Source: US Geological Survey
Drs. Donya Frank-Gilchrist and Michael Itzkin of the USGS St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center presented research on sediment transport in coastal regions at the International Conference on Coastal Engineering, 9/8-9/14/2024, in Rome, Italy.
Source: United States Department of Defense
Good morning, everyone. Secretary Del Toro, Senator Cardin, Mayor Scott — thank you for your leadership, for your support of the finest and fiercest fighting force in the world, and of course for being here today.
I am incredibly honored to be the sponsor of the future U.S.S. Baltimore.
Baltimore, and Maryland, have deep meaning for me.
Some of my earliest childhood recollections are from living in Annapolis, just a few hours’ sail down the Chesapeake.
And some of my fondest memories are from being back in the Old Line State, for graduate school. It’s where I met my husband, after all — we are fellow Terps. And we’ve spent time here over the years at this very harbor and throughout Baltimore’s neighborhoods. So Charm City will always hold a special place in my heart, and now even more so as the Baltimore‘s sponsor.
And America’s submarine force, well, she’s just in my blood.
You see, I grew up in a submarine family. The origin story began 73 years ago this past summer, when my father, Jerry Holland, left his landlocked hometown of Iowa City, Iowa, for the western shores of Maryland, to attend the U.S. Naval Academy.
He’s never told me exactly why he was drawn to the Navy, but he is a prolific writer, and in one book he observed that “dreams of life at sea can appear at a very young age, and almost always grow in the presence of a ship model, at a museum, on a lake or a pond, or even in a bathtub.”
So, anything’s possible.
But we do know that for many midshipmen in those nascent days of the Cold War, submarines were the vanguard of the future.
It was the birth of America’s nuclear navy. Just a few months before my dad commissioned from Annapolis, the U.S.S. Nautilus went “underway on nuclear power,” making headlines and breaking records for speed and endurance.
Meanwhile, Run Silent, Run Deep was one of the year’s hottest novels, and would soon be a film starring none other than Clark Gable, the so-called “King of Hollywood.”
All the star-studded attention was well deserved.
Think about what it means to serve on a nuclear submarine.
To willfully seal yourself inside a metal canister along with scores of other human beings.
Propelled through the inky black depths of the sea by power generated from the splitting of atoms.
Sensing your environment not by sight, but by sound.
And to do so for weeks if not months at a time, traversing thousands of miles from open sea to crowded ports, without being heard by other ships even if they’re steaming right above you.
It takes a special combination of brains, heart, courage, and cool-under-pressure that many admire, but only a few possess. And that’s partly why those who join the silent service are consummate quiet professionals.
They don’t necessarily brag about being the “best of the best.”
They just are.
And my dad was no exception. Like all prospective nuclear submariners in those days, he was personally interviewed by Admiral Rickover, the father of the nuclear navy, to see if young Ensign Holland was up to snuff — and my dad’s decades of service as a submariner, retiring as a Rear Admiral, are testament that he was.
Throughout that career, the submarine community was more than just his professional home.
It was a family support system, one in which my mother, Anne Holland, was a leader. One that played an important role for me and my six older brothers and sisters.
It was a community I was born into.
For my siblings and me, submarines were more than just where dad went to work. Like other kids, we played with train sets and paper dolls, but we also played with toy submarines.
[Laughter]
And the real ones were docked down the street, discussed at the dinner table, and a part of our family identity.
It is especially fitting — and I am so grateful — that both of my parents are with us here today.
And as the sponsor of the future U.S.S. Baltimore, SSN-812, I will continue to carry our family’s legacy of service, and commitment to the submarine force.
And what a force it is.
As Deputy Secretary of Defense, I’m focused on ensuring America’s military has the capabilities required to defend our nation, our allies and partners, and our interests. America’s submarines are vital contributors to those goals.
The United States maintains significant overmatch in undersea warfare compared to our pacing challenge, the People’s Republic of China. And we’re going to keep it that way, even as the PLA Navy continues to modernize. Submarines like Baltimore are a big part of how we’re staying in the lead — and not only ahead of the PRC, but also ahead of Russia.
Indeed, years ago my dad wrote in Proceedings that our submarines are “invisible, nearly invulnerable, and capable of operating close to shore to provide large volumes of fire.” That’s why they’re so important to joint force design, and a deterrent to any who might threaten us.
And when we invest together with our allies in advanced conventionally-armed, nuclear-powered submarine capabilities — like we’re doing through our AUKUS partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom — it’s a win-win for everyone, from Gare Loch to Groton to Garden Island. In fact, Australian sailors completed maintenance on a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine in Australian waters for the first time just this month.
Now, today’s boat naming is the beginning of a long journey for the Baltimore: from laydown to launch, shakedown to commissioning, and then a 30-plus-year service life.
And it’s built, assembled, outfitted, and evaluated — and as it does so — it will be touched by the hands of a world-class workforce: machinists, welders, pipefitters, systems engineers, technicians, testers and more.
It’s a workforce that is benefitting from the Biden-Harris administration’s historic investments, in partnership with Congress, to bolster and accelerate the productivity of America’s submarine industrial base: so it can support our military and our AUKUS commitment with our Australian and British allies. Over four years of defense budgets and supplemental appropriations, it’s about a $10-billion-dollar investment in the future strength and lethality of the silent service.
And when Baltimore joins the fleet, with a world-class crew, it will be among the most agile, lethal, resilient, and capable conventional nuclear-powered submarines we’ve ever made.
When I think about the boats my father served on and skippered — submarines that patrolled from the North Atlantic to the western Pacific, outfoxing the Soviet Navy time and again — I’m reminded that the Baltimore belongs to a continually-modernized class of attack submarines that are not only larger, more powerful, and more lethal. They also run quieter, deeper, and faster.
It would take over two-and-a-half of those earlier-generation submarines to equal the submerged displacement of a single Virginia-class sub like the Baltimore.
Virginia-class reactors also produce two-and-a-half times more megawatts than the reactors my dad trained on — that’s enough electricity to power tens of thousands of Maryland households today — and their turbines also generate over three times more shaft-horsepower for propulsion. That’s effectively a 20 percent higher thrust-to-weight ratio.
And compared to the subs my dad commanded, the most lethal Virginia-class submarines coming off the line today can carry two-and-a-half times more munitions, including dozens of anti-ship missiles like the Maritime Strike Tomahawk. And they have 11 times more torpedo and missile tubes.
As my dad once wrote, “the submarine provides a flexibility that presents our leaders with many options. Superior both offensive[ly] and defensive[ly].” In that way, Virginia-class subs are a Swiss Army Knife of naval capabilities:
Of course, our submarine force is still the ‘silent’ service. Even with the passage of time since my dad retired from the Navy, there are still aspects of subs and their missions that he and I cannot share publicly, that remain classified for their ongoing relevance to U.S. national security. And that will be the case for many years to come — just as it will be true for the Baltimore and its future crews.
But make no mistake about Baltimore‘s purpose. Like all of our submarines, conventional and otherwise, we build them not to provoke war, but rather to prevent wars, through deterrence.
When our would-be adversaries consider the risks of aggression, sometimes they will see the ‘big stick’ of U.S. and allied military assets, like the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt and our other aircraft carriers. They certainly send a signal, and they have the firepower to back it up.
But other times, there may be advantage in not sending a signal. And for those times, you need something that the other side can’t see.
U.S.S. Baltimore — with its stealth, endurance, lethality, and speed — will be just such an asset, part of our unseen advantage. And the only thing the adversary will hear is the sound of silence.
Just over 25 years ago, when the first submarine my father commanded was being decommissioned, he had the opportunity to tour that boat, U.S.S. Pintado. It was “astonishing,” he later wrote, to find the sub “in nearly as perfect condition as when she was commissioned.”
For over two-and-a-half decades, that submarine had patrolled the seas, helping ensure freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce, so that Americans, our allies, and many more people around the world could sleep soundly at night, live free, and prosper.
Dad, to you and all your shipmates past: thank you for having the watch. Mom, thank you for everything you did to lead pier-side, from running Family Service Centers to running the family.
America is grateful for the service you both gave, and the sacrifices you both made, on all of our behalf. And I am grateful.
[Applause]
Thank you.
Today, and every day, I’m thankful to those who built that submarine, who served aboard it, and who supported them and their families — just as I’m grateful to those who will do the same for the U.S.S. Baltimore.
Someday not too far off, I’ll be honored to welcome the future Baltimore‘s crew as an extended part of that family. I’ll be proud to know it will be the best submarine our country’s ever made: beautiful and deadly. It won’t be built overnight, but it will be built to last.
A quarter of a century from now, in 2049 and long beyond, the U.S.S. Baltimore will still be standing guard, out on patrol, so that we all — Americans, our allies, and hopefully the world — can sleep soundly at night, live free, and prosper.
Thank you.
[Applause]
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
Members of The Highland Council have noted an Annual Report by the Chief Social Work Officer, for 2023/24.
The report provides information on the range of activities carried out during the past year and highlights the achievements, and opportunities and challenges moving forward. Councillors discussed the content of the report and the implications for social work and social care services within Highland Council and NHS Highland.
Cllr David Fraser, Chair of the Council’s Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee said: “While recruitment continues to be a challenge for health and social care services, I am pleased that trainee and ‘grow your own’ schemes are now well established within Highland.
“The geography of the Highlands continues to prove challenging particularly in adult social care and coupled with difficulties of recruitment the Council continues to work closely with NHS Highland to address this. The Council and partners are also responding productively to ‘The Promise’ regarding the delivery of children’s services.
“I would like to thank all social work and social care staff for their continued focus on providing services in these constantly challenging times.”
Fiona Duncan, Chief Social Work Officer said: “National policy, legislation, budget restrictions and increasing demand and complexity for social services coupled with a national staffing crisis have proven particularly challenging during 2023/24. In addition to this the ongoing consultation around the National Care Service also brings uncertainty for social work staff.
“Highland has, however, remained focussed on delivering services and has invested in children’s services by increasing foster care allowances and in the Family First strategy to ensure The Promise is being met.
“In addition to challenges there have also been significant achievements including, for example:
She added: “While there have been a number of challenges during the past year, social work and social care staff across all services within The Highland Council and NHS Highland have worked tirelessly to maintain service delivery, with the focus on keeping clients and communities safe and supported.”
The Chief Social Work Officer Annual Report for 2023/24 can be viewed at Appendix A in agenda item 7 of the meeting of The Highland Council
Source: Scotland – Highland Council
At a meeting of The Highland Council held on Thursday 19 September 2024, Members of the Council made a decision on the Academy Street project in Inverness.
Councillors voted for an option that stops the implementation of a Traffic Regulation order and brings the Academy Street Project to an end with all Covid interventions being removed.
The decision made takes into consideration the challenges around funding and notes the huge amount of data collected during this project which could be useful for other projects in future.
20 Sep 2024
Source: City of Manchester
Manchester’s world beating Christmas Markets are back for 2024
The countdown is on to Christmas in Santa’s favourite city with Manchester’s world-beating Christmas Markets set to return on the 8 November – Manchester’s very own Festive Friday – for a six-week seasonal run until Sunday 22 December.
Now in their 26th year, Manchester’s Christmas markets continue to delight shoppers and visitors alike and are the stuff of Christmas legend, each year bringing millions of people into the city centre to fill up on the fantastic festive treats on offer and to soak up the glühwein and bratwurst-filled atmosphere of Christmas in the city.
With well over two hundred stalls across nine sites throughout the city centre, there promises to be plenty on offer for seasonal shoppers of all ages and tastes to enjoy.
This year sees the iconic wooden ski chalet market stalls take over King Street West, St Ann’s Square, Exchange Street, New Cathedral Street, Exchange Square, Corn Exchange and Cathedral Gardens, as well as Market Street and Piccadilly Gardens.
The stalls will be open daily throughout the six-week run – which this year due to the way dates fall, includes seven weekends instead of the usual six.
Craft stalls and stalls selling seasonal goods will be open each day from 10 am – 8 pm, whilst food and drink stalls will be open from 11 am – 9 pm each day.
The markets will wrap up for Christmas at 6 pm on Sunday 22 December, except for the food and drink stalls at Cathedral Gardens which will stay open until December 31.
The city centre will of course also be looking its sparkly best for the Christmas season with the return of the Manchester Christmas lights trail – the perfect backdrop for those all-important Christmas selfies.
Think giant walk-through baubles, a Manchester bee and of course Santa Claus himself, keeping a watchful eye on visitors young and old for his naughty and nice lists from on high in St Peter’s Square.
For those who enjoy a seasonal skate, Skate Manchester’s covered ice rink will be back again this year in Cathedral Gardens from 8 November to January 1 with the covered ice-rink promising an unforgettable skating experience whatever the weather, amid twinkling lights, Christmas trees and a soundtrack of Christmas songs.
And of course, Christmas in Santa’s favourite city would not be Christmas without the family favourite now annual Manchester Christmas Parade, which will be making its heartwarming return to the city streets again this year.
Councillor Pat Karney, Manchester’s Christmas spokesperson said: “Everyone knows by now that Christmas is my absolute favourite time of year and Manchester is my favourite place in the world to be during the festive season.
“Christmas is going to be wonderful in Manchester this year, with enough seasonal stalls across the city in our best-ever Christmas Markets to make sure that everyone gets their Christmas wrapped before the big day.
“And of course, Christmas in Santa’s favourite city simply would not be Christmas without the heart-warming event of the season, our magical Manchester Christmas Parade, which will be back again this year and promises to melt even the hardest of hearts.
“We’ve loved seeing how much our families enjoy it since our first Christmas Parade in 2022 and this year’s is going to be even more joyous and amazing – utterly unmissable! Not long to wait now until all will be revealed!”
More details about Skate Manchester here
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) co-introduced the Protecting American Businesses from Russian Litigation Act of 2024 to shield American businesses from frivolous Russian lawfare. The bill closes an existing loophole in federal law and amends Chapter 111 of Title 28 of the United States Code to ensure that U.S. persons are protected from lawsuits that result from good faith compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls.
“Following Putin’s invasion into Ukraine, Russia has waged an aggressive campaign against American companies that withdrew their services from the country to comply with U.S. imposed sanctions designed to weaken the regime. Russian courts have wrongly awarded large claims against these companies, and Russian litigants have used these decisions as evidence to sue in U.S. Federal courts. This is wrong. Wisconsin businesses who distribute internationally should not be punished for good-faith compliance with U.S. sanctions. That’s why I’m proud to cosponsor the Protecting Americans from Russian Litigation Act, which will amend U.S. Code to shield U.S. persons from frivolous lawsuits for good faith compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.
BACKGROUND: In response to Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. government imposed sanctions and export controls on Russia. To comply with these measures, U.S. companies wound down operations and ceased work in Russia. As a result, U.S. companies have been targeted by Russian litigants seeking damages and being awarded large and inflated claims by Russian courts against U.S. companies. These subjective decisions are then used as the basis for Russian litigants to seek significant damages under U.S. law – essentially functioning as a countersanction for Russia.
American companies shouldn’t be punished for simply complying with U.S. sanctions and export controls. The Protecting American Businesses from RussianLitigation Act of 2024 will protect American companies and their interests so that they are not subject to litigation for good faith compliance with U.S. sanctions and export controls.
###
Source: European Investment Bank
At the 79th United Nations General Assembly, European Investment Bank (EIB) President Nadia Calviño will join partners and global leaders to present new solutions and innovative financing approaches to tackle global challenges.
The EIB initiatives include support for women’s health with the Gates Foundation, the launch of new investment plans to strengthen primary healthcare alongside the World Health Organisation (WHO). EIB President Calviño will be accompanied by Vice-Presidents Ambroise Fayolle and Thomas Östros. She will be meeting heads of United Nations agencies, Multilateral Development Banks and leading private sector figures to explore ways of deepening collaboration.
President Calviño said: “We are proud to contribute to the UN Summit of the Future to create and scale up solutions for today’s challenges, paving the way for a stronger, more inclusive and connected multilateralism. That’s what we are here to do – with a focus on high-impact investments outside the EU – we are announcing new projects and initiatives alongside our partners to deliver primary health care, women’s health, as well as stepping up finance for climate action and resilience.”
Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) today announced that their global climate finance reached a record high of $125 billion in 2023. Mobilised global private finance nearly doubled to $101 billion compared to 2022. The combined total climate finance from the MDBs, including the European Investment Bank, is more than double the amount provided in 2019, when MDBs announced their ambition to increase climate finance volumes over time at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit.
Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle, responsible for Climate Action and Just Transition at the EIB, said: “The combined efforts from the world’s Multilateral Development Banks to deliver $125 billion in direct investments last year for climate action sends the strong message that the MDBs are working as a system to deliver and that the global community can count on MDBs, including the EIB, to accelerate global climate action. As the largest multilateral lender for climate action projects, the EIB will continue to support high impact operations such as breakthrough technologies, climate adaptation and a just transition for the most vulnerable to climate change. To make the green transition a success, we must make sure that climate action works for everybody.”
On 23rd September, Multilateral Banks will also come together in New York on the margins of the United Nations for a high-level roundtable on the new Health Impact Investment Platform for primary healthcare financing co-hosted by the EIB and the World Health Organisation. The roundtable will spotlight country-level action to boost community based health and vaccination. The event will be livestreamed on EIB and WHO channels.
Vice-President Thomas Östros, responsible for Health financing and Energy said: “Our collective response to the COVID-19 pandemic showed that we can achieve more when we work together. It also highlighted the need for greater collaboration to address current global health challenges and to prepare for potential future emergencies. In the coming days, we will announce new initiatives that I believe will significantly enhance the health of communities worldwide”.
EIB at UNGA
The EIB delegation will be participating in a number of events on the margins of the 79th General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA). President Calviño and Vice-President Fayolle will take part in a Project Syndicate event on Climate Finance on Sunday 22nd September which also includes Mia Amor Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados, Gabriel Boric, President of Chile, Marina Silva, Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Brazil, Mafalda Duarte, Executive Director of the Green Climate Fund and Mukhtar Babayev, President-Designate of COP29 and Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan.
A fireside chat on 23rd September 11.00 EDT between President Calviño and WHO Director-General Dr.Tedros Ghebreyesus will be livestreamed on UN and EIB channels, as part of the SDG Media Zone events.
Media interviews
For interview requests with members of the EIB delegation please get in touch with the .
Background information
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.
Source: European Parliament
The European Parliament’s September 2024 plenary session took place as floods devastated many areas in central European Member States, leading Members to debate and adopt a resolution on the EU’s preparedness to act to tackle disasters exacerbated by climate change. The flooding also led to the postponement of the planned statement on the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency. During the session, Members debated a number of European Commission statements: on financial and military support to Ukraine; addressing migration and effective return; strengthening the role of the Digital Services Act in regulating social media platforms and protecting democracy online; as well as persistent antisemitism, hate speech and hate crime in Europe; and the EU response to the Mpox outbreak. Members further debated the outcome of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture, the state of the energy union, and the danger of criminalisation of environmental defenders. Members held debates on European Commission statements on external relations issues, including: on the war in the Gaza Strip and the situation in the Middle East, the situation in Venezuela, and the outcome of the G20 ministerial meeting in Brazil. Two debates followed Council and Commission statements: on the Hungarian ‘National Card’ scheme and its consequences for the Schengen area, and the Court of Justice of the EU ruling on the Apple State aid case.
Source: European Parliament
The EU is fully committed to a comprehensive settlement to the Cyprus problem, within the United Nations (UN) framework, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the principles on which the EU is founded and the acquis.
Türkiye is expected to actively support the negotiations on a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue within the UN framework[1].
The EU has repeatedly called for the speedy resumption of negotiations and expressed its readiness to play an active role in supporting all stages of the UN-led process, with all the appropriate means at its disposal.
The EU coordinates with its Member States and works closely with partner countries on the Cyprus issue. The EU does not recognise the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and is bound by UN Security Council resolution 541[2]. The EU does not have information about any representation office of any Member States having been opened in the northern part of Cyprus.
Concerning restrictive measures, under Article 29 of the Treaty on European Union[3], it is strictly the prerogative of the Council of the EU, through its Member States, to take, with unanimity, decisions to adopt, renew or lift sanctions regimes.
The EU will continue to call on Türkiye to comply with its international obligations and with the EU values, as a candidate country for EU accession[4].
The EU has actively and continuously expressed preoccupations to the members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), at all levels[5]. The EU continues to call upon OTS members not to implement any decision which would allow for the so-called, internationally not recognised, TRNC to acquire observer status in the OTS.
The EU remains fully committed to ensuring that the UN Security Council resolutions and generally recognised principles and norms of international law, particularly with respect to the sovereignty, independence and integrity of states, are fully upheld.
The EU remains committed to defending its interests and those of its Member States as well as to upholding regional stability[6].
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001703/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Jordan Bardella (PfE), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), France Jamet (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Annamária Vicsek (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE)
Air Austral is an airline based on La Réunion which connects the islands in the Indian Ocean – La Réunion and Mayotte – with continental France and Europe. It plays a crucial role in improving access, connections and integration in those European regions.
The airline is currently at great risk, however. The suspension clauses imposed by the Commission are a major obstacle to the continued existence of Air Austral, particularly after COVID-19, as part of its medium-haul fleet remains grounded. Insisting on the clauses may spell the end of an airline that provides a public service.
Does the Commission plan to relax the suspension clauses to allow Air Austral to get back in the skies?
Submitted: 13.9.2024
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001667/2024/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)
Heavy rainfall in the Huesca and French Pyrenees has caused extensive damage to transport infrastructure. Some roads – such as the Somport and Bielsa border crossings – have had to be closed and will need to be repaired before they can be reopened.
The Spanish authorities have expressed solidarity with their French counterparts and have stated that the priority should be to reopen the routes as soon as possible. France has announced, however, that the Somport crossing will be closed for 6 months, which would disrupt socio-economic development and the mobility of cross-border workers and tourists.
The Commission recognises that the Member States are free to impose proportionate and justified restrictions on free movement.
Bearing in mind that the priority should be to carry out the works as soon as possible to ensure that the border crossing is safe again, I would ask the following questions:
Submitted: 10.9.2024
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001705/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)
The Trans-European Transport Network includes the Atlantic corridor as a strategic corridor for the economic development and population fixation in my constituency, Galicia. Given this corridor’s strategic importance for the Euroregion and in linking the north-west of the peninsula with the rest of the Union and in view of both the continuous delays and its planned completion date of 2026, we at the BNG would like to stress how late this is.
In view of this:
Submitted: 13.9.2024
Source: European Parliament
To attract and sustain young farmers, supporting generational renewal in agriculture, is a high priority under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with a number of tools and interventions available to achieve this objective.
The legislation requires from Member States to dedicate an amount equal to at least 3% of their national direct payments envelope to supporting young farmers.
Member States include in their CAP Strategic Plans (CSPs) different tools (called interventions) to encourage and support young people into farming, such as: complementary income support for young farmers; setting-up grants; investment support with higher intensity rates of up to 80%; support for intergenerational exchange.
The conditions and criteria for support are defined at the national level. The CPSs reflect the different approaches of Member States in providing support to young farmers through the combination of available tools, dedicated resources and prioritisation of support.
To improve the consistency of EU and national actions, the Member States provide in their CPSs an overview of all (EU and national) interventions and policies related to young farmers.
Potential new actions at EU level, will be discussed when preparing the legislative proposals that will accompany the proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework in 2025.
According to targets set currently in the Member States’ CPSs, the CAP aims to help around 377 000 young farmers start farming over the 2023-2027 period, with a total budget of EUR 8.5 billion.
The Commission launched an online dashboard to show the targets set at national level approved in the CSPs, as well as targets at EU level[1].
Source: European Parliament
The EU Drugs Strategy 2021-2025[1] and its Action Plan[2] identify the EU drug policy priorities, including the reduction of the use of illicit drugs[3].
The Council Framework Decision 2004/757/JHA[4] lays down minimum rules and penalties to combat drug trafficking. To effectively address synthetic drug threats, the 2023 EU Roadmap to fight drug trafficking and organised crime[5] foresees forging alliances as an explicit action.
Accordingly, on 7 July 2023 the EU joined the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, which deals with manufacture and trafficking of synthetic drugs, detecting threats and patterns, and public health aspects.
The EU4Health Programme[6] may support Member States’ actions to reduce damage to health due to illicit drug use and addiction.
The Commission is working closely with Member States to ensure that fentanyl and other opioid medications are subject to strict regulatory controls.
This includes the enforcement of rigorous prescription guidelines and monitoring systems to prevent overprescribing and to identify potential abuse[7].
Furthermore, the Commission, in collaboration with the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is developing and promoting guidelines for healthcare professionals on the safe prescription and management of medications with high potential for misuse[8].
Since 2 July 2024, the EU Drugs Agency (EUDA[9]) has reinforced health and security threat assessment capabilities and promotes evidence-based interventions to raise awareness on the adverse effects of drugs[10].
To address the increasing availability of drugs to young people on social media platforms, the Commission developed a Knowledge Package on Combating Drug Sales Online[11].
Source: European Parliament
1. In relation to the project referred to by the Honourable Member, the Commission has asked Italy to provide some clarifications on the implementation of Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[1]. This provision allows Member States to authorise, under certain conditions, projects likely to have a negative impact on a Natura 2000 site if they are justified under imperative reasons of overriding public interest and all the necessary compensatory measures are taken. Member States are required to inform the Commission about those measures. A prior step is an appropriate assessment of all the impacts expected from the project, taking into account the conservation objectives established for the concerned Natura 2000 site, in accordance with the provisions of Article 6(3) of the directive.
The requested clarifications concern namely the nature of the reasons that would justify the authorisation of the project despite a negative assessment of its impacts, as well as the adequacy of the site-specific conservation objectives for the Natura 2000 site to be impacted by the project.
Italy has not yet provided the requested clarifications but has communicated that, in the meanwhile, the regional authorities have suspended the project.
2. A Commission opinion is required where the site concerned by the project hosts a priority habitat type or species and the project is carried out for imperative reasons of overriding public interest other than those related to human health, public safety, or beneficial consequences of primary importance for the environment.
3. The Commission has not set any specific deadline for Italian authorities to reply to the note of 15 February 2024, mentioned by the Honourable Member.
Source: European Parliament
The management plan for the sustainable exploitation of common dolphinfish, adopted by the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) in 2023[1] and incorporated into EU law through Regulation EU 2024/259 establishing the fishing opportunities for 2024 for the Mediterranean Sea[2], covers only the fisheries targeting this species which uses Fish Aggregating Devices (FAD). However, there can be bycatches of this species in other fisheries, which can be marketed.
To ensure the control of the common dolphinfish fishery, the GFCM adopted a permanent international inspection scheme[3] in 2023. In 2024, the European Fisheries Control Agency coordinated the deployment of one of its patrol vessels in the Strait of Sicily, for a joint inspection campaign with the relevant contracting parties.
The campaign, carried out by the EU-GFCM fisheries inspectors in the South of Sicily, ended on 3 September 2024. So far, no suspected infringements for fishing dolphinfish with FADs during the closure period were detected.
Ensuring a level playing field is one of the main objectives the Commission pursues at the level of the GFCM, where it initiated the above-mentioned management and control measures, in close cooperation with the Member States.
Finally, as determined by the EU Fisheries Control Regulation[4], the responsibility for the operational implementation of applicable control measures and the enforcement in case of violation of the rules of the Common Fisheries Policy lies with the Member States.
Source: European Investment Bank
The Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) will benefit from €125 million in European Investment Bank (EIB) loans to build affordable student housing and upgrade campus facilities in the cities of Paphos and Limassol. The EIB funds will ensure that the planned student lodgings are sustainable and affordable and that academic, research and sports facilities meet the highest teaching and environmental standards.
The EIB funds stem from two financing agreements with CUT totalling €108 million and one funding accord with the municipality of Paphos amounting to €17 million. Part of the financing –
€89 million – is backed by the InvestEU programme, which marks its first operation in Cyprus. The EIB support will cover 70% of the project’s total cost.
“Investing in university infrastructure is key to ensuring that Cypriot universities can attract and train talented people and support economic growth, business innovation and social progress in the country,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “A lack of sustainable and affordable housing is a major problem in Cyprus as well as across the EU and one of our priorities is tackling this scarcity. With this new financial support for Cyprus, we are backing up pledges with concrete action.”
The project will involve the construction and renovation of over 81,000 square metres of academic and administrative space along with the creation of 703 additional living places for students. In Limassol, the upgrades will include a solar-power plant to provide renewable energy, making the campus more energy independent. EIB Advisory Services are also providing technical assistance as part of the agreement to help the CUT maximise energy efficiency in the infrastructure that will be developed.
“The EIB’s continued strong partnership with Cyprus has resulted in this vital new financing in our education sector,” said Cypriot Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. “This support is of huge significance and is aligned with our goal of accelerating investments for sustainable and affordable housing and energy efficiency.”
The plans in Paphos offer a signal for Cyprus as a whole.
“By establishing, operating and managing a student residence, the Municipality of Paphos sets the first example of a local authority in Cyprus responding to a clear social need,” said Paphos Mayor Phedon Phedonos. “Decent housing is a basic requirement to have happy, proud and productive students and it is here that local government needs to show that it listens to what the community needs.”
CUT echoed the point.
“A dream we have had for many years has come true,” said CUT Rector Panayiotis Zaphiris.
“The provision of the necessary student accommodation and other major projects funded by the signing of these loan agreements build a stronger future for our university, especially for our students.”
CUT Board Chairman Costas Galatariotis added: “Today is the ideal prelude to a new path of development for the Cyprus University of Technology. Our warmest thanks to the EIB and the Republic of Cyprus through the Ministries of Finance and Education, for the trust and support. The impact of this partnership will be extremely important for the University and especially for the progress and well-being of our student community.”
CUT Student Union President Petros Christodoulou stressed the benefits of the planned new student housing.
“The high cost of accommodation has become a significant social problem for university students in recent years,” Christodoulou said. “These investments will help the university accommodate the increasing number of students and keep growing.”
The new loans bring total EIB financing for Cypriot universities and research institutions over the past decade to more than €300 million.
Previous EIB commitments were to expand and modernise the University of Cyprus in 2014 and 2017, when the bank provided a total of €162 million for the extension and modernisation of the University of Cyprus’s facilities and to create the Faculty of Engineering. Those two financing packages also helped improve energy efficiency and protection against earthquakes.
Furthermore, the EIB provided €25 million in 2017 for extra space, new equipment and research activities at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances sound investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.
The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed a total of €88 billion in new financing for over 900 projects in 2023. These commitments are expected to mobilise around €320 billion in investment, supporting 400,000 companies and 5.4 million jobs.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Accord. The EIB Group does not fund investments in fossil fuels. We are on track to deliver on our commitment to support €1 trillion in climate and environmental sustainability investment in the decade to 2030 as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Over half of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower. This underscores the Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and the convergence of living standards.
Source: European Parliament
AFCO Committee held on 19.09.2024 in Strasbourg, heard Mr. János BÓKA, Minister for European Union Affairs of Hungary, who presented the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency in the institutional matters.
Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP
Source: European Parliament
While the United Arab Emirates investment alleviated external pressures in the past fiscal year 2023/24, Egypt still faces sizeable financing needs going forward, as identified by the International Monetary Fund, amid a critical economic situation and risks from the geopolitical situation.
The current crises have exacerbated financing needs, with a substantial financing gap already in the new fiscal year 2024/25. To help address this, it is urgent that the EU is in a position to disburse the first part of the Macro-financial assistance (MFA) package to Egypt still this year.
Egypt has seen strong balance of payment pressure, partly due to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and the Israel-Hamas conflict that followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas’ terrorist attacks across Israel, which is feeding into the country’s substantial external financing needs. Egypt’s current account deficit expanded significantly in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to a worsening trade deficit and lower remittances.
Moderate growth in tourism, combined with growing services payments led to a 12% quarter-on-quarter drop in the services surplus. Modest remittances (down 11% year on year) did not provide much support.
Revenues from the Suez canal, one of the most important sources of foreign currency, fell by 23% during the fiscal year 2023/2024 compared to the previous fiscal year.
MFA operations are typically not unconditional. On the contrary, the partner country agrees to undertake a number of policy reforms to address the root causes of its problem.
This is also true for the first operation with Egypt, where actions have been agreed to foster macroeconomic stability and resilience; strengthen competitiveness and business environment; and support the green transition.
On the political side, respect and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms are important in The EU’s relations with Egypt.
In line with the Association Agreement, the Partnership Priorities and the Joint Declaration on the Strategic and Comprehensive partnership[1], the Commission will continue to work together with Egypt to further promote democracy, fundamental freedoms, and human rights, gender equality and equal opportunities.
As stipulated in Article 2 of the Council Decision (EU) 2024/1144 on the provision of the short-term macro-financial assistance, Egypt shall make concrete and credible steps towards respecting effective democratic mechanisms, the rule of law, and guaranteeing respect for human rights. The assessment of progress made in this respect is part of the disbursement process.
The Commission services will work closely with the European External Action Service in monitoring the adoption and implementation of such steps.
Source: European Parliament
On 23 September, ENVI Members will hold an exchange of views with the Secretary of State for Health, Dr Péter Takács. The debates are expected to focus on the priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency.
In July, Hungary began its presidency of the EU Council, which will run until 31 December 2024. Concerning health policy (Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council), Hungary plans to focus on health policy elements where reforms are needed. In particular, the Hungarian Presidency intends to make progress on the EU pharmaceutical package, with the aim of establishing competitive, sustainable and patient-centered pharmaceutical legislation. It also plans to tackle cardiovascular diseases and address organ transplantation.
The hearing will start with a presentation by the Secretary of State, followed by rounds of questions raised by the Members.
Source: EuroStat – European Statistics
European Commission Press release Brussels, 20 Sep 2024 A high-level delegation of the European Commission will attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly next week in New York. The focus of EU engagement will be to tackle the unprecedented set of conflicts and crises across the world.
Source: European Investment Bank
Multilateral development banks (MDBs) announced today that their global climate finance reached a record high of $125 billion in 2023. The combined total last year from institutions, including the European Investment Bank, is more than double the amount provided in 2019, when MDBs announced their ambition to increase climate volumes over time at the United Nations Secretary General’s Climate Action Summit.
Low and middle-income economies
Last year, $74.7 billion of MDB climate finance were for low- and middle-income economies. Of this sum, 67% – or $50 billion – went to climate change mitigation and $24.7 billion, or 33%, for climate change adaptation. The amount of mobilised private finance for this group of countries stood at $28.5 billion.
High-income economies
In 2023, $50.3 billion were allocated for high-income economies. Of this amount, $47.3 billion, or 94%, were for climate change mitigation and the remaining $3 billion or 6% were for climate change adaptation. The amount of mobilised private finance for high-income countries stood at $72.7 billion.
Climate finance in focus at COP29
Today’s announcement comes in the run-up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 29) to the United Nations Climate Change Conference that will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan in November 2024. One of the key deliverables of COP29 is to increase global climate finance and reach agreement on the new collective quantified goal on climate finance.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said: “Nearly halfway into the critical decade, we must continue to work hard if we are to keep the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5ºC within reach. Since 2019, multilateral development banks have increased their collective climate financing year on year, exceeding our joint targets. In addition, we are strengthening our cooperation to maximise impact for people and the planet through coordinated country-level support for a just transition away from fossil fuels and more work on adaptation and disaster risk management. Ahead of COP29, today’s announcement of $125 billion in climate finance sends the strong message that the MDB system is delivering and that the global community can count on MDBs, including the EIB, to accelerate global climate action.”
The EIB delivered record volumes of $42.1 billion of climate finance in high-income economies and $4 billion for low- and middle-income economies through its specialised development arm EIB Global. The EIB mobilised global private finance of $53 billion.
Transparent joint reporting on climate finance
The Joint Report on Multilateral Development Banks’ Climate Finance is an annual collaboration to publish MDBs’ climate finance figures, together with a clear explanation of the methodologies for tracking this finance. The joint report, along with the banks’ independent publication of their own climate finance statistics, is intended to monitor progress in relation to their joint climate finance objectives such as those announced at COP21 and the greater ambition pledged for the post-2020 period.
The 2023 multilateral development bank report, coordinated and prepared for publishing by the European Investment Bank (EIB), combines data from the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the EIB, the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the New Development Bank (NDB) and the World Bank Group (WBG).
For an overview of the key figures click here
Read the report here
Background information
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It is active in more than 160 countries and makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.
Source: European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending fibre broadband provider Deutsche Glasfaser (DG) €350 million to expand its network in Germany. The project will make high-speed internet available to some 460,000 homes and businesses in rural areas that lack high-capacity broadband.
The network will provide retail internet services that are as much as 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) – faster than the broadband speed to which most consumers currently have access. The average download speed in most European countries is in the range of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) or below. Fibre optic infrastructure can support much higher bandwidth than traditional copper-based broadband technologies like DSL, VDSL or cable.
This project benefits from risk sharing under the InvestEU programme of the European Union. It aims to address a lack of investment in high-speed digital infrastructure in less populated areas, where the costs and risks are typically higher for providers.
“Improving digital services in rural areas will enhance living conditions and make these regions more attractive,” said EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer. “At the same time, it will safeguard jobs and support both individuals and businesses in reaching their full potential. It makes these regions ‘future-proof’ by accommodating the growing bandwidth demands of modern internet applications – from cloud computing to remote work and education – and emerging technologies like virtual reality and the Internet of Things. Bridging the digital divide between rural areas and urban centres is essential to help rural regions compete more effectively, driving both economic growth and social progress.”
European Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni, said: “The InvestEU programme is bringing high-speed internet for 460,000 homes and businesses in underserved areas in Germany, in partnership with the European Investment Bank and Deutsche Glasfaser. This investment will help close the digital divide and allow businesses to grow and create jobs. This is a tangible example of a Europe that invests in the future and leaves no one behind.”
The EIB loan comes on top of a multi-billion-euro financing from commercial banks that DG secured in 2022 and 2024, enabling the company to expand a network currently spanning more than 2 million homes that have the potential to be connected. By the end of 2026, DG aims to make available fibre connections to over 3 million households in Germany, with a longer-term ambition to reach up to 6 million households in the country. The EIB loan has a positive signalling effect for further fundraising.
”We are pleased that the EIB is supporting us on our journey to bridge the digital divide in rural parts of Germany,” said DG Chief Executive Officer Andreas Pfisterer, “As the leading fibre player in rural and sub-urban Germany, we are clearly focused on bringing consumers and businesses in these areas to a state-of-the-art fibre network. Our integrated model of retail and wholesale via our open access platform is a key differentiator in the market and is an attractive offer for both the municipality and the citizens.”
Anna Dimitrova, Chief Financial Officer of DG added: “I would like to thank the EIB for its trust in us and its commitment in pushing digital infrastructure in Germany. The new EIB loan is part of a broader ESG-linked financing package that will fund our projects over the next two plus years. Next to the EIB, our funding is based on a large consortium of banks and financial institutions, with most of them supporting us already for many years, being the fibre to the home pioneer in rural Germany.”
Germany has been relatively slow in rolling out fibre broadband networks compared to other European countries. Only about 35% of households reached full-fibre connectivity in 2023 as opposed to an average 64% across the EU plus the UK. This project will support the targets of the German Digital Strategy and the European Digital Compass to provide all households with gigabit connectivity by 2030.
Background information
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union. It finances sound investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed a total of €88 billion in new financing for over 900 projects in 2023. These commitments are expected to mobilise around €320 billion in investment, supporting 400 000 companies and 5.4 million jobs.
The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery. It also helps mobilise private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. The InvestEU programme brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments currently available to support investment in the European Union, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The programme consists of three components: the InvestEU Fund, the InvestEU Advisory Hub and the InvestEU Portal. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that will invest in projects using the EU budget guarantee of €26.2 billion. The entire budget guarantee will back the investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment.
Deutsche Glasfaser Group is the leading fibre broadband provider in rural and sub-urban Germany. As a FTTH pioneer and industry leader, Deutsche Glasfaser plans, builds and operates open-access fiber networks for private households, businesses and public institutions. The company aims to roll-out fiber networks across the nation, thereby contributing significantly to Germany’s digital transformation. With innovative planning and construction methods, Deutsche Glasfaser is the technology leader for fast and cost-efficient FTTH deployment. Deutsche Glasfaser is backed by the experienced digital infrastructure investors EQT and OMERS.
Source: European Parliament
On 23 September, ENVI Members will hold an exchange of views with the State Secretary for Environmental Affairs and the Circular Economy, Dr Anikó Raisz. The debates are expected to focus on the priorities of the Hungarian Council.
In July, Hungary began its presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will run until 31 December 2024. It has defined 7 thematic areas, where ENVI relevant policies are touched as part of its priority on A New European Competitiveness Deal, notably sustainable growth and green transition. The priorities of the Hungarian Council Presidency in the field of environment include reducing pollution, addressing climate change, and preserving biodiversity. The discussions are expected to cover the ‘Fit for 55 package’, progress on legislative files like the ‘Waste Framework Directive’, and preparations for ‘COP29’. The hearing will start with a presentation by the State Secretary on the topic, followed by rounds of questions raised by the Members.
MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –
Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk took part in the crisis headquarters in Szczecin, where he received reports on the state of preparations of the West Pomeranian Voivodeship to face the threat of flooding. The Prime Minister addressed words of gratitude to local government officials and services for their invaluable support. He also expressed his appreciation for the Polish women and men who are mobilizing and supporting people affected by the effects of the disaster. Report from Szczecin The last few years and days have shown that we must be prepared for every scenario. In the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, preparations for the arrival of the wave have been underway for several days. “We greatly appreciate that you are prepared for every scenario. Fortunately, there is no indication that this was a worst-case scenario,” said the head of government in Szczecin. The services are focused on protecting the population and their property from the great flood. West Pomerania helps flood victims The Prime Minister thanked local government officials and services from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship for their help in the post-flood areas in southern Poland. “I want to start by thanking you for your solidarity. […] When I heard your reports from the fire department, from the army, about where you are, how you are helping, I want to tell you that people there really appreciate it and have been waiting for it,” expressed his gratitude Donald Tusk. Soldiers from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship and the surrounding areas are helping people in the most critical places affected by the flood, e.g. in Stronie Śląskie, Lądek-Zdrój or Brzeg. “The situation there is still critical. We would all very much like to protect Brzeg from flooding, and your presence is very practical help that gives a lot of encouragement to the residents,” said the Prime Minister during the crisis team. The government, local governments, services, non-governmental organizations, companies and citizens are working for the benefit of people who suffered in connection with the flood. The Prime Minister emphasized how important bromea con support is. He added that one of the first needs of flood victims is to dry out buildings, and for this purpose dehumidifiers are needed. He also asked for support in the field of construction supervision. “Seven inspectors have already been selected and will go. […] We are collecting a few more applications and, to the extent possible, we will send construction inspectors to the south,” said Adam Rudawski, West Pomeranian Voivode. He also declared help in the matter of delivering the necessary equipment to places affected by the flood.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001727/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Tomas Tobé (PPE), Javier Zarzalejos (PPE), Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez (PPE), Gabriel Mato (PPE), Jeroen Lenaers (PPE), François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE), Alice Teodorescu Måwe (PPE), Rasa Juknevičienė (PPE), Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE), Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE), Loránt Vincze (PPE), Lukas Mandl (PPE), Emil Radev (PPE), Verena Mertens (PPE), Karlo Ressler (PPE)
More than 25 500 migrants have arrived in the Canary Islands irregularly in 2024, 123 % more than in the same period in 2023[1]. In order to maintain the integrity of the EU’s external borders, the situation needs to be addressed, including through joint EU measures.
In 2022, the Council authorised the Commission to negotiate status agreements with Senegal[2] and Mauritania[3], which include operational activities of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). Many of the migrant boats arriving in the Canary Islands come from these countries.
Earlier this year, a migration deal that also includes Frontex activities was signed between the EU and Mauritania[4]. However, there has been no news about how the negotiations with Senegal are progressing.
Given this:
Submitted: 17.9.2024
MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –
Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.
Marcin Kierwiński is the government’s plenipotentiary for the reconstruction of areas affected by flooding20.09.2024El prime minister Donald Tusk went to the Lubuskie province, which is preparing for the arrival of a flood wave on the Odra. During the crisis headquarters in Nowa Sól, he announced that Marcin Kierwiński would be the government’s plenipotentiary for the post-flood reconstruction program.
Flood Reconstruction Program
During the meeting of the crisis team in Nowa Sól, the Prime Minister indicated the next step in this crisis situation – efficient organization of activities related to repairing the damage.
We want to start as soon as possible not only with emergency aid, but also with organizing a reconstruction program.
– announced Donald Tusk. Marcin Kierwiński will be the government’s representative for the flood reconstruction program.
I was looking for someone who has a technical education, is an experienced politician when it comes to management, has local government experience and experience with crisis situations.”
– Primer Ministro enumerated. Marcin Kierwiński, the new Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, has all these competences. The politician has an engineering education; he was, among others, the initiator of the act on the protection of civilians, vice-marshal of the province and city councilor. This guarantees that the reconstruction program coordinated by him will function efficiently.
It would be hard to find anyone with better qualifications for this very difficult project.
– summed up the head of government. Kierwiński, currently serving as MEP, decided to resign from his mandate and return to Poland to help implement the planned activities.
Cooperation as a Source of Hope
During the staff meeting, the head of government also recalled that Nowa Sól withstood the flood in 1997 thanks to the heroic efforts of its residents.
People saved their beloved city. A little something that gives us all strength. You can see here that great effort, solidarity, how people don’t argue, but cooperate – thanks to this, you can really save a lot of things
– said Donald Tusk. The Prime Minister thanked the services and residents once again for their joint actions. He also informed that, as the situation develops, more and more areas are being declared a natural disaster.
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EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
SOLOMON ISLANDS –
The United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, and Japan recently joined the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for Operation Render Safe 2024-2 in New Georgia, Solomon Islands, from Aug. 12 to Sept. 27.
Operation Render Safe is an Australian Defence Force operation that removes the danger posed by World War II-era explosive remnants of war in Pacific Island countries. 2024 marks the 20th year that Operation Render Safe has been conducted.
The Solomon Islands were a major battleground during the Pacific Island campaign that left behind thousands of unexploded munitions that continue to pose significant risks to the public, hindering development and threatening local livelihoods. These remnants of war have also contributed to dangerous living conditions for local residents, limiting the availability of safe land for agriculture and community expansion.
This year’s Operation Render Safe was the largest UXO removal effort in the region’s history. 3,240 explosive remnants of war were removed from 219 sites that will directly benefit the local population by providing safer access to land and water resources. The operation’s success will help open the door to future development projects, fostering economic growth and improving infrastructure in affected areas.
This multinational mission, led by the RSIPF, covered a vast area of 1,600 square kilometers, with 17 multinational explosive ordnance teams undertaking a rolling program of community engagement, reconnaissance, and positive action in both land and maritime domains.
“Being Army, we’re not really used to being on the water,” said Australian Army Cpl. Daniel Siyogu, an EOD technician with the 6th Engineer Support Regiment. “But we’re getting it done, identifying and disposing of explosive remnants of war on Kolombangara island.”
Operation Render Safe 2024-2 also featured significant tri-service interoperability between eight contributing nations, ensuring smooth coordination across a wide operational area. The 17 EOD teams, supported by U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 268 (Reinforced), Marine Rotational Force – Darwin 24.3, operated over a 350km internal-line supply chain to the rear echelon in Honiara.
“Working alongside our Allies showcases the importance of our shared goals,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Jesus Contreras, an EOD team leader with Combat Logistics Battalion 5 (Reinforced), MRF-D 24.3. “Leading a combined team of multinational personnel into the jungles of New Georgia has been a unique and rewarding experience. Working in a joint environment with different SOPs, [standard operating procedures], has been a challenge, but the similarities in our EOD procedures make it easier to cooperate and learn from each other.”
The involvement of the RSIPF, with their knowledge of the area, was essential in identifying UXO caches, making the operation a success.
“Getting input from the local community has been critical,” said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Okahiro. “The people here know where the explosives are, and their guidance allows us to better assess and clear dangerous areas.”
The operation focused on key areas like Kohinggo and Munda, contributing to improved infrastructure and a safer environment for Solomon Islands communities.
“Ultimately, it’s about making the region safer and improving the quality of life for the local communities,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Fabian Harrison, the commanding officer of Operation Render Safe 2024-2. “Through these partnerships and the commitment of all involved nations, we’re achieving that goal.”
MIL OSI Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: IMF – News in English
September 20, 2024
Washington, DC: Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), announced today her intention to appoint Ms. Yan Liu as General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department. Ms. Liu will succeed Ms. Rhoda Weeks-Brown and is expected to formally take up her appointment on October 7, 2024.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Yan Liu as General Counsel and Director of the Legal Department,” Ms. Georgieva said. “I have informed the Executive Board of my intention to proceed with this appointment.”
Ms. Liu joined the Fund in 1999 as Counsel and has risen through the ranks to Deputy General Counsel—the current role in which she leads key strategic initiatives to ensure that the Legal Department continues to fulfill its mandate and contribute to the Fund’s policy work and operations. Ms. Liu works to identify and manage actual and potential risks in key areas such as lending, central banking and payment systems, capital flows, non-performing loan resolution, public financial management, and capacity development.
Additionally, as a well-recognized expert in sovereign debt, Ms. Liu has played a key role in shaping the Fund’s policies in this area and supporting the Common Framework and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable. She has also provided advice on the Fund’s role in facilitating orderly restructurings in countries such as Argentina, Greece, Ukraine, and Zambia. Furthermore, she was instrumental in the design and implementation of the Fund’s digital money strategy.
“Yan brings to her new role over 25 years of legal expertise and deep understanding of the Fund policy and operations,” said Ms. Georgieva. “She is a thought leader and a trusted advisor who is also well known for her dedication to mentoring and supporting staff in their career journeys. The hallmark of Yan’s work is her collaborative and constructive approach in service to the institution.”
Ms. Liu, a Chinese national, received her Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois, and a master’s degree from the University of Chicago. She is widely published on various aspects of the law, and policy perspectives on such areas as private debt, sovereign debt restructuring, and good governance. Prior to joining the Fund, she practiced corporate and securities law in the United States.
PRESS OFFICER: Pavis Devahasadin
Phone: 1 202 623-7100 Email: MEDIA@IMF.org
https://www.imf.org/en/Nevs/Articles/2024/09/20/pr24335-imf-md-appointments-yan-liu-gen-sunsel-director-legal-dept
EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and or sentence structure not be perfect.
Source: Republic of France in English
The Republic of France has issued the following statement:
The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is taking place at the UN Headquarters in New York from 22 to 27 September 2024. This year, the theme for the debate will be “Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development and human dignity for present and future generations”.
The UNGA was created under the Charter of the United Nations in 1945. It is the decision-making and representative body of the United Nations and now comprises 193 Member States. The UNGA adopts resolutions that help establish the standards of international law, on the basis of representativeness (1 State = 1 vote) and debate.
During the 79th UNGA High-level Week, Heads of State and Government and other national representatives will gather to set out their priorities and discuss global challenges in order to advance peace, security and sustainable development.
As the international community faces unprecedented challenges, this major diplomatic event will provide an opportunity for France to reaffirm its commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.
France’s priorities for this UNGA are: