobile phones. By 2027 these platforms are expected to handle 40% of e-commerce and 27% of in-store payments in Europe.[3]

    At the same time, the share of companies in the euro area not accepting cash has been increasing significantly.[4]

    These developments are contributing to the marginalisation of elderly and less tech-savvy people. They also make us dependent on non-European companies, which is risky.

    Imagine what would happen if you could not pay digitally. For example, two weeks ago significant parts of the European card payments market were shut down for almost an entire day.[5] Just like with electricity, gas or water, we don’t think about payments until they stop working. For energy, we had to learn this the hard way following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. For payments, we owe it to Europeans to do better.

    We need our own strong digital payments system.[6] We can achieve this by bringing central bank money into the digital era with the introduction of a digital euro: a digital form of cash, issued by the central bank and available to everyone in the euro area.[7]

    A digital euro would strengthen Europe’s financial sovereignty and resilience because it would be built with European technology and infrastructure. It would empower Europe to independently develop and manage digital payment solutions, supporting the further deepening of the Single Market.[8]

    But most importantly, the digital euro would offer tangible benefits to all stakeholders – consumers, merchants and banks.

    Benefits for European citizens

    We strongly support the Single Currency Package[9], which will ensure that cash remains widely accessible and accepted. At the same time, it will pave the way for a digital euro, which would take the advantages of cash into the digital world.

    Consumers could use a digital euro for all payments, everywhere in the euro area, also when shopping online. With a digital euro, making or receiving payments would be free of charge and as easy as using cash today. Consumers would need to use only one device and remember just one password. In addition, having a single means of payment for all circumstances would make it easier for users to have an overview of their expenditure.

    Importantly, a digital euro would seek to promote digital financial inclusion by ensuring that no one is left behind.[10] It would be accessible to everyone across the euro area, via a mobile app or a physical card, so everyone can choose the technology that they are most comfortable with, no matter how old or tech-savvy they are.

    Finally, a digital euro would offer the best possible privacy and data protection afforded by the current technology used in large payment systems.[11] From the outset, ensuring user privacy has been a central focus of the digital euro project.

    A digital euro would be available both online and offline.[12] With the offline functionality, users would enjoy cash-like privacy. The details of your offline payments would only be known to you and the recipient. For online payments, too, we would ensure that your personal data remain your own. The Eurosystem will not be able to identify you, nor directly link you to your payments.[13]

    New opportunities for merchants

    A digital euro would also bring new opportunities for European merchants.

    Right now, merchants in Europe are largely dependent on a handful of dominant online or card payment methods, often relying on non-European providers. International card schemes currently account for 64% of card transactions in the euro area.[14]

    This costs European merchants a lot of money. They collectively pay a significant amount each year to international card schemes like Visa or Mastercard. And the cost is mostly borne by smaller merchants, who incur charges three to four times higher than those of their larger competitors.[15]

    A digital euro would include safeguards for merchants by capping the fees they pay to banks for processing payments.[16] A digital euro would thus narrow the gap between what smaller and larger merchants are charged for digital payments.

    By providing a true alternative to existing payment solutions, a digital euro would also put all merchants, large and small, in a stronger position to negotiate better conditions with other providers. Finally, it could provide a safety net for merchants in case of network or power outages, thanks to its offline functionality.[17]

    Benefits for banks

    Banks would benefit too, particularly in our rapidly evolving payment landscape, in which new players – especially big tech companies from outside Europe – are increasingly entering the market. The banks would be remunerated for the services they offer, while the Eurosystem would cover the costs of the digital euro scheme and infrastructure.

    When you compare a digital euro with services like PayPal or Apple Pay, the benefits for banks become even clearer. For instance, banks do not earn anything if people top up their PayPal wallet via direct debit. And with Apple Pay, banks actually have to pay a fee just to let their cards be used in Apple Wallet.

    A digital euro would also open up a new source of revenue by allowing banks to provide value-added services to their customers.[18]

    We are working closely with the market to ensure that a digital euro leverages the existing standards as much as possible, which would keep costs down and support Europe’s competitive payment landscape.[19]

    Moreover, cards and applications currently available in only one or a handful of Member States could use these standards to reach customers across the euro area without the need to invest in new acceptance infrastructure. Therefore, a digital euro would mean that European payment service providers could offer their customers the convenience of using their product everywhere in the euro area – just like international card companies. It would also strengthen banks’ negotiating positions vis-à-vis these companies.

    Finally, banks and other payment service providers would be responsible for distributing a digital euro, thus serving as the sole point of contact for digital euro users. So a digital euro could help banks retain their customers in the face of growing payments competition.

    Project preparation phase at full speed

    Let me now give you a brief update on where we stand with the project.[20]

    We started the investigation phase back in 2021 and are now at the midpoint of the preparation phase, with roughly one more year to go.

    One of our key focus areas during this phase is to develop a methodology for determining the maximum amount of digital euro a person could hold at any time.[21] The holding limits are important to ensure financial stability and prevent large-scale transfers from bank deposits to digital euro, especially during crises.

    These limits would be high enough to avoid negatively affecting the digital euro user experience.[22]

    Experts from the ECB, the national central banks in the Eurosystem and national competent authorities, building on their unique know-how, have started to identify the factors that could influence the holding limit calibration, on the basis of three key areas defined in the draft Regulation: usability, monetary policy and financial stability.[23]

    While the exact holding limits would be defined closer to the potential launch and on the basis of a well-defined governance process enshrined in the draft Regulation,[the ECB’s Governing Council will decide whether to move to the next phase of the project. But the Governing Council will not take any decision about the issuance of a digital euro before the legislative act has been adopted.

    Conclusion

    To conclude, introducing a digital euro across the euro area would take time, but it is key for Europe’s future. Countries across the world are exploring retail central bank digital currencies. If we want to be standard-setters and keep our position among the frontrunners, we need to move swiftly.

    A digital euro is a common European project, which is why we are talking to all the relevant stakeholders and carefully listening to their views and concerns. I also remain committed to engaging regularly with the European Parliament.

    Introducing a digital euro that all banks and other providers make available to their customers and that all merchants accept, everywhere in the euro area, would take several years. Market participants need certainty to invest in the digital euro and this requires coordination between co-legislators and the central bank.

    I appreciate all the work that the ECON Committee has done on the digital euro so far. The legislative discussions are now in your hands. The ECB is of course ready to engage with the negotiating team and to provide continued technical support when needed.

    It is important that the legislative and technical work advance in parallel, swiftly and in close cooperation. Together, we can ensure that the digital euro strengthens Europe’s financial sovereignty and serves all its citizens.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Peter Pellegrini, President of the Slovak Republic. The Secretary-General and the President discussed the Pact for the Future, digital technologies and artificial intelligence. They also exchanged views on climate action, the impacts of the war in Ukraine and other international developments.
     
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 23/09/2024 Meeting of the Minister of Finance with the EU Commissioner for Economy

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Meeting of the Minister of Finance with the EU Commissioner for Economy23.09.2024

    On September 23, 2024, Finance Minister Andrzej Domański met with Paolo Gentiloni, EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs. The discussion focused on the current economic situation in the European Union and Poland, including the potential impact of flooding. Undersecretary of State Paweł Karbownik also participated in the meeting. During the conversation, issues related to Poland’s preparation of a medium-term budgetary and structural plan, which will define the framework for fiscal policy for 2025-2028, were raised. In accordance with the new rules of economic governance in the EU, Member States are required to submit such plans to the European Commission by mid-October. Minister Domański presented Poland’s strategy for exiting the excessive deficit procedure, which Poland was subject to this year, paying particular attention to military expenditure, which is responsible for a part of the deficit of the general government sector.

    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland.
     
    The Secretary-General and the President discussed the war in Ukraine. They also exchanged views on the outcomes of the Summit of the Future.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

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

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    September 23, 2024

    Previous news Next news

    Valery Falkov and Gennady Krasnikov discussed the future of microelectronics with young scientists at Sirius

    A dialogue about the future of microelectronics in Russia took place between the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov, the president of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov and participants of the 6th School of Young Scientists, which this year is working within the framework of the forum “Microelectronics-2024”.

    The School of Young Scientists is a unique project, the participants of which are aspiring and established microelectronics specialists from more than 80 universities and scientific organizations.

    One of the main topics of the conversation was the training of highly qualified personnel for the industry. The head of the Ministry of Education and Science noted that cooperation between universities and industrial partners plays an important role in solving this problem. This allows students to be involved in solving practical problems for the industry already at the training stage, offering them to work on equipment that is currently used in the real sector.

    This task can be solved by such measures as, for example, the creation of basic departments of universities at enterprises, the Advanced Engineering Schools project, the Priority 2030 program, the program for the creation of youth laboratories, of which 940 have already been created, 60 of which are in electronics.

    It is also necessary to increase the interest of young specialists in the microelectronics industry – so far, not all graduates of the relevant educational programs go to work in their profession. In addition to the systematic work of interested government bodies, it is important that each potential employer creates attractive working conditions for a young specialist.

    “Our task is to bring the industry as close as possible to universities, and for this purpose, a whole range of state support programs for universities and research organizations is in place. In turn, it is important for the employer to think about the quality characteristics of the workplace – the salary of a young specialist, his career growth, social package, mentoring in a new workplace – all this together makes the industry itself attractive,” the minister emphasized.

    At the meeting with young specialists, special attention was paid to popularizing the profession. President of the Russian Academy of Sciences Gennady Krasnikov emphasized that today there are enough events aimed at building communication between young scientists, including the Congress of Young Scientists, which will be held in November on the federal territory of Sirius. At the same time, scientific councils and other conferences with the participation of young specialists are held at the RAS site.

    As an example of a good support measure for young scientists, the meeting cited the Kamil Valiev scholarship, established last year. It is available to students and postgraduates who have achieved significant success in the electronics industry. The amount of the payment for students is 55 thousand rubles, and for postgraduates – 75 thousand rubles.

    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/52781/

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon, Occupied Palestinian territory, Gaza & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (23 Sep 2024)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

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

    Highlights:
    -Lebanon
    -Lebanon/humanitarian
    -Occupied Palestinian territory
    -Gaza
    -Syria
    -Sudan
    -Ukraine
    -Summit of the Future
    -Afghanistan
    -Briefings
    -SDG Media Zone
    -Week by the numbers
    -Day of Sign Languages

    LEBANON
    The Secretary-General is indeed alarmed by the escalating situation along the Blue Line. He’s very concerned about the large number of civilian casualties being reported by the Lebanese authorities, as well as the thousands of displaced persons, amidst the most intense exchange of fire across the Blue Line since October of last year.
    He expresses grave concern for the safety of civilians both in southern Lebanon and in Northern Israel, as well as the UN staff in those areas.
    The Secretary-General notes the ongoing efforts by the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon and the UN Peacekeeping Force in Lebanon to reduce tensions and reiterates the urgent need for de-escalation and that all efforts be devoted to a diplomatic solution. Our Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeannine Hennis-Plasschaert, is currently in Israel where she is meeting with Israeli officials as we speak to discuss the latest situation.
    Meanwhile the Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, has been in contact with both Lebanese and Israeli parties, emphasizing the urgent need for de-escalation. Efforts are ongoing to reduce tensions and halt the shelling.
    Their message from both the Special Coordinator and the Head of the UN Peacekeeping Force is the same, which is there is no military solution that will make either side safer. With the wellbeing of civilians on both sides of the Blue Line and the stability of the region at stake, space must be given for diplomatic efforts to succeed.
    All involved parties in this conflict must honour their responsibilities to protect civilians and ensure the safety and security of all UN personnel and assets.
    The Secretary-General urges all parties to recommit to the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 and immediately return to a cessation of hostilities and to restore stability. We do expect a more official statement to be issued at some point.

    LEBANON/HUMANITARIAN
    On the humanitarian front, our Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza, met with Lebanese Government officials, including the Prime Minister, Najib Miqati, and the Minister of Environment, Nasser Yassin. Our humanitarian agencies and others also participated in those discussion.
    At these talks, the Lebanese Government announced the activation of an emergency operations centre and also that schools ought to be designated as shelters. The Ministry of Education in Lebanon had announced the closure of all public and private schools for tomorrow. Many people are being displaced from areas impacted by the airstrikes, with heavy traffic reported toward Beirut and Mount Lebanon regions.
    Also, on the Israeli side, during the weekend and following an uptick of hostilities, Israel’s Military Home Command announced that schools in northern Israel, which run from Sunday to Friday, have been closed until at least today until 6 p.m. local time.
    Humanitarian organizations urgently need $50 million to preposition basic needs – such as food and shelter supplies – for an immediate response for the next two to four weeks in southern Lebanon, Lebanon in general.
    Our colleagues at OCHA tell us that, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, more than 274 people have been killed and at least 700 injured, including women and children, following the continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=23%20September%202024

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with the Chairman of the Presidency, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Denis Bećirović, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    The interlocutors discussed recent developments in the country and the Western Balkans region. They also exchanged views about cooperation between the United Nations and Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the European Union accession process of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway. The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the Summit of the Future, the climate action agenda and the International Financial Architecture. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Mr. Irakli Kobakhidze, Prime Minister of Georgia.

    The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed cooperation between the United Nations and the Government of Georgia, including in support of the conflict-affected communities, the Geneva International Discussions and the regional peace and security.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –