NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-Evening Report: PM defends Fiji’s UN ‘ambush’ vote – challenged by human rights advocate

    Pacific Media Watch

    Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has “cleared the air” with the Fijian diaspora in Samoa over Fiji’s vote against the United Nations resolution on the Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and People.

    He denied that Fiji — the only country to vote against the resolution — had “pressed the wrong button”.

    And he described last week’s vote as an “ambush resolution”, claiming it was not the one they had agreed on during the voting of the UN Special Committee of Decolonisation, reports The Fiji Times.

    However, a prominent Fiji civil society and human rights advocate condemned his statement and also Fiji’s UN voting.

    Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (FWCC) coordinator Shamima Ali said she was “ashamed” of Fiji’s stance over genocide in Palestine, its vote against ceasefire and “not wanting decolonisation”.

    In Apia, Rabuka, who leaves for Kanaky New Caledonia on Sunday to take part in the Pacific Islands Forum’s “Troika Plus” talks on the French Pacific’s territory amid indigenous demands for independence, told The Fiji Times:

    “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button. We will tell them that the resolution was an ambush resolution, it is not something that we have been talking about.”

    ‘Serious student of colonisation’
    The Prime Minister said he had been a “serious student of colonisation and decolonisation”.

    Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka . . . “We will not tell them we pressed the wrong button.” Image: Fiji Times

    “They started with the C-12, but now it’s C-24 members of the [UN] committee that talks about decolonisation.

    “I was wondering if anyone would complain about my going [to Kanaky New Caledonia] next week because C-24 met last week and there was a vote on decolonisation.”

    According to an RNZ Pacific interview, Rabuka had told the Kanak independence movement:”Don’t slap the hand that has fed you.”

    Fiji was the only country that voted against the UN resolution while 99 voted for the resolution and 61 countries, including colonisers such as France, United Kingdom and the United States, abstained.

    Another coloniser, Indonesia (West Papua), voted for it.

    “I thought the [indigenous] people of the Kanaky of New Caledonia would object to my coming, so far we have not heard anything from them.

    “So, I am hoping that no one will bring that up, but if they do bring it up, we have a perfect answer.”

    Fiji human rights advocate Shamima Ali . . . “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation.” Image: FWCC/FB

    Human rights advocate Shamima Ali said in a statement on social media it was “unbelievable” that Prime Minister Rabuka claimed to be “a serious student of colonisation and decolonisation” while leading a government that had been “blatantly complicit in the genocide of innocent Palestinians”.

    “No amount of public statements and explanations will save this Coalition government from the mess it has created on the international stage, especially at the United Nations.

    “We are ashamed of having a government that supports an occupation, votes against a ceasefire and does not want decolonisation in the world.

    “Trust between the Fijian people and their government is being eroded, especially on matters of global significance that reflect on the entire nation.”

    According to the government, Fiji is one of two Pacific countries which are members of the Special Committee on Decolonisation or C-24 and have been a consistent voice in addressing the issue of decolonisation.

    Through the C-24 and the Fourth Committee, Fiji aligns with the positions undertaken by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) and the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), in its support for the annual resolution on decolonisation entitled “Implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples”.

    Government reiterated its support of the regional position of the Forum, and the MSG on decolonisation and self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter.

    The Fiji Permanent Mission in New York, led by Filipo Tarakinikini, is working with the Forum Secretariat to clarify the matter within its process.

    Rabuka is currently in Samoa for the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which is being held in the Pacific for the first time.

    The UN decolonisation declaration vote on 17 October 2024 . . . Fiji was the only country that voted against it. Image: UN

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Financial health notice to improve: The SMB Group

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A financial health notice to improve issued to The SMB Group.

    Applies to England

    Documents

    Revised financial notice to improve

    PDF, 155 KB, 5 pages

    Closed financial health notice to improve

    PDF, 183 KB, 4 pages

    Details

    The revised letter and its annex serve as a notice to improve financial health at The SMB Group.

    Updates to this page

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The long culinary history of pumpkins – from ancient Mexican soups to modern spiced lattes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Serin Quinn, PhD Candidate, Department of History, University of Warwick

    Carving the Pumpkin by Franck Antoine Bail (1910). Bonhams

    October heralds the beginning of pumpkin season. Over the course of the month, they will be used for a variety of non-culinary purposes. In Belgium, they are hollowed out for boat races, and in Ludwigsburg, Germany, thousands of multi-coloured pumpkins are used to make seasonal sculpture parks. At the end of the month, they will be carved up with a ghoulish grin to celebrate Halloween, a tradition that is becoming increasingly popular across the globe.

    Despite being harvested until December, for many, Halloween will mark the end of pumpkin season with the decorations unceremoniously binned. Studies show that just over half of the pumpkins bought in the UK each year (18,000 tonnes of them) go to waste uneaten. Many people don’t even realise that pumpkins are edible.

    But it hasn’t always been this way: pumpkin carving is actually a fairly recent tradition, practiced in the US since around the 1890s. Before becoming the symbol of Halloween, pumpkins had a very long history as a foodstuff.

    Like tomatoes, maize and potatoes, the pumpkin is indigenous to the Americas, with the earliest evidence of pumpkin consumption dating as far back as 8,000BC in Oaxaca, Mexico.

    Pumpkins have come a long way since then, as Indigenous American communities carefully adapted the wild pumpkin into successively bigger and better-tasting varieties. These weren’t all the bright orange we’re familiar with: white, green and yellow varieties were also common, mixed in with squashes (a genetically identical relation).

    Still Life with Pumpkins by Jan Anton van der Baren (1657).
    Kunsthistorisches Museum

    In pre-colonial America, there were a host of different ways to prepare the vegetable, as pumpkin historian Cindy Ott explains. She wrote that Indigenous communities ate pumpkins in soups, roasted them on embers, made them into sauces and baked them into a “bread”.

    Pumpkins and squash were commonly grown and eaten with maize and beans; a combination sometimes called the “three sisters”.

    The rise of the ‘pompion’

    The pumpkin only came to Europe in the 1500s, following the invasion of the Americas. This new vegetable wasn’t as much of a surprise to Europeans as we might expect: gourds, cucumbers and melons are from the same family as pumpkins, Curcubitaceae, and the plants all look very similar, with trailing vines and large golden flowers.

    Farmer with pumpkins by Ilya Ivanovich Mashkov (1930).
    WikiArt

    In European languages, the new plant was given the name of these more familiar foods, so that in English and French it became the pompion (another name for melons), in Italian the zucca and in German the kürbis (both names for gourds).

    All these overlapping names caused some confusion. In 1640, botanist John Parkinson wrote of “gourds or millions, or pompions, or whatsoever else you please to call them”.

    The recipes that pumpkins are best known for in today’s Anglo-American cuisine come from this era of food history. “Pumpion” pies started to appear in English recipe books in the 1660s, but they weren’t much like today’s versions.

    An early printed recipe was written by Hannah Woolley, an English writer who published books on household management, in 1672. It instructs the reader to fry egg-coated slices, mix these with raisins, sugar and fortified wine then place the mixture in a pie dish on top of apples. A little different maybe, but it doesn’t sound too bad.

    The apple association stayed strong in England. Another method, recorded in 1735, was to scoop out the pulp, mix it with chopped apples and sugar, bake this in the hollowed pumpkin, then eat it spread on bread. The author was careful to note that this meal was “too strong for persons of weak stomachs, and only proper for country people who use much exercise” – so be careful if you try this at home.



    Read more:
    A delicious history of the apple – from the Tian Sian mountains to supermarket shelves

    The pie recipes followed a longer tradition of sweet-and-savoury pies which were popular in England at the time. This is also where we get the typical “pumpkin spice” from. These pies were made with artichokes, sweet and ordinary potatoes, and even earlier with parsnips, skirrets and eryngoes (once popular root vegetables). They were mixed with the go-to expensive spices of the day: cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, ginger and sugar. Maybe we should be calling it the “skirret spice latte”.

    As Europeans steadily colonised America over the 17th century, they brought with them their familiar recipes, including spiced pies. Here, in the home of pumpkins, they had an abundance to make them from.

    The steady rise of Halloween in the globalised age suggests our current waste issue will get worse before it gets better. Reviving the egg-apple-pumpkin pie might not be the solution, but there are plenty of other ways we can use these versatile vegetables. Remembering that pumpkins had millennia of history as a food before they were a decoration is one step on the way.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

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

    – ref. The long culinary history of pumpkins – from ancient Mexican soups to modern spiced lattes – https://theconversation.com/the-long-culinary-history-of-pumpkins-from-ancient-mexican-soups-to-modern-spiced-lattes-240492

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mary Queen of Scots and the clandestine tricks of the women who kept her secrets

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jade Scott, Affiliate in History , University of Glasgow

    Mary, Queen of Scots spent almost 20 years in captivity. She was held in various locations across Britain from 1568 until her execution on February 8 1587. As I explain in my new book, Captive Queen: The Decrypted History of Mary, Queen of Scots, during this period she relied upon letters to maintain her support back in Scotland, encourage international allies to join her cause and foster allegiances in England.

    Mary was aware that her letters were routinely read by her jailers and passed on to be scrutinised by Elizabeth I’s closest advisers, notably William Cecil. At times, she was forced to rely on clandestine techniques, including writing in invisible ink. She wrote that “although such artifices be very hazardous and vulgar, they will serve me in extreme necessity”.

    Less technical means of conveying correspondence covertly also proved useful. Letters were regularly passed surreptitiously in clothing. They could be slipped under the sleeves of ladies’ gowns, sewn into doublets, or even packed into the heel of a shoe.

    In 1572, Mary’s longest-serving custodian, the earl of Shrewsbury, George Talbot, reported that he had discovered that Mary was having letters left hidden under stones in the gardens. These would be collected later by servants and carried out of the property, to avoid unwanted attention.

    Mary also used complex ciphers to disguise the contents of her correspondence, especially when she wished to discuss plots designed to set her free. Hundreds of her coded letters survive in different forms (as copies, translations, and originals), many of them from supporters who were directly involved in schemes including the Babington plot of 1586, which aimed to assassinate Elizabeth I and replace her with Mary.

    Mary, Queen of Scots at Fotheringhay by John Duncan (1929).
    University of St Andrews, CC BY-SA

    The women who carried Mary’s secrets

    The role of women in Mary’s coded correspondence is often overlooked. Yet she relied upon her female supporters to ensure that covert networks were maintained during her captivity.

    The countess of Northumberland, Lady Anne Percy, was one of the noblewomen at the heart of a transcontinental network of Catholic exiles who went to great efforts to preserve clandestine channels of communication between themselves and Mary.

    In August 1571, William Maitland of Lethington, Mary’s principal secretary in Scotland, wrote to her. He explained that he had shared a new cipher so that Lady Percy could write to Mary secretly. Several years later, Mary confirmed that she was still writing in code to Lady Percy and receiving such letters in return.

    Mary Queen of Scots Bidding Farewell to France by William Powell Frith (1851).
    National Trust, Newton House, Dinefwr Park and Castle

    Similarly, Mary communicated with Scottish noblewomen using ciphers. Lady Livingston, Agnes Fleming, journeyed with Mary into England in late 1568 and remained by her side in captivity until 1572, when she returned to Scotland. We know that she communicated with Mary using coded letters because in 1573 Lethington warned her that she must stop using their usual cipher.

    He explained that the letter bearer had been arrested and so their cipher was likely “known to their adversaries”. Lady Livingston remained a loyal supporter of Mary after she returned to Scotland. She was even briefly imprisoned in Dalkeith by the regent of Scotland, James Morton, for sharing news and intelligence via secret messages.



    Read more:
    Letters and embroidery allowed medieval women to express their ‘forbidden’ emotions

    Lady Ferniehirst, Jean Scott, also composed coded correspondence to navigate the surveillance and scrutiny that the Scottish queen was subject to in England. Her husband, Sir Thomas Kerr of Ferniehirst, was exiled in 1573 following his attempts to hold Edinburgh Castle on Mary’s behalf. This meant that during the 1580s, Lady Ferniehirst was crucial to the survival of a network of Scottish nobles who continued to agitate for Mary’s restoration.

    She regularly acted as an intermediary between Mary and James VI, allowing at least some of their communication to avoid English detection. Several of Lady Ferniehirst’s own coded letters to Mary survive, and many were intercepted and decoded by contemporary agents seeking evidence of Mary’s plotting.

    In 1578, Mary requested that Lady Ferniehirst’s 13-year-old daughter be allowed to join her household in England. Aware of the clandestine correspondence between the two women, this request was denied by Elizabeth I. She suspected that Lady Ferniehirst’s daughter would ensure even more coded letters managed to make their way from Mary to her supporters.

    The correspondence of Mary’s female supporters reveals early modern women’s skilful navigation of political crisis. Illuminating the examples of women like Lady Percy, Lady Livingston and Lady Ferniehirst challenges gendered assumptions that have led to women being underestimated or dismissed throughout history.


    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Jade Scott previously received funding from Arts and Humanities Research Council UK (AHRC).

    – ref. Mary Queen of Scots and the clandestine tricks of the women who kept her secrets – https://theconversation.com/mary-queen-of-scots-and-the-clandestine-tricks-of-the-women-who-kept-her-secrets-241444

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Remember to put clocks back this weekend

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    Make sure you remember to put your clocks back this weekend. British Summer Time ends on Sunday 27 October. You don’t want to miss that extra hour in bed.

    Reset clocks on Saturday night

    Think about resetting any household clocks, watches and time-based equipment on Saturday night that don’t automatically change. You don’t want to spend Sunday wondering why you’re early and everyone else is late.

    The equipment you may need to reset includes:

    • clocks (especially alarm clocks)
    • central heating and hot water timers
    • your mobile phone and computer (if they don’t automatically update)

    Greenwich Mean Time

    British Summer Time starts on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October.

    This means that:

    • in autumn the clocks go back – at 2.00 am British Summer Time moves to 1.00 am Greenwich Mean Time
    • in spring the clocks go forward – at 1.00 am Greenwich Mean Time moves to 2.00 am British Summer Time

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ARU’s world-leading loris expert to receive award

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Published: 25 October 2024 at 10:11

    Professor Anna Nekaris is to be honoured by the Primate Society of Great Britain

    Dr Anna Nekaris, Professor in Ecology, Conservation and Environment at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), is to receive a prestigious honour later this year from the Primate Society of Great Britain. 

    Professor Nekaris, one of the world’s leading experts in lorises, will be awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal by the Primate Society of Great Britain at their winter meeting in Bristol on 12-13 December.

    The medal is awarded annually to a distinguished primatologist who has shown excellence in research and has made a substantial, original, and lasting contribution to the discipline.

    Professor Nekaris started her work on nocturnal primates in 1992 and in 2011 she established the Little Fireface Project – a conservation project based in Java, Indonesia, that supports loris conservation worldwide.

    She is Vice Chair of the recently formed IUCN Special Section for African and Asian Prosimians, Co-editor-in-chief of Folia Primatologica, and Section Editor of Nature’s Discover Conservation. Earlier this year, Professor Nekaris was made Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to conservation.

    Professor Nekaris has published more than 300 scientific papers and 10 edited volumes, and her studies cover all species of slow, pygmy and slender lorises, including five she named or elevated from subspecies, and one genus that she named. 

    Her research includes behavioural ecology in zoos, rescue centres and in the wild, including a novel study on slow loris venom, museum studies, genetics, acoustics, taxonomy, conservation education, and community conservation, especially with agroforestry farmers. 

    Much of her conservation work has focused on lorises in the pet trade. Through her advocacy, lorises became protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and Professor Nekaris has worked with the Japanese government to change laws regarding microchipping of CITES I protected species. She hopes her research will convince people that lorises do not make good pets. 

    Professor Nekaris said:

    “All species of loris are threatened with extinction and some are amongst the rarest primates on the planet. They are wild animals and my mission is to ensure that as many as possible remain in their natural habitats so we can learn more about these most unique primates.”

    On news of her award from the Primate Society of Great Britain, she added:

    “Being recognised by my fellow primatologists is a tremendous honour, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be following in the footsteps of some of the wonderful scientists who have previously been awarded the Osman Hill Memorial Lecture Medal. 

    “This award is also extra special to me because it is named after a scientist, William Charles Osman Hill, who made some of the first, significant contributions to our knowledge of lorises.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Libraries gain funding to help communities connect with nature

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester is among twenty-six English public library services that have received funding to launch new projects this month to help their communities build stronger connections with nature.

    The projects are part of Culture Nature England, a partnership between Libraries Connected and Natural England, the government’s adviser for the natural environment. Manchester Libraries have been awarded £10k to develop seed libraries at 8 locations, and to promote nature walks to three local nature reserves. 

    The seed libraries would provide up to 3 packets of free seeds to customers signing up to the scheme. People would be encouraged to allow their seeds to grow to maturity and flower, then collect and return resultant seeds to the seed library for others to access. 

    We would encourage complete beginners and old hands alike to come together to share their knowledge on seed sowing, plant nurturing, compost and soil care and harvesting.

    The initial seeds to be offered would be from 6/7 easy to grow varieties – a mix of wildflowers, herbs and vegetables – chosen to be beneficial to insects and meet local biodiversity requirements.

    The project will include workshops/events in the library, with guided nature walks from three of the libraries to local nature reserves at Boggart Hole Clough, Highfield Country Park and Wythenshawe Park, and better mapping of green infrastructure around each of the 8 libraries.

    Libraries will work with partners including our parks team and local community groups to maximise the benefits of this project. Manchester have signed up to the CILIP Green Manifesto and are developing an increasing range of services to help Manchester reach its carbon emission targets including acting as venues for people to drop off old technology which will be refurbished, and supporting litter picking campaigns.

    Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Employment, Skills and Leisure, said: “Libraries are vital community resources that improve the lives of residents and communities.  It is great that we have been successful in gaining this funding to increase libraries’ role in connecting people with nature.  Manchester is blessed with high quality green spaces and this funding will lead to more people feeling better connected to the natural environment.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: What Derby City Council would like to see in the Government’s Autumn budget statement

    Source: City of Derby

    Following weeks of speculation, the Government will outline their actual spending plans for the first time next week in the Autumn budget statement.  Councils across the country, including Derby City Council, will be watching with interest to see what, if any, action will be taken to address the severe financial challenges faced by local government sector.

    In Derby, the Council’s current budget is its most challenging yet, with the Council reporting a predicted £9.6 million overspend on its revenue budget – which funds most of its services outside housing, education, and capital projects – at the end of the first quarter of 2024/25.

    Demand and costs have continued to rise at a much higher rate than forecast, mainly for services affecting the city’s most vulnerable citizens such as social care and homelessness. This is not unique to Derby and is affecting councils across the country. The Council has been lobbying the Government for changes to the way it is funded, together with local government colleagues nationally.

    Derby City Council’s Quarter 2 financial update will be presented to Cabinet in November, but over the medium term the Council faces the challenge of closing a significant budget gap which was estimated to be £13.9 million for 2025/26 before any of the new pressures on services emerged this year. The Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy, which is also being considered by Council Cabinet in November, will provide further details on this position.

    As a result, the Council is already in the process of planning a balanced budget for 2025/26, which is a legal requirement, ready to present it to Councillors in December before it goes out to consultation. Although the Council won’t know for certain how much money it will receive from the Government until around the same time, it is hoped the Autumn statement on 30 October will provide some additional financial support.

    In simple terms, the Government currently funds Councils through one-year grant settlements, supplemented by additional grants which can only be used for specific purposes.  Shortfalls therefore have to be met from Council Tax and Business Rates, and as Government funding has significantly declined the Council has become more reliant on these local taxes.

    While the new Government has indicated that it will move towards multi-year settlements that make it easier to plan for the mid-term, it is not known when this will happen.

    Councillor Kathy Kozlowski, Cabinet Member for Governance and Finance, said:

    We have to be realistic. We are not expecting the Government to announce multi-year grant funding settlements next week. However there are some small changes they could announce which we’ve lobbied for, and would be ‘quick wins’ for local government. They would certainly make a difference to us in Derby.

    A shortage of affordable accommodation means that homeless families are having to stay in temporary accommodation for longer. The amount of Housing Benefit we can claim back from the Government for this is capped, and if this cap was lifted we would be £4 million better off. A review of the right to buy legislation would allow Councils to maintain their levels of social housing.

    Costs in the social care market are spiralling, and introducing caps on fees that Councils pay for care would help ease the pressure on social care.

    A commitment to the much-awaited funding reforms for local government would also see a redistribution of funding to those areas that need it the most. Continuation of a lot of temporary funding, including funding that supports social care services and support to struggling families through the Household Support Fund, would mean that we could continue to support our most vulnerable residents.

    We would welcome any additional funding that the new Government can provide, however we are aware that there is no easy solution to the financial challenges that lie ahead, especially when we have no control over rising costs and demand. Any new burdens on local government need to be adequately funded.

    Let me be clear, we will have to make some very difficult decisions over the next few months if we are to fulfil our legal obligation of setting a balanced budget. Many councils have already had to make a Section 114 declaration or ask for additional Government support. This is not a route we want to take, as it would limit what we could do for Derby, but we accept that we may have to do less but in a safe and managed way.

    It is usually councils that are left to pick up the pieces when people find themselves in crisis. Yet demand continues to rise and we don’t have the funds to meet it. However we are acutely aware that we are not the only public service lobbying for more help.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Royal Air Force delivers vital food and medical supplies to Lebanese Armed Forces

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The RAF plane being unloaded in Beirut

    • More than 12,500 ration packs and 79 medical kits have been delivered to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in Beirut today by the RAF.
    • The LAF are part of the security and stability solution for Lebanon and the wider region, as the sole legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.
    • Delivery comes amid the UK’s continued calls for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

    The UK has successfully delivered more than 12,500 ration packs and 79 battlefield medical kits to the Lebanese Armed Forces. This package of medical supplies and provisions, delivered by the RAF, is funded by the UK’s Integrated Security Fund and will help support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).

    The Lebanese Armed Forces are essential to the future security and stability of Lebanon and the wider region as the only legitimate military force of the Lebanese state.

    For more than a decade, the UK has given critical support to the LAF as a trusted partner, through training, mentoring and the provision of equipment. Since 2009, the UK has trained over 34,000 LAF personnel and dedicated over £106 million in funding The UK has also helped to construct nearly 80 Border Observation posts and Forward Operating Bases as part of efforts to support Lebanese border security.

    The Prime Minister, Foreign Secretary, and Defence Secretary continue to call for an immediate ceasefire and increase in humanitarian aid in both Lebanon and Gaza to allow space for a political solution. The FCDO advises all British nationals should leave Lebanon immediately and have arranged several charter flights from Lebanon in recent weeks to support this.

    Defence Secretary, John Healey said:

    Today’s delivery of supplies from the RAF is in direct response to a request from the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    The UK has supported the LAF for more than a decade, as the sole legitimate force of the Lebanese state.  Our support for the LAF can help build the foundations for a stable Lebanon, as part of our wider efforts towards de-escalation and peace in the region.

    We continue to work closely with our partners and allies in calling for an immediate ceasefire.

    Foreign Secretary David, Lammy said:

    This package of UK support demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Lebanon’s only legitimate armed forces, forces essential for stability and security of the state and wider region.

    We continue to call for an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel and a political plan consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 1701. That is the only way to restore security and stability for the people living on both sides of the border.

    In October 2024, as a direct response to the mass displacement of people and growing number of civilian casualties, the UK boosted its humanitarian support for Lebanon with a further £10 million. The announcement follows the £5 million humanitarian package delivered through UNICEF to support access to clean water and sanitation, health, and nutrition supplies. The UK has also agreed to match public donations to the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal of up to £10 million.

    The UK government is completely committed to peace in the Middle East and continues to call for de-escalation in the region after being the first nation in the G7 to do so. A ceasefire would pave the way for civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Australia and the United Kingdom to power up cooperation on climate and energy

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

    The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

    The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

    Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

    To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries. 

    The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

    The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

    The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation. 

    On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region. 

    Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations.  

    The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

    Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July. 

    We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy. 

    This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

    Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press release: Australia and the United Kingdom to power up cooperation on climate and energy

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

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and The Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, met today on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa.

    This was the first meeting between the two leaders since the election of the Starmer Government.

    The Prime Ministers discussed Australia’s and the United Kingdom’s modern and dynamic relationship, underpinned by close personal ties and strong security, trade and investment links.

    The two leaders considered how the two countries could step-up their work together to meet common challenges and to realise new opportunities.

    Australia and the UK agree that the transition to net zero represents economic opportunity. The Albanese and Starmer Governments believe private capital and the power of government can be leveraged to shape a clean energy future in the interests of working people. The transition paves the way for new industries, new technologies, new job opportunities and a revitalisation of each nation’s industrial base.

    To this end, the Prime Ministers agreed to enhance bilateral cooperation on climate change and energy by negotiating a dynamic new partnership. The Australia–UK Climate and Energy Partnership will focus on the development and accelerated deployment of renewable energy technologies, such as green hydrogen and offshore wind, to support the economic resilience and decarbonisation goals of both countries. 

    The partnership will also build upon the two countries’ long-standing cooperation on international climate action, including on renewable energy and climate finance.

    The Prime Ministers agreed the Minister for Climate Change and Energy of Australia and the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero of the United Kingdom will take this important work forward.

    The two leaders also announced grant recipients under the Australia-UK Renewable Hydrogen Innovation Partnership Program. Under this program, the two Governments will support six cutting-edge projects focused on industrial decarbonisation. 

    On trade and investment, Prime Ministers discussed gains under the ambitious Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement. The United Kingdom’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership later this year will also present new opportunities for the region. 

    Discussions on defence and strategic cooperation focused on working together to ensure the AUKUS partnership delivers for the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to negotiating a bilateral treaty, as announced by Defence Ministers in September 2024, to develop the SSN-AUKUS submarine for both nations.  

    The Prime Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to an approach that sets the highest non-proliferation standards and to sustaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, respectful of sovereignty and rules.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:

    Australia and the UK are longstanding partners, with common values and aligned strategic interests. It was great to congratulate Prime Minister Starmer in person after his election win in July. 

    We had a productive discussion, including agreeing to negotiate a new climate and energy partnership. This partnership will ensure we maximise the economic potential of the net zero transition, and build on our long-standing cooperation on international climate action and shared commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    We share a vision for a modern and transformed Australia-United Kingdom relationship, which delivers tangible benefits and prosperity to both our nations and the Indo-Pacific.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    The UK and Australia share many things in common, including our governments’ determination to improve the lives of working people, drive economic growth and ensure cleaner, more affordable energy. 

    This partnership underscores our commitment to powering up the UK with clean energy projects that will benefit communities across the country.

    Together, we’re delivering better futures for our two countries, whether that’s through protecting our national security with projects like AUKUS or delivering on our net zero commitments.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Wave of the future: How DASA-backed AI innovation is revolutionising maritime rescue

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Scotland-based SME Zelim has won a contract with the US Navy to deploy their innovative AI-enabled Person-in-Water detection and tracking technology, known as ZOE.

    • Zelim’s detection and tracking system uses AI to scan the water surface to find people in the water much more accurately and consistently than human eyes and current systems can
    • Low-cost and easy to integrate, the software solution can be implemented in any camera or CCTV setup
    • DASA funding has helped take the solution from concept to commercial project, which is now being used on commercial ships, offshore energy infrastructure and commercial ports
    • In 2024, Zelim was awarded a US Navy contract to deploy ZOE – their advanced AI-enabled person in water detection and tracking technology

    In 2024, Edinburgh-based SME Zelim achieved a remarkable milestone: securing a contract with the US Navy to deploy an advanced Person-in-Water detection system. This breakthrough, rooted in artificial intelligence, represents a significant leap forward in maritime rescue technology – and it all began with support from the UK’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA).

    The US Navy contract, awarded through a Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program, recognises Zelim’s cutting-edge AI-enabled detection and tracking technology. This system, known as ZOE, can scan vast stretches of ocean, identifying and tracking individuals or objects with unprecedented accuracy – even in challenging conditions that would confound human observers and current vision systems.

    How did a small Scottish company attract the attention of the US Navy? In 2022, Zelim presented the search and rescue concept to the DASA Open Call, which offered essential early-stage funding and expertise, allowing Zelim to turn their idea into reality. Zelim’s DASA project helped the SME tackle significant challenges, such as gathering person in water rescue data across a huge range of conditions and creating a comprehensive database for accurately identifying humans in water – a critical component in making the system reliable enough for real-world rescue operations.

    Andy Tipping, Co-Founder and Business Development Director explains:

    The DASA offering is unique, we had a DASA Subject Matter Expert who was always on hand to keep us on track and to make sure whatever we developed would meet defence customer needs, plus we had an Exploitation Manager working tirelessly to secure meetings with a range of MoD and Home Office end users. The result was, by the end of the project we started securing our first contracts in civilian markets, selling our AI enabled detection system to offshore energy operators and several months later our technology was selected for the US Navy SBIR programme. Being a DASA Alumni also gave credibility and it wasn’t long after the project completed that we secured our Series A investment round.

    From UK Innovation to US Navy Contract

    As soon as someone enters the water, rescuers are against the clock. This is greatly understood by Zelim founder, Sam Mayall, a seasoned mariner with a wide range of experience, from small dinghies to 40,000-ton ships. With a background in commercial shipping, Sam has experienced numerous emergencies at sea, including a tragic incident where rescuers discovered a body floating face down in the water.

    This experience ignited the desire to help improve maritime safety for sailors and equip rescuers with better tools, enhanced by AI and automation to ensure safer operations in the vast ocean and help overcome challenges such as:

    • Vastness of Oceans

      Individuals lost at sea can be difficult to spot with only their head often visible, which can be missed or confused with other ocean debris.

    • Poor Weather Conditions

      Fog, ocean spray, and darkness significantly reduce visibility, complicating the search efforts.

    • Imperfect Human Eyesight

      Human vision is fallible; fatigue and level of concentration can lead to false detections and missed rescue opportunities.

    • Reliance on Binoculars or CCTV

      During the critical period, rescuers using only binoculars or viewing camera streams may struggle to keep sight of the individual as they disappear behind waves, sea spray and other vessels

    • Parallax Effect

      The difference in movement speeds between foreground and background can confuse existing vision systems.

    Charting new waters with ZOE

    Zoe works by scanning the sea surface, sifting through the busy marine surroundings to pinpoint individuals or specific objects. These targets can then be recognised, identified, and tracked using their unique AI software.

    A key advantage of ZOE is its flexibility in accounting for the dynamic and chaotic nature of the sea, avoiding false positives from objects like buoys by analysing live daylight and thermal camera feeds for human-like patterns. Zelim spent several years compiling a comprehensive data library to ensure reliable identification, solving the last piece of the puzzle for effective ocean rescue.

    Additionally, ZOE is software-based and hardware agnostic, applicable to any camera or CCTV feed, making it ideal for commercial shipping, passenger vessels, naval ships, search and rescue aircraft and ports.

    How Zelim’s innovation can bolster search and rescue

    • Compatible with various camera systems
    • Alerts users to humans in water with 96% accuracy from 300 meters
    • Operates effectively in adverse weather and low light
    • Automatically tracks spotted individuals, preventing loss
    • Easy-to-install software managing multiple feeds, with local data processing
    • More efficient than traditional methods like binoculars and standard sensors

    Zelim’s ZOE detection solution in action

    Breaking into defence and civilian markets: What does the future hold for Zelim?

    DASA support proved invaluable for Zelim. By the end of the DASA project, Zelim had not only created a working prototype but had also begun securing their first contracts in civilian markets, including:

    • Jack-up drilling rigs in the North Sea
    • A floating wind farm off the coast of Portugal owned by Ocean Winds
    • A cruise ship

    The effectiveness of Zelim’s solution was evident during field trials, demonstrating its accuracy, measurability, and consistency. The system can achieve 96% accuracy from over 330 meters without applying optical zoom, and with optical zoom, it can spot humans in the water over a kilometre away.

    These capabilities caught the attention of defence organisations worldwide. In addition to the US Navy contract, Zelim’s technology was also deployed in a Royal Canadian Air Force search and rescue exercise in 2024, where it demonstrated its ability to find and track humans at sea with no false positives.

    The company’s growth reflects its success. Starting the DASA project with just 10 employees, Zelim has now expanded to a team of 28, with further growth anticipated as they work to fulfill the US Navy and offshore energy contracts.

    Looking ahead, Zelim plans to increase deployment of their technology on ships, major global ports, search and rescue assets, and air assets. This ambitious growth strategy underscores the far-reaching impact of DASA’s initial support – from fostering UK innovation to enhancing global maritime safety and creating economic opportunities.

    The US Navy contract stands as a testament to the power of targeted innovation support. By backing Zelim’s vision, DASA has not only contributed to advancing a innovative UK technology but has also opened doors for a British SME on the global stage, demonstrating how investment in innovation can yield significant returns for both national security and prosperity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Keynote Address by Prime Minister at the 18th Asia-Pacific Conference of German Businesses (APK 2024)

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:55PM by PIB Delhi

    Excellency Chancellor Scholz,

    Vice Chancellor Dr. Robert Habeck,

    Ministers of the Indian Government,

    Dr. Busch, Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business,

    Industry leaders from India, Germany, and Indo-Pacific countries,

    Ladies and gentlemen,

    Namaskar!

    Guten Tag!

    Friends,

    Today is a very special day.

    My friend, Chancellor Scholz, has come to India for the fourth time.

    His first visit was as a Mayor, and the next three have been during his terms as the Chancellor, which highlights his focus on India-Germany relations.

    The Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business is being held in India after a gap of 12 years.

    On one hand, a CEO forum meeting is taking place, and on the other, our navies are exercising together. German naval ships are currently on a port call in Goa. Additionally, the seventh Inter-Governmental Consultations between India and Germany will be held shortly.

    Clearly, the friendship between India and Germany is deepening at every step, on every front.

    Friends,

    This year marks the 25th anniversary of the India-Germany Strategic Partnership.

    The next 25 years will see this partnership reach new heights.

    We have created a roadmap for India’s development over the coming 25 years.

    I am happy that at such a critical time, the German Cabinet has released the “Focus on India” document.

    The world’s two strongest democracies,

    Two of the world’s leading economies, together, we can become a force for global good, and the Focus on India document provides a blueprint for this. In this, Germany’s holistic approach and commitment to pursuing the strategic partnership are clearly evident. Especially noteworthy is the trust that Germany has expressed in the skilled workforce of India.

    Germany has decided to increase the number of visas for skilled Indians from 20,000 to 90,000 per year.

    I am confident that this will further boost Germany’s economic growth.

    Friends,

    Our bilateral trade has surpassed 30 billion dollars.

    Today, while hundreds of German companies operate in India, Indian companies are also rapidly expanding in Germany.

    India is becoming a prime center of diversification and de-risking and is emerging as a hub of global trade and manufacturing. Given this scenario, now is the most opportune time for you to make in India, and make for the world.

    Friends,

    The Asia-Pacific Conference has played an essential role in strengthening relations between the EU and the Asia-Pacific region. But I don’t see this platform as limited to trade and investment alone.

    I see it as a partnership for the Indo-Pacific region and a better future for the world. The world needs stability and sustainability, trust and transparency. These values must be emphasized on every front, whether in society or supply chains. Without them, no country or region can envision a brighter future.

    The Indo-Pacific region is very important for the future of the world. Whether it is in terms of global growth, population, or skills, the contribution and potential of this region are immense.

    This conference, therefore, holds even greater significance.

    Friends,

    The people of India value a stable polity and a predictable policy ecosystem.

    This is why, after 60 years, a government has been elected for a third consecutive term. This trust in India has been strengthened over the last decade through reform, performance, and transformative governance.

    When the common citizen of India feels this way, where else would be better for businesses and investors like you?

    Friends,

    India stands on four strong pillars: Democracy, Demography, Demand, and Data. Talent, technology, innovation, and infrastructure are the tools for India’s growth. Today, an additional great force drives all of these: the strength of Aspirational India.

    That is, the combined power of AI — Artificial Intelligence and Aspirational India — is with us. Our youth are driving Aspirational India.

    In the last century, natural resources accelerated development. In this century, human resources and innovations will propel growth. This is why India is committed to democratizing skills and technology for its youth.

    Friends,

    India is working today for the needs of the future world.

    Whether it is Mission AI,

    Our Semiconductor Mission,

    the Quantum Mission,

    Mission Green Hydrogen,

    Missions related to space technology,

    or the Digital India Mission, all of them aim to provide the best and most reliable solutions for the world. These areas offer numerous investment and collaboration opportunities for all of you.

    Friends,

    India is committed to providing every innovation with a strong platform and the best infrastructure. Our digital public infrastructure is creating endless opportunities for new startups and Industry 4.0. India is also transforming its physical infrastructure with record investments in rail, roads, airports, and ports. There are extensive opportunities here for companies from Germany and the Indo-Pacific region.

    I am pleased that India and Germany are working together on renewable energy.

    Last month, the fourth Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet was organized in Gujarat in collaboration with Germany.

    An India-Germany platform has also been launched for investing in renewable energy at the global level. I hope you will take advantage of the green hydrogen ecosystem that India is developing.

    Friends,

    This is the right time to join India’s growth story.

    When India’s dynamism meets Germany’s precision,

    When Germany’s engineering meets India’s innovation,

    When Germany’s technology combines with India’s talent, a brighter future is envisioned for the Indo-Pacific region and the world.

    Friends,

    You belong to the business world.

    Your mantra is “When we meet, we mean business.”

    But coming to India is not only about business; if you miss India’s culture, cuisine, and shopping, you will miss a lot.

    I assure you: You will be happy, and your family back home will be even happier.

    Thank you very much, and may this conference and your stay in India be both fruitful and memorable.

    Thank you.

    DISCLAIMER -This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s ability to scale up paired with Germany’s precision engineering to benefit the world: Shri Piyush Goyal

    Source: Government of India

    India’s ability to scale up paired with Germany’s precision engineering to benefit the world: Shri Piyush Goyal 

    India-Germany synergy in AI adoption, semiconductors and green technology to drive global growth: Shri Piyush Goyal

    India committed to combat climate change, on track to meet nationally determined contributions: Shri Goyal

    Asia’s demographic shift fertile ground for businesses seeking to expand, capitalise on emerging sectors: Shri Goyal

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 2:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Germany’s art of precision engineering coupled with India’s ability to scale up in the physical, digital or social infrastructure will help create something extraordinary for the world said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal. He was inaugurating the 18th Asia Pacific Conference of German Business (APK) today in New Delhi. The Union Minister speaking on the India-Germany collaboration said that from AI adoption to semiconductors, from fostering the nation’s vibrant startup ecosystem to collaborating on green technology, the synergies between India and Germany can drive unprecedented growth.

    Noting that today’s India is built on strong macroeconomic fundamentals, he added that reform, resilience and readiness is available for the future for businesses across the world. On combating climate change, Shri Goyal emphasised India’s commitment at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in 2015, and said that India collectively with the Global South got together with the developed countries to be a part of the solution. He added that India, currently ranked 7th in Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI), is on track to exceed the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and also the targets set before the world. 

    Extending gratitude to the Asia Pacific Committee of German Business and the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce for organising the event, Shri Goyal said that the Asia-Pacific region encompasses 60% of world’s population and by 2030, two-thirds of the global middle class will reside in Asia. This demographic shift presents a fertile ground for businesses seeking to

    expand their reach and capitalise on emerging sectors, he said.

    Shri Goyal stressed that the Conference will be key to identifying emerging trends and tackling global challenges. It facilitates the exchange of best practices, drives technological advancements and shapes policies for future industrial growth, he said. The Union Minister expressed hope that India and Germany can deepen strategic partnerships and translate this collaboration into real growth for the economies and the citizens of both the countries.

    Quoting German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer’s expression “Reading the Upanishads is comforting in my life…”, the Minister in the spirit of that ancient wisdom urged all the participants to embrace the richness of India’s culture and diversity especially during this festive season from Diwali until Christmas and New Year.

    Shri Goyal ended his speech with a quote from Rabindranath Tagore, “Reach high, for stars lie hidden in you. Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal” and urged the participants to create the future where the products made, the industries led and the innovations pioneered, touch every corner of the globe.

    ***

    AD/AM

    (Release ID: 2068048) Visitor Counter : 81

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met sets out policing plans ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday with a number of demonstrations expected to take place.

    Officers from the Met and the British Transport police will be supported by a limited number of officers from other UK forces.

    A protest organised on behalf of Stephen Yaxley-Lennon (Tommy Robinson) under the name Uniting the Kingdom, will march from Victoria Station to the southern end of Whitehall, while a counter protest organised by Stand Up To Racism will march from Regent Street St James’s to the north end of Whitehall. Static rallies will take place at the end of both protest marches.

    There will be a significant policing presence ensuring that the two opposing groups are kept apart and pre-emptive conditions have been imposed under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption or disorder.

    A separate protest, organised by the United Friends and Families Campaign, will take place in Trafalgar Square from around midday.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Rachel Williams, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We are well prepared for what is set to be a busy day in the centre of London.

    “Our role is to ensure that those attending the various events can do so safely and that they can exercise their right to lawful protest. We will have significant resources in place to respond to any incidents, to deal decisively with any offences, and to keep disruption to other members of the public and businesses to a minimum.

    “We know that when groups with opposing views come together it can lead to conflict and disorder and a key part of our role is ensuring that does not happen. We have used Public Order Act conditions to ensure that those involved stick to routes and assembly areas that are sufficiently far apart. Officers will be monitoring closely to ensure that conditions are adhered to.

    “The impact of frequent significant protest in central London is considerable, not least on the officers deployed to police them. Many would be working in other frontline roles if they weren’t required for these events. We’re grateful for the assistance of colleagues from other forces whose contribution means we are able to police protests while also keeping local communities across London safe.”

    Details of conditions

    Uniting the Kingdom

    Participants in the Uniting the Kingdom protest must form up in the red shaded area in the map below:

    They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

    Stand Up To Racism

    Similar conditions are in place for the Stand Up To Racism counter protest.

    Anyone taking part must form up in the area shaded in red on the map below:

    They may not set off until 13:00hrs and they must not then deviate from the route shown on the map below:

    On arrival at the end of the march, they must only assemble in the area marked in blue on the map below:

    All those in attendance must disperse by 18:00hrs.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 24 October 2024 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2024-10-24

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 24 October 2024 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Composition of committees and delegations

    The PPE Group had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    ENVI Committee: Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz

    FISC Subcommittee: Danuše Nerudová

    Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee: Michał Szczerba

    Delegation for relations with Israel: Hildegard Bentele to replace Daniel Buda

    Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee: Daniel Buda to replace Hildegard Bentele

    The decisions took effect as of that day.


    3. Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (debate)

    Commission statement: Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (2024/2871(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Liesbet Sommen, on behalf of the PPE Group, Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Borchia, on behalf of the PfE Group, Mariateresa Vivaldini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Brigitte van den Berg, on behalf of the Renew Group, Nela Riehl, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Li Andersson, on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, Heléne Fritzon, Pascale Piera, Georgiana Teodorescu, Grégory Allione, Sara Matthieu, Marina Mesure, Diego Solier, Andreas Schwab, Niels Fuglsang, Annamária Vicsek, Marlena Maląg, Hristo Petrov, Benedetta Scuderi, Dario Tamburrano, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Marcos Ros Sempere, Antonella Sberna, Ľudovít Ódor, Rasmus Andresen, Hanna Gedin, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Elisabetta Gualmini, Kris Van Dijck, Billy Kelleher, João Oliveira, Giusi Princi, Tiemo Wölken, Beatrice Timgren, Catarina Martins, Andrea Wechsler, Marit Maij, Tobiasz Bocheński, who also answered a blue-card question from Branislav Ondruš, Arba Kokalari, Johan Danielsson, Paulius Saudargas, Idoia Mendia, Andrzej Buła, Estelle Ceulemans, Axel Voss, Alex Agius Saliba, Esther Herranz García, Marc Angel, Maravillas Abadía Jover, Annalisa Corrado and Bruno Gonçalves.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Hélder Sousa Silva.

    IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Nikolina Brnjac, Tomislav Sokol, Maria Grapini, Branislav Ondruš, Grzegorz Braun and Milan Mazurek.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.


    4. Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (debate)

    Commission statement: Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (2024/2887(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Lídia Pereira, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Laurence Farreng, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Pernando Barrena Arza, on behalf of The Left Group, Petras Gražulis, on behalf of the ESN Group, Eleonora Meleti, Sabrina Repp, Fabrice Leggeri, Ivaylo Valchev, Hristo Petrov, Alexandra Geese, who also answered a blue-card question from Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivan David, Milan Mazurek (The President reminded the speaker of the provisions of Rule 10), Zoltán Tarr, Francisco Assis, Susanna Ceccardi, Paolo Inselvini, Irena Joveva, Lena Schilling, Christine Anderson, Ondřej Dostál, Manuela Ripa, Gerolf Annemans, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Marc Jongen, Łukasz Kohut, Alexandre Varaut, Taner Kabilov, Sebastian Kruis, Tiago Moreira de Sá, who also answered a blue-card question from Bruno Gonçalves, Hermann Tertsch and Mathilde Androuët.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Matej Tonin, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:05.


    6. Sakharov Prize 2024 (announcement of the winner)

    The President announced that Parliament had decided to award the 2024 Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, and to President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting to restore freedom and democracy to their country.


    7. Request for the waiver of immunity

    The competent Lithuanian authorities had sent the President a request for Petras Gražulis’s immunity to be waived in connection with legal proceedings in Lithuania.

    Pursuant to Rule 9(1), the request had been referred to the committee responsible, in this case the JURI Committee.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:10.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper (the President took due note).


    9. Voting time

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


    9.1. Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0133/2024, B10-0129/2024, B10-0131/2024, B10-0133/2024, B10-0136/2024, B10-0139/2024, B10-0141/2024 and B10-0142/2024 (minutes of 24.10.2024, item I) (2024/2890(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2024)0029)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0129/2024 and B10-0131/2024 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    9.2. People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0134/2024, B10-0130/2024, B10-0132/2024, B10-0134/2024, B10-0135/2024, B10-0137/2024, B10-0138/2024 and B10-0140/2024 (minutes of 24.10.2024, item I) (2024/2891(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2024)0030)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0130/2024 and B10-0132/2024 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:17.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    10. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:00.


    11. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    12. Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities (debate)

    Commission statement: Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities (2024/2888(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Francisco José Millán Mon, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, France Jamet, on behalf of the PfE Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Hélder Sousa Silva, André Rodrigues, André Rougé, Ana Miranda Paz, Per Clausen, Seán Kelly and Thomas Bajada.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Niels Geuking, Jean-Marc Germain, Pernando Barrena Arza and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.


    13. 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


    13.1. Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (RC-B10-0133/2024)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    13.2. People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (RC-B10-0134/2024)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    14. 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.


    15. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sittings would be held on 13 November 2024 and 14 November 2024.


    16. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:41.


    17. 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

    Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

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

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0129/2024)
    Giorgos Georgiou
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0131/2024)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0133/2024)
    Sergey Lagodinsky, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Vieira, Hannah Neumann, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Markéta Gregorová, Michael Bloss, Alice Kuhnke, Isabella Lövin, Pär Holmgren, Marie Toussaint
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2980(RSP)) (B10-0136/2024)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Udo Bullmann, Raphaël Glucksmann, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0139/2024)
    Nathalie Loiseau, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0141/2024)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, François-Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0142/2024)
    Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Aurelijus Veryga, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):
    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (RC-B10-0133/2024)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0133/2024, B10-0136/2024, B10-0139/2024, B10-0141/2024 and B10-0142/2024)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, François-Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Raphaël Glucksmann, Udo Bullmann, Matthias Ecke, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Emmanouil Fragkos, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Marion Maréchal, Aurelijus Veryga, Geadis Geadi, Rihards Kols, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

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

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0130/2024)
    Danilo Della Valle
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0132/2024)
    Petr Bystron, Hans Neuhoff
    on behalf of the ESN

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0134/2024)
    Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Hannah Neumann, Diana Riba i Giner, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Erik Marquardt
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0135/2024)
    Engin Eroglu, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Helmut Brandstätter, Dan Barna, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Nathalie Loiseau, Ľubica Karvašová, Karin Karlsbro, Ana Vasconcelos, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0137/2024)
    Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Tonino Picula
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0138/2024)
    Adam Bielan, Charlie Weimers, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Carlo Fidanza, Alexandr Vondra, Alberico Gambino, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0140/2024)
    Miriam Lexmann, Sebastião Bugalho, Rasa Juknevičienė, Danuše Nerudová
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):
    on the misinterpretation of UN resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (RC-B10-0134/2024)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0134/2024, B10-0135/2024, B10-0137/2024, B10-0138/2024 and B10-0140/2024)
    Michael Gahler, Miriam Lexmann, Sebastião Bugalho, Rasa Juknevičienė, Danuše Nerudová
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Tonino Picula
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Charlie Weimers, Michał Dworczyk, Alexandr Vondra, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Rihards Kols, Maciej Wąsik, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alberico Gambino, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Engin Eroglu, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Dan Barna, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Ana Vasconcelos, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group


    II. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 1126-24 to 1190-24 had been entered in the register on 18 October 2024 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 18 October 2024, 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. Documents received

    The following documents had been submitted by Members:

    – Mathilde Androuët, Jordan Bardella, Nikola Bartůšek, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Markus Buchheit, Valérie Deloge, Elisabeth Dieringer, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Jean-Paul Garraud, Roman Haider, France Jamet, Virginie Joron, Julien Leonardelli, Aleksandar Nikolic, Philippe Olivier, Gilles Pennelle, Pascale Piera, Pierre Pimpie, Julie Rechagneux, André Rougé, Julien Sanchez, Malika Sorel, Rody Tolassy, António Tânger Corrêa, Matthieu Valet, Tom Vandendriessche, Roberto Vannacci and Alexandre Varaut. Motion for a resolution on the surge in the number of sub-Saharan migrants (B10-0065/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE
    opinion: DEVE

    – Virginie Joron. Motion for a resolution on the creation of a European fund, financed by the extraordinary profits from ‘COVID-19 vaccines’, to compensate victims and to finance research into the treatment of long COVID and its persistent side-effects (B10-0067/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: BUDG

    – João Oliveira. Motion for a resolution on solutions to the housing crisis (B10-0068/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: EMPL
    opinion: ECON

    – Beatrice Timgren. Motion for a resolution on the audit of green investments in light of Northvolt developments (B10-0069/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: CONT
    opinion: ENVI

    – Charlie Weimers. Motion for a resolution on limiting the freedom of movement for serious criminals (B10-0075/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Dick Erixon. Motion for a resolution on design and concept flaws of new own resources (B10-0076/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain and Catherine Griset. Motion for a resolution on Pink October (B10-0087/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Bryłka Anna, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, 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, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, 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, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Gemma Chiara, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomes Isilda, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Grossmann Elisabeth, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Gyürk András, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubilius Andrius, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lange Bernd, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Negrescu Victor, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Piperea Gheorghe, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, 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, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Singer Christine, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Squarta Marco, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban-Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, 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 Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Virkkunen Henna, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Gómez López Sandra, Homs Ginel Alicia, Lalucq Aurore

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – SANT mission to ECDC – Subcommittee on Public Health

    Source: European Parliament

    SANT subcommittee will travel to Stockholm from 28 to 29 October to visit the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The delegation will be composed of three Members: Elena NEVADO DEL CAMPO (EPP, Spain), András Tivadar KULJA (EPP, Hungary), Marta TEMIDO (S&D, Portugal).

    The aim of this mission is to gather information about the current and planned activities of the Agency as well as the staff and budget situation. In addition, participating SANT Members would like to obtain first-hand insight on measures to prevent and control communicable diseases, in particular what concerns the MPox crisis. Members would also have the opportunity to discuss best practices for managing health crises, and understand how epidemiological data is collected and used to influence public health policies in the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strong attack on freedom of speech in Germany – P-002212/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    22.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002212/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alexander Jungbluth (ESN)

    In Germany, the non-governmental organisation REspect! recently became the first NGO to be recognised by the German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) as a ‘trusted flagger’. According to its president, this state-subsidised NGO is supposed to identify ‘illegal content, hate and fake news’ on social media, with reference to the Digital Services Act, and report it to the platforms responsible, for example X or Facebook[1]. These platforms are ‘obliged to respond immediately to reports from trusted flaggers’ so that the content in question can be removed ‘very quickly and without bureaucratic hurdles’.

    Constitutional lawyers have criticised this as manifestly unconstitutional[2].

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of these plans to censor content that is not punishable by law?
    • 2.How does the Commission view the fact that, according to media reports, the director of REspect!, Ahmad Gaafar, has strong links to radical Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood or allies of Hamas[3]?
    • 3.When will the Commission present a draft revision of the Digital Services Act to prevent such attacks on freedom of expression based on this law?

    Supporters[4]

    Submitted: 22.10.2024

    • [1] https://www.nius.de/analyse/so-viel-staat-und-geheimdienst-stecken-in-der-neuen-zensur/e6a8bedc-dc70-4e64-be92-1f0d69f0889c.
    • [2] https://www.nius.de/articles/experten-warnen-vor-dsa-meldestelle-respect-eine-linke-vorfeldorganisation-die-staatlich-finanziert-wird-wird-dazu-genutzt-buerger-zu-kontrollieren/c1aea09a-a728-41d5-aba6-9db2e5c0c0c4#google_vignette.
    • [3] https://www.nius.de/news/trusted-flagger-oberzensor-ahmed-gaafar-loescht-profil-foto-mit-hamas-unterstuetzer/fc683778-98c4-4ee7-98b3-fcfe359d7df3.
    • [4] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Petra Steger (PfE), Markus Buchheit (ESN), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Rada Laykova (ESN), Marc Jongen (ESN), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Milan Uhrík (ESN), René Aust (ESN), Tom Vandendriessche (PfE), Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Alexander Sell (ESN), Sarah Knafo (ESN), Zsuzsanna Borvendég (ESN), Siegbert Frank Droese (ESN), Mary Khan (ESN), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE)
    Last updated: 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance of the Italy-Albania protocol with EU law – P-002206/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    22.10.2024

    Priority question for written answer  P-002206/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cecilia Strada (S&D), Camilla Laureti (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Pina Picierno (S&D), Lucia Annunziata (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Brando Benifei (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Alessandro Zan (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Giuseppe Lupo (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Pierfrancesco Maran (S&D), Raffaele Topo (S&D), Alessandra Moretti (S&D), Matteo Ricci (S&D), Ilaria Salis (The Left), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Benedetta Scuderi (Verts/ALE), Carolina Morace (The Left), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Ignazio Roberto Marino (Verts/ALE), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left)

    On 15 October 2024, during the midday press briefing, in response to a question concerning the legality of transfers of migrants to countries outside the EU under the newly established Italy-Albania protocol, the Commission spokesperson acknowledged that:

    ‘It is currently not possible for the EU to have this option right now. To make such a model possible, the EU law would need to regulate the forced return to a third country, which is not the country of origin. So in our assessment, the current rules do not foresee this.’

    Under Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union, the Commission is to ensure the application of the Treaties, and of measures adopted by the institutions pursuant to them, as well as oversee the application of Union law under the control of the Court of Justice of the EU (CJEU).

    In light of the above, and considering the recent CJEU ruling of 4 October 2024 on the designation of non-EU countries as safe countries of origin for the purpose of accelerated border procedure, will the Commission:

    • 1.Abide by its position from 2018 confirming the illegality of such measures under current EU law?
    • 2.Launch a formal infringement procedure against the Italy-Albania protocol, ratified by Italy’s Law No 14/24, in accordance with Articles 258-260 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union?

    Supporters[1]

    Submitted: 22.10.2024

    • [1] This question is supported by Members other than the authors: Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Sandro Ruotolo (S&D), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Dario Nardella (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Antonio Decaro (S&D)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Housing crisis in the European Union – E-002099/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    16.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002099/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Buda (PPE)

    The lack of affordable housing is a common problem not just in Romania, but also throughout Europe. On 11 September, the Romanian National Institute of Statistics published the number of dwellings becoming available in the first half of the year: around 26 000, which was around 6 000 fewer than in the first half of 2023.

    Some 70 900 dwellings were built in Romanian in 2023, bringing the total number of dwellings to almost 10 million, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics, against the backdrop of an ageing population and a demographically-shrinking population.

    Young people are those most affected by the lack of housing. It means they are forced to stay in their parents’ home longer than they would like. The age at which young people leave their parents’ home is a good indication of how difficult it is for them to get a foothold in the property market.

    Croats, Slovaks, Greeks, Spaniards and Italians leave their parents’ home the latest, while the inhabitants of the Nordic states leave the earliest.

    • 1.What steps will the Commission take to deal with this crisis, which is having a profound impact on the development and lives of young Europeans?
    • 2.What cohesion policy mechanisms could help in this endeavour?

    Submitted: 16.10.2024

    Last updated: 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The future of foster care

    Source: Scottish Government

    Consultation opens during Care Experience Week.

    People are being encouraged to share their views on plans for the future of foster care in Scotland.

    The consultation, which will help ensure foster care is fit for the future, sets out proposals including more peer support opportunities, and using foster carers to facilitate family time with parents and siblings of children in foster care. The new approach could potentially offer an increased role for foster carers supporting families on the edge of care.

    A national push to recruit more foster carers will also launch in 2025, with the aim of ensuring there are enough foster carers to support children in care.

    Meeting foster carers earlier this week, First Minister John Swinney heard about the important role they play in supporting children and young people. Mr Swinney encouraged foster carers and children with care experience in particular to take part in the consultation.

    Marking Care Experience Week, both the announcement of a new recruitment campaign next year and the consultation are key steps towards Keeping The Promise by delivering for care experienced children and young people.

    Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, Natalie Don-Innes, said:

    “We want Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up. To do this we need to ensure that children and young people with care experience are given the support, love and nurture that they need.

    “Foster carers have a key role to play in Keeping The Promise. The consultation is shaped by the honest and open reflections that have been shared by foster carers and children and young people with experience of foster care.

    “I recognise some of the challenges facing foster care and that’s why along with the consultation, we will be launching a recruitment campaign for foster carers ensuring we can provide family-based care for those in need.”

    Anne Currie, Assistant Director Scotland at the Fostering Network said:

    “The Fostering Network is pleased the Scottish Government is launching a national consultation on fostering and is seeking the views of those most affected, foster carers and care experienced young people.

    “We know urgent changes are needed to improve fostering and to Keep The Promise so all children and young people can grow up in stable, loving homes. It’s crucial that foster carers’ voices are heard, which is why we’re working with the government to host online and in-person engagement sessions to provide an opportunity to ensure their views are heard.

    “Last year the number of fostering households in Scotland fell by 8%, so retention and recruitment of foster carers are more important than ever. We welcome plans to launch a national recruitment campaign and want to ensure current and former foster carers are involved in this as much as possible.”

    Background

    The consultation will run until 6 February 2025.

    https://consult.gov.scot/children-and-families/future-of-foster-care-consultation

    Developing a universal definition of ‘care experience’ – Scottish Government consultations – Citizen Space

    The foster care recruitment campaign will run over two years with a budget of £170,000 in financial year 2024-25, funding for 2025-26 will be confirmed as part of the Scottish Government’s budget proposals.

    Looked after children – Children’s Social Work Statistics 2022-23 – Looked After Children – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai presides over second meeting of National Climate Change Committee

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai presides over second meeting of National Climate Change Committee
    2024-10-24

    On the afternoon of October 24, President Lai Ching-te presided over the second meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. In his opening statement, the president said that the whole world is now facing the challenges of extreme weather and carbon reduction. Noting that Taiwan plays a critical role in global technology supply chains, the president stated that we must step up climate action to enhance the international competitiveness of our industries and quicken our pace to bring us in line with global progress on carbon reduction. He added that we are willing to cooperate with countries around the world, including China, to address the challenges of climate change together. 
    President Lai emphasized that the government’s strategic direction is clear: we will promote our second energy transition to ensure a stable and resilient energy supply. Going forward, he said, the government will gradually promote energy conservation policies and encourage all sectors to promote deep energy saving through such methods as investment incentives, investment tax credits, and government subsidies to help industries save energy. He added that energy service company (ESCO) mechanisms will also be promoted through cooperation with insurance enterprises and life insurance companies to improve enterprise equipment and production processes. The president expressed his confidence that as long as everyone works together to implement innovative and transformative change, we can create opportunities for sustainable growth for generations to come.
    A translation of President Lai’s opening statement follows:
    Today is the second meeting of the National Climate Change Committee. First, I want to welcome the committee members who were on leave for the first meeting but are with us today: Paul Peng (彭双浪), Sophia Cheng (程淑芬), and Lin Tze-luen (林子倫).     
    I want to thank everyone here with us today, as well as our fellow citizens and friends for their enthusiastic participation online. This shows that everyone considers global climate change issues as matters of great importance.
    Not long ago, we saw Typhoon Krathon become the first tropical cyclone on record to make landfall in Kaohsiung in the month of October, with recorded gusts at level 17 or higher on the Beaufort scale. Responding to climate change is a major test for national resilience and sustainable development.
    Internationally, the whole world is facing increasingly severe climate change challenges. The Paris Agreement of 2015 requires each country to update its nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years. In 2021, COP26 increased the frequency of such updates to once every two years to accelerate progress in global carbon reduction. In addition, the next round of NDC updates for countries around the world is scheduled for the beginning of next year. 
    Therefore, we must come together and create a strong, resilient Taiwan that can respond to challenges and align with international trends. At the same time, we are willing to continue strengthening cooperation with countries around the world, including China, to address the challenges of climate change together. 
    At the beginning of this month, we launched a carbon fee system, with fees starting to be collected next year. This is a solid step. Furthermore, our strategic direction is clear: we will promote our second energy transition to ensure a stable and resilient energy supply. In addition to developing more forms of green energy to open up new energy sources, we must also promote deep energy saving and advanced energy storage technology applications to spur the transformation and development of next-generation industries; enhance Taiwan’s adaptive mechanisms to respond to climate change; and seek green growth opportunities for sustainability, as we steadily move toward our goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.   
    At today’s meeting, the Ministry of Environment will first deliver reports on the progress of certain items listed in the first committee meeting and on the promotion of the public sector chief sustainability officer alliance. The Ministry of Economic Affairs will then deliver a report on the progress in deep energy saving promotion.
    I want to thank deputy convener and Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun (鄭麗君) for conducting numerous interministerial policy discussions in the Net Zero Emissions Transition Taskforce, under the Executive Yuan’s National Council for Sustainable Development, in the time since we convened our first meeting in August this year.  
    In a few minutes, executive secretary and Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) will explain our initial concept for an energy information platform and the current review status of our new carbon reduction goals, two issues of great concern to our committee members. The reports will help committee members and the public to better understand the government’s policies.  
    As Taiwan plays a critical role in global technology supply chains, we must step up climate action to enhance the international competitiveness of our industries and quicken our pace to bring us in line with NDCs internationally. We also need to review our goals for 2030, be more ambitious to break through obstacles, and reset new, more proactive carbon-reduction goals for 2032 and 2035.
    At the same time, the best source of energy is the energy we conserve. Our economic development requires that industries and foreign investors continue to invest in Taiwan, which requires a stable power supply. Conserving energy is more efficient than developing new energy sources and is one of the most important cost-effective methods. It is also an immediately effective strategy for reducing carbon emissions. The more energy we save, the more we can reduce carbon emissions.
    One of the conclusions reached during last year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) was that by 2030, the average annual improvement rate of energy efficiency must be increased from two percent to four percent. Increasing energy efficiency is already an international consensus and trend in efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. 
    Going forward, the government will gradually promote energy conservation policies and encourage all sectors to promote deep energy saving. From high-emission enterprises to hospitals and schools, and even homes and individuals, everyone needs to participate. The government cannot promote deep energy saving alone. Like a baseball team, for the team to be really good, everyone must play their role.  
    ESCOs, like analysts and trainers on baseball teams, can provide enterprises with the most cost-effective, tailor-made energy-saving plans to ensure that every dollar invested achieves the best possible energy savings. 
    Moving forward, in promoting deep energy saving, we need ESCOs to be involved to strengthen our “lineup.” The government will cooperate with industry to propose methods including investment incentives, investment tax credits, and government subsidies to help industries save energy. The government will also cooperate with insurance enterprises and life insurance companies to promote ESCO mechanisms, and will provide funding assistance to upgrade equipment and improve production processes, with the savings on electricity costs returned to investors. Insurance premiums will be used for national development, forming a virtuous circular economy. 
    The whole world is now facing the challenges of extreme weather and carbon reduction. But I am confident that as long as everyone works together to implement innovative and transformative change, we can create opportunities for sustainable growth for generations to come.
    Through this meeting, we will not only rely on the expertise of our advisors and committee members for diverse discussions and collective brainstorming. We will also reference innovative and pragmatic strategies for green growth adopted by countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan. Through joint actions of the public sector in conjunction with the various sectors of society, we can more efficiently accelerate Taiwan’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.
    In a few minutes, I will invite everyone to actively share your expertise and experience. Thank you.
    Following his statement, President Lai heard a report on the promotion of the public sector chief sustainability officer alliance from Minister Peng and a report on the progress in deep energy saving promotion from Vice Minister of Economic Affairs Lien Ching-chang (連錦漳). Afterward, President Lai exchanged views with the committee members regarding the content of the reports.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Poland expands EIB’s Ukraine reconstruction fund with €25 million

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Poland provides €25 million to EIB fund supporting critical recovery projects in Ukraine.
    • Polish contribution increases size of EU for Ukraine Fund to nearly €400 million.

    The Polish government has contributed €25 million to a European Investment Bank (EIB) fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale military invasion in 2022. The agreement between the EIB and Poland increases the size of the EU for Ukraine Fund to €398.35 million.

    Created by the EIB in 2023, the fund aims to help rebuild infrastructure, restore essential services and stimulate economic growth in Ukraine. Part of the EU for Ukraine (EU4U) initiative supporting vital public and private reconstruction projects and improving access to finance for entrepreneurs in the country, the fund has received contributions to date from 14 EU countries.   

    “Poland joining the EIB-led EU for Ukraine Fund marks an important step in supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience,” said EIB vice-President responsible for operations in Ukraine, Teresa Czerwińska. “Thanks to the Polish contribution, the fund is now worth nearly 400 million euros. This money will help drive public sector investment to rebuild critical infrastructure, as well as propping up Ukrainian entrepreneurs and businesses to keep the economy going. On top of that, the EIB finances from its own resources advisory support to prepare infrastructure investment projects despite the ongoing war.”

    “Supporting Ukraine has been a long-standing priority for Poland, including through development cooperation. Since the Russian aggression on Ukraine in 2022 our efforts have intensified to address humanitarian needs and help Ukraine in recovery and post-war reconstruction. Poland is proud to be one of the initiators of the establishment of the EU for Ukraine Fund in 2023 and now to fulfil our political commitment with financial contribution of €25 million EUR. We hope that these funds will also help Ukraine to modernize on its EU accession path” said Polish Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski.

    In addition to Poland, the EU for Ukraine Fund has received contributions from Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.

    The guarantees provided under the Fund enable the EIB to support reconstruction projects in Ukraine that might otherwise be too risky to finance. The EU for Ukraine Fund also supports project promoters and beneficiaries by lowering the borrowing costs for them through investment grants.

    The fund has already supported several projects including by providing €25 million for an initiative to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine and Moldova and €50 million for a new metro fleet in the capital Kyiv. Other projects in the pipeline include renovation works for damaged housing, repairs to Ukraine’s critical export routes and an emergency response line for life-threatening situations.

    Background information 

    Present in Ukraine since 2007, the EIB has been unwavering in its support for the country’s EU integration, which has become even more vital given Russia’s war against Ukraine. With a portfolio of signed projects valued at €7.3 billion, the Bank has invested in municipal infrastructure, energy, transport and small businesses, all with the goal of improving daily life, boosting economic growth and lending support for Ukraine’s resilience and reconstruction efforts. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EIB has provided immediate relief, disbursing over €2 billion of financing for emergency repairs to the country’s ravaged infrastructure.

    Through the EIB’s EU4U Fund and the broader initiative, the Bank remains committed to stepping up its activities in line with the mandate given by EU leaders and in close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, EU Member States and international partners. The EIB also plays a key role in implementing the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Romania: The NAFS Anti-Fraud Communication Network decided to set up a communication plan to prevent fraud with European funds

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    The Fight Against Fraud Department – DLAF coordinated the second meeting of the NAFS Anti-Fraud Communication Network, held virtually on 22 October.

    DLAF opened the discussions on the establishment of a joint Communication Plan, which will create an integrated communication of all the member institutions of NAFS Anti-Fraud Communication Network. The implementation of the Communication Plan is occasioned by the adoption, in December 2023, of the „National Anti-Fraud Strategy for the protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union in Romania 2023-2027” (NAFS), which establishes that one of the main objectives is the prevention of fraud with European funds. Communication is involved in achieving this goal. As a result, the implementation stages aimed at creating the NAFS Anti-Fraud Communication Network at the beginning of 2024, which includes communication and PR specialists from several public institutions engaged in the fight against fraud with European funds and setting up annual communication plans. At this stage, the Network has undertaken to finalise, by the end of the year, a joint strategic document (target audience, messages, logo, communication channels, etc.) and the 2025 action plan.

    During the meeting, DLAF presented to the communication specialists the model of good practice of the Anti-fraud Communicators Network (OAFCN), created and coordinated by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Participants were able to find out details about Network’s history, about the flow of relevant information between member institutions and about the communication campaigns carried out by OLAF and the institutions of the OAFCN Network. As an OAFCN member, DLAF highlighted the good collaboration between the Department and OLAF, as also appreciated at the 33rd Meeting of the OLAF-OAFCN Anti-Fraud Communicators Network (2-3 July 2024). 

    As a guest of the meeting, the Ministry of European Investments and Projects (MIPE) provided details on the communication strategy, dedicated to promoting and disseminating information about the programmes financed by the Cohesion Policy, for the programming period 2021-2027, carried out by the Ministry. The institution also provided information on how the National Network of Responsible for the communication of the 2021-2027 programmes works, which it coordinates.

    Both the example of the functioning of the OLAF’s OAFCN Network and the model of cooperation in the InformEU Network, created by the European Commission, of which MIPE is also part and it presented at the meeting, may be useful in drawing up a strategic and action plan for the NAFS Anti-Fraud Communication Network.     

    Background:

    The Fight Against Fraud Department – DLAF is the national coordinator for the communication and dissemination of information on the protection of the financial interests of the European Union in Romania.

    The „National Anti-Fraud Strategy for the protection of the Financial Interests of the European Union in Romania 2023-2027” offers the opportunity for Romanian public institutions to set up a joint strategic framework in the fight against fraud with European funds, on several areas.

    Read the original press release (in Romanian)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Murdoch to Musk: how global media power has shifted from the moguls to the big tech bros

    ANALYSIS: By Matthew Ricketson, Deakin University and Andrew Dodd, The University of Melbourne

    Until recently, Elon Musk was just a wildly successful electric car tycoon and space pioneer. Sure, he was erratic and outspoken, but his global influence was contained and seemingly under control.

    But add the ownership of just one media platform, in the form of Twitter — now X — and the maverick has become a mogul, and the baton of the world’s biggest media bully has passed to a new player.

    What we can gauge from watching Musk’s stewardship of X is that he’s unlike former media moguls, making him potentially even more dangerous. He operates under his own rules, often beyond the reach of regulators. He has demonstrated he has no regard for those who try to rein him in.

    Under the old regime, press barons, from William Randolph Hearst to Rupert Murdoch, at least pretended they were committed to truth-telling journalism. Never mind that they were simultaneously deploying intimidation and bullying to achieve their commercial and political ends.

    Musk has no need, or desire, for such pretence because he’s not required to cloak anything he says in even a wafer-thin veil of journalism. Instead, his driving rationale is free speech, which is often code for don’t dare get in my way.

    This means we are in new territory, but it doesn’t mean what went before it is irrelevant.

    A big bucket of the proverbial
     If you want a comprehensive, up-to-date primer on the behaviour of media moguls over the past century-plus, Eric Beecher has just provided it in his book The Men Who Killed the News.

    Alongside accounts of people like Hearst in the United States and Lord Northcliffe in the United Kingdom, Beecher quotes the notorious example of what happened to John Major, the UK prime minister between 1990 and 1997, who baulked at following Murdoch’s resistance to strengthening ties with the European Union.

    In a conversation between Major and Kelvin MacKenzie, editor of Murdoch’s best-selling English tabloid newspaper, The Sun, the prime minister was bluntly told: “Well John, let me put it this way. I’ve got a large bucket of shit lying on my desk and tomorrow morning I’m going to pour it all over your head.”

    MacKenzie might have thought he was speaking truth to power, but in reality he was doing Murdoch’s bidding, and actually using his master’s voice, as Beecher confirms by recounting an anecdote from early in Murdoch’s career in Australia.

    In the 1960s, when Murdoch owned The Sunday Times in Perth, he met Lang Hancock (father of Gina Rinehart) to discuss potentially buying some mineral prospects together in Western Australia. The state government was opposed to the planned deal.

    Beecher cites Hancock’s biographer, Robert Duffield, who claimed Murdoch asked the mining magnate, “If I can get a certain politician to negotiate, will you sell me a piece of the cake?” Hancock said yes.

    Later that night, Murdoch called again to say the deal had been done. How, asked an incredulous Hancock. Murdoch replied: “Simple [. . . ] I told him: look you can have a headline a day or a bucket of shit every day. What’s it to be?”

    Between Murdoch in the 1960s and MacKenzie in the 1990s came Mario Puzo’s The Godfather with Don Corleone, aided by Luca Brasi holding a gun to a rival’s head, saying “either his brains or his signature would be on the contract”.

    Changing the rules of the game
     Media moguls use metaphorical bullets. Those relatively few people who do resist them, like Major, get the proverbial poured over their government. Headlines in The Sun following the Conservatives’ win in the 1992 election included: “Pigmy PM”, “Not up to the job” and “1001 reasons why you are such a plonker John”.

    If media moguls since Hearst and Northcliffe have tap-danced between producing journalism and pursuing their commercial and political aims, they have at least done the former, and some of it has been very good.

    The leaders of the social media behemoths, by contrast, don’t claim any Fourth Estate role. If anything, they seem to hold journalism with tongs as far from their face as possible.

    They do possess enormous wealth though. Apple, Microsoft, Google and Meta, formerly known as Facebook, are in the top 10 companies globally by market capitalisation. By comparison, News Corporation’s market capitalisation now ranks at 1173 in the world.

    Regulating the online environment may be difficult, as Australia discovered this year when it tried, and failed, to stop X hosting footage of the Wakeley Church stabbing attacks. But limiting transnational media platforms can be done, according to Robert Reich, a former Secretary of Labor in Bill Clinton’s government.

    Despite some early wins through Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code, big tech companies habitually resist regulation. They have used their substantial influence to stymie it wherever and whenever nation-states have sought to introduce it.

    Meta’s founder and chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, has been known to go rogue, as he demonstrated in February 2021 when he protested against the bargaining code by unilaterally closing Facebook sites that carried news. Generally, though, his strategy has been to deploy standard public relations and lobbying methods.

    But his rival Musk uses his social media platform, X, like a wrecking ball.

    Musk is just about the first thing the average X user sees in their feed, whether they want to or not. He gives everyone the benefit of his thoughts, not to mention his thought bubbles. He proclaims himself a free-speech absolutist, but most of his pronouncements lean hard to the right, providing little space for alternative views.

    Some of his tweets have been inflammatory, such as him linking to an article promoting a conspiracy theory about the savage attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of the former US Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, or his tweet that “Civil war is inevitable” following riots that erupted recently in the UK.

    As the BBC reported, the riots occurred after the fatal stabbing of three girls in Southport. “The subsequent unrest in towns and cities across England and in parts of Northern Ireland has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment”.

    Nor does Musk bother with niceties when people disagree with him. Late last year, advertisers considered boycotting X because they believed some of Musk’s posts were anti-Semitic. He told them during a live interview to “Go fuck yourself”.

    He has welcomed Donald Trump, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee, back onto X after Trump’s account was frozen over his comments surrounding the January 6, 2021, attack on the capitol. Since then both men have floated the idea of governing together if Trump wins a second term.

    Is the world better off with tech bros like Musk who demand unlimited freedom and assert their influence brazenly, or old-style media moguls who spin fine-sounding rhetoric about freedom of the press and exert influence under the cover of journalism?

    That’s a question for our times that we should probably begin grappling with.

    Dr Matthew Ricketson is professor of communication, Deakin University and Dr Andrew Dodd is director of the Centre for Advancing Journalism, The University of Melbourne. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminal network that manufactured narco-boats to smuggle drugs dismantled

    Source: Eurojust

    The criminal group set up several warehouses in Spain and Portugal where boats that are illegal in Spain were manufactured in Portugal. The boats were then sold to other criminal groups, who used them to transport drugs such as heroin and marijuana into Spain. The criminal group also used its own boats and crews to transport drugs to Spain.

    The authorities began investigating the criminal organisation at the end of 2022, when they learned of the group’s production and sale of narco-boats. As the group was active in Portugal and Spain, an international operation was required to stop the criminals in their tracks. A joint investigation team (JIT) was set up at Eurojust, to enable Portuguese and Spanish authorities to investigate the organisation together.

    The JIT allowed the authorities to exchange information and evidence directly and quickly, to cooperate in real time and to jointly carry out operations. Due to this cooperation, coordinated by Eurojust, all the members of the group were identified and enough evidence was gathered to launch an international operation that dismantled the criminal group.

    During the action day in Portugal and Spain, the authorities intercepted two boats with drugs before they could depart. The operation that deployed 200 agents led to the arrest of 28 suspects in Spain. Authorities seized 23 kilos of heroin, two marijuana plantations, four narco-boats and more than EUR 150 000 in cash.

    The following authorities were involved in the operations:

    • Portugal: PPO Viana do Castelo; Policia Judiciária
    • Spain: Juzgado de Instruccion num. 2 of Cambados, Galicia; PP Antudrug Pontevedra; EDOA Group of Guardia Civil

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: IBCA Newsletter, 24 October 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 24 October 2024

    Documents

    IBCA Newsletter, 24 October 2024

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    Infected Blood Compensation Authority’s newsletter that was circulated on 24 October 2024

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Five Oxford leisure centres collecting books for children

    Source: City of Oxford

    Friday, 25 October 2024

    More Leisure Community Trust, which manages five leisure centres in Oxford, is partnering with national charity the Children’s Book Project to collect books for underprivileged children.

    More Leisure Community Trust (MLCT), which manages five leisure centres in Oxford, is partnering with national charity the Children’s Book Project to collect books for underprivileged children.  

    From 7th to 31st of October, the trust’s five centres will begin a charity book drive, so the local community can donate good-quality children’s books, which can then be distributed to children across the UK, who cannot afford their own books.  

    The Children’s Book Project is dedicated to tackling ‘book poverty’, with the aim to provide every child with the opportunity to own a book. The charity recognises that book ownership can significantly enhance a child’s reading fluency which impact’s their successful progression through education.    

    The participating facilties are:

    • Barton Leisure Centre
    • Leys Pools and Leisure Centre
    • Ferry Leisure Centre
    • Hinksey Outdoor Pool
    • Oxford Ice Rink

    Founded in 2019, The Children’s Book Project won the Queen’s Award for Volunteering in 2020 and has since donated over 1 million books across the UK.  

    “We’re delighted to be working with the Children’s Book Project. This is an important cause, so we would encourage everyone to bring their spare children’s books to our centres and play your part in giving a child the gift of reading!” 

    Brian Taylor, Chair of More Leisure Community Trust

    “We are proud to support this important initiative in our leisure centres which brings the community together to help tackle book poverty. Access to books is a vital part of a child’s development, and this drive offers an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people.” 

    Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy Oxford

    “We are so pleased that More Leisure Community Trust in Oxford is collecting books for us, helping us on our mission to eradicate book poverty amongst children across the UK.  Families can make a huge impact by donating books they’ve grown out of will at their local centres. We promise that these books will get to the children who need them most. Thank you to everyone who takes the time to donate to us.” 

    Kirstin Knell, Corporate Partnerships Manager for the Children’s Book Project

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CMA launches court action against Emma to protect UK consumers

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government Non-Ministerial Departments

    CMA takes Emma to court after it fails to address all of the CMA’s concerns about misleading practices.

    iStock

    The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) opened an investigation into Emma over concerns that some of its online sales practices – such as discounts and urgency claims, including countdown timers and high demand prompts – may mislead consumers.          

    The CMA called on the business to make changes and agree to commitments – known as ‘undertakings’ – to ensure its compliance with consumer protection law and ensure shoppers get a fair deal.

    Emma has failed to take the necessary action to address all of the CMA’s concerns relating to the use of reference pricing. As a result, the CMA has now launched court action.

    George Lusty, the CMA’s Interim Executive Director for Consumer Protection and Markets said:

    We have given Emma sufficient opportunity to alter the way it does business to address our concerns. They have failed to make all the changes that we require, which is why we’ve progressed to court action.

    We are concerned that when sales tactics such as discounts and countdown clocks are used in a misleading way, they can pressure shoppers into making quick purchases and spending more than they otherwise would, for fear of missing out.

    Emma can still agree to change its practices by consenting to an order or giving undertakings to the court ahead of the case being heard. It is for the court to determine a date for the hearing.

    The CMA is monitoring sales practice across the sector and this action is part of an ongoing programme of consumer enforcement work focused on so-called ‘Online Choice Architecture’. This aims to tackle potentially harmful online selling practices, including pressure selling tactics such as urgent time limited claims.

    Under this programme, the CMA has secured formal changes to the business practices of Simba Sleep. These included ensuring that any ‘was’ price is genuine – in other words, that a sufficient volume of product was sold at that price before using it as a ‘was’ price.

    From April 2025 the CMA expects to have the power to decide itself whether consumer law has been broken, and to fine companies up to 10% of their global turnover, if appropriate. Firms will have the right to appeal the CMA’s decision to the courts.

    For more information on today’s announcement, visit the  Emma case page.

    Notes to editors

    1. The CMA’s investigation concerns Emma Sleep GmbH, Emma Matratzen GmbH and Emma Sleep UK Limited (collectively ‘Emma’).
    2. In May 2024, Emma was issued with a letter before claim in relation to these possible breaches of consumer protection legislation.
    3. Find out more on the CMA’s consumer campaign on misleading online practices.
    4. The CMA has issued guidance for traders active in the online mattress sector on discount and reference pricing principles. The aim is to help them understand and comply with their existing obligations under consumer protection law when making price reduction claims online.
    5. An undertaking to the court has the same effect as a court order. At present, it should not be assumed that any business under investigation has broken consumer protection law which it will be for the court to decide.
    6. As an enforcer under Part 8 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the CMA cannot currently levy administrative fines for breaches of consumer law. However, parliament recently passed legislation to give the CMA stronger consumer powers, which will enable the CMA to decide when consumer law has been broken without first taking a case to court. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 will, once it comes into effect, empower the CMA to fine those firms that do break consumer law up to 10% of their global turnover. Firms will have a right to appeal to the High Court.  At present, the CMA can enforce consumer law through the courts, and where appropriate, seek additional measures to improve consumer choice, drive compliance with the law, or secure redress for consumers.
    7. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Awilco Drilling PLC: Minutes from Extraordinary General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    An Extraordinary General Meeting of Awilco Drilling PLC was held Friday 25 October 2024 at 11:00am (UK time), at the Company’s registered office, Suite 1, 7th Floor, 50 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BL, United Kingdom.

    The resolution set out in the Meeting Notice was duly passed. The signed minutes of meeting are attached hereto.

    The Meeting Notice is available on our website www.awilcodrilling.com, under ‘Investor Relations/General Meetings’.

    Aberdeen, 25 October 2024

    For further information please contact:

    Eric Jacobs, Interim CEO
    Phone: +47 9529 2271

    Cathrine Haavind, Investor Relations
    Phone: +47 9342 8464
    Email: ch@awilcodrilling.com

    This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –