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Category: European Union

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Freddie Daley, Research Associate, Centre for Global Political Economy, University of Sussex

    Grangemouth oil refinery is set to close in 2025 with the loss of 400 jobs. orxy / shutterstock

    At the end of September, the UK’s last remaining coal power plant, Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, will be retired. The closure of the plant should – and will – be celebrated by environmentalists, as the move away from coal has made Britain’s electricity much cleaner over the past decade. It is on this basis that the UK claims climate leadership.

    In the 1950s, coal provided the overwhelming majority of British energy, and as recently as 2012 it still generated 40%. By 2022, it was less than 2%. In a month’s time, it will be zero.

    Phasing out coal was a brutal and profound process. Organised labour was decimated, entire regions were forced into decline, and communities were left with sustained economic, social and health problems. The towering ghosts of power stations like Ratcliffe-on-Soar will haunt Britain’s ongoing effort to phase out North Sea oil and gas and replace it with clean energy.

    Towering ghosts: Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station.
    The Exposure / shutterstock

    And we are witnessing this haunting in real-time. After the Labour government announced its plans to end new licenses for oil and gas in British waters – necessary to meet the Paris Agreement – workers and trade unions feared history would repeat itself in terms of job losses and blighted communities.

    The general secretary of Unite, Sharon Graham, noted that without a more thorough plan, the policy risked creating “the coal miners of our generation”. A recent motion at the Trades Union Congress (TUC) gathering in Brighton called for no ban on oil and gas licensing before a fully funded jobs guarantee is agreed. The motion narrowly passed.

    Workers and unions are demanding a “just transition” from polluting industries into the clean industries of the future. But to achieve this, the UK government must learn from what happened with coal.

    Many places still rely on oil and gas jobs

    Although oil and gas are not as embedded throughout British life as coal once was, there are many settlements and larger areas still dependent on energy jobs. Grangemouth in central Scotland is a good example. In November 2023, the owner, Petroineos, announced plans to close the town’s oil refinery in 2025, bringing a century of production to an end at the cost of 400 jobs.

    Even if the UK government did issue new oil and gas licences, the North Sea faces structural decline. Production peaked around the turn of the century. Since 2014, as many as 200,000 jobs have been lost either offshore or along the supply chain onshore.

    From gas to wind?

    Planning for the end of fossil fuels is therefore an urgent endeavour. The dominant strategy for protecting skilled jobs is to transition workers into the industries set to replace North Sea production: wind energy and other low-carbon technologies.

    However, though Britain has developed a large wind power sector, it remains a major importer of turbines. Domestic manufacturing makes only a small contribution, and developers are not required to use British-made turbines or other parts, despite the jobs this would create.

    This has left Grangemouth workers discontented. When one of us (Ewan Gibbs) and Riyoko Shibe interviewed young refinery workers at Grangemouth earlier this year, many commented that there were relatively few jobs in renewables. When jobs were visible on LinkedIn and comparable job sites, one told us that “you’ll see there’s a big difference in terms and conditions”.

    Wind farms are relatively easy to run once installed, so most jobs are in building them.
    Kevin Shipp / shutterstock

    In its current form, the UK wind industry will find it hard to provide the types of secure ongoing employment that oil and gas historically has. Most jobs are in the construction and maintenance of wind farms, with the latter threatened by automation. Without public investment and a targeted industrial policy, Britain will remain a net importer of wind technology, and the phasing out of North Sea oil and gas will prove costly in job terms.



    Read more:
    Grangemouth job losses are a stark reminder of the cost of a greener industrial future

    More investment needed

    Britain’s lack of state intervention is not the norm. After all, more than half of British wind farms are state-owned, though less than 1% are owned by the UK government. Swedish, Norwegian, French, Irish and German state-owned entities are major players, but the biggest is Denmark’s Ørsted, a former oil company turned renewables giant which is mostly state-owned. In the UK’s most recent offshore wind auction, 70% of the projects were awarded to Ørsted.

    The newly launched Great British Energy could give the state a foothold in the North Sea once more. This publicly owned company plans to focus on domestic manufacturing and will invest in ports and other infrastructures to “unlock strategic bottlenecks”.

    But if such projects are to be meaningfully incorporated into a just transition, they will need to offer continuity and security to oil and gas workers. As one Grangemouth worker put it, referring to his colleagues facing the choice of either remaining unemployed locally or relocating to use their skills:

    They’re moving to the Middle East, they’re moving to the north-east of Scotland. They’re moving offshore, they’re moving to the Shetlands, and therefore it’s not a just transition, in my view, if we’re moving to these jobs.

    Another worker highlighted the risks that Grangemouth could join the coalfields in becoming “stranded” communities:

    We’ve got a community that’s been built round the site, we’ve got skills and we’ve got people that work there, we’ve got the infrastructure there – why should we not have these jobs when the time comes to move to these industries? Why can we not have it at Grangemouth?

    Britain’s push to phase out oil and gas is urgent and necessary, but it cannot follow the same trajectory as Britain’s exit from coal – lessons must be learned. The opportunities presented by the transition away from fossil fuels will only be fully realised if workers are at its centre.

    Freddie Daley receives funding from UKRI for the SUS-POL project at the University of Sussex, which explores fossil fuel phase-outs around the world. Freddie also campaigns on demand reduction with Badvertising.

    Ewan Gibbs received funding from a British Academy Wolfson Fellowship that supported this research (grant number: WF21210099).

    – ref. UK oil and gas workers risk becoming the ‘coal miners of our generation’ – https://theconversation.com/uk-oil-and-gas-workers-risk-becoming-the-coal-miners-of-our-generation-239262

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UNGA: President Meloni meets with President Erdoğan of Türkiye

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in the margins of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

    In addition to the increasingly difficult situation in the Middle East, the meeting also focused on the common commitment to support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and pursue a just and lasting peace.

    With regard to the debate on Security Council reform, the two leaders reiterated their shared commitment in the context of the ‘United for Consensus’ group, supporting a solution inspired by the principles of equality, democracy and representativeness which therefore excludes the creation of new permanent seats.

    On a bilateral level, President Meloni and President Erdoğan reaffirmed the shared desire to hold a summit between their two governments and a business forum as soon as possible in order to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets with Turkish President Erdoğan

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met, on the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

    At the heart of the meeting, in addition to the increasingly difficult situation in the Middle East, was the shared commitment to supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine and to seeking a just and lasting peace.

    Regarding the debate on the reform of the Security Council, the two Leaders reaffirmed their common commitment within the context of the “United for Consensus” group to support a solution inspired by the principles of equality, democracy and representativeness which therefore excludes the creation of new permanent seats.

    On the bilateral front, the common will to convene a Summit between the two Governments and a “Business Forum” as soon as possible was reaffirmed in order to further strengthen the bilateral relationship.

    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: UNGA, President Meloni meets with the Head of the Provisional Government of Bangladesh

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    September 24, 2024

    On the sidelines of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met with the Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

    During the meeting, President Meloni expressed Italy’s support for the reform process in Bangladesh and the primary objective of improving the socio-economic conditions of the population.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to address the issue of immigration and to affirm the desire to strengthen collaboration on the matter, relaunching in particular the negotiation for the conclusion of a bilateral agreement that contrasts irregular migratory flows, establishes closer collaboration on repatriations and, at the same time, favors legal pathways.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UNGA: President Meloni meets with Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    24 Settembre 2024

    In the margins of the high-level week of the 79th United Nations General Assembly, the President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, met today with the Head of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, Prof. Muhammad Yunus.

    During the meeting, President Meloni expressed Italy’s support for the reform process in Bangladesh and the main goal of improving the population’s social and economic conditions.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss migration, with the intention being stated to strengthen cooperation on this issue, in particular by relaunching negotiations to complete a bilateral agreement to combat irregular migration flows, establish closer cooperation on returns and, at the same time, support legal paths.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: UNGA, President Meloni meets with the Prime Minister of Iraq

    MIL OSI Translation. Region: Italy –

    Source: Government of Italy

    September 24, 2024

    The Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, met the Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Al Sudani, in New York.

    The leaders discussed bilateral relations, reaffirming their common will to establish a strategic partnership between the two nations in all sectors, from political to economic cooperation, from security to cultural cooperation.

    The meeting also provided an opportunity to reaffirm Italy’s commitment to international support for Iraq’s security through the training of security forces and the fight against terrorism.

    President Meloni and Prime Minister Al Sudani also discussed the situation in the Middle East, agreeing on the need to continue working towards regional de-escalation.

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

    MIL Translation OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bamboo Eagle: ‘Upping our game’ for Great Power Competition

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nevada  –  

    Exercise Bamboo Eagle 24-3 integrated U.S. Airmen, Guardians, Sailors, Marines, and allies from Australia and the United Kingdom into a combined force to train for a possible conflict in the era of Great Power Competition. Last month, the exercise conducted live-fly operations in the eastern Pacific and a simultaneous 24-hour live, virtual, and constructive, or LVC, rolling scenario, tackling issues involving distributed command and control, communications degradation, logistics and sustainment challenges, and fighting through the tyranny of distance.

    Bamboo Eagle 24-3 provided advanced expeditionary airbase training in a combat-representative environment utilizing distributed locations, or spokes, along the western United States. Red Flag and Agile Flag units were dispersed from hubs into spokes while maintaining sortie generation utilizing a centralized C2 force element, or C2FE. Agile combat employment, or ACE, concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide full spectrum movement and maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

    “The Bamboo Eagle exercise series is so much more than Red Flag over water,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Power, 505th Combat Training Squadron commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “The combination of an LVC environment spanning more than 850,000 square miles in a synthetic battlespace delivers the scope and scale necessary to prepare both tactical-level and operational-level warfighters for competition with the pacing challenge.”

    During Bamboo Eagle 24-1, the U.S. Air Force Warfare Center-led exercise focused on tactical operations while operational-level of war elements such as the air operations center, or AOC, Air Force forces staff and the Commander, AFFOR and Combined/Joint Forces Air Component Commander, were replicated by 505th CTS from Hurlburt Field. In a first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series, the USAFWC called for the deployment of a fully resourced combat representative AOC and AFFOR to exercise and support multi-domain operations in a disaggregated high-end conflict during Bamboo Eagle 24-3.

    “Bamboo Eagle 24-3 built upon 24-1 in the operational C2 structure that assured the C2FEs had the operational echelon above them to provide critical guidance, support, and sustainment as the ACE scheme of maneuver was executed,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Jesse Friedel, USAFWC deputy commander and Bamboo Eagle COMAFFOR and C/JFACC, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The large-scale combat-representative exercise was successful at executing the C2 structure for Great Power Competition, focusing on mission command where there was centralized command and key distributed control, along with critical decentralized execution to assure we were synchronizing efforts to improve interoperability with our Nation’s joint force.”

    Another first for the Bamboo Eagle exercise series in 24-3 was incorporating operational-level planning and execution by subject matter experts from the entire wing and wing staff, including the 505th Training Squadron and 705th Training Squadron. Instructors from both training squadrons supported the AOC, AFFOR, air expeditionary wings, and COMAFFOR and C/JFACC.

    U.S., Australian, and U.K., tactical and operational C2 experts integrated to provide national expertise, independent/contingency communications, and to further development of tactics, techniques and procedures within Bamboo Eagle’s AOC.

    Air Operations Center

    “Generally, as an Air Force, we focus on the tactical aspect of war; exercises like Red Flag focus on tactics, but the level above that is the operational level of war, which we don’t practice very well,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Ryan Hayde, 505th Command and Control Wing commander and Bamboo Eagle AOC director. “Standing up a fully manned AOC allowed us the ability to synchronize efforts over time and space and to focus on the scale and scope in an Indo-Pacific large-scale conflict, which only the operational level of war is going to be able to solve, which is critical to winning the logistics fight, C2 fight, and long-range kill chain fight against a peer-to-peer adversary.”

    Exercise Bamboo Eagle saw momentous progress towards coalition integration within operational C2 since its first iteration in January 2024.

    “The significance of our coalition partners’ involvement during Bamboo Eagle cannot be overstated,” remarked Hayde. “Due to some breakthroughs in access, our partners were able to fight on our systems and lead AOC shifts, filling the top three AOC leadership roles.”

    During the exercise, simulated combat scenarios and live joint training operations provided a unique opportunity for military personnel from the U.S., Australia, and the U.K., to work closely together and enhance their collective capabilities.

    “U.K. and Royal Australian Air Force participants benefitted from unprecedented access to U.S. systems. This demonstrated the strength and effectiveness of multinational cooperation in achieving shared military objectives,” said Royal Air Force Wing Commander Richard Kinniburgh, U.K. exchange officer to the 505th CCW and Bamboo Eagle U.K. Detachment commander. “I, alongside my Australian counterpart, will endeavor to build upon these successes into exercise BE 25-1 and support the U.S. Air Force in sharing the access processes as best practice to enhance FVEY [Five Eyes] integration as widely as possible.”

    RAAF Squadron Leader Sean Bedford, Bamboo Eagle RAAF detachment commander, said, “The access to U.S. systems was beneficial. Individual (AOC) divisions seemed to appreciate the fact that we were there and actively working to integrate with our U.S. and U.K. counterparts. The opportunity to network and be inside the 613th AOC was a high point. Learning about and actively experiencing working within a U.S. AOC was an important aspect of the exercise. The good relationships between the three nations present were evident. U.S. members were happy to listen and consider what we had to say”.

    “Bamboo Eagle 24-3 has set a new standard for coalition integration for exercises and methodology that will be shared across the U.S. Air Force as best practice,” said Hayde.

    Air Force forces staff, also known as the AFFOR battle staff

    To provide a more robust combat-representative training environment for the AEWs, an AFFOR staff supported the dual-hatted COMAFFOR and C/JFACC’s operational and administrative control over Bamboo Eagle’s forces from the Shadow Operations Center-Nellis’ operations floor.

    “While the AOC and live-fly garner a lot of attention in these exercises, our ability to successfully operate ACE in the Indo-Pacific is critically reliant on the ability of the AFFOR. No longer is the AFFOR staff able to just focus on ‘deploy, sustain, and redeploy’…they are now more than ever critical to the employment of airpower!” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Benjamin Lee, 705th TRS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida

    “During a high-end conflict, communication between the deployed combat wings, the AOC and AFFOR battle staff is going to be critical to synchronize operations and maintain initiative,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Jason Wild, 99th Air Base Wing deputy commander, and Bamboo Eagle AFFOR battle staff director, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “Bamboo Eagle provided the perfect training ground to get much-needed repetition in executing operational C2.”

    Scope and Scale

    While Bamboo Eagle’s live environment introduced mission generation FEs, or MGFEs, to the challenges of ACE and synchronization of multi-domain effects, the virtual and constructive environments stressed the challenges of logistics and resource management for both the air component and subordinate wings and associated C2FEs.

    “If the all-domain combat power pulses answer the ‘so what?’ of generating combat air power, the operational environment at the scope and scale of the Indo-Pacific AOR [area of responsibility] of the synthetic battlespace begs the question ‘so how?’” said Power.

    Power continued, “…the complex live environment of Bamboo Eagle presented wing commanders with significant MG and combat application challenges. Yet, sortie generation and mission planning alone do not provide the combat-representative environment our warfighters need in preparation for Great Power Competition. Pairing live training audiences with a broad constructive and virtual wrap-around replicates the look and feel of major combat operations.”

    Live, Virtual, and Constructive

    The 705th Combat Training Squadron, also known as the Distributed Mission Operations Center, at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, synchronized LVC environments and delivered robust training. The DMOC provided reps and sets for the entire C2 battle management enterprise, including aircrew flying strike aircraft and C2 platforms within a realistic combined scenario at a scope and scale not possible in the live-fly alone.

    This exercise included the first-ever lead wing participants at the DMOC, connected through a simultaneous LVC environment. During the exercise, the training audience addressed the challenges of tyranny of distance, time, and logistical strains of an Indo-Pacific Command fight within the constructive and virtual components, which were spread out over prolonged vulnerability periods or pulses.

    The 1st Fighter Wing participated as an expeditionary Lead Wing, engaging with live participants through a virtual environment representing realistic USINDOPACOM basing at the DMOC. The 1st FW managed dispersed operations while maintaining C2 and sortie generation through a centralized C2FE. ACE concepts were incorporated into the exercise to provide maneuver and multi-hub operations under a singular operational C2 structure.

    “In this iteration of Bamboo Eagle, we were able to provide a unique and challenging venue to train a lead wing C2FE, I think this is definitely a growth area for the DMOC that will meet an unfilled training need for wings as they prepare to for high-end conflict,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. David Jones, 705th CTS/DMOC commander, Kirtland AFB, New Mexico.

    Network Architecture

    The 805th Combat Training Squadron’s, also known as the ShOC-N, ability to manage the network architecture in real time ensures that the LVC blends seamlessly into a single common operational picture. This ability took constructive data from the 505th CTS and virtual data from the 705th CTS and combines that with live instrumented range data from across multiple live-fly operating areas.

    “Exercise participants, regardless of echelon, are participating in a training construct that mimics adversary orders of battle, blue dispositions, and the tyranny of distance like no other exercise has to date,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Shawn Finney, 805th CTS/ShOC-N commander, Nellis AFB, Nevada. “The result is a combat-representative depiction of the scope and scale of peer conflict.”

    Importance of Communications

    Bamboo Eagle 24-3 marked the first utilization of the 613th AOC C2 Training Suite with strong support and collective ownership provided by the 56th Air and Space Communications Squadron and 505th Communications Squadron teams. The effective coordination and collaboration between these units played a crucial role in two main aspects. Firstly, it facilitated the development of Mission Ready Airmen, through scale and speed, with training focused on command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence, or C4I, skillsets needed for critical wartime operations. Secondly, it accelerated the development, integration, and testing of the communications and intelligence capabilities by utilizing models and simulations overlays into a comprehensive battlespace picture, becoming more combat representative by displaying unfolding events.

    “Meeting operational demands in an era of Great Power Competition by ensuring that the C2 architecture (systems, networks, satellite communications, and warfighting applications) captures evolving air, sea, space, and cyberspace challenges is my team’s goal,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Crystal Lusardi, 505th CS commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida.

    Mission Under Test

    A key part of the 605th Test and Evaluation Squadron effort involved developing and executing the squadron’s first-ever mission-under-test observation and tactics investigation plan. This plan provided an end-to-end look at the complex process of planning and executing long-range kill-chains across 11 different lines of effort.

    “Executing our first-ever Mission Under Test observation and tactics investigation plan during Bamboo Eagle was a significant step forward for the 605th TES. This comprehensive approach allowed us to gain an unprecedented understanding of the complexities involved in planning and executing long-range kill chains, ultimately enabling us to identify vulnerabilities and improve coordination across the entire battlespace,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Brad Short, 605th TES commander, Hurlburt Field, Florida. “Our team’s efforts in evaluating non-traditional C2 and ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] tactics demonstrated the incredible adaptability and ingenuity of our Airmen. We witnessed firsthand how these innovations can dramatically improve targeting and execution speeds on the battlefield.”

    Future of Bamboo Eagle

    “As the Air Force is reoptimizing for Great Power Competition, with a focus on realistic scenarios and large-scale exercises to identify gaps and weaknesses, the 505th Command and Control Wing must adopt an all-in mindset to address operational C2 potential peer-to-peer threats,” said Hayde. “As we prepare for REFORPAC [exercise Return of Forces Pacific], we will continue to robust our AFFOR and AOC contribution to further integrate operational-level C2 into future iterations of Bamboo Eagle to ensure that we practice how we’re going to fight.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by SJ at networking dinner of forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the keynote speech by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at the networking dinner of the forum titled Hong Kong: The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, on September 24:
     
    Ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good evening, xin chào buổi tối. Frankly speaking, I do not think I can do a better job than all the eminent speakers who have spoken before me. So I am not going to say something new. Instead, I wish to do a very quick recap to sum up the key and essential points made by various speakers so that you can have a few takeaways after today’s event.

         I prefer to do it by once again referring to the theme of our forum, “The Common Law Gateway for Vietnamese Businesses to China and Beyond”, but I wish to focus on a few key phrases and do it in the reverse order. So I would like to focus on China and beyond first.

         We are lawyers coming from Hong Kong. As I said in my opening remarks, obviously there have been very close relationships between Hong Kong and Vietnam. But the reason why we are here is not simply because of Hong Kong, it is about something much bigger than Hong Kong. That is our country, China, and beyond.

         A number of speakers have referred to a very important concept known as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. And I wish to emphasise again the importance of the Greater Bay Area. You have been told that the Greater Bay Area consists of the Guangdong Province, in particular the nine cities in Guangdong Province, plus Hong Kong and Macao. To give you some ideas, the size of Greater Bay Area is almost like Croatia, a mid-size European country, with population around 86 million, similar to the population of Germany. If you look at what cities are situated within the Greater Bay Area, we have three very important cities: Guangzhou, of course, which is the capital of the province of Guangdong, a very important city in the southern part of China. And then you have Shenzhen, I think some of our speakers have mentioned Shenzhen, which is the innovation and high-tech hub, where you have the headquarters of Tencent, the factories of BYD and Huawei. All the advanced technology or high-tech innovative things are happening in Shenzhen, which is just across the border. And then of course you have Hong Kong, which is the international financial and trade centre.

         Although there are different bay areas in the world, we have the Tokyo Bay area, the San Francisco Bay Area, but I venture to say that they cannot be compared to Hong Kong because in the Greater Bay Area, you have one country but three different jurisdictions, including Mainland China, Hong Kong, and also Macao which used to be ruled by the Portuguese. So it is a very special place with huge potential. Hong Kong may well be your final destination for your business and business venture. But it also may not be your final destination. Maybe you will find much more opportunities in the Greater Bay Area in China. And then in China, very often there would be investments and other business ventures with other countries. So it is really “China and beyond”.

         Now moving to “Gateway”. I just mentioned that perhaps you will be more interested not just about opportunities for business investment in Hong Kong, but also those offered in Mainland China. And of course you would agree with me that legal service would be important. But you may wonder, if I wish to invest in Mainland China or co-operate with a Mainland partner, why shouldn’t I simply instruct a Mainland lawyer? Why shouldn’t I simply engage the legal service offered by Mainland China? And why should I do it via Hong Kong, which seems to be a little bit indirect or a bit convoluted. And of course, all the speakers who have spoken this afternoon have provided some very good answers. One of the key characteristics of this particular gateway, or using Hong Kong as a gateway, is our common law character, our common law tradition. But again, as pointed out by one of the participants who raised a question at the end of the first session, Hong Kong is definitely not the only common law jurisdiction in this world which can play the role as a gateway for the provision of legal service. I think my friend mentioned Singapore. Why not Singapore? Singapore is definitely a common law jurisdiction. Even in ASEAN, within the Southeast Asia, we have Malaysia which is also a common law jurisdiction. So it is our duty to explain to you a little further.

         What is so special about Hong Kong? I hate to compare Hong Kong with Singapore, but because this question has been raised, I think I have to answer that question as if I were being asked to answer that question by a judge in the court. So I have to give a direct answer. But as a government official, I have to be as diplomatic as possible. The way I put it is that we can and we will offer something that only Hong Kong can offer. We can offer something that Singapore will not be able to do. It is because of six factors, as the sum total of these six factors that make Hong Kong truly unique and peculiar, unparalleled. So what are these six factors? Now, here comes my summary of what you have heard this afternoon.

         First, Hong Kong provides a very stable legal environment. Stable in the sense that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction within China. It is the only common law jurisdiction in China, and it will remain to be the only common law jurisdiction within China. The reason is that the common law system practiced in Hong Kong has been guaranteed by a constitutional document, which is our Basic Law. You can describe it as a mini-constitution. Now, there have been some queries in the past on certain wordings in our constitutional document. Some people questioned whether the principle of “one country, two systems” or the common law system practiced in Hong Kong will continue after 2047, which is the 50th anniversary of the resumption of sovereignty by China of Hong Kong. But that uncertainty has been removed very clearly by the leaders of China, in particular President Xi Jinping. Back in 2022, on July 1 when he came to Hong Kong, he made a very important speech, a very short speech. What is most telling is that in his very short speech, he mentioned the common law system in Hong Kong twice. He said that the common law system is a core element of the “one country, two systems” principle, which is a very good policy that is going to last basically forever. So there should be no doubt whatsoever that not only the principle of “one country, two systems”, but also our common law system will continue. So the first point “stability” – it is very stable.

         The second point is that our system is also very reliable. Now, that goes to the question of the existence of a very reputable and respected judiciary. When it comes to a judicial or legal system, two factors will be of crucial importance. First, quality, quality of justice, whether judges are smart enough to deliver true justice. Second, integrity, whether judges are seen to be able to discharge their duty fairly and impartially. Now, I think the Judiciary in Hong Kong fulfills these two very important essential criteria.

         In terms of quality, as my friends said this afternoon, all the judges, they enjoy very high standing in the world. Our Court of Final Appeal, I should mention that the judgments delivered by the judges of the Court of Final Appeal, they were cited in other common jurisdictions from time to time. And we have foreign judges sitting as part-time judges in Hong Kong. I also remember that one of the speakers mentioned the World Justice Project Rule of Law Index, Hong Kong ranked the 23rd out of 142 jurisdictions in the world. And I think we ranked the sixth in East Asia and the Pacific region. Ahead of the United States, and if I recall correctly, Spain, another major economy in the world.

         When it comes to integrity, once again my friends have informed you that how judges in Hong Kong are appointed. They are appointed completely independently by an independent statutory body. It is not possible for the executive to interfere with the performance of the judges. It is not possible for the executive to fire or sack any judges. And in fact, I have to tell you a very embarrassing piece of information which nobody dares mention, that is the Government lost cases before the court quite often. So I think that is a very good indication that judges in Hong Kong do exercise the judicial function very impartially.

         But for your interest, I am sure you would be concerned whether Mainland parties, in particular state-owned enterprises, or very important, powerful business entities in Mainland China, would they enjoy any undue advantage when they engage in litigation against foreign parties in Hong Kong? Once again I am very sure that if you look at records, if you look at judgments, we have open judgments, you will see many cases which are decided entirely on merits. Sometimes state-owned enterprises or Mainland parties win, sometimes they lose. But there is not a single piece of evidence suggesting that in deciding these cases, the court in Hong Kong has taken into account any consideration other than the law and the evidence. And the best evidence is contained in our judgments, which you can inspect and you can read for yourself. So this is the second factor: very reliable.

         Third factor: very business friendly. You have to remember that we have a bilingual legal system. So both English and Chinese are official languages. It is not just a working language, it is the official language by which we write our statute. We also use English in court proceedings, and very often in arbitration proceedings. This is an international language that is familiar to people outside Hong Kong, just like I am using English to communicate with you, hoping that you would be able to understand what I am trying to say.

         The second point as to why business friendly is about the content of the law, the content of our substantive law, in particular when it comes to international commercial law, investment law. They are all very international in the sense that its content is substantially similar to the law that you find in other developed countries, for example, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. So the principles of substantive law would be very familiar to the international business community, so it is business friendly.

         The third point is that the Hong Kong Government has been very proactive to make Hong Kong a more attractive place for investment and doing business. I can give you some examples. For example, we are very active in promoting the establishment of family office in Hong Kong to encourage people to invest money to set up family office, in particular, for very resourceful families. In order to make this initiative attractive, we have amended our revenue law, our tax law, to lower our tax rate if you wish to set up family offices in Hong Kong. Another example is that our listing rules, IPO initial public offerings, if you wish to raise finance by getting your company publicly listed, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has introduced a new scheme, it’s called SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Companies). The idea is very simple. It enables a company without any track record but so long as it fulfills some sorts of requirement to ensure that the investors’ interest will be protected, it will get the chance to be listed in Hong Kong. So I mean we are very proactive in making it more convenient. One of the speakers have mentioned about the difficulty of entering into Hong Kong because of the visa requirement. But as I said in my welcoming remarks, we are relaxing the restrictions or the requirement gradually. So starting from October last year, for the talents, they will be able to come to Hong Kong very easily. And for business travellers and for tourists, you will be able to obtain multiple visas very conveniently. And lastly, when it comes to arbitration, we have actually introduced a pilot scheme. At the moment, the arrangement is that if you are engaged and involved in the arbitration, no matter in what capacity, say, as arbitrator, as counsel, appearing for either party as a witness or even a party, you will be exempted from the need to obtain any visa if you come to Hong Kong for such purposes. So I would say that the difficulty is more apparent than real. So that is the third factor, business friendly.

         The fourth factor: it is very safe and secure to use Hong Kong as a platform for doing business and investment. You must be concerned whether your money, your property can go into Hong Kong and leave Hong Kong easily and freely, and what happens when your property and money is in Hong Kong. Under our constitutional document Basic Law, we guarantee freedom of movement of funds, money and goods. So you can come anytime and your money can leave anytime. There is no exchange control, there is no improper expropriation, and when your money and your property is in Hong Kong, it is completely safeguarded by a stringent set of regulations, not just by statutes, but by other important statutory bodies like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, the Securities and Futures Commission. There are very strict regulations to ensure that your investment and your property will be protected. And of course, the quality and integrity of the law enforcement agencies will be important. One strength of Hong Kong is that there is no question, no issue or any concern about corruption at all. Hong Kong is the cleanest place, one of the cleanest places in the world that you can find. If you look at the figures, I think Hong Kong ranks among the top five when it comes to the absence of corruption.

         I wish to share a piece of information just to substantiate my confidence in the integrity of the financial market. A piece of latest news is that a British think tank just announced the Global Financial Centres Index. And Hong Kong had climbed back to the third place after New York and London. And this time we are ahead of Singapore. In 2022 up to last year, Hong Kong ranked the fourth for different reasons, but this year we managed to overtake Singapore to reclaim the third place, which I think is a very pertinent place. It served as a very good evidence of the competence of the people in Hong Kong’s financial market. So this is the fourth factor.

         The fifth factor is that Hong Kong provides dual connectivity. It allows you to connect to the world on the one hand, and also connect to the Mainland at the same time. My friend already said that Hong Kong has important legal connections with the rest of the world, for example, arbitral awards can be enforced and recognised because of the New York Convention. We have entered into a lot of arrangements with other international organisations. Important legal bodies would have their headquarters and offices in Hong Kong. Now this is where Singapore cannot be compared to Hong Kong – we have very special mutual legal assistance arrangements with Mainland China, which is made possible purely because Hong Kong is a part of China, though we practice different legal systems.

         I simply wish to refresh your memory by highlighting one example, which is the arrangement concerning the possibility of granting interim injunction in arbitral proceedings. As business people, it is no use at all to you to spend a lot of money on arbitration if at the end of the day, what you get is a piece of paper. What is the most important is that you will be able to enjoy the fruit in case you succeed in arbitration. That means pending the conclusion of the arbitration proceedings, you need to have sufficient safeguard to ensure that the asset at stake will be protected. In addition, sometimes it would require the preservation of evidence to ensure that the merit of case can be fully reflected in the course of the proceedings. The special arrangement is that if you start arbitral proceedings in Hong Kong by using one of the designated arbitration institutions, then the Mainland court will be very willing to provide you with the assistance by giving you the interim injunction, which is very useful. I don’t remember the figure, but the success rate is over 90 per cent. So this is the connectivity factor.

         The last factor which is most important, and is evident by the quality of the speakers who have spoken before me, that is Hong Kong has an abundant supply of truly international legal talent. If you are using our legal service, if you instruct a Hong Kong lawyer, you are not simply enjoying Hong Kong legal service. You are engaging a global counsel. You are engaging and instructing a truly international lawyer. And again, I wish to repeat or perhaps add some figures to substantiate my point. You were told that we have a divided legal profession consisting of barristers and solicitors. I give you the numbers again. I would stand to be corrected. At the moment, I think there are around 1 600 barristers in Hong Kong, and among them 108 are Senior Counsel. We have three Senior Counsel here with us today. So in a small group of 15 persons, we already have three Senior Counsel – Queenie Lau, SC, Derek Chan, SC, and myself. And when it comes to solicitors, the figures are even more impressive. I think we have more than 13 000 solicitors in Hong Kong. And the important thing is that, look at the number of law firms, we have more than 920 law firms. Among these 900 law firms, around 351 have foreign offices. So they are not local law firms, they have presence in other jurisdictions. And I think 80 something have offices in Mainland China. And when we come to registered foreign law firms, there are 77. As for registered foreign lawyers who specialised or qualified in different jurisdictions, I think the number exceeds 1 400. You can tell from the composition, not just the quantity or the number, but the composition, a lot of them are associated one way or the other with law firms in other jurisdictions. Either they have their own presence in other jurisdictions, or they are closely related with some other very close law firms in other jurisdictions. So my point is, when you get the service of a Hong Kong lawyer, you are getting world service. You don’t need to go anywhere. So this is the last factor, which I believe is the most important factor.

         And the other thing is that, as mentioned by some of our friends, when it comes to legal service, it is not just the legal knowledge that matters. At the end of the day, legal service is about resolving people’s problem. You have to understand culture. You have to understand the people. When you are doing business involving a Mainland element, because one of the speakers asked what the criteria of picking arbitrator or mediator are if Mainland element is involved, I think the answer should go beyond the choice of arbitrator and mediator. It goes to the choice of lawyer in general. I think you need to find someone who is not simply good at law but understands human nature and business culture. A good lawyer is somebody who is able to communicate with you, who can explain very technical matters in a way that you can understand, who can understand the whole business environment, who can understand why in a different jurisdiction, why in a different culture, things are done in a certain way, documents are drafted in a particular manner, why certain words are used, what’s the magic, what’s the hidden message. It is important for lawyers to be able to decipher all these subtle points. In Hong Kong, most of us are not just bilingual because we are Chinese, we understand the Chinese culture, we understand how things are done and said, but at the same time, we are trained by the common law tradition. So we are going to be a perfect interpreter, helping you to understand each other, to ensure that nothing will be lost in translation. I think that is a very important point when it comes to the choice of legal service.

         So to sum up, six factors: it’s stable, it’s reliable, it’s business friendly, it’s secure, it provides dual connectivity, it provides abundant supply of truly international legal talent.

         Maybe Singapore enjoys one or two or even five of the factors before, but I’m quite sure that if you do a checklist, Singapore will not be able to have all the ticks in all the six boxes. So it is really the sum total of these six factors which makes Hong Kong so unique.

         The last thing that I would like to say is that I would like you to visualise, to have a sort of mental picture as to what I am saying. I would like to draw an analogy. The legal service of Hong Kong provides is just like a multi-storey building. In one single building, you have a food hall consisting different types of restaurants. We have Michelin three star restaurants, we have restaurants serving Vietnamese food, and we have restaurants serving Chinese food. The point is whatever you need, they will be available, in terms of price or whatever. And the food will be extremely hygienic and the quality will be very high. I think that’s the concept, that’s the main picture that I would like you to have after today’s event. Thank you.      

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Profile: Fuelling Success – Gloria Kwong’s Path to Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Gloria Kwong during a panel at the ATOMEXPO International Forum held from 19-21 June 2017 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: Rosatom)

    The IAEA profiles employees to provide insight into the variety of career paths that support the Agency’s mission of Atoms for Peace and Development and to inspire and encourage readers, particularly women, to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or STEM-adjacent fields. Read more profiles of women at the IAEA.   

    Growing up in a conservative, Chinese household in Canada, Gloria Kwong was raised to avoid taking risks and to prioritize her education to help ensure her success.  

    Throughout her professional journey, which has led her from Canada to Austria via France, Kwong has always remained committed to her work in the areas of nuclear waste, decommissioning and environmental remediation. During her career, she has navigated challenges in a male-dominated industry and advises young women to follow their passions and embrace new opportunities, even when they come with challenges or risks. 

    As a young girl, Kwong aspired to become a professional chef, but her parents encouraged her and her four siblings to focus on their academic studies. After high school, Kwong earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of Toronto, Canada, and within a few years, she advanced to a managerial role at a leading telecommunications company. However, she realized that her passion was in more technically demanding work, eventually leading her to her current role as Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section at the IAEA.   

    “It may surprise people that my experience working in a managerial position for a telecommunications company impacts my work at the IAEA. Although technical competency is essential, good decision-making, communication, and interpersonal skills are no less important, and this is something that comes in hand every day when I work with my team and colleagues at the Agency. An unconventional professional background does not limit you, but instead provides you with more tools to succeed,” said Kwong. 

    Seeking to broaden her horizons, Kwong transitioned to the nuclear field as a design engineer at the Ontario Power Generation Darlington Power Station (OPG) in Toronto. While working as a Senior Engineer at OPG, Kwong pursued her PhD in materials engineering from Imperial College London. It would be years later before Kwong took another career leap – this time across the Atlantic. After over a decade at OPG, which later became the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, she was offered the position of Radioactive Waste Management Specialist at the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) in Paris, France. 

    Kwong’s career at the NEA was marked by her willingness to take on new challenges and leadership roles. For over 11 years, she held various managerial positions, including Acting Head of the Radioactive Waste Management Division and the Nuclear Technology Development & Economics Division. Her leadership skills and technical insight were recognized, leading to other roles as Deputy Head of the Office of Policy and Coordination, Head of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, and eventually, Senior Advisor to the Director-General. 

    Like other women working in a male-dominated industry, Kwong made a concerted effort to establish her credibility and earn the respect of her peers. Her career has been filled with professional milestones and unique international experiences, but it has not been without challenges. 

    “A big hurdle for women has always been work-life balance and prioritizing career development , but I see more employers, like the IAEA, addressing these matters through educational scholarships that relieve financial burdens, flexible professional development programmes and new, accommodating HR policies, thereby attracting more women to the nuclear sector,” said Kwong. 

    After over a decade at the NEA, Kwong left Paris and moved to Vienna to join the IAEA as the Head of the Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation Section. She and her colleagues strive to promote nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation by supporting sustainable nuclear energy development. They encourage countries to integrate circular economy principles into national decommissioning and radioactive waste management policies, and they facilitate knowledge sharing to promote the efficient use of resources and the safe reuse of materials. 

    “I want to contribute to narrowing the energy equity gap to ensure more people can access affordable, sustainable and clean energy. I believe that nuclear power can elevate its contribution to complement other clean energy sources, which is why I believe in the mission and work of the IAEA,” Kwong said.  

    Her piece of advice to young women considering a career in the nuclear field: 

    “Follow your heart in decision making. Explore other opportunities, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.” 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Extra support for women through the criminal justice system announced

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Government plans to reduce the number of women in custody by using early intervention and tackling the root causes of offending, the Lord Chancellor announced today.

    A Women’s Justice Board will be established to bring together senior leaders in the criminal justice system, charities and government departments and publish a new strategy in the spring, Shabana Mahmood has confirmed.

    Female offenders are often vulnerable, with over 60 per cent of women in prison reporting having experienced domestic violence and more than half having experienced abuse as a child.

    The creation of the Women’s Justice Board recognises these distinct needs and advocates for a tailored approach to divert women away from custodial sentences. It will meet regularly to discuss and implement ways to intervene earlier before women’s offending becomes serious and better tackle the root causes of their offending.

    The strategy will also focus on enhancing alternatives to prison, such as community sentences and residential women’s centres. Only around one third of female offenders sentenced to custody have committed a violent offence and prisons are not working to rehabilitate this group, with women serving short custodial sentences significantly more likely to reoffend than those serving community sentences.  

    The Board will be chaired by Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending.

    It will be held to account by experts from the voluntary and community sector, recruited by open competition to the new Women in Justice Partnership Delivery Group. This Group will regularly review and publish reports on the on the Board’s progress towards its goal of reducing the number of women in custody.

    The Lord Chancellor also announced that free independent legal advocates will be in place from next year to support adult victims of rape across England and Wales.

    Almost two-thirds of rape victims drop out of their case before it reaches trial so this service will help victims understand their rights and ensure access to mobile phones and medical data is proportionate to the investigation. When trialled in Northumberland, two-thirds of challenges to a request for victims’ data were successful and, in turn, reduced the volume of indiscriminate police requests in the first place.

    More information on the scheme will be published in the coming months.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government should move urgently to repeal misguided legislation and instead press for mutual enforcement

    Source: Traditional Unionist Voice – Northern Ireland

    The following article was published in today’s News Letter.

    In my last article in this series on the first majoritarian vote on a matter of great controversy to take place at Stormont in over 50 years that is now required (unless the law is changed) before the end of this year, I highlighted further problems with the assertion that the vote gives expression to democracy.

    I explained why, rather than doing so, the effect of the proposed vote is to ask MLAs to effectively renounce the rights of their constituents to be represented in the legislature making the laws to which we are subject in 300 areas of law (Removing Stormont’s cross-community vote for the Northern Ireland Protocol violates the Belfast Agreement, September 17).

    There is something disturbing, unnerving and alarming about the sight of those in authority seeking to legitimise the renunciation of democracy by hiding its true implication in a process presented as a manifestation of democracy and called euphemistically the ‘democratic consent vote.’

    Engaging in these antics cannot but risk placing the wider ‘integrity’ (in every sense of the word) of UK democracy in jeopardy. This is a dangerous game.

    In order to really appreciate the full extent of the difficulty, though, we need to consider the proposed vote in context.

    The first essay in this series looked at how the forced majority Stormont vote ahead places the future governance of Northern Ireland in jeopardy.

    We live at a time of growing concerns about voter apathy across the UK, underlined by the second lowest UK turnout figures and the lowest ever Northern Ireland turnout figures at the General Election in July. This is really concerning. Democracy only works if people vote.

    If there is a shift away from voting, the validity of both democracy and the government it sustains are called into question and people begin to consider the less enlightened alternatives. The difficulty is compounded at the current time on two bases.

    First, the sad truth is that it makes complete sense that voter turnout should have been the lowest ever in Northern Ireland on July 4 because this was the first General Election after the debasing of the vote in Northern Ireland from January 1, 2021 with the introduction of the protocol/Windsor Framework.

    At the 2019 General Election the people of Northern Ireland went to the polls on the same basis as people across the rest of the UK, able to vote for MPs, who together with their other legislators, were able to make all the laws to which the people of Northern Ireland were subject, as in the rest of the UK. On July 4, 2024, however, while the people of England, Wales and Scotland went to the polls on this basis, we in Northern Ireland were only afforded the right to elect people to make some of the laws to which we are subject.

    In 300 areas our laws are now made for us by a foreign Parliament in whose elections we cannot stand and to which we can elect no representatives.

    The new arrangement has two troubling consequences. In the first instance, it tells the people of Northern Ireland that we no longer have the right to ‘pursue democratically national and political aspirations’ (see the Good Friday Agreement) with respect to all the laws to which we are subject which inevitably makes some people look to other means of securing change.
    In the second instance, this inevitably sends the message to the rest of the UK that democracy is not all that important. You cannot tell some UK citizens that it is OK to not have the right to stand for election to make all the laws to which they are subject and simultaneously tell other UK citizens that having this right is vital.

    Moreover, we greatly compound the problem by using a process masquerading as democracy to secure its negation, suggesting that it is OK for representatives within part of the UK to go into their legislature (Stormont) in December and vote to renounce the rights of their citizens to be represented in the making of the laws to which they are subject not just in relation to one law or 300 laws but three hundred areas of law for six to eight years.

    Second, the above takes effect at the worst possible time for the UK because the integrity of UK democracy is now under greater pressure than at any time since the introduction of universal suffrage.

    The July UK General Election results mean that we now have a UK government with the smallest ever proportion of the vote for modern times, just 33.8%, meaning that of the 59.9% of people who voted, over 65% did not vote for the government.

    In the second instance – placing this precarious arrangement under the greatest possible strain – we have a government with the largest majority of seats since 1832, suggesting it has the greatest mandate of modern times, when what we actually have is a government whose mandate is uniquely constrained.

    It is not the purpose of this article to suggest that this outcome is the result of any abuse of the system. It isn’t. But it is to acknowledge that in the past, the ‘first past the post’ election system has never placed itself under as much pressure as it has through the July 4, 2024 General Election results.

    It will not be easy for the UK body politic to navigate the twin challenge to the integrity of democracy resulting from the creation of a government with a huge majority that nearly 70% of those who voted (let alone those that didn’t vote) did not support, at the same time as it is asking a UK legislature (Stormont) to engage in the obscene charade of using democracy to negate democracy.

    Rather than seeing democratic strength in the size of its majority, the new government should see in the yawning mismatch between its limited share of the vote and huge Commons majority an unusually strained and in some ways vulnerable expression of democracy.

    In this context it should go out of its way to pursue a path of moderation, especially where democracy is concerned.

    To this end, it should move urgently to repeal the misguided legislation of the previous government that is currently poised to deploy democracy before the year is out, both for the purpose of its negation and for recklessly forcing the first majoritarian Stormont vote on a matter of deepest controversy in over 50 years. It should instead press for mutual enforcement which disenfranchises no one.
    ​
    This is the fourth of five essays by Dr Dan Boucher, who is a former Director of Policy and Research for the DUP, and now aide to the leader of the TUV Jim Allister MP

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement: Meeting between the Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom and Argentina

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    The Foreign Secretary and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina made progress on different issues regarding the South Atlantic.

    Looking forward to a new era of constructive cooperation within the bilateral relationship, characterised by improved dialogue and confidence-building measures, the UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship of Argentina, Diana Mondino, met in New York on 24 September and made progress towards a broad agenda covering different issues relating to the South Atlantic. It is agreed that the formula on the safeguards of sovereignty in paragraph 2 of the Joint Statement of 19 October 1989 applies to this agenda and its outcomes.

    The Parties have agreed to resume negotiations to complete the third phase of the Humanitarian Project Plan together with the International Committee of the Red Cross, and to organise a trip to the Islands by next-of-kin of fallen soldiers before the end of 2024, so that they can visit the graves of the soldiers laid there to rest.

    They also agreed on the need to take concrete steps in the area of fisheries conservation and towards improved connectivity, according to the agreements reached in 2018, including the resumption of the weekly Sao Paulo flight to the Islands that stopped once a month in Cordoba.

    These steps will enable progress towards a more ambitious agenda for co-operation in different areas, under the sovereignty formula, aimed at promoting human and economic development and strengthening links between the Islands and the continent.

    Both the Foreign Secretary and Foreign Minister Mondino welcomed the steps being taken to establish an improved bilateral relationship and agreed to speak again when opportunity allowed.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

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

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: Welcome to La Maison Elysée!

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

    It’s already been two months since La Maison Élysée opened its doors to the public!

    Located opposite the Élysée Palace, at 88 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, this new space is one of a kind.

    Visitors will be able to go behind the scenes of the Presidency of the Republic through a free permanent exhibition and complete the experience by discovering the café and the boutique.

    Discover the Maison Élysée in pictures:

    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: Minutes of the Council of Ministers of September 23, 2024.

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

    The Council of Ministers adopted the following individual measures:

    On the proposal of the Prime Minister:

    – the functions of Director of International, Strategic and Technological Affairs at the General Secretariat for Defense and National Security exercised by Ms. Caroline FERRARI, State Administrator, are terminated as of September 16, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of the Interior:

    – the functions of Prefect of Eure exercised by Mr. Simon BABRE, State Administrator, are terminated as of September 16, 2024;

    – the functions of delegated prefect for equal opportunities with the prefect of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, prefect of the South defense and security zone, prefect of Bouches-du-Rhône, exercised by Mr. Baptiste ROLLAND, State administrator, are terminated as of September 9, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of National Education and the Minister of Higher Education and Research:

    – the functions of rector of the Grand Est academic region, rector of the Nancy-Metz academy, exercised by Mr. Richard LAGANIER, chancellor of universities, are terminated as of September 16, 2024.

    On the proposal of the Minister of Labor and Employment:

    – the functions of general delegate for employment and vocational training exercised by Mr. Jérôme MARCHAND-ARVIER, State Councilor, are terminated as of September 17, 2024.

    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: Lochaber Area Place Plan public sessions begin

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council is set to hold public drop-in sessions over four days at the end of the September and into early October 2024, to help inform the creation of an Area Place Plan for the Lochaber area.  These sessions will allow the public to contribute, have their say and leave comments.

    Members of the public are invited to attend the engagement drop in events which will take place as follows:

    Monday 30 Sept – Fort William Library 4-7pm

    Tuesday 1 October – Fort William Library 11am-4pm

    Thursday 3 October – Mallaig Library 5-8pm

    Tuesday 8 October – Ardnamurchan Library 12-4pm

    In attendance on the day will be members of the Community Support and Engagement Team who will be on hand to greet people as they arrive and ensure their opinions are captured and reflected within the data gathered.

    An online survey and ideas board will go live on Monday 30 September and will remain live until 31 October 2024. The survey will be available from the following link here (external link)

    Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: “Area Place Plans (APP) are important for Lochaber as they are community led plans, offering the opportunity to shape the vision, ambition and key priorities for both people and place across Lochaber. They help to target resources, service delivery and with clear area specific plans, assist in attracting investment.

    “I encourage as many local residents as possible across Lochaber to take the opportunity to drop in on one of these sessions, have a chat with the team facilitating the event, learn more about the process and leave comments for consideration in the wider APP.”  

    In Highland, sub-regional Area Place Plans are being developed to bring together an overview of existing strategies and projects, and making sure that a clear vision is captured of what the community aspirations are for their area.

    The Plans will help The Highland Council, partners, and communities to secure funding by evidencing the impact of every pound spent and the actions associated will provide clarity and manage expectation around how and where resources are prioritised. They will also provide a stronger framework for communities to prepare plans for their own community, empowering them to drive and deliver change.

    Community engagement will build a shared understanding of how ‘Place’ underpins development, service delivery and how organisations and communities work together. These plans will be a future guide to get the best impact for people living in an area, based on a shared understanding of local need.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Interim Community Council Election – Voters encouraged to return ballots

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Issued on behlaf of The Returning Officer

    Postal ballot papers for the contested Ardgay and District Community Council were posted out yesterday (Monday 23 September 2024). The Highland Council is reminding voters that ballot papers need to be completed and returned by the deadline of 12 noon on Monday 14 October 2024 in the pre-paid envelope provided.

    Candidates standing were invited to submit a statement to support their candidacy and these statements are provided in the envelopes mailed out along with the ballot papers to all eligible voters.

    Community Councillors shall be elected on a simple majority basis.  The successful candidates will be those with the highest number of votes, with the number of successful Candidates equalling the number of vacancies. 

    The counting of the votes will be broadcast live by The Highland Council on Monday 14 October 2024 from 12noon onwards.  

    24 Sep 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Police infiltration of left-wing organisations and social movements in Spain: infringement of fundamental rights and freedoms – E-001749/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001749/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Estrella Galán (The Left)

    The media outlets La Directa and El Salto have just exposed a new case of police infiltration of left-wing movements and social organisations in Spain, with nine agents being discovered in the last two years alone. It should be noted that current legislation only provides for infiltration by agents to combat alleged cases of terrorism, organised crime or drug trafficking.

    This practice – which appears to be both commonplace and systematic – is a blatant violation of the respect for, and the guarantee of, fundamental rights and freedoms such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and data protection, which are pillars of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, democracy, and the rule of law.

    Moreover, it would appear to be a clearly ideologically motivated practice, violating the principle of non-discrimination, with the agents infiltrating exclusively left-wing organisations.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of this practice, which is contrary to basic rights and freedoms and the result of an infringement of the principle of non-discrimination on ideological grounds?
    • 2.When drawing up annual reports on the rule of law in the EU Member States and their defence, does it intend to investigate this and request information from the Spanish Government?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for far-right in Germany puts pressure on frontline countries – E-001735/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001735/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    The results of the recent elections in Germany are compelling the German Government to take measures that place additional migratory pressure on frontline countries such as Cyprus and Greece.

    The German Government’s new measures are at odds with the Pact on Migration. The reason is simple: the new, very strict unilateral measures effectively disregard the Pact on Migration, increasing migratory pressure on countries neighbouring Germany and on frontline countries.

    • 1.Can the Commission say what steps it is taking to ensure that Member States comply with the Pact on Migration?
    • 2.Furthermore, how is it ensuring that Member States do not take unilateral emergency measures, resulting in the unbalanced distribution of migrants and the risk that other Member States might follow suit?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ensuring reliable and fast connections in rural areas and regions bordering Russia – E-001723/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001723/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elsi Katainen (Renew)

    Today, high-speed broadband connectivity is a necessity, even in sparsely populated areas. While better speeds have been introduced and fibre optic cables are reaching many homes, growing regional disparity is a reality. Adequate and reliable connectivity is a necessity for many activities, including business, investment, farming and teleworking.

    By way of example, people living in rural areas in Finland are experiencing low speeds and limited connectivity, as 3G networks are being dismantled. The proximity of the Russian border and potential interference with telecommunications networks underlines the need to ensure secure, reliable and fast connections outside urban areas. Support for the construction of fixed networks has been provided through rural development and recovery instrument funds, but this has resulted in broadband largely being built in areas with sufficient population density.

    How will the Commission ensure that the Gigabit Society 2025 and Digital Decade 2030 targets can be achieved in sparsely populated areas in the regions bordering Russia, especially with regard to broadband development?

    Submitted: 16.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compatibility of internal border controls with the Schengen Borders Code – E-001719/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001719/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pascal Arimont (PPE)

    Temporary internal border controls have been allowed at all German borders since 16 September 2024. Following temporary border controls already in place at Germany’s borders with Austria, Switzerland, Czechia and Poland, the German Ministry of the Interior has ordered further temporary internal border controls to last six months at the country’s borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, France and Denmark. It informed the Commission of the new border controls on 9 September 2024.

    • 1.Are these internal border controls in line with Article 25(2) of the Schengen Borders Code (Regulation (EU) 2016/399), according to which such controls may be introduced only as a last resort?
    • 2.Are these internal border controls consistent with the principles of necessity and proportionality set out in Article 26 of the Schengen Borders Code?
    • 3.How does the Commission intend to avoid a domino effect if other Member States decide to follow Germany, France, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Italy and Slovenia and reintroduce their own border controls?

    Submitted: 16.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Support for remote, cut-off areas – E-001744/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001744/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Geadis Geadi (ECR)

    In the light of the European Union’s interest in supporting remote areas, one of the most remote areas in the whole of Europe is the Tellyria area in Cyprus.

    This is an outlying border area trapped in an enclave between mountains, the sea and the territories illegally occupied by Türkiye, all of which makes the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants exceptionally difficult.

    The challenges this area faces are enormous, owing to the Turkish occupation, which has led to geographical isolation and makes the day-to-day lives of the inhabitants even more difficult. This complex situation limits opportunities for economic development, impedes access to vitally important services and undermines social cohesion. This means that there is an urgent need for practical support for these areas, to boost the prosperity of their inhabitants.

    In view of this:

    • 1.What specific measures does the Commission intend to adopt to provide aid to the areas in question, in order to ensure their economic, social and cultural development, the safety of their inhabitants and unimpeded access for them to basic services?
    • 2.What steps will it take to improve access for the inhabitants of the area to basic services such as health, education and transport?
    • 3.How does the Commission propose to address the problems of isolation created by the ongoing Turkish occupation, in order to ensure the prosperity and security of the inhabitants of Tellyria?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: G7 DFIs, MedAccess, EIB, and IFC Announce MoU for Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Today, participating G7 development finance institutions (DFIs), MedAccess, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the Surge Financing Initiative for Medical Countermeasures (MCMs). These DFIs are working closely with global and regional health organizations to establish the collaboration frameworks and innovative financing mechanisms needed to support a rapid and equitable pandemic response. Building on lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative will focus on the procurement, production, and distribution of vaccines, therapeutics, diagnostics, and other MCMs for low- and lower-middle-income countries. The MoU builds on the Joint Statement of Collaboration announced at UNGA last year as well as the Chair Summary and Report that outlined collaboration and innovating financing options. This effort is a joint collaboration between participating G7 DFIs, MedAccess, EIB, and IFC, in accord with G7 Hiroshima Vision for Equitable Access to Medical Countermeasures launched at the 2023 Hiroshima Summit and reaffirmed at the 2024 Apulia Summit.

    The MoU was signed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC, USA), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP, Italy), British International Investment & MedAccess (UK), KfW & Germany’s Development Finance Institution DEG (Germany), AFD & Proparco (France), JICA (Japan), EIB (European Union), and IFC (World Bank Group). The MoU also has support from the Government of Canada and leading global and regional health organizations.  

    This work builds on ongoing collaboration across many DFIs on regional manufacturing in Africa. The ongoing Mpox public health emergency underscores the importance of this collaboration and need for surge financing. Leveraging this initiative, DFIs met with leading global health organizations including the World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Gavi, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) on August 22, soon after Mpox was declared a public health emergency of international concern, to discuss response efforts and financing needs.

    “DFC is proud to support this first-of-its kind framework to ensure DFIs can act swiftly and cohesively to provide surge financing for life-saving products at the start of a health emergency. We expect to leverage this initiative for the Mpox response, working closely with our U.S. Government, development finance, and health partners More broadly, DFC’s investments in health services, supply chains, and technology all help bolster pandemic preparedness and health system resilience.” said DFC DCEO Nisha Biswal.

    “JICA believes this surge financing initiative will enhance coordination among development finance institutions and health organizations to achieve our commitment to work towards equitable access to safe, effective, quality-assured and affordable MCMs for health emergencies, which Japan announced as Chair of the 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima.   Leveraging this initiative and JICA’s own lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to support countries that have suffered from inequitable access to MCMs in the past,” said Chief Representative of JICA USA Office Satoko Tanaka.

    “IFC is proud to participate in this innovative framework to support medical countermeasure financing mechanisms, an important step for responding more effectively to future health crises. Collaboration between development finance institutions and global health partners is key to ensure coordinated efforts that strengthen healthcare systems and supply chains, enhancing pandemic preparedness.” said Vice President of Industries Mohamed Gouled.

    “DEG and KfW are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, one of which is improving healthcare”, said Member of the DEG Management Board Monika Beck. “Therefore, we are delighted to support this initiative to provide financing for healthcare products during health emergencies, together with our trusted development finance partner institutions. We are convinced that it is essential to join forces to support improved access to critical health products when they are in short supply.”

    “Sustainable development is linked to equitable and rightful access to health and well-being. As CDP, we strongly support this initiative, which has been mentioned in the G7 Leaders’ final declaration last June at the Apulia Summit, that will foster the development of health systems across emerging economies, ensuring the foundation is laid for research, production, and distribution of essential medicines, diagnostic equipment, and vaccines. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for every nation to be equipped with the tools to safeguard public health in times of crisis. Achieving the 2030 UN SDGs will require robust global collaboration, and we are proud to partner with G7 DFIs, the European Investment Bank, and the International Finance Corporation to help make this vision a reality.” said CDP Director of International Development Cooperation Paolo Lombardo.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic showed us the value of working together but also the need to coordinate our actions more closely,” said EIB Vice President Thomas Östros. “With joint efforts, we can multiply our impact and effectiveness, especially in meeting current challenges such as Mpox and in tackling future health emergencies. At the EIB, global health is a key priority, and we highly value this partnership.”

    “The MoU is an important step towards strengthening global health security and reducing the impact of future pandemics on vulnerable populations. This furthers our commitment, as the UK’s DFI, to invest in businesses that provide essential health services and products, including vaccines. It will ensure that future health crises can be mitigated to allow continued economic growth and social progress in low- and middle-income countries, said BII Chair Diana Layfield.

    “When critical health products are in short supply, fast and flexible capital can make the difference between life and death,“ said CEO of MedAccess Michael Anderson. “The COVID-19 pandemic showed how quickly global supply chains can grind to a halt when overwhelming demand meets scarce supply. This led to inequitable distribution of medical products, leaving millions of people at risk from the disease. Today’s announcement underlines our shared commitment to being prepared for future pandemics with the capital and financial tools to enable companies to meet large-scale, urgent demand for lifesaving products.”

    “A lesson learned from the COVID-19 crisis is that it is possible to mobilize significant public and private financial resources in turbulent times. Let’s use this experience of successful mobilization to anticipate effective pandemic preparedness. I believe this Memorandum of Understanding is one of the necessary steps towards better coordination among Public Development Banks to mobilize the private sector and demonstrates the catalytic power of joining forces for innovative financial instruments, as explored by Finance in Common and its Social Investment Coalition. Health is a common good, no one should be left behind in the face of a pandemic,” said Rémy Rioux, CEO of AFD Group (AFD, Proparco, and Expertise France) and Chairman of Finance in Common Summit in Paris.

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy goals. The EIB’s activities focus on the following priority areas: climate and environment, development, innovation and skills, small and medium-sized businesses, infrastructure, and cohesion. The EIB works closely with other institutions and has provided total financing of more than € 42 billion for healthcare-related projects around the world since it started investing in the sector in 1997.  

    The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) partners with the private sector to finance solutions to the most critical challenges facing the developing world today. We invest across sectors including energy, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and small business and financial services. DFC investments adhere to high standards and respect the environment, human rights, and worker rights. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ukraine: EIB provides €50 million to help Kyiv replace Russian-made metro coaches with a modern fleet

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The EIB and Kyiv have signed a €50 million agreement to modernise the city’s metro rolling stock with energy-efficient coaches.
    • The investment will help the Kyiv metro end its dependence on Russian-made spare parts, ensuring more resilient and reliable transport – essential for keeping the capital moving for both business operations and residents in their daily lives.
    • The €50 million, supported by the EIB’s EU for Ukraine Fund, is part of a larger €200 million loan package approved by the EIB and available to Kyiv for metro infrastructure upgrades.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the city of Kyiv have signed a €50 million loan agreement to finance the purchase of new metro coaches. This initiative aims to modernise Kyiv’s metro fleet and provide reliable transport for millions of the capital’s residents. The agreement was signed today at EIB headquarters in Luxembourg during a visit by a delegation from the Kyiv City State Administration.

    Before the war, 80% of Kyiv’s metro fleet came from Russian manufacturers, making ending this reliance a strategic priority. With over 60% of the fleet past its operational life, the new funding will allow outdated coaches to be replaced with modern, energy-efficient alternatives from local or international suppliers. This aligns with the Kyiv City Development Strategy 2025 and Ukraine’s National Transport Strategy 2030, aimed at building a more sustainable and reliable public transport system.

    The €50 million, supported by the EIB’s EU for Ukraine Fund, represents the first tranche of a €200 million loan made available by the Bank, with this initial amount being provided exclusively for the purchase of new metro coaches for Kyiv. The remaining €150 million will be provided following an EIB-funded feasibility study on the viability of buying further new coaches versus modernising some of the existing fleet. The total funding will enable Kyivskyi Metropoliten, the municipal enterprise that operates the Kyiv metro system, to upgrade or replace between 120 and 160 metro coaches, enhancing the city’s transport infrastructure.

    Mykola Povoroznyk, First Deputy Head of Kyiv City State Administration, said, “In the midst of this large-scale invasion, Kyiv continues to develop. All areas of the city’s economy have been reconfigured to work in wartime conditions. This is not only about ensuring stable operation, but also about spurring development with modern technology. Foreign donors also take an active role here. The EIB is a long-standing, reliable partner of Kyiv. The project to modernise the capital’s metro rolling stock is important for our city, and we are very grateful to the EIB for supporting its implementation. The Kyiv metro is one of the most popular modes of transport in the capital. Millions of passengers use it every day. That is why, first and foremost, the purchase of modern, energy-efficient metro coaches means making passenger transport safer, and making better use of funds from the Kyiv city budget for rolling stock. It’s an urgent and high-priority issue today, taking into account the war conditions in Ukraine.”

    EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who is in charge of Bank’s operations in Ukraine, said, “The EIB is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Kyiv and cities throughout Ukraine as they modernise their infrastructure, particularly in the face of ongoing wartime challenges. The Kyiv metro is a critical transportation lifeline, and this investment will greatly improve its reliability and resilience. By reducing reliance on Russian-manufactured rolling stock, spare parts and maintenance equipment, this collaboration marks an essential step toward enhancing Ukraine’s independence and aligning its transport systems with European standards. Reliable connectivity is vital for the economic growth and the well-being of the city’s residents.”

    The EIB’s continuing support for Kyiv and Ukraine

    The EIB remains committed to its long-standing relationship with the Kyiv authorities and is working closely on urban transport projects supported by EIB loans. These initiatives aim to improve the capital’s public transport fleet, having already delivered 20 new low-floor trams to Kyiv, with additional modern buses, funicular carriages and metro coaches forthcoming.

    Since the onset of Russia’s war in Ukraine, the EIB has provided more than €2 billion of financing for emergency repairs to the country’s ravaged infrastructure. Through its EU for Ukraine (EU4U) Initiative, coupled with its key role in implementing the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility, the EIB is strongly committed to stepping up its activities in line with the mandate given by EU leaders and in close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, EU Member States and international partners.

    Background information 

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s new specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance outside the European Union. It is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe and as part of the EU Global Gateway strategy, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world. 

    The EU for Ukraine Fund (EU4U) was established in 2023 as part of a larger EU for Ukraine initiative. The fund aims to accelerate the support of EIB Global for Ukraine’s most urgent infrastructure needs and to help sustain the country’s economy. It supports critical recovery and reconstruction projects involving both the public and the private sectors and improves access to finance for entrepreneurs in Ukraine. To date, the fund has secured over €420 million in pledges from the Member States.

    Ukraine: EIB provides €50 million to help Kyiv replace Russian-made metro coaches with a modern fleet
    Ukraine: EIB provides €50 million to help Kyiv replace Russian-made metro coaches with a modern fleet
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    Ukraine: EIB provides €50 million to help Kyiv replace Russian-made metro coaches with a modern fleet
    Ukraine: EIB provides €50 million to help Kyiv replace Russian-made metro coaches with a modern fleet
    ©EIB
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🇱🇹 Lithuania – President Addresses United Nations General Debate, 79th Session | #UNGA

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Gitanas Nausėda, President of the Republic of Lithuania, addresses the General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations (New York, 24 – 30 September 2024).

    World leaders gather to engage in the annual high-level General Debate under the theme, “Unity and diversity for advancing peace, sustainable development, and human dignity, everywhere and for all.” Heads of State and Government and ministers will explore solutions to intertwined global challenges to advance peace, security, and sustainable development.

    The UN General Assembly (UNGA) is the main policy-making organ of the Organization. Comprising all Member States, it provides a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. Each of the 193 Member States of the United Nations has an equal vote.

    General debate website: https://gadebate.un.org/

    —————————————-

    مشاهدة هذا الفيديو باللغة العربية على موقع البث الشبكي للأمم المتحدة
    请在联合国网络电视（UN Web TV）观看中文版视频
    Regardez cette vidéo en français sur UN Web TV
    Vean este video en español en UN Web TV
    Смотрите это видео на русском на UN Web TV
    https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1x/k1xi08z7g7

    Screenshot credit: UN Photo/Laura Jarriel

    #UNGA #UnitedNations

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3VnxOi17HM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Readout of the Secretary-General’s meeting with H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    The Secretary-General met with H.E. Ms. Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark.

    The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister discussed the Pact for the Future, as well as Denmark’s upcoming non-permanent seat on the Security Council for the period of 2025-2026. They also discussed the war in Ukraine. 
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni at Summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    24 Settembre 2024

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, delivered a speech today at the summit of the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats in New York.




    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 24/09/2024 Varsovia Council of Ministers – aid for flood victims

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The government meeting took place today in a unique format. In the public part of the meeting, the ministers presented reports on the activities of their ministries in connection with the flood. El primer minister Donald Tusk announced that this formula will be in force during the next government meetings. Later in the meeting, the Council of Ministers adopted a draft act amending the Act on special solutions related to removing the effects of floods. Tomorrow the government will present information on its activities in the Sejm. In the afternoon, the head of government went to a meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław. Concrete actions Today’s government meeting was devoted to the situation in southwestern Poland after the flood. In the public part, Prime Minister Donald Tusk asked ministers to present the activities of their ministries and propose specific solutions. “My intention is that each government meeting – in this dramatic time of flood and post-flood reconstruction – should begin with a specific report that should reach people immediately,” explained the head of government. The second part of the meeting of the Council of Ministers was devoted to the draft act amending the act on special solutions related to removing the effects of floods. “Para bromear 100 pages of amendments that will improve the existing law; they will make assistance easier and more flexible,” announced Donald Tusk. The government will be able to secure – together with European funds – up to PLN 23 billion for the “Reconstruction Plus” program. “It was very important for us to provide financing for aid and then reconstruction for the coming months and years – because some projects will last for many years,” the Prime Minister said. The government remains directly involved in supervising activities in the areas affected by the disaster – a meeting of the crisis staff will be held in Wrocław this afternoon. Los dos ministros se multiplican Internal Affairs and Administration The first information during the meeting of the Council of Ministers was presented by the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration. Tomasz Siemoniak emphasized that the State Fire Service and the army are currently focusing on two goals. The first is to ensure safety in connection with the peak wave on the Odra River. “We are moving forces and resources, moving helicopters and various types of equipment, so that we have forces and resources in all places of danger – especially backwaters, seepage through embankments or water pouring through embankments in some places” – reported the head of the Ministry of Interior and Administration. The second priority is to support residents in restoring normal functioning in the affected municipalities. “Here we do not reduce our commitment in any way. As for the forces of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, the Bromear couple approximately 25,000. professional firefighters, volunteer firefighters and policemen,” said Tomasz Siemoniak. The police continue to ensure the safety of residents of flooded areas, including: guarding their property against looters, running mobile posts and providing psychological support. The Central Office for Combating Cybercrime is also carrying out intensified activities. It focuses primarily on the fight against disinformation and the practice of conducting false collections. “I am asking you to follow our announcements carefully. Please check carefully whether this is a fake collection. This is what we are trying to eliminate,” the Minister of Interior and Administration emphasized the importance of the problem. The Ministry of Interior and Administration cooperates with voivodes in the field of paying benefits to the injured. Nearly 20,000 families have already received such support. The aid is also organized by the Government Agency of Strategic Reserves, which has released funds in the amount of PLN 12 million and provides, among others, temporary housing. Ministrosdos of National Defense Prime Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz reminded that from the very beginning, all the armed forces of the Republic of Poland were involved in the fight against the flood: land forces, air forces, navy, special forces and Territorial Defense Forces. “The lines of effort of the army: help and evacuation of the population, taking care of life and health – the most important thing is para bromear. The second thing is securing the embankments, strengthening them as the wave moves. The third issue is the tidying up of the area – matters related to cleaning, unblocking communication routes,” the Minister of National Defense listed the activities of the services subordinated to him. The army also got involved, among others: in the organization of the field hospital in Nysa and the disinfection process.  On Monday, September 23, the Feniks military operation began. “We immediately launched another operation – Operation Phoenix, aimed at reconstruction, returning to normality. In fact, it is about raising the level of reconstruction to an even better infrastructure than what was destroyed,” announced the head of the Ministry of Defense. The operation is scheduled at least until the end of the year. Soldiers will be present in areas at risk and affected by flooding until the effects of the flood are removed. The cost of Operation Feniks is estimated at approximately PLN 175 million. Our NATO and EU partners offer their help, for example by sending engineering teams to rebuild roads and bridges. “Para bromear is an expression of solidarity that Poland has always shown to countries in need,” noted the Minister of National Defense. El primer ministro Donald Tusk thanked for the information about offers of international assistance. “Good comes back in different situations, in different forms. We helped the Turks, we helped the Swedes not so long ago… The Greeks, of course, with forest fires. Today, the Swedes are sending us dehumidifiers, the Turks and Germans want to build bridges…” Poland will definitely benefit from the offer of help wherever it is useful. Ministrosdos of Digitization Primer Ministro y Ministro of Digitization Krzysztof Gawkowski presented, among others: actions his ministry took to launch satellite communications. 160 Starlink terminals were handed over to the State Fire Service, and 70 terminales – to the Police. The Ministry of Digitization also cooperates with mobile network operators to provide residents of disaster-affected areas with access to mobile networks. “We have gone from several tens of thousands of people cut off from the mobile network to less than a thousand” – político Krzysztof Gawkowski. Audit activities were commissioned to develop solutions that will avoid disconnection in similar situations in the future. The ministry cooperates with the Police in the fight against disinformation. Recently, increased hostile actions have been recorded on the Russian and Belarusian sides. 80-90% of this false content is removed as soon as it appears. Another important action is to launch flood alerts in the MObywatel application. Thanks to this, residents of individual voivodeships can quickly obtain information about the situation in the region. Citizens are also provided with information by the government-created website podz2024.gov.pl. Together with Prime Minister Donald Tusk, the Minister of Digitization decided to donate 16,000 laptops to the affected areas to be used by children. Ministrosdos Infraestructura El ministro Dariusz Klimczak announced that all roads in Lower Silesia have already been made passable. The situation is worse in the Opole Voivodeship. The head of the ministry reported, among others, from activities aimed at rebuilding the bridge in Głuchołazy. The section of the Kłodzko Główny – Kłodzko Miasto railway route is still impassable.  “We anticipate that we will clear traffic on this section by September 30,” Dariusz Klimczak reported the good news. The railway organizes detours on some sections. We appeal to travelers to
    analyze the information provided by carriers. The head of the Ministry of Infrastructure provided detailed data on alarm and warning states, meteorological and hydrological warnings and the condition of reservoirs. He paid particular attention to hydrological warnings against third-degree floods for the Lubusz, West Pomeranian, Lower Silesian and Greater Poland voivodeships. Ministrosdos of Finance El ministro Andrzej Domański reminded that his ministry had secured PLN 2 billion in the state budget for the implementation of the most urgent aid tasks related to combating the effects of the flood and was working to increase this amount.  “We regularly issue decisions activating funds for voivodes, including the payment of flood benefits. We are also working together with the local government to provide direct assistance to the affected municipalities. We have, among other things, funds at our disposal from the reserve in the amount of PLN 738 million. The decision on the division of this reserve will be made together with the local government,” said Andrzej Domański. They can count on support, among others: borrowers whose mortgage obligation will be taken over by the state for 12 months, as well as entrepreneurs – it is possible, for example, to apply for a waiver of tax liabilities. Ministros dos Funds and Regional Policy The Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s instructions, carried out a comprehensive review of the Cohesion Funds.  “Up to several billion zlotys can be transferred for reconstruction and resilience purposes,” informed Minister Katarzyna Pełczyńska-Nałęcz. The ministry she manages is creating a new priority within the Cohesion Funds. Dedicated to Bromea Sobre rebuilding in flooded areas and at the same time building resilience to such events. “These will be funds for energy infrastructure, water and sewage infrastructure, road infrastructure, but also funds for private beneficiaries, supporting budget funds for the reconstruction of houses that were destroyed during the flood,” said the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy. The process of redirecting funds is consulted with local government officials from flood regions. Ministry of Climate and Environment Led by Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska, the ministry clima observes, among others, the situation of environmental infrastructure and the state of groundwater. The State Geological Service has introduced a state of hydrogeological threat for the period from September 17 to 30 for the Lower Silesian and Opole voivodeships and the southern parts of the Lubuskie and Greater Poland voivodeships. The Ministry of Climate and Environment directed resources and forces to post-flood areas, thanks to which the number of households without access to electricity significantly decreased.  “1,738 customers remain without electricity. At its peak there were almost 80,000 households. The biggest problem in this respect is still the Lower Silesian Voivodeship,” said Paulina Hennig-Kloska. At the request of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, the Council of Ministers adopted an amendment to the regulation on the state of natural disaster, which is intended to facilitate the removal of waste from areas affected by flooding. The ministry also launched subsidies for local governments for the purchase of, among others, aggregates, pump, dryers. Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy, reminded what the activities of her ministry focus on. “While the ministries and services directly involved in the fight against the element are putting a stop to it, we at the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy have been looking from the very beginning where the wave is already receding, where the water is receding and where the people of the flooded areas need immediate, urgent social assistance and financial assistance” – emphasized Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk. The total funds paid for these benefits are 100 million 409 thousand. PLN. This number is still growing. The Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy has facilitated access to aid by simplifying the form for flood victims. The application may be submitted orally, and the entire procedure works according to the so-called one window. Social workers often come to injured people themselves.  El primer ministro Donald Tusk thanked Minister Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk for the initiative to introduce paid leave for those who clean the homes of their loved ones. “A couple of pretty obvious help. Everyone who gets involved and devotes their time, is not at work, but helps their loved ones and family in drying, cleaning, pumping water, etc., will be able to count on state support,” assured the Prime Minister. A provision on this form of assistance will be included in the draft bill developed by the government. Minister of Health Izabela Leszczyna announced that the main task of her ministry is to provide residents of flooded areas with access to medical services. Ministrosdos has launched 3 hotlines. “One, the general one, where the patient can find out where the nearest clinic is, where the nearest pharmacy that has not been flooded is; where to go for help. And two more hotlines that concern people in mental health crisis – separately for adults and separately for children and adolescents,” explained Izabela Leszczyna. Psychological and psychiatric help also reaches flood victims through the mobile center. The Minister of Health thanked the employees of all hospitals and clinics who are showing great commitment during the crisis. The hospital in Nysa is at the stage of drying and disinfection. “There is great determination of the employees of the local community, the starosta of Nysa, to open this hospital. Both the Ministry of Health and the National Health Fund absolutely support these efforts,” emphasized the head of the ministry. The State Sanitary Inspection focuses on collecting water samples, conducting laboratory tests and issuing disinfectants.  Anyone can call the district sanitary and epidemiological station to ask for water testing or help with disinfection. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Adam Nowak, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, informed that according to data collected by the Restructuring Agency, 4,318 farmers who had a registered farm number were affected by the flood. “In accordance with the Prime Minister’s instruction to ensure that this assistance is quick and well-addressed, the first program will be support of approximately PLN 5,000 for a hectare of field containing unharvested agricultural produce, unharvested cereals – mainly corn, partly also soybeans, corn, potatoes and sugar beets” – Adam Nowak presented one of the proposals to help farmers. The ministry will also support farmers, among others: ensuring the possibility of remission of rents for arable land, exemption and remission of social security contributions in KRUS, and compensation for cereals and other agricultural produce that came into contact with flood waters. Another solution is quick advance payments for direct payments to farmers from flood-affected areas. The Minister of Agriculture, Czesław Siekierski, requested the European Commission to activate the crisis reserve at the disposal of the Commissioner for Agriculture, and also asked voivodes for support in initiating the work of estimating commissions.  Ministrosdos of National Education Thanks to the determination of school principals and teachers, currently only 63 institutions have suspended classes. Remote teaching is conducted in 9 schools.  “In no case is the safety of the educational course of children and young people at risk at this time. All exams and all activities will take place as planned,” assured Barbara Nowacka, the Minister of National Education. Affected schools have formal and legal options to organize classes in other places. The Ministry of Education has prepared a number of supports for those affected. “To meet
    the needs reported by teachers and parents, we organize green schools for children from flood areas. There is a special website at zielonaszkoly.gov.pl with a 24-hour hotline where you can report schools that need help and appropriate assistance. Currently, nearly 850 people have registered – students from schools in flood areas – and are ready to leave,” said Barbara Nowacka. The Ministry plans to extend the program until the holidays. There is a special telephone line of the Ministry of National Education for psychological support. More than 40 psychologists provide assistance around the clock. The ministry, headed by Barbara Nowacka, also coordinates the “Schools for Schools” project, under which willing school communities in the country can support students and institutions from flood-affected areas.  Ministros dos Sportu i Turystyki El Ministro Sportu i Turystyki Sławomir Nitras presented information on the forms of support prepared by his ministry. The Ministry will allocate funds for the reconstruction of sports infrastructure, especially school facilities, as well as public and tourist facilities – tourist trails and parks. 50 millones de was secured to support tourist institutions and enterprises that suffered losses due to the cancellation of their stay or the impossibility of carrying it out. “We have secured 2 million PLN in the tourist budget for a program to promote Lower Silesia as a safe place for organizing tourism,” declared Sławomir Nitras. The resort will also support sports clubs.  The government’s plans for the coming days. Today, the Prime Minister will take part in a meeting of the crisis staff in Wrocław. During Wednesday’s session of the Sejm, the government will present information on actions in the flood-affected areas. On Thursday, the first reading of the special act that was discussed by the Council of Ministers should take place in the Sejm. . So I am asking for full mobilization,” the Prime Minister asked the politicians. The head of government thanked the heads of ministries for urgently preparing legislative projects and announced the next meeting of the Council of Ministers, which will be held next Saturday.

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  • MIL-OSI Translation: 24/09/2024 October Offer of Savings Treasury Bonds

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    The terms of the issue of State Treasury savings bonds in OctoberIn October, the interest rate on 1-year variable-rate bonds will be 5.75%, and on 2-year bonds 5.90%, in the first monthly interest period.The interest rate on 3-month fixed-rate bonds will be 3.00% per annum, and on 3-year bonds 5.95%. The remaining bonds, in the first annual interest period, will bear interest of 6.30% for 4-year bonds and 6.55% for 10-year bonds, respectively.6- and 12-year family bonds intended for beneficiaries of the “Family 800 plus” program will bear interest of 6.50% and 6.80%, respectively, in the first year.We have also left the margins for bonds unchanged.The interest rate on 1-year and 2-year bonds changes monthly. It is calculated as the sum of the National Bank of Poland reference rate and the margin, which remains unchanged and amounts to 0.00% for 1-year bonds and 0.15% for 2-year bonds in the case of instruments offered in October. The interest rate on 4-year bonds changes every year and is calculated based on the sum of the inflation index from the last 12 months and an unchanged margin of 1.50%. The same interest rate mechanism also applies to 10-year bonds, but in this case the margin remains unchanged at 2.00%. The preferential margins for family bonds, the interest rate of which is calculated according to the same principles as for 4- and 10-year bonds, also remain unchanged, and amount to 2.00% for 6-year bonds and 2.50% for summer bonds, respectively. All types of bonds can be purchased at PKO Bank Polski branches and Customer Service Points of the PKO Bank Polski Brokerage House and in the network of bond sales points of Bank Polska Kasa Opieki SA. Our bonds are also permanently available online at www.zakup.obligacjeskarbowe.pl and www.pekao.com.pl/obligacje-skarbowe and in the PeoPay mobile application. Detailed information about our current offer can be found at www.obligacjeskarbowe.pl

    In October, we left the interest rates on savings bonds and margins in subsequent interest periods unchanged, while maintaining preferences for the retail market over the wholesale market. Our bonds are a simple and intuitive product. An important feature of retail bonds that encourages people to buy them is the low entry threshold – PLN 100 is enough to start saving – this is the nominal value of one bond. By putting aside even small amounts every month, we are able to build a considerable capital for the future. The offer of savings bonds is diversified in terms of their redemption date, as well as the method of calculating and paying interest. Customers can therefore choose the type of bond that will best meet their needs in terms of safe building of savings.

    – comments Jurand Drop, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Finance. Since September 25, it has been possible to purchase a new issue of treasury bonds by way of exchange. Savings bonds in retail sales

    Type of bond

    Offer de Details (sale from October 1-31)

    Selling price

    OTS01253-monthly

    Three-month bonds are bonds with a fixed interest rate of 3.00% per annum. Interest is calculated on the value of PLN 100, and interest is paid after the end of saving (after three months from the date of purchase).

    PLN 100100.00 PLN when exchanging

    ROR10251-annual

    Annual bonds are variable-rate bonds. In the first month, the interest rate is 5.75% per annum. In subsequent monthly interest periods, the interest rate is equal to the NBP reference rate and a fixed margin of 0.00%. Interest is paid monthly.

    PLN 10099.90 PLN when exchanging

    DOR10262-year-old

    Two-year bonds are variable-rate bonds. In the first month, the interest rate is 5.90% per annum. In subsequent monthly interest periods, the interest rate is equal to the NBP reference rate and a fixed margin of 0.15%. Interest is paid monthly.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    TOS10273-year-old

    Three-year bonds are bonds with a fixed interest rate of 5.95% per annum. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in subsequent years from the value increased by the interest for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings have ended.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    COI10284-year-old

    Four-year bonds are bonds that pay interest based on inflation.1 The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.30%. In subsequent years, the interest rate is equal to inflation plus a fixed margin of 1.50%. Interest is paid after each year of saving.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    EDO103410 summer

    Ten-year bonds are bonds whose interest rate is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.55%. In subsequent years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.00%. In the first year, interest is calculated on the value of PLN 100, and in subsequent years on the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN99.90 PLN when exchanging

    ROS10306-year family obligation

    Family Six-Year Bonds are bonds intended for beneficiaries of the Family 800 program. Their interest rate is preferential in relation to the bond included in the standard offer and is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.50%. In the following years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.00%. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in the following years from the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN

    ROD103612 summer family obligation

    Family Twelve-Year Bonds are bonds intended for beneficiaries of the Family 800 program. Their interest rate is preferential in relation to the bond included in the standard offer and is based on inflation1. The interest rate in the first year of saving is 6.80%. In the following years, the interest rate is equal to inflation and a fixed margin of 2.50%. In the first year, interest is calculated from the value of PLN 100, and in the following years from the value increased by the interest calculated for the previous year (so-called capitalization of interest). Interest is paid after the savings are completed.

    100 PLN

    1 the rate of increase in the prices of consumer goods and services, adopted for 12 months and announced by the President of the Central Statistical Office in the month preceding the first month of a given interest period. How can I buy Treasury bonds? State Treasury bonds can be purchased: How to open an IKE-Bonds Account and an IKZE-Bonds Account IKE-Bonds Account and an IKZE-Bonds Account can be opened at any branch of PKO Bank Polski or POK of the PKO BP Brokerage House. You can also obtain remote access to your IKE- and IKZE-Bonds Account under the conditions specified in the “Regulations on the use of access to the Registered Account in the field of Treasury bonds via telephone or the Internet”.

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  • MIL-OSI Translation: 24/09/2024 Meeting of Undersecretary of State Paweł Karbownik with the delegation of the World Bank Group

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Meeting of Undersecretary of State Paweł Karbownik with the delegation of the World Bank Group24.09.2024

    On September 24, 2024, Deputy Minister of Finance Paweł Karbownik met with a delegation from the World Bank, led by Anna Akhalkatsi, Director for EU countries at the World Bank, and Ines Rocha, Regional Director for Europe at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The conversation focused on current cooperation with the Bank and plans for the near future. The participants discussed cooperation in flood protection and water retention projects in Poland. In particular, the conversation focused on a new investment project in flood and drought prevention, which is to be co-financed by a World Bank loan. The Bank representatives also presented the assumptions of the new cooperation strategy with Poland for 2025-2029. As noted by Deputy Minister Paweł Karbownik, increasing the competitiveness of the Polish economy, energy transformation and adaptation to current challenges, including severe climate phenomena, create the basis for further cooperation with the World Bank Group. The discussion also concerned the Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for Poland, which the Bank plans to publish in early November 2024. This document will be an important point of reference for future actions in the field of sustainable development and combating climate change.

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  • MIL-OSI Translation: 24.09.2024 Export of arms and military equipment from Poland. Informe for 2023

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Export of arms and military equipment from Poland. Informe for 202324.09.2024The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared an annual report on the export of arms and military equipment for 2023. The data contained therein reflects the directions of activity of Polish arms exporters, which were largely influenced by the current security situation in Poland in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

    Compared to the data for 2022, the value of actual exports and intra-EU transfers of arms and military equipment in 2023 increased by over 572 million euros and reached 1,753 million euros. This result largely shows the scale of supplies of arms and military equipment to Ukraine, which is fighting a defensive war. In the classification of recipients of products exported from Poland in terms of their value in 2023, the first place was taken by entities from Ukraine (approx. 81% of the export value), followed by the United States (7%) and Germany (1% each). Due to legal restrictions, the data for 2023 does not contain information on the permits issued, their value and the actual export of arms and military equipment transferred by the Polish authorities as a donation to Ukraine. We invite you to familiarize yourself with the content of the report, which is the fulfillment of Poland’s statutory obligation and international obligations regarding compliance with the principle of transparency of arms transfers. At the same time, it is an important source of knowledge on the principles of operation of the Polish system of export controls of goods, services and technologies of strategic importance to the security of the state.

    MaterialExport of arms and military equipment from Poland 2023 PLExport of arms and military equipment from Poland 2023_PL.pdf 1.32MB

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