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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens call for Labour to scrap ‘dehumanising’ weight-loss plans

    Source: Scottish Greens

    15 Oct 2024 Economy Health

    Scottish Greens criticise plans from Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting

    More in Economy

    Labour Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s plans to give unemployed people weight-loss jabs to improve the economy is “horrific and dehumanising” says Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman.

    The Labour MP made the statement in an opinion piece for The Telegraph where he said “widening waistbands” were “holding back our economy”. This came alongside news that the UK government would invest nearly £300 million in the company which produces the weight-loss drug Tirzepatide.

    Maggie Chapman MSP said:

    “Treating a health issue as an economic burden that can be ‘fixed’ by medication is outrageous.
     

    “People are not just cogs to fit into the capitalist machine. Instead of short-term fixes, this Labour government needs to focus on tackling long-term systemic issues that lead to obesity and ill health in this country.

    “Suggesting that the only reason someone is unemployed is due to their weight sets a disturbing precedent for further division and shame. It deflects from the wider social inequalities that truly affect unemployment rates that the Labour government should spend more time pondering.

    “These horrific and dehumanising plans should be scrapped before they start. It is totally unacceptable for Mr Streeting to suggest this whilst ignoring the vast number of systematic faults and moral failings that need to be tackled in the UK.” 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Everything Liz Saville Roberts said in her speech to annual conference

    Source: Party of Wales

    Our Westminster parliamentary leader, Liz Saville Roberts, gave the closing speech to the annual conference.

    Diolch yn fawr, Gynhadledd.

    Mae’n bleser siarad efo chi ar derfyn deuddydd gwych o sgwrsio, o drafod syniadau, a chwrdd â ffrindiau hen a newydd.

    Dwi’n falch o’r cysylltiadau sydd ganddon ni fel plaid. Ro’n i’n falch o glywed Stephen Gethins ddoe o’r SNP – wrth gwrs mae hir draddodiad ganddon ni o gael rhywun o’n chwaer blaid yr SNP i’n cynhadledd.

    Ro’n i’n falch iawn o glywed John Finucane o Sinn Fein. Mae’n gysylltiad gweddol newydd rydyn ni’n ei gryfhau wrth ei gael yma yn siarad heddiw.

    A dwi’n meddwl ‘mod i’n siarad dros bawb pan dwi’n dweud bod yr anerchiad gan Lysgennad Palesteina, Husam Zomlot, yn un o’r pethau mwyaf grymus dwi erioed wedi ei glywed mewn cynhadledd Plaid Cymru.

    A dwi’n falch hefyd o’ch annerch heddiw fel arweinydd y Grŵp cryfaf sydd gan Plaid Cymru erioed wedi bod yn San Steffan.

    Dani wedi cael cyfnod prysur a dweud y lleia.

    Er bod nifer ohonom wedi bod yn hir aros yr etholiad, roedd amseriad yr Etholiad Cyffredinol yn syndod i bron bob un ohonom – gan gynnwys Rishi Sunak yn hynny o beth!

    Ond, fe wnaethom ateb yr alwad fel plaid.

    Dwi’n hynod falch bod Plaid Cymru wedi sicrhau’r gyfran uchaf o’r bleidlais mewn Etholiad San Steffan yn hanes ein plaid!

    Mae’n rhaid i mi ddiolch i’r gwirfoddolwyr ar draws Cymru gyfan a’n helpodd i gnocio ar ddrysau a gyrru’r ymgyrch i lwyddiant.

    Rhaid i mi roi diolch arbennig i griw Dwyfor Meirionnydd, ac yn arbennig, arbennig, i fy asiant Arwyn Herald gyda’r gwaith arwrol, amyneddgar, lliwgar, ieithgar weithiau! A’r holl luniau yn ystod yr ymgyrch yn yr etholaeth newydd sbon – sydd gyda llaw yn fwy na Luxembourg!

    Ar y nodyn cychwynol yma hefyd – yn drist iawn, mi gollon ni un o’n cefnogwyr mwyaf brwd yn ddiweddar. Roedd Dewi Pws yn arwr cenedlaethol, ond i mi hefyd yn gymydog, yn ffrind ac yn ymgyrchydd brwd. Yr hyn roedd Dewi yn ei wneud yn unigryw oedd gyrru yr achos cenedlaethol, nid ag och a gwae ond â gwên ar ei wyneb.

    Daeth Dewi a Rhiannon lond trol o hapusrwydd i Nefyn.

    Roedd o’n genedlaethwr i’r carn, ac yn enghraifft i ni gyd.

    Diolch am bopeth, Dewi Pws.

    Roedden ni’n gwybod ein bod ni’n wynebu cyd-destun anodd wrth fynd i mewn i’r etholiad cyffredinol.

    Ond gyda’ch gwaith caled chi a’ch ymroddiad chi, mae gennym dîm cryf a phenderfynol newydd yn San Steffan.

    A dwi eisiau troi atyn nhw fesul un rwan.

    Mae’r ymryddawn Ben Lake wedi’i ddychwelyd gyda chyfran uwch o’r bleidlais – supermajority bron – yng Ngheredigion Preseli newydd.

    Arweiniodd Ann Davies ymgyrch gampus yng Nghaerfyrddin a phwy all anghofio’r ddelwedd eiconig o Ann yn cael ei chanu oddi ar y platfform i gyfeiliant Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ar ei thrên cyntaf i Lundain?

    Mae etholiad Llinos Medi yn Ynys Môn yn profi bod pobl yn ysu am wleidyddion sy’n cael eu gyrru gan angerdd dros eu cymunedau ac ysfa i wella bywydau pobl.

    Y gair i ddisgrifio Llinos? Ysbrydoledig. Mae Ynys Môn yn mor lwcus o dy gael di.

    Nid yn unig enillon ni ein seddi targed ond cawsom ganlyniadau gwych ar hyd a lled Cymru – Caerdydd, Llanelli, Bangor Aberconwy. Diolch yn fawr i ymgeiswyr ar draws Gymru am ymgyrch ragorol.

    Rhan allweddol o’n llwyddiant yn yr etholiad oedd perfformiad ein harweinydd Rhun ap Iorwerth. Roedd o’n bwerdy yn y cyfryngau. Oherwydd Rhun, roedd llais Cymru i’w glywed yn yr etholiad. Mae o wedi codi proffil Plaid Cymru. Felly diolch yn fawr iti, Rhun.

    We have every reason therefore to be hopeful for the future.

    Another reason to be hopeful is that we played our part in kicking out the Tories out of Wales.

    They may still be the second largest party in Westminster, but they are a spent force in Wales.  

    Let us be clear:

    Plaid is the official opposition for Wales in Westminster. Not the Conservatives.

    We will do what the opposition are supposed to do – hold the Government of the day to account.

    As I speak with you today, it is UK Labour’s 100th day in office – and what have we seen so far?

    They have maintained the cruel two child benefit cap.

    Cut winter fuel payments for over half a million pensioners in Wales, just as energy prices have increased by 10%.

    Overseen the end of steelmaking in Wales despite claiming they had a plan to save it.

    Continued to give Israel a carte blanche for its actions in the Middle East in defiance of international law.

    From ‘Change’ to 100 days of continuity.

    We were promised the sunlit uplands of a UK Labour Government supposedly working in partnership with the Labour Government in Cardiff.

    The reality is much different, with Wales continuing to have a child-parent, supplicant-master, relationship with Westminster, with Labour in Wales following orders.

    Sue Gray has recently been appointed an ‘envoy for the nations and regions’ – a backwards term for an outdated way of governing.

    But she didn’t even bother to turn up to her first meeting in Edinburgh.

    Non-job. Non-starter. Labour have no understanding of Wales.

    Let me give you two examples.

     

    This month marks 5 years since the Thomas Commission report recommended the full-scale devolution of justice and policing to Wales.

    This isn’t a nice to have – this is fundamental if we want to make a fairer and healthier society.

    Due to the crisis in our prisons, prisoners are being released early, and yet some are re-offending to avoid being homeless.

    With a devolved system we could divert people away from prison ending Wales’ status as having the highest imprisonment rate in Western Europe.

    It would also be a way of ensuring that those who are released are fully supported by housing and health services – reducing the reoffending rate in the process.

    Yet UK Labour is not interested in allowing Wales to do this, despite a fully devolved justice system being the policy of the Welsh Labour Government.

    Labour in Wales also nominally want the Crown Estate devolved, yet Eluned Morgan isn’t even asking her boss Keir Starmer for these powers.

    It is left to Plaid Cymru to lead where Labour fail.

    We are campaigning to ensure that it is the people of Wales who benefit from the use of Welsh natural resources – not the Monarchy.

    The millions of pounds that could be generated from a devolved Crown Estate could be transformative for our communities.   

    Profit from the Scottish Crown Estate is directly transferred to Scottish councils to support community benefit projects.

    Last year £11.2 million was transferred to councils, with those in deprived areas such as the Highlands prioritised for funding.

    Conference. Let’s say it clearly: if Scotland can, so – can – Wales.

    UK Labour have brushed aside the idea of devolving the Crown Estate instead promising that GB Energy will solve Wales’ energy needs.

    But where is the evidence of HOW it will reduce bills?

    We can do so much better than this.

    Plaid Cymru’s plan for cheaper energy bills starts right here, in our communities. We would expand community energy projects – where the power generated locally is used locally, and it’s sold to our people at affordable prices.

    Just yesterday, Llinos Medi MP on this stage called for regional pricing – a bold idea that energy prices should reflect where it’s produced.

    Wales is an energy powerhouse, yet we’re paying the most!

    We in the north pay the highest standing charges in all of Britain.

    It’s outrageous. Plaid Cymru will scrap these unjust standing charges once and for all.

    Imagine the difference that would make in an energy-rich nation like ours.

    For our low-income families, we would also introduce a social tariff to protect them from skyrocketing prices. And we would fund it by making sure those with vast, unearned wealth finally pay their fair share.

    This is more than just lowering bills – this is about fairness, about justice, and about Wales taking charge of our future.

    No more empty promises – it’s time our communities see the REAL benefits of the energy we produce.

    Labour is tired and letting us down.

    They are continuing the failed status quo which people in Wales know isn’t working.

    Wales needs a fresh start, and Plaid Cymru are the Government in waiting ready to provide the bold change and vision our nation needs.

    In rural areas where young people are often forced to leave their communities to look for opportunities further afield.

    Plaid Cymru have already acted to address the problem of second homes but must do more to increase access to housing and jobs.

    Wales could draw on international examples where other countries are already acting such as in Western Australia where they run successful promotional campaign to draw workers to fill roles in public services, and regions of Spain which use their tax systems to incentivise people to stay in their communities.

    These are examples of creative ideas that Wales could emulate with the right powers and the right ambition.

    If we look at industrial areas, we see the managed decline of historic industries such as steel in Port Talbot.

    Whilst this is a complete economic misstep, there is an opportunity through the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea for places like Port Talbot to thrive once again if we maximise the benefit by ensuring local supply chains are used.

    If we look at our valleys, there is a strong community spirit that is untapped.  We want to change that with an economic vision centred on community wealth building.

    Plaid Cymru is offering the bold ambitious vision for the whole of Wales – we are ready to be the change that Wales needs.

    As we look to the future, there are many challenges, but I am increasingly hopeful for the future of Wales.

    Plaid Cymru is offering the bold ambitious vision for the whole of Wales – we are ready to be the change that Wales needs.

    We will take this positive message forward into 2026.

    Conference lets go forward together, let’s bring about the change we want to see and bring the people of Wales on the journey with us.

    Ymlaen!

    Diolch yn fawr.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary of Defense to Travel to Brussels and NATO for Defense Ministerial Meetings Followed by G7 Defense Ministers Meeting in Italy and Other Engagements in Italy and Vatican City

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III will travel to Brussels, Belgium, from October 16-18, 2024, to participate in a series of multilateral meetings, including the NATO Defense Ministerial and the Ministerial of the force contributing members of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS (D-ISIS). These engagements and others will focus on strengthening NATO’s collective defense posture, adapting the D-ISIS Coalition to an evolving threat from ISIS in the Middle East and globally, and enhancing military support for Ukraine.

    Secretary Austin will then attend the first-ever G7 Defense Ministers Meeting Oct. 19 in Naples, Italy, where he will also meet with Italian Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto and the new Minister of Defense of Japan, Nakatani Gen. The discussions at the G7 will center on ensuring continued security assistance for Ukraine in its defense against Russia’s aggression, addressing the urgent need to deescalate tensions in the Middle East, exchanging views on the importance of a free and open Indo-Pacific, discussing support for partners in Africa, and fostering additional cooperation on defense industry issues among the world’s leading democratic economies.

    Secretary Austin will also conclude his trip with official engagements in Vatican City.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to perspective piece discussing ultra-processed foods and public health warnings

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    October 15, 2024

    A perspective piece published in PLOS Medicine looks at ultra-processed foods and public health warnings. 

    Dr Ian Johnson, Nutrition researcher and Emeritus Fellow, Quadram Institute, said:

    “The term “ultra-processed food” (UPF) encompasses a very broad and poorly defined category of manufactured food products ranging, for example, from canned soft drinks to highly processed breakfast cereals, cakes, and commercially prepared ready meals.  In recent years, many epidemiological studies conducted across the industrialised world have shown associations between high consumption of UPF and various adverse health outcomes, but the associations, though statistically significant, are often not particularly strong.  The broad and imprecise definition of UPF, coupled with the limitations of observational research, have so far made it extremely difficult to identify causal mechanisms associated with particular foods.  Having considered the current state of knowledge, which is based largely on observational studies, the authors of this timely and thoughtful opinion piece are right to draw attention to the current dearth of definitive mechanistic research on this topic, and to emphasise the difficulties and possible adverse consequences of issuing blanket advice to consumers to avoid such a wide range of foods.”

    Dr Hilda Mulrooney, Reader in Nutrition & Health, London Metropolitan University, said:

    “This is an important and timely paper, given the current level of interest in UPFs and their potential effects on health.  I think this is a reasonable and realistic perspective of where we are at the moment.  It summarises a lot of complex discussion and presents a rational and cautious viewpoint, in my opinion.  It is sensible not to rush to judgment on the basis of data which does not yet demonstrate causality.  It is important to acknowledge the fact that for some groups in particular, foods classed as UPFs make very significant contributions to nutrient intakes, and these would be difficult to achieve otherwise.

    “Much of the research available shows associations between UPFs and health outcomes and cannot demonstrate causality.  This distinction is important, given that many UPFs (e.g. breakfast cereals, breads) make substantial contributions to nutrient intakes in the UK population.  The contribution will be greater for some groups than others, and as the authors suggests, a group likely to be most affected by blanket advice to avoid UPFs is those on lower incomes, who are already at greater risk of poor health and health inequalities.

    “The potential mechanisms of action of UPFs in relation to ill health are unknown, although several have been suggested.  If causality between poor health outcomes and intake of UPFs is demonstrated – and it has not been so far – then understanding how this is happening will be an important aspect of the health messages crafted.  Much of the research on UPFs focuses on the NOVA classification, a system which has been criticised for failing to include or acknowledge the nutritional contributions of UPFs, focusing instead on the extent and type of processing involved.  This ignores the emerging evidence that different groups of processed foods may have different effects in the body.  There may well be stronger evidence in the future which will allow focused messages in relation to specific types of UPFs and health, but at the moment we do not have this information.  Given this, and the potential for harm to already vulnerable groups of a blanket message about UPFs, the balanced approach of these authors is sensible.  What we know now does not change the messages we have already had in place for some years – to cut down on the UPFs which are high fat, salt and sugar foods and drinks as much as possible and include whole foods in the diet where possible.  We need to understand what the effects of different groups of UPFs on health may be, whether relationships observed are causal or not, and how any relationships are mediated.  We are not there yet.”

    ‘Ultraprocessed food (UPF), health, and mechanistic uncertainty: What should we be advising the public to do about UPFs?’ by Eric Robinson and Alexandra Johnstone was published in PLOS Medicine at 19:00 UK time on Tuesday 15 October 2024.

    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004439

    Declared interests

    Dr Ian Johnson: “I have no current conflicts of interest.  I have previously acted in an advisory capacity both to a leading food manufacturer (Barry Callebaut), and to government agencies including SACN, but I have received no funding of any kind from the food industry in the last 5 years.”

    Dr Hilda Mulrooney: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Notice Regarding Approval of Supplement to Prospectus and Final Terms of the Forth Tranche

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UAB “Orkela,” legal entity code 304099538, registered address at Jogailos St. 4, Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania (the Issuer), whose securities (the Bonds) are listed and admitted to trading on the Bond List of Nasdaq, also the Bonds are being publicly offered under the base prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023 including its first supplement approved on 24 November 2023 (the Prospectus).

    The Issuer informs that the second supplement to the Prospectus has been approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 15 October 2024 (the Prospectus’ Supplement), that is attached.  Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, please carefully read the Prospectus’ Supplement.

    The Issuer would like to announce that pursuant to the Final Terms of the forth Tranche that were adopted on 15 October 2024 (the Final Terms) in accordance with the Issuer’s Base Prospectus approved by the Bank of Lithuania on 14 November 2023, including its first and second supplements (the Prospectus), Offering of the Bonds under the Final Terms in the total amount of EUR 5,432,000 will be carried out in the Republic of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia under the following main terms (other terms applicable are detailed in the Final Terms):

    1. Nominal Value of a Bond – EUR 1,000;
    2. Issue Price of a Bond – EUR  1,014.1267
    3. Final Maturity Date – 19 January 2025;
    4. Interest Rate – 6% (fixed) annually;
    5. Yield – 8% annually;
    6. Subscription channels – Regular Subscription where the Subscription Orders shall be accepted:

    (i) by the Issuer at the office at Jogailos st. 4, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail info@lordslb.lt;

    (ii) by the Lead Manager at the office at Šeimyniškių st. 1A, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail broker@sb.lt;

    (iii) by the Manager: UAB FMĮ “Evernord”, legal entity code 303198227, at the office at Konstitucijos ave. 15-90, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail vismante.sepetiene@evernord.com;

    (iv) by the Manager: UAB “Gerovės valdymas”, legal entity code 302445450, at the office at Jogailos st. 3, Vilnius, the Republic of Lithuania or by e-mail gv@gerovesvaldymas.lt;

    (v) by the Manager: Redgate Capital AS, legal entity code 11532616, at the office at Pärnu mnt 10, Tallinn 10148, Estonia or by e-mail bonds@redgatecapital.eu.

    1. Subscription Period – 16 October 2024 – 6 November 2024;
    2. Payment Date – 7 November 2024;
    3. Issue Date – 8 November 2024.

    Before deciding to invest in the Bonds, each Investor shall read the Prospectus and Final Terms with attached relevant language summary. All aforementioned documents are attached herein and published on the Issuer’s website at https://lordslb.lt/orkela_bonds/. 

    General Manager of UAB “Orkela”
    Anastasija Pocienė

    anastasija.pociene@lordslb.lt

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ultra-processed foods: Why Public Health warnings could backfire Scientists say issuing blanket advice against UPFs would be premature Least well off could actually end up switching to LESS healthy foods More research is needed first into the links between these products and poor health :east well-off may be most affected if blanket pubic health warnings issued without more scientific evidence.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Alexandra JohnstoenScientists say issuing blanket advice against UPFs would be prematureLeast well off could actually end up switching to LESS healthy foodsMore research is needed first into the links between these products and poor health:east well-off may be most affected if blanket pubic health warnings issued without more scientific evidence.
    Premature warnings to consumers to avoid eating all ultra-processed food products have likely social costs and may harm the health of people facing food poverty – at least in the short term.
    This is the clear message to policymakers in a newly-published perspective article from Professors Alexandra Johnstone from the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen and Eric Robinson of the University of Liverpool.
    They say that until the link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and poor health is better understood, the focus of official public advice should remain on avoiding known threats: high fat, sugar and salt content.
    Issuing formal warnings about UPFs in the UK – which some other countries have done – could be counter-productive, leading some people to switch to alternatives that are not classified as ultra-processed but are less nutritious than what they were consuming before, they argue.
    And they highlight the potential “social cost for many people with more limited resources” of removing convenient options and the possible negative mental health impacts on “those who worry about their health or live with eating disorders, particularly if social circumstances make avoiding UPFs difficult”.
    The article – published by PLOS Medicine as part of a collection on the subject of UPFs – concludes: “Based on the balance of current evidence, we do not believe it is appropriate to be advising consumers to avoid all UPFs and we await further evidence to inform consumer guidance on the need to limit consumption of specifics foods based on their degree or type of processing.
    “We know with certainty that foods which are energy dense and/or high in saturated fat, salt or sugar are detrimental to health and we should continue to advise consumers to limit consumption of these foods. Likewise, we should be encouraging consumption of health promoting foods, like fruits, vegetables and wholegrains.

    We must guard against the possibility that the people in our society who are already most at risk of not being able to afford to eat healthily are not put in an even worse position as we continue to investigate the links between some ultra-processed foods and poor health.” Professor Alexandra Johnstone

    “Mechanistic uncertainty over food processing and health should not prevent immediate and much needed public health policy to regulate the food industry in order to dramatically reduce the advertisement, availability and dominance of foods high in energy and/or saturated fat, salt or sugar on national diets.
    “However, mechanistic uncertainty should determine how the public are communicated to and play a central role in determining public advice and emerging national dietary guidance on UPFs and food processing health risks.”
    Pressure to issue guidance against eating UPFs – which account for a significant part of national diet  – has mounted in the media and elsewhere because of consistent evidence from a growing number of observational studies that they are linked to poor health outcomes.
    But many UPFs are also high in fat, sugar and salt and as yet, the Food Standards Agency believe other possible causes of ill health from consuming them “have not yet been fully explained by the science” and so specific public guidance has not been issued.
    Food Standards Scotland (FSS) warned in March that “there is a risk that the emphasis on ultra-processed foods creates a distraction from the key diet issues where there is robust evidence for action, i.e. high fat, salt and sugar foods, thereby providing further impetus for FSS to provide clear consumer messaging on this issue.” FSS has since published its organisational position on the topic, alongside consumer facing advice, reaffirming these conclusions.
    Professor Johnstone said: “We must guard against the possibility that the people in our society who are already most at risk of not being able to afford to eat healthily are not put in an even worse position as we continue to investigate the links between some ultra-processed foods and poor health.
    “We need more high-quality mechanistic research in humans, using controlled diets, to tease out the effects of nutrient profile and ultra-processing per se. Diet reformulation and diet quality are two key aspects of our food environment and alongside affordability, these remain food system challenges.”
    Professor Robinson said: “Foods classed as ultra-processed which are high in fat, salt and/or sugar should be avoided, but a number of ultra-processed foods are not. We should be thinking very carefully about what advice is being given to the public, as opposed to providing simplified and potentially misleading messages that grab headlines.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Communication of flood alerts to Member States under the Copernicus system – E-001874/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001874/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Patryk Jaki (ECR)

    In the debate on the impact of the flooding in central and eastern Europe that was held on 18 September 2024 during Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, Janez Lenarčič, the EU Crisis Management Commissioner, said that the relevant EU bodies had already sent flood warnings to the governments of Member States at risk, including Poland, on 10 September 2024. Those alerts were issued through the Copernicus early warning system. In response to that statement, we have the following questions:

    • 1.When exactly did the Commission pass on the first alerts of a flood risk in Poland? On what date and at what time were those alerts relayed?
    • 2.Did the Polish Government react to those warnings?

    Submitted: 30.9.2024

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group hosts the Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Chékéba Hachemi for discussions on wartime sexual violence

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©Vio Dudau/ EIB

    On 14 October 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group held an event for staff focused on tackling sexual violence in conflict zones.

    Guests at the EIB’s Luxembourg headquarters included Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, who is president of the association Stand Speak Rise Up!, and Ms. Chékéba Hachemi, former first female Afghan diplomat, women’s rights activist and the co-founder of the association. 

    The event highlighted the association’s transformative work in advocating for and supporting survivors of sexual violence in fragile environments as well as children born of rape.

    EIB President Nadia Calviño opened the discussion, saying that investing in women is key to building stronger communities worldwide. She stressed the EIB Group’s commitment to protecting women and empowering them economically, particularly in conflict areas.

    The Grand Duchess and Ms. Hachemi presented projects led by Stand Speak Rise Up! aimed at increasing access to education, housing, health and justice and at driving economic independence for survivors and children born of rape. The presentations were followed by a lively exchange of views with EIB staff members.

    The association provides a platform for victims to share their experiences and receive support. Since its creation in 2019, Stand Speak Rise Up! has offered direct help to over 6,000 women from 13 countries including Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Ukraine.

    This EIB event offered a reminder of the shared responsibility to support victims of sexual violence, amplify their voices, advocate to end the use of rape as a weapon of war and strive for the universal protection of human rights.


    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Better fire protection in Greece – E-001485/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The primary responsibility for disaster risk management lies with Member States authorities. The Commission’s main role is to coordinate a quick and efficient response through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[1] when activated.

    The Commission also works with national civil protection authorities to support, complement and coordinate their efforts in managing wildfire risks.

    After the 2023 wildfire season, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection under the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection of Greece requested a UCPM independent peer review of its wildfire risk management system.

    The result of this process is a report, published on 20 June 2024[2], which highlights the strengths of the current system and puts forward recommendations for reinforcing it.

    The report advocates for building a more integrated wildfire risk management system, with a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, and with a long-term dedicated wildfire prevention budget.

    Moreover, the Greek Recovery and Resilience Plan foresees actions to enforce Greece’s fire prevention efforts and at the same time to support forest restoration in areas affected by wildfires in the last years.

    In addition, as part of 2024 European Semester: Spring package[3], the Commission recommended to the Council to address a Country Specific Recommendation to Greece to take action in 2024 and 2025 to strengthen management of natural disasters by putting in place an effective early warning and risk prevention system.

    The Council addressed that recommendation to Greece in July 2024[4]. Greece can benefit in this regard from funding through two thematic programmes, the ‘Civil Protection’ programme[5] and the ‘Environment and Climate Change’ programme[6].

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en
    • [2] https://civil-protection-knowledge-network.europa.eu/news/ucpm-wildfire-peer-review-report-handed-over-greek-authorities
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2024-european-semester-spring-package_en
    • [4] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/07/16/european-semester-2024-council-agrees-on-country-specific-recommendations/
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/in-your-country/programmes/2021-2027/el/2021el16rfpr001_en
    • [6] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/in-your-country/programmes/2021-2027/el/2021el16ffpr003_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Follow-up to the Draghi report – E-001767/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001767/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Julien Sanchez (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    On 9 September 2024, The Future of European Competitiveness report was published. In the report, Mario Draghi paints an alarming picture of the state of European competitiveness, highlighting the fact that we are lagging behind the USA and China technologically and economically.

    He has drawn up a list of 170 proposals for responding to this existential challenge. Some of these have long been called for by Rassemblement National MEPs, for example the need to reform the EU’s electricity market, cut red tape and curb the Commission’s legislative expansion.

    Other proposals, such as extending qualified majority voting to all policy areas, are direct attacks on the sovereignty of European nations. That specific proposal would mean that Member States could no longer oppose any future EU enlargement or any action that the Commission wished to take which ran counter to national interests.

    Considering that certain political groups in the European Parliament have long been advocating for some of the proposals in the Draghi report, could the Commission state which ones it intends to follow?

    Submitted: 19.9.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Land, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation – E-002007/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002007/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Alice Teodorescu Måwe (PPE)

    The revised LULUCF Regulation is posing increasing problems for forestry throughout Europe. In Sweden, where forests are supposed to provide the EU’s largest carbon sink, forest operators are expected to drastically reduce their harvesting in order to meet the 2030 target. Operators are already testifying that the transition will lead to job losses in sparsely populated areas, which will affect prosperity, while at the same time encroaching on property rights. In addition, the Regulation does not take account of the significant contribution of wood and paper products and bioenergy to Swedish and European competitiveness and, by extension, to our green transition.

    Accordingly:

    • 1.Is the Commission planning any further measures so as to ensure that, alongside the goal of a green transition, industries that play a significant role in boosting European competitiveness are not hard-hit by LULUCF targets?
    • 2.Does the Commission see any possibility of taking a more differentiated approach to implementing or reassessing the LULUCF Regulation that takes account of the disproportionate economic and social burdens on Member States, but also takes account of Member States’ differing circumstances?

    Submitted: 9.10.2024

    Last updated: 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024 of the European Union for the financial year 2024 – update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies – A10-0007/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024 of the European Union for the financial year 2024 – update of revenue (own resources) and adjustments to some decentralised agencies

    (13195/2024 – C10‑0109/2024 – 2024/0185(BUD))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Article 314 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Article 106a of the Treaty establishing the European Atomic Energy Community,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 July 2018 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union, amending Regulations (EU) No 1296/2013, (EU) No 1301/2013, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 1304/2013, (EU) No 1309/2013, (EU) No 1316/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) No 283/2014, and Decision No 541/2014/EU and repealing Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012[1], and in particular Article 44 thereof,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 September 2024 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union[2], and in particular Article 44 thereof,

    – having regard to the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2024, as definitively adopted on 22 November 2023[3],

    – having regard to Council Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2020/2093 of 17 December 2020 laying down the multiannual financial framework for the years 2021 to 2027[4],

    – having regard to the Interinstitutional Agreement of 16 December 2020 between the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission on budgetary discipline, on cooperation in budgetary matters and on sound financial management, as well as on new own resources, including a roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources[5],

    – having regard to Council Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 EU of 14 December 2020 on the system of own resources of the European Union and repealing Decision 2014/335/EU, Euratom[6],

    – having regard to Draft amending budget No 4/2024, which the Commission adopted on 19 July 2024 (COM(2024)0931),

    – having regard to the position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024, which the Council adopted on 23 September 2024 and forwarded to Parliament on 24 September 2024 (13195/2024 – C10‑0109/2024),

    – having regard to Rules 96 and 98 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Budgets (A10-0007/2024),

    A. whereas the primary purpose of Draft amending budget No 4/2024 is to update the revenue side of the budget to take account of the latest developments and, additionally, to adjust the expenditure side of the budget in relation to a number of decentralised agencies,

    B. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 entails a revision of the own resources forecasts in relation to customs duties, which are 18,3% below the May 2023 forecast, in the uncapped VAT base, which is 0,6% below the May 2023 forecast, in non-recycled plastic packaging waste, which is up 0,6% compared to the May 2023 forecast, and in the total EU GNI base, which is 0,3% higher than the May 2023 forecast,

    C. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 also updates the 2024 United Kingdom contribution pursuant to the withdrawal agreement, which stands at EUR 2,38 billion, a significant reduction of EUR 1,52 billion compared to the estimate included in the 2024 budget; whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 also takes into account the fines and penalties cashed up to the end of May 2024, which increases the initial forecast for fines and penalties in the 2024 budget by EUR 513 million,

    D. whereas Draft amending budget No 4/2024 proposes a number of adjustments to the financing of decentralised agencies, with a net increase of EUR 12 million overall and a proposal to mobilise the Flexibility Instrument for an amount of EUR 13,2 million to cover increases for the European Medicines Agency and Eurojust in the absence of any available margin under Heading 2b of the multiannual financial framework (the “MFF”),

    1. Welcomes Draft amending budget No 4/2024 as submitted by the Commission;

    2. Takes note that the decrease in the amount of own resources other than GNI (in particular with respect to customs duties) and in the size of the United Kingdom contribution to the budget results in an increase in GNI contributions of EUR 5,63 billion; notes that there is a significant divergence from the initial forecasting of customs duties and the United Kingdom contribution and calls on the Commission to examine scope for improving its forecasting, which is vital for the predictability of budgetary planning;

    3. Underlines that, with Draft amending budget No 4/2024, GNI lump-sum reductions for the five beneficiary Member States amount to just under EUR 5,4 billion net; stresses that these rebates are inflation-linked and have therefore increased at a higher rate than the MFF ceilings, which are adjusted annually on the basis of the 2 % deflator; underlines that this anomaly increases the burden on the other Member States;

    4. Emphasises the need for sustainable revenue for the Union budget, which has been severely stretched to respond to various crises in recent years; deplores, therefore, the absence of progress in the Council on the reform of the own resources system in line with the roadmap in the Interinstitutional Agreement; recalls its position in support of the amended Commission proposals and urges the Council and the Member States to adopt those proposals swiftly in order to increase the own resources available to the Union budget; recalls its long-standing position that fines and fees should be used as supplementary revenue for the Union budget;

    5. Reiterates its long-standing position that new priorities require fresh financing; notes the series of adjustments to the budgets of decentralised agencies, primarily in accordance with tasks assigned to them under recently adopted legislation; recalls that agencies must have the necessary staff and budget to properly fulfil their mandates; deplores that, in several cases, additional resources for a decentralised agency entail a corresponding reduction in the programme envelope;

    6. Regrets that, in the current MFF, a total of EUR 1,5 billion has so far been, or is proposed to be, redeployed from programmes to decentralised agencies; underlines that the magnitude of the redeployments is symptomatic of the stretched resources available to the Union budget and stresses the need for budgetary flexibility to adjust agencies’ resources in line with changes to their mandates and tasks during the MFF;

    7. Notes that Draft amending budget No 4/2024 entails an increase of EUR 2 million for Eurojust owing to inflationary pressure; underlines that inflationary pressure is clearly a challenge for all decentralised agencies, with inflation running above the annual 2 % deflator by which the MFF ceilings increase and staff and operating costs for decentralised agencies under substantial pressure as a result, considers that the current treatment of decentralised agencies’ budgets as separate from administrative spending under Heading 7 of the MFF requires further reflection as part of the Commission’s preparations for the post-2027 MFF;

    8. Approves the Council position on Draft amending budget No 4/2024;

    9. Instructs its President to declare that Amending budget No 4/2024 has been definitively adopted and arrange for its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the other institutions and bodies concerned and the national parliaments.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that he has received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

    Entity and/or person

    Council of the European Union

    European Commission

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that he has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

     

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    14.10.2024

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    23

    5

    2

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Olivier Chastel, Tamás Deutsch, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Andrzej Halicki, Alexander Jungbluth, Ondřej Kovařík, Giuseppe Lupo, Siegfried Mureşan, Victor Negrescu, Matjaž Nemec, João Oliveira, Karlo Ressler, Julien Sanchez, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Lucia Yar

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Stine Bosse, Jonás Fernández, Michalis Hadjipantela, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Protas, Jussi Saramo

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Matthias Ecke, Marieke Ehlers, Virginie Joron

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 15.10.2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nokia Corporation
    Stock Exchange Release
    15 October 2024 at 22:30 EET

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 15.10.2024

    Espoo, Finland – On 15 October 2024 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:

    Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR*
    XHEL 1,793,972 4.07
    CEUX 465,034 4.07
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 2,259,006 4.07

    * Rounded to two decimals

    On 25 January 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to return up to EUR 600 million of cash to shareholders in tranches over a period of two years. The first phase of the share buyback program started on 20 March 2024. On 19 July 2024, Nokia decided to accelerate the share buybacks by increasing the number of shares to be repurchased during the year 2024. The post-increase repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 22 July 2024 and end by 31 December 2024 with a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 600 million for all purchases during 2024.

    Total cost of transactions executed on 15 October 2024 was EUR 9,195,510. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 169,913,637 treasury shares.

    Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.

    On behalf of Nokia Corporation

    BofA Securities Europe SA

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

    Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    Inquiries:

    Nokia Communications
    Phone: +358 10 448 4900
    Email: press.services@nokia.com
    Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External Communications

    Nokia Investor Relations
    Phone: +358 40 803 4080
    Email: investor.relations@nokia.com

    Attachment

    • Daily Report 2024-10-15

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Collaboration Model For The Wee Ferintosh Bus

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued in partnership with Communities in Motion and The Highland Council

    Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

    From Monday 2 December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

    This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

    Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

    Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

    As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

    He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

    Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

    Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com

    ENDS

    Communities in Motion CT (CiMCT) and The Highland Council (THC) have signed a new form of collaboration agreement that secures the services of the highly acclaimed Wee Ferintosh Bus.

    From Monday 2nd December 2024, thanks to the long-term support of THC, CiMCT will run the Wee Bus, seven days a week, with a team of paid and volunteer staff.

    This announcement coincides with Community Transport Week. This is a week-long celebration of the impact of local, non-profit transport projects and services across the UK, which is being led by the Community Transport Association (CTA). Between 14 and 18 October 2024, communities across the UK are celebrating the vital role and inspiring work of Community Transport in helping millions of people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access essential public services and employment.

    Angus Watson, Chair of CiMCT said: “It’s a real privilege to be the first Chair of Communities in Motion CT as this new Charity pulls together, and benefits from, all the fantastic efforts of many volunteers and organisations who have been working tirelessly over many years to introduce this essential community service. 

    Specific recognition and thanks go to The Highland Council’s Community Transport team for their unwavering support, professional guidance and belief in the vision, for our charity to further develop community transport for the community, in the community, by the community.

    As we move forward with the brilliant support of our community volunteers and soon to be appointed staff, I have no doubt the Wee bus will go from strength to strength, continuing the critical service that our neighbours now enjoy, while endeavouring to resolve more community transport solutions.”

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “I would like to thank everyone involved for all their collaboration and hard work to get to this exciting stage. Creating this sustainable transport provision tailored to meet the needs of those living in and visiting the Black Isle is a great achievement.   The commitment of everyone involved to make this a success reflects the vibrant, community-led push to achieve a more accessible, more frequent and more sustainable service for local residents.”

    He added: “It is very fitting that this announcement about the Wee Bus Service is being made at the start of Community Transport Week as the theme this year is “Celebrating Community Solutions” which is all about celebrating how accessible, inclusive and affordable transport is fostering stronger and more connected communities.”

    Becky Richmond, Chair of Ferintosh Community Council said: “It has been fantastic to witness the tremendous effort from FCC and its volunteers in providing community transport for our residents. The establishment of CiMCT not only secures the future of the Wee Bus for Ferintosh but also provides a platform for looking at the wider transport aspirations of the Black Isle Community as outlined in the newly registered Black Isle Local Place Plan.”

    Bookings for the Wee Ferintosh Bus can be made by calling 07387 364541 or through email: weeferintoshbus@gmail.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Future of Norwich Livestock Market takes a leap forward

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Tuesday, 15th October 2024

    A green light was signalled by cross-party councillors today (15 Oct) after a unanimous vote means the council can progress plans to seek legal consent to relocate Norwich’s Livestock Market.

    This critical vote means the council can continue with its plans to manage a private bill through parliament to seek a change in legislation.

    While the change to law would remove the current legal restriction of the council having to provide a livestock market within its boundary, there remains a legal duty on the council to provide and maintain a livestock market.

    The parliamentary journey to seek a change in the law is expected to take up to 12 months.

    Norwich’s livestock market has been trading on its current site close to Hall Road since the 1960s and is now one of the last trading markets within East Anglia. 

    The council is leaseholder of the 3.25 acre site and is responsible for most of the repair liability. Detailed survey work has shown that the repair work is extensive, reflecting the age of the facility and the need to introduce modern biosecurity and animal welfare standards which all markets must comply with.

    Work includes the demolition of a former auction building, removal of asbestos across the site, refurbishment of the current auction building and major work to the parking areas and roadways. The repair work required is expected to cost up to £3m.

    Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council, said: “Securing this important vote means we can carry on with our plans to seek legal permission to be able to relocate a new livestock market outside our boundary.

    “As the private bill progresses through parliament there is much more work to be done.

    “This will involve a rigorous assessment and full business case appraisal on two sites close to the A47 that we have identified as possible relocation alternatives.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Charges Several People and Companies in a $280 Million Ponzi Scheme

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced it filed a civil enforcement action in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against:

    • Traders Domain FX LTD. d/b/a The Traders Domain, a St. Vincent and the Grenadines company with principal operations in Canada, and its two co-founders, Fredirick Teddy Joseph Safranko, a/k/a Ted Safranko, of Ontario or British Columbia, Canada, and David William Negus-Romvari of Ontario, Canada and Mexico
    • Ares Global Ltd. d/b/a Trubluefx, a Saint Lucia company
    • Algo Capital LLC, a Florida company
    • Algo FX Capital Advisor LLC n/k/a Quant5 Advisor LLC., a Delaware company with principal operations in Medley, Florida, and four of their officers and agents including Robert Collazo Jr. of Miami Lakes, Florida, Juan Jose Herman a/k/a/ JJ Herman of Miami, John Fortini of North Miami, Florida, and Stephen Likos of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Michael Shannon Sims of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
    • Holton Buggs Jr., of Houston
    • Centurion Capital Group Inc., a Florida company, and three of its officers and agents including Alejandro Santiestaban a/k/a Alex Santi, Gabriel Beltran, both of Hialeah, Florida, and Archie Rice of Fulshear, Texas 

    The complaint alleges that, among other things, the defendants individually, and at times working in conjunction, made material fraudulent representations to their customers and misappropriated customer funds. In sum, more than 2,000 customers deposited no less than $283 million in connection with the alleged fraud.

    The CFTC seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil monetary penalties, restitution, trading and registration bans, and a permanent injunction against further violations of the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC regulations.

    On Oct. 3, Federal District Court Judge Roy K. Altman entered a statutory restraining order against the defendants, freezing their assets, and giving the CFTC immediate access to their books and records. The court scheduled a preliminary injunction hearing for Oct. 29.

    Case Background

    The complaint alleges from at least November 2019 through the present, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari orchestrated a multi-layered scheme to solicit funds for trading leveraged or margined retail commodity transactions, specifically gold-to-U.S. dollar pairs (XAU/USD), as well as assorted other commodities, through pooled and individual accounts. 

    The complaint states TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari made fraudulent and material oral and written misrepresentations and omissions, and misappropriated customer funds. The complaint alleges TD and Safranko falsified trading records and TD’s successor, Trubluefx, further misappropriated customer funds by failing to refund the money despite repeated attempts by thousands of customers to access and/or liquidate their accounts.

    According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari also used other individuals and entities (sponsors) on TD’s behalf, with each sponsor acting like a spoke extending from the TD hub. 

    The sponsors Algo Capital and Algo FX Capital Advisor n/k/a Quant5, and their agents Collazo, Herman, Fortini, and Likos; Sims; Buggs; and Centurion, and its agents Santi, Beltran, and Rice, also fraudulently solicited customers and misappropriated funds. The sponsors actively downplayed red flags and continued to solicit customers, helping to create the false impression customers were participating in legitimate trading even as the scheme was on the brink of collapse.

    In the fall of 2022, customers began to experience extreme withdrawal delays and/or were unable to withdraw their funds. According to the complaint, TD, Safranko, and Negus-Romvari, and the sponsor defendants provided numerous, conflicting excuses for the delays — falsely assuring customers their funds were safe, and withdrawals would be processed. All while the sponsor defendants continued to solicit funds from new and existing customers to be traded in the TD Pool, allowing the defendants to continue their fraudulent scheme for more than six months and bilk customers out of millions of additional dollars.

    The CFTC appreciates the assistance of the National Futures Association, Ontario Securities Commission, the Financial Services Authority Saint Vincent & The Grenadines, Finantsinspektsioon (Estonian Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority), and Vanuatu Financial Services Commission. 

    The Division of Enforcement staff responsible for this matter are Alison B. Wilson, Sean Hennessy, Sarah Wastler, Kelly Folks, Maura Viehmeyer, Michelle Bougas, Erica Bodin, Stephanie Cooper, and Rick Glaser. Jeremy Christianson and Christopher Beatty from the CFTC’s Office of Data and Technology also assisted.

    CFTC’s Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory

    The CFTC has issued several customer protection Fraud Advisories and Articles, including the Commodity Pool Fraud Advisory, which provides information about a type of fraud involving individuals and firms, often unregistered, offering investments in commodity pools. The CFTC also urges the public to verify a company’s registration at NFA BASIC before investing funds. If an entity is unregistered, a customer should be wary of providing funds to that entity.

    Suspicious activities or information, such as possible violations of commodity trading laws, should be reported to the Division of Enforcement via a toll-free hotline 866-FON-CFTC (866-366-2382) or file a tip or complaint online or contact the CFTC Whistleblower Office. Whistleblowers are eligible to receive between 10 and 30 percent of the monetary sanctions collected, paid from the CFTC Customer Protection Fund financed through monetary sanctions paid to the CFTC by violators of the CEA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Latest Canada-India diplomatic tensions are another serious obstacle to an improved relationship

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Saira Bano, Assistant Professor in Political Science, Thompson Rivers University

    Canada-India relations have suffered a major setback after Canadian law enforcement authorities accused Indian agents of involvement in “homicides, extortion, and violent acts” on Canadian soil.

    In response, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Kumar Verma.

    In a tit-for-tat move, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, rejecting Canada’s allegations as “preposterous” and politically motivated, particularly given the Sikh diaspora’s political significance as a key voting bloc for Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government.

    India has consistently denied the accusations and refused to co-operate with the Canadian investigation, which ultimately compelled the federal government to make these allegations public.

    Trudeau has acknowledged the importance of maintaining strong relations with India, but condemned India’s actions targeting pro-Khalistan leaders as “unacceptable.”

    But without a shared understanding of the pro-Khalistan issue, the relationship between the two countries is likely to remain strained. Both nations continue to approach the situation from fundamentally different perspectives.




    Read more:
    The fraught history of India and the Khalistan movement


    Nijjar’s assassination fallout

    Canada-India relations have been strained since Trudeau’s bombshell statement in September 2023, when he accused India of being involved in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan leader based in Canada.

    The Khalistan movement is a separatist movement that aims to establish an independent Sikh state in northern India.

    The assassination led to the expulsion of a senior Indian diplomat linked to the case and a rapid deterioration of bilateral ties, with India expelling Canadian diplomats and suspending visa services. India later demanded the repatriation of 41 Canadian diplomats, citing the principle of diplomatic parity.




    Read more:
    Alleged assassination plots in the U.S. and Canada signal a more assertive Indian foreign policy


    India has long accused Canada of being too lenient on the Khalistan movement, which it views as a serious threat to its national security and territorial integrity.

    The Sikh diaspora in Canada, the largest in the world, includes elements that have supported the pro-Khalistan cause, fuelling India’s concerns. Canada, however, emphasizes the right to freedom of expression, including peaceful protests, as a core tenet of its democratic values.

    In a related incident, the United States revealed in November 2023 that it had thwarted an alleged Indian plot to assassinate a Sikh separatist leader in New York. This development, coupled with Trudeau’s statement in 2023 that there was “credible evidence” linking India to Nijjar’s slaying, has further substantiated concerns over India’s alleged covert actions targeting pro-Khalistan activists.

    India’s strategic calculations

    India’s strategic significance, particularly in counterbalancing China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, adds complexity to its diplomatic relations.




    Read more:
    Justin Trudeau’s India accusation complicates western efforts to rein in China


    India views its alliance with the United States as essential for safeguarding its interests, given the power imbalance with China. The U.S., in turn, sees India as a cornerstone of its Indo-Pacific strategy, with initiatives like the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). It includes the U.S., India, Japan and Australia and is designed to promote the region as an “arc of democracy.”

    Bipartisan support in the U.S. for deepening ties with India has led to expanding defence and economic partnerships, with a growing emphasis on technology transfer as a critical pillar of this relationship.

    During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington, D.C. in June 2023, President Joe Biden’s administration finalized an agreement for the joint production of General Electric (GE) F-414 jet engines.

    At present, only four nations — the U.S., U.K., Russia and France — have the capability to manufacture jet engines, with China still lacking this advanced technology. The GE F-414 collaboration is intended to strengthen U.S.-India defence co-operation and improve their collective ability to counter China’s advancements in defence technology.

    India also plays a central role in Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy, unveiled in 2022. In the official document outlining the strategy, Ottawa described China as a “disruptive power” and emphasized the need to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific nations, particularly India.

    The strategy highlights “India’s growing strategic, economic, and demographic importance” as key to achieving Canada’s geo-strategic objectives. As part of this approach, Canada committed to negotiating a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with India. But due to the diplomatic tensions sparked by Canada’s allegations, these negotiations have been suspended.

    The West’s disapproval

    The Modi government may have calculated that India’s strategic value to the West would shield it from criticism over its handling of pro-Khalistani activists abroad. However, the unequivocal response from both the U.S. and Canada suggests otherwise, with the West making it clear that such actions are unacceptable, regardless of India’s strategic significance.

    India will probably continue to deny Canada’s accusations and further sever diplomatic ties in an enduring dispute that will affect all aspects of the bilateral relationship.

    From Canada’s perspective, Indian actions on Canadian soil represent a blatant violation of sovereignty. Ottawa expects co-operation and assurances from India that such transnational repression will not occur in the future. From India’s point of view, it’s a matter of national security issue as Canada appeases pro-Khalistan elements.

    While the Indian diaspora has generally been an asset for the Modi government in fostering relations with western countries, the Sikh diaspora in Canada has been a significant hurdle in improving ties.

    Without a common denominator to reconcile these differing perspectives, the relationship between the two countries is likely to remain strained, despite broader strategic factors that would otherwise encourage closer ties.

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

    – ref. Latest Canada-India diplomatic tensions are another serious obstacle to an improved relationship – https://theconversation.com/latest-canada-india-diplomatic-tensions-are-another-serious-obstacle-to-an-improved-relationship-241406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman to leave tonight for an official visit to Mexico and USA from 17th to 26th October 2024

    Union Finance Minister to attend Annual Meetings of the IMF-World Bank

    FM will also take part in  G20 Finance Ministers & Central Bank Governors meetings besides bilateral meetings with many countries and organisations

    Smt. Sitharaman will engage in multilateral discussions on multiple fora and also showcase India’s attractiveness as an investment destination

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 5:38PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman will embark on a visit to Mexico and USA on an official visit beginning 16th October, 2024.

    During the official leg of her maiden visit to Mexico from 17th to 20th October 2024, the Union Finance Minister will lead an Indian delegation of officials from the Ministry of Finance, underscoring a positive trajectory of growing bilateral economic and trade relations between the two countries.

    Beginning her visit in Guadalajara, Union Finance Minister Smt. Sitharaman will chair the Tech Leaders Roundtable that will bring together global technology leaders, including the major Indian IT giants present in Guadalajara. Later, Smt. Sitharaman will also visit the TCS headquarters in Guadalajara — a significant contributor to the Mexican IT ecosystem and known as the ‘Silicon Valley’ of Mexico with a significant presence of major global IT and tech companies. 

    Smt. Sitharaman will also hold a bilateral meeting with her counterpart H.E. Mr. Rogelio Ramirez de la O, Minister of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico. Besides, the Union Finance Minister will also hold discussions with several members of the Mexican Parliament to strengthen parliamentary cooperation and foster economic development.

    In Mexico City, Smt. Sitharaman will deliver a keynote address at the India-Mexico Trade and Investment Summit with participation from key industry captains from both the countries. Separately, Smt. Sitharaman will also engage with leading business figures and industry representatives from Mexico. These meetings with leading business leaders and investors are aimed at highlighting India’s policy priorities, and deliberate on measures to facilitate foreign investment by showcasing India’s attractiveness as an investment destination.

    In the last leg of her maiden visit to Mexico, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a community event, being hosted by the Indian diaspora.

    During the official leg of her visit to the USA from 20th to 26th Oct. 2024, Smt. Sitharaman will participate in the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, the 4th G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governor (FMCBG) Meetings, besides the G20 Joint Meeting of FMCBGs, Environment Ministers, and Foreign Ministers; and G7 – Africa Ministerial Roundtable.

    In the course of her two-city visit to New York City and Washington D.C., the Union Finance Minister will participate in the Pension Funds Roundtable at New York Stock Exchange; interact with students and faculty at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and also at the Columbia University; and the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR) and take part in discussions organised by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) respectively.

    The Union Finance Minister will take part in bilateral meetings with several countries, including United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Germany, besides holding one-on-one meetings with heads of World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and CEOs of banking and financial institutions.

    In a high-level event, the Union Finance Minister will participate in a World Bank Group discussion ‘From Idea to Implementation: New Financial Solutions to Accelerate Development’.

    The Union Finance Minister will also share her thoughts during a discussion on Bretton Woods Institutions (BWI) with other panelists, Mr. Lawrence H. Summers; Mr. Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Business, Spain; and Ms. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Egypt. The event is organised by the Centre for Global Development (CGD).

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2065036) Visitor Counter : 100

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Day 2 of the 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities Workshop Concludes at Yashobhoomi, New Delhi

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 6:58PM by PIB Delhi

    The second day (15th October 2024) of 19th International Conference of Drug Regulatory Authorities (ICDRA) workshop happening in Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka, New Delhi, concluded today. There were a number of technical presentations and moderated panel discussion on the regulatory framework of various regulatory agencies across the world.

    Yesterday, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare inaugurated the 19th ICDRA. The event which is being hosted for the first time in India, from 14th – 18th October 2024 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) brought together regulatory authorities, policymakers, and health officials from different WHO member states.

    The purpose of 19th ICDRA is to facilitate focused discussions on quality issues, regulatory reforms and strengthening regulatory systems, safety of medical products, detection, prevention and response to substandard and falsified medical products, access to quality medical products, smart regulation of clinical trials, regulatory collaboration, harmonization, rationalization and reliance, access to new and novel technologies, regulation of novel medical products, regulation of herbal medicines, etc.

    During the workshop, co-moderators, Speakers and panellists from different countries like Singapore, Switzerland, South Africa, Brazil, Uganda, Tanzania, Netherlands, Canada, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Thailand, El Salvador, Nigeria, USA, Ghana, Kenya, Botswana, Denmark, and India delivered presentations on a range of issues like Access to Medical Products, Quality of Pharmaceutical Starting Materials, Regulation of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products and Replacing, Reducing and Refining dependence on animal studies, Improving Access to Medical Devices (including IVDs) Through Prequalification and Reliance and Prequalification of Medical Products etc. The African Medicines Agency provided update on the operationalisation of the AMA.

    The main objective of the presentations was to discuss the impact of facilitated product introduction pathways on increasing access to medical products. They aimed to promote awareness of the dimensions and impact of issues related to the quality of pharmaceutical starting materials, sharing experiences, approaches, and interventions from regulators and other stakeholders, with a focus on high-risk starting materials. The presentations also sought to promote the establishment of robust regulatory frameworks for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products, raise awareness and create opportunities for replacing, reducing, and refining reliance on animal studies, and provide information on the WHO prequalification of IVDs. Additionally, they explained the processes of reliance and recognition through prequalification and the Collaborative Registration Procedure (CRP), while addressing the successes and challenges of implementing reliance for IVD pre-market approval, and promoting the WHO Prequalification of Medicines (WHO PQT).

    The presentations were followed by moderated panel discussions, Q&A sessions and finalization of recommendation/suggestions.

    ***

    MV

    HFW/ 2nd Day of ICDRA /15th October 2024/1

    (Release ID: 2065079) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India and Colombia sign Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement to boost film co-production and cultural ties

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 15 OCT 2024 7:18PM by PIB Delhi

    India and Columbia have signed the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement which will enable Indian and Colombian film producers to utilize a platform for collaboration on various facets of film making. The agreement is expected to deepen the engagement between the critical sectors of the film industries of both countries thereby, unfolding a new chapter of collaboration. The agreement was signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan and His Excellency Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodriguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia to India.

    Colombia – 17th Country to sign Audio Visual co-production Agreement with India

    The agreement between India and Columbia is expected to benefit producers from both the countries in pooling their creative, artistic, technical, financial and marketing resources for the co-production. It will also lead to exchange of art and culture and create goodwill among the people of both the countries thereby boosting cultural ties.

    The agreement will also provide an opportunity to create and showcase India’s ‘Soft Power’ and lead to employment generation among artistic, technical and non-technical human resources engaged in film production including post-production and marketing.

    The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan, highlighted the strengthening cultural and cooperative ties between India and Colombia. Speaking on the long-standing relationship, the Minister emphasized India’s diverse and multi-dimensional collaboration with Colombia.

    “India has enjoyed a rich cultural exchange with Colombia over the years. We have cooperation in various fields, including science and technology, defence, IIT, health, and culture. The Government of India acknowledges the importance of co-production agreements, a significant step towards fostering international partnerships. Our first co-production agreement was a landmark moment, and we have consistently built on that foundation,” said the Minister.

    The agreement is expected to boost the utilization of Indian locales for shooting. It will increase the visibility/prospects of India as a preferred film shooting destination across the globe and will lead to the inflow of foreign exchange into the country. The agreement will also lead to the transparent funding of Film Production and will boost export of Indian Films into the Columbian Market.

    Audio-visual co-production agreements with various countries

    Earlier, the Government of India had signed similar agreements with the Government of Italian Republic and Government of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in 2005, Federal Republic of Germany in 2007, Government of the Federative Republic of Brazil in 2007, Republic of France in 2010, Republic of New Zealand in 2011, Republic of Poland and Republic of Spain in 2012.  More recent agreements were signed with Canada and China in 2014, Republic of Korea in 2015, Bangladesh in 2016, Portugal in 2017, Israel in 2018, Russia in 2019 and Australia in 2023.

    Agreements unlock Government financial aid and support

    The Co-production agreements signed so far seek to achieve economic, cultural and diplomatic goals. For filmmakers, the key attraction of a treaty co-production is that it qualifies as a national production in each of the partner nations and can avail benefits that are available to the local film and television industry in each country. Benefits accruing from such agreements include government financial assistance, tax concessions and inclusion in domestic television broadcast quotas.

    Enhanced financial support for official co productions and foreign productions in India

    India has increased the incentives for film production in India including for coproductions 12 times with the maximum incentive possible being 300 Million Rupees. The incentives scheme for official co-productions offers reimbursement of up to 30% of costs incurred in India, with a maximum of ₹300 Million. Services undertaken in India for Foreign Productions can claim an additional bonus of 5% for showcasing Significant Indian Content subject to a maximum of INR 300 Million. A further 5% can be claimed for employing 15% or more Indian manpower raising the reimbursement to 40% of the expenses.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, announced about India’s upcoming role as a global platform for the best in cinema, media, and entertainment. “Starting from the 20th of November, India will be hosting the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa which will showcase the best cinema from across the world and within India. ” said the Secretary.

    The Secretary also highlighted that in February 2025, India will also be hosting the much-anticipated World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) which will witness the convergence of traditional broadcasting, films, and new forms of media and entertainment, marking a pivotal moment in the future of the industry.

    Participants from Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India –

    I.          Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting

    II.        Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (I&B)

    III.       Ms. Neerja Shekhar, Additional Secretary(I&B)

    IV.       Ms. Vrunda Manohar Desai, Joint Secretary (Films)

    V.        Ms. Shilpa Rao Tanugula, Director, (IIS, IIMC, CRS)

    Participants from Republic of Colombia

    I.          H.E. Mr. Jorge Enrique Rojas Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia (Head of Delegation)

    II.        H.E. Dr. Victor H. Echeverri Jaramillo, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to India

    III.       Mr. Juan Carlos Rojas, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Colombia to India

    IV.       Ms. Laura Montejo Espitia, First Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia

    V.        Ms. Alejandra María Rodríguez, Second Secretary, Embassy of Colombia to India

    VI.       Mrs. Minni Sawhney, Resource person.

    *****

    Dharmendra Tiwari/Kshitij Singha

    (Release ID: 2065093) Visitor Counter : 9

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Australia: Australia’s new Humanitarian Policy

    Source: Australian Government – Minister of Foreign Affairs

    The Australian Government has launched a landmark new Humanitarian Policy to set the long-term direction and focus for Australia’s humanitarian action to ensure it saves lives, alleviates human suffering, and builds resilient communities.

    Right now, there is more conflict than any time since the Second World War and the worsening impacts of climate change mean Australia’s humanitarian action must be fit for our times and the future.

    The Policy outlines the role Australia will play when need is outstripping the world’s capacity to respond, and disregard for international humanitarian law is increasing.

    The new Humanitarian Policy focuses on three priorities:

    • Building readiness and preparedness to anticipate shocks before they occur and working with our international partners to lessen their impact;
    • Responding to crises and disasters by delivering support that meets the needs of crisis-affected populations and protects the most vulnerable immediately and in the long-term; and
    • Reinforcing the international humanitarian system and taking principled and practical steps to strengthen adherence to international humanitarian law.

    The Policy maintains Australia’s focus on the Indo-Pacific, where Australia can make the greatest impact, drawing on our strengths and deep relationships.

    Australia will also provide $5 million to support a newly-established Asia-Pacific Regional Humanitarian Fund to rapidly respond to escalation in humanitarian needs in complex crises and disasters in our region.

    The launch of the Policy complements the Albanese Government’s global initiative to drive action to protect aid workers in conflict zones, announced at the United Nations last month.

    Australia brought together ministers from Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Sierra Leone, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom who agreed to pursue a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

    “Australia has a proud history of supporting those in need during conflict and crises, but a changing world requires a new approach.

    “The new Humanitarian Policy is not just about saving lives and meeting humanitarian needs. It is also about protecting the peace, stability and prosperity that we want for Australia, our region and the world.

    “It is ultimately about shaping a world where humanitarian assistance is needed far less often.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

    “When Australia’s friends and neighbours need help, we respond – just as they have consistently helped Australia in our own times of need.

    “Our new Humanitarian Policy builds on the relationships and partnerships we have forged over time, enabling even stronger support when disaster strikes.

    “It continues our tradition of leadership and principled humanitarian action as a partner of choice, while better positioning us for the challenges of the future.”

    MIL OSI News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘Change the planet, change everything’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    A more recent European Investment Bank deal is the €200 million loan in 2023 to the logistics company CTP to cover its buildings’ rooftops with solar panels.

    This firm has 11 million square metres of rooftops in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and the Netherlands. CTP hopes to create as much as 400 MWp of capacity by the end of 2026. MWp stands for “megawatt peak,” a measure of the output of power from sunshine. CTP estimates it could generate up to 10% of its profits from solar panels, if the company sells the electricity created from installations on the roofs of all its factories and fulfilment centres.

    “Solar panels on rooftops do not use farmland,” says David González García, a lead engineer at the European Investment Bank. “This project creates a new use on top of something that’s already useful.”

    For sheer size, it’s hard to beat the deal the European Investment Bank approved in 2023 with Solaria, the Spanish solar company. It’s €1.7 billion, to build more than 100 solar power plants in Spain, Italy and Portugal. The plants will be built over the next few years and produce an estimated 9.29 terawatt hours a year.

    And even though Solaria’s parks won’t sit on rooftops like those of CTP, they won’t eat up all the land that could otherwise be used for farming. Solaria and other installation companies are developing parks that use unobtrusive cabling and mounting systems that sit higher off the ground to let livestock graze safely. This is important for countries like Italy, which has a lot of sun but whose state laws protect arable land.

    “We have to evolve our types of solar installations and our locations to keep growing,” says Lopez, the Solaria general manager. “We have been very successful in Spain and Portugal, but we need to find ways to go to new places. We think Europe is the place to be because it has big goals for green power.”

    Hemetsberger of SolarPower Europe encourages developers to promote “agri-solar” farming. Using 1% of arable land for solar parks in Europe would generate 900 gigawatts of electricity, while allowing farmers to use the same land, she says. The solar parks also can protect crops by shielding them from the harsh sun, reduce water evaporation, and give farmers an extra income.



    MIL OSI Europe News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: APA Corporation Announces Retirement of General Counsel Anthony Lannie and Promotion of David J. Bernal to Vice President Legal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Oct. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — APA Corporation (Nasdaq: APA) announces the retirement of executive vice president and general counsel Anthony Lannie, effective Oct. 9, 2024. David J. Bernal has been promoted to vice president Legal and acting general counsel.

    Mr. Bernal joined APA in 2008 and has handled commercial litigation and counseled executives and senior management. During his time at APA, Mr. Bernal has supported numerous initiatives across the company, both domestic and international, and provided mentorship for the legal team. Previously, after appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, Mr. Bernal served as a Texas state district judge, presiding over hundreds of jury and bench trials, evidentiary hearings and other motions involving various types of civil litigation. From 1995 to 2003, Mr. Bernal was a legal associate at both Baker Botts and King & Spalding. 

    “I look forward to David’s leadership and counsel as he takes the helm of the corporate legal function, and I want to personally thank Anthony for his 21 years of dedicated service as General Counsel and commitment to APA as he moves into retirement,” said John J. Christmann, IV, CEO of APA Corporation.

    About APA

    APA Corporation owns consolidated subsidiaries that explore for and produce oil and natural gas in the United States, Egypt and the United Kingdom and that explore for oil and natural gas offshore Suriname and elsewhere. APA posts announcements, operational updates, investor information and press releases on its website, http://www.apacorp.com.

    Contacts

    Investor: (281) 302-2286 Gary Clark
    Media: (713) 296-7276 Alexandra Franceschi

    Website: http://www.apacorp.com

    APA-G

    The MIL Network –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Translation: 15/10/2024 Varsovia | KPRM Prime Minister Ministro: We are here for the people

    MIL AXIS Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    A year has passed since the elections on October 15, 2023. Before the start of the Council of Ministers meeting, Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the voters, thanking them for their trust. The Prime Minister also thanked the ministers and their colleagues for their hard work over the past year. Joint actions for the country and changes for the better are among the key goals of this government. Exactly one year ago, millions of Polish women and men decided for a new, better vision of Poland. Their dedication and concern for the fate of the country was particularly visible in front of the polling stations, which were open to voters until late at night. “We are not the heroes of this day, but millions of Polish women and men. They gave us a chance and we cannot waste it. The year was not easy. I know how much heart, effort, courage you all put into what we do and I also know how often our voters and not only our voters say: too little, too slow, you are arguing. Let us also draw conclusions from this and remember to be humble, that we are here for the people, not for ourselves,” Donald Tusk addressed the members of the government. The Prime Minister admitted that the trust of citizens is not only an honor, but above all an obligation. End of the state of natural disaster 15 days of 2024 para tomar is the last day of the state of natural disaster in the areas affected by the flood. “From tomorrow, life returns to normal in the legal sense, but of course this is only the beginning of this great process of reconstruction,” noted Prime Minister. The fate of those affected by the natural disaster, their support and safety are priority issues for the government. European funds will also be involved in the reconstruction process. Do not give in to migration pressure The main topic of the government meeting was the crisis on the border of Poland and Belarus. Illegal migration and the chaos in this area caused by the governments of our predecessors caused our country to change its status from an emigration country to an immigration country. “I know how much emotion this raises and I wanted to tell everyone who participates in this debate and is involved in this issue of migration pressure on the Polish border – because we may differ in opinions and we may also have goals that result from the location, an activist from a non-governmental organization who works for the benefit of people with the best intentions, for deeply ethical reasons, will look at it differently, and the head of the Border Guard or a policewoman who guards this border against forcible crossing has a different duty. The government has other tasks, but today we should also say it out loud that everyone deserves absolute respect,” stated the Prime Minister. The response to the enormous migration pressure is coherent actions, specified in the document “Regaining control. Ensuring security. A comprehensive and responsible migration strategy for Poland for the years 2025-2030”. In solidarity in the fight On the occasion of World Breast Cancer Day, members of the government presented at the meeting with pink ribbons. This is a sign of solidarity with women fighting cancer. In Poland, 19,000 women receive information about the disease every year, which means that every day over 50 Polish women learn that they have breast cancer. Women between the ages of 45 and 74 are entitled to a free mammogram every two years. Only 30% of them use it regularly. The tests can be performed in over 350 stationary offices: https://gsl.nfz.gov.pl/GSL/GSL/ProgramyProfilaktyczne or in over 80 mammobuses: https://pacjent.gov.pl/zapobiegaj/zbadaj-piersi-mammobus- przyjedzie-do-ciebie.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Translation: 15/10/2024 Estimated execution of the state budget in the period January – September 2024

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The estimated execution of the state budget in the period January – September 2024 in relation to the Budget Act for 2024 amounted to:

    I earn

    460.2

    PLN billion,

    i.e.

    67.4

    %

    expenses

    567.5

    PLN billion,

    i.e.

    65.5

    %

    deficit

    107.3

    PLN billion,

    i.e.

    58.3

    %

     State budget revenues in the period January – September 2024 In the period January – September 2024, state budget revenues amounted to approx. PLN 460.2 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 42.2 billion (i.e. 10.1%) compared to the same period of the previous year (PLN 418.0 billion, i.e. 69.5% of the plan). Tax revenues of the state budget amounted to PLN 411.5 billion and were higher compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023. Está bien. PLN 44.7 million (i.e. 12.2%), including: IVA tax revenues amounted to PLN 217.2 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 36.0 billion (i.e. 19.9%) compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023, excise tax revenues amounted to PLN 65.8 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 4.2 billion (i.e. 6.8%) compared to the results in the period January – September 2023. , PIT tax revenues amounted to PLN 68.4 billion and were higher by approx. PLN 12.3 billion (i.e. 22.0%) compared to the performance in the period January – September 2023, CIT tax revenues amounted to PLN 45, PLN 2 billion and were lower by approximately PLN 9.0 billion (i.e. 16.6%) compared to the implementation in the period January – September 2023. In the period January – September 2024, the implementation of non-tax revenues amounted to PLN 47.5 billion and was lower by approximately PLN 2.2 billion (i.e. 4.3%) compared to the performance in the period January – September 2023. Income from IVA in September this year. were higher by PLN 2.7 billion, i.e. 13.3% y/y and amounted to bien. PLN 22.9 million. Execution of income from The IVA in September concerned economic transactions completed  in August. Retail sales had a positive impact on the dynamics of VAT revenues, which increased nominally by 3.2% y/y in August.CIT revenues in September this year. turned out to be significantly higher than those obtained in September 2023. This is mainly due to different deadlines for the annual CIT settlement in 2023 and 2024. In particular, September 2023 was the month in which last year’s refunds of overpaid tax were concentrated. In turn, returns in 2024 have already taken place in previous months. Additionally, due to the system of equal shares in CIT revenues for local government units throughout the year, all refunds are visible on the budget side. September 2024 was also the first month in which taxpayers affected by the flood could benefit from state aid in the form of, among others, deferment of payment deadlines for PIT and CIT advances and IVA payments. State budget expenditure in the period January – September 2024. The execution of state budget expenditure in the period January – September 2024 amounted to bien. PLN 567.5 million, i.e. 65.5% of the plan, at the same time it was higher by approximately PLN 114.8 million (i.e. 25.4%) compared to the same period in 2023 (PLN 452.7 million, i.e. 65.3% of the plan). In the period January – September 2024, the highest expenses were recorded in the following parts of the state budget: Social Insurance Institution – in the amount of PLN 124.7 billion, i.e. 69.5% of the plan, General subsidies for local government units territorial – in the amount of PLN 96.1 billion, i.e. 81.5% of the plan, National Defense – in the amount of PLN 66.2 billion, i.e. 56.2% of the plan, State Treasury debt servicing – in the amount of PLN 39.6 billion, i.e. 59 .5% of the plan, Voivodes’ budgets – in the amount of PLN 39.1 billion, i.e. 77.2% of the plan, Internal affairs – in the amount of PLN 31.4 billion, i.e. 70.1% of the plan, EU’s own funds – in the amount of PLN 23.9 PLN billion, i.e. 69.2% of the plan, Higher education and science – in the amount of PLN 22.8 billion, i.e. 72.5% of the plan. Comparing the implementation of expenditure in the period January – September 2024 with the period January – September 2023, a higher implementation was recorded in part 73 – Social Insurance Institution (more by approximately PLN 52.2 billion), which was related to the implementation of the “Family 800+” program – from January 1, 2024, the amount of the childcare benefit increased from PLN 500 to PLN 800. However, in terms of the subsidy transferred to the Social Insurance Fund for the payment of benefits guaranteed by the state, the implementation amounted to PLN 39.2 billion and was higher than the implementation after nine months of 2023 by PLN 7.8 billion, i.e. Está bien. 24.7%. In April and September, an additional annual cash benefit, the so-called thirteenth and fourteenth pensions, which last year were financed from the Solidarity Fund. Under part 82 – General subsidies for local government units, the implementation was higher by PLN 17.5 billion, due to an increase in expenditure in the educational part of the general subsidy as a result of an increase in the Day for teachers by 30%. Moreover, in 2024, for the first time, funds were transferred for the development part of the general subsidy for local government units. In part 85 – Voivodes’ budgets, the implementation was higher by approximately PLN 8.0 billion, mainly in the field of family benefits, benefits from the maintenance fund, permanent benefits and funds provided for kindergartens, as well as district headquarters of the State Fire Service and Sanitary Service, as well as funds for internships and medical specializations. More funds were also provided to ensure students have the right to free access to textbooks and educational materials. Additionally, due to the flood situation in southern Poland, a new special-purpose reserve was created in the state budget in September (supplementing the existing funds for this purpose) to prevent natural disasters and remove their effects. The first tranches of funds for the payment of targeted benefits to families or persons affected by the flood were transferred to voivodes in September. Further funds are gradually released in line with the inflow of applications. In part 29 – National defense, the implementation was higher by PLN 6.5 billion, including: in connection with the purchase of military equipment and armament and the transfer of funds to the Armed Forces Support Fund. In part 79 – Service of the State Treasury debt, more funds were transferred for expenses by PLN 1.7 billion compared to the same period of the previous year, which is the result of an increase in the level serviced debt and the distribution of its service. In part 84 – EU own funds, PLN 1.6 billion more was transferred, which was mainly due to the settlement in March this year. underpayments to the EU budget due to VAT and GNI adjustments for previous years by increasing the contribution installment for this month. More information on the implementation of the state budget.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The ELN must recommit to the ceasefire in Colombia: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

    Location:
    United Nations, New York
    Delivered on:
    15 October 2024 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered)

    Foreign Minister Murillo, Interior Minister Cristo, the UK welcomes your commitment to building sustainable peace in Colombia and your renewed focus on the implementation of the 2016 Peace Agreement. 

    We welcome your Rapid Response Plan and the prioritisation of interventions that respond to the needs expressed by conflict-affected communities, as well as your focus on land issues and security guarantees. 

    I also thank Beatriz Quintero for her briefing today.  Implementation of the gender provisions of the peace agreement remains essential for building sustainable peace in Colombia. It should be accelerated.

    We look forward to the launch of Colombia’s first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, and trust that its energetic implementation will help reduce the impacts of conflict on women and girls from communities across the country.

    We also welcome the government’s continued efforts to implement the ‘Comprehensive Programme for the Safeguarding of Women Leaders and Human Rights Defenders’ which is critical to protecting and promoting women’s leadership in Colombia.

    President, we remain concerned by the levels of conflict-related violence, especially against peace signatories, human rights defenders, social leaders, environmental activists, women and LGBTQ+ persons, with a disproportionate impact on Afro-Colombian and indigenous communities.

    Their safety and security are critical and crucial to long-term peacebuilding in Colombia. We support the government’s efforts to dismantle illegal armed groups and the reactivation of the National Commission of Security Guarantees.

    We are disappointed by the ELN’s failure to respond positively to the Colombian government’s proposals for extending the ceasefire. We condemn the increased levels of violence perpetrated by the ELN since 23 August. 

    And we call upon the ELN to re-commit to dialogue and a ceasefire and hope progress will be made to this end in the upcoming discussion between the parties. Actions must focus on alleviating the suffering of affected communities and demonstrate a pathway towards peace.

    We also call upon the factions of the group known as EMC that have remained in dialogue with the government to use that process to renounce violence and illicit activities and pursue their aims through political means.

    Colleagues, in conclusion, the United Kingdom will continue to partner with and support Colombia along its path to sustainable peace. As we reach the eighth anniversary of the 2016 Peace Agreement, we must continue to drive forward its full implementation to achieve real and lasting change.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Colombia: Shared Commitments for Women, Peace and Security – Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Joint Statement by the Security Council signatories of the Statement of Shared Commitments for the Principles of Women, Peace and Security: Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, on the situation in Colombia.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NhuXewuGX0

    MIL OSI Video –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces changes in the senior ranks of the public service

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the following changes in the senior ranks of the public service:

    Christiane (Chris) Fox, currently Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and Associate Secretary to the Cabinet, will serve concurrently as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.

    Philip Jennings, currently Executive Director, Canada, Ireland, and the Caribbean, International Monetary Fund, becomes Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, effective November 4, 2024.

    Tricia Geddes, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Public Safety, becomes Deputy Minister of Public Safety, effective October 31, 2024.

    Daniel Rogers, currently Deputy National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Emergency Preparedness), Privy Council Office, becomes Director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, effective October 28, 2024.

    Tushara Williams, currently Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Privy Council Office, becomes Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.

    Kaili Levesque, currently Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Operations), Privy Council Office, becomes Associate Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, effective October 21, 2024.

    Kevin Brosseau, currently Associate Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, becomes Deputy National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister and Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet (Emergency Preparedness), Privy Council Office, effective October 21, 2024.

    The Prime Minister also congratulated the following individuals on their recent and upcoming retirements and departures from the public service after years of tireless efforts serving Canadians, and he wished them the best in their future endeavours:

    • Simon Kennedy, former Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
    • Shawn Tupper, Deputy Minister of Public Safety
    • Catherine Luelo, former Senior Official at the Privy Council Office

    Biographical Notes

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 23, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Air Force Member Indicted for 2019 Sexual Assault at Air Base in the United Kingdom

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A former U.S. Air Force member was charged in an indictment unsealed today in the Southern District of Florida with sexually assaulting another service member at Royal Air Force Mildenhall, United Kingdom, in May 2019.

    The indictment charges James Loubeau, 36, of Miami, with one count of sexual abuse and two counts of abusive sexual contact. Loubeau made his initial court appearance today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

    According to the indictment, on May 4, 2019, Loubeau sexually assaulted the victim at Royal Air Force Mildenhall. Loubeau was later discharged from the Air Force in March 2020. The charges were brought under the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (MEJA), which establishes U.S. jurisdiction over certain offenses committed abroad by, among others, persons who served with the armed forces but who are no longer subject to military prosecution.

    If convicted, Loubeau faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Markenzy Lapointe for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Michael Koellner of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI); and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri of FBI’s Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    The Air Force OSI and FBI are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney Ryan Lipes of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Arielle Klepach for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 23, 2025
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