Source: European Parliament
Ľudovít Ódor (A10-0001/2025)
Aurore Lalucq (A10-0002/2025)
Category: KB
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MIL-OSI Europe: Draft agenda – Wednesday, 12 February 2025 – Strasbourg
20 VAT: rules for the digital age
Ľudovít Ódor (A10-0001/2025)– (if requested) Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 19 Administrative cooperation in the field of taxation
Aurore Lalucq (A10-0002/2025)– (if requested) Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 29 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize DP910521 – Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 28 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Genetically modified maize MON 95275 – Amendments Wednesday, 5 February 2025, 13:00 11 Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 10 February 2025, 20:00 – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 13:00 – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 7 February 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 10 February 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 12 February 2025, 19:00 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for patients affected by myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome – E-002486/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The World Health Organisation is responsible for the international classification of diseases[1].
The Healthier Together — EU non-communicable diseases (NCDs) initiative[2] was launched in 2022 to support Member States in reducing the burden of NCDs, including conditions such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).
The Commission supports the collection and transfer of best and promising practices across the EU via the EU Best Practice Portal and with funding from the EU4Health programme.
The priorities and actions to be taken forward under the Healthier Together initiative are agreed by the Member States in the Expert Group on Public Health (PHEG), the key forum for exchange with national authorities.
The Commission recognises the need for solutions to efficiently tackle ME/CFS. Call topics[3] were recently opened under the Horizon Europe Programme[4] that offered researchers in the ME/CFS area an opportunity to apply for research funding. EU-funded projects studying long COVID[5] also stand to benefit the field.
Horizon Europe will continue to offer opportunities for research funding, as call topics are broad enough to accommodate for more targeted ME/CFS research.
The Commission remains committed to promoting collaboration among Member States on tackling existing and emerging public health challenges.
- [1] https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/classification-of-diseases
- [2] https://health.ec.europa.eu/non-communicable-diseases/healthier-together-eu-non-communicable-diseases-initiative_en
- [3] These topics included : ‘Tackling high burden for patients, under-researched medical conditions’ — https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-hlth-2024-disease-03-14-two-stage and ‘Relationship between infections and non-communicable diseases’ — https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/horizon-hlth-2023-disease-03-07
- [4] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en
- [5] Projects include Long COVID — https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101057553 and ORCHESTRA — https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101016167. The Long COVID project will also study the response of patients with ME/CFS to certain therapies. The ORCHESTRA project has led to a better understanding of the determinants and clinical presentations of Long COVID syndrome, as well as the predictors of long-term fatigue.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Public consultation and request for input – citizens overwhelmingly in favour of retaining the ban on the sale of seal products – E-002010/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The fitness check[1] of the EU legislation on trade in seal products is ongoing. The public consultation and call for evidence are only two elements of the fitness check to collect evidence, and they do not determine the final results. Additional evidence is collected through targeted consultations of stakeholders, a literature review and desk research.
The questions in the public consultation were drafted to obtain a precise and holistic overview of the perception of the EU seal regime nowadays without prejudging the outcome of the consultation.
The stakeholders identified for consultation throughout the fitness check include the Member States’ competent authorities, the recognised bodies in Canada and Greenland, public authorities in Norway, individual companies or trade federations, associations and unions, individual fishermen and seal hunters, environmental, conservation and animal welfare non-governmental organisations, academia/research institutions, and concerned members of the public from the EU and outside.
For the analysis of the results of the call for evidence, a dedicated software detected responses that contained full sentences with identical wording.
The 11 842 replies which were identified as campaigns or coordinated replies were not rejected but analysed separately from the 2 162 unique contributions.
The fitness check findings will inform the Commission as to whether a modification to the current legal framework would be needed.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14031-Trade-in-seal-products-fitness-check-of-EU-rules_en
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Current Membership of the European Council – 27-01-2025
Source: European Parliament
The European Council consists of the 27 Heads of State or Government of the EU Member States, who are voting members, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, who have no vote (Article 15(2) Treaty on European Union). The chart shows the current members, the national office they hold, their most recent European political affiliation, and the year their membership began.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Other events – Role of the longevity economy in the tourism sector – 29-01-2025 – Committee on Transport and Tourism
Source: European Parliament
4_Cropped AdobeStock_185695701.jpg © Adobe Stock Study presentation in the TRAN Committee
This study offers a comprehensive overview of silver tourism in the EU, detailing the sector’s current state and potential growth opportunities. It establishes a conceptual framework that categorises key areas within silver tourism and examines specific challenges and opportunities within each. The study concludes with targeted recommendations to address these challenges.
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MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Enlargement without any concessions – E-002188/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The enlargement process is merit-based and depends on the objective progress made by each of the partners. The speed of the accession process depends on the speed and implementation of reforms.
Credible reforms and irreversible progress especially on the fundamentals of enlargement are essential. This is at the core of the revised Enlargement Methodology[1] adopted in 2020 and continues to guide the process.
The inclusion of some enlargement countries in the Rule of Law Report as of 2024[2] (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia) supports the implementation of the related recommendations under the enlargement package[3]. Other accession countries will be included in the Rule of Law Report as and when they are ready.
Reaping the benefits of EU membership requires thorough preparation and the putting in place of appropriate safeguards against backsliding on reforms.
The experience of the 2004 EU enlargement demonstrates the positive impact that membership of the EU single market and structural funds has on economic convergence.
Accelerating socioeconomic convergence already prior to accession is being pursued through dedicated instruments such as the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans[4], as well as the association agreements, including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTAs) with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding for local authorities in the Republic of Moldova through the Growth Plan – E-002159/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission currently supports local authorities and local communities under the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe (NDICI-GE).
The project ‘EU4Moldova: Local Communities’, active from 2022 to 2025, helps local authorities improve governance and service delivery in rural areas, enhances local public services while empowering Local Action Groups and consolidating the National Leader Network to drive community-led development[1].
The ‘Edinet — Insights into Tomorrow Cities’ project, running from 2021 to 2025, aims to strengthen local governance by enhancing urban development and public services through smart solutions[2].
The Commission’s proposal for the Growth Plan[3] will provide opportunities to continue and potentially scale up such projects. The proposal on a Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova[4] foresees EUR 285 million of non-repayable financial support funded under NDICI-GE.
The non-repayable financial support will cover support for projects approved under the Neighbourhood Investment Platform (NIP), support to civil society organisations as well as technical assistance to facilitate the implementation of reforms.
The support to the local dimension and to local authorities is mentioned as part of the Multiannual Indicative Programme (2021-2027)[5].
Further support to local authorities and local communities could therefore be envisaged for the years 2025-2027, notably through the technical assistance component. Future investments under the Growth Plan may also have a local dimension.
The financial assistance received by international donors is managed and monitored by the State Chancellery of the Government of the Republic of Moldova.
- [1] Project description of ‘EU4Moldova: Local Communities’ available here: https://eu4moldova.eu/projects/eu-project-page/?id=1651
- [2] Project description of ‘Edinet — Insights into tomorrow cities’ available here: https://eu4moldova.eu/projects/eu-project-page/?id=1556
- [3] Communication on the Moldova Growth Plan, COM(2024) 470 final: https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ff73c5dd-3fd1-4dcd-ab7d-ad04760c538c_en?filename=Growth%20Plan%20for%20Moldova%20-%20Commission%20proposal.pdf
- [4] Proposal for a regulation on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova, COM(2024) 469 final: https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/029c4a4c-1586-46e8-b94e-38a4a1f6ae07_en?filename=Growth%20Plan%20for%20Moldova%20-%20Regulation.pdf
- [5] Multiannual Indicative Programme (MIP) 2021-2027 for the Republic of Moldova: https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/ecfd53f7-c434-4b78-9d22-fce05e28b793_en
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Recent ECA report 17/2024: ‘The EU trust fund for Africa – Despite new approaches, support remained unfocused’ – E-002086/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
With regards to recommendation 3 of the European Court of Auditors’ Special report 17/2024[1], the Commission is currently working on developing a set of practical tools in response to the Court of Auditors’ recommendations to strengthen the implementation of the human rights-based approach in all its interventions and enhance related internal procedures.
The Commission remains committed to providing all relevant information to the European Parliament in the context of developing and implementing strategic and comprehensive partnerships with countries of origin and transit of migration, allowing the Parliament to exercise its oversight.
The Commission also remains committed to conducting high-level geopolitical dialogues between the two Institutions on the implementation of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument — Global Europe (NDICI-GE) Regulation[2] to ensure democratic scrutiny, transparency and accountability.
In addition, the Commission is available to regularly update the Parliament on the adopted actions contributing to the indicative target foreseen in the NDICI-GE Regulation related to spending on actions supporting management and governance of migration and forced displacement.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Contempt for the Prespa Agreement shown towards 12 EU ambassadors and four representatives of European bodies – E-001966/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Prespa Agreement is a bilateral treaty between North Macedonia and Greece. As such, it is binding under international law. The agreement sets an example of reconciliation for the region and beyond.
To date, both parties have publicly confirmed their commitment to abide by the Agreement. As recalled in the December 2023 Council Conclusions[1] and in the Commission’s 2024 enlargement report on North Macedonia[2], the Prespa Agreement needs to be implemented in good faith by all parties.
The EU regretted the fact that the new President of North Macedonia did not use the constitutional name of the country during the swearing-in ceremony.
After this event, the EU recalled again the importance of full respect for existing, legally binding agreements including the Prespa Agreement with Greece.
Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation remain essential elements of the enlargement process. The Commission will continue to call for adherence to such bilateral agreements.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures against Azerbaijan for inviting representatives of the pseudo-state in the occupied territories of Cyprus to a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States – E-002349/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission has deplored the invitation to the so-called ‘president’ of the Turkish Cypriot entity, the so-called, internationally not recognised, ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (‘TRNC’), to attend the Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Shusha on 6 July 2024[1].
The presence of the so-called ‘TRNC’ at the OTS summit runs counter to the principle of territorial integrity enshrined in the United Nations (UN) Charter.
The EU has actively expressed its preoccupations to the members of the OTS at all levels and has rejected the attempts by the OTS to legitimise the so-called ‘TRNC’ as an observer in the OTS.
This decision, pending ratification by the OTS members, is regrettable and is contradicting the fact that several OTS members have expressed strong support to the principle of territorial integrity and the UN Charter.
The EU’s principled decision on this matter was again reiterated on the occasion of the OTS summit held on 6 November 2024 in Bishkek[2].
The EU recognises only the Republic of Cyprus as a subject of international law, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions[3]. The EU expects the same from its partners. This message has been clearly conveyed to the Azerbaijani authorities.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ots-statement-high-representative-participation-prime-minister-orb%C3%A1n-informal-summit-organisation_en
- [2] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/cyprus-statement-spokesperson-observer-status-turkish-cypriot-secessionist-entity-organisation_en and https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/ots-statement-hrvp-josep-borrell-attempts-legitimise-turkish-cypriot-secessionist-entity_en
- [3] https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/58970?ln=en&v=pdf, https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/67600?ln=en&v=pdf
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Promotion of European cinema – E-002608/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The Commission is committed to strengthening the European film industry, notably through the MEDIA strand of the Creative Europe programme[1], and to helping European cinema contribute to promoting European principles, values and the European way of life at the European and international levels.
It does so by supporting skills and talent development, film development and production, as well as distribution, festivals, markets and innovation. The Commission also adopted a Media and Audiovisual Action Plan in 2020[2].
The Commission pursues that regulation, funding and policy effectively support each other in building a stronger audiovisual and media sector, which plays an important role in facilitating democratic debate, enriching our culture and driving the digital transformation with strong media players.
While boosting the national film industries mostly falls under the responsibility of the Member States, MEDIA supports actions such as the mini-slate development targeting countries with a small audiovisual capacity and other actions increasing through cooperation the entire European audiovisual industry, thereby contributing to a level playing-field within the EU.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reform and Growth Facility for Moldova – E-000186/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000186/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Auke Zijlstra (PfE)There are currently strong calls for Moldova to join the EU as soon as possible. To this end, the Commission has proposed a regulation on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Republic of Moldova[1]. The following questions arise in this regard:
- 1.It is stated on page 4 of the regulation that ‘a formal stakeholder consultation could not be carried out due to the urgency of preparing the proposal’. Page 5 further mentions that an ‘impact assessment’ will be carried out only after adoption of the regulation. Also at the meeting of the Moldova delegation on 10 December, DG NEAR appeared to be in a great hurry. What is the reason for all of this?
- 2.Moldova is required to ‘fight disinformation’[2]. Can the Commission explain what is meant exactly by ‘disinformation’?
- 3.EU financial assistance to Moldova may be reduced in case of problems, except if such assistance concerns ‘civil society’[3]. Can the Commission clarify which ‘civil society organisations’ in Moldova are the intended interlocutors/partners and/or final recipients of EU funds?
Submitted: 16.1.2025
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU grant for building in Ciney – E-002424/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Renovations to improve a building’s energy performance qualify for support under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). The total estimated expenditure in energy efficiency in buildings under the RRF is EUR 81.1 billion in the EU, of which EUR 67.5 billion for renovation and EUR 13.5 billion for new construction[1]. Belgium’s Recovery and Resilience plan (BE RRP) includes investments of over EUR 1 billion in the renovation of buildings[2].
The Commission recognises the importance of preserving cultural heritage. According to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive[3] and the Energy Efficiency Directive[4], Member States may exempt buildings officially protected as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historical merit from renovation requirements.
A measure in the BE RRP is I-1.09 ‘Renovation of public buildings — schools’ covers light, medium and deep renovations, as well as demolitions and reconstructions.
It is mentioned that demolition/reconstruction would apply to buildings that are in most cases prefabricated and where renovation is not possible due to their dilapidation[5].
The BE RRP did not provide any indication regarding protected buildings as part of a designated environment or because of their special architectural or historic merit .
The RRF is performance-based. After receiving a payment request, the Commission assesses whether the actions completed comply with the requirements of the Council Implementing Decision[6] before paying out the respective amount to the requesting Member State.
The Commission does not give an opinion on individual projects before they start. Investment I-1.09 will be assessed under the fifth and sixth payment request by Belgium, expected in 2026.
- [1] https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/assets/thematic_analysis/scoreboard_thematic_analysis_efficiency.pdf
- [2] Council Implementing Decision on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Belgium, 10161/21.
- [3] Directive (EU) 2024/1275, Article 5(2).
- [4] Directive (EU) 2023/1791, Article 6(2)a.
- [5] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility/country-pages/belgiums-recovery-and-resilience-plan_en
- [6] Council implementing Decision amending the Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Belgium and Annex, 15570/23.
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Problematic environmental footprint of heat pumps – E-002528/2024(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
Heat pump is a key technology to decarbonise the heating and cooling sector[1]. In the building sector, replacing a boiler by a heat pump in the EU allows to reduce the gas consumption by 95% or more and has thus been identified in the REPowerEU plan[2] as one of the means to reduce fossil fuel consumption, gas in particular.
The Commission is working on reducing the environmental impacts of heat pumps beyond their effect on gas consumption and on their CO2 emission reduction and will present in that direction revised ecodesign requirements for space heaters, including heat pumps, in 2025.
Environmental impacts and circularity of wind turbines are extensively studied and covered in Commission’s reports[3]. A sustainability assessment is given in the Annex 2 of the Clean Energy Technology Observatory (CETO)[4].
As regards cars, a study on the life-cycle assessment of conventional and alternatively fuelled vehicles showed that battery electric vehicles score best for most of the environmental impact categories[5].
The Commission is working on the development of a methodology for the assessment and the consistent data reporting of the full life-cycle CO2 emissions of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles under Regulation (EU) 2019/631[6].
The Commission evaluated the REPowerEU plan in 2024[7]. Over the past 2 years, it has helped the EU save energy (including 18% natural gas savings), diversify its supplies, reduce energy prices, produce clean energy and smartly combine investments and reforms.
- [1] IEA, 2024, Energy technology perspectives.
- [2] Communication REPowerEU Plan COM(2022)230.
- [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2024-000347-ASW_EN.html#def1
- [4] European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Mc Govern, L., Tapoglou, E., Georgakaki, A., Mountraki, A., Letout, S., Ince, E., Gea Bermudez, J., Schmitz, A. and Grabowska, M., Clean Energy Technology Observatory: Wind Energy in the European Union — 2024 Status Report on Technology Development, Trends, Value Chains and Markets, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, 2024, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/0882709, JRC139320.
- [5] European Commission: Directorate-General for Climate Action, Hill, N., Amaral, S., Morgan-Price, S., Nokes, T. et al., Determining the environmental impacts of conventional and alternatively fuelled vehicles through LCA — Final report, Publications Office of the European Union, 2020, https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2834/91418
- [6] Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles .
- [7] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/markets-and-consumers/actions-and-measures-energy-prices/repowereu-2-years_en
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Judicial reforms in Spain – E-000103/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000103/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dolors Montserrat (PPE)Spain’s Prosecutor General, Álvaro García Ortiz, is currently accused of leaking secrets for political purposes. Meanwhile, the Spanish Government is preparing a reform of the Code of Criminal Procedure (LECrim) aimed at putting the Public Prosecutor’s Office, rather than judges, in charge of investigations. This would give the government indirect control over the dismissal of criminal cases, including corruption cases. The government also wants to reduce the role of third-party interventions (acusaciones populares), which can prove decisive in corruption cases, keeping the government in check.
The General Council of the Judiciary (CGPJ) has warned that, in order to ensure the independence of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, it is ‘imperative’ to review the way in which it operates before handing it responsibility for preliminary criminal investigations.
- 1.Does the Commission believe that the Public Prosecutor’s Office – which is appointed and controlled by the executive – can take the place of judges and oversee investigations, guaranteeing procedural rights, with the independence, impartiality and transparency required under EU law?
- 2.Will it ask the Spanish Government about this reform and the acusaciones populares in view of the warnings from the CGPJ, prosecutors’ associations and the judiciary?
Submitted: 13.1.2025
Last updated: 27 January 2025 -
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Failure of European policies whose aim was to ensure the continent’s economic prosperity and preserve our industry – E-000196/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000196/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mélanie Disdier (PfE), Roman Haider (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Milan Uhrík (ESN), Petar Volgin (ESN), Nikola Bartůšek (PfE), Hans Neuhoff (ESN), Rada Laykova (ESN), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă (NI), Valérie Deloge (PfE), António Tânger Corrêa (PfE)The challenges that ArcelorMittal is facing are the latest symptom of the EU’s unhealthy economic climate, which has endured for several decades.
Before the creation of the European Union, Europe knew how to develop corporate groups that became leaders in their field, such as Airbus and Ariane. Europe was a major player in industry.
However, since the 1980s, and in particular since the Maastricht Treaty, Europe no longer builds or innovates. We have missed the internet revolution, technological revolutions and the AI revolution. Today, even our industrial jewels are under threat and are either collapsing or being gradually bought up by foreign powers.
The European Union was supposed to make us stronger. Instead, it has only pitted us against each other.
At the heart of this game is the Commission, which has been unable to develop anything other than rules and restrictions without doing anything productive.
While the US is innovating into outer space, the Commission is innovating us all into the ground.
- 1.Does the Commission acknowledge that its policies have failed?
- 2.Does the Commission intend to continue with the European failures of the last 40 years?
- 3.The European Green Deal is one example of the policies holding back prosperity. Is the Commission going to reassess it?
Submitted: 17.1.2025
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MIL-OSI United Nations: New Permanent Representative of Malta Presents Credentials to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva
Source: United Nations – Geneva
Randolph De Battista, the new Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations Office at Geneva, today presented his credentials to Tatiana Valovaya, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva.
Prior to his appointment to Geneva, Mr. De Battista had been serving as a member of Parliament in Malta’s House of Representatives since 2022. He was Chief Executive Officer of Malta’s Labour Party Partit Laburista for two separate terms, from 2022 to 2024 and from 2017 to 2020. He worked as Chef de Cabinet in the office of Malta’s Permanent Representative to the European Union in Brussels from 2014 to 2017 and as Deputy Chief of Staff for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of European Union Affairs in Malta from 2013 to 2014.
Mr. De Battista began his career as a reporter. He worked as editor of an online media portal from April 2021 to April 2022. He has a Doctor of Laws (2012), a Diploma of Notary Public (2010), and a Bachelor of Laws (2009), all from the University of Malta.
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CR.25.047E
Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the information media; not an official record.
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MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Concerned by Escalating Violence in Democratic Republic of Congo
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and reiterates his strongest condemnation of the M23 [23 March Movement] armed group’s ongoing offensive and advances towards Goma in North Kivu with the support of the Rwanda Defence Forces.
In the last 48 hours, two United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) peacekeepers from South Africa and one peacekeeper from Uruguay were killed while implementing the mandate entrusted upon them by the Security Council. Eleven peacekeepers sustained injuries and are being treated in the UN hospital in Goma.
The Secretary-General expresses his deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers as well as to their Governments and the people of South Africa and Uruguay, and wishes a swift recovery to the injured. He pays tribute to the bravery of all the United Nations peacekeepers while implementing their mandate to protect civilians and defend them against armed group violence, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The Secretary-General reminds all parties to the conflict of their obligations under international humanitarian law. He recalls that attacks against United Nations personnel may constitute a war crime. He calls on the appropriate authorities to investigate this incident and swiftly bring those responsible to justice.
The Secretary-General reiterates his call to respect the ceasefire agreement. He calls on M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from occupied areas. He further calls on the Rwanda Defence Forces to cease support to M23 and withdraw from Democratic Republic of the Congo territory. He reaffirms the United Nations support to the Luanda Process and calls for an immediate resumption of negotiations in this framework.
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MIL-OSI USA: Get My Good Side
Source: NASA
A NASA photographer took this portrait of a curious sandhill crane on March 24, 2021, near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Sandhill cranes are just one of the hundreds of types of birds that call the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which shares space with NASA Kennedy, their home.
See more photos of birds at NASA Kennedy.
Image credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky -
MIL-OSI USA: Black Holes Can Cook for Themselves, Chandra Study Shows
Source: NASA
Astronomers have taken a crucial step in showing that the most massive black holes in the universe can create their own meals. Data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope (VLT) provide new evidence that outbursts from black holes can help cool down gas to feed themselves.
This study was based on observations of seven clusters of galaxies. The centers of galaxy clusters contain the universe’s most massive galaxies, which harbor huge black holes with masses ranging from millions to tens of billions of times that of the Sun. Jets from these black holes are driven by the black holes feasting on gas.
These images show two of the galaxy clusters in the study, the Perseus Cluster and the Centaurus Cluster. Chandra data represented in blue reveals X-rays from filaments of hot gas, and data from the VLT, an optical telescope in Chile, shows cooler filaments in red.
The results support a model where outbursts from the black holes trigger hot gas to cool and form narrow filaments of warm gas. Turbulence in the gas also plays an important role in this triggering process.
According to this model, some of the warm gas in these filaments should then flow into the centers of the galaxies to feed the black holes, causing an outburst. The outburst causes more gas to cool and feed the black holes, leading to further outbursts.
This model predicts there will be a relationship between the brightness of filaments of hot and warm gas in the centers of galaxy clusters. More specifically, in regions where the hot gas is brighter, the warm gas should also be brighter. The team of astronomers has, for the first time, discovered such a relationship, giving critical support for the model.
This result also provides new understanding of these gas-filled filaments, which are important not just for feeding black holes but also for causing new stars to form. This advance was made possible by an innovative technique that isolates the hot filaments in the Chandra X-ray data from other structures, including large cavities in the hot gas created by the black hole’s jets.
The newly found relationship for these filaments shows remarkable similarity to the one found in the tails of jellyfish galaxies, which have had gas stripped away from them as they travel through surrounding gas, forming long tails. This similarity reveals an unexpected cosmic connection between the two objects and implies a similar process is occurring in these objects.
This work was led by Valeria Olivares from the University of Santiago de Chile, and was published Monday in Nature Astronomy. The study brought together international experts in optical and X-ray observations and simulations from the United States, Chile, Australia, Canada, and Italy. The work relied on the capabilities of the MUSE (Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer) instrument on the VLT, which generates 3D views of the universe.
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Chandra program. The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory’s Chandra X-ray Center controls science operations from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and flight operations from Burlington, Massachusetts.
Read more from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
Learn more about the Chandra X-ray Observatory and its mission here:chandra
https://chandra.si.edu
This release features composite images shown side-by-side of two different galaxy clusters, each with a central black hole surrounded by patches and filaments of gas. The galaxy clusters, known as Perseus and Centaurus, are two of seven galaxy clusters observed as part of an international study led by the University of Santiago de Chile.
In each image, a patch of purple with neon pink veins floats in the blackness of space, surrounded by flecks of light. At the center of each patch is a glowing, bright white dot. The bright white dots are black holes. The purple patches represent hot X-ray gas, and the neon pink veins represent filaments of warm gas. According to the model published in the study, jets from the black holes impact the hot X-ray gas. This gas cools into warm filaments, with some warm gas flowing back into the black hole. The return flow of warm gas causes jets to again cool the hot gas, triggering the cycle once again.
While the images of the two galaxy clusters are broadly similar, there are significant visual differences. In the image of the Perseus Cluster on the left, the surrounding flecks of light are larger and brighter, making the individual galaxies they represent easier to discern. Here, the purple gas has a blue tint, and the hot pink filaments appear solid, as if rendered with quivering strokes of a paintbrush. In the image of the Centaurus Cluster on the right, the purple gas appears softer, with a more diffuse quality. The filaments are rendered in more detail, with feathery edges, and gradation in color ranging from pale pink to neon red.Megan WatzkeChandra X-ray CenterCambridge, Mass.617-496-7998mwatzke@cfa.harvard.edu
Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Alabama256-544-0034lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov -
MIL-OSI USA: NASA Invites Media to Pre-Super Bowl Tours at New Orleans Facility
Source: NASA
Media are invited to visit NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans between Tuesday, Feb. 4, and Thursday, Feb. 6, ahead of Super Bowl LIX for an inside look America’s rocket factory, as well as interview agency experts.
During this behind-the-scenes visit, media will tour NASA’s location for the manufacturing and production of large-scale space structures and see hardware that will carry astronauts back to the Moon as part of the Artemis campaign.
Registered members of the media will have the opportunity to:Capture images and video of hardware NASA Michoud is building for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket, Orion spacecraft, and SLS exploration upper stage for the agency’s Artemis campaign.
Tour special locations around NASA Michoud, one of the largest facilities in the world, with 43 acres of manufacturing space under one roof — a space large enough to contain more than 31 professional football fields.
Learn about NASA’s state-of-the-art manufacturing and welding equipment — including the world’s largest friction-stir welding tool.Media must RSVP no later than 6 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 30, to Jonathan Deal at: jonathan.deal@nasa.gov and Craig Betbeze at: craig.c.betbeze@nasa.gov. Please indicate a preferred date to visit between Feb. 4 and Feb. 6. This event is open to U.S. media. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online.
Through Artemis, NASA will send astronauts to explore the Moon for scientific discovery, economic benefits, and to build the foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars.
Learn more about NASA’s Artemis campaign:
https://www.nasa.gov/artemis
-end-
Rachel KraftNASA Headquarters, Washington202-358-1100rachel.h.kraft@nasa.gov
Jonathan DealMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala. 256-544-0034 jonathan.e.deal@nasa.gov -
MIL-OSI USA: COMING SOON: 2024 Annual Highlights of Results from the International Space Station
Source: NASA
The 2024 Annual Highlights of Results from the International Space Station is coming soon. This new edition contains updated bibliometric analyses, a list of all the publications documented in fiscal year 2024, and synopses of the most recent and recognized scientific findings from investigations conducted on the space station. These investigations are sponsored by NASA and all international partners – CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and the State Space Corporation Roscosmos (Roscosmos) – for the advancement of science, technology, and education.
Between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, more than 350 publications were reported. With approximately 40% of the research produced in collaboration between more than two countries and almost 80% of the high-impact studies published in the past seven years, station has continued to generate compelling and influential science above national and global standards since 2010.
The results achieved from station research provide insights that advance the commercialization of space and benefit humankind.
Some of the findings presented in this edition include:Improved machine learning algorithms to detect space debris (Italian Space Agency)
Visuospatial processing before and after spaceflight (CSA)
Metabolic changes during fasting intervals in astronauts (ESA)
Vapor bubble production for the improvement of thermal systems (NASA)
The survival of microorganisms in space (Roscosmos)
Immobilization of particles for the development of optical materials (JAXA)The content in the Annual Highlights of Results from the International Space Station has been reviewed and approved by the International Space Station Program Science Forum, a team of scientists and administrators representing NASA and international partners that are dedicated to planning, improving, and communicating the research operated on the space station.
For the Annual Highlights of Results 2023, click here. -
MIL-OSI USA: Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Jan. 27-Feb. 1 in Carter, Hawkins, Hamblen Counties
Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency
Headline: Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Jan. 27-Feb. 1 in Carter, Hawkins, Hamblen Counties
Get Repair, Rebuilding Advice Jan. 27-Feb. 1 in Carter, Hawkins, Hamblen Counties
Mitigation specialists from FEMA have partnered with Lowe’s Home Improvement to offer free advice and tips on how to rebuild homes stronger and safer as Tennessee residents begin repairing, rebuilding and making improvements to their homes after Tropical Storm Helene.FEMA specialists will be available from Monday, Jan. 27, to Saturday, Feb. 1, at these locations:Carter CountyLowe’s Home Improvement 925 Patriot Dr.Elizabethton, TN 37643Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Saturday Hamblen CountyLowe’s Home Improvement 2744 West Andrew Johnson Hwy.Morristown, TN 37814Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET SaturdayHawkins County2324 West Stone Dr. Kingsport, TN 37660Hours: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Saturday The specialists are available to answer questions and offer home-improvement tips and proven methods to help reduce damage from disasters. Most information is aimed at general contractors or those who do the work on their own.
kwei.nwaogu
Mon, 01/27/2025 – 20:12 -
MIL-OSI USA: Relief Still Available to West Virginia: Private Nonprofits Hit by April Storms
Source: United States Small Business Administration
TLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in West Virginia of the Feb. 24 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred on April 2-6, 2024.
The disaster declaration covers the counties of Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Preston, Tyler and Wetzel.
Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs that suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.
EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills that could have been paid had the disaster not occurred.
“When disasters strike, businesses and nonprofits face significant challenges,” said Randle Logan, acting associate administrator for the SBA’s Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience. “These SBA loans provide the financial support they need to manage costs and continue moving forward.”
The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amount terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
For more information and to apply online visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The deadline to return economic injury applications is Feb. 24, 2025.
# # #
About the U.S. Small Business Administration
The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
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MIL-OSI Security: Two Brooklyn Park Men Plead Guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine
Source: Office of United States Attorneys
MINNEAPOLIS – Two Brooklyn Park men have pleaded guilty in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine throughout central and northern Minnesota, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick.
According to court documents, on June 22, 2024, a Minnesota State Patrol trooper initiated the traffic stop of a white Ford Expedition on Highway 10 in Royalton, Minnesota. As the trooper approached the vehicle, he noticed several indications of drug trafficking activity including a single screwdriver, flashlight, black electric tape, loose panels and molding around the radio and center console, and a marijuana pipe, as well as a marijuana blunt roach and flakes all over the center console. The driver, Dillon Peter-Cody Clemens, 38, and his passenger, Jacob Seth Cobb, 30, both had revoked driver’s licenses. Clemens and Cobb claimed to be on their way to Motley, Minnesota, to purchase a motorcycle but could not provide the name or street address of the seller. The trooper deployed his K9 to search the vehicle, and the K9 alerted to the driver’s side door seam. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed what appeared to be a one-pound package of methamphetamine. Clemens and Cobb were subsequently arrested.
Clemens and Cobb were each indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Clemens pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge Katherine M. Menendez to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Cobb also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine before Judge Menendez on January 21, 2025. Their sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Minnesota State Patrol and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Syngen Kanassatega is prosecuting the case.
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MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard medevacs diver near Panama City, Florida
Source: United States Coast Guard
News Release U.S. Coast Guard 8th District Heartland
Contact: 8th District Public Affairs
Office: 504-671-2020
After Hours: 618-225-9008
Eighth District online newsroomPort conditions change based on weather forecasts, and current port conditions can be viewed on the following Coast Guard homeport webpages:
For more information follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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MIL-OSI: Nokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 27.01.2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
Nokia Corporation
Stock Exchange Release
27 January 2025 at 22:30 EETNokia Corporation: Repurchase of own shares on 27.01.2025
Espoo, Finland – On 27 January 2025 Nokia Corporation (LEI: 549300A0JPRWG1KI7U06) has acquired its own shares (ISIN FI0009000681) as follows:
Trading venue (MIC Code) Number of shares Weighted average price / share, EUR* XHEL 872,093 4.34 CEUX – – BATE – – AQEU – – TQEX – – Total 872,093 4.34 * Rounded to two decimals
On 22 November 2024, Nokia announced that its Board of Directors is initiating a share buyback program to offset the dilutive effect of new Nokia shares issued to the shareholders of Infinera Corporation and certain Infinera Corporation share-based incentives. The repurchases in compliance with the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 (MAR), the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 and under the authorization granted by Nokia’s Annual General Meeting on 3 April 2024 started on 25 November 2024 and end by 31 December 2025 and target to repurchase 150 million shares for a maximum aggregate purchase price of EUR 900 million.
Total cost of transactions executed on 27 January 2025 was EUR 3,786,889. After the disclosed transactions, Nokia Corporation holds 232,542,619 treasury shares.
Details of transactions are included as an appendix to this announcement.
On behalf of Nokia Corporation
BofA Securities Europe SA
About Nokia
At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.
With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.
Inquiries:
Nokia Communications
Phone: +358 10 448 4900
Email: press.services@nokia.com
Maria Vaismaa, Global Head of External CommunicationsNokia Investor Relations
Phone: +358 931 580 507
Email: investor.relations@nokia.comAttachment
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MIL-OSI: Willis Aviation Services Limited and TUI Airways Forge Transformative Long-Term Base Maintenance Partnership
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
COCONUT CREEK, Fla., Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Willis Lease Finance Corporation (NASDAQ: WLFC) (“WLFC” or the “Company”), the leading lessor of commercial aircraft engines and global provider of aviation services, announces its subsidiary, Willis Aviation Services Limited (“WASL”), a leading aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) provider, has entered into a long-term General Terms Agreement with TUI Airways (“TUI”) to provide long-term base maintenance on TUI’s narrowbody aircraft, starting with two Boeing 737NG maintenance checks. Utilizing its specialized knowledge, WASL will conduct comprehensive base maintenance services for TUI at its expanding facility located at Teesside International Airport in Northeastern England.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with TUI Airways, a highly regarded airline recognized for its customer-centric approach and operational excellence. This partnership underscores our dedication to providing top-tier MRO solutions, supporting TUI’s fleet, and contributing to local economic growth by creating skilled job opportunities within the UK aerospace industry,” said Austin C. Willis, Chief Executive Officer of WLFC.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation
Willis Lease Finance Corporation (“WLFC”) leases large and regional spare commercial aircraft engines, auxiliary power units and aircraft to airlines, aircraft engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers worldwide. These leasing activities are integrated with engine and aircraft trading, engine lease pools and asset management services through Willis Asset Management Limited, as well as various end-of-life solutions for engines and aviation materials provided through Willis Aeronautical Services, Inc. Through Willis Engine Repair Center®, Jet Centre by Willis, and Willis Aviation Services Limited, the Company’s service offerings include Part 145 engine maintenance, aircraft line and base maintenance, aircraft disassembly, parking and storage, airport FBO and ground and cargo handling services.Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements, which give only expectations about the future and are not guarantees. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update them to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which the forward-looking statement is based, except as required by law. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: the effects on the airline industry and the global economy of events such as war, terrorist activity and the COVID-19 pandemic; changes in oil prices, rising inflation and other disruptions to world markets; trends in the airline industry and our ability to capitalize on those trends, including growth rates of markets and other economic factors; risks associated with owning and leasing jet engines and aircraft; our ability to successfully negotiate equipment purchases, sales and leases, to collect outstanding amounts due and to control costs and expenses; changes in interest rates and availability of capital, both to us and our customers; our ability to continue to meet changing customer demands; regulatory changes affecting airline operations, aircraft maintenance, accounting standards and taxes; the market value of engines and other assets in our portfolio; and risks detailed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and other continuing and current reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is advisable, however, to consult any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in such filings. These statements constitute the Company’s cautionary statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
CONTACT: Lynn Mailliard Kohler Director, Global Corporate Communications (415) 328-4798 -
MIL-OSI Economics: Panama appeals WTO dispute panel report regarding measures on imports from Costa Rica
Source: World Trade Organization
Given the ongoing lack of agreement among WTO members regarding the filling of Appellate Body vacancies, there is no Appellate Body Division available at the current time to deal with the appeals.
Further information will be available within the next few days in document WT/DS599/9
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MIL-OSI Economics: Members consider China’s request for panel to examine electric vehicle measures in Türkiye
Source: World Trade Organization
DS629: Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China
China submitted a request for the establishment of a dispute panel to rule on various measures taken by Türkiye concerning electric vehicles (“EVs”) and certain other types of vehicles originating in China. Consultations took place on 20-21 November in an effort to resolve the dispute but failed to produce a mutually agreed solution, prompting China to submit its request for the panel.
China said Türkiye’s measures are protectionist and discriminatory, and violate Türkiye’s core obligations under the WTO agreements, including most favoured nation treatment, tariff bindings, and general elimination of quantitative restrictions. China expressed grave concerns that some members, including Türkiye, have introduced restrictive measures on Chinese new energy products, including EVs, which are inconsistent with WTO rules. Increased tech protectionism is not a solution, China said, adding that the panel request is one of the responses to such unlawful measures.
Türkiye said the two sides had constructive consultations in November 2024 and that it shared information and clarifications with its Chinese colleagues in a cooperative manner. Türkiye said its measures are completely justified against the backdrop of the strong challenges its automotive industry has been facing for many years due to anti-competitive practices, subsidization, and excess capacity. These problems should be addressed in the relevant WTO bodies for a level playing field in industrial sectors. Against that background, Türkiye said it cannot at this time agree to the establishment of a panel.
The DSB took note of the statements and agreed to revert to this matter should the requesting member wish to do so.
DS597: United States – Origin Marking Requirement (Hong Kong, China)
The United States once again raised the matter of the panel ruling in DS597 at the DSB meeting. The US said it was raising the matter as a result of recent developments in Hong Kong, China regarding free speech and human rights. The US referred back to its previous statements regarding its position on essential security and its reasons for placing this item on the DSB agenda.
Hong Kong, China said the US again raising this matter and questioning its inherent rights under international law was an abuse of WTO rules. The panel ruling clearly confirms that the US action lacks legal justification, Hong Kong, China said, adding that it stands ready to proceed through the due process of appeal should the US lift its blockage on the appointment of Appellate Body members.
China reiterated its objections to the item being on the DSB agenda and said any member, regardless of its power and size, should refrain from taking unilateral and protectionism measures in the name of national security or using it as a vehicle to disregard the core principles of the WTO and interfere in other members’ internal affairs.
Appellate Body appointments
Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 83rd time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.
The United States noted that a new US President was inaugurated on 20 January, and the US is currently transitioning to a new Administration. Members are aware of the longstanding US concerns with WTO dispute settlement that have persisted across US administrations; those concerns remain unaddressed and it does not support the proposed decision, the United States said.
Twenty members then took the floor to comment. Most reiterated their support for the joint proposal and for the urgent need to restore a fully functioning dispute settlement system as soon as possible. Many welcomed the progress made in the dispute settlement reform discussions to date and the proposal by the General Council Chair to initiate consultations with interested delegations to hear views on how to build on progress made in a manner that would further advance dispute settlement reform work.
Several members said they looked forward to hearing from the Chair on how those consultations would be organized. Ten members urged others to consider joining the Multi-party interim appeal arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body.
Colombia said on behalf of the 130 members it regretted that for the 83rd occasion members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said for the group.
Surveillance of implementation
Australia presented a status report regarding its implementation of the panel ruling in the case brought by China in DS603, “Australia — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duty Measures on Certain Products from China.” Australia said it provided a written status report in this dispute on 16 January noting that Australia has fully implemented the ruling and that the matter is now resolved.
China thanked Australia for its statement and said this case demonstrates the effectiveness of the WTO dispute settlement system. At a time when the multilateral trading system faces unprecedented challenges, cooperation among members is vital to maintaining the effective operation of the dispute settlement mechanism, China said. China added that it is ready to work with Australia and other members to continue to resolve trade frictions under the WTO framework.
The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “US — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”, DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”
The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”
Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.”
Next meeting
The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 24 February 2025.
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