NewzIntel.com

Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched after man fatally stabbed in Ilford

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a man was found stabbed at a residential property in Ilford.

    Police were called at 01.06hrs on Friday, 4 October to reports of a stabbing in Chapel Road, Ilford.

    Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a 50-year-old man suffering from a stab injury in the corridor of a block of flats.

    Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at 01:30hrs.

    His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

    The investigation is being led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

    Officers carried out fast-paced enquiries and three men, aged 40, 36 and 28, were arrested shortly after on suspicion of murder. They were taken to an east London police station where they remain in custody.

    Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Basford, who is in charge of policing for the East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “My thoughts are first and foremost with the man’s friends and family. I understand this incident will cause concern in the local community, but I’d like to reassure you that this investigation is progressing at pace led by specialist detectives.

    “However, I’d encourage anyone who has any information who hasn’t spoken to us yet to get in touch. My officers will continue to patrol the area over the next few days to offer reassurance and listen to your concerns.”

    Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who is leading the investigation, said: “My team have been busy carrying out a number of enquiries and we have already arrested three people in connection with the murder. However, our investigation continues and I’d appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how small, to contact my team so we can ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.”

    Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 quoting CAD 298/04OCT. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: AFRICA/TOGO – 19 dead in attack on border post on Burkina Faso

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: The Holy See in Italian

    Video of the assault released by JNIM

    Lomé (Agenzia Fides) – The toll of the attack conducted on the night between 1 and 2 October in Fanworgou, a border town between Togo and Burkina Faso, is 19 dead. A commando of armed men attacked a contingent of Togolese soldiers charged with monitoring the border and protecting the workers of a local company charged with building a protective barrier to prevent the infiltration of armed groups present in Burkina Faso. The commando managed to overcome the barriers already built and attacked the patrols of the Togolese soldiers. They then attacked the hut where the workers were resting and destroyed some of the contractor’s equipment. There were 19 victims on the ground: 9 soldiers and 10 civilians. The injured are at least 8 civilians and 4 soldiers. The army intervened by sending reinforcements and armed helicopters. According to testimonies collected, the attackers included women and children. The attack has not been claimed but occurred about 4 km east of the one on 20 July this year in Kpenkankandi, which cost the lives of at least twenty-one Togolese soldiers, which had been claimed by JNIM (Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wa al-Muslimin “Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims”), which had posted on its social media some footage of the attack taken by its own drone. JNIM, affiliated with Al Qaeda, which operates in the Sahel belt between Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, is trying to expand its activities towards the West African states bordering the Atlantic Ocean, such as Togo. In the region bordering Burkina Faso, a state of emergency has been declared since 2022 to deal with armed incursions from the neighbouring state. The border areas of Togo and Burkina Faso and the latter with Benin have long been crossed by tensions linked to the presence of jihadist and criminal groups engaged in illicit trafficking (see Fides 6/10/2023). (LM) (Agenzia Fides 4/10/2024)Share:

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-Evening Report: OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Colin Campbell-Hunt, Emeritus Professor in Business, University of Otago

    Getty Images

    Recent research showing the richest New Zealanders pay less tax than their counterparts in nine similar OECD countries raises, yet again, serious questions about wealth, equality and fairness.

    How unequal is the distribution of income in New Zealand? How do we compare with some of the countries we might benchmark against? And, if we don’t like what we see, can we change it?

    The metric most widely used by economists to measure inequality in incomes is called the Gini coefficient (named after the Italian statistician Corrado Gini who developed it).

    It brings together income data across all households, typically divided into groupings of 10% or 20% of the total. When there is no inequality of incomes between groups, Gini equals zero. When the top group captures all income, Gini equals 1.

    Measuring inequality

    The graph below shows Gini coefficients, before taxes and welfare payments (known as “transfers”), for all 37 countries in the OECD in 2019 (before the COVID pandemic disrupted household surveys). Ginis are ranked left to right, from least to most unequal.

    The Gini before taxes and transfers is a measure of the inequality produced by the structures of a country’s economy: the way value chains operate, the markets for products and services, the scarcity of certain skills, rates of unionisation, and so on.

    This gives us a measure of structural inequalities in a country. Governments, however, use taxes and transfers to shift income between households. They take taxes from some and boost incomes of the more disadvantaged.

    Ginis of incomes after taxes and transfers give us a measure of how well members of a society can support similar standards of living. They are shown in the following graph, again from least to most unequal. These give us a measure of social inequalities.

    Focusing just on social inequality, it is no surprise Scandinavian countries are among the least unequal, as well as Canada and Ireland. Neither is it surprising the UK and US approach the highest levels of social inequality in the OECD.

    Inequalities in Australia and New Zealand lie between these, but further from the Scandinavians and closer to the Anglo-Americans.

    Social inequality in NZ

    When we look at the difference between structural and social inequalities, we can see the extent to which taxes and transfers – government redistribution of income – reduce inequality.

    As we can see, New Zealand’s structural inequality, shaped by the economic reforms of the mid-1980s, is middling by comparison to other OECD countries.

    But New Zealand’s social inequality lies near the bottom third of OECD measures. A halving of top income tax rates in the mid-1980s and the rollback of the welfare state in the 1990s (after then finance minister Ruth Richardson’s 1991 “mother of all budgets”) significantly contributed to this.

    The downward columns in the following graph show the effect of government redistributive measures, ranked from most to least active. The result of these government redistributions in New Zealand is weaker even than in the laissez-faire economies of the United Kingdom and United States.

    Where does NZ sit?

    How do New Zealand’s inequalities compare with countries we might choose to benchmark against?

    Below, the Scandinavian countries famous for their egalitarian social systems are shown in orange. In green are countries that tolerate slightly higher social inequality: Sweden, Canada and Ireland.

    And the UK and US – exemplars of free-market capitalism that were the models for New Zealand’s reforms of the mid-1980s – are highlighted in grey.

    Reducing inequality

    How hard would it be to change? Could New Zealand, for example, reduce its level of social inequality to match Canada? Absolutely, yes.

    Other OECD data show Canada significantly cut its inequalities between 2010 and 2019. The country moved from a position identical to Luxembourg (haven for Europe’s wealthy) to be roughly level with Sweden.

    To match Canada’s level now, New Zealand would need to reduce structural inequalities further, or redistribute about as much as Norway and Denmark do. It can be done, in other words.

    Indeed, Finland shows government redistributions can transform some of the worst levels of structural inequality to produce outcomes comparable to other Scandinavian countries.

    New Zealand can aspire to goals for social equality matching those in the upper half of OECD countries. Beyond revisions to taxation and transfers, inequalities in health and education would also need to come down to reduce the social and economic costs of poverty and disadvantage that should bring shame to us all.

    The author acknowledges the contribution of data provided by Max Rashbrooke.

    Colin Campbell-Hunt 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. OECD comparisons reveal an unflattering picture of inequality in NZ – could that change? – https://theconversation.com/oecd-comparisons-reveal-an-unflattering-picture-of-inequality-in-nz-could-that-change-239306

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: France/Azerbaijan: Killing of President Aliyev’s critic exposes failures to protect exiled activists

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the fatal stabbing of Azerbaijani human rights defender Vidadi Isgandarli in France, where he had been living in exile, Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s Researcher for South Caucasus, said:

    “The violent death of Vidadi Isgandarli must be effectively and promptly investigated. We call on the French authorities to consider all possible motives for his killing, including his criticism of the Azeri president and government, which was the reason for his exile. This heinous crime must be addressed urgently, and all those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to justice in fair trials.

    We call on the French authorities to consider all possible motives for his killing, including his criticism of the Azeri president and government, which was the reason for his exile

    Natalia Nozadze, Amnesty International’s Researcher for South Caucasus

    “This is the second time in recent years that an Azerbaijani living in exile in France has been the victim of a knife attack. The French government must ensure effective protection of individuals at risk who are seeking international protection in France. The world needs to know who is responsible for these attacks against Azerbaijani emigres on French soil and steps taken to prevent this happening again.”

    Background

    Vidadi Isgandarli, a human rights defender known for his outspoken criticism of Azerbaijan’s government and of President Ilham Aliyev, was attacked at his apartment in Mulhouse, France, on 29 September and died of his injuries in hospital two days later. He had been violently assaulted and stabbed more than 20 times.

    Vidadi Isgandarli sought international protection in France in 2015 after facing persecution in his home country.

    In March 2021, Mahammad Mirzali, an Azerbaijani blogger and opposition figure, was stabbed 16 times in Nantes, France, but survived. The French authorities launched an investigation, which led to the arrest of six suspects. The mastermind behind the attack has not been named. Mahammad Mirzali has since been put under a protection scheme.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 02.10.2024 – repurchases resumed following a temporary pause

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

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

    Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 02.10.2024 – repurchases resumed following a temporary pause

    Espoo, Finland – As announced on 16 August 2024, Nokia’s share buybacks were paused until after the Infinera shareholders’ special meeting. The special meeting took place on 1 October 2024 as planned, and the buybacks have therefore been resumed. On 2 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 1,283,714 3.93
    CEUX 599,119 3.93
    BATE – –
    AQEU – –
    TQEX – –
    Total 1,882,833 3.93

    * 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 2 October 2024 was EUR 7,404,806. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 151,369,770 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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Joint Statement on the 2024 Global Ransomware Initiative

    MIL OSI Translation. Canadian French to English –

    Source: Government of Canada – in French 1

    Today, Canada met with 67 other members at the 4th annual Initiative to Combat Ransomware Summit in Washington DC to enhance international cooperation in this area.

    The 68 members of the international Initiative to Combat Ransomware (ILR)—Albania, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Council of Europe, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, ECOWAS, Egypt, Estonia, European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Global Cyber Expertise Forum, Hungary, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Organization of American States, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—met in Washington, DC from September 30 to October 3 2024 for the fourth ILR gathering. Members who participated in previous editions welcomed Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad, the Council of Europe, Denmark, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Vietnam as new ILR members.

    During the fourth ILR gathering, members reaffirmed their shared commitment to building collective resilience against ransomware, supporting members if they encounter a ransomware attack, pursuing actors responsible for ransomware attacks and not allowing these actors to operate in their jurisdictions, combating the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, working with the private sector to advise and support ILR members, and forging international partnerships so that we are collectively better equipped to combat the ransomware scourge.

    Over the past year, this coalition has grown and continues to build on commitments made at the third ILR gathering in 2023. The United States launched a new ILR Member Fund to strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through rapid assistance following a cyberattack as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity response skills, policies, and procedures.

    Under the Strategic Pillar, led by Singapore and the UK, efforts have been underway to strengthen resilience against ransomware attacks and leverage the ecosystem to disrupt the criminal ransomware industry. These efforts aim to strengthen the operating model that underpins the ransomware ecosystem by focusing work on secure software and labelling, methods to prevent the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware operating model, policies to reduce ransom payments, increased and improved reporting, cyber insurance, and a playbook to guide businesses on how to prepare for, respond to, and recover from a ransomware attack. It is worth noting that ILR members and insurance bodies have endorsed guidelines to assist organisations that have been hit by a ransomware attack. The guidelines highlight the important role that cyber insurance can play in building resilience to cyberattacks and highlight actions that organizations should consider during an incident. In addition, pillar leaders hosted a tabletop exercise to help members identify gaps in their processes, learn best practices, and develop effective responses to ransomware attacks against the healthcare sector.

    Under the Diplomacy and Capacity Building pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, ILR partnerships were expanded with the addition of 18 new members to the coalition and members’ capacity building assets and needs were established. To foster collaboration, build new partnerships, and recruit new members to the Initiative, ILR members hosted regional events throughout the year.

    Led by Australia and Lithuania, the Ransomware Working Group (RWWG) has focused its efforts on building resilience against malicious cyberattacks through international cooperation. As co-chairs of the RWWG, Lithuania and Australia developed governance principles for intelligence sharing and improved members’ integration into intelligence sharing platforms led by Lithuania and Belgium, as well as Israel and the United Arab Emirates. These platforms will enable members to easily share threat intelligence and indicators of compromise. As part of a project led by INTERPOL and Australia, a comparative report was produced to analyse ransomware responses and remediation across ILR member jurisdictions. Australia launched an ILR website and portal to facilitate the exchange of information and best practices, foster collaboration, and provide a mechanism for the ILR community to request assistance when members are victims of a ransomware attack. The LRWG Co-Chairs called on members to behave responsibly in cyberspace by encouraging them to hold malicious actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal.

    Canada has established a new public-private sector advisory council to advise and support ILR members in the fight against ransomware. This advisory council will promote effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and people-to-people collaboration, and develop best practices to overcome practical barriers.

    ILR also hosted a first-ever event exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to combat ransomware attacks. Topics discussed included using AI to track threat actor usage and software security, scenario planning for ransomware attacks on the healthcare industry, and tools like digital watermarking to counter disinformation.

    Through the annual ILR gathering, hard work, and regional meetings that take place between gatherings, we are committed to working together at the strategic and operational levels to combat ransomware threats and hold the perpetrators of these malicious attacks accountable. The ILR continues to advocate for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to report malicious acts. We remain committed to using all appropriate tools to achieve these goals and jointly commit to the following actions in support of this mission.

    Media RelationsPublic Safety Canada613-991-0657media@ps-sp.gc.ca

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprentice Store Are On The Move

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Managing Director David Massie pictured with Hagen Wagner, Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited Investment Manager

    Highland Opportunity (Investments) Limited (HOIL) has recently provided The Apprentice Store Ltd with funding towards their ambitious business development. HOIL, The Highland Council’s business loan company, supports Highland based businesses and encourages applications from all business sectors, including community organisations. Interested businesses benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project.  HOIL has financially supported more than 1,200 local start-up businesses, community organisations and growth projects within the Highland Business community since it was established in 1986.

    The Apprentice Store approached HO(IL) for a working capital loan of £25,000 to help achieve their growth aspirations.  Currently based in the Impact Hub in Castle Street, they are about to relocate to larger premises in Academy Street, where they will be the flag ship tenant of an innovative, vibrant and friendly co-working space in the centre of Inverness.

    The Apprentice Store was founded in 2016 and have a unique setup, whereby they support employment of young people and inclusivity on an apprenticeship basis, led by a number of mentors. To date, the company has trained and employed more than 23 young people. The business understands how important computer systems are in a modern business. From their Scottish base in Inverness they offer a range of quality remote IT services for small and medium sized businesses throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. 

    Councillor Paul Oldham, Chair of HOIL said: “The Apprentice Store’s way of working, that encourages young people to work in IT while staying in the Highlands rather than feeling they have to move away, has got to be good news for the Highland economy.

     “HOIL’s accessible and affordable business finance helps promote business across the area. It’s an important part of the Council’s aim to keep business vibrant and growing in the Highlands.”

    David Massie, Managing Director of the Apprentice Store Limited said: “The Apprentice Store approached HOIL to secure some funding and found the application process quick and easy to complete. This funding will help our social purpose of creating sustainable employment to young people who have challenges of entering the workforce. Our clients from across the UK in the public, private and sectors help support continuous employment by outsourcing their IT services to The Apprentice Store. Our team return on our client’s commitment by offering quality IT support and development services as they care about the opportunity offered to them by The Apprentice Store and its clients.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: International Counter Ransomware Initiative 2024 Joint Statement

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Today, Canada met with 67 other members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) in Washington D.C for the fourth annual CRI Summit to improve international cooperation in combatting ransomware.

    The 68 members of the International Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI)—Albania, Argentina,  Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Council of Europe, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the Dominican Republic, the ECOWAS Commission, Egypt, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, India, INTERPOL, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Lithuania, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, the Organization of American States, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, and Vietnam—met in Washington, D.C. from September 30 – October 3, 2024 for the Fourth CRI Gathering. Previously participating members welcomed Argentina, Bahrain, Cameroon, Chad, the Council of Europe, Denmark, the ECOWAS Commission, Finland, the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise, Hungary, Morocco, the Organization of American States, the Philippines, the Republic of Moldova, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam as new CRI members.

    During the Fourth CRI Gathering, members reaffirmed our joint commitment to develop collective resilience to ransomware, support members if they are faced with a ransomware attack, pursue the actors responsible for ransomware attacks and not allow safe haven for these actors to operate within our jurisdictions, counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, partner with the private sector to advise and support CRI members, and forge international partnerships so we are collectively better equipped to counter the scourge of ransomware.

    Over the past year, this coalition has grown and continues to build upon the commitments made at the Third CRI Gathering in 2023. The United States launched a new fund for CRI members to strengthen members’ cybersecurity capabilities through both rapid assistance in the wake of a cyber attack, as well as targeted support to improve cybersecurity skills, policies, and response procedures.

    The Policy Pillar, led by Singapore and the United Kingdom, spearheaded efforts to build resilience against ransomware attacks and leverage the ecosystem to disrupt the ransomware criminal industry. These efforts seek to undercut the business model that underpins the ransomware ecosystem by driving forward work on secure software and labeling, methods to counter the use of virtual assets as part of the ransomware business model, policies to reduce ransom payments, increase and improve reporting, cyber insurance, and a playbook to guide businesses on how to prepare for, deal with, and recover from a ransomware attack. Of note, CRI members and insurance bodies have endorsed guidance to help organizations experiencing a ransomware attack. The guidance underscores the important role cyber insurance can play in helping to build resilience to cyber attacks and highlights actions organizations should explore during an incident. In addition, the Pillar held a table-top-exercise to assist members in identifying gaps in their processes, learning best practices and supporting members develop effective responses to ransomware attacks on the healthcare sector.

    The Diplomacy and Capacity Building Pillar, led by Germany and Nigeria, expanded the CRI’s partnerships with the addition of 18 new members to the coalition and mapped out the capacity building assets and needs of members. To foster collaboration, forge new partnerships, and recruit new members into the Initiative, CRI members hosted regional events throughout the year.

    Under the leadership of Australia and Lithuania, the ICRTF focused its work on building resilience against malicious cyber attacks through international cooperation. Lithuania and Australia, as ICRTF co-chairs, worked to develop governance for information sharing and increase onboarding of members to the information sharing platforms led by Lithuania and Belgium as well as Israel and UAE. These platforms will allow members to easily share threat information and indicators of compromise. In a project led by INTERPOL and Australia, a comparative report was produced analyzing Ransomware Interventions and Remediation in CRI members’ jurisdictions. Australia launched a website and member portal so CRI members can easily share information and best practices, foster collaboration, and use as a mechanism to request assistance from the CRI community when experiencing a ransomware attack. The ICRTF co-chairs presented a statement for members to join that calls for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourages members to hold malicious actors accountable and deny them safe haven using all of the cyber diplomacy and law enforcement tools at their disposal.

    Canada established a new Public-Private Sector Advisory Panel to advise and support CRI members in combating ransomware. This advisory panel will catalyze effective information sharing, build trust through clear expectations and person to person collaboration, and develop best practices to navigate practical hurdles.

    The Initiative also hosted its first-ever event dedicated to examining the use of AI to counter ransomware attacks. Topics of discussion included the use of AI to track threat actor use, AI for Software Security, scenario planning around ransomware attacks on the healthcare industry, and tools such as watermarking to counter disinformation.

    Through the Initiative’s annual gathering as well as the dedicated work and regional meetings occurring between each meeting, we commit to working together at both a policy and operational level to counter ransomware threats and hold perpetrators of these malicious attacks accountable. CRI continues to call for responsible behavior in cyberspace and encourage members to call out malicious acts, and we remain committed to using all appropriate tools to achieve these goals, and are jointly committed to the following actions in support of this mission.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Partners launch revised timetable to improve reliability and connectivity of Wick John O’Groats Airport flights

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council and Eastern Airways have agreed a number of changes to scheduled flight times on the Wick-Aberdeen air route.

    The changes have been carefully considered to reduce cancellations and restore public trust. All partners have reiterated their commitment to protecting the service and retaining flights six days a week.

    Highland Council and Eastern Airways met last week and agreed the following key measures:

    Measure

    Rationale

    Protect Wick/Aberdeen as a 6-day service

    Essential for business connectivity and wider economy

    Reduce from twice-daily to daily flights on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

    Very low demand for morning midweek service. Consolidated flight improves aircraft availability, reduces impact of winter weather, eases staffing pressures, provides a more sustainable service

    Earlier departure times on afternoon/evening flights

    Reduces chance of adverse weather disruption in winter. Improves onward connectivity with Manchester, Humberside, Birmingham and London

    Retain Sunday service unchanged

    Strong demand for Sunday flight

    No price changes until March 2025

    Maintain value for money and work to restore passenger confidence

    Guaranteed offer of refund or taxi transfer in cases of cancellation

    Reassures passengers concerned about travel in adverse weather

    The new timetable will come into effect on Monday 14 October, and operate throughout the winter until March 2025.

    These changes are designed to protect the future sustainability of the service, which is funded by Transport Scotland and the Highland Council as a public service obligation (PSO). PSO status is awarded to services that provide ‘lifeline’ connectivity but would not be viable to operate on a commercial basis. The Wick-Aberdeen route is regarded as crucial to the north Highland economy and the wider community. It provides better access to employment, leisure, healthcare and social opportunities whilst making it easier to do business across Scotland and the rest of the UK.

    The Wick-Aberdeen route has enjoyed considerable early success, with passenger growth of 25% in the second year and monthly passenger numbers often exceeding one thousand. However, over the past 12 months, overall reliability fell from upwards of 90% to an average of 85%, while September 2024 dipped to 79%. This reflects a number of cancellations caused by operational issues or adverse weather.

    Partners believe the new timetable will deliver meaningful service improvements in the months ahead.

    Roger Hage, Eastern Airways, said: “We are acutely conscious that recent service levels have fallen short of the standards our passengers expect. We have listened to passenger feedback and on discussion with partners we have decided to make some changes which we believe will deliver improvements in the Wick-Aberdeen service. We hope to restore confidence in the service and welcome an increased focus on onward connectivity to allow easier use of Aberdeen through the more challenging winter months.”

    Malcolm MacLeod, Assistant Chief Executive (Place) of the Highland Council said: “In light of recent issues with the service, all stakeholders got around the table and had a deep and constructive conversation about improving service standards. We believe that these changes are the right move to create a more reliable and sustainable service, and we are confident from our discussion with Eastern Airways that the changes will bring immediate improvements.

    “We view the Wick-Aberdeen flights as a lifeline service to the north Highlands and we all remain absolutely committed to making a go of it. We would ask passengers and the wider community to support the service as we deliver these improvements.”

    Stakeholders will continue to regularly review service performance and work together to deliver positive progress in the months ahead.

    Full details of the new timetable can be found online   or by visiting easternairways.co.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo to Provide €1 Billion Capital Solution to Vonovia in Third Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Oct. 02, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo (NYSE: APO) today announced that it has entered into an agreement for Apollo affiliates and other long term investors to provide c. €1 billion to acquire a minority stake in one of Vonovia’s affiliates. This commitment follows two previous €1 billion transactions between Vonovia and Apollo in 2023, related to Vonovia’s real estate portfolios in Southwest Germany and Northern Germany. The latest agreement brings Apollo affiliates and funds total arranged commitments to Vonovia entities to €3 billion.

    Apollo Partner Jamshid Ehsani said, “Apollo is very pleased to further expand our partnership with Vonovia and assist Germany’s largest residential real estate company in reaching its strategic objectives. It is yet another example of Apollo’s ability to commit its capital resources and provide bespoke, scaled solutions to our closest corporate relationships around the world. This investment marks our third transaction with Vonovia and underscores Apollo’s role as an ongoing trusted partner to some of the largest global corporations.”

    Since 2020, under its High Grade Capital Solutions strategy Apollo has originated nearly $100 billion of bespoke capital solutions for leading companies such as Intel, Sony, Air France, AB InBev and more. Apollo believes it is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of large high quality corporates and retirement services companies, given the firm’s structuring, investment and syndication capabilities and scaled capital base.

    Latham & Watkins LLP and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP are serving as legal counsel to Apollo, while Apollo Capital Solution is providing structuring and syndication services in connection with the transaction. Deutsche Bank is acting as exclusive financial advisor to Vonovia, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer is serving as legal counsel to Vonovia.

    About Apollo

    Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of June 30, 2024, Apollo had approximately $696 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit http://www.apollo.com.

    Apollo Contacts

    Noah Gunn
    Global Head of Investor Relations
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0540
    IR@apollo.com

    Joanna Rose
    Global Head of Corporate Communications
    Apollo Global Management, Inc.
    (212) 822-0491
    Communications@apollo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 17th India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group Meeting held in Berlin

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 02 OCT 2024 7:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The 17th edition of the India-Germany Military Cooperation Sub Group (MCSG) meeting was held from 01-02 Oct 24 at Berlin, Germany. Discussions focused on new initiatives to further enhance the scope of bilateral military cooperation and to strengthen ongoing defence engagements across the spectrum. The meeting was conducted in a friendly, warm, and cordial atmosphere.

    The MCSG is a forum established to boost defence cooperation between both nations through regular talks at the strategic and operational levels between Headquarters, Integrated Defence Staff, and the Department of International Cooperation Armed Forces, Germany. The meeting was co-chaired from the Indian side by the Deputy Assistant Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for International Defence Cooperation and the Deputy Director, the Department of International Cooperation, Armed Forces Office from the German side.

    ***

    VK/SR/Anand

    (Release ID: 2061205) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Unlawful ban of ‘Compact’ magazine and Nancy Faeser’s restricting of press freedom in the Federal Republic of Germany – P-001603/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not comment on specific individual cases falling within Member States’ competence. If they consider that national measures infringe their rights, citizens and businesses can resort to the competent national authorities.

    Safeguarding media freedom and pluralism, as enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights[1], has been at the heart of the Commission’s efforts to uphold democracy and the rule of law in the EU.

    The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[2] sets out a reinforced framework for media service providers. Article 4(1) of the EMFA, which will apply as of 8 February 2025, establishes that media service providers shall have the right to exercise their economic activities freely in the internal market, subject only to restrictions in line with EU law.

    Recital 16 clarifies that such restrictions may derive from measures applied by national public authorities in compliance with EU law.

    The EMFA also introduces a targeted set of rules requiring Member States to respect the editorial freedom and independence of media service providers and to refrain from interfering in core aspects of their activities, such as editorial decisions, journalistic sources, and communications.

    Nonetheless, the EMFA also provides for derogations which allow Member States to take such measures when certain substantial and procedural conditions are fulfilled.

    As part of its annual Rule of Law Report[3], the Commission assesses the situation regarding media freedom and pluralism in all Member States, including Germany.

    The chapter on Germany describes the well-established federal legal framework guaranteeing media freedom and pluralism, based on multiple levels of safeguards and oversight[4].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/aid-development-cooperation-fundamental-rights/your-rights-eu/eu-charter-fundamental-rights_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/new-push-european-democracy/protecting-democracy/european-media-freedom-act_en
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/27db4143-58b4-4b61-a021-a215940e19d0_en?filename=1_1_58120_communication_rol_en.pdf
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3d1a2f80-5989-4364-a9e6-d925d4a1c900_en?filename=16_1_58059_coun_chap_germany_en.pdf

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – NUTS 2 values and UDB – P-001641/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The implementing decision on the NUTS2 level greenhouse gas (GHG) emission values for extraction and cultivation of feedstock for Denmark is in the adoption process. Once the necessary steps have been carried out, the act will be published in the Official Journal.

    The Renewable Energy Directive[1] does not provide a provisional approval of the new NUTS2 values. The fastest and the only legally valid process is the one applied. However, the Commission is working closely with the Member States during the evaluation process and is supporting the Member States in finalising their reports as quickly as possible.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202302413
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Investment cost funding in the hospital sector – E-001553/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission notes that, in general, it is primarily the responsibility of the Member State to assess whether a measure constitutes state aid within the meaning of Article 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and, if it reaches the conclusion that the measure constitutes aid, to notify the measure to the Commission.

    Regarding the health sector in particular, Article 168(7) TFEU states that Union action shall respect the responsibilities of the Member States for the definition of their health policy and for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. The responsibilities of the Member States include the management of health services and medical care and the allocation of the resources assigned to them.

    According to the recent case-law of the European Court of Justice[1] and the Commission’s decisional practice[2], activities in the health sector may in certain cases be qualified as being of a non-economic nature and, in such circumstances compensation for these activities would not constitute state aid. Each case, however, must be analysed on its merits.

    • [1] See for example judgment of the European Court of Justice of 11 June 2020, Commission v. Dôvera, joined cases C-262/18 P and C-271/18 P, paragraphs 30-31.
    • [2] See for example decision of the Commission of 10 June 2024, Slovenian healthcare system, C (2024) 3755, SA.45844.
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Germany: travel document control measures and (non-)enforcement of the Pact on Migration and Asylum – E-001796/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001796/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    Very recently, Germany implemented new measures, in principle for six months, for control of travel documents along its land borders, including the borders with Schengen countries (France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Denmark).

    In addition, according to official statements, the German government is planning, in the near future, to step up asylum rejections, urgent returns to the EU countries of first entry, and deportations to third countries.

    The implementation of such practices amounts to:

    a) de facto suspension of the Schengen rules on the pretext of exceptional circumstances, although there is no emergency situation and, quite obviously, in terms of migration flows, there has been no recent change in international developments that would raise the issue of force majeure or emergency circumstances;

    b) direct political and practical undermining of the very recent new Union rules on migration and asylum which, as stated by the Commission itself, constitute a ‘comprehensive approach that aims at strengthening and integrating key Union policies on migration, asylum, border management and integration’ and ‘allow the EU to address complex issues in a decisive and resourceful manner’[1];

    c) unacceptable indifference and lack of solidarity towards the Member States of first reception, particularly Greece.

    In the light of this,

    • 1.Do the above measures lie within the bounds of Union legality and cohesion?
    • 2.Do the ‘decisiveness’ and ‘resourcefulness’ of the new pact give Member States, in effect, the power to dissolve it?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    • [1] https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/migration-and-asylum/pact-migration-and-asylum_el?prefLang=el

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implications of the abolition of sugar quotas – E-001797/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001797/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rody Tolassy (PfE), Philippe Olivier (PfE), Angéline Furet (PfE), Valérie Deloge (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Aleksandar Nikolic (PfE), Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), France Jamet (PfE), Marie Dauchy (PfE), Catherine Griset (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Pierre Pimpie (PfE)

    On 30 September 2017, the European Union had the Member States abolish the sugar quota system.

    This has had negative consequences for overseas producers, who have had to face up to fierce global competition, leading to a general decline in prices.

    For the ‘largest’ overseas producers, this decision has been beneficial, with some having seamlessly managed to integrate into the world market.

    However, it has led to small- and medium-sized producers, which make up the overwhelming majority of farms, either collapsing or struggling to make a decent income, despite the few support schemes set up by the EU.

    • 1.What action will the Commission take to further protect these small- and medium-sized farms?
    • 2.What does it think about potentially reintroducing the sugar quotas?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Azerbaijan’s invitation to the Turkish Cypriot leader as a ‘head of state’ to attend the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States – E-001799/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001799/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    On 6 July 2024, Azerbaijan hosted an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States, which was attended by the Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The Azerbaijani government also invited the so-called president of the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’, the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity that is not internationally recognised. The summit was held, coincidentally, on the 50th anniversary of the 1974 invasion by Türkiye.

    Inviting the Turkish Cypriot leader as a ‘head of state’ is provocative and suggests indirect recognition of the secessionist entity. It also contravenes relevant UN Security Council resolutions, international law and the democratic principles on which the European Union is founded.

    The EU remains Azerbaijan’s largest foreign donor and investor in both governmental and civil society sectors, despite Azerbaijan’s human rights record, particularly concerning Armenia. Nonetheless, the EU continues to emphasise the importance of upholding human rights and protecting freedoms of expression, assembly and the media in Azerbaijan.

    In view of this:

    • 1.What actions will the Commission take, given Azerbaijan’s violations of international law and disregard for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Cyprus, an EU Member State?
    • 2.Will the Commission assess and/or suspend its aid to and investment in Azerbaijan?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Incident in the territory of the occupied Deryneia village – E-001802/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001802/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    In September 2024, a Greek Cypriot was arrested by the authorities of the illegal, non-recognised, self-declared ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ at the Deryneia checkpoint on accusations of espionage. The arrest came after a peaceful visit to the territory of the occupied Deryneia village on 31 August 2024. This is yet another flagrant violation of the rights of Greek Cypriots, who are being deprived of their fundamental rights of living freely and peacefully within the territory of their sovereign country.

    This incident raises particular concern as it occurred at a checkpoint on a road that was developed as part of confidence-building measures between the two communities in Cyprus, funded through the EU’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support, whose mandate is to promote cooperation and facilitate the reunification process.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to respond to such incidents that undermine the efforts to foster peace and reunification?
    • 2.What steps will be taken to address the misuse of EU-funded infrastructure for hostile actions towards EU citizens?
    • 3.How will the Commission work to ensure that EU-funded projects are not jeopardised and politicised by the illegal regime?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s participation in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels on 29 August – E-001805/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001805/2024
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE)

    The participation of Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, in the informal meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Brussels on 29 August this year was, among other things, a gesture of goodwill on the part of the Republic of Cyprus. The aim remains the resumption of negotiations with a view to resolving the Cyprus invasion and occupation issue.

    In its conclusions of April 2024, the European Council, as in past conclusions, linked the progress in EU-Türkiye relations with the Cyprus issue, stating: ‘the European Union attaches particular importance to the resumption of and progress in the Cyprus settlement talks in further enhancing EU-Türkiye cooperation’.

    However, the situation in the occupied territories of the Republic of Cyprus is getting worse. Examples of this include the recent opening up of the enclaved city of Famagusta and the fact that the Turkish side turned down an invitation from the General Secretary of the United Nations to attend an informal meeting.

    In view of this, could the Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy answer the following:

    • 1.What is your take on the Turkish Foreign Minister’s participation in the Gymnich meeting?
    • 2.What are your thoughts concerning the need for Türkiye to change its stance on the Cyprus issue?
    • 3.What progress is being made in EU-Türkiye relations given that Türkiye is distancing itself from the proposed solution and is now openly and officially promoting a two-state solution?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Undermining of farmers in eastern Europe – E-001809/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001809/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)

    Many farmers associations in Romania and Bulgaria have highlighted the fact that the Commission’s new vision for the common agricultural policy has been the key factor in bankrupting farmers in eastern Europe.

    Farmers argue that making direct payments conditional on unrealistic environmental objectives constitutes an aggressive measure.

    They also feel that reducing dependence on imports from third countries that fail to meet strict quality standards, rather than banning such imports, runs counter to the interests of EU citizens.

    • 1.Why is the Commission favouring farmers in third countries?
    • 2.How will the Commission compensate Romanian farmers who are again being asked to sacrifice their farms on the altar of chemical products not being tolerated in the EU?
    • 3.How does it plan to close the gap between eastern and western Europe when it comes to farming?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Habitats Directive: wolves and the defence of livestock farming – E-001806/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001806/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE)

    On 29 July 2024, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that wolves cannot be categorised as a ‘huntable species’ north of the Douro, as the Regional Law of Castile and Leon does, in contrast with the Habitats Directive. Neither the CJEU judgment nor the Habitats Directive looks after the interests of Spanish farmers, who are the ones affected by wolf attacks (5 566 livestock killed in 2023).

    In 2023, VOX presented Spain’s Congress of Deputies with a proposal for a law on the drafting and implementation of a national wolf plan in order to, inter alia, promote the amendment of the Habitats Directive by allowing wolf control in the national territory and also contributing to the conservation of the species.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission consider the CJEU’s ruling to be appropriate and proportionate with regard to the interests of livestock farmers and in the knowledge that the Habitats Directive does not even mention this sector?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering amending the Habitats Directive in order to achieve a balance between livestock farmers and wolves?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protection of wild animals during the harvest season – E-001798/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001798/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastian Everding (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Lukas Sieper (NI), Per Clausen (The Left), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Maria Noichl (S&D), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left)

    During the harvest season, wild animals are often seriously injured by combine harvesters, especially by the cutting unit[1]. The resulting mutilation can lead to an agonising death[2].

    This is not only a problem of species protection or animal welfare, but also requires action from a health-policy perspective, as it can result in contamination of the crop. These risks to food and feed production must be minimised, which can be ensured by using thermal drones.

    • 1.What long-term strategy does the Commission envisage to protect wild animals during the harvest season and thus also ensure consumer protection?
    • 2.What concrete measures does the Commission plan to undertake to raise awareness across the EU of the problem of wild animal mutilation[3], to promote mesures to prevent it, to reduce regulatory barriers for technical solutions and to provide funding?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to recommend or mandate that Member States establish thermal drone programmes to protect wild animals?

    Submitted: 24.9.2024

    • [1] Roe deer fawns have no flight reflex, their only form of protection is to crouch down motionless.
    • [2] In Germany alone, around 90 000 fawns die in this way every year.
    • [3] This particularly concerns fawns, but other wild animals are also affected.
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the unfair rules introduced by the Batteries Regulation – E-001814/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001814/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Dworczyk (ECR)

    Europe’s largest factory producing lithium-ion cells for electric cars is located in Poland. The LG Energy Solution Wrocław plant employs over 7 000 people with an annual production of 70 GWh. My country is currently one of the world’s largest battery manufacturers, and the value of battery exports from Poland in the first quarter of 2024 exceeded PLN 12 billion.

    Poland, for objective and historical reasons, has not yet completed the energy transition. Implementing a clean atomic energy programme requires time and financial resources. Meanwhile, as part of the pending implementing acts to the Batteries Regulation, the Commission plans to introduce a methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of batteries by taking into account CO2 emissions in a country’s energy mix. The proposed provisions favour Member States deriving their energy predominantly from renewable energy sources, at the expense of my region, which is a key link in the supply chain of essential components for electric vehicles. Moreover, Poland has already made huge investments in recycling[1] on the road to building circularity.

    • 1.Is the Commission deliberately introducing rules, under the guise of pro-environmental measures, which favour specific Member States at the expense of fair competition within the single market?
    • 2.Is the Commission aware that Poland is an important link in the European supply chain for the battery sector, and that the introduction of the aforementioned rules threatens the destruction of this branch of the economy in my country and a decline in the competitiveness of the entire EU battery sector?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    • [1] https://wysokienapiecie.pl/101824-recykling-baterii-litowo-jonowych-polska-liderem-ue/
    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revising crop insurance at European level – E-001822/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001822/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anne-Sophie Frigout (PfE)

    In 2024, as in previous years, winegrowers have suffered from adverse weather conditions (effects of frost on vines and buds, drought, hail, etc.) and plant diseases, such as mildew.

    At EU level the Crop Insurance Act can help them protect against loss of income caused by these devastating events.

    However, the Olympic average method for calculating the compensation, based on yield over the preceding five years, excluding the best and the worst, is much criticised. As climate-related hazards become more frequent and more serious, the calculation method should be adapted to take account of the reality of climate change and the upheavals it entails, and to ensure that farmers have good insurance cover.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of a request from Member States (including France) on this matter?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to review its calculation method in order to adapt the scheme?

    Submitted: 25.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Breach of water temperature limit at Paks nuclear power plant – P-001906/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001906/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE)

    In the summer of 2024, the Hungarian government issued a decree to bypass the legal temperature limits set for the Danube River downstream of Hungary’s Paks nuclear power plant, using the argument of security of energy supply. The Danube is an important European waterway and borders numerous Natura 2000 areas.

    • 1.Which procedural and legal steps is the Commission planning to take to address the Hungarian government’s disregard for environmental standards?
    • 2.Is the Commission evaluating the consequences of the rise in the river temperature to above 30 °C for animal welfare, for the ecosystem as a whole, and for human health?
    • 3.Is the Commission evaluating the consequences of the future operations of Paks nuclear power plant for the Danube’s ecosystem, in light of accelerating climate change?

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Floods in Poland – P-001841/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001841/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jacek Ozdoba (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: 26.9.2024

    Last updated: 2 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: From Berlin, closing of the conference on the future of Europe in a multipolar world.

    MIL OSI Translation. Government of the Republic of France statements from French to English –

    Source: President of the Republic of France in French (video)

    To follow the Presidency of the Republic: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elysee.fr Twitter: https://twitter.com/elysee Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elysee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pr-sidence-de-la-r-publique

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Kenya Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    Fancy Chepkemoi Too, the new Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented her credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    Prior to her appointment in Geneva, she served as the Chairperson of Kenya’s National Environmental Complaints Committee.  She has experience holding senior positions within the Kenyan Government, including Director of the Kenya Revenue Authority, and was awarded the distinguished Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear for her service in 2023.

    A seasoned lawyer, Ms. Too is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya.  She has also served in several senior academic positions, including Director of Postgraduate Law Programmes at Strathmore University, Kenya, and Dean at the School of Law, Kabarak University, Kenya.

    Ms. Too obtained a Doctor of Philosophy in Laws and a Master of Laws from Nottingham Trent University, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor of Laws from Moi University, Kenya.

     

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

    CR24.037E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 02/10/2024 Polonia rockets for the HOMAR-K Corazón program are getting closer

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Rocket Polonia for the HOMAR-K program is getting closer 02/10/2024 On October 2, 2024, an agreement was signed in the Republic of Korea between the Polish company WB Electronics SA and the Korean Hanwha Aerospace.

    The next day of the Polish delegation’s visit to the Republic of Korea brought the conclusion of an important contract from the point of view of the Polish Armed Forces and the Polish defense industry, as well as the development of national technical thought and the Polish economy. The production of 239 mm CGR-080 missiles will be carried out on the territory of Poland. The companies WB Electronics SA and Hanwha Aerospace Co. Ltd. are responsible for the implementation of the agreement signed today. It is planned that both entities will establish production potential for the production of ammunition for the currently acquired HOMAR-K multi-rotor missiles on the territory of our country. During the implementation of the contract, it is planned to build a factory whose target production capacity of ammunition will reach a level of several thousand CGR-080 missiles per year. The signed agreement provides for the transfer of technology for the production of guided missiles, equipment of the technological line, as well as the transfer of a license for the production of missiles. The developed approach of the Polish-Korean industry is another step towards achieving autonomy in the production of missiles and the possibility of deterring potential aggressors. Further development of international cooperation allows for broader thinking about the development of the Polish industry, economy, and thus our national defense potential.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 01/10/2024 Election of a new judge of the European Court of Human Rights from Poland

    MIL AXIS Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Election of a new judge of the European Court of Human Rights from Poland01.10.2024On 1 October 2024, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe elected Dr. Anna Adamska-Gallant as a judge of the European Court of Human Rights.

    The selection was made from a list of three candidates, which also included Dr. Hab. Małgorzata Wąsek-Wiaderek and Dr. Hab. Adam Wiśniewski. This ended the impasse in the procedure for selecting a Polish judge of the European Court of Human Rights conducted since 2020. The term of office of the current judge, Prof. Dr. Hab. Krzysztof Wojtyczek, formally ended on 31 October 2021, but in accordance with the provisions of the Convention, it was extended until the new judge takes up the position – which will probably happen within months of her election. Until now, the office of judge of the Strasbourg Court has been held by Prof. Dr. Hab. Jerzy Makarczyk (1992 – 2002), Prof. Dr. Hab. Lech Garlicki (2002 – 2012) and Prof. Dr. Hab. Krzysztof Wojtyczek (dated 2012 to the present). Moreover, attorney Marek Antoni Nowicki (1993-1999) served on behalf of Poland on the European Commission of Human Rights.

    MILES AXIS

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

    MIL Translation OSI