NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: An AUKUS First, Seven Royal Australian Navy Enlisted Sailors Graduate Nuclear Power School

    Source: United States Navy

    GOOSE CREEK, South Carolina – Demonstrating another significant milestone for the Australia, United Kingdom, United States (AUKUS) trilateral security partnership, 12 Royal Australian Navy uniformed personnel, including the first seven enlisted sailors, graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Nuclear Power School at Joint Base Charleston-Naval Weapons Station, Oct. 11.

    The enlisted Royal Australian Navy sailors, who trained alongside U.S. sailors, began the naval nuclear power training pipeline in October 2023. Since then, they have been learning their specific rates, as well as the fundamentals of design, operation and maintenance of naval nuclear propulsion plans. These sailors are the vanguard of Australia establishing a sovereign conventionally armed, nuclear-powered, submarine (SSN) fleet in the early 2030s.

    “Naval Nuclear Power training is exceptionally rigorous and to have seven Australian sailors and five officers complete the program and move on to the Nuclear Power Training Unit takes us one step closer to operating our own SSNs,” said Chief of the Royal Australian Navy Vice Adm. Mark Hammond.

    “Two days after assuming command of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, I presided over the graduation of the first three Royal Australian Navy officers from Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston,” shared Adm. Bill Houston, Director, Naval Reactors. “I have been nothing but impressed by the quality of Australian sailors and officers in our training pipeline and serving aboard our nuclear-powered submarine.”

    Following graduation, the Royal Australian Navy sailors will report to the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit Charleston for training focused on shipboard nuclear power plant operation and maintenance of the U.S. Navy’s nuclear fleet.

    Making Australia Sovereign-Ready

    Training and education opportunities are critical to ensure Australia is ready to operate its sovereign Virginia-class SSNs early next decade.

    “The Australian sailors are receiving the same training as their American counterparts,” shared Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy James Honea. “They are held to the same high standards required to operate nuclear-powered attack submarines so that when they report to their boat, they’re ready to put their training to the test, integrate with the crew, and become Australia’s future front-line warriors aboard their own sovereign SSNs.”

    Currently, there are six Royal Australian Navy officers serving aboard or assigned to U.S. Navy Virginia-class submarines, 12 officers and 28 enlisted sailors within the naval nuclear power training pipeline with an additional 19 enlisted sailors completing Basic Enlisted Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut. Additionally, 39 personnel from ASC Pty Ltd. (formerly known as the Australian Submarine Corporation) are training at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, to prepare them for future roles in maintaining nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

    Full Speed Ahead, ‘Well on our Way’

    The first three Australian-flagged SSNs will be Virginia-class submarines that are typically crewed by 15 officers and 117 enlisted submariners. Australian submariners will be joining U.S. SSN crews to gain practical experience and build their crews ahead of taking possession of their first sovereign SSN in the early 2030s.

    “The training at Goose Creek and Groton are preparing our Australian allies to operate Virginia-class submarines,” said Rear Adm. Lincoln Reifsteck, Director, AUKUS Integration and Acquisition. “Over the coming months, we will see that number grow significantly across both the uniformed and civilian training pipelines so we can make sure, come 2032, Australia can fully crew its first, sovereign, conventionally armed nuclear-powered submarine.”

    The AUKUS partnership is a strategic endeavor aimed at strengthening the security and defense capabilities of each partner nation. The U.S. remains committed to peace and prosperity in order to secure a free and open Indo-Pacific. This alliance helps sustain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, benefits each country’s national security and prosperity, and uplifts all three industrial bases.

    “Thirty-seven months after AUKUS’ inception, we are well on our way to developing Australia’s SSN capability,” said Vice Adm. Jonathan Mead, Director General of the Australian Submarine Agency. “Last month, Australian sailors conducted the first maintenance period on a U.S. SSN in Australia. Today we graduate the first enlisted personnel from an exceptionally rigorous school, already we have Australian officers serving aboard both U.S. and UK SSNs.”

    AUKUS Pillar 1 will deliver a conventionally armed SSN capability to the Royal Australian Navy by the early 2030s. The Department of the Navy’s AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Program Office is the U.S. lead responsible for executing the trilateral partnership for Australia to acquire conventionally armed, nuclear-powered attack submarines at the earliest possible date while maintaining the highest nuclear stewardship standards and setting the highest standards for nuclear non-proliferation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Awarding of Nuclear Test Medals marked at City Hall

    Source: City of Norwich

    A veteran of the UK’s nuclear testing programme in the 1950s received recognition for his participation in the tests in the Pacific with a presentation at Norwich City Hall today.

    David Freeman, 85, of Thorpe St Andrews, was presented with the medal by Lord Mayor Cllr Vivien Thomas.

    He was joined by the family of the late Robert (Bob) Carman, 84, from Norwich, who are recipients of the Nuclear Test Medal on Mr Carman’s behalf. Widow Pam Carman, daughters Sally Williams, Alison Carman and Sonia Billing, with grand-daughter and great grand-daughter Kasey and Lorena Williams, joined with Mr Freeman for the presentations and tea in the Lord Mayor’s parlour.

    Both Mr Freeman and Mr Carman, alongside thousands of services personnel, were at Christmas Island for the nuclear tests in 1957. Mr Freeman, who was a regular in the RAF for 12 years working with safety equipment, took part in the first test on November 8, 1957. Mr Carman, who passed away at the age of 88 in 2018, was in the Royal Engineers and was also present on that day and then took part in a second test.

    Mr Freeman, who was 18 at the time of the tests, said: “They kept everything very secret. There were rumours but we didn’t know what was about to happen. It’s something you never forget – the heat, the blast, tremendous winds. You could see the shock waves building up across the sky, and then there was torrential rain bringing down all the rubbish out of the cloud. Some of the sand turned to glass crystals. It’s a miracle that any humans were left standing.”

    Mr Freeman said there was no after care following the tests. “We were just sent home. About 6 to 7 weeks afterwards my gums started to bleed. I was told to take aspirin. Not long afterwards, I started losing my teeth. Even now I have to blend a lot of my food due to that. I still can’t get access to my medical records from that time.”

    Mr Freeman has also suffered other debilitating health issues with a long-running cough and lung problem, bowel and blood cancers, an aneurysm and he has suffered a heart attack. He also lost the sight in one eye. “But I feel I am one of the lucky ones – I am still here.”

    Mr Carman’s daughters said their father also felt he was lucky and whilst he had health issues, including prostate cancer, he “didn’t want to make a big deal of it”.

    The Carman family met with Mr Freeman after hearing him talk on Chatterbox about the Nuclear Test Medal.

    Alison Carman said: “David wanted more veterans to come forward as a lot of people are unaware of being able to receive the medal.”

    She said: “My dad used to tell us stories about the big piles of driftwood which after the bomb had exploded just turned to ash. He also said they held their hands up in front of their faces during the blast and could see all the bones in their hands. Today’s event has been lovely. It’s just a shame Dad couldn’t be here for it.”

    Mr Carman wrote down his recollection of the events on Christmas Island for his family. He said:

    “There was this huge bright flash. My goggles went white, then there was a searing blast of heat which we all felt pass through our backs and neck, and then the tremendous blast, the huge thunderclap and the island shook.

    “I turned around and it was awesome, like a giant golden ball of curling flames above the palm trees as it turned into the mushroom shape. We were allowed back to camp and our tents and belongings were thrown everywhere.”

    For the second test, he said: “The tremendous blast did not rock the island quite so much, but the heat felt like a razor cutting through my neck. I remember the Bay of Wrecks where we went a short time after the explosion. There was not a piece of driftwood to be seen. It had been evaporated by the heat. There was not a sound to be heard. The birds were all gone.”

    Lord Mayor Cllr Vivien Thomas said: “Sadly, there are lots of families whose fathers have passed away who wouldn’t know about these medals.”

    She said: “It’s been a pleasure to welcome you here, to hear your stories and to pass on the medals on behalf of all of us in gratitude for what you experienced. The events which happened all those years ago should be recognised as part of our history, as should the suffering they generated.”

    The Nuclear Test Medal was released in 2023. Around 40,000 British personnel took part in the testing of atomic and hydrogen bombs in the 1950s and 1960s, and around 2,000 are believed to be still alive. 22,000 veterans are expected to be eligible for the new honour, marking their service and contribution to the United Kingdom’s nuclear test programme. The medal can be awarded posthumously to a veteran’s legal next of kin.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Angling brothers prosecuted for 3 counts of illegal fishing

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Two brothers from Redditch pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court to fishing illegally.

    An Environment Agency fisheries enforcement officer checking rod licences.

    • Fishing in the close season, without a licence and using an illegal bait has led to prosecutions for two brothers.

    • Fisheries enforcement officers clamp down on illegal angling to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable .

    Two brothers from Redditch have pleaded guilty at Northampton Magistrates Court to three counts of illegal fishing in cases brought by the Environment Agency on Monday 23 September 2024. 

    Liam Astley Morris, 19 and Joseph Astley Morris, 21, of Kingsley Avenue pleaded guilty to fishing in the close season, fishing without a licence and using an illegal bait at Cleeve Prior, River Avon, Evesham on 21 April 2024.

    The fines

    Joseph Astley Morris received a fine of £87 as well as costs of £65 and a victim surcharge of £34.  His brother, Liam received a fine of £40, costs of £65 and a victim surcharge of £16.

    The annual close season (from 15 March – 15 June) prevents fishing for coarse fish in rivers and streams across England. This helps to protect fish when they are spawning and supporting vulnerable stocks.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 

    These two brothers were not only fishing in the close season, but they were also fishing without a licence and using an illegal bait.  We hope their prosecutions will act as a deterrent to anyone who is thinking of breaking the laws and byelaws we have in place across England. 

    We urge anglers to respect the close season to help reduce pressures on our fisheries, benefitting fish and the wider environment.

    Illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to protect fish stocks and make fishing sustainable.  Money raised from fishing licence sales is used to protect and improve fish stocks and fisheries for the benefit of legal anglers.

    We inspect rod licences 24/7, seven days a week to check on cases of illegal fishing and for those caught cheating the system, we will always prosecute. 

    Fishing licences

    Any angler aged 13 or over, fishing on a river, canal or still water needs a licence to fish. A 1-day licence costs from just £7.10, and an annual licence costs from £35.80 (concessions available). Junior licences are free for 13 – 16-year-olds.  

    Licences are available from http://www.gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or by calling the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386 between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. 

    Fisheries enforcement

    The Environment Agency carries out enforcement work all year round and is supported by partners including the police and the Angling Trust. Fisheries enforcement work is intelligence-led, targeting known hot-spots and where illegal fishing is reported. 

    Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities can contact the Environment Agency incident hotline 24/7 on 0800 807060 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.  

    The charges

    Joseph Astley Morris and Liam Astley Morris were both charged with the following offences: 

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham fished for freshwater fish in the close season contrary National Byelaw 2 of the Environment Agency Byelaws made on the 12th July 2010 and contrary to National Byelaw 6 confirmed 23rd March 2010 made pursuant to sections 210 and 211 Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991.

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham in a place where fishing is regulated, fished for freshwater fish or eels by means of an unlicensed fishing instrument, namely rod and line.  Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

    On the 21st day of April 2024 at Cleeve Prior – River Avon, Evesham used an illegal bait in connection with fishing with rod and line. Contrary to Byelaw 5 of the Environment Agency Byelaws which were confirmed on 11 May 2001 and made pursuant to Section 210 and Schedule 25 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Contrary to Section 211 of the said Act.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: DAPN and DAPO Contract Changes

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Updated draft contract documentation published to support Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) pilots.

    The Government intends to launch the Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN) and Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) pilot in November 2024.

    The pilot will operate in Greater Manchester, Croydon, Sutton, Bromley and with the British Transport Police.

    The LAA has published updated draft contract documentation to support the pilot and to give providers at least 4 weeks’ notice of the pilot commencement.

    The 2024 Standard Civil Contract can be found here: Standard civil contract 2024 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    The 2022 Standard Crime Contract can be found here: Standard Crime Contract 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

    Further guidance will be published prior to the commencement of the pilot. We have published a draft version of the Criminal Bills Assessment Manual (Legal aid guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Villers-Cotterêts Call for an honest, trustworthy digital space in the Francophone world (4 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    A free, open and safe Internet is an essential tool for promoting exchanges, inclusion and development. As digital platforms form a significant part of the Internet, their social responsibility must not be ignored.

    The Francophonie is a community of language and values, of women and men whose common language is French, and of the 88 member countries of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) which promote the same values: democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as a constant commitment to cultural and linguistic diversity.

    While a source of progress and opportunities, the digital transformation also raises multiple challenges for OIF member countries: fighting the digital divide, promoting inclusion, protecting fundamental rights, promoting pluralism of currents of thought and opinion, maintaining the integrity of electoral processes and promoting and protecting the right to reliable, high-quality information, and to be protected from fraudulent, malicious and hate content, as well as all forms of discrimination.

    This Call is intended to help address these challenges by inviting digital platforms to step up their commitment to a safer and more honest digital space.

    To this end, We, the Heads of State and Government of countries which have a shared relationship with French, meeting on 4 and 5 October 2024 for the 19th Francophonie Summit in the French Republic,

    Intending to work to develop, within the Francophonie and beyond, a digital space which is inclusive, respectful of democracy and human rights and encourages cultural and linguistic diversity, in accordance with our commitments in the Bamako Declaration (2000), the Saint-Boniface Declaration (2006), the 2022-2026 Strategy for Digital Francophonie, the Declaration on the French Language in the linguistic diversity of Francophonie (2022) and the Declaration of the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba (2022);

    Drawing on the guidelines applicable to digital cooperation and the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) provided by international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, but also the specific instruments of the acquis of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), incorporated in the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the Geneva Plan of Action, as well as in the Tunis Agenda for the Information Society, the UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the NETmundial+10 Multistakeholder Statement, the UNESCO Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the Global Digital Compact;

    Continue to pay special attention to the specific needs of all people in the Francophone space, in all their diversity.

    Call on digital platforms to step up their efforts and commitments to an inclusive, pluralistic, high-quality and trustworthy digital space, especially by implementing the following actions and measures:

    Providing greater transparency, diversity and proximity

    1. Guarantee access, in French and in the largest possible number of national and official local languages of OIF member countries, in clear and understandable language, to the terms of service, as well as their policies and content moderation methods;

    2. Implement simple mechanisms which are easily accessible to all, in French and in the largest possible number of local languages of OIF member countries, in order to highlight content which is considered illegal or runs contrary to the terms of service;

    3. Report to the relevant stakeholders, including the users, public authorities and regulatory authorities, on the implementation of their terms of service and content-related policies;

    4. Facilitate Francophone researchers’ and academics’ access to application interfaces and data, under conditions which appropriately protect legitimate rights and interests, including compliance with and protection of users’ personal data and the confidentiality of algorithmic processes protected by trade secrets;

    5. Provide protection for personal data based on transparent, accessible procedures which are understandable by all, in French and in the languages of the countries providing a service, and ensure that there are sufficient human capacities to undertake this role.

    Taking greater responsibility in terms of content moderation

    6. Appoint single regional and subregional contact points with sufficient capabilities to ensure direct communication with the public authorities of OIF member countries, and effective processing of user requests, in French and local languages;

    7. Forge deeper ties with the relevant regulatory authorities, based on the model of commitments made with the Francophone Network of Media Regulators (REFRAM) at the Abidjan Conference on 23 and 24 April 2024;

    8. Set up moderation policies and methods for online content, scaled according to needs and capable of taking account of diverse cultures and national and regional languages, whether they be carried out automatically or are supervised by humans;

    9. Acknowledge the key role of associations, action groups, non-governmental organizations, and more generally, recognized bodies in Francophone civil societies as trusted flaggers, which can produce well-founded, reasoned requests to facilitate priority processing by digital platforms.

    Helping better protect Francophone societies and information spaces from risks linked to the use of their services

    Under all circumstances:

    10. Assess, within public reports, the risks of large-scale dissemination in OIF member countries of content which could channel hate speech or lead to violence on any discriminatory grounds; propose, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, preventive measures aimed at reducing such discrimination;

    11. Strengthen the legal and normative frameworks which organize the protection of the rights of the child in the digital space, in accordance with international human rights law and in particular the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

    12. Set up measures to provide high levels of confidentiality, safety and security for minors using their services;

    13. Collaborate, in accordance with the 2019 Christchurch Call, on quickly and effectively eliminating illegal terrorist and violent extremist content online;

    14. Take special care to prevent risks relating to misinformation and foreign interference; to this end, support independent fact-checking initiatives, including by backing the work of the OIF in this area, such as its ODIL platform;

    15. Use recommendations systems which provide a wide variety of information sources, as well as the free expression of pluralism of currents of thought and opinion, including by identifying and promoting content which is labelled by independent professionals, such as the Journalism Trust Initiative, all in compliance with national legislation;

    16. Help develop ethical and responsible artificial intelligence, which respects human rights, development and peace, as well as the Sustainable Development Goals;

    In election periods:

    17. While strictly observing countries’ sovereignty and complying with their legislation, help strengthen democratic institutions by maintaining the integrity of electoral processes, including by setting up public assessment and risk-reduction protocols specifically dealing with the integrity of elections or referendums in OIF member countries, before, during and after each process;

    18. Transparently identify public policies, particularly during electoral cycles; monitor the monetization of publications by political parties and their representatives and store these ads and all information enabling them to be analysed in a library with exhaustive content, which is accessible online and regularly updated;

    In crisis periods:

    19. In emergency or crisis situations such as armed conflict, environmental or public health crises, analyse the impact of operations, products, services and advertising systems of companies on fundamental rights and the dynamics of said situations.

    Contributing to cultural and linguistic diversity and fair remuneration for content creation

    20. Actively and tangibly promote cultural and linguistic diversity in creating, producing, distributing, disseminating, accessing and using cultural goods and services online, including in developing artificial intelligence;

    21. Help develop artificial intelligence which encourages cultural and linguistic diversity to combat the risk of homogenous, culturally-poor content;

    22. Help promote the use of various languages in this area, particularly in order to incorporate this cultural and linguistic plurality/diversity into the training for generative artificial intelligence models;

    23. Help with the discoverability of Francophone cultural and scientific content and in national and local languages spoken within the Francophone space as well as making available and promoting digital content which is representative of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Francophonie, including by (i) presenting collected data to create models without prejudice to applicable intellectual property rules and (ii) promoting algorithmic explainability in the interests of users;

    24. Provide effective protection for works protected by copyright and related rights without depriving users of the effective benefit of exceptions to copyright and related rights;

    25. Guarantee fair and equal remuneration for creators in all countries in the Francophone space and for rights holders when they have consented to their work being used on digital platforms through licensing agreements.

    Contributing to digital inclusion and the training of users to create Francophone digital citizens

    26. Actively contribute to strengthening digital literacy and training in digital careers for people from OIF member countries, particularly young people and women, by supporting and collaborating with the “D-Clic, Formez-vous au numérique” project, thus improving the digital literacy of all Francophone users regarding products, services, processes and risks associated with the platforms in their design, operations and uses;

    27. Help implement media and information education programmes to give users more autonomy and develop their critical thinking with regard to information with which they interact online, in French and in the local languages of OIF member countries, including by supporting OIF action in the areas like the ODIL platform, and by collaborating with the relevant public authorities, universities, civil society organizations which work with groups in vulnerable situations, researchers, librarians, teachers, special educators, IT and media professionals, journalists, artists and cultural professionals;

    28. Contribute to cooperation between OIF member countries in the area of education on the media, IT and digital citizenship, encouraging shared experiences, best practice and resources.

    We continue to work towards the objectives set out in this Call and to support the actions enabling us to meet them;

    To this end, we ask the International Organisation of La Francophonie to regularly monitor this Call, in conjunction with the relevant stakeholders within the framework of the Strategy for Digital Francophonie and work already underway in this area;

    We call on digital platforms to hear this Call and help achieve its objectives, in particular by cooperating with the relevant stakeholders.

    Source: Press Service, Presidency of the French Republic

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Baltic Horizon Fund publishes its NAV for September 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The net asset value (NAV) per unit of the Baltic Horizon Fund (the Fund) amounted to EUR 0.7099 at the end of September 2024 (0.8011 as of 31 August 2024). The month-end total net asset value of the Fund was EUR 101.9 million (EUR 95.8 million as of 31 August 2024). The EPRA NRV as of 30 September 2024 stood at EUR 0.7510 per unit.

    In September 2024, the Baltic Horizon Fund successfully completed the private placement and issued 23,927,085 new units corresponding to a gross value of EUR 6.29 million.

    In September 2024, the consolidated net rental income of the Fund remained at the level of EUR 1.0 million (EUR 1.0 million in August 2024).

    At the end of September 2024, the Fund’s consolidated cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 10.0 million (31 August 2024: EUR 3.9 million). As of 30 September 2024, the total consolidated assets of the Fund were EUR 256.8 million (31 August 2024: EUR 249.8 million).

    For additional information, please contact:

    Tarmo Karotam
    Baltic Horizon Fund manager
    E-mail tarmo.karotam@nh-cap.com
    http://www.baltichorizon.com

    Baltic Horizon Fund is a registered contractual public closed-end real estate fund managed by Alternative Investment Fund Manager license holder Northern Horizon Capital AS. Both the Fund and the Management Company are supervised by the Estonian Financial Supervision Authority.

    Distribution: Nasdaq, GlobeNewswire, http://www.baltichorizon.com

    To receive Nasdaq announcements and news from Baltic Horizon Fund about its projects, plans and more, register on http://www.baltichorizon.com. You can also follow Baltic Horizon Fund on http://www.baltichorizon.com and on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and YouTube.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: OEP report “another damning indictment of the Stormont Executive” – Cllr Smyth

    Source: The Green Party in Northern Ireland

    OEP report “another damning indictment of the Stormont Executive” – Cllr Smyth
    Green Party Councillor for Lisnasharragh, Brian Smyth has stated that today’s report by the Office for Environmental Protection on biodiversity in Northern Ireland is another damning indictment of the Stormont Executive.
    Cllr Smyth said “The report finds that agri-industry in its current form is making unsustainable demands on the environment. Our current land use is out of control and poisoning our land, rivers and air. It has spelt out in stark terms how we need to reduce pollution by nutrients from farming and sewage, as well as an urgent need to restore natural habitats and move towards more regenerative farming practices. Yet only a number of months ago, the DAERA Minister Andrew Muir delivered a weak action plan for Lough Neagh. I have little faith that the minister, his department or the Executive can meet the challenges head on.”
    “Beyond the photo ops and bland press statements the Stormont Executive shows no leadership or political will to tackle our biodiversity crisis. They continue to be held in the grip of the Agri Food sector, for whom some put profit above human health and our precious environment.”
    “It’s no accident how we have gotten here. Northern Ireland has been ranked 12th worst in the world for biodiversity loss.”
    Cllr Smyth concluded “The Stormont Executive is a public health risk to us all.”
    ENDS
    Press enquiries – Brian Smyth 07823 668431

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Administrator to Visit, Engage Officials in Romania, Bulgaria

    Source: NASA

    Continuing his efforts to deepen international collaboration and promote the peaceful use of space, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson will travel to Romania and Bulgaria, beginning Thursday, Oct. 17. Both countries have signed the Artemis Accords, a set of commonsense principles to commit to the peaceful exploration of space.
    Nelson will meet with key government and space officials in each country, including Marcel Ciolacu, Romania’s prime minister, and Rumen Radev, president of Bulgaria.
    In Romania, Nelson will engage with Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, minister of research, innovation and digitization, and Daniel Crunțeanu, general director of the Romanian Space Agency (ROSA). He also will visit Romanian science and technology institutions to learn about the country’s science facilities.
    In Bulgaria, Nelson will meet with Dr. Rosen Karadimov, minister of innovation and growth, and visit the country’s only satellite builder, which is producing satellites for organizations globally.
    During his travels to both countries, Nelson will discuss the importance of international partnerships and collaboration in space, including the transatlantic relationships to NASA. Nelson also will meet with students to highlight the benefits science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education and their roles as members of the Artemis Generation.
    For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:
    https://www.nasa.gov/oiir
    -end-
    Meira BernsteinHeadquarters, Washington202-615-1747meira.b.bernstein@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Villers-Cotterêts Declaration (7 Oct. 2024)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    1. We, the Heads of State and Government of countries which have a shared relationship with the French language, meeting on 4 and 5 October 2024 for the 19th Francophonie Summit in the French Republic;

    2. Welcome the opening of this Summit at the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française, where in 1539 the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts was signed, for the first time making French the official language of France;

    3. Reiterate our commitment to the French language, a language of teaching and communication, development, transmission and sharing, of creation and opportunities, a language of negotiation in international forums, for our populations, particularly young people, in accordance with the Declaration on the French Language in the Linguistic Diversity of Francophonie, adopted at the 18th Summit in Djerba;

    4. Aware of the multi-faceted crises affecting the Francophone space, including armed conflict, situations of occupation and settlement, as well as terrorist acts, support the International Organisation of la Francophonie in its role as a key forum for dialogue, which is essential to strengthen the shared values of humanity, i.e. peace, sustainable development, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, pursuant to the Charter of the Francophonie, the Bamako Declaration (2000) and the Saint-Boniface Declaration (2006) and in compliance with the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Charter of the United Nations, international law and the United Nations Security Council resolutions;

    5. Condemn violations of international law and international humanitarian law;

    6. Remain committed to addressing the challenges of climate change, working to protect the environment, and supporting the work of the OIF through the 2023-2030 Francophonie Strategic Framework in order to encourage Francophone synergies and consultations prior to multilateral events on these issues, and highlight that the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) must urgently enter into force and call for swift progress in negotiating the International Treaty against Plastic Pollution with a view to the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC 2025); remain committed to the challenge of climate finance and recall that no State or government should have to choose between fighting poverty and preserving the planet; and in that regard, welcome the organization by France of the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in 2023;

    7. We therefore recall that climate financing is the cornerstone in the global effort to fight climate change and highlight, in that regard, the importance of the Loss and Damage Fund established at COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh, recognizing its role in addressing the negative impact of climate change; Welcome the support provided by the OIF through the training of climate negotiators, in achieving this objective;

    8. Recall our commitment to the role of civil society and non-governmental organizations, and support an active Conference of International Non-Governmental Organisations for the benefit of populations and Francophone institutions.

    9. Renew our commitment to promoting gender equality, in accordance with the Francophonie Strategy for the Promotion of Gender Equality, the Rights and the Empowerment of Women and Girls, adopted at the 17th Francophonie Summit in Yerevan;

    10. Believe that the future of our young people is a priority which requires us to continually work with them to foster peace and sustainable development in our societies, in line with the Francophonie values of solidarity, tolerance, justice and inclusiveness;

    11. Reiterate that the promotion of the diversity of languages and cultures, as well as the diversity of expression and creation of cultural and educational content within the framework of a pluralistic, knowledge-based society are Francophonie’s most precious assets;

    12. Urge all OIF countries as well as institutions and agencies of the Charter of the Francophonie to promote the spirit of solidarity and respect shown both at the 2023 Francophone Games in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in France in the summer of 2024, with a view to upcoming international sporting events, particularly the Francophone Games, to be hosted by Armenia in 2027;

    13. Building on the legacy of Francophonie institutions, including the 36th session of the Francophonie Ministerial Conference (FMC) in Monaco and the 18th Francophonie Summit in Djerba, having highlighted the importance of innovation in promoting science and the digital economy in order to reduce the digital divide, ensure high-quality education and better access to employment;

    Have decided to make the theme of the 19th Summit: “Create, innovate and do business in French”

    I. The French language, serving an education, training and employability continuum

    Considering that the French language remains the bedrock of our Organisation, while respecting linguistic diversity and promoting multilingualism;

    14. Reiterate our commitment to the teaching of French, and teaching in French, and welcome the key role of educators and school communities. Commit to working alongside the OIF to develop linguistic training and teaching, in order to significantly increase the number of trained educators to ensure high-quality education for all; to this end, encourage sharing of expertise and best practices among training institution networks, the implementation of shared programmes and mechanisms, including greater online resources for educators and educational officials in the Francophone space;

    15. Support the adaptation of academic, professional and technical Francophone training, including through work-based learning, apprenticeships and mentoring in French, in order to promote a spirit of creation, innovation and entrepreneurship for young people, in line with the necessary skills to make them employable and boost the economic development of OIF member countries;

    16. Highlight the importance of facilitating exchanges among young Francophones in training, volunteers, academics, researchers and entrepreneurs, particularly within the framework of cross-cutting mobility projects in the Francophone space; encourage, to that end, multi-stakeholder cooperation involving OIF member countries and Charter of the Francophonie institutions and agencies, with economic and civil society stakeholders;

    17. To better tackle pandemics, call for greater French-language training in the area of healthcare through digital tools and in this regard, welcome national and multilateral efforts, particularly within the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, which this year will open its continuous training centre, the WHO Academy in Lyon, and the cooperation agreement signed between the OIF and WHO in 2021;

    18. Encourage Charter of the Francophonie institutions and agencies to strengthen their work for cultural diversity, in line with the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by UNESCO in 2005, thus enabling greater visibility among the huge diversity of French-language productions;

    19. Recall that Francophone cultural and linguistic diversity is very important within the digital space, and encourage Francophonie to actively continue its contribution to global digital governance, in accordance with the 2022-2026 Strategy for Digital Francophonie, particularly the process linked to the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, the Global Digital Compact in New York and the 2025 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit in Paris.

    20. Recognize the urgent need to take action in the digital environment and urge Charter of the Francophonie institutions and agencies to implement solutions for accessibility, linguistic diversity and the discoverability of French-language cultural, educational and scientific content and French-language training of generative artificial intelligence; welcome the scale of digitized collections of Francophone documentation centres and new cooperation opportunities created by the Cité Internationale de la Langue Française in Villers-Cotterêts in these areas;

    21. Call for high-level dialogue and advocacy to continue in the area of culture, particularly with regard to protecting and promoting the diversity of cultural and linguistic expressions;

    22. Reiterate our commitment to the multilateral media outlet, TV5, and commit to promote and distribute it; in this regard, we will take every appropriate measure, using all distribution methods, to ensure our populations have the widest possible access to TV5’s channels and the TV5MondePlus digital platform, which showcase the cultural diversity of the Francophone space;

    23. Recalling UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, welcome the fact that advances in artificial intelligence can contribute to the fields of translation and interpreting, including within international bodies; and call for these technological developments to fully respect the essential role of French-speaking translators and interpreters;

    24. Highlight the determination of OIF member countries to maintain a reliable, free and safe information space, in accordance with the resolution on good governance adopted at the 44th Ministerial Conference of La Francophonie (CMF) in Yaoundé; declare our full support for the Information and Democracy Partnership and the need to promote media and information education; in this regard, we welcome the 1st High-Level Forum of members of the Network of French-speaking media regulatory authorities (REFRAM) and the major digital space platforms, the adoption of the Abidjan Declaration of 24 April 2024 aimed at strengthening dialogue between regulators and major online platforms in Africa and the Francophone space, as well as the signing of the voluntary commitment protocol, and in this regard, welcome the Villers-Cotterêts Call for an honest, trustworthy digital space in the Francophone world, launched at the opening of this 19th Francophonie Summit;

    II. Create, innovate and do business in the Francophone space

    Considering that success in Francophonie can only be achieved once the French language has been acquired;

    25. Highlight the essential role of compliance with the fundamental freedoms of creation, innovation and enterprise, in accordance with the Bamako Declaration;

    26. Together call on all Charter of the Francophonie institutions and agencies to encourage freedom of creation, in all the diversity of artistic expression, invite them to develop their work for cultural and creative industries, particularly through the development and improvement of vocational training in these sectors, which offer a wide range of employment opportunities;

    27. Recall that the future of artists and creators from all cultural sectors requires working in compliance with copyright and neighbouring rights, and we are committed to strengthening these legal and administrative mechanisms for the regular collection and payment of royalties, and to support the international distribution of works, including within the digital space;

    28. Welcome the work of the OIF for Francophone authors and express our commitment to the Francophonie literary awards, including the Prix des cinq continents, as well as the programmes to support broadcasting productions through the Images de la Francophonie and the Francophonie TV5Mondeplus Funds;

    29. Invite Charter of the Francophonie institutions and agencies in collaboration with civil society, to discuss the importance of Francophonie in sport, highlighting the social and economic opportunities it offers for young Francophones, as well as its positive impact on health and well-being;

    30. Welcome the meaningful results of the Francophonie economic and trade missions, as part of the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie 2020-2025, and reiterate our support for the involvement of women and young entrepreneurs in these missions; support partnerships with Francophone economic networks to back companies as they develop internationally;

    31. Encourage initiatives to promote Francophone entrepreneurship, particularly in sectors linked to climate change and sustainable tourism, and call for enhanced relations between companies and academic, vocational and technical training institutions, as well as Francophone standardization and intellectual property networks;

    32. Also encourage concerted Francophone efforts to facilitate access for OIF member countries and local authorities to climate and biodiversity finance, in support of innovation and entrepreneurship;

    33. Place special emphasis on actions to promote the empowerment of women and urge all OIF member countries to support the strengthening of the La Francophonie Avec Elles Fund, with regard to its importance for direct beneficiaries and positive impacts for local communities;

    34. Aware of the economic and cultural cooperation opportunities opened up by the French language, we are committed to promoting mobility via Francophonie programmes and movement within our space for nationals of our countries, entrepreneurs, artists and graduates who, for professional purposes, are required to travel regularly, in compliance with national visa legislation and regulations;

    35. Take note, in this regard, that the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (APF), in its declaration on citizen mobility in the Francophone space, recommends implementing measures to consolidate Francophonie as a more integrated space and to make better use of its social and economic potential;

    36. In the interests of all these commitments, encourage the institutions and agencies of the Charter of the Francophonie to continue diversifying their sources of finance, in addition to voluntary contributions from OIF member countries, in order to strengthen the implementation of their programmes, including through public-private partnerships and development banks.

    Source: Website of the Presidency of the Republic

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: On eve of Stansted expansion, Zack Polanski AM continues to push Mayor to stand against disastrous London airport growth

    Source: Mayor of London

    In his latest refusal to stand against pollution in London, Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected an offer by Zack Polanski AM to join together and urge the national government to reject any future efforts to expand the city’s airports.  

    Pointing to the Mayor’s power over the Airport National Policy Statement (ANPS), Zack pushed the Mayor to explain his previous support for suspending the ANPS with his present refusal to take any meaningful action to actually do so. [1] While Stansted Airport lies outside the boundaries GLA remit, Heathrow Airport and London City Airport both fall under the Mayor’s purview. [2] 

    Zack’s questions come after numerous questions over the Mayor’s puzzling support for United Airlines, an American company that sponsored both London Pride 2023 as well as round trip business class flights for the Mayor’s trip to New York City. [3] 

    Following his exchange with the Mayor, Green Party London Assembly Member Zack Polanski said: 

    “Bigger and bigger airports will never be compatible with a net zero target. Ever. 

    “The Mayor has a real chance to step up and stop any further airport expansion across London, yet when given any opportunity to do so, all we get is more dithering, blame games, and petty partsianship.  

    “It’s time to put action to his words: If London’s Mayor is serious about building a city that is safe and healthy for all Londoners, there is simply no excuse for not joining me in urging the national government to reject further plans for airport expansion.” 

    Zack Polanski AM’s full exchange with the Mayor can be viewed here.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Unlicensed door supervisor convicted after working at club

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A man has been given a suspended sentence for fraud after he used someone else’s SIA licence to work illegally at a venue in Newcastle.

    An SIA investigation found that Samuel Miller committed fraud by lying to his employers and working unlicensed as a door supervisor at City Vaults in Newcastle.

    He worked multiple shifts between August and October 2022 at the venue using the SIA licence number of somebody with a similar name. Northumbria Police were investigating a separate incident at a venue when they discovered Mr Miller working without a licence and referred the matter to the SIA to investigate.

    Jenny Hart, a criminal investigations manager at the SIA, said:

    Door supervisors and security guards have an important frontline role protecting the public. That is why we have a robust licensing regime in place to make sure they have the skills they need to keep people safe.

    Mr Miller used a fraudulent licence to obtain work. He showed a brazen disregard for public safety by deceiving his employers to get a job for which he was not qualified. We take matters like this incredibly seriously. Mr Miller has found out the hard way that crime does not pay.

    Samuel Miller pleaded guilty on 13 May 2024 to one count of fraud and one count of breaching the Private Security Industry Act by working in a licensable role without a valid licence. He was sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment, suspended for two years, at Newcastle Crown Court on 11 October 2024. He must also pay £500 in court costs.

    Notes to editors  

    By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence. Information about SIA enforcement and penalties can be found on GOV.UK/SIA.

    The offence relating to the Private Security Industry Act 2001 that is mentioned above is: 

    • Section 3 – engaging in licensable conduct without a licence 

    The offence relating to the Fraud Act 2006 that is mentioned above is: 

    • Section 2 – fraud by false representation 

    Further information

    The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).  

    For further information about the SIA or to sign up for email updates visit http://www.gov.uk/sia. We also post articles and updates on WordPress. The SIA is on LinkedIn, Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk). 

    Media enquiries

    For media enquiries only, please contact: 

    media.enquiries@sia.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Switzerland Financial Dialogue 2024 Joint Statement

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Joint Statement between HM Treasury and the State Secretariat for International Finance on the UK-Switzerland Financial Dialogue.

    Documents

    UK-Switzerland Financial Dialogue Joint Statement – October 2024

    MS Word Document, 35.5 KB

    This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.

    Request an accessible format.
    If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email digital.communications@hmtreasury.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

    Details

    This is a joint statement between HM Treasury and the State Secretariat for International Finance following the UK-Switzerland Financial Dialogue, held on Tuesday 15 October 2024. The statement summarises what was discussed at the meeting and the key outcomes.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    Sign up for emails or print this page

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who really holds the purse strings? Why it matters which partner decides where the money goes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ran Gu, Lecturer in Economics, University of Essex

    Kmpzzz/Shutterstock

    In an era of increasing financial complexity, who really calls the shots when it comes to investing your household’s savings? This question has significant implications for financial health and overall wellbeing.

    As economists, we specifically wanted to understand how “bargaining power” is distributed between men and women in a mixed-sex household when it comes to finances. This bargaining power refers to the ability of one partner to influence decisions that affect the household – the partner with more bargaining power has a greater say.

    To investigate this, my research partners and I analysed household investment decisions in Australia, Germany and the US. Our recent research reveals a persistent gender gap in household investment decisions, with men often wielding greater influence, even when their female partners may be more risk-averse.

    This isn’t just a matter of who manages the online brokerage account – it has real consequences for families. In many households, partners have different levels of risk tolerance.

    In Australia, this was the case for 43% of households, increasing to 57% in Germany and 65% in the US. This suggests that disagreements over investment decisions are common.

    For example, a man might prefer high-risk, high-reward stocks, while his female partner prioritises safer, long-term investments. If the man dominates the decision-making, the family portfolio might be exposed to a level of risk the woman finds uncomfortable, potentially jeopardising their financial security.

    But how do we measure this “bargaining power” within households? We developed an approach that goes beyond simply asking couples who makes the decisions. Instead, we looked at actual investment choices and combined this with data on individual risk tolerances. This allowed us to estimate how much each partner’s preferences influenced the final investment decisions.

    Across all three countries, men tend to have more control over investment decisions than their female partners. In an average Australian household, the man’s bargaining power is 60%, compared to 40% for the woman.

    In the US and Germany, men hold even greater sway, with their bargaining power rising to 61% and 69% respectively. While men’s greater bargaining power could be justified if they were better traders, evidence suggests they tend to trade more frequently and underperform compared to women.

    This power imbalance stems from two main sources.

    The first of these is individual characteristics. In our study, male partners are often older, more likely to be employed, and have higher incomes – factors that tend to increase their influence in financial decision-making. These characteristics can give male partners a sense of authority and control over financial matters, leading to an unequal balance of power in investment decisions.

    Our study found that personality traits also play a part, with individuals who are less agreeable and less extroverted – typically more likely to be men – tending to have more bargaining power.

    And the second is traditional gender norms. Typically, men tend to have extra bargaining power – this can be due to deeply rooted societal expectations about them being the primary breadwinners and financial decision-makers. This effect is amplified when women also adhere to these norms.

    Of the two, we found that gender norms are a far more powerful force than individual characteristics in explaining the gender gap in bargaining power.

    Why this matters

    This gender gap in investment decision-making is closely linked to other household money matters, such as day-to-day spending and large purchases. Household investment and consumption decisions are highly correlated and usually made by the same person, with male partners often appearing to have the upper hand.

    This imbalance can have significant implications for women’s financial wellbeing. Being exposed to higher investment risk than they are comfortable with can leave female partners feeling vulnerable and undermine their sense of financial security.

    The gender patterns spill over into other financial decisions too.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    Our research provides evidence that supports the idea that gender inequality is not just a public issue but one that exists in private spaces as well. By showing that men often hold more bargaining power in discussions around investments, it underscores the need for policies that address gender disparities at home, not just in the workplace.

    So, what can be done? Promoting gender equality in financial decision-making starts with open communication and recognising that both partners’ perspectives are valuable. Couples should discuss their financial goals, risk tolerance and investment strategies together, ensuring that both partners feel heard and understood.

    Beyond individual households, challenging traditional gender norms is a crucial step towards creating a more equitable financial future for everyone. This isn’t just about fairness; it’s about ensuring that families make sound financial decisions that reflect the needs and preferences of all members. By empowering women to take an active role in investment decisions, we can help to create a more secure and equitable financial future for families everywhere.

    Ran Gu receives funding from the British Academy, award reference RG1920101488, and the Keynes Fund at Cambridge. He is affiliated with the Institute for Fiscal Studies.

    – ref. Who really holds the purse strings? Why it matters which partner decides where the money goes – https://theconversation.com/who-really-holds-the-purse-strings-why-it-matters-which-partner-decides-where-the-money-goes-241089

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moldova votes on whether to join EU as Russia intensifies vast disinformation campaign

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

    Moldova is emerging as a major strategic battleground in a fierce competition between Russia and the west. A Kremlin-backed disinformation campaign has intensified over the last few months, in the run-up to Moldova’s presidential elections.

    One of the key reasons for this is that a referendum on EU membership has been scheduled for the same day, October 20.

    The challenges for this small country, wedged between Ukraine and Romania, are complex. Russia continues to foment instability through its persistent disinformation initiatives, instigation of anti-government protests, and acts of sabotage and vandalism.

    Add to this credible allegations of vote buying, and efforts to call into question the legitimacy of a pro-European election and referendum result, and the situation in Moldova appears highly combustible.

    Moldova gained its independence in 1991 after the fall of the Soviet Union. A brief civil war between the government and separatists in the eastern Transnistria region, supported by remnants of the Soviet army stationed there, ended with the de-facto division of the country.



    Read more:
    Moldova: Russia continues its mischief-making in breakaway Transnistria

    Attempts to settle this conflict have made little progress over the past three decades. And living with an unresolved conflict within its borders has held Moldova back in its development, and contributed to economic problems.

    Voting on EU membership

    Moldova’s incumbent, staunchly pro-western president, Maia Sandu, has tied the EU referendum to her re-election campaign. The referendum could be the country’s best chance to finally break free from its Soviet past.

    If recent polls are accurate, a clear majority of the electorate is likely to vote “yes” on whether they support joining the EU, which would be the first step in a lengthy process.

    Moldova’s president speaks to the European parliament in 2022.

    For many Moldovans, EU membership is associated with better economic development in one of Europe’s poorest countries. The October 10 visit of Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, suggested that the EU could help.

    Von der Leyen did not merely offer political support for Sandu, she also brought with her a financial support package worth €1.8 billion (£1.5 billion) over the next three years to boost economic growth.

    But this vision that the EU can help Moldova’s economy is fiercely contested by Russia and its proxies in Moldova. They exploit the anxiety among a significant number of Moldovans that a vote to join the EU is one that will force the country towards higher inflation, more immigration, politicised anti-corruption measures, mandatory English-language proficiency, and the sale of Moldovan land to foreigners.


    Shutterstock

    Persistent domestic issues such as the economy have been skilfully targeted in a vast Kremlin-backed influencing campaign.

    For a long time, Moldova has suffered from a lack of social, political, institutional and territorial cohesion. The country has significant social divisions between different ethnic and linguistic groups, as well as urban-rural and rich-poor divides.

    Politically, the party system remains highly fractured and increasingly polarised, and lacking common ground over what Moldovan national identity stands for.

    Moldova’s challenges

    Moldova’s territorial disputes also remain challenging. This is most obvious in the pro-Russian Transnistria region and in Gagauzia, but also in ethnically and culturally distinct regions such as Balti and Taraclia.

    These regions will require careful management to prevent a major political and economic crisis in the aftermath of October 20 and beyond. Some of the reforms in the country as part of the integration process, such as EU regulations on competition, subsidies and market access, will have a short-term cost for Moldova. Moldovans who oppose the country’s westward orientation are likely to exploit this in anti-EU narratives.

    So far, Russian destabilisation operations don’t seem to have eroded most Moldovans’ European aspirations. But the mix of blunt disinformation and skilfully capitalising on the cost of living crisis, which has hit Moldova hard as a result of the war against Ukraine, has given Russia and its allies tools to entrench, and in some cases deepen, divisions here.

    The world is watching the US election campaign unfolding. Sign up to join us at a special Conversation event on October 17. Expert panellists will discuss with the audience the upcoming election and its possible fallout.

    Much of the pro-European campaigning has been framed as anti-Russian. But one of the cleverer moves by the pro-Russian movement is to suggest that Moldovans can be both a friend to Moscow and Brussels, and don’t have to choose.

    If a Sandu government is building a pro-European alliance, she will want to grow support from the Russian-speaking part of the population. This will be essential to both counter Russian destabilisation efforts and to build a broader coalition.

    As countries that have joined the EU – from the Baltic to the Balkans – have demonstrated over the past two decades, the EU accession process can help reshape political and economic institutions, and can ultimately help create a more optimistic vision of the future.

    Crucially, this is not something that Russia’s narrative of fear can credibly offer to the majority of Moldovans.

    Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

    – ref. Moldova votes on whether to join EU as Russia intensifies vast disinformation campaign – https://theconversation.com/moldova-votes-on-whether-to-join-eu-as-russia-intensifies-vast-disinformation-campaign-240657

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: A year after Tusk came to power, why is access to safe and legal abortion still a distant dream in Poland?

    Source: Amnesty International –

    A year ago, Anna Błuś travelled home to her native Poland to vote in an election whose result she hoped would usher in a change to the country’s near total ban on abortion. What went wrong?

    Exactly a year ago on the eve of Poland’s elections, I joined a huge queue snaking around a polling station in Warsaw on a cold autumn day.  Despite the chill and the hours spent waiting to vote, the atmosphere was festive. There was a mood of anticipation in the air: a palpable sense that change was coming after eight years of regressive rule by the Law and Justice (PiS) party.

    As I watched the exit polls in a packed bar later that night, it became clear that this had been an election like no other with a record turnout (74%) and unprecedented numbers of women and young people coming out to vote.  

    Among the things that had galvanized so many people had been the assurances by Donald Tusk and his Civic Coalition, that they would liberalize Poland’s draconian abortion law which only allows terminations in cases of rape, incest or risk to the pregnant person’s health or life. While abortion has already been severely restricted in Poland since 1993, the Constitutional Tribunal’s 2020 ruling, which went into effect the next year, removed one of the legal grounds for abortion – in cases of fetal impairment – and leaving a near-total ban.

    If elected, Doland Tusk promised he would make access to free, safe and legal abortion for all a reality within 100 days of coming into power.

    And yet those 100 days have come and gone and a year after Tusk swept to power, the possibility of Poland providing access to safe and legal abortion for all who need it, seems as distant as ever.

    In July 2024, the Parliament failed to vote through a bill tabled in an effort to undo the harm caused by the tightening of the abortion law during PiS’s rule and the 2020 judgment of the PiS-controlled Constitutional Tribunal.

    The bill, which also proposed to end the criminalization of “aiding with an abortion”, was defeated by members of the ruling coalition, the Polish People’s Party (PSL) who voted it down alongside members of PiS and other conservatives.

    Both PSL and centrist Poland 2050 politicians have spoken in favour of reinstating a “compromise” abortion law dating back to 1993,which allowed for terminations in cases of severe or fatal fetal impairment in addition to the current legal grounds. Alternatively, they have suggested putting the matter to vote in a referendum. Both these propositions are contrary to international human rights law and standards, which require states to decriminalize abortion and guarantee access to safe abortion to all who need it without discrimination and with respect to personal autonomy and human rights.

    In August, Donald Tusk said, matter-of-factly, that it will not be possible to get a parliamentary majority to support the liberalization of the abortion law until the next election. The implication of this statement is that no further efforts will be made to push through reform for at least another three years.

    But for Polish women, girls and any person who can become pregnant, waiting three years is not an option.

    Since the restrictions came into force in January 2021, they have been keenly felt and have had sometimes tragic consequences for women and their families.  A  “chilling effect” has meant that doctors are more likely not to take lifesaving steps for pregnant patients and since the ruling restricting the law came into force, several women lost their lives.

    New guidelines on abortion that the government issued in August were presented as a measure that would help mitigate the “chilling effect” on healthcare staff. Yet, while they clarify that mental health grounds should be respected in the same way as other health grounds for abortion, they simply reiterate the very limited circumstances in which legal abortions can be performed.

    Polish women are well used to broken promises and to our votes being instrumentalized. We were under no illusion that the much-needed change would come thanks to the political goodwill of any man happening to lead our next government. Because we have been at the forefront of this change.

    Polish women have been marching and facing arrest. They have been pursuing legal challenges in the courts and lobbying the politicians in parliament. They have been doing grassroots reproductive rights work in Poland and abroad and some – like Justyna Wydrzyńska – have provided abortion pills to those in need and been prosecuted as a result.

    And despite the risk of criminalization, we are continuing to take our reproductive health and autonomy into our own hands. The women-led grassroots organization Abortion Dream Team is crowdfunding to open the first abortion clinic in the country. And in September, the longstanding Federation for Women and Family Planning (FEDERA) opened its first sexual and reproductive health clinic in Warsaw.  

    Women cannot keep dying from gender-based violence committed by our own state. The government’s lack of action on abortion is unacceptable and untenable. Prime Minister Tusk and the other leaders of the coalition parties (men, naturally) need to wake up and recognize our human right to abortion, accessed freely, safely and legally, in Polish law. 

    The man we elected as Prime Minister must uphold his promise to the women of Poland and work with rights holders, civil society and experts to bring his coalition partners to a place where legal abortion in Poland becomes a reality. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Agricole Sa: Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility takes a stake in GAC Leasing to support the growth of GAC Group sales in China

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Massy – October 15th, 2024

    Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility
    takes a stake in GAC Leasing to support the growth
    of GAC Group sales in China

    • CA Personal Finance & Mobility announces the planned acquisition of 50% of the equity interests of GAC Finance Leasing Co. Ltd. (GAC Leasing), the leasing company of one of the largest Chinese manufacturers Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd. (GAC Group), via a reserved capital increase.
    • With this new joint venture, CA Personal Finance & Mobility is expected to offer financial and operational leasing solutions on the Chinese market in 2025 and will thus promote the deployment of electric vehicles in China.
    • This transaction will consolidate a partnership that has existed since 2009 between CA Personal Finance & Mobility and GAC Group with the creation of GAC-Sofinco AFC, a 50-50 joint venture. The latter operates throughout China and offers automotive financing and services to the GAC-Honda, GAC-Toyota, AION, HYPTEC and GAC Motor networks, serving more than 3,000 dealers.

    CA Personal Finance & Mobility to become 50% shareholder of GAC Leasing

    Following a reserved capital increase, CA Personal Finance & Mobility will hold 50% of the equity interests of GAC Leasing. The company has been operating on the Chinese market since 2004 and offers financial and operational leasing solutions to GAC customers and its dealer network.

    Through this transaction, CA Personal Finance & Mobility and GAC group are strengthening the leasing offer proposed to Chinese customers, thereby stimulating the sale of electric vehicles, which already represents 60% of GAC Leasing’s leasing contracts on a portfolio of more than 200,000 vehicles.

    The impact on the CET1 ratio of Crédit Agricole S.A. and that of the Crédit Agricole group will be very limited.

    « This transaction reaffirms the importance of our long-standing partnership with GAC group. It will enable us to support together and over the long term the development of the particularly dynamic electric automobile market in China. »
    STEPHANE PRIAMI – CEO of Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility

    Key figures:

    • In 2023, GAC group was the 4th largest automotive group in China
    • More than 2.5 million vehicles sold in 2023 worldwide
    • 39,90% of electrified vehicles sold in 2023

    Press Contact

    Claire Garcia
    presse@ca-cf.fr
    +33 (0)1 87 38 11 81 / +33 (0)6 80 41 17 77

    About Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility

    Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility is a leader in personal financing and a provider of access to all mobility solutions in Europe. It distributes directly, at the point of sale or on its partners’ e-commerce platforms, a wide range of financing solutions – amortizable credit, revolving credit, leasing and credit buyback – with associated services including insurance, split payment solutions and services dedicated to mobility, with the aim of meeting the challenges of energy transition in mobility, housing and consumption. Its financing solutions and services are offered in France via Sofinco, in Italy via Agos, in Germany via Creditplus, in Portugal via Credibom, in Spain via Sofinco Espana, in Morocco via Wafasalaf, and in China via GAC-Sofinco (automotive financing only). Crédit Agricole Personal Finance & Mobility aims to be the leader in electric mobility in Europe and offers a mobility continuum in the 22 countries where it is present (leasing, medium and short-term rental, subscription, car sharing, installation of charging stations, etc.). The company relies on Leasys, a joint venture equally owned by Stellantis, CA Auto Bank and Drivalia, the pan-European leader in automotive financing, rental and mobility, Crédit Agricole Mobility Services, a comprehensive service offering dedicated to mobility and the development of automotive financing in its universal subsidiaries in Europe and in Crédit Agricole Regional Banks and at LCL via Agilauto. CA Personal Finance & Mobility acts every day in the interest of its 17.2 million customers and society. As of December 31, 2023, CA Personal Finance & Mobility managed €113 billion in outstanding credit. More information: http://www.ca-personalfinancemobility.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Sidetrade: 33% Increase in Revenue for Q3 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Q3 bookings at €1.52 million, in line for 2024

    Strong revenue growth, up 33%, with SaaS subscriptions up 31%

    Registration completed in France’s public invoicing portal

    Sidetrade rises to the Top 15% on EcoVadis

    Sidetrade, the global leader in generative AI-powered Order-to-Cash applications, announced a 33% revenue increase for the third quarter of 2024.

    Olivier Novasque, CEO of Sidetrade commented:

    “To date, our continually robust organic growth, combined with the strategic relevance of our external growth through the consolidation of SHS Viveon, has triggered an impressive 33% increase in our revenue. The expected slowdown in bookings over the third quarter, which is traditionally the weakest period of the year, in no way affects our ambition to match or even exceed our all-time record for contracts won last year. That said, we are embarking on a strong trajectory and reiterate our confidence in stepping up double-digit growth for 2024 and further out.

    Parallel to this, our official registration as a Dematerialization Platform Partner by France’s Public Finance Department, and, in a different context, reaching the Top 15% of the EcoVadis ranking highlights our commitment to the environmental, social and governance responsibility. Performance, safety and efficiency are more than mere targets; together, they form the pillars that shape our future.

    Quarter after quarter, our resilient economic model combined with our technological lead in AI and accelerated international growth – now with 68% of revenue achieved outside France – have enabled us to significantly upscale in next to no time, fast-tracking Sidetrade’s development into one of the select few Order-to-Cash technology leaders worldwide.”

    Q3 bookings at €1.52 million, in line for 2024
    In Q3 2024, which is traditionally the weakest of the year, Sidetrade achieved bookings of €1.52 million in New Annual Contract Value (ACV), versus €2.49 million in the same period last year. As announced during the September 11 investor presentation, the expected slowdown in third-quarter bookings against a complex economic and political backdrop does not affect the Group’s positive outlook for the full 2024 fiscal year.

    In the first nine months of 2024, Sidetrade recorded €8.94 million for bookings in New Annual Contract Value (ACV), compared to €8.42 million year-over-year (+6%). Given the postponement of a number of new contracts in Q3 2024 – serving to bolster an already strong business pipeline for Q4 2024 – Sidetrade is expected to match or even exceed its historic bookings record on a full fiscal year basis, which was set in 2023 with €11.2 million achieved in new ACV terms.

    Strong revenue growth, up 33%, with SaaS subscriptions up 31%

    Sidetrade

    (€m)

    		 Q3 2024 Q3 2023 Change
    SaaS subscriptions 12.5 (1) 9.5 +31%
    Revenue 14.9 (2) 11.2 +33%

    (1) includes €1.5m in recurring revenue from SHS Viveon
    (2) includes €2.1m in revenue from SHS Viveon

    In Q3 2024, Sidetrade achieved revenue of €14.9 million, representing an increase of 33% and up 14% on a comparable scope basis (excluding the recent acquisition of SHS Viveon). This strong performance is attributable to several key factors.

    First, the robust momentum in revenue growth on a constant scope basis continues. As a reminder, in the first half of 2024, Sidetrade reported a 19% increase in its revenue with growth of 18% in revenue for SaaS subscriptions which was impacted by a 4% contribution from the CreditPoint Software business, consolidated as of July 2023. On a constant scope basis, growth in the Company’s revenue was therefore 15%, with a 14% increase in revenue for SaaS subscriptions. In line with this performance, Sidetrade (excluding SHS Viveon) sustained vigorous momentum over Q3 2024, posting a 14% increase in its total Company revenue and 15% revenue growth for SaaS subscriptions, driven by a record performance for half-year bookings.

    In addition, the consolidation of the SHS Viveon business – effective since July 1, 2024 – substantially contributed to this quarterly growth, delivering a positive impact of 19%. SHS Viveon generated revenue of €2.1 million in Q3 2024. Fully consolidated in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and eastern European countries), SHS Viveon’s business represents a new growth driver for Sidetrade, with this geography now accounting for 14% of the Company’s total revenue.

    On the back of SHS Viveon’s consolidation, international markets now represent 68% of the Group’s revenue. With more than 70% of its workforce based outside France, Sidetrade is strongly positioned to capitalize on an increasingly globalized market, while leveraging a strong local presence in its strategic markets.

    Lastly, North America delivered the strongest growth, with revenue up 30%, representing €4.1 million over the period. This market will continue to play a pivotal role in Sidetrade’s growth trajectory.

    Analysis of the Company’s customer profiles (including the consolidated SHS Viveon) is underpinned by brisk growth of 53% in subscriptions with multinational corporations generating €2.5 billion-plus revenue. These contracts now account for more than half (52%) of Sidetrade’s total subscriptions and are expected to remain an important growth driver in the quarters ahead. The acquisition of SHS Viveon has helped accelerate this momentum, thanks to the business’ established portfolio of key accounts.

    Registration completed in France’s public invoicing portal

    Under France’s reform of electronic invoicing, Sidetrade was recently registered as a Dematerialization Platform Partner by the country’s Public Finance Department.

    While acknowledging that this initiative marks a step forward, Sidetrade does not regard it as providing a competitive advantage to its solutions and the Company is continuing to assess all options consistent with its targets for strategic development, both in France and internationally.

    Sidetrade rises to the Top 15% on EcoVadis

    Sidetrade recently secured a new Silver medal from EcoVadis, ranking among the top 15% of companies rated within its industry. This award recognizes the Group’s social and environmental performance.

    In September 2024, the Company reached a score of 70/100, placing it in the 91st percentile. This progress from its previous rating of 68/100 and its positioning in the top 25% underscore the Group’s relentless focus on improving its sustainable operations. The EcoVadis score illustrates the strides taken to address environmental, social, and ethical issues, particularly through strengthened policies on cutting energy consumption and optimizing technical infrastructure.

    Such recognition distinguishes Sidetrade as one of the sustainability leaders in its sector, enhancing its credibility with international clientele and partners while cementing its position as a responsible company committed to driving the transition towards a more sustainable economy.

    Next financial announcement
    Annual Revenue for 2024: January 21, 2025 (after the stock market closes)

    Investor relations
    Christelle Dhrif                00 33 6 10 46 72 00           cdhrif@sidetrade.com

    About Sidetrade (http://www.sidetrade.com)
    Sidetrade (Euronext Growth: ALBFR.PA) provides a SaaS platform designed to revolutionize how cash flow is secured and accelerated. Leveraging its next-generation AI, nicknamed Aimie, Sidetrade analyzes $6.1 trillion worth of B2B payment transactions daily in its Cloud, thereby anticipating customer payment behavior and the attrition risk of more than 38 million buyers worldwide. Aimie recommends the best operational strategies, dematerializes and intelligently automates Order-to-Cash processes to enhance productivity, results and
    working capital across organizations.
    Sidetrade has a global reach, with 400+ talented employees based in Europe, the United States and Canada, serving global businesses in more than 85 countries. Amongst them: Bidcorp, Biffa, Bunzl, Engie, Expedia, Inmarsat, KPMG, Lafarge, Manpower, Opentext, Page, Randstad, Saint-Gobain,
    Securitas, Sodexo, Tech Data, UGI, and Veolia.
    Sidetrade is a participant of the United Nations Global Compact, adhering to its principles-based approach to responsible business.

    For further information, visit us at http://www.sidetrade.com and follow @Aimie on LinkedIn.

    In the event of any discrepancy between the French and English versions of this press release, only the French version is to be taken into account.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JLT Mobile Computers appoints Tejal Ranjan to drive the company’s US partner marketing strategy and accelerate growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tejal Ranjan joins JLT as Vice President of Marketing – North America

    Växjö, Sweden, October 15, 2024 * * * JLT Mobile Computers, a leading supplier of rugged computing solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Tejal Ranjan as Vice President of Marketing – North America. With extensive experience in supply chain, partner marketing, customer success, and demand generation, Tejal will lead the transformation and acceleration of JLT’s US partner strategy. Further, she will play a pivotal role in the global team, creating a unified go-to-market strategy that establishes a consistent foundation across all geographies while addressing the unique challenges and demands of each region. This strategic move is designed to position JLT for significant growth in the Vehicle-Mounted Computers and Rugged Computer markets, capitalizing on the substantial opportunities the industry offers.

    Further developing their partner-based go-to-market strategy is critical for JLT’s continued expansion in the rugged computing space. By leveraging the expertise and reach of partners, JLT will scale its operations more effectively, gain wider market coverage, and create a robust ecosystem capable of meeting the rising demand for rugged computing solutions.

    “We are thrilled to have Tejal join JLT,” said Per Holmberg, CEO of JLT Mobile Computers. “Our partner-based market approach is key in acquiring new customers and unlocking future growth. This strategy will not only enhance our presence in our target markets, but also build shareholder value as we strengthen our position globally. And Tejal’s experience in partner marketing, and demand generation, along with deep understanding of the supply chain industry will be instrumental in driving growth and expanding our partner ecosystem in the US, as well as globally.”

    The demand for rugged computing devices continues to grow as they enhance operational efficiency in key sectors like warehousing and logistics. By working closely with JLT, partners deliver comprehensive, cost-effective solutions that drive productivity, reliability, and value for end-users across industries like logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing. JLT’s renewed partner program will empower partners to capture a significant share of this expanding market.

    “I’m excited to join JLT at this pivotal time,” said Tejal Ranjan. “By focusing on channel-led growth, there’s potential to deliver greater value, enabling our partners to achieve their goals while expanding JLT’s footprint in existing and new markets.” I look forward to contributing and applying my experience to build a more robust and engaged partner ecosystem in the US and Globally. By focusing on delivering value, we will not only drive stronger business outcomes but also help our partners unlock new growth opportunities.”

    With a renewed focus on channel strategy, JLT is well-positioned for future growth, benefiting both partners and investors alike. For more information about JLT Mobile Computers, its products and solutions, please visit jltmobile.com.

    About JLT Mobile Computers

    Reliable performance, less hassle. JLT Mobile Computers is a leading supplier of rugged mobile computing devices and solutions for demanding environments. Almost 30 years of development and manufacturing experience have enabled us to set the standard in rugged computing, combining outstanding product quality with expert service, support and solutions to ensure trouble-free business operations for customers in warehousing, transportation, manufacturing, mining, ports and agriculture. JLT operates globally from offices in Sweden, France, and the US, complemented by an extensive network of sales partners in local markets. The company was founded in 1994, and the share has been listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market stock exchange since 2002 under the symbol JLT. Eminova Fondkommission AB acts as Certified Adviser. Learn more at jltmobile.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III Hosts Enhanced Honor Cordon and Bilat for Denmark’s MoD Poulsen at the Pentagon

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN: Well, Mr. Poulsen, it’s an honor to host you at the Pentagon. And Denmark is a close and longstanding ally, and we appreciate Denmark’s many contributions to our shared national security interests. We’re grateful for your country’s continued support of Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. It’s our northernmost military installation, and it performs vital space and missile defense missions.

    Now, the US and Denmark also stand united in helping Ukraine defend itself against Putin’s cruel war of aggression. So, Mr. Minister, thanks for everything that you’re doing to support the Ukrainian people and their military. Denmark may be a small country, but it’s one of the top financial donors to Ukraine as a percentage of GDP.

    Denmark has also led the way in finding innovative solutions to meet Ukraine’s operational requirements. And you have stepped up as a co-leader of the Air Force capability coalition of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, alongside my country and the Netherlands. So, thanks for leading the way on providing F-16s to Ukraine and training their pilots.

    Last December, the US signed a defense cooperation agreement with Denmark, and so I look forward to building on this momentum and deepening our bilateral defense partnership. Our countries both believe that our democratic values and our close defense cooperation are vital for peace, prosperity, and security in the North Atlantic. So, I appreciate Denmark’s increasing role in regional defense, and I applaud Denmark’s commitment to meet the pledge that all NATO members took to invest at least 2 percent of your GDP in defense this year.

    Mr. Minister, thanks again for making the trip. I look forward to a great conversation. Over to you.

    DENMARK MINISTER OF DEFENSE TROELS LUND POULSEN: Thank you very much, and thank you for the warm welcome here at the Pentagon. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, it is a great honor for me to be here, and also having the possibility to talk to you about some of the most crucial elements right now.

    And as you just mentioned, Denmark and the US have a long-lasting cooperation. And you are indeed a very warm and also strong ally for Denmark, and we very much support you in that. And I hope that we also could continue that support in the future.

    Thank you also for what you personally have been doing since 2022 at the Ramstein meetings. It is indeed a great honor for me to participate in these meetings, and also the great support from the US to Ukraine and also the very needed support for the fight for freedom for the people of Ukraine. I think you have personally done an outstanding job, and thank you so much for that.

    We are also looking into new discussions. New NATO targets will arrive next year. Denmark will be very active also to deliver on these targets. I think you’re also aware that Denmark is now being able to spend 2.4 percent of the GDP on defense. We will continue doing that also in the future.

    And I have also said to you before that I think Europe have to spend more on our own defense, and then we will also be an important player in that discussion. Denmark can do more in the future, but I also think that Europe should do more for our own security. We cannot depend on US. We should do more, Europe, in context for our own defense.

    Let me also just recognize the close cooperation that we have. You mentioned Pituffik Air Base. I think you will have also strong cooperation in the future. Also among the Kingdom of Denmark, we have the Faroe Islands and also Greenland, and then of course also Denmark. We can do even more together, and we will be happy to do that together with the US.

    And let me just conclude saying that we are also having soldiers in Latvia, 800 soldiers. I paid a visit to them last week. And we will also be active in doing even more in the future to help our friends in the Baltic area securing their security.

    So, once again, thank you so much for having us here today. It’s a great honor for us to be here.

    SECRETARY AUSTIN: Mr. Minister, welcome, and thanks for making the trip. And I look forward to a great conversation. Thanks, everybody.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni addresses Parliament ahead of European Council meeting on 17-18 October

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Ottobre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, this morning provided the Senate with the official communications regarding the European Council meeting to be held on 17 and 18 October, and responded to the points raised during the general discussion.

    In the afternoon, President Meloni responded to the points raised during the general discussion at the Chamber of Deputies.

    [President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Chamber of Deputies – Video available in Italian only]

    [President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

    [President Meloni addresses the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The DUP must act to remove O’Neill after yet another Sinn Fein scandal

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    Statement by TUV deputy leader Councillor Ron McDowell:
    “The last few weeks have seen Sinn Fein flounder around as their story changed repeatedly in relation to the Michael McMonagle scandal. It is clear that both powerful elements in the media and the Stormont establishment are keen to shut down the matter. I am proud to be a member of the only party represented in Stormont who remain intent on keeping the spotlight on the issue as demonstrated by colleague Timothy Gaston’s Members’ Statement on the floor of the house this morning.
    “But not even the Stormont establishment can ignore the Niall Ó Donnghaile scandal coming hard on the heels of that of Michael McMonagle. Again, the Sinn Fein top brass are implicated given the gushing praise they heaped on Ó Donnghaile when he left public life, including Michelle O’Neill. They did this presumably knowing the real reason for his hasty exit from public life.

    “Huffing and puffing is no longer good enough. If the DUP are serious about demanding any standards at all from Sinn Fein in order for them to be in government it is incumbent on them to demand the immediate resignation of the First Minister. If she does not resign then they are obliged to remove her from office by Emma Little-Pengelly tendering her resignation as deputy First Minister, a move which would trigger the removal of Ms O’Neill in a fashion not dissimilar to how Martin McGuinness removed Arlene now Baroness Foster.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sunderland schoolchildren give rugby a try

    Source: City of Sunderland

    Schoolchildren have been tackling some new skills as the city gets ready to host the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in August 2025.

    A total of 240 participants from 20 primary schools and 10 secondary schools across the city took part in a special rugby skills event at Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on Tuesday 15 October.

    The children all took part in skill-based games and activities focusing on skills like agility and throwing and catching, as Active Sunderland is working to encourage more schools, clubs and communities to take up the sport ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup coming to the city next year.

    Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism, Councillor Beth Jones, said: “I’m delighted to see so many children getting active and learning physical skills as well as valuable communication and teamwork. As the city is getting ready to host England’s Red Roses for the opening match of the Women’s Rugby World Cup at the Stadium of Light, it’s wonderful to see so many young people taking an interest in the sport.

    “I hope that more people will be inspired to give it a go as we look forward to the tournament, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The city council is working alongside community rugby clubs to offer something for everyone, from girls’ rugby to walking rugby and a variety of fitness sessions, so there’s never been a better time to give rugby a try.”

    The Active Sunderland Rugby Skills Event was supported by The Newcastle Falcons, who brought touch rugby activities for the schoolchildren to try. The focus of the day was learning new skills and taking part in physical activity, but children who demonstrated skills like teamwork and leadership received awards for their efforts.

    A legacy programme taking place around the World Cup is designed to get more people playing rugby and encourage more women and girls to take up the sport. Active Sunderland is creating new opportunities for communities to take part in recreational rugby activities and recently five sets of junior rugby posts have popped up located at Commercial Road, Barnes Park, Success Road, Princess Anne Park and Shipwrights Playing Fields with exciting programmes to be announced.

    The draw for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 will take place on Thursday, 17 October, with the match schedule set to be released on Tuesday 22 October.

    The draw will be broadcast live on BBC’s The One Show, one of the UK’s most-watched primetime programmes, airing from 19:00 (GMT +1). This marks a key milestone for the tournament, set to be the largest sporting event in England in 2025.

    To find out more or see opportunities to get into rugby, visit https://www.mysunderland.co.uk/rugby

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Man arrested following murder in Tottenham

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been arrested following the murder of a man aged in his 40s in Tottenham.

    On Tuesday, 15 October, police were called to Waltheof Gardens, N17 at 09:00hrs following reports of a shooting.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found a man with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

    A 56-year-old man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

    Although police believe this was an isolated incident and do not believe the wider public is at risk, detectives are still appealing for witnesses to come forward.

    Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley, who is leading the investigation, said: “We are yet to formally identify the victim of this tragic incident. We will continue to carry out efforts to ensure his family are informed and supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination will also be scheduled in due course.

    “We are appealing for anyone who was present in the area who may have seen or heard anything relating to this incident to please get in touch.

    “You can submit any footage or information via the following link https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24X05-PO1 Finally, we want to thank the local community for their patience whilst we conduct our enquiries in the area in the coming days.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 1613/15OCT. You can upload information and material online.

    You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Comedian Emma Doran bring her unique ‘Dilemma’ to the Alley

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Comedian Emma Doran bring her unique ‘Dilemma’ to the Alley

    15 October 2024

    Irish comedian Emma Doran has quite a ‘Dilemma’… and it’s one to make you laugh when she comes to the Alley Theatre as part of her UK and Ireland tour on Friday, 8th November.
    ‘Dilemma’ is set in the post-apocalyptic world where Emma finds herself facing a quandary – there’s only one contraceptive pill left, should she give it to her 19-year-old daughter or keep it for herself? Is it better to be a 40-year-old grandmother or a 40-year-old new Mum. These are the dilemmas facing Emma Doran aged 39 and 7/8, even though the most obvious outcome is neither. If turning 40 is the start of something new, what is it the end of?
    In 2022 Emma made her debut nationwide stand-up tour, ‘Mad Isn’t it?’, which enjoyed a sell-out run with multiple dates at Vicar Street. In the same year Emma co-wrote and starred in sketch show No Worries if Not on RTÉ. Other TV credits include: Modern Love on Amazon Prime alongside Kit Harington; Deirdre O’Kane’s stand up show (SKY); Bridget and Eamon (RTÉ); Callan Kicks (RTÉ), Republic of Telly (RTÉ); and Ireland’s Fittest Family (RTÉ). Her podcast credits include: You’re Grounded with daughter Ella; And Another Thing! with Muireann O’ Connell; and the four-part series Mischief Makers. Emma currently co-hosts the podcast Keep It Tight alongside fellow stand-up and LOL: Last One Laughing contestant Deirdre O’Kane.
    With the help of her cracked Samsung phone, Emma has garnered over 250K followers across social channels and surpassed over 1.3M likes on TikTok for her comedy sketches, with one TikTok of her stand-up reaching over 1.8 million views.
    The past year has seen Emma star in Prime Video’s first original series in Ireland, LOL: Last One Laughing hosted by Graham Norton, appear on popular TV shows Celebrity Gogglebox and RTÉ One’s The Late Late Show. She has amassed millions of views for her comedy sketches on social media and played to sold-out venues across Ireland, quickly establishing herself as one of Ireland’s most sought-after comedians.
    Emma recently released her debut book, ‘Mad, Isn’t It?’ published by Gill Books – a hilarious and moving memoir about family, friendship, (young) motherhood and taking risks.
    Tickets for her Strabane show are now on sale, priced £15, available from the Alley Theatre Box Office on 028 71 384444 or online http://www.alley-theatre.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT FOR WOLFSPEED FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW; SENATOR SAYS NEW $$$ WILL HELP ACCELERATE ONGOING MOHAWK VALLEY EXPANSION & SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Includes $750M Agreement For Funding From Schumer’s CHIPS Act & $750M Private Investment, Boosting Wolfspeed’s Ongoing Expansion In Upstate NY And Building A New North Carolina Facility Which Sends Wafers To Oneida County’s Marcy Nanocenter To Be Finished, Providing Long Term Work For Mohawk Valley

    Wolfspeed Says It Also Plans To Tap Up To Nearly $1 Billion From The CHIPS ITC That Schumer Created To Help Fund Completion Of Mohawk Valley Plant

    Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Is Bringing Wolfspeed To Front Of The Pack & Helping Mohawk Valley Lead America’s Semiconductor Renaissance

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

    Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. This CHIPS investment will also support Wolfspeed’s new North Carolina Siler City facility which is integral to the Mohawk Valley’s future as it will send wafers to be finished in NY, creating long term work and future growth opportunities for the Marcy operation.

    “Wolfspeed is leading the pack in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America. This major multibillion investment powered by my CHIPS & Science Law will accelerate the ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley, helping boost hundreds of good paying jobs and providing long term work for the Marcy fab to succeed well into the future,” said Senator Schumer. “From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, so much critical technology relies on the silicon carbide chips that Wolfspeed will manufacture and perfect in the Mohawk Valley. Today’s massive investment will make America’s economy and our national security stronger as Wolfspeed helps us write the next chapter of America’s resurgence as the leader in the semiconductor industry, with the Mohawk Valley as the beating heart.”

    Schumer explained that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is the largest and one of the only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. Wolfspeed officially opened their new fab in 2022 and is actively expanding with approximately $790 million in additional capital planned investment in the Mohawk Valley which will help support new good paying manufacturing and construction jobs to the region. The proposed CHIPS investment would also support the construction of Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Nearly all of the wafers from Wolfspeed’s new facility in Siler City, NC are needed and sent to the Mohawk Valley Fab to be finished and this investment is essential to ramp up chip production in New York. The proposed CHIPS funding will support the Mohawk Valley fab to increase its production capacity by approximately 30%.

    To achieve this increase in capacity in the Mohawk Valley, Wolfspeed will purchase and install additional tools & equipment in the Mohawk Valley, such as photolithography tools, ion implanters, metal deposition tools, etch systems, automation equipment and more that will be support by the Investment Tax Credit from the CHIPS & Science Law.

    The proposed $750 million in CHIPS funding will also help catalyze private capital investment of at least $750 million to support the company’s expansion plans. This injection of private capital would not have occurred were it not for the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed is the world’s leading manufacturer of wafers and devices made from silicon carbide, a compound which has favorable chemical and material properties compared to traditional silicon, enabling Wolfspeed’s semiconductors to be highly energy-efficient and durable. The silicon carbide devices manufactured by Wolfspeed power electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, enabling extended driving range-per-charge, faster charging times, and lower overall systems costs, they also are vital for artificial intelligence and in military applications critical for national security.

    Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We thank Senator Schumer for securing $750 million in funding for Wolfspeed from his historic CHIPS & Science Law. This transformative investment will accelerate hundreds of good-paying jobs in Oneida County and further elevate our region as a leader in semiconductor production. As Wolfspeed enhances its capabilities, we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our workforce and our future in the Mohawk Valley.”

    Acting President of Mohawk Valley EDGE Shawna Papale said, “On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE, we commend the Department of Commerce for reaching a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed to leverage more than $2.5 billion of investment including over $750 million in CHIPS Act grant funding. The growth of the Mohawk Valley Fab is hinged on the ability of Siler City to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers to supply Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, this CHIPs announcement accelerates hiring towards Wolfspeed’s job target of over 600 employees and increases production capacity at the Marcy Nanocenter. This was a true collaboration across local, county, State, and Federal officials along with the leadership of Wolfspeed to make the dream of recreating American made manufacturing a reality right here in Oneida County.”

    Last week, Schumer announced Edwards Vacuum reached a $18 million CHIPS PMT to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind for America, in Western NY. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that Micron, which plans to invest $100 billion over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’ s history – reached a $6.1 billion CHIPS PMT funding agreement. In addition, GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region also reached an agreement for $1.5 billion in direct grant funding under his CHIPS & Science Law to support a $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in Malta, NY. 

    Schumer added, “The CHIPS & Science Law keeps helping grow the booming semiconductor industry in Upstate NY. We are seeing more targeted federal investment than ever before to bring back manufacturing, and awards like this show how the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Syracuse to Utica to Albany truly is becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway.”

    Schumer has long worked to position the Mohawk Valley for semiconductor investment. In addition to his efforts on further recruiting chip suppliers to Marcy Nanocenter, Schumer secured $2 million in U.S. DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to boost technical training to support the expansion and attraction of the semiconductor industry. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training center.

    Schumer is also actively working with Mohawk Valley EDGE to help lure additional semiconductor and supply chain companies to Marcy Nanocenter which will get a further boost from Wolfspeed and Micron’s expansions in the region.

    Schumer said, “Marcy Nanocenter is one of the most shovel-ready sites in the whole country and with this investment helping to strengthen Wolfspeed and with Micron rapidly establishing itself in the broader region, I am going all out to land more companies to make the Mohawk Valley a central component of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Edwards Vacuum is also moving forward with a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York and across the nation.

    The PMT outlines key terms for Wolfspeed’s CHIPS agreement. To finalize the federal CHIPS agreement, the Commerce Department will now begin a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed project and other information contained in the application. After satisfactory completion of the due diligence phase, the Commerce Department will finalize the PMT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Cabinet to consider future arrangements for Public Health 15 October 2024 Cabinet to consider future arrangements for Public Health on the Isle of Wight

    Source: Aisle of Wight

    Recommendations for the future of the current Public Health Strategic Partnership between the Isle of Wight Council and Hampshire County Council will be considered by both local authorities’ Cabinets in November.

    The strategic partnership was signed in July 2019 to provide Public Health leadership to the Island for a period of up to six years.

    The partnership is due to come to an end in August 2025 and both authorities will be presenting reports summarising its successes and requesting formal approval to allow the partnership to conclude in line with the current contract end date.

    As a result of the partnership, the Isle of Wight Council is now effectively delivering its public health duties and has safe and high quality public health services in place for residents.

    For example, there is a 25 per cent increase in the number of people accessing drug and alcohol treatment, as well as improvements in managing and responding to health protection matters.

    Councillor Debbie Andre, Cabinet member for Public Health, said: “With the Island in a stronger position in relation to Public Health services, now is a sensible time to consider the future of the current arrangements.

    “It is important to highlight how proud both organisations are of the positive work undertaken together over the past few years, especially during the COVID pandemic.

    “We will continue to work closely with our colleagues in Hampshire to effectively manage any transition, maintain our progress, and strengthen our provision moving forward for the benefit of all Island residents.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Veolia Orchard is branching out to new schools in St Albans District

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    Veolia Orchard is open for applications once again.

    This scheme invites schools to increase biodiversity and become part of Veolia’s family tree by growing their onw strawberries or nurturing their own orchard of fruit trees.

    Since 2022, Veolia Orchard has delivered 25 fruit trees and 10 strawberry plants to 6 schools across the borough. This local network is just a small part of a whole family of 1,085 trees and 780 strawberry plants steadily growing at 291 schools across the UK.

    This initiative launched in 2022, with fruit trees donated to schools in order to give young people a chance to experience the benefits of engaging with nature as well as improving local biodiversity. Building on its initial success, in 2023 the scheme expanded to include strawberry plants, ensuring that urban schools with limited outdoor green space could participate.

    Each orchard comprises either five trees or ten strawberry plants per school, an individual component of a much wider network. Schools can apply online until 8 November 2024  using the following link: https://www.veolia.co.uk/veolia-orchard

    Successful candidates will then hear back from 25 November with deliveries taking place in spring 2025. Schools can opt for an interactive planting event where Veolia’s experts guide students through their planting whilst educating them on the orchard’s long-term benefits to the community and environment.

    Pascal Hauret, Municipal Managing Director at Veolia said: 

    The Veolia Orchard scheme is about growing more than just fruit; it’s about cultivating a love of nature in our future environmental ambassadors. I am especially happy to see this initiative continue to flourish in urban schools where there are typically fewer opportunities to interact with the environment. Not only are we boosting biodiversity by introducing new fruit tree species, creating habitats for pollinators, and enhancing the genetic diversity of cities with urban farming, we’re planting the seeds for a more sustainable future.

    Chris Traill, Strategic Director for Community and Place Delivery for St Albans City and District Council,  said:

    This is a fantastic initiative by our waste and recycling contractor Veolia which we have been supporting for a few years now.

    I urge the District’s schools to apply as it is a fun way to increase awareness of environmental issues among their young pupils as well as give them the rewarding experience of planting trees, creating habitats and improving biodiversity.

    ▁▁▁

    ABOUT VEOLIA 

    Veolia’s ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of €45.3 billion in 2023. http://www.veolia.com

    ▁▁▁

    Millie Brooke, Digital & PR Officer

    Tel. 07944 886 293

    emailmillicent.brooke@gmail.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES NEW $750 MILLION PRELIMINARY INVESTMENT FOR WOLFSPEED FROM HIS CHIPS & SCIENCE LAW; SENATOR SAYS NEW $$$ WILL HELP ACCELERATE ONGOING MOHAWK VALLEY EXPANSION & SUPPORT HUNDREDS OF…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Includes $750M Agreement For Funding From Schumer’s CHIPS Act & $750M Private Investment, Boosting Wolfspeed’s Ongoing Expansion In Upstate NY And Building A New North Carolina Facility Which Sends Wafers To Oneida County’s Marcy Nanocenter To Be Finished, Providing Long Term Work For Mohawk Valley

    Wolfspeed Says It Also Plans To Tap Up To Nearly $1 Billion From The CHIPS ITC That Schumer Created To Help Fund Completion Of Mohawk Valley Plant

    Schumer: My CHIPS & Science Law Is Bringing Wolfspeed To Front Of The Pack & Helping Mohawk Valley Lead America’s Semiconductor Renaissance

    U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer today announced Wolfspeed has reached a $750 million preliminary memorandum of terms (PMT) funding agreement under the CHIPS & Science Law he led in writing and passing into law, helping them unlock an additional $750 million in private investment. Wolfspeed also said it plans to tap nearly $1 billion from the CHIPS Investment Tax Credit that Schumer helped create to fund much of the state-of-the-art equipment being installed to complete the expansion their Silicon Carbide Fabrication Facility at Marcy Nanocenter in Oneida County.

    Wolfspeed said this massive collective investment will help accelerate their ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley and boosting good-paying jobs expected to be created at the Marcy facility. This CHIPS investment will also support Wolfspeed’s new North Carolina Siler City facility which is integral to the Mohawk Valley’s future as it will send wafers to be finished in NY, creating long term work and future growth opportunities for the Marcy operation.

    “Wolfspeed is leading the pack in bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America. This major multibillion investment powered by my CHIPS & Science Law will accelerate the ongoing expansion in the Mohawk Valley, helping boost hundreds of good paying jobs and providing long term work for the Marcy fab to succeed well into the future,” said Senator Schumer. “From electric vehicles to artificial intelligence, so much critical technology relies on the silicon carbide chips that Wolfspeed will manufacture and perfect in the Mohawk Valley. Today’s massive investment will make America’s economy and our national security stronger as Wolfspeed helps us write the next chapter of America’s resurgence as the leader in the semiconductor industry, with the Mohawk Valley as the beating heart.”

    Schumer explained that Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab is the largest and one of the only 200mm Silicon Carbide fabrication facilities in the world. Wolfspeed officially opened their new fab in 2022 and is actively expanding with approximately $790 million in additional capital planned investment in the Mohawk Valley which will help support new good paying manufacturing and construction jobs to the region. The proposed CHIPS investment would also support the construction of Wolfspeed’s silicon carbide wafer manufacturing facility in North Carolina. Nearly all of the wafers from Wolfspeed’s new facility in Siler City, NC are needed and sent to the Mohawk Valley Fab to be finished and this investment is essential to ramp up chip production in New York. The proposed CHIPS funding will support the Mohawk Valley fab to increase its production capacity by approximately 30%.

    To achieve this increase in capacity in the Mohawk Valley, Wolfspeed will purchase and install additional tools & equipment in the Mohawk Valley, such as photolithography tools, ion implanters, metal deposition tools, etch systems, automation equipment and more that will be support by the Investment Tax Credit from the CHIPS & Science Law.

    The proposed $750 million in CHIPS funding will also help catalyze private capital investment of at least $750 million to support the company’s expansion plans. This injection of private capital would not have occurred were it not for the CHIPS and Science Act. Wolfspeed is the world’s leading manufacturer of wafers and devices made from silicon carbide, a compound which has favorable chemical and material properties compared to traditional silicon, enabling Wolfspeed’s semiconductors to be highly energy-efficient and durable. The silicon carbide devices manufactured by Wolfspeed power electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids, enabling extended driving range-per-charge, faster charging times, and lower overall systems costs, they also are vital for artificial intelligence and in military applications critical for national security.

    Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “We thank Senator Schumer for securing $750 million in funding for Wolfspeed from his historic CHIPS & Science Law. This transformative investment will accelerate hundreds of good-paying jobs in Oneida County and further elevate our region as a leader in semiconductor production. As Wolfspeed enhances its capabilities, we look forward to the opportunities this brings for our workforce and our future in the Mohawk Valley.”

    Acting President of Mohawk Valley EDGE Shawna Papale said, “On behalf of Mohawk Valley EDGE, we commend the Department of Commerce for reaching a preliminary agreement with Wolfspeed to leverage more than $2.5 billion of investment including over $750 million in CHIPS Act grant funding. The growth of the Mohawk Valley Fab is hinged on the ability of Siler City to produce 200mm silicon carbide wafers to supply Wolfspeed’s Mohawk Valley Fab. Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Schumer, this CHIPs announcement accelerates hiring towards Wolfspeed’s job target of over 600 employees and increases production capacity at the Marcy Nanocenter. This was a true collaboration across local, county, State, and Federal officials along with the leadership of Wolfspeed to make the dream of recreating American made manufacturing a reality right here in Oneida County.”

    Last week, Schumer announced Edwards Vacuum reached a $18 million CHIPS PMT to build its new $300+ million dry pump manufacturing facility for the semiconductor industry, the first of its kind for America, in Western NY. Earlier this year, Schumer also announced that Micron, which plans to invest $100 billion over the next two decades – the largest private investment in New York’ s history – reached a $6.1 billion CHIPS PMT funding agreement. In addition, GlobalFoundries in the Capital Region also reached an agreement for $1.5 billion in direct grant funding under his CHIPS & Science Law to support a $12.5 billion public-private investment over the next ten plus years to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in Malta, NY. 

    Schumer added, “The CHIPS & Science Law keeps helping grow the booming semiconductor industry in Upstate NY. We are seeing more targeted federal investment than ever before to bring back manufacturing, and awards like this show how the I-90 corridor from Buffalo to Syracuse to Utica to Albany truly is becoming America’s semiconductor superhighway.”

    Schumer has long worked to position the Mohawk Valley for semiconductor investment. In addition to his efforts on further recruiting chip suppliers to Marcy Nanocenter, Schumer secured $2 million in U.S. DOL funding for the Workforce Development Board of Herkimer, Madison and Oneida Counties and Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) to boost technical training to support the expansion and attraction of the semiconductor industry. Schumer also secured $2 million for MVCC to create a new state-of-the-art semiconductor and advanced manufacturing training center.

    Schumer is also actively working with Mohawk Valley EDGE to help lure additional semiconductor and supply chain companies to Marcy Nanocenter which will get a further boost from Wolfspeed and Micron’s expansions in the region.

    Schumer said, “Marcy Nanocenter is one of the most shovel-ready sites in the whole country and with this investment helping to strengthen Wolfspeed and with Micron rapidly establishing itself in the broader region, I am going all out to land more companies to make the Mohawk Valley a central component of bringing semiconductor manufacturing back to America.”

    Thanks to Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law, Upstate New York has seen a major revival in tech manufacturing. Micron has announced plans for a historic $100+ billion investment to build a cutting-edge memory fab in Central New York. GlobalFoundries plans to invest over $12 billion to expand and construct a second, new state-of-the-art computer chip factory in the Capital Region. TTM Technologies, a printed circuit board manufacturer, plans to invest up to $130 million to expand their facilities in Onondaga County, creating up to 400 good-paying jobs. Menlo Micro will invest $150 million to build their microchip switch manufacturing facility in Tompkins County, creating over 100 new good-paying jobs. In addition, Upstate New York is home to semiconductor supply chain companies like Corning Incorporated, which manufactures glass critical to the microchip industry at its Canton and Fairport, NY plants. Edwards Vacuum is also moving forward with a $300+ million investment to build a dry pump manufacturing facility in Western New York, creating 600 good-paying jobs to support the growing chip industry in Upstate New York and across the nation.

    The PMT outlines key terms for Wolfspeed’s CHIPS agreement. To finalize the federal CHIPS agreement, the Commerce Department will now begin a comprehensive due diligence process on the proposed project and other information contained in the application. After satisfactory completion of the due diligence phase, the Commerce Department will finalize the PMT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Next steps for city centre college campus

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A team of specialists are to be appointed by the Council to prepare the Civic Centre for its new life.

    Earlier this year the Council agreed to buy back the Civic Centre from Urban Splash and unveiled exciting proposals to create a major new campus in the Civic Centre focussed on delivering future green and blue jobs and skills.

    A decision has been signed today authorising the appointment of a consultant team with the expertise and capacity to progress the detailed, technical surveys and design work required to prepare the Civic Centre for its new life.

    City College Plymouth is looking to expand its offer and building on its success in attracting strong engineering and construction partnerships is looking for a new central location for a skills hub.

    The proposals for a new city centre campus could see up to 60 courses being delivered, focussing on the city’s emerging marine sector – known as the blue sector – as well as a host of programmes in the environment – the green sector. Up to 2,000 extra people, from school leavers to adult learners, could be learning new skills within the transformed lower floors of the Civic.

    Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Mark Lowry, said: “We have committed to a new life for the Civic Centre and it is a priority for us – not just to build confidence in the wider city centre – but to make sure City College Plymouth have a central location to deliver the next generation of skilled workers for our city’s key industries.

    “We need to deploy consultants with serious expertise to design and manage repair work as well re-clad the building. replace the façade and get the ground floors ready for fit out and occupation by City College Plymouth.

    “We need to do this to secure the campus, keep the public funding already secured for the Civic Centre and to maximise our ability to secure other public funding which is required for the project.”

    Contractors are expected to be on site at the end of next month to complete the internal strip out works. This is expected to continue into the new year.

    The total cost of employing a full design team to design and manage the works is estimated to be £2.6 million over the next few years.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Criminals selling counterfeit wine stopped in their tracks

    Source: Eurojust

    The international criminal group set up a well-structured organisation to counterfeit famous and exclusive French red wine, worth up to EUR 15 000 per bottle. By working with printing houses in Italy, the criminal group was able to re-create the corks and labels of famous French wineries. The forged wine was then delivered to an Italian airport and taken abroad to be sold at market value around the world by wine traders. The criminals were able to sell the bottles of the counterfeit wine, generating profits of over EUR 2 million.

    The investigation started after suspicions of forgery reached French authorities. The authorities discovered that the criminal group had been running their operation from Italy. Investigations continued between the French and Italian authorities at Eurojust. To support the investigation, Eurojust ensured the execution of European Investigation Orders in Italy. 

    The criminal group was dismantled during operations carried out in Paris, Milan and Turin. During 14 house searches, authorities were able to seize counterfeit labels and bottles of wine, as well as computers, phones, valuable goods, (including luxury watches with a value of EUR 1.4 million), and important documentation for the investigation. Money was also seized, including EUR 77 000 in France and EUR 40 000 in Italy. Seven suspects were arrested based on their criminal activity of introducing and selling products with false markings.

    The following authorities were involved in the actions:

    • France: Court of Dijon; Gendarmerie Nationale (SR Dijon)
    • Italy: Public Prosecutors Office Turin; Public Prosecutors Office Milan

    MIL Security OSI –