NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: University of the Bundeswehr Munich

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    University of the Bundeswehr Munich is one of two research universities in Germany at federal level that both were founded in 1973 as part of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).

    Originally called Hochschule der Bundeswehr München the institution was supposed to offer civilian academic education for military officers. As an uncommon feature amongst German universities University of the Bundeswehr Munich unifies a more theoretical research university division and a more practical-oriented College of Applied Sciences branch. Today, the university has an increasing number of civilian and international students.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM meeting with President Trump’s Special Envoy to the UK Mark Burnett: 13 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night.

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night, during which he took a call from President Trump and discussed his forthcoming visit to the US.

    Mr Burnett and the Prime Minister agreed on the unique and special nature of the UK-US relationship, the strength of our alliance and the warmth of the connection between the two countries. 

    Mr Burnett reflected on his personal connections to the UK, and his mother’s experience working part time in Downing Street as a waitress over 30 years ago.  

    They emphasised the huge potential for even stronger collaboration on trade, tech and cultural matters between the US and the UK and looked forward to working together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales Alenia Space and ESA sign contract for HydRON to demonstrate first multi-orbit optical communication network

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales Alenia Space and ESA sign contract for HydRON to demonstrate first multi-orbit optical communication network

    • Thales Alenia Space will develop the world’s first all-optical, multi-orbit optical space communication network
    • ESA’s HydRON project will meet the challenge of bringing connectivity to multiple users to showcase the capabilities of optical communication technology
    • The company will leverage its expertise to contribute to Europe’s technological independence in connectivity services through space.

    Cannes, February 14, 2025 – Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) for Element #2 of the HydRON (High-thRoughput Optical space Network) Demonstration System (DS) for the design, development, deployment and in-orbit demonstration of a full end-to-end optical system to verify and validate the world’s first all-optical, high-data-rate, multi-orbit transport network in space.

    HydRON is set to transform the way data-collecting satellites communicate, using laser technology that will allow satellites to connect with each other and ground networks much faster.By enabling rapid, high-capacity connections between satellites and ground networks, HydRON will significantly enhance our ability to collect and utilize data from space.

    HydRON optical communication for broadband in space ©ESA

    The project will be conducted with the support of the various space agencies involved in this exciting challenge: the Italian Space Agency (ASI), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the Polish Space Agency (POLSA), the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA), Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Swiss Space Agency (SSO). Other agencies are expected to join during the project to expand the mission’s objectives. HydRON forms part of ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme within the Connectivity and Secure Communications directorate.

    “I am really pleased Thales Alenia Space will be contributing to Europe’s technological independence in connectivity services through space,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President, Observation, Exploration and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space. “Thales Alenia Space believes HydRON Demonstration System is the key enabler for the reliability and operability of a high-throughput optical network in space, paving the way for the future of commercial optical communications in Europe and globally.” 

    “It was an honour to sign this contract with Thales Alenia Space, which moves us closer to establishing Europe’s first optical communication network in space,” said Laurent Jaffart, ESA’s Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications. “HydRON is set to maintain Europe and Canada as global leaders in the optical domain. With the system being interoperable, HydRON will ensure we continue to grow ESA’s cooperation with our international partners.”

    Thales Alenia Space’s role in HydRON-DS project

    Thales Alenia Space, with its long track record in telecommunication networks and expertise in the production of optical terminals for space, developed in Zurich, has already coordinated a working group involving Telespazio, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%), responsible for the ground segment, and other Italian and European companies for Phase A/B1 of the HydRON-DS project. This work was completed at the end of the 2023.

    Today, Thales Alenia Space in Italy is ready to lead a European industry consortium for building the HydRON-DS Element #2 mission partition, including the space segment (LEO collector satellite and GEO optical payload) and ground segment (two optical ground stations, mission and network control center and satellite control center).

    The project will develop and validate two concepts:

    • Fiber in the Sky: multi-orbit optical telecommunications at high data rates between space and ground assets.
    • Internet beyond the Clouds: innovative onboard routing techniques at high throughput (> 100 Gbps) to build an optical space transport network seamlessly integrated with terrestrial fiber-based networks.

    The project includes up to two years of in-orbit demonstration to assess the capabilities of key technologies for optical communications and concepts of operations for the network architecture. It will also provide a service demonstration for potential demo users.

    About ESA’s Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme 

    The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. Part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), the Optical and Quantum Communications – ScyLight programme focuses on advancing optical and quantum technologies to revolutionise satellite communications. ScyLight supports the research, development and utilisation of these technologies, for instance through the HydRON project for seamlessly integrating space assets into terrestrial communication networks. ESA is enabling future quantum communication networks with ultra-secure global connectivity by advancing space-based quantum key distribution and maturing technologies already available today. 

    Through supporting industry to develop and extend its manufacturing capabilities, ScyLight helps prepare European and Canadian industry stakeholders to seize related market opportunities. 

    Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/optical-and-quantum-communications 

    ABOUT THALES ALENIA SPACE

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries with 16 sites in Europe.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: UK: Encryption order threatens global privacy rights 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The United Kingdom government’s order to Apple to allow security authorities access to encrypted cloud data severely harms the privacy rights of users in the UK and worldwide, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said today. 

    The UK government order attempts to force Apple to provide security authorities access to encrypted user data, including device backups that can include contact lists, as well as location and messaging history, for any Apple user worldwide. The secret order, which The Washington Post reported on last week, was issued in January 2025 by the Home Office, the UK’s interior ministry. It concerns Advanced Data Protection, an iPhone function that uses end-to-end encryption on data stored in the cloud, ensuring that only the user of the account can access the data stored.    

    If these reports are true, this is an alarming overreach by the UK authorities seeking to access the private data of not only people in the UK, but anyone worldwide with an Apple account. 

    Zach Campbell, senior surveillance researcher at Human Rights Watch

    “If these reports are true, this is an alarming overreach by the UK authorities seeking to access the private data of not only people in the UK, but anyone worldwide with an Apple account,” said Zach Campbell, senior surveillance researcher at Human Rights Watch. “People rely on secure and confidential communications to exercise their rights. Access to device backups is access to your entire phone, and strong encryption to prevent this access should be the norm by default.” 

    The UK government’s reported order requiring Apple to provide access to encrypted user data is disproportionate by design, as it would weaken data protections for all users, not just those suspected of a crime or under investigation. Compliance with the order by Apple would harm privacy rights of users worldwide. 

    News reports said that the UK government ordered Apple to build a back door into its products under the Investigatory Powers Act, a 2016 surveillance law that includes provisions allowing the government to order companies to remove “electronic protection” of user data. The law also prohibits the recipients of these orders, in this case Apple, from acknowledging or commenting on them. The new UK order reportedly “requires blanket capability to view fully encrypted material” for Apple users worldwide, including users with no apparent connection to the UK. 

    Encryption is a crucial enabler of human rights online and offline. Human rights defenders, journalists, and everyone else rely on the security and privacy of their devices to protect them not only from unlawful government spying, but also from cybercrime and other attacks from non-state actors. Weakening encryption, or mandating back doors, leaves all users more vulnerable. Governments should support strong encryption, and companies should build it into their products and services by default. 

    In recent years there has been a steady drumbeat of revelations about government spying relying on surveillance tools like spyware and digital forensic tools but also taking advantage of overly permissive legal regimes that allow states to access huge troves of personal data from private companies. 

    “States have more and more powerful legal and technical tools at their disposal, and research shows that they are using them to target people for protesting, speaking out, or even just because of what they represent. 

    Joshua Franco, senior research adviser at Amnesty Tech.

    These tools are often used in combination. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have both highlighted the steep human rights costs of such surveillance: State surveillance threatens the work of human rights defenders and journalists, puts marginalized groups including women and LGBT activists at particular risk, and creates a society-wide  chilling effect, undermining the rights of everyone to express themselves and protest peacefully. These tools exploit weaknesses in device encryption and security, and their use is enabled by an under-regulated trade in spyware and other surveillance tools at a global scale, and by the unwillingness of states to regulate their own surveillance practices, too often leaning on “national security” as a blanket excuse  for unfettered snooping. 

    In part due to such revelations, some companies, including Apple, have added new security features to help protect users, including those who may be at particular risk. These include Lockdown Mode, a feature that provides extra protection from spyware and targeted hacking to mobile devices, as well as Advanced Data Protection, the subject of the UK government’s reported order.  

    Forcing companies to roll back or undermine such features would put users worldwide, including journalists, human rights defenders, and other critical voices at increased risk. 

    The United Kingdom is a party to several international and regional treaties enshrining the right to privacy and data protection rights. The vital role of encryption as an enabler of privacy and human rights has been widely recognized including by United Nations bodies, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and human rights experts. The UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council, in several resolutions, have called upon states to refrain from interfering with encryption technologies. UN resolutions also encourage technology companies to secure and protect the confidentiality of digital communications and transactions, including measures for encryption, pseudonymization and anonymity. 

    A 2015 report by the United Nations special rapporteur on freedom of expression specifically urged governments to avoid all measures that weaken security for individuals online, such as mandated back doors. Requiring technology companies to build vulnerabilities into secured products unavoidably and disproportionately undermines the security for all users of that product. 

    Both Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have been critical of the Investigatory Powers Act since its inception. In written evidence to the Joint Committee on the Draft Investigatory Powers Bill in 2016, Human Rights Watch recommended that the UK should refrain from undermining encryption and digital security. It specifically said that the legislation should be amended to ensure that authorities are prohibited from imposing obligations on internet service providers to weaken security measures or design their systems to incorporate measures for exceptional access into encryption by UK authorities. 

    “States have more and more powerful legal and technical tools at their disposal, and research shows that they are using them to target people for protesting, speaking out, or even just because of what they represent,” said Joshua Franco, senior research adviser at Amnesty Tech. “Strong encryption is one of the few protections we have against such attacks, and states should be encouraging companies to provide greater protections of our data and our rights, not seeking back doors that will leave people around the world at risk.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: SS Mendi 108th anniversary commemoration service at Milton Cemetery

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Residents are invited to Milton Cemetery on Friday 21 February, from 10.45am-11.15am, to mark the 108th anniversary of the sinking of SS Mendi, with a wreath-laying ceremony and short service.

    On 21 February 1917, the SS Mendi was headed for France carrying men of the 5th Battalion of the South African Native Labour Corps to support allied forces in France during World War 1.

    After midnight, thick fog covered the sea making it extremely difficult to navigate. 20km off the Isle of Wight the SS Darro suddenly struck the Mendi, cutting a massive hole. The SS Darro did not stop to pick up survivors.

    The SS Mendi sank within 25 minutes and 646 men, both crew and labour corps, lost their lives that day. Nine soldiers from the 5th Battalion of the South African Native Labour Corps, who died in this, one of the worst British maritime disasters, are buried in the cemetery.

    Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Cllr J. Fazackarley said: “It’s important for Portsmouth, our maritime city, that we continue to tell the story of the SS Mendi and the 646 brave men who died in this tragic disaster. This great loss must never be forgotten, and I am honoured to attend and be a part of this service.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Omega Centre SEND plans boosted to £7.5m as part of investment in Portsmouth schools

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    An ambitious extension to plans for the building is included in budget proposals set to be considered this month by Portsmouth City Council.

    If approved, the new total investment in the project would reach £7.5m, allowing a 25% increase in the school’s capacity.

    Plans were announced last year to return the building to its original use as a school with the latest news meaning it could offer 76 places to support secondary and post-16 education for young people in the city.

    Like most of the country, Portsmouth has seen a significant increase in demand for SEND school places in recent years and this additional funding will help to deliver the places that are needed to ensure local schools have the right provision to meet pupil’s needs.

    Council Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said: “These proposals continue our ongoing investment in Portsmouth schools to ensure we can give the city’s children the best education possible. There is a growing number of children in the city with special educational needs and it’s vital we give them the environment they need to thrive, so I’m very pleased we’ve been able to allocate funding specifically for creating those places in the city.”

    The budget proposals also include more than £1.5m to support essential maintenance at schools across the city to ensure they can continue to offer children the facilities they require.

    These proposals are part of the Council’s capital budget, which can be used for major one-off projects and statutory improvements. The capital funding can’t be used for funding the ongoing delivery of council services.

    The budget proposals will be considered at the Full Council meeting on 25 February for approval.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM meeting with President Trump’s Special Envoy to the UK Mark Burnett: 13 February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night.

    The Prime Minister was pleased to host President Trump’s Special Envoy to the United Kingdom, Mark Burnett, at Downing Street last night, during which he took a call from President Trump and discussed his forthcoming visit to the US.

    Mr Burnett and the Prime Minister agreed on the unique and special nature of the UK-US relationship, the strength of our alliance and the warmth of the connection between the two countries. 

    Mr Burnett reflected on his personal connections to the UK, and his mother’s experience working part time in Downing Street as a waitress over 30 years ago.  

    They emphasised the huge potential for even stronger collaboration on trade, tech and cultural matters between the US and the UK and looked forward to working together.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee Approves 2025/26 Roads Capital Programme 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members of the Dingwall and Seaforth Committee have agreed the 2025/26 Area Roads Capital Programme, helping improve the area’s road infrastructure. 

    The approved budget for the Dingwall and Seaforth area is £324,799, which will be allocated to various road improvement projects which includes structural resurfacing and integrity improvements. These projects have been prioritised based on safety inspections, service inspections, and feedback from Ward Members, ensuring that the most critical areas receive attention. 

    Vice-Chair of the Dingwall and Seaforth Area Committee, Councillor Margaret Paterson said: “We are pleased to have agreed several roads schemes for capital funding, which will greatly improve the local roads infrastructure for Dingwall and Seaforth.”

    The programme includes a range of projects, from surface dressing to structural overlays, with a focus on maintaining and enhancing the existing road network. 

    Details of the prioritised road works schemes for Dingwall and Seaforth can be viewed in the Capital Programme report Appendice 3.  

    14 Feb 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB and One World Media strengthen partnership championing women-led solutions

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB supports Women’s Solutions Reporting award
    • Celebrating stories of girls and women tackling global challenges
    • Winner to be announced in June 2025

    One World Media (OWM) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are proud to continue their partnership for the fifth consecutive year, through the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award. This award is one of 13 that recognise outstanding media coverage from and about the global south. The OWM Awards celebrate journalism and filmmaking that challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives, and deepen understanding.

    The Women’s Solutions Reporting Award highlights the transformative role of women in addressing global challenges, from advancing financial inclusion and climate action to improving healthcare and education. By amplifying these initiatives, the award aims to inspire action and highlight how women are shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.

    One World Media’s Director Vivienne Francis said: “At a time when the rights and freedoms of women and girls around the world continue to be at risk, the One World Media Awards are proud to support storytelling that ensures these issues get the attention they deserve. These stories serve as a reminder of the power of journalism to transform lives and ignite social change.”

    Margaret Carroll, acting Head of the EIB Social Policy Unit, who will be one of the judges of the Women’s Solutions Reporting Award, said: “We are thrilled to support this important award once again with OWM. It reflects our deep commitment to gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. Each year, this award brings to light compelling stories of innovation and resilience that drive meaningful change—stories that are especially needed in today’s world.”

    With the 2025 One World Media Awards winners set to be announced in June, we look forward to celebrating the impactful stories of the many women making a difference and inspiring future generations of female leaders.

    The 13 OWM Award categories are as follows:

    • Current Affairs Award
    • Environmental Reporting
    • Feature Documentary Award
    • Innovative Storytelling Award
    • Journalist of the Year Award
    • News Award
    • Podcast & Radio Award
    • Print Award
    • Refugee Reporting Award
    • Short Documentary Award
    • Student Award
    • Press Freedom Award
    • Women’s Solutions Reporting Award

    About One World Media

    One World Media is a non-profit organisation in the United Kingdom that supports journalists and filmmakers covering stories about the global south. For more than three decades, the organisation has worked with partners in the United Kingdom and around the world to strengthen international journalism and promote media coverage of global issues. The One World Media Awards will look for entries that show relevance, originality and creativity, substance and accuracy, impact and reach, diversity and quality.

    About the European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute towards EU policy goals. EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

    To enhance the positive impact of its activities on gender equality and empower women and girls, the EIB Group adopted a Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Economic Empowerment and a Gender Action Plan, with the aim of embedding gender equality and in particular women’s economic empowerment in the EIB’s business model. It covers its lending, blending and advisory work within and outside the European Union. The EIB Group is also committed to driving gender equality in the workplace.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Just Transition Fund – P-000662/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-000662/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Marcin Sypniewski (ESN)

    In light of the start of work on the MFF for the next programming period, I would like to inquire about the fate of the Just Transition Fund. Decarbonisation affects many regions in Europe, including Poland, and especially Silesia.

    In this connection:

    • 1.At the current stage of work, is the continued existence of the Just Transition Fund in the new MFF being questioned, and will it retain its current character, i.e. as a separate fund under cohesion policy?
    • 2.At the current stage of work, is the Fund intended as a measure exclusively for regions with a coal-based economy, or is an expansion of its scope envisaged?
    • 3.Please present the current assumptions for the Fund and a timetable for further work.

    Submitted: 12.2.2025

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Genetically modified maize MON 95275 – P10_TA(2025)0015 – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 95275, pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D102172/03),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed(1), and in particular Article 7(3) and Article 19(3) thereof,

    –  having regard to the vote of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, on 22 November 2024, at which no opinion was delivered, and the vote of the Appeal Committee on 17 December 2024, at which again no opinion was delivered,

    –  having regard to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers(2),

    –  having regard to the opinion adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 19 June 2024, and published on 1 August 2024(3),

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions objecting to the authorisation of genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’)(4),

    –  having regard to Rule 115(2) and (3) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety,

    A.  whereas on 29 April 2022, Bayer Agriculture B.V., based in Belgium, on behalf of Bayer CropScience LP, based in the United States, submitted an application to the national competent authority of the Netherlands for the placing on the market of foods, food ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 95275 (the ‘GM maize’);

    B.  whereas the GM maize produces two insecticidal proteins (Mpp75Aa1 and Vpb4Da2) and expresses a DvSnf7 dsRNA targeting western corn rootworm; whereas the genetic modification involves a two-step process incorporating an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and a Cre/lox recombination system to remove selectable markers;

    C.  whereas on 19 June 2024, EFSA adopted a favourable opinion, published on 1 August 2024, on MON 95275; whereas EFSA’s opinion provides insufficient data to assess unintended genetic effects, the biological activity of read-through sequences, and potential off-target impacts on non-target organisms;

    D.  whereas the field trials conducted by the applicant failed to account for diverse environmental stress conditions or varying agricultural practices, limiting the relevance of the results to European cultivation environments;

    E.  whereas the RNAi construct DvSnf7 dsRNA raises concerns about effects in non-target organisms;

    F.  whereas the insecticidal proteins Mpp75Aa1 and Vpb4Da2 share structural similarities with known toxins and lack sufficient evaluation of their specificity, immune responses, and combinatorial effects;

    G.  whereas the potential for gene flow to wild relatives, including European teosinte populations, poses risks of transgene persistence and ecological imbalance;

    H.  whereas the monitoring requirements under Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013(5) are inadequately addressed, particularly regarding independent data verification and long-term environmental effects;

    I.  whereas EFSA’s assessment did not sufficiently address the role of microbiome interactions or cumulative toxicity impacts on non-target organisms;

    J.  whereas, unlike the use of insecticides, where exposure is at the time of spraying and for a limited period afterwards, the use of insecticidal GM crops leads to continuous exposure of the target and non-target organisms to the toxins;

    Member State and stakeholder comments

    K.  whereas Member States submitted many critical comments to EFSA during the three-month consultation period(6), including that the list of relevant studies identified in the literature review of the applicant, did not include studies on the fate of insecticidal proteins in the environment or on potential effects of crop residues on non-target organisms;

    L.  whereas, in its eighth term, Parliament adopted a total of 36 resolutions objecting to the placing on the market of GMOs for food and feed (33 resolutions) and to the cultivation of GMOs in the Union (three resolutions); whereas, in its ninth term, Parliament adopted 38 resolutions objecting to placing GMOs on the market and has adopted another 8 resolutions objecting to placing GMOs on the market already in the current tenth term;

    M.  whereas despite its own acknowledgement of the democratic shortcomings, the lack of support from Member States and the objections of Parliament, the Commission continues to authorise GMOs;

    N.  whereas the trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur will incentivise imports to the Union of food and animal feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified organisms; whereas Brazil and Argentina are among the world’s top GMO producers and pesticide users, including GMOs and pesticides banned in the Union for health or environmental reasons;

    1.  Considers that the draft Commission implementing decision exceeds the implementing powers provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003;

    2.  Considers that the draft Commission implementing decision is not consistent with Union law, in that it is not compatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, which is, in accordance with the general principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council(7), to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, and environmental and consumer interests, in relation to GM food and feed, while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market;

    3.  Calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and to submit a new draft to the committee;

    4.  Calls on the Commission to ensure convergence of standards between the Union and its partners in free trade agreement negotiations, in order to meet Union safety standards;

    5.  Calls on the Commission not to authorise the GM crops due to risks to biodiversity, food safety and workers’ health in line with the One Health approach;

    6.  Welcomes the fact that the Commission finally recognised, in a letter of 11 September 2020 to Members, the need to take sustainability into account when it comes to authorisation decisions on GMOs(8); expresses its deep disappointment, however, that, since then the Commission has continued to authorise GMOs for import into the Union, despite ongoing objections by Parliament and a majority of Member States voting against;

    7.  Urges the Commission, again, to take into account the Union’s obligations under international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals; reiterates its call for draft implementing acts to be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum explaining how they uphold the principle of ‘do no harm’(9);

    8.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

    (1) OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2003/1829/oj.
    (2) OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj.
    (3) Scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms on the ‘Assessment of genetically modified maize MON 95275 (application GMFF-2022-5890)’, EFSA Journal 2024; 22(8):e8886, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8886.
    (4) –––––––– In its eighth term, Parliament adopted 36 resolutions and, in its ninth term, Parliament adopted 38 resolutions objecting to the authorisation of GMOs. Furthermore, in its tenth term Parliament has adopted the following resolutions:European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2628 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0038).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2627 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified cotton COT102 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0039).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2629 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0040).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1828 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of feed containing, consisting of and of food and feed products produced from genetically modified maize MON 810 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1207 (P10_TA(2024)0041).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0042).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1826 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP23211 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0043).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2618 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP202216 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0044).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 94804 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0045).
    (5) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013 of 3 April 2013 on applications for authorisation of genetically modified food and feed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulations (EC) No 641/2004 and (EC) No 1981/2006 (OJ L 157, 8.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2013/503/oj).
    (6) https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.2903%2Fj.efsa.2024.8716‌&file=efs28716-sup-0012-Annex8.pdf.
    (7) Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/178/oj).
    (8) https://tillymetz.lu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Co-signed-letter-MEP-Metz.pdf.
    (9) European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (OJ C 270, 7.7.2021, p. 2), paragraph 102.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Economic Dialogue with the President of the ECOFIN – 19 February 2025 – 14-02-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance of Poland, is participating in the ECON Committee in his capacity of President of the ECOFIN Council during the Polish Presidency January – June 2025). In accordance with the Treaty of the Union, “Member States shall regard their economic policies as a matter of common concern and shall coordinate them within the Council”.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Niinistö Report: cost, contract award and transparency – E-000545/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000545/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE)

    On 20 March 2024, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave advance notice of a joint report by special adviser Sauli Niinistö and former High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. Ursula von der Leyen received the EU-funded report on strengthening EU civil and military preparedness and readiness, requested by the Commission, on 30 October 2024. The report includes several aspects worthy of severe criticism: in addition to calling for even closer cooperation between the EU and NATO and close coordination on mutual defence, it includes plans to establish a fully-fledged EU secret service. Pursuing this would lead Austria even further away from its founding neutrality and the country would lose yet another piece of its national sovereignty. Above all, however, many unanswered questions remain in connection with the transparent use of taxpayers’ money.

    • 1.What was the total cost of producing the Niinistö Report, and what remuneration did Sauli Niinistö and Josep Borrell personally receive?
    • 2.What selection criteria were applied when awarding the contract to produce the report, and how many others did Sauli Niinistö and Josep Borrell compete with and ultimately beat?
    • 3.What does the Commission make of possible conflicts of interest arising from Sauli Niinistö’s party political ties to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen?

    Submitted: 5.2.2025

    Last updated: 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Genetically modified maize DP910521 – P10_TA(2025)0014 – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Parliament,

    –  having regard to the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP910521 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (D102174/03),

    –  having regard to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2003 on genetically modified food and feed(1), and in particular Article 7(3) and Article 19(3) thereof,

    –  having regard to the vote of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, on 22 November 2024, at which no opinion was delivered, and the vote of the Appeal Committee on 17 December 2024, at which again no opinion was delivered,

    –  having regard to Article 11 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 2011 laying down the rules and general principles concerning mechanisms for control by Member States of the Commission’s exercise of implementing powers(2),

    –  having regard to the opinion adopted by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on 19 June 2024, and published on 1 August 2024(3),

    –  having regard to its previous resolutions objecting to the authorisation of genetically modified organisms (‘GMOs’)(4),

    –  having regard to Rule 115(2) and (3) of its Rules of Procedure,

    –  having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety,

    A.  whereas on 27 June 2022, Corteva Agriscience Belgium B.V., based in Belgium, on behalf of Corteva Agriscience LLC, based in the United States, submitted an application to the national competent authority of the Netherlands for the placing on the market of foods, food ingredients and feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP910521 (the ‘GM maize’);

    B.  whereas the GM maize produces the Cry1B.34 toxin and is resistant to the herbicide glufosinate;

    C.  whereas glufosinate is classified as toxic to reproduction 1B and therefore meets the ‘cut-off criteria’ set out in Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5); whereas the approval of glufosinate for use in the Union expired on 31 July 2018;

    D.  whereas Cry1B.34 is a synthetic fusion protein combining Cry1B, Cry1Ca1 and Cry9Db1, engineered for insect resistance against lepidopteran pests, without demonstrated specificity to target species;

    E.  whereas the genetic modification includes a two-step process using CRISPR/Cas9 to insert a ‘landing pad’, followed by microprojectile bombardment for gene expression cassette insertion;

    Lack of assessment of the complementary herbicide

    F.  whereas Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013(6) requires an assessment of whether the expected agricultural practices influence the outcome of the studied endpoints; whereas, according to that Implementing Regulation, this is especially relevant for herbicide-tolerant plants;

    G.  whereas the vast majority of GM crops have been genetically modified so that they are tolerant to one or more ‘complementary’ herbicides which can be used throughout the cultivation of the GM crop, without the crop dying, as would be the case for a non-herbicide tolerant crop; whereas a number of studies show that herbicide-tolerant GM crops result in a higher use of complementary herbicides, in large part because of the emergence of herbicide-tolerant weeds(7);

    H.  whereas herbicide-tolerant GM crops lock farmers into a weed management system that is largely or wholly dependent on herbicides, and does so by charging a premium for GM seeds that can be justified only if farmers purchasing such seeds also spray the complementary herbicides; whereas heightened reliance on complementary herbicides on farms planting the GM crops accelerates the emergence and spread of weeds resistant to those herbicides, thereby triggering the need for even more herbicide use, a vicious circle known as ‘the herbicide treadmill’;

    I.  whereas the adverse impacts stemming from excessive reliance on herbicides will worsen as regards soil health, water quality, and above and below ground biodiversity, and lead to increased human and animal exposure, potentially also via increased herbicide residues on food and feed;

    J.  whereas assessment of herbicide residues and metabolites found on GM plants is considered outside the remit of the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (‘EFSA GMO Panel’) and is therefore not undertaken as part of the authorisation process for GMOs;

    Outstanding questions concerning Bt toxins

    K.  whereas a number of studies show that side effects have been observed that may affect the immune system following exposure to Bt toxins and that some Bt toxins may have adjuvant properties(8), meaning that they can increase the allergenicity of other proteins with which they come into contact;

    L.  whereas a scientific study found that the toxicity of Bt toxins may also be increased through interaction with residues from spraying with herbicides, and that further studies are needed on the combinatorial effects of ‘stacked’ events (GM crops which have been modified to be herbicide-tolerant and to produce insecticides in the form of Bt toxins)(9); whereas assessment of the potential interaction of herbicide residues and their metabolites with Bt toxins is, however, considered to be outside the remit of the EFSA GMO Panel and is, therefore, not undertaken as part of the risk assessment;

    Bt crops: effects on non-target organisms

    M.  whereas, unlike the use of insecticides, where exposure is at the time of spraying and for a limited period afterwards, the use of Bt GM crops leads to continuous exposure of the target and non-target organisms to Bt toxins;

    N.  whereas the assumption that Bt toxins exhibit a single target-specific mode of action can no longer be considered correct and effects on non-target organisms cannot be excluded; whereas an increasing number of non-target organisms are reported to be affected in many ways;

    Member State and stakeholder comments

    O.  whereas Member States submitted many critical comments to EFSA during the three-month consultation period(10), including that the list of relevant studies, identified in the literature review of the applicant, did not include studies on the fate of Bt proteins in the environment or on potential effects of Btcrop residues on non-target organisms even though such studies exist;

    P.  whereas field trials conducted for compositional and phenotypic analysis of the GM maize failed to consider diverse environmental conditions and genetic backgrounds relevant to its cultivation, particularly in countries like Brazil;

    Q.  whereas the toxicity assessment of Cry1B.34 does not account for combinatorial effects with plant constituents or residues from herbicide applications;

    R.  whereas glufosinate, the complementary herbicide, is associated with significant risks to biodiversity, soil and water quality, and long-term ecosystem health;

    S.  whereas the risk of gene flow to wild relatives such as teosinte, reported in Spain and France, raises concerns about transgene persistence and environmental impacts;

    T.  whereas the monitoring requirements under Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013 are inadequately addressed, with no independent verification of data provided;

    Ensuring a global level playing field and upholding the Union’s international obligations

    U.  whereas the conclusions of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture(11) call on the Commission to reassess its approach on market access for agri-food imports and exports, given the challenge of diverging standards of the Union and its trading partners; whereas fairer trade relations, on a global level, coherent with goals for a healthy environment, were one of the main demands of farmers during the demonstrations of 2023 and 2024;

    V.  whereas a 2017 report by the United Nations’ (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to food found that, particularly in developing countries, hazardous pesticides have catastrophic impacts on health(12); whereas the UN Sustainable Development Goal (‘UN SDG’) Target 3.9 aims by 2030 to substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination(13);

    W.  whereas the trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur will incentivise imports to the Union of food and animal feed containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified organisms; whereas Brazil and Argentina are among the world’s top GMO producers and pesticide users, including GMOs and pesticides banned in the Union for health or environmental reasons;

    X.  whereas the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, agreed at the COP15 of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (‘UN CBD’) in December 2022, includes a global target to reduce the risk of pesticides by at least 50 % by 2030(14);

    Y.  whereas Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 states that GM food or feed must not have adverse effects on human health, animal health or the environment, and requires the Commission to take into account any relevant provisions of Union law and other legitimate factors relevant to the matter under consideration when drafting its decision; whereas such legitimate factors should include the Union’s obligations under the UN SDGs and the UN CBD;

    Reducing dependency on imported feed

    Z.  whereas one of the lessons from the COVID-19 crisis and the still ongoing war in Ukraine is the need for the Union to end the dependencies on some critical materials; whereas in the mission letter to Commissioner Christophe Hansen, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asks him to look at ways to reduce imports of critical commodities(15);

    Undemocratic decision-making

    AA.  whereas, in its eighth term, Parliament adopted a total of 36 resolutions objecting to the placing on the market of GMOs for food and feed (33 resolutions) and to the cultivation of GMOs in the Union (three resolutions); whereas, in its ninth term, Parliament adopted 38 resolutions objecting to placing GMOs on the market and has adopted another 8 resolutions objecting to placing GMOs on the market already in the current 10th term;

    AB.  whereas despite its own acknowledgement of the democratic shortcomings, the lack of support from Member States and the objections of Parliament, the Commission continues to authorise GMOs;

    AC.  whereas no change of law is required for the Commission to be able not to authorise GMOs when there is no qualified majority of Member States in favour in the Appeal Committee(16);

    AD.  whereas the vote on 22 November 2024 of the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed referred to in Article 35 of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 delivered no opinion, meaning that the authorisation was not supported by a qualified majority of Member States; whereas the vote on 17 December 2024 of the Appeal Committee again delivered no opinion;

    1.  Considers that the draft Commission implementing decision exceeds the implementing powers provided for in Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003;

    2.  Considers that the draft Commission implementing decision is not consistent with Union law, in that it is not compatible with the aim of Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003, which is, in accordance with the general principles laid down in Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council(17), to provide the basis for ensuring a high level of protection of human life and health, animal health and welfare, and environmental and consumer interests, in relation to GM food and feed, while ensuring the effective functioning of the internal market;

    3.  Calls on the Commission to withdraw its draft implementing decision and to submit a new draft to the committee;

    4.  Calls on the Commission to ensure convergence of standards between the Union and its partners in free trade agreement negotiations, in order to meet Union safety standards;

    5.  Calls on the Commission not to authorise the GM maize due to the increased risks to biodiversity, food safety and workers’ health in line with the One Health approach;

    6.  Expects the Commission, as matter of urgency, to deliver on its commitment(18) to come forward with a proposal to ensure that hazardous chemicals banned in the Union are not produced for export;

    7.  Welcomes the fact that the Commission finally recognised, in a letter of 11 September 2020 to Members, the need to take sustainability into account when it comes to authorisation decisions on GMOs(19); expresses its deep disappointment, however, that, since then the Commission has continued to authorise GMOs for import into the Union, despite ongoing objections by Parliament and a majority of Member States voting against;

    8.  Urges the Commission, again, to take into account the Union’s obligations under international agreements, such as the Paris Climate Agreement, the UN CBD and the UN SDGs; reiterates its call for draft implementing acts to be accompanied by an explanatory memorandum explaining how they uphold the principle of ‘do no harm’(20);

    9.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, and to the governments and parliaments of the Member States.

    (1) OJ L 268, 18.10.2003, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2003/1829/oj.
    (2) OJ L 55, 28.2.2011, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2011/182/oj.
    (3) Scientific opinion of the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms on the ‘Assessment of genetically modified maize DP910521 (application GMFF-2021-2473)’, EFSA Journal 2024;22(8):e8887, https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8887.
    (4) –––––––– In its eighth term, Parliament adopted 36 resolutions and, in its ninth term, Parliament adopted 38 resolutions objecting to the authorisation of GMOs. Furthermore, in its tenth term Parliament has adopted the following resolutions:European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2628 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × NK603 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0038).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2627 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified cotton COT102 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0039).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2629 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 89034 × 1507 × MON 88017 × 59122 and eight of its sub-combinations pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0040).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1828 renewing the authorisation for the placing on the market of feed containing, consisting of and of food and feed products produced from genetically modified maize MON 810 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and repealing Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/1207 (P10_TA(2024)0041).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1822 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP915635 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0042).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/1826 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP23211 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0043).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2024/2618 authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize DP202216 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0044).European Parliament resolution of 26 November 2024 on the draft Commission implementing decision authorising the placing on the market of products containing, consisting of or produced from genetically modified maize MON 94804 pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council (P10_TA(2024)0045).
    (5) Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1, ELI: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj).
    (6) Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 503/2013 of 3 April 2013 on applications for authorisation of genetically modified food and feed in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1829/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Regulations (EC) No 641/2004 and (EC) No 1981/2006 (OJ L 157, 8.6.2013, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2013/503/oj).
    (7) See, for example, Schulz, R., Bub, S., Petschick, L. L., Stehle, S., Wolfram, J. (2021) ‘Applied pesticide toxicity shifts toward plants and invertebrates, even in GM crops’, Science 372(6537), pp. 81-84, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.abe1148; Bonny, S., ‘Genetically Modified Herbicide-Tolerant Crops, Weeds, and Herbicides: Overview and Impact’, Environmental Management, January 2016;57(1), pp. 31-48, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26296738; and Benbrook, C. M., ‘Impacts of genetically engineered crops on pesticide use in the U.S. – the first sixteen years’, Environmental Sciences Europe, 28 September 2012, Vol. 24(24), https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/2190-4715-24-24.
    (8) For a review, see Rubio-Infante, N., Moreno-Fierros, L., ‘An overview of the safety and biological effects of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins in mammals’, Journal of Applied Toxicology, May 2016, 36(5), pp. 630-648, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jat.3252.
    (9) Bøhn, T., Macagnan Rover, C., Semenchuk, P. R., ‘Daphnia magna negatively affected by chronic exposure to purified Cry-toxins’, Food and Chemical Toxicology, May 2016, Volume 91, pp. 130-140, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278691516300722.
    (10) https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/action/downloadSupplement?doi=10.2903%2Fj.‌efsa.2024.8716&file=efs28716-sup-0012-Annex8.pdf.
    (11) ‘Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture – A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe’, September 2024, https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/document/download/171329ff-0f50-4fa5-946f-aea11032172e_en?filename=strategic-dialogue-report-2024_en.pdf.
    (12) https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc3448-report-special-rapporteur-right-food.
    (13) https://indicators.report/targets/3-9/.
    (14) see: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_7834.
    (15) https://commission.europa.eu/document/2c64e540-c07a-4376-a1da-368d289f4afe_en.
    (16) The Commission ‘may’, and not ‘shall’, go ahead with authorisation if there is no qualified majority of Member States in favour at the Appeal Committee, according to Article 6(3) of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.
    (17) Regulation (EC) No 178/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 January 2002 laying down the general principles and requirements of food law, establishing the European Food Safety Authority and laying down procedures in matters of food safety (OJ L 31, 1.2.2002, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2002/178/oj).
    (18) As outlined in the annex to the communication of the Commission of 14 October 2020 entitled ‘Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment’, COM(2020)0667, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2020%3A667%3AFIN#document2.
    (19) https://tillymetz.lu/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Co-signed-letter-MEP-Metz.pdf.
    (20) European Parliament resolution of 15 January 2020 on the European Green Deal (OJ C 270, 7.7.2021, p. 2), paragraph 102.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – European Parliamentary Week

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliamentary Week 2025 © European Union (2025) – European Parliament

    The European Parliament together with the Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland, representing the parliamentary dimension of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, organise the European Parliamentary Week 2025 on 17 and 18 February 2025. This high-level event gathers national Parliamentarians from the European Union, candidate and observers countries as well as Members of the European Parliament.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK What is being an apprentice at Parliament like?

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, we asked Lottie from the Speaker’s Apprenticeship Academy to share her experience as an apprentice in House of Commons.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0r82ZBFHTU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprenticeship reforms set to turbocharge economic growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New research shows apprenticeships contribute £25bn to England’s economy, with reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week set to boost growth.

    Apprentices in England will drive £25bn of economic growth over their lifetime, new figures have revealed. 

    This is almost double the £14bn contribution found the last time this was assessed in 2018, demonstrating apprentices’ importance to the government’s mission to grow the economy under the Plan for Change. 

    These figures are for apprentices who were participating in an apprenticeship at levels 2 to 5 in the 2021-22 academic year, representing the immense value of apprentices to economic growth.  

    The research comes as the government reaffirms its commitment to apprenticeships as the golden thread through all six missions under the Plan for Change, and follows recently published data revealing apprenticeship starts rose by 1.3% and achievements rose by 1.1% in the first quarter following last year’s general election. 

    New apprenticeships announced today include wind turbine technician and heat network maintenance technician, which are key sectors that will support the government’s clean energy mission. The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson will today be visiting Hinkley Point C and Bridgwater and Taunton College in Somerset to meet apprentices working on this critically important piece of national clean energy infrastructure. 

    Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:  

    We need to take skills seriously as a country again, and the measures we’ve taken this week to slash red tape and boost the number of apprentices, show how we will deliver on this and break down the barriers to opportunity for our young people. 

    Apprenticeships are key to delivering our number one mission of growth and on the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change, as evidenced today by their increasing value to the economy which will continue to rise thanks to our reforms. 

    As National Apprenticeship Week draws to a close, it’s vital therefore that schools, colleges and businesses continue to champion apprenticeships, and this government will back them all the way.

    These conclude a series of sweeping reforms announced during National Apprenticeship Week, after the Education Secretary revealed a boost in flexibility for employers around English and Maths requirements that will lead to an extra 10,000 apprentices qualified each year in key sectors including construction, healthcare and clean energy.  

    A cut in the minimum duration of apprenticeships from 12 to eight months will help get boots on the ground quicker if workers have prior experience, while simpler End Point Assessments and a reformed payment system will free up time for providers and employers to focus on apprentices’ career and skills development. 

    The visit comes after the Prime Minister recently announced reforms to planning rules which will clear a path for new nuclear power stations, creating thousands of new highly skilled jobs while delivering clean, secure and more affordable energy for working people. 

    HMRC have also promoted tips to help apprentices ensure they are getting paid fairly, and government Ministers including the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have been visiting employers throughout National Apprenticeship Week to understand better how apprenticeships can deliver the Plan for Change.  

    Minister for Industry Sarah Jones said: 

    The shift to home-grown, clean energy is creating thousands of apprentices with world-class experience.  

    Hinkley Point C alone has provided 1,500 new apprenticeships – helping to make the UK a clean energy superpower, give us energy security and protect billpayers.

    New and updated apprenticeships for police constables, teaching assistants, healthcare support workers, dental hygienists and civil engineers will further support the government’s Plan for Change. A total of 660 occupations are now available. 

    Today, the government also launches a new “one stop shop” app that is set to revolutionise how apprentices access training and support. 

    The Your Apprenticeship app, designed by the DfE with extensive input from apprentices, provides easier access to essential tools, resources, and support to help apprentices to thrive in their qualification. 

    They will be able to track their apprenticeship through the app, ensuring they have learnt all the necessary knowledge and skills and they need to progress into skilled work and help drive Britain’s economic growth.  

    The Your Apprenticeship app is available to be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple app store now. 

    Anyone considering an apprenticeship is encouraged to go to www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk to discover what apprenticeships are available in their local area. 

    DfE media enquiries

    Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Lord Mayor Designate announced

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Councillor Kathy Watkin, Lord Mayor Designate and Councillor Tina Tuohy, Plymouth’s current Lord Mayor

    The Lord Mayor Selection Committee has recommended the new Lord Mayor Designate for 2025/2026 as Councillor Kathy Watkin.

    The recommendation will be put forward at the next Full Council meeting on 17 March before it is fully agreed.

    Cllr Watkin trained and worked as a speech and language therapist before training as a solicitor. Kathy visited Plymouth as a young child when her parents lived in Cornwall and on subsequent family holidays. She was delighted when she was able to pursue her legal career with two well-known solicitors’ firms in Plymouth and for a number of years prior to retirement set up and ran her own solicitors’ practice.

    Cllr Watkin has served on various committees including Licencing, Corporate Parenting, Budget Scrutiny, and the Mount Edgcumbe Joint Committee.

    Kathy was the vice chair for the Planning Committee in 2022 to 2023, and is the vice-chair for the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Panel this year.

    In 2023 Kathy was elected as Deputy Lord Mayor.

    She says “It is a huge honour to be selected as Lord Mayor Designate of this great city and I am looking forward to my year in office.

    “Since I settled in Plymouth 50 years ago, I have enjoyed meeting and engaging with residents and local businesses and charities and I am looking forward to meeting and engaging with more over the 2025 to 2026 civic year.”

    Current Lord Mayor, Councillor Tina Tuohy, said: “I am delighted that Kathy has been chosen to be the new Lord Mayor Designate.

    “She will make a fantastic contribution to the communities of our city. It is very well deserved. I have enjoyed every minute of being Plymouth’s Lord Mayor the past year.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament 2

    PV-10-2025-02-13

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 13 February 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    – rejected
    ↓ lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:01.


    2. Proposal for a Union act

    The President of Parliament had declared admissible the following proposal for a Union act pursuant to Rule 47(2):

    – Proposal for a Union act, tabled by Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Hermann Tertsch, Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión and Jorge Martín Frías, on the need to amend the Council Regulation on fixing the fishing opportunities for certain fish stocks and groups of fish stocks applicable in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for 2025 and to protect the trawling sector (B10-0094/2025)

    committee responsible: PECH
    committees for opinion: BUDG, EMPL, ENVI


    3. EU-Mercosur trade agreement (debate)

    Commission statement: EU-Mercosur trade agreement (2025/2558(RSP))

    Maroš Šefčovič (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    IN THE CHAIR: Katarina BARLEY
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn, on behalf of the PPE Group, Kathleen Van Brempt, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jean-Paul Garraud, on behalf of the PfE Group, Carlo Fidanza, on behalf of the ECR Group, Svenja Hahn, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Manon Aubry, on behalf of The Left Group, Stanislav Stoyanov, on behalf of the ESN Group, Gabriel Mato, Bernd Lange, who also answered blue-card questions from Alexander Jungbluth and Saskia Bricmont, Raffaele Stancanelli, Rihards Kols, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Vicent Marzà Ibáñez, Luke Ming Flanagan, Arno Bausemer, who also answered a blue-card question from Ana Miranda Paz, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Davor Ivo Stier, Eero Heinäluoma, Valérie Deloge, who also declined to take blue-card questions from Marie-Pierre Vedrenne and Manon Aubry, Patryk Jaki, who also answered a blue-card question from Jörgen Warborn, Karin Karlsbro, who also answered blue-card questions from Marie Toussaint and Alexander Bernhuber, Thomas Waitz, Lynn Boylan, Francisco José Millán Mon, who also answered a blue-card question from Gilles Pennelle, Brando Benifei, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Kris Van Dijck, Benoit Cassart, Catarina Vieira, Carola Rackete, Herbert Dorfmann, Francisco Assis, who also answered blue-card questions from João Oliveira and Luke Ming Flanagan, Mireia Borrás Pabón, who also answered a blue-card question from Dario Nardella, Veronika Vrecionová, Barry Cowen, Anja Hazekamp, who also answered a blue-card question from Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Lídia Pereira, who also answered blue-card questions from Isabella Tovaglieri and Jadwiga Wiśniewska, and Eric Sargiacomo.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Gilles Pennelle, Nora Junco García, Elsi Katainen, Marta Wcisło, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Isabella Tovaglieri, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, Dario Nardella, Ton Diepeveen, Ana Vasconcelos, Salvatore De Meo, Leire Pajín, Barbara Bonte and Céline Imart.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Diego Solier, Majdouline Sbai, João Oliveira, Grzegorz Braun, Hélder Sousa Silva, Cristina Maestre, Ana Miranda Paz, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, Maria Walsh, Daniel Buda, Jean-Marc Germain, Maria Zacharia, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Marko Vešligaj and Seán Kelly.

    The following spoke: Maroš Šefčovič.

    The debate closed.


    4. Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (debate)

    Commission statement: Threats to EU sovereignty through strategic dependencies in communication infrastructure (2025/2533(RSP))

    The President provided details on the organisation of the debate.

    Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Jörgen Warborn, on behalf of the PPE Group, Matthias Ecke, on behalf of the S&D Group, Csaba Dömötör, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Michał Kobosko, on behalf of the Renew Group, Sergey Lagodinsky, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Pernando Barrena Arza, on behalf of The Left Group, Sarah Knafo, on behalf of the ESN Group, Lena Düpont, Alex Agius Saliba, Ernő Schaller-Baross, Ondřej Krutílek, Bart Groothuis, David Cormand, Nikolas Farantouris, Hans Neuhoff, Mika Aaltola, Bruno Gonçalves, Aleksandar Nikolic, Elena Donazzan, Cristina Guarda, Seán Kelly, Giorgio Gori, Ivaylo Valchev, Tomáš Zdechovský, Lina Gálvez, Diego Solier, Paulius Saudargas, Tsvetelina Penkova, Eszter Lakos, José Cepeda, Angelika Winzig, Brando Benifei and Victor Negrescu.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Victor NEGRESCU
    Vice-President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:30.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Jean-Paul Garraud, Manon Aubry and Thijs Reuten.


    6. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    6.1. Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0100/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0115/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025 and B10-0124/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2025/2546(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0016)

    (Motion for a resolution B10-0115/2025 fell.)

    The following had spoken:

    Geadis Geadi, to move an oral amendment to add a new recital after recital E. Parliament had declined to put the amendment to the vote, as it had been opposed by more than 39 Members.

    Detailed voting results


    6.2. Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0126/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0130/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0132/2025, B10-0134/2025 and B10-0135/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2025/2547(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0017)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0130/2025 and B10-0132/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results


    6.3. Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0101/2025 (minutes of 13.2.2025, item I), B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0111/2025, B10-0113/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025 and B10-0123/2025 (minutes of 12.2.2025, item I) (2024/2548(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0018)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0111/2025 and B10-0113/2025 fell.)

    Detailed voting results






    7. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:01.


    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    8. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    9. Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU (debate)

    Commission statement: Cross-border recognition of civil status documents of same-sex couples and their children within the territory of the EU (2025/2557(RSP))

    Glenn Micallef (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly, on behalf of the PPE Group, Krzysztof Śmiszek, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Inselvini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Fabienne Keller, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Evin Incir, Lucia Yar, Rasmus Andresen, Robert Biedroń, who also answered a blue-card question from Bogdan Rzońca, and Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Margarita de la Pisa Carrión.

    The following spoke: Glenn Micallef.

    The debate closed.


    10. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.

    Oral explanations of vote


    10.1. Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (RC-B10-0106/2025)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly and Ondřej Dostál.


    10.2. Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (RC-B10-0102/2025)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    11. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    12. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sittings would be held from 10 March 2025 to 13 March 2025.


    13. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:40.


    14. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the recent dismissals and arrests of mayors in Türkiye (2025/2546(RSP)) (RC-B10-0100/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0100/2025, B10-0103/2025, B10-0110/2025, B10-0119/2025, B10-0121/2025 and B10-0124/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Michalis Hadjipantela, Vangelis Meimarakis, Željana Zovko, Wouter Beke, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Evin Incir, Nikos Papandreou, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Carlo Fidanza, Emmanouil Fragkos, Galato Alexandraki, Alberico Gambino
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Malik Azmani, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Vladimir Prebilič
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Isabel Serra Sánchez, Özlem Demirel
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on repression by the Ortega-Murillo regime in Nicaragua, targeting human rights defenders, political opponents and religious communities in particular (2025/2547(RSP)) (RC-B10-0126/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0126/2025, B10-0128/2025, B10-0131/2025, B10-0134/2025 and B10-0135/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Željana Zovko, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Gabriel Mato, David McAllister, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Leire Pajín
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Carlo Fidanza, Alberico Gambino, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Mariusz Kamiński, Marlena Maląg, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bernard Guetta, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 150(5) and Rule 136(4):

    on the continuing detention and risk of the death penalty for individuals in Nigeria charged with blasphemy, notably the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu (2025/2548(RSP)) (RC-B10-0101/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0101/2025, B10-0104/2025, B10-0117/2025, B10-0120/2025, B10-0122/2025 and B10-0123/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Željana Zovko, Vangelis Meimarakis, Wouter Beke, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Tomáš Zdechovský, Mirosława Nykiel, Jessica Polfjärd, Luděk Niedermayer, Jan Farský, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Carlo Fidanza, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Michał Dworczyk, Emmanouil Fragkos, Alberico Gambino, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Marlena Maląg, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Aurelijus Veryga
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Catarina Vieira
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0106/2025)
    Reinier Van Lanschot, Mārtiņš Staķis, Maria Ohisalo, Sergey Lagodinsky, Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0107/2025)
    Danilo Della Valle
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0108/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0112/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0114/2025)
    Hans Neuhoff, Alexander Sell, Petr Bystron, Tomasz Froelich, Petar Volgin, Stanislav Stoyanov
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0116/2025)
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (B10-0118/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Assita Kanko, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Roberts Zīle, Michał Dworczyk, Alexandr Vondra
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on the further deterioration of the political situation in Georgia (2025/2522(RSP)) (RC-B10-0106/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0106/2025, B10-0108/2025, B10-0112/2025, B10-0116/2025 and B10-0118/2025)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Andrey Kovatchev, Miriam Lexmann, Reinhold Lopatka, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Inese Vaidere, Michał Wawrykiewicz
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tobias Cremer
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Rihards Kols, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Roberts Zīle, Marlena Maląg, Ivaylo Valchev, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Sophie Wilmès, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    Escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0102/2025)
    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0105/2025)
    Thierry Mariani, Jordan Bardella, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Matthieu Valet, Nikola Bartůšek
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0109/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0125/2025)
    Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al-Sahlani, Barry Andrews, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete, Sophie Wilmès, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0127/2025)
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0129/2025)
    Sara Matthieu, Marie Toussaint, Mounir Satouri, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Saskia Bricmont, Majdouline Sbai, David Cormand, Ville Niinistö, Catarina Vieira, Erik Marquardt, Ignazio Roberto Marino
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (B10-0133/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Carlo Fidanza, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Cristian Terheş, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Bogdan Rzońca, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):

    on the escalation of violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (2025/2553(RSP)) (RC-B10-0102/2025)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0102/2025, B10-0109/2025, B10-0125/2025, B10-0127/2025, B10-0129/2025 and B10-0133/2025)
    Ingeborg Ter Laak, Michael Gahler, Lukas Mandl, Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Waldemar Tomaszewski, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Cristian Terheş
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Hilde Vautmans, Abir Al-Sahlani, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Yvan Verougstraete
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sara Matthieu
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Manon Aubry, Rima Hassan, Damien Carême
    on behalf of The Left Group


    II. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 0001-25 to 0129-25 had been entered in the register on 10 February 2025 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 10 February 2025, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to the European Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    III. Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports

    Decisions to draw up own-initiative reports (Rule 55)

    (Following the Conference of Presidents’ decision of 23 January 2025)

    AFCO Committee

    – Application of the Treaty provisions related to the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality and the role of national parliaments in the EU legislative process (2025/2042(INI))
    (opinion: JURI)

    – Institutional consequences of the EU enlargement negotiations (2025/2041(INI))

    CONT Committee

    – Choice of performance indicators for audit and budgetary control in the context of financing measures to support the implementation of future European competitiveness (2025/2034(INI))

    – 2024 budget – assessing the implementation of the gender mainstreaming methodology in the EU budget (2025/2033(INI))

    – Control, transparency and traceability of performance-based instruments (2025/2032(INI))

    CULT Committee

    – A new vision for the European Universities alliances (2025/2036(INI))

    – Role of EU policies in shaping the European Sport Model (2025/2035(INI))

    EMPL, FEMM committees

    – Advancing towards a care society: addressing the gender care gap (2025/2039(INI))

    – Gender pay and pension gap in the EU: state of play, challenges and the way forward, and developing guidelines for the better evaluation and fairer remuneration of work in female-dominated sectors (2025/2038(INI))

    IMCO Committee

    – Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports (2025/2037(INI))
    (opinion: INTA)

    LIBE, FEMM committees

    – Importance of consent-based rape legislation in the EU (2025/2040(INI))


    IV. Consent procedure

    Reports with a motion for a non-legislative resolution (consent procedure) (Rule 107(2))

    (Following notification from the Conference of Committee Chairs on 23 January 2025)

    PECH Committee

    – Implementing Protocol (2025-2030) to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Government of Greenland and the Government of Denmark (2024/0263M(NLE) – 2024/0263(NLE))


    V. Documents received

    The following documents had been received:

    1) from other institutions

    – Partial renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors – RO nominee (05958/2025 – C10-0010/2025 – 2025/0801(NLE))
    referred to committee responsible: CONT

    2) from Members

    – Catherine Griset, Virginie Joron and Thierry Mariani. Motion for a resolution on the training of European artificial intelligence (B10-0051/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE
    opinion: IMCO, JURI

    – Christophe Bay, Marie Dauchy, Valérie Deloge, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Branko Grims, Fabrice Leggeri, Julien Leonardelli, Tiago Moreira de Sá, Aleksandar Nikolic, Gilles Pennelle, Julie Rechagneux, Malika Sorel, Rody Tolassy, Laurence Trochu and Séverine Werbrouck. Motion for a resolution on the application of Directive 2003/88/EC (WTD) to the role of voluntary firefighters (B10-0052/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: EMPL

    – Tomasz Froelich and Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik. Motion for a resolution on the child sexual exploitation scandal in the United Kingdom (B10-0062/2025)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Barley Katarina, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Benifei Brando, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berg Sibylle, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Clausen Per, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcă Gheorghe, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Firmenich Ruth, Flanagan Luke Ming, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Gražulis Petras, Gregorová Markéta, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Guarda Cristina, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Hauser Gerald, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kemp Martine, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Luena César, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Mehnert Alexandra, Meimarakis Vangelis, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mureşan Siegfried, Nagyová Jana, Nardella Dario, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pimpie Pierre, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Toveri Pekka, Trochu Laurence, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Overtveldt Johan, Van Sparrentak Kim, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Morano Nadine, Omarjee Younous, Zarzalejos Javier

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly £1m to support communities across London as Mayor launches new campaign to unite and celebrate Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Funding of more than £985,000 will help bring communities together through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend
    • Mayor launches new Loved and Wanted campaign at Outernet to unite Londoners and celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity in the face of uncertain and unsettling times across the globe, and the impact of rising antisemitism and islamophobia
    • New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London
    • The campaign will be displayed all across the capital as more than 100 organisations and community groups join together to reiterate that London is a place for everyone

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a package of almost £1million funding to support communities across London, as he launched a major new campaign to show that the capital is, and always will be, a place for everyone.

    The Mayor is working with London Councils, London Legal Support Trust and The National Lottery Community Fund to distribute more than £985,000 to community groups in every borough through the Government’s Community Recovery Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

    The funding announcement came as the Mayor launched a major new campaign to send a strong message to all of the capital’s communities that they are loved and wanted in London.

    The Loved and Wanted campaign brings together a broad range of organisations and community groups to show the world that diversity is London’s greatest strength and that people from all backgrounds are celebrated and welcomed.

    The campaign comes six months after disorder took place across towns and cities in the UK and at a time when fear and division is being spread in the UK and around the world. Since October 2023, the capital has seen a rise in antisemitism and islamophobia, and a rise in extreme right-wing activity has also left many fearful for their safety.

    New polling shows that eight in 10 Londoners (79 per cent) think it’s important that there is an increase in a sense of unity amongst people in London, and three quarters (75 per cent) say it’s important that the Mayor promotes it.

    The Mayor officially launched the campaign on Valentine’s Day at Outernet London, the largest digital exhibition space in Europe, which is hosting a ‘Loved and Wanted’ digital immersive experience. He was joined by faith leaders and representatives from London’s communities, including LGBTQI+, migrant and deaf and disabled Londoners, soul singer and activist Mica Paris and Ukrainian chef and digital artist Alisa Cooper to send a powerful message of unity to Londoners.

    Outernet’s screens will display the colourful ‘You are loved and wanted in London’ graphics throughout February. The message is also translated into 17 languages, alongside quotes from Londoners sharing examples about how they feel loved and wanted in the city.

    The campaign will feature a series of adverts across the capital, in community centres, cultural organisations, libraries, faith buildings, volunteering centres and online over the coming months. More than 130 organisations have signed up to share post cards and window stickers, including The Felix Project, Royal Academy of Arts, Black Cultural Centre, English National Ballet, London Museum, Bernie Grant Centre, Southbank Centre, churches, mosques and synagogues. The campaign will also showcase a range of stories of how Londoners continue to rally together, support each other, and stand up against hatred and division, whilst living in globally uncertain times.

    The Government’s Community Recovery Fund was made available by the Deputy Prime Minister following the disorder across the country last summer, with London allocated £600,000. A total of £510,000 will be distributed in grants between £700 and £22,000 to support groups with local events, education initiatives and improving access to facilities which bring communities together. A further £90,000 will be allocated to the London Legal Support Trust to provide support to free legal advice agencies in London, which were a target during the disorder. 

    The Mayor has also announced that £385,000 will be invested in the Mayor’s Community Weekend 2025, thanks to funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. From September 12-14 there will be a weekend of community events and activities to bring Londoners together to celebrate our city and make a positive difference. In 2023, 184 organisations took part with events in every London borough, including community sports days, community barbecues and picnics, arts and cultural events, creative workshops, and activities focusing on the environment, conservation and healthy eating.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “London is the greatest city in the world because of the incredible people who live here. Londoners come from every walk of life, from every religious, ethnic and social background and from all over the world to make this fantastic city. Sadly, we are living in increasingly uncertain and unsettling times and I know the worry and concern that this is having in our communities. That’s why we’re bringing together organisations and community groups across the capital to send a clear message that all Londoners are loved and wanted in our great city. London is, and always be, a place for everyone.”

    John Mothersole, England Chair at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’re rooted in the communities we serve, whatever their needs and aspirations. After the hugely successful first Mayor’s Community Weekend in London, we’re delighted to be back for another special weekend of community-led activity. We believe in the power of communities and connection, and we can’t wait to see London’s diverse communities come together again. This weekend will showcase the lasting impact voluntary action can achieve for the city.”

    Shabna Begum, Chief Executive Officer at Runnymede Trust: “The Loved and Wanted campaign speaks to a social contract that moves beyond terms like ‘tolerance’ and ‘cohesion’, it celebrates the beauty of a city that is a rich tapestry of multiracial, multicultural and mixed class communities that live, work – and often struggle together. 

    “We welcome the package of investment in communities that the campaign promises, supporting organisations and infrastructures that enable togetherness, when we know that so many of our most vulnerable continue to face unprecedented levels of economic distress.  

    “At a time when our political conversation is saturated with narratives of hate and division and London is subjected to hyper-hostility by far-right actors who smear our diversity and difference, this campaign could not be more important. Loved and Wanted isn’t a romantic, aspirational statement, it is an account of our city that remembers the incredible archive of solidarity and anti-racist activism that shapes us and is a reminder that these histories are underpinned by the everyday rhythm of living and struggling together in our complex, convivial communities.”

    Zrinka Bralo, Chief Executive of Migrants Organise, said: “Many people are currently struggling to survive and make sense of the world. This is why fostering connections, building resilience within our communities, and taking meaningful action for dignity and justice is essential. London became my sanctuary 30 years ago when I fled war and genocide, and it continues to protect those in need. At Migrants Organise, we witness firsthand the devastating effects of the dehumanisation of refugees and migrants caused by hostile policies. We also see the solidarity and support from many Londoners, which never hits the headlines, because good people do good work quietly. For this reason, we value and welcome the Mayor’s leadership and the additional resources allocated to support all of London’s communities. These efforts represent a vital investment in cultivating unity, hope, and trust—qualities that are increasingly scarce around the world.” 

    Amanda Bowman, Co-Chair of the London Jewish Forum, said: “London is facing increasing challenges to social cohesion, which has had a particular impact on our Jewish community”. A report released this week on antisemitic incidents in 2024 revealed that over half of all anti-Jewish hate reported in the UK takes place in London. Against this backdrop, we welcome the ‘Loved and Wanted’ campaign, which seeks to bring communities together and strengthen a shared sense of belonging.

    “We look forward to working with the Mayor, his team, and London councils to celebrate the capital’s diversity, inclusivity and unity, particularly at this time of global uncertainty and division. Our priority is to ensure that London remains a safe and welcoming city for the Jewish community while continuing to build strong relationships with other communities to create an environment where everyone feels valued and welcome.”

    Abdurahman Sayed,  Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre CEO, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome the Mayor’s initiative to bring communities together at a time when unity and resilience are more needed than ever before. The funding of more than £985,000 through the Community Recovery Fund and Mayor’s Community Weekend will provide crucial support to grassroots organisations, helping to strengthen community ties and promote social cohesion.

    “The launch of the Loved and Wanted campaign is also a vital step in reaffirming London’s identity as a city of diversity, inclusivity, and unity. In a world facing uncertainty, it is essential to reinforce the message that London is a place for everyone.

    “With new polling showing that 79% of Londoners believe in the need for greater unity, it is encouraging to see over 100 organisations and community groups coming together to champion these values. We stand in full support of this initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on communities across the capital.”

    Olympic triathlon gold medallist Alex Yee said: “I’m so proud to be from London because there’s nowhere else like it. I loved growing up in Lewisham as part of an extremely diverse community where everyone felt accepted. I hope the Loved and Wanted campaign shows how united Londoners truly are.”

    UK Queen of Soul Mica Paris MBE, said: “I’ve lived in LA, New York and Sydney, but London is my favourite city in the world and it’s where I am at my most creative. I grew up with English, Irish, African, Caribbean and Asian friends and that’s a key reason why London is so special and why we have such a rich music heritage. I’m proud to support the Mayor of London’s Loved and Wanted campaign.”

    Chef and entrepreneur Alisa Cooper, who moved to London under the Homes for Ukraine programme, said: “Being acknowledged and feeling seen in the Loved and Wanted campaign means a lot as London has become home to me and my son thanks to the generosity of strangers. Rebuilding our lives hasn’t been easy but the fantastic support we have received has kept us going. I hope this campaign helps further strengthen bonds between communities.”

    Philip O’Ferrall, CEO Outernet said:  “We are in a time where inclusivity and unity in all ways is more important than ever before.  London has always been enriched by the people we have welcomed and the communities that we have embraced and Outernet at its heart is about people coming together.  The Loved and Wanted campaign and its powerful message is something we at Outernet are proud to partner on with the Mayor and his team.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK targets Putin’s inner circle with new sanctions

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New British sanctions target high profile figures working in the Russian Government and supporters of Russian state-owned business.

    • UK sanctions several high-profile individuals with links to Putin’s inner circle in latest crackdown on the Kremlin.  
    • Russia’s war machine further constrained by British sanctions, bolstering UK’s national security and delivering on the Plan for Change. 
    • Foreign Secretary will also urge partners to act to smash illicit people-smuggling gangs driving irregular migration.

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, the UK has imposed new sanctions against people with links to Putin’s inner circle in a crackdown on the Kremlin.

    Today’s sanctions target high-profile figures working in the Russian Government, including Pavel Fradkov, a Russian Defence Minister and Vladimir Selin, who heads up an arm of the Russian Ministry of Defence. They also target Artem Chaika, whose extractives company supports Russian state-owned business.

    All three of these targets are also on the Navalny 50’ anti-corruption list. The UK is also sanctioning two entities linked to Russia’s nuclear energy giant Rosatom, which are supporting Russia’s military activity on the battlefield in Ukraine.    

    The measures come as the Foreign Secretary attends the Munich Security Conference where he will meet Yulia Navalnaya and reflect on Navalny’s enduring legacy.

    The UK continues to stand with civil society and human rights defenders working tirelessly to build a better future for Russia despite immense personal risk.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:  

    I am announcing further sanctions to keep up the pressure on Putin. Ukrainians are fighting for their country’s future and the principle of sovereignty across Europe at the frontline.” 

    Nearly a year on from the death of Alexei Navalny, I am honoured to meet with Yulia Navalnaya and make clear our commitment to weaken Putin’s attempts to stifle political opposition and crack down on the Kremlin’s corrupt dealings globally. 

    We are calling on our friends and allies to continue to step up in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.

    Last week, the Foreign Secretary visited Kyiv, pushing on with implementation of the 100 Year Partnership with Ukrainian friends. David Lammy will make the case to others in Munich that it is in the collective interests of Ukraine’s partners to stand by them. 

    The UK-US relationship remains the backbone of the security and prosperity for millions on both sides of the Atlantic, and David Lammy will meet representatives of the new administration to discuss closer working to boost both economies and make our people safer.

    The Foreign Secretary will also discuss the situation in the Middle East with a wide range of leaders including Quint partners. He will urge for lasting peace as the current ceasefire in both Gaza and Lebanon hold, and phase two of the negotiations continues.  

    On Syria, the UK recently announced £3m for deliveries of Ukrainian grain and other food produce to Syria as part of our 100-year partnership. David Lammy will push for a peaceful future for Syria, centred around the interests of the Syrian people.

    More Information

    Today’s sanctions target 4 individuals and 2 entities including: 

    • Vladimir Viktorovich SELIN, Head of the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK), a federal service of the Russian government. 

    • Pavel Mikhailovich FRADKOV, a Deputy Minister of the Russian Ministry of Defence. 

    • Artem Yuryevich CHAIKA, owner of First Non-Metallic Company Ural (PNK-Ural) which conducts business in the Russian extractives sector, and the son of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA, a member of Russia’s Security Council. 

    • Joint Stock Company Kirov Energomash Plant and Limited Liability Company Rosatom Additive Technologies, two subsidiaries of Russia’s state-owned civil nuclear energy company Rosastom. As well as operating in Russia’s energy sector both entities are operating in Russia’s defence sector. 

    • We have also made a variation to the existing designation of Yuri Yakovlevich CHAIKA. He was previously designated in March 2022.

    All individuals and entities in this package have been designated for the purposes of an asset freeze and trust services sanctions. All individuals in this package are also be subject to a travel ban. Several individuals have also been designated for the purposes of a transport ban.

    The Navalny list is created by the Anti-Corruption Foundation, also known as FBK, a non-profit organisation established in 2011 by Alexei Navalny.

    View the full UK Sanctions List and more information on UK sanctions relating to Russia.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Duchenne muscular dystrophy market to reach $5.2 billion in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Duchenne muscular dystrophy market to reach $5.2 billion in 7MM by 2033, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is set to grow from $2.3 billion in 2023 to $5.2 billion in 2033, driven by the recent approvals of innovative therapies such as Sarepta Therapeutics and Roche’s Elevidys (delandistrogene moxeparvovec), and Santhera Pharmaceuticals’ Agamree (vamorolone), according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Market Opportunity Assessment, Epidemiology, Clinical Trials, Unmet Needs and Forecast to 2033,”  reveals that a substantial portion of this market growth is attributed to the treatment of ambulatory DMD patients. Exon-skipping therapies currently dominate the DMD therapeutic landscape, generating approximately $1.0 billion in sales in the 7MM in 2023.

    Notably, the sales are derived solely from the US and Japan markets, as exon-skipping therapies have yet to receive regulatory approval in the European Union (EU). Should these therapies gain EU approval by 2033, GlobalData forecasts their contribution to rise to $1.8 billion across the 7MM, a significant market share partly driven by the high annual cost of therapy, which exceeds $1.0 million in the US.

    Asiyah Nawab, Healthcare Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The DMD treatment landscape is evolving with the emergence of novel therapies such as exon-skipping and gene therapies. However, gene therapies in particular, compared to exon-skipping, will have less of an impact due to the small patient share eligible for treatment, in addition to the high cost of these medicines limiting patient’s access. By 2033, GlobalData forecasts gene therapies to contribute $821 million to the DMD market, a lower figure relative to exon-skipping therapies.”

    The US is set to remain the dominant market for DMD, accounting for 84.8% of total market share in 2023. This is driven by its rapid adoption of advanced therapies, strong regulatory support, and significant investment in DMD research and treatment.

    Regulatory developments have also shaped the market, with Translarna (ataluren) facing challenges in Europe. The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has confirmed its recommendation not to renew the conditional marketing authorization for Translarna, citing unconfirmed effectiveness in treating DMD. However, in the US, PTC Therapeutics has resubmitted its New Drug Application (NDA) for Translarna, which the FDA has accepted for review. If approved, Translarna is projected to generate $185 million in US sales alone.

    Nawab continues: “Despite advancements, unmet needs remain a critical concern, particularly for non-ambulatory patients. While recent approvals have expanded treatment options for ambulatory individuals, therapeutic availability for non-ambulatory patients remains a key challenge. Many emerging therapies, including exon-skipping and gene therapies, primarily target early-stage or ambulatory patients, leaving a significant gap for those with advanced disease. This, coupled with high treatment costs and regulatory hurdles, underscores the urgent need for more accessible and effective therapies for later-stage DMD patients.”

    Corticosteroids remain the cornerstone of DMD management and will continue to play a crucial role despite the emergence of novel therapies.

    Nawab concludes: “Steroids will always be the standard of care for DMD, offering a cost-effective treatment option with proven efficacy. However, the anticipated expansion of exon-skipping and gene therapies will provide additional options for patients, particularly if they receive broader regulatory approval in key markets.”

    *7MM: The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Capacity Building for Saline Agriculture in the Mekong Delta—Innovation in Focus: Salt Farming

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The case study explains how ADB is working with the Netherlands Trust Fund through the Water Financing Partnership Facility to tackle saline intrusion, which is driven by climate change and rising sea-levels. It details how the project promotes interactive learning and shows farmers why better soil management, crop selection, and shifting to systems such as hydroponics could improve the long-term agricultural potential of saline-affected areas.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France’s top diplomat confirms ‘unfreezing’ of New Caledonia’s electoral roll back on table

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific Presenter/Bulletin editor

    France’s top diplomat in the Pacific region says talks around the “unfreezing” of New Caledonia’s highly controversial electoral roll are back on the table.

    The French government intended to make a constitutional amendment that would lift restrictions prescribed under the Nouméa Accord, which disqualified around 20,000 French citizens who had not resided in the territory before 1998 from voting in the provincial elections.

    The restrictions were viewed as a step to ensure indigenous Kanaks were not at risk of becoming a minority in their own country.

    However, the Paris decision by Paris to move ahead with the changes last year triggered five months of civil unrest that has cost the New Caledonian economy more than 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4 billion).

    The constitutional reforms were initially suspended in June, before the former Prime Minister Michel Barnier abandoned them.

    However, this week, France’s Ambassador to the Pacific, Véronique Roger-Lacan, confirmed that the French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls is set to discuss the issue during next week’s high-level visit to Nouméa.

    She said a date for the provincial elections, to be held at the end of this year, is also in the works.

    Unfreezing of lists
    “The provincial elections were due in December last year, and because there was discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral lists, the whole process was stopped,” Roger-Lacan said at a press briefing in Wellington.

    “The discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral list for the provincial elections continues.”

    She said in a normal democratic system, everyone who pays taxes has the right to vote.

    “Because when you pay taxes to a government, you have the choice of the government [to whom] you give your money. [In New Caledonia] there is a discrepancy,” she said.

    “This was one point of contention that led to the riots.”

    She said the French constitution states that if any of its overseas territories want self-determination, “they can have it”.

    Self-determination is defined by the United Nations as either independence, state association (as in the Cook Islands), or integration within an already independent country, which is the case in New Caledonia, she said.

    Peaceful choice
    “They can choose peacefully among those three solutions. But no riots, no insurrection.”

    Roger-Lacan pointed out that there was a “strong split” within the pro-independence groups in New Caledonia.

    She said there was a part of the pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) who realised that “this discussion on the unfreezing of the electoral list does not make sense”.

    “They agree that the unfreezing of this electoral list is the way to go. What are the criteria for the deferring of this electoral listing are a case of discussion.”

    Roger-Lacan added that the provincial elections must take place before Christmas Day.

    “The question is: with what type of electoral list they will take place.”

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary of Defense Hegseth, Poland Defense Minister Brief Media

    Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz brief media during a joint press conference in Warsaw, Poland, Feb. 14, 2025.
    —————
    Your military is an all-volunteer force that serves to protect our security and way of life, but Service members are more than a fighting force. They are leaders, humanitarians and your fellow Americans. Get to know more about the men and women who serve, who they are, what they do, and why they do it.

    For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
    —————
    Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

    Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
    Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esuj8YtUwsM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Climate Change and Sustainability Committee to showcase community activity

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    The Green Living Fund, which in February 2024 allocated over £225,000 to 38 projects across Perth and Kinross-shire, has empowered local groups to take positive action against climate change and to improve biodiversity, while also helping to reduce the cost of living for residents locally. 

    During the session, councillors will hear from a diverse range of local groups about their projects and the impact they have had and continue to have in their area one year on. These presentations will highlight the practical steps being taken by communities to combat environmental challenges and promote sustainability.

    Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convener of the Climate Change and Sustainability Committee, will host the showcase. She said: “While committee reports give us a flavour of the work which is going on throughout Perth and Kinross, this is a great chance for community groups who are at the forefront of delivering inspiring climate change and biodiversity projects in their area to tell us what that means on the ground.

    “The range of groups represented next week will give a real feel for what this kind of support means to our communities.” 

    Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Committee, added: “The value of these community-led projects cannot be overstated. These projects are perfect examples of how helping communities tackle cost of living challenges can go hand-in-hand with preventing the future impacts of climate change. Learning from these initiatives will help us ensure community experiences inform our strategies and policies in the future.”

    As part of the event, community groups will also be presented with certificates of recognition for their exceptional contributions through their Green Living Fund projects.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Music Artist John Garrison visits former Coventry school

    Source: City of Coventry

    A former Finham Park student, now turned musician, producer and singer-songwriter, met with Coventry music students during his trip to his home city on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 February.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation. John’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    Coventry Music were delighted to host the former Finham Park student, in partnership with the Ed Sheeran Foundation.

    Garrison has become a much in demand studio musician, playing on tracks by Ed Sheeran, Christine Aguilera, Robbie Williams, Lewis Capaldi, Sting, Josh Groban, Benson Boone and James Blunt to name a few. He also co-wrote the Robbie Williams and Sir Rod Stewart no.1 duet, ‘Fairytales’.

    Garrison’s visit comes only a month after his good friend Ed Sheeran’s surprise visit to our city.

    The musician is currently touring as a Bass Player with James Blunt and his visit aimed to help inspire students.

    Similarly to Ed, the artist began his trip by visiting grassroots music venue The TIN Music and Arts on Wednesday 12 February. John spent time getting involved in a creative music session with SoundLab-Cov – a successful Coventry Music programme.

    On Thursday 13 February, the multi-instrumentalist visited his old school, Finham Park and Coventry AP Academy. Garrison supported the young musicians with developing their skills, shared insights of the music industry and encouraged young people to explore creative careers. 

    John Garrison said: “When I was growing up in Coventry, there wasn’t really many options if you wanted make a career in music, other than forming a band and hoping for the best. So, when Ed told me about his Foundation and the amazing work of Coventry Music Hub and SoundLab, I just had to get involved.

    “I want to show Coventry kids that there are many paths into the music business. If a non-music reading kid from Finham like me can do it, anyone can. You just need to work hard and don’t take no for an answer.”

    Councillor Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills said: “It’s fantastic that John chose to come to his home city to see the brilliant music education work that goes on. As one of our former students, he’s a great role model for those students who want to follow in similar footsteps.

    “Music is a great way for self-expression and development of young people socially and John really inspired our young people to follow their creative careers during his visit.”

    As well as performing, Garrison also writes his own music, produces and remixes for other artists and composes for TV and Film with credits as a composer for Keeping up with the Kardashians, BBC Sports Personality of the Year and Brave New World.

    Garrison will now go straight from AP Academy to a sold out Leeds arena to rejoin the 2025 James Blunt tour.

    To keep up to date with the latest news, sign up for our Your Coventry email newsletter or follow the Council on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 14 February

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.

    He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.

    Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

    The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.

    They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: PM call with President Zelenskyy of Ukraine: 14 February

    Source: United Kingdom – Prime Minister’s Office 10 Downing Street

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed.

    He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine.

    Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the UK to step up, he added.

    The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to NATO, as agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit last year.

    Discussing the upcoming third anniversary of Ukraine’s courageous defence of its sovereignty in the face of Russia’s barbaric full-scale invasion, the leaders agreed that it would be an important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine.

    The leaders also reflected on the Prime Minister’s visit to Kyiv last month, and the President updated on his plans at Munich Security Conference.

    They agreed to stay in close contact.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Nominations sought for 2025 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

    14 February 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council are seeking nominations from the public for the 2025 edition of the Derry Strabane Sports Awards.   

    The annual celebration of amateur sport across the City and District will take place in the Guildhall on Thursday June 5th.

    The event is hosted by Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the District Sports Forum and aims to publicly recognise the individuals, teams and clubs that contributed to local sport over the last 12 months.

    Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, said the awards were an ideal way to celebrate and recognise the dedication of athletes, coaches and administrators across the Council area.

    “The Derry Strabane Sports Awards are a wonderful way to acknowledge and reward the hard work and achievements of our local sports fraternity over the last year,” she said.

    “During my term as Mayor, I have experienced first-hand the key role sport plays in community life in this Council area, offering people a platform to showcase their talent and reap the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity.

    “It has been another successful year for sport with local clubs and individuals shining at all levels and it is important that we celebrate and recognise the work that goes into achieving that.”

    Nominations are accepted from organisations, local sports clubs, schools, youth clubs and individuals.

    Applicants and nominees should note that only the information included on this nomination form will go forward for assessment by the awards panel and that all mandatory fields should be completed before the form is submitted for the application to be considered.

    To be an eligible candidate, sports people must be a resident of the Council area and all nominees must be involved in an amateur capacity in a sport that is recognised by Sport Northern Ireland and /or the Irish Sports Council.

    The nominations will be assessed on the basis of the individual or team’s contribution to enhancing community and sporting life based on a set criteria.

    The nominator, the nominee, a team representative and a guest will receive an invitation to the awards ceremony.

    Nominations must be submitted online by Monday 24th February 2025 at 4pm.

    For more information on each category and to make a nomination visit www.derrystrabane.com/sportsawards

    The categories for the 2025 Sports Awards are: Sports Star of the Year, Young Male Sports Star of the Year, Young Female Sports Star of the Year, Sports Star of the Year with a Disability, Club of the Year, Team of the Year, Youth Team of the Year, Performance Coach of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Special Recognition Award and Hall of Fame.

    If you have any questions or queries about the awards email [email protected].

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –