Category: KB

MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Application for notification of the Mining Social Agreement of May 2021. – P-003046/2024
Source: European Parliament
19.12.2024

Priority question for written answer P-003046/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Mirosława Nykiel (PPE)

A few weeks ago, the Polish Government sent a revised application to the Commission for notification of the Mining Social Agreement of May 2021.

The new version of the application takes into account the early decommissioning of the Bobrek mine in Bytom (it was originally stated that it would continue to mine coal until 2040).

In the light of the above:

1.What is the state of play of the examination of the application?

2.Will the Commission agree to the proposed total amount of state aid?

3.How many workers will be assisted, and is there a ‘tailor-made’ solution for the mine that is being decommissioned?

Submitted: 19.12.2024
Last updated: 20 December 2024
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Setting up a special committee on the European Democracy Shield, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office – P10_TA(2024)0065 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

– having regard to the Commission communication on the European democracy action plan (COM(2020)0790),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services and amending Directive 2000/31/EC (Digital Services Act)(1) and Regulation (EU) 2022/1925 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 September 2022 on contestable and fair markets in the digital sector and amending Directives (EU) 2019/1937 and (EU) 2020/1828 (Digital Markets Act)(2),

– having regard to its resolution of 20 October 2021 on Europe’s Media in the Digital Decade: an Action Plan to Support Recovery and Transformation(3),

– having regard to the 2022 Code of Practice on Disinformation,

– having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1937 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2019 on the protection of persons who report breaches of Union law(4),

– having regard to Directive (EU) 2022/2557 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on the resilience of critical entities and repealing Council Directive 2008/114/EC(5),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act)(6),

– having regard to Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings (‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’)(7),

– having regard to the March 2021 EU toolbox of risk mitigating measures on the cybersecurity of 5G networks,

– having regard to the Communication from the Commission on Defence of Democracy (COM(2023)0630),

– having regard to the Commission proposal of 12 December 2023 for a Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing harmonised requirements in the internal market on transparency of interest representation carried out on behalf of third countries and amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 (COM(2023)0637),

– having regard to the Commission recommendations on inclusive and resilient electoral processes in the Union and enhancing the European nature and efficient conduct of the elections to the European Parliament (C(2023)8626) and on promoting the engagement and effective participation of citizens and civil society organisations in public policy-making processes (C(2023)8627),

– having regard to its resolution of 9 March 2022 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation(8) (INGE 1),

– having regard to its resolution of 1 June 2023 on foreign interference in all democratic processes in the European Union, including disinformation(9) (INGE2),

– having regard to its recommendation of 15 June 2023 to the Council and the Commission following the investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the use of Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware(10),

– having regard to the report of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness’, authored by Sauli Niinistö, former President of the Republic of Finland, in his capacity as Special Adviser to the President of the European Commission,

– having regard to Rule 213 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas foreign interference constitutes a serious violation of the universal values and principles on which the Union is founded, such as human dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law; whereas evidence shows that malicious and authoritarian foreign state actors and malicious non-state actors are using information manipulation and other tactics to interfere in democratic processes in the Union; whereas such attacks mislead and deceive citizens and affect their voting behaviour, amplify divisive debates, divide, polarise, and exploit the vulnerabilities of societies, promote hate speech, worsen the situation of vulnerable groups which are more likely to become victims of disinformation, distort the integrity of democratic elections and referendums, cast suspicion on national governments, public authorities, the democratic order and the rule of law and have the goal of destabilising European democracy; whereas this has become a question of internal security and safety of Union society as a whole;

B. whereas a campaign of disinformation of an unparalleled malice and magnitude with the purpose of deceiving both domestic citizens and the international community of States as a whole has continuously been carried out by Russia for many years, with particular intensity since the eve of and during its war of aggression against Ukraine which started on 24 February 2022; whereas there is a need for continuous support and close cooperation with Ukraine and Moldova in that regard, but also the pro-European forces in Georgia and the countries of the Western Balkans, which all face strong Russian interference into their process of convergence with the Union, leveraging the possibilities of mutual exchange of information and best practices;

C. whereas attempts by state actors from third countries and malicious non-state actors to interfere in the functioning of democracy in the Union and its Member States, and put pressure on the values enshrined in Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union by means of malicious interference, are part of a wider disruptive trend experienced by democracies worldwide;

D. whereas malicious actors continue to seek to interfere in electoral processes and take advantage of the openness and pluralism of our societies, and to attack democratic processes and the resilience of the Union and its Member States;

E. whereas malign autocratic actors are increasingly conducting disinformation campaigns against the work of the Union delegations; whereas this is a clear attempt to hinder the Union’s strategic communication abroad;

F. whereas, before 8 October 2024, the EU and its Member States did not have a specific regime of sanctions relating to foreign interference and disinformation campaigns orchestrated by malicious state actors from third countries, meaning that such actors were in a position to safely assume that their destabilisation campaigns against the Union will face no consequences;

G. whereas there is a lack of a common definition and understanding of this phenomenon and many gaps and loopholes remain in current legislation and policies at Union and national level intended to detect, prevent and counter foreign interference;

H. whereas foreign interference, disinformation, and numerous attacks on and threats against democracy are expected to continue in ever-greater numbers and more sophisticated ways;

I. whereas Parliament’s previous recommendations to counter malign foreign interference operations in the democratic processes of the Union have contributed to an overall Union understanding and to a greater awareness of the issue;

J. whereas the hearings and work of the INGE 1 and INGE 2 special committees have contributed to public recognition and the contextualisation of these issues, and have successfully framed the Union debate on foreign interference in democratic processes and disinformation;

K. whereas there is a need for global, multilateral cooperation and support among like-minded partners, including between parliamentarians, in dealing with foreign malicious interference and disinformation; whereas democracies have developed advanced skills and counter-strategies in dealing with those threats and attacks;

L. whereas addressing foreign interference, disinformation and threats against democracy requires a multifaceted approach in order to foster critical thinking and media and information literacy, and promoting civic engagement and democracy education;

M. whereas hybrid threats and attacks may lead to full-scale and cross-sectoral crises with detrimental effects on safety and security, the well-being of citizens and the functioning of society and economy as a whole, constituting a key challenge to the Union’s internal affairs; whereas that new reality requires a more robust approach to Union crisis management and civilian and defence preparedness, building strategic foresight and anticipation and strengthening early warning, detection, analysis and operational coordination capabilities;

1. Decides to set up a special committee named ‘special committee on the European Democracy Shield’ and that it shall carry out, in cooperation and consultation with the competent standing committees where their powers and responsibilities under Annex VI of the Rules of Procedure are concerned, the following responsibilities:

	(a)	to assess relevant existing and planned legislation and policies to further detect possible loopholes, gaps and overlaps that could be exploited for malicious interference in democratic processes, including as regards the following matters:
	(i)	policies, legislative proposals and structures to be established under the European Democracy Shield, and already established under the European Democracy Action Plan, as well as relevant instruments under the Strategic Compass such as the EU Hybrid Toolbox;
	(ii)	opportunities of cooperation among Union agencies and national authorities in the area of justice and home affairs, including for the purposes of information sharing, intelligence and advance detection mechanisms;
	(iii)	policies and recommendations outlined in the report of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘Safer Together – Strengthening Europe’s Civilian and Military Preparedness and Readiness’;
	(iv)	policies contributing to Union democratic processes, democratic resilience through situational awareness, media and information literacy, media pluralism and independent journalism, the promotion of civic engagement, education, critical thinking and citizens’ awareness and participation;
	(v)	democratic resilience against home-grown hybrid threats and attacks and malign interference;
	(vi)	interference using online platforms, in particular by evaluating, in-depth, the responsibility and effects that very large online platforms have on democracy and democratic processes in the Union;
	(vii)	impact of interference on critical infrastructure and strategic sectors, including foreign investment and ownership of property located in the Union;
	(viii)	hybrid threats and attacks, including but not limited to: cyberattacks including on military and non-military targets, human-made text and audiovisual content, as well as AI-generated content and ‘deepfakes’ used for the purpose of foreign interference and disinformation, interference in political institutions, economic influence or coercion, interference through global actors via elite capture, national diasporas, universities and cultural events, covert funding of political activities by malicious foreign actors and donors, foreign information manipulation and interference actions targeting Union action abroad and the exploitation of artificially created migration flows through an increased role of state actors;
	(ix)	policies ensuring a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union and resilience against cyberattacks, where related to democratic processes;
	(x)	the role of malicious state and non-state actors, their modus operandi and financing, as well as physical sabotage perpetrated by them;
	(xi)	the impact of interference on the rights of minorities and other discriminated groups;
	(xii)	deterrence, attribution and collective countermeasures, including sanctions;
	(xiii)	neighbourhood and global cooperation, and multilateralism;
	(xiv)	interference by Union-based actors both within the Union and in third countries;
	(xv)	policies and measures to preserve the fairness and integrity of elections, and to strengthen democratic checks and balances;
	(b)	to develop, in close cooperation with the competent standing committees, suggestions and proposals on how to further remedy these gaps in order to foster the Union’s resilience towards hybrid threats and attacks, including foreign information manipulation and interference, and on how to improve the Union’s legal and institutional framework;
	(c)	to assess the activities of the Commission and the European External Action Service regarding the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference and hybrid threats and attacks;
	(d)	to counter information campaigns and strategic communication of malign third countries, including those through domestic Union actors and organisations, that harm the goals of the Union and that are created to influence Union public opinion;
	(e)	to follow up, where relevant, on the implementation of the reports of the INGE 1 and INGE 2 special committees;
	(f)	to contribute to overall institutional resilience against foreign interference, hybrid threats, attacks and disinformation;
	(g)	to maintain relations with other Union institutions and bodies, Member States authorities, other international organisations and interparliamentary assemblies, civil society as well as state and non-state partners in relevant third countries for matters falling under its responsibility, in order to reinforce Union action against hybrid threats and attacks and internal and foreign information manipulation and interference; to engage particularly with state and non-state partners in Ukraine and Moldova and the pro-European partners in Georgia as well as the countries from the Western Balkans; to counter manipulated narratives coming from Russia, given the critical and continuous danger Russia poses to the stability and security in the whole of the Union;

2. Decides that, whenever the special committee work includes the hearing of evidence of a confidential nature, testimonies involving personal data, or exchanges of views or hearings with authorities and bodies on confidential information, including scientific studies or parts thereof granted confidentiality status under Article 63 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council(11), the meetings shall be held in camera; decides further that witnesses and experts shall have the right to make a statement or provide testimony in camera;

3. Decides that the list of people invited to public meetings, the list of those who attend them and the minutes of such meetings, shall be made public;

4. Decides that confidential documents that have been received by the special committee shall be assessed in accordance with the procedure set out in Rule 227 of its Rules of Procedure, decides further that such information shall be used exclusively for the purposes of drawing up the final report of the special committee;

5. Decides that the special committee shall have 33 members;

6. Decides that the term of office of the special committee shall be 12 months and that that term of office shall start running from the date of its constituent meeting;

7. Decides that the special committee may present to Parliament a mid-term report; decides further that it shall present to Parliament at the latest during the part-session of January 2026 a final report focusing on the matters set out in paragraph 1 and containing factual findings and recommendations concerning the measures and initiatives to be taken, without prejudice to the competences of the standing committees in accordance with Annex VI to its Rules of Procedure; stresses that the recommendations of the special committee shall be taken into consideration by the competent standing committees in their work.

(1)	OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.
(2)	OJ L 265, 12.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/1925/oj.
(3)	OJ C 184, 5.5.2022, p. 71.
(4)	OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/1937/oj.
(5)	OJ L 333, 27.12.2022, p. 164, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2022/2557/oj.
(6)	OJ L, 2024/1083, 17.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1083/oj.
(7)	OJ L, 2024/1069, 16.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1069/oj.
(8)	OJ C 347, 9.9.2022, p. 61.
(9)	OJ C, C/2023/1226, 21.12.2023, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2023/1226/oj.
(10)	OJ C, C/2024/494, 23.1.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/494/oj.
(11)	Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Amendment of Annex VI – Powers and responsibilities of the standing committees – P10_TA(2024)0064 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

– having regard to its decision of 15 January 2014 on the powers and responsibilities of the standing committees(1),

– having regard to Rules 212, 218 and 219 of its Rules of Procedure,

1. Decides to set up a standing committee on Security and Defence and that the subcommittee on Security and Defence shall cease to exist; decides that the responsibilities of the committee on Foreign Affairs shall be amended accordingly;

2. Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence shall be responsible for EU security and EU defence integration and cooperation including the issues related to the European Defence Agency, the permanent structured cooperation, the scrutiny of the common security and defence policy (CSDP), European Defence Industry and European defence industry funding where it contributes to the objectives of CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the European Union;

3. Decides to set up a standing committee on Public Health and that the subcommittee on Public Health shall cease to exist; decides that the name and the responsibilities of the committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety shall be amended accordingly;

4. Decides that Annex VI to its Rules of Procedure is amended as follows:

(1) in Part I, paragraph 1, point 1 is replaced by the following:”‘1. the common foreign and security policy (CFSP);’”

(2) the following Part is inserted:”‘Ia. Committee on Security and Defence

Committee responsible for the promotion, implementation and monitoring of the common security and defence policy (CSDP) and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union as envisaged in Article 42(2) of the Treaty on European Union, including:

the developments threatening the territorial integrity of the Union and its Member States and the security of Union citizens;

the capabilities and assets for civilian and military CSDP missions outside the Union, complementary measures under the European Peace Facility (EPF) as well as other budget lines and financial instruments directly supporting or contributing to the CSDP framework;

the implementation and regular review of strategic defence decisions and policies;

the progressive framing of a common Union defence policy leading to a Common Defence Union and the alignment of CSDP instruments with other Union financial instruments, legislation and policies;

the capabilities to monitor and counter hybrid threats from outside the Union – including foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI), cyber-defence, and related issues such as the protection of space assets, and the security of defence related critical infrastructure – within the limits of the CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union;

the defence capabilities, preparedness and resilience of the Union and its Member States, including defence-specific research, development and innovation, joint production and life-cycle management;

the measures, activities and instruments related to Union defence industrial integration and cooperation in pursuit of a single market for defence;

the military mobility infrastructure relevant to the defence readiness of the Union and its Member States and the capacities to protect that infrastructure from foreign threats, except in relation to TEN-T-related projects and dual-use transport infrastructure, where, when appropriate, advice shall be provided to the responsible Committee on Transport and Tourism;

the parliamentary oversight of defence-specific institutional Union structures and agencies, in particular:

	–	the Directorate-General of the EU Military Staff,
	–	the European Security and Defence College,
	–	the European Defence Agency (EDA),
	–	the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO),
	–	the EU Satellite Centre within the limits of the CSDP and in establishing the European Defence Union, and
	–	the European External Action Service CSDP structure;

10.

initiatives, programmes and policies insofar as they aim to strengthen the European defence technological and industrial base and consolidate defence industrial cooperation aimed for exclusively military use by Member States and relevant Union capacities;

11.

defence-specific international agreements, depending on their content and scope, on security and defence, the external dimension of counter-terrorism, cyber defence, arms exports and control, disarmament and non-proliferation;

12.

relations with the Union’s security and defence partners, including NATO, the UN Department of Peace Operations, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and other international organisations, and with inter-parliamentary bodies for matters falling under the responsibility of the Committee on Security and Defence;

13.

political oversight and coordination with the work of the delegation for relations with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and the possible future delegations with competences in the field of security and defence;

14.

multilateral frameworks for security, arms exports and control and non-proliferation issues, the external dimension of counter-terrorism, good practices to improve the effectiveness of security and defence, and the Union legal and institutional developments in those fields within the limits of the CSDP and related defence-exclusive measures of the Union;

15.

joint consultations, meetings and conferences on a regular basis to exchange information with the Council, the European External Action Service, and the Commission within the remit of the competences of the Committee on Security and Defence.’

”

(3) Part VIII is replaced by the following:”‘VIII. Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

Committee responsible for:

environmental and climate policy and protection measures, in particular concerning:

	(a)	climate change, adaptation, resilience and preparedness,
	(b)	environmental policy for the protection of public health,
	(c)	air, soil and water pollution, waste management and recycling, noise levels and the protection of biodiversity,
	(d)	chemicals, dangerous substances and preparations, pesticides and maximum residue levels, and cosmetics,
	(e)	sustainable development,
	(f)	international and regional measures and agreements aimed at protecting the environment,
	(g)	restoration of environmental damage,
	(h)	civil protection,
	(i)	the European Environment Agency and the European Chemicals Agency;

food safety issues, including in particular:

	(a)	the labelling and safety of foodstuffs,
	(b)	veterinary legislation concerning protection against risks to human health; public health checks on foodstuffs and food production systems,
	(c)	the European Food Safety Authority and the Commission’s Directorate for Health and Food Audits and Analysis.’

”

(4) the following Part is inserted:”‘VIIIa. Committee on Public Health

Committee responsible for public health matters related to:
	1.	pharmaceuticals and medical devices;
	2.	programmes and specific actions in the field of public health;
	3.	health crisis preparedness and response;
	4.	mental health and patients’ rights;
	5.	health aspects of bioterrorism;
	6.	the European Medicines Agency and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control;
	7.	relations with the World Health Organization concerning the above matters.’

”

5. Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence shall have 43 members and that the standing committee on Public Health shall have 43 members;

6. Decides that the standing committee on Security and Defence committee shall cooperate with other committees, guided by the principle of good and sincere cooperation, notably with the Committee on Foreign Affairs;

7. Decides, with reference to the decisions of the Conference of Presidents of 30 June 2019 and 9 January 2020 relating to the composition of committee and subcommittee bureaux, that the bureaux of the standing committee on Security and Defence and of the standing committee on Public Health may each consist of up to four vice-chairs;

8. Decides that this decision will enter into force on the first day of the next part-session;

9. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission, for information.

(1)	OJ C 482, 23.12.2016, p. 160.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Continued repression of civil society and independent media in Azerbaijan and the cases of Dr Gubad Ibadoghlu, Anar Mammadli, Kamran Mammadli, Rufat Safarov and Meydan TV – P10_TA(2024)0074 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by Azerbaijan,

–  having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas since 2023, the Azerbaijani authorities have been engaged in a systemic crackdown on civil society, political opposition, human rights defenders, the LGBTI+ community and independent media, which intensified around COP29;

B.  whereas there are over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan as well as 23 Armenian prisoners of war, including leaders of the former self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh republic;

C.  whereas political prisoner and 2024 Sakharov Prize finalist Gubad Ibadoghlu remains under house arrest; whereas the European Court of Human Rights ruled that his health condition is critical, requiring hospitalisation and urgent heart surgery;

D.  whereas civil society leader Anar Mammadli has been in pre-trial detention since April 2024 on bogus charges, with his health deteriorating due to denied healthcare;

E.  whereas in early December 2024, the Azerbaijani authorities arrested MeydanTV journalists Aynur Ganbarova, Aytaj Ahmadova, Khayala Agayeva, Natig Javadli and Aysel Umudova, and journalists Ramin Jabrayilzade and Ahmad Mukhtar; whereas they also arrested Baku Journalism School deputy director Ulvi Tahirov, political leader Azer Gasimli and human rights defender Rufat Safarov; whereas all face unfounded, politically motivated charges;

F.  whereas environmental activist Kamran Mammadli was attacked by security guards at COP29 and is banned from travelling;

G.  whereas prisoners’ human rights are routinely violated through detention in inhumane conditions, torture and specific harassment of female political prisoners, including Nargiz Absalamova;

1.  Strongly condemns the Azerbaijani regime’s reported ongoing violations of human rights, including freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly, and its politically motivated abuse of the criminal justice system;

2.  Urges the Azerbaijani authorities to immediately end the crackdown on all dissident groups and unconditionally release and drop all charges against human rights defenders, journalists and political and other activists prosecuted under fabricated, politically motivated charges;

3.  Demands that the authorities immediately lift the travel ban on Ibadoghlu, unconditionally drop all charges against him and allow him to receive urgent treatment abroad; deplores the fact that Ibadoghlu was not allowed to attend the Sakharov Prize ceremony or connect remotely;

4.  Calls on Azerbaijan to lift undue restrictions on independent media by aligning its laws on the registration and funding of non-governmental groups and media with Venice Commission recommendations; demands that the authorities end the repression of MeydanTV, ToplumTV, Abaz Media and Kanal13;

5.  Calls for EU sanctions under its global human rights sanctions regime to be imposed on Azerbaijani officials responsible for serious human rights violations, including Fuad Alasgarov, Vilayat Eyvazov and Ali Naghiyev;

6.  Insists that any EU-Azerbaijan partnership agreement – including on energy – must be strongly conditional on respect for fundamental rights and the release of all political prisoners; calls on the Commission to suspend the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the Field of Energy;

7.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, Member States and the President, Government and Parliament of Azerbaijan.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 11th year of the occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation and the deteriorating human rights situation in occupied Crimea, notably the cases of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov – P10_TA(2024)0072 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas since February 2014, Crimea has been temporarily occupied by Russia, which illegally annexed it, following an unlawful and internationally unrecognised referendum;

B.  whereas Crimeans continue to experience severe human rights violations, unlawful conscription to the Russian army, forced passportisation and Russification, arbitrary detentions, often on trumped-up terrorism charges, enforced disappearances, torture, extrajudicial killings, the absence of freedom of opinion, assembly, association and religion;

C.  whereas the Russian occupying authorities are particularly targeting Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians and ethnic minorities, and have resettled up to 800 000 Russians, forcibly altering the demographic composition of Crimea along ethnic lines in a neo-colonial manner, which constitutes a war crime under international law;

D.  whereas there are over 200 Crimean political prisoners in Russian detention facilities, including 133 Crimean Tatars and 67 political prisoners with severe health problems that require assistance;

E.  whereas Crimean journalist and human rights defender Iryna Danylovych was abducted in 2022, accused of possessing explosives and sentenced to 6 years and 11 months of imprisonment; whereas NGO activist Tofik Abdulhaziiev was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to 12 years in a maximum security prison on trumped-up charges, and since 2023 is being held in a prison some 2 700 km away from Crimea; whereas citizen journalist Amet Suleymanov was sentenced to 12 years of prison in 2021;

F.  whereas many Crimeans continue to be persecuted, including: Emil Kurbedinov, Server Mustafayev, Emir-Usein Kuku, Lutfiye Zudiyeva, Kulamet Ibraimov, Abdureshit Dzhepparov, Edem Semedlyaev, Rustem Kyamilev, Oleksandr Sizikov, Halyna Dovhopola, Ruslan Abdurakhmanov, Rustem Huhuryk and Lilia Hemedzhy;

1.  Reiterates its condemnation of the illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by Russia;

2.  Condemns Russia’s continuous targeting of ethnic Ukrainians and systematic persecution of indigenous Crimean Tatars, which aims to erase their identity, heritage and culture, echoing, for the Crimean Tatars, the genocidal deportations of 1944; considers that Crimea’s future is tied to its recognition as the Crimean Tatars’ historic homeland;

3.  Condemns the persecution of journalists, civil society activists and human rights defenders and the deportation of civilians including political prisoners from Crimea to penitentiary institutions across Russia, contrary to international law;

4.  Demands the immediate and unconditional release of Iryna Danylovych, Tofik Abdulhaziiev and Amet Suleymanov and other political prisoners; calls for immediate medical care to be provided; denounces the upholding of verdicts against seriously ill individuals, which constitutes a blatant violation of international human rights standards; calls on the International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN to establish the whereabouts of civilian detainees from Crimea;

5.  Calls on the international community to continue its policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea; supports efforts for its de-occupation, such as the Crimean Platform; calls for the strengthening of sanctions against individuals and legal entities involved in the illegal annexation;

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the VP/HR, the relevant EU institutions and the Russian and Ukrainian authorities.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov – P10_TA(2024)0073 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to its previous resolutions on Kyrgyzstan,

–  having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A.  whereas searches were recently conducted at the headquarters of the Kyrgyzstan Social Democrats party (SDK); whereas ahead of the November 2024 municipal elections, a Bishkek district court ordered the pre-trial detention of SDK leader Temirlan Sultanbekov and other party officials until 13 January 2025; whereas they were arrested on vote-buying allegations, with an audiotape of unknown origin serving as the primary evidence, for which the judicial authorisation is unclear and its connection with the detainees unknown; whereas the SDK demonstrated that payments to campaign staff, as referred to in the recording, were transparent; whereas Mr Sultanbekov began a hunger strike in protest on the day of his arrest and his physical condition has since been seriously deteriorating; whereas the Bishkek Election Commission disqualified the party’s municipal candidates in Bishkek;

B.  whereas in recent years, democratic standards and human rights in Kyrgyzstan have deteriorated alarmingly;

C.  whereas independent media, such as Kloop, Temirov Live, Ait Ait Dese and Azattyk, journalists and bloggers continue to face repression; whereas both the judiciary and vigilante violence are increasingly being used to suppress political opponents and civil society critics;

D.  whereas the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kyrgyzstan and the EU is subject to the Parliament consent procedure and requires Kyrgyzstan’s full compliance with its duty to protect human rights and uphold democratic standards;

1.  Is concerned by the dubious reasons for the detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov and other pro-democracy activists in Kyrgyzstan and the possible political motivation behind the criminal case against them;

2.  Urges the Kyrgyz authorities to immediately release Mr Sultanbekov and other party officials and adopt alternative measures to detention, while respecting their right to due process in line with the civil and political rights guaranteed under the Kyrgyz constitution and international obligations; calls on the authorities to ensure his safety and well-being;

3.  Urges the Kyrgyz government to halt its campaign of intimidation and legal persecution against opposition parties, independent media outlets and journalists; is concerned by the adoption of the Russian-style ‘foreign agents’ law; urges the Kyrgyz authorities to drop all charges against human rights defenders, including Makhabat Tazhibek Kyzy, Azamat Ishenbekov, Aktilek Kaparov and Ayke Beishekeeva, journalists from the Temirov Live and Ait Ait Dese channels;

4.  Calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to respect human rights and uphold democratic standards and fundamental freedoms in line with the EPCA and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus;

5.  Calls for all EU institutions and bodies, in particular the EU Delegation to Kyrgyzstan, to continue to voice their grave concern over the deterioration of human rights with the Kyrgyz authorities, and to consider other action should the situation deteriorate further;

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, the Member States, the UN Human Rights Council and the Kyrgyz authorities.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Recommendation to the Council on the EU priorities for the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women – P10_TA(2024)0075 – Thursday, 19 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the UN declaration of 15 September 1995 entitled ‘Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action’ and the outcomes of its review conferences,

– having regard to the 1979 UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,

– having regard to Articles 21 and 23 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the principle of ‘leaving no one behind’ and, in particular, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality,

– having regard to the UN Secretary-General’s report of 13 December 2019 to the UN Commission on the Status of Women entitled ‘Review and appraisal of the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcomes of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly’,

– having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 November 2020 entitled ‘EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III: an ambitious agenda for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU external action’ (JOIN(2020)0017) and the accompanying joint staff working document of 25 November 2020 entitled ‘Objectives and Indicators to frame the implementation of the Gender Action Plan III (2021-25)’ (SWD(2020)0284),

– having regard to the EU gender equality strategy for 2020-2025 of 5 March 2020,

– having regard to its resolution of 10 March 2022 on the EU Gender Action Plan III(1),

– having regard to the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women 2024 Inquiry concerning Poland, conducted under Article 8 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention,

– having regard to its resolution of 11 February 2021 on challenges ahead for women’s rights in Europe: more than 25 years after the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action(2),

– having regard to the briefing entitled ‘Accelerating progress on Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5): Achieving gender equality and empowering women and girls’, published by its Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research Services on 18 September 2024,

– having regard to the UN Women and UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs report of September 2024 entitled ‘Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals: The Gender Snapshot 2024’,

– having regard to its resolution of 22 November 2023 on proposals of the European Parliament for the amendment of the Treaties(3),

– having regard to its resolution of 11 April 2024 on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter(4),

– having regard to Rule 121 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality (A10-0030/2024),

A. whereas equality between women and men is a fundamental and universal principle of the EU, and whereas the EU’s external action must be guided by this principle, so that the EU continues to lead by example and further steps up and meets its commitments on gender equality;

B. whereas women’s and girls’ human rights and gender equality are not only fundamental human rights, but preconditions for advancing development and education and reducing poverty, and a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world;

C. whereas 189 governments across the world, including the EU and its Member States, committed to working towards gender equality and empowering all women and girls at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing;

D. whereas the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is the most comprehensive global agenda for promoting gender equality and is considered the international ‘Bill of Rights’ for women, defining women’s rights as human rights and articulating a vision of equal rights, freedom and opportunities for all women in the world, and was reaffirmed in 2015 with Goal 5, ‘Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’, of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) set out in the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, by specifying targets and concrete measures across a range of issues affecting women and girls;

E. whereas the UN Assembly agreed in 2017 on a global indicator framework to standardise data collection, a key element for the comparability of data;

F. whereas just six years in advance of the 2030 deadline for the UN’s SDGs, not a single indicator under Goal 5 has been fully achieved; whereas the UN estimates that strong actions are needed in order to accelerate progress and to avoid taking 286 years to close gaps in legal protection and remove discriminatory legislation for women;

G. whereas gender equality is a cross cutting principle, to be mainstreamed across the SDGs;

H. whereas a 2024 UN study(5) on the evaluation of SDG 5 highlights that social norms still exist that legitimise gender-based violence against women and girls, without sufficient appropriate punishments against perpetrators, reduce access to health services, including sexual and reproductive health services, assign unpaid care and domestic work solely to women and restrict leadership opportunities; whereas women and girls can be still discriminated against through reproductive sex selection(6);

I. whereas the UN General Assembly has raised the alarm about the active resistance to achievements and advances in gender equality and the growing transnational backlash against women’s rights; whereas sexual and gender-based violence as well as anti-rights movements threaten the fundamental rights of women and girls on a daily basis; whereas there is a clear and urgent need to reaffirm, safeguard and develop gender equality and the human rights of women and girls(7);

J. whereas women’s sports competitions must be a celebration of sporting values; whereas all conditions must be met to ensure fairness within these competitions, to preserve the health of female athletes and to prevent physical and psychological violence against them;

K. whereas the Summit of the Future adopted document includes a specific action for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls as a crucial contribution to progress(8);

L. whereas the rebels who brought down the regime in Syria are dominated by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) force; whereas the HTS group is an Islamist organisation classified as a terrorist organisation by the EU and the UN; whereas this situation raises serious concerns about the security of women and girls in the area;

M. whereas the UN’s Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, in an inquiry into Polish abortion law, has concluded that criminalising and restricting abortion discriminates against women;

1. Recommends that the Council:

	(a)	re-confirm its full and unwavering commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and to the range of actions for human rights of women in all their diversity and gender equality outlined therein; confirm its commitment to human rights of women, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, through gender mainstreaming in all relevant policy areas and cycles, to the implementation of specific and targeted actions for human rights of women and gender equality, and to ensuring proper gender budgeting;
	(b)	express its most profound opposition to the fact that Saudi Arabia is this year chair of CSW annual meeting and condemn any form of political instrumentation given that the country’s own record on women’s rights is abysmal and many of its policies contrary to the CSW’s own mandate and objectives; raise the systemic discrimination against women and persecution of women’s rights activists taking place in Saudi Arabia;
	(c)	ensure that gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights are fully and proudly implemented as a core part of EU external action through an adequately funded, gender-responsive, inclusive and intersectional approach, taking into account marginalised women and women in vulnerable situations, especially as the funding of anti-gender movements globally is on the rise(9);
	(d)	ensure the full involvement of Parliament and its Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in the decision-making process on the EU’s position at the 69th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (10-25 March 2025); ensure that Parliament has adequate, regular and timely information and access to the EU’s position document ahead of the negotiations; ensure the timely communication of Parliament’s position to the EU negotiating team; and further improve interinstitutional cooperation and informal consultation, including prior to and during negotiations, so that Parliament’s priorities are properly incorporated;
	(e)	conduct an annual review of the progress, and setbacks, encountered in the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action;
	(f)	pledge its strong support for the work of UN Women, which is a central actor in the UN system for advancing women’s rights, while committing to ensure its funding as well as increased finance for gender equality;
	(g)	reinvigorate the EU’s efforts to overcome remaining challenges and accelerate the full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as it is a universal document, and EU Member States are far from having achieved all targets; ensure that the EU leads by example by putting in place robust policy measures, coupled with adequate financing to prevent, address and combat gender inequality in all its manifestations, empower women in all their diversity in all EU countries and ensure the realisation of their rights;
	(h)	reiterate that the EU has an important role to play in achieving a gender-equal world through leading by example and supporting partner countries in addressing all types of direct and indirect discrimination and gender-based violence; recall the importance of the Istanbul Convention, urge the remaining five Member States that have still not ratified and implemented the Istanbul Convention to do so in the shortest possible timeframe, and also call on other countries to make progress towards signing and ratifying it;
	(i)	press for equal access to and opportunities in all areas of life, to allow women in all their diversity to fulfil their potential, notably also in decision-making, including political, economic, financial, academic, health, cultural and sports-related, this also being essential for good governance and policymaking; encourage initiatives that promote female political leadership and participation, strengthening democratic practices and inspiring future generations of women;
	(j)	within this context, express opposition to all forms of gender-based violence, including online or offline, as well as against women engaged in or wishing to engage in politics, which sustains and reinforces the invisibilisation of women and negative stereotypes about women and discourages women of all ages from entering politics and public spaces;
	(k)	encourage measures that promote women’s participation and gender balance in all high impact sectors, including STEM; stress the importance of combating gender stereotypes, attitudes and prejudices in all their dimensions, through all kinds of media, including social media, and promote programmes, including through public-private partnerships, to reduce discrimination against women in politics and public positions;
	(l)	emphasise that weak political guidance, lack of commitment, data gaps, insufficiently targeted investment, hate speech and hate campaigns, lack of access to relevant skills and knowledge, lack of economic opportunity and education, gender-related discrimination in the work place, including maternal mobbing, lack of economic autonomy and unequal conditions in the labour market, and the rise of anti-rights movements have been identified as obstacles and threats for women’s rights; thus making it necessary to encourage more women in politics and leadership, increase dedicated gender-equality-related investment in services such as education and health, and implement comprehensive rights-based and gender-responsive education, training and policy reforms to overcome these systemic structural barriers and achieve a truly equal society, for which the commitment and engagement of men and boys is essential;
	(m)	apply gender mainstreaming and gender budgeting more consistently in all relevant EU policy areas, including external action, and lead by example in this regard, committing that the next MFF 2027 will include gender-equality-specific objectives and gender budgeting methods to be able to increase and monitor all investments regarding gender impact;
	(n)	commit to constant appraisal and proactive corrective action in the EU’s internal and external policies in regard to gender equality, mainstreaming and budgeting;
	(o)	defend and recall the importance of the Women Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and the 25th anniversary of its landmark resolution, to renew the WPS EU action plan and to vocally combat any pushbacks towards this agenda internationally;
	(p)	call on the Commission to further develop and roll out concrete and well-financed plans and actions to address the UN SDGs, specifically those related to gender equality, promoting equality in education;
	(q)	take the lead in the global fight against the backlash against gender equality and women’s rights, generated in particular by increasingly influential anti-rights movements, by condemning all attempts to roll back, restrict or remove existing protections for gender equality, including on sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as all forms of threats, intimidation and harassment, online and offline, of human rights defenders and civil society organisations working to advance these rights; emphasise that anti-gender movements are not only attacking women’s rights and gender equality but go hand-in-hand with anti-democratic movements; promote partnerships and alliances to counteract regressive movements and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to protecting gender equality as a core value, including by ensuring that women’s rights movements are adequately funded;
	(r)	emphasise the need to protect and promote the rights of groups experiencing intersectional forms of discrimination, including people with disabilities and people who are from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, racialised, from ethnic, minority or migrant backgrounds, older or LGBTIQ+, among others;
	(s)	work to promote the concept of combating intersectional discrimination throughout all UN bodies and to conduct, apply and integrate intersectional gender analysis at different levels in the EU and its Member States;
	(t)	urge the Commission to further develop and improve the collection of gender-disaggregated equality data on sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or other belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, sex characteristics and gender identity as well as geographically disaggregated data, including on a regional level, to ensure that this data contributes to better and more informed policymaking, and to reinforce the European Institute for Gender Equality both in terms of funding and capacity;
	(u)	commit to advancing towards a foreign, security and development policy that gives priority to gender equality, protects and promotes the human rights of traditionally marginalised groups, such as transgender people, and takes into account the voices of women and LGBTIQ+ human rights defenders and civil society;
	(v)	implement, without delay and to the fullest extent, the EU GAP III and ensure that 85 % of all new actions throughout external relations contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment by 2027 at the latest;
	(w)	take note of and implement the recommendations of Parliament’s resolution of 10 March 2022 on the EU GAP III, and thus prioritise GAP III in every aspect of EU external action through a gender-responsive and intersectional approach, both in terms of GAP III’s geographical coverage and areas of action, as well as gender mainstreaming in all areas of external action, whether trade, development policy, migration, humanitarian aid, security or sectors such as energy, fisheries and agriculture, while enhancing the consistency between the EU’s internal and external policies;
	(x)	devise, fund and implement policies that combat the feminisation of poverty and reduce the role of gender as a factor in poverty both within and, through external action, outside of the EU, taking due note of intersectional factors, including sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or other belief, political opinion, membership of a national minority, property, birth, disability, age or sexual orientation, sex characteristics or gender identity;
	(y)	advocate for equal access to resources and equal opportunities for women in all regions, to achieve economic empowerment and enable access to social justice and to a better quality of life as a result of a global vision of gender equality; recognise the unique challenges faced by women living in rural, remote and least developed areas, where access to resources, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities may be limited; call for targeted measures and investments that address the needs of these communities, through the promotion of gender equality, female entrepreneurship and employment opportunities or infrastructure; stress the importance of integrating these perspectives into all relevant external action and development strategies to ensure no woman is left behind;
	(z)	address and monitor the systemic and root causes of female poverty with an emphasis on those in rural areas or isolated and disadvantaged areas, empower women and girls in all their diversity through education, training and lifelong learning, non-discriminatory labour opportunities, access to equal pay and pensions, and encourage employment programmes for women with disabilities;
	(aa)	promote female entrepreneurship and women-led businesses through an enabling environment for their economic activities, such as support programmes in partner countries, ensuring equitable access to business opportunities and training in entrepreneurial skills;
	(ab)	encourage initiatives that strengthen women’s economic autonomy and job creation in high-growth sectors, support initiatives that empower women economically, particularly women entrepreneurs and those leading micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as fight stereotypes and combat persisting inequalities in education, as well as addressing women’s employment rate and under-representation in certain sectors like STEM and AI;
	(ac)	ensure access to social services, including family support services, equal shares of unpaid care and social responsibilities through legislative initiatives, efforts to combat harmful gender stereotyping, patriarchal attitudes and systems and promote women as role models, and work-life-balance policies that ensure access to digital education and skills training to bridge the digital gender divide; enable women’s access to ownership, property, adequate and affordable housing and land, eliminating barriers, with focus on addressing the specific needs of women, in particular those in poverty and female-led households;
	(ad)	call for further efforts, legislation and enforcement of existing measures to ensure the rights of women care workers and domestic workers as well as the recognition of informal carers, including single mothers, recognising their work as essential for making our society function; push for more ambitious care policies and investments in care with a view to advancing towards care economies, setting minimum standards and guidelines for care throughout the life cycle, with an intersectional perspective;
	(ae)	develop labour migration policies and programmes that are gender-responsive, including in highly ‘feminised’ and informal sectors such as domestic and care work, and which address the gendered barriers to women’s labour force participation and skills recognition;
	(af)	encourage, in the EU, the right to asylum, and the recognition, protection, support and integration of women who are victims of violence, whatever the form;
	(ag)	enhance the EU’s response, resources and toolkit, both internally and externally, regarding online and offline gender-based violence, including domestic, sexual, physical, psychological, verbal and economic violence, harassment at work, as well as violence in situations of conflict and war, trafficking, early and forced marriages and sexual and reproductive exploitation, noting that this should include support for the establishment of help centres for women victims of violence in non-EU countries, particularly in disadvantaged areas, similar to anti-violence centres, with a dual objective, namely: assisting in the recognition of situations of violence and providing both legal and practical protection and support for women who decide to report and exit violence;
	(ah)	advocate for a consent-based definition of rape as a universal standard across all regions, aiming to enhance legal protections and ensure that sexual violence is defined by the absence of consent, rather than solely by the use of force;
	(ai)	highlight the major impact of online gender-based violence on women’s and girls’ personal and professional lives, and on their mental and physical health;
	(aj)	underline the importance of enforcing international humanitarian law to safeguard the rights of women and girls in conflict; ensure that external agreements, including those related to border control and cooperation with non-EU countries, prioritise the safety of women and girls, stressing that the EU must ensure that partner countries uphold high human rights standards, particularly in preventing gender-based violence including trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation;
	(ak)	pay particular attention to the condition of Syrian women and children, including those from Christian minorities, who are more likely to be the particular target of an Islamist regime, as already seen in several Middle Eastern countries, such as Afghanistan and Iraq;
	(al)	promote the prevention of gender-based violence in sports by establishing a system to monitor and prevent such violence within sports institutions, requiring organisations to adopt preventive policies and measures, along with a secure and protected reporting mechanism;
	(am)	remove the legal, financial, social and practical barriers and restrictions on access to safe and legal abortion worldwide; advocate firmly for the defence of sexual and reproductive health and rights as fundamental rights and fight against anti-choice networks; ensure that women and girls in all their diversity have information and access to affordable health services, including for sexual and reproductive health and rights, in line with international human rights and public health standards, including comprehensive age-appropriate and scientifically accurate sexuality and relationship education, access to contraception and emergency contraception, safe and legal abortion, respectful maternal healthcare and care-based health services; ensure that women are protected from forced pregnancies and sex-selective or forced abortions, particularly in the context of ethnic cleansing practices, and that in no case should abortion be promoted as a method of family planning, as mentioned in the Beijing Declaration; emphasise the importance of access to mental health services tailored to the specific needs of women and girls;
	(an)	promote dignified and human rights-respectful conditions for incarcerated women who are also mothers, with special attention to the needs of mothers with young children; support access to healthcare, psychological care and rehabilitation programmes, ensuring adequate spaces to maintain the bond with their children;
	(ao)	take note of and implement the recommendations of the European Parliament’s resolution of 11 April 2024 on including the right to abortion in the EU Fundamental Rights Charter;
	(ap)	commit to increase efforts to address gender issues in the context of the green and energy transition, recognising that the climate crisis is not gender-neutral; acknowledge the intersectional and disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in developing countries, as well as in the regions and rural areas most affected by these changes; advocate for the inclusion of women in environmental decision-making processes to build resilience and gender-responsive strategies;
	(aq)	advocate for and strengthen civil society organisations working to advance women’s and girls’ rights and gender equality in all circumstances including disability, violence, discrimination in the workplace or motherhood; advocate for the provision of safe spaces and shelters for women and girls suffering violence or threats; ensure the protection of human rights defenders, and their participation in the relevant forums;
	(ar)	work to ensure that grassroots organisations and women’s and LGBTIQ+ rights defenders, especially small organisations, are supported through the provision of adequate funding and the removal of restrictions that impede their ability to operate; provide targeted measures and capacity-building support to grassroots women’s organisations to amplify their impact at the local and international levels; actively work against initiatives aimed at diminishing the civic space globally;
	(as)	establish a Council Configuration on Gender Equality and Equality, to create a formal forum for the ministers responsible for the matters of equality to foster cooperation, coordinate policies and exchange best practices among Member States;

2. Instructs its President to forward this recommendation to the Council, and for information, to the Commission.

(1)	OJ C 347, 9.9.2022, p. 150.
(2)	OJ C 465, 17.11.2021, p. 160.
(3)	OJ C, C/2024/4216, 24.7.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4216/oj.
(4)	Texts adopted, P9_TA(2024)0286 .
(5)	UN, ‘Are we getting there? A synthesis of UN system evaluations of SDG 5’, March 2024, https://www.unwomen.org/en/digital-library/publications/2024/03/are-we-getting-there-a-synthesis-of-un-system-evaluations-of-sdg-5.
(6)	Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Population Fund, UN Women, UNIFCEF, World Health Organization, ‘Preventing gender-biased sex selection: an interagency statement’,2011, https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/resource-pdf/Preventing_gender-biased_sex_selection.pdf
(7)	UN General Assembly, ‘Escalating backlash against gender equality and urgency of reaffirming substantive equality and the human rights of women and girls: Report of the Working Group on discrimination against women and girls’, 15 May 2024, https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/073/47/pdf/g2407347.pdf. .
(8)	UN, ‘Summit of the Future outcome documents: Pact for the Future, Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations’, September 2024, https://www.un.org/sites/un2.un.org/files/sotf-pact_for_the_future_adopted.pdf.
(9)	Datta, N., European Parliamentary Forum for Sexual and Reproductive Rights, ‘Tip of the Iceberg– Religious Extremist Funders against Human Rights for Sexuality and Reproductive Health in Europe 2009 – 2018’ June 2021, https://www.epfweb.org/sites/default/files/2021-08/Tip%20of%20the%20Iceberg%20August%202021%20Final.pdf.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Appointment of the Chair of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA) – P10_TA(2024)0067 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

(Approval)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the proposal of the Commission of 4 December 2024 (C10-0210/2024),

–  having regard to Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2024 establishing the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and amending Regulations (EU) No 1093/2010, (EU) No 1094/2010 and (EU) No 1095/2010(1),

–  having regard to its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the report of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (A10-0032/2024),

A.  whereas Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620 provides that the Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism shall be selected on the basis of merit, skills, knowledge, integrity, recognised standing and experience in the area of AML/CFT and other relevant qualifications;

B.  whereas Parliament is committed to ensuring gender balance in executive positions in Union institutions, bodies and agencies; whereas all Union and national institutions and bodies should implement concrete measures to ensure gender balance;

C.  whereas in accordance with Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, on 9 October 2024 the Commission adopted a shortlist of candidates for the position of Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs held hearings with those shortlisted candidates on 25 November 2024;

D.  whereas in accordance with Article 68(1) of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620, the Commission provided the shortlist to Parliament on 9 October 2024;

E.  whereas on 4 December 2024, the Commission adopted a proposal to appoint Bruna Szego as Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and transmitted that proposal to Parliament;

F.  whereas the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs then proceeded to evaluate the credentials of the proposed candidate for the position of Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism, in particular in view of the requirements laid down in Article 68 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1620;

G.  whereas on 16 December 2024, the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs held a hearing with Bruna Szego, at which she made an opening statement and then answered questions put by members of the Committees;

1.  Approves the proposal for the appointment of Bruna Szego as Chair of the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism;

2.  Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council, the Commission, the Authority for Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism and the governments of the Member States.

(1) OJ L, 2024/1620, 19.6.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1620/oj.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Setting up a special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, and defining its responsibilities, numerical strength and term of office – P10_TA(2024)0066 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the proposal from the Conference of Presidents,

– having regard to the Treaty on European Union (TEU), in particular Article 3(3) thereof, and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 9, 14, 148, 153, 160 and 168 thereof, and Protocol No 26 to the TEU and to the TFEU on services of general interest,

– having regard to the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union,

– having regard to the European Pillar of Social Rights,

– having regard to its resolution of 21 January 2021 on access to decent and affordable housing for all(1),

– having regard to Rule 213 of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights includes the right to housing;

B. whereas the European Pillar of Social Rights states that access to social housing or housing assistance of good quality is to be provided for those in need and this is to be implemented at both Union and national level within their respective competences; whereas adequate shelters and services are to be provided to the homeless in order to promote their social inclusion; whereas the right to housing for people with disabilities deserves special protection and dedicated policies to ensure housing accessibility;

C. whereas the European Union is facing a housing crisis, with people of all ages across different income groups struggling with high prices and scarcity of affordable homes; whereas unaffordable housing is a matter of great concern for many Union citizens and prevents them, particularly young people, from starting an independent life; whereas that crisis affects people in all Member States and can have a negative impact on their health, well-being and living conditions;

D. whereas protecting private property and ensuring legal certainty for private owners, including best practices in relation to the fight against squatting, as well as protecting people from evictions, are important aspects at national level affecting housing availability and the right to housing in certain Member States;

E. whereas the Union has a number of competences relating to housing;

F. whereas there is a need to have an holistic approach on housing combining different policies dealt with in different committees within Parliament;

1. Decides to set up a special committee named ‘Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union’ with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing, and that that committee shall carry out, in cooperation and consultation with the competent standing committees where their powers and responsibilities under Annex VI to the Rules of Procedure are concerned, the following responsibilities:

	(a)	to map current housing needs across territories and population groups, particularly low and middle income groups, and to assess the impact of scarcity of housing on inequalities, affordability, demography, poverty and social exclusion, including using existing gender-disaggregated data;
	(b)	to analyse the existing relevant Union, national, regional, and local housing policies with a focus on the availability of targeted instruments for social, sustainable and affordable housing in cities, islands and coastal and rural areas with a view to identifying and issuing recommendations, including policies dedicated to housing accessibility for people with disabilities and reduced mobility;
	(c)	to analyse the impact of housing speculation and its economic consequences, as well as to propose follow-up actions;
	(d)	to assess whether the trend in house prices and rents is adequately taken into account in the cost of living indicators and related policies;
	(e)	to map and to assess the effectiveness of public and private Union and national resources, including existing Union funds dedicated to decent, sustainable and affordable housing and to the eradication of homelessness and to make recommendations, where relevant;
	(f)	to analyse systemic issues with short-term accommodation rentals and their impact on the availability of affordable housing in particularly affected areas and to make relevant proposals;
	(g)	to monitor the implementation of the Union legislation on data collection and sharing relating to short-term accommodation rental services, which has to be adopted at national level by 20 May 2026;
	(h)	to analyse effects of Union policies that influence the availability and affordability of housing, including bottlenecks in current Union regulations with regard to investment capacity, on housing and social housing, State aid and supply chain shortages;
	(i)	to assess potential barriers affecting the construction sector and their impact on the housing crisis;
	(j)	to identify shortages in availability, sustainability and financing needs for affordable housing and the need for potential reforms;
	(k)	to assess the impact of non-profit and limited-profit housing solutions, such as social or cooperative housing, on the affordability and accessibility of housing for different groups;
	(l)	to assess policies and legislative proposals needed to improve the provision and availability of decent, sustainable and affordable housing, including by enabling new construction, housing reconversion and renovation programs, taking into consideration the potential of vacant buildings;
	(m)	to map innovative technologies, processes, services and products to support the renovation wave, taking into account existing Union initiatives; to map where administrative and regulatory burdens are hampering the renovation wave, with the aim of reducing unnecessary regulatory burden while ensuring quality work in the construction sector and quality standards for affordable housing;
	(n)	to contribute to the development and the future implementation of the European affordable housing plan and the European strategy for housing construction to be presented by the Commission;
	(o)	to conduct hearings with experts from the Union institutions and competent authorities, international, national and regional institutions, non-governmental organisations and relevant sectors of the economy, taking into account the perspectives of a range of stakeholders;
	(p)	to conduct visits to study best practices around Europe;

2. Decides that the special committee shall have 33 members;

3. Decides that the term of office of the special committee shall be 12 months and that that term shall start running from the date of its constituent meeting;

4. Instructs the special committee to present a final report at the end of its term of office focusing on the matters set out in paragraph 1.

(1)	OJ C 456, 10.11.2021, p. 145.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tuvalu – P10_TA(2024)0071 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (05757/2024),

–  having regard to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part(1),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with the first subparagraph of Article 207(4), in conjunction with point (a)(v) of the second subparagraph of Article 218(6) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C9‑0033/2024),

–  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0025/2024),

1.  Gives its consent to Tuvalu’s accession to the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Tuvalu.

(1) OJ L 272, 16.10.2009, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2009/729/oj.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Florida Woman Convicted of Civil Rights Conspiracy Targeting Pregnancy Resource Centers

Source: United States Attorneys General

Gabriella Oropesa, of Cooper City, Florida, was convicted yesterday for her role in a conspiracy to injure, oppress, threaten or intimidate employees of pro-life pregnancy help centers in the free exercise of the right to provide and seek to provide reproductive health services. The defendant and her co-conspirators selected reproductive health facilities that provided and counseled alternatives to abortion and vandalized those facilities with threatening messages. Caleb Freestone, Amber Stewart-Smith and Annarella Rivera previously pleaded guilty for their participation in the conspiracy.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between May 2022 and July 2022, Oropesa, Freestone, Smith-Stewart and Rivera engaged in a series of targeted attacks on pro-life pregnancy help centers in Florida. The defendants, in the dark of night and while wearing masks and dark clothing to obscure their identities, spray painted the facilities with threatening messages, including “If abortions aren’t safe than niether [sic] are you,” “YOUR TIME IS UP!!,” “WE’RE COMING for U” and “We are everywhere.”

“The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act is clear: no one should have to face threats and intimidation just for doing their job,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to ensure access to the full spectrum of reproductive health services afforded to the public, whether those services include abortion or counseling on alternatives to abortion.”

“Federal law protects providers who render reproductive health care and those who seek their services,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “Threats of violence against pregnancy resource centers or those exercising their rights to care will not be tolerated.”

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 19, 2025. Oropesa faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the conspiracy charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Tampa Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Winter Haven, Hialeah and Hollywood Police Departments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about incidents of violence, threats and obstruction that target a patient or provider of reproductive health services, or damage and destruction of reproductive health care facilities, should report that information to the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov. For more information about clinic violence, and the Justice Department’s efforts to enforce Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act violations, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/national-task-force-violence-against-reproductive-health-care-providers.

MIL Security OSI –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Niue – P10_TA(2024)0070 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (07920/2024),

–  having regard to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part(1),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4), first subparagraph, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0054/2024),

–  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0024/2024),

1.  Gives its consent to Niue’s accession to the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of Niue.

(1) OJ L 272, 16.10.2009, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2009/729/oj.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration – P10_TA(2024)0069 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (07011/2024),

–  having regard to the United Nations Convention on Transparency in Treaty-based Investor-State Arbitration (07012/2024),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) first subparagraph and Article 218(6) second subparagraph, point (a) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0080/2024),

–  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0021/2024),

1.  Gives its consent to the conclusion of the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States, as well as to the UNCITRAL Secretariat.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Delivers Remarks at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon

Source: United States Attorneys General

Remarks as Delivered

Thanks, Nat.

I am very grateful to be here and have the opportunity to talk to all of our federal, state, and local law enforcement here.

All of you are the partners that make everything work. You represent people who take risks every single day to keep the people of Oregon safe. I can’t thank you enough, and I very much look forward to hearing your perspectives and ideas for me to take back.

I am also grateful to have the chance to recognize the extraordinary work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.

For people of this state, this office is the face of the Justice Department. The attorneys and staff here understand that responsibility. And like all of our partners gathered around this table, you do outstanding work on behalf of those you serve.

Three and a half years ago, the Justice Department launched an ambitious strategy to fight the sharp spike in violent crime that took place during the pandemic.

We focused our efforts on the most powerful tools we have, which are reflected right here: our partnerships with federal, state, Tribal and local law enforcement.

We fortified those partnerships with substantial funding from our grantmaking components to help police departments hire more officers, to support our law enforcement task forces, and to invest resources in initiatives aimed at preventing and disrupting violence before it occurs.

And we brought to bear our unique prosecutorial authorities and new technologies that enable us to zero in on those individuals and gangs that are responsible for the most violence.

Today, we know that work is starting to pay off.

Data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association shows a nearly 8% drop in violent crime here in Portland between 2022 and 2023. And recent data shows an additional 4% decline in violent crime in Portland in the first nine months of this year compared to the same time period last year.

But, of course, there is no acceptable level of violent crime.

That’s why the Justice Department continues to work with our partners here to fight violent crime, disrupt illegal drug and firearms trafficking, and keep people safe.

In May, working with the FBI and the Portland Police Bureau, this U.S. Attorney’s Office secured a 14-year sentence for a leader of Portland’s 18th Street Gang. The gang leader conspired to traffic large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the Portland area for redistribution and sale.

In August, working with the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team and the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, this office obtained a sentence of more than 10 years for a man who sold deadly Oxycodone pills to a 20-year-old woman who died from acute fentanyl poisoning.

In September, working with the FBI and the Medford Police Department, this office secured sentences of three men for distributing counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills that resulted in the death of a teenage girl.

In October, working with DEA, FBI, Department of Homeland Security, IRS, and the Oregon State Police, and other state and local law enforcement, this office obtained a 57-month sentence for a chief money launderer for a drug trafficking organization operating in the Pacific Northwest and California.

The defendant laundered more than $4.6 million in drug proceeds and used laundered funds to purchase eight properties. Those properties were forfeited to the government and will ultimately be sold, with proceeds going to support crime victims and law enforcement.

That same month, in partnership with the FBI, the Klamath Falls Police Department, the Oregon State Police, and half a dozen other law enforcement partners, this office obtained the conviction of a man who brutally victimized two women. The man kidnapped and sexually assaulted both women and held one of them in a cell that he constructed for the purpose in his garage.

Thanks to the bravery and collaboration of our law enforcement partners, that man is being held accountable for his crimes.

Just a couple of weeks ago, this office secured a five-year sentence for a man who illegally possessed and manufactured more than 100 semi-automatic firearms and silencers.

During a search of his residence, investigators found methamphetamine, dozens of weapons, firearm manufacturing tools, and a 3D printer with a partially printed part for an AR15. When the defendant was arrested, he was carrying a semiautomatic pistol without an identifiable serial number.

That investigation and successful prosecution reflected the joint efforts of this office, ATF, and the Lane County Sheriff’s Office.

In addition to using our investigative and prosecutorial capabilities, we are also committed to using our grantmaking capabilities to invest in public safety.

So far this year, the Justice Department has awarded more than $64 million in grants to Oregon.

These funds will help law enforcement agencies in Oregon to hire more officers.

And they will help agencies and community partners prevent and combat violent crime and drug trafficking and improve services for survivors of domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and other crimes.

The Department of Justice remains committed to providing our law enforcement and community partners with the resources they need to protect their communities.

The examples I have just shared are just a snapshot of the extraordinary work that this U.S. Attorney’s Office is doing every day to protect people in Oregon and to fulfill the Justice Department’s mission to ensure the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

I am extremely proud of the public servants who make up this office and of the extraordinary leader beside me, Natalie Wight. And I am equally proud of the relationships they have developed with the people around this table.

Your jobs are not easy. They are dangerous, but they are essential. Thanks to you for the many sacrifices you make to keep of this state safe.

I’m looking forward now to beginning our meeting.

MIL Security OSI –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – EC-Pacific States Interim Partnership Agreement: accession of Tonga – P10_TA(2024)0068 – Wednesday, 18 December 2024 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

(Consent)

The European Parliament,

–  having regard to the draft Council decision (07921/2024),

–  having regard to the Interim Partnership Agreement between the European Community, of the one part, and the Pacific States, of the other part(1),

–  having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council in accordance with Article 207(4) first subparagraph and Article 218(6) second subparagraph, point (a)(v) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0055/2024),

–  having regard to Rule 107(1) and (4) and Rule 117(7) of its Rules of Procedure,

–  having regard to the recommendation of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0023/2024),

1.  Gives its consent to the accession of the Kingdom of Tonga to the agreement;

2.  Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Kingdom of Tonga.

(1) OJ L 272, 16.10.2009, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2009/729/oj.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Year in Review 2024

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

IAEA scientists taking samples in Antarctica as part of a 2024 research mission to study the impact of plastic pollution on the region and its inhabitants.

In 2024, the IAEA advanced its research and development efforts across diverse applications of nuclear science.

The Zoonotic Disease Integrated Action (ZODIAC) initiative expanded its reach, equipping nearly 40 veterinary laboratories with cutting-edge diagnostic tools and training over 1000 professionals across 130 countries. With 129 national laboratories now part of its network, ZODIAC fosters international collaboration through its dedicated portal.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, yet nearly half of all patients lack access to radiotherapy. To address this, the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative expanded its network of Anchor Centres to 11, and supported a Lancet Oncology Commission which published a comprehensive roadmap outlining strategies to address global radiotherapy gaps, improve access and reduce the cancer burden worldwide.

NUTEC Plastics achieved groundbreaking research results, confirming microplastics in Antarctica through a study with Argentine research stations, supported by the IAEA’s Monaco Marine Environment Laboratories. The initiative expanded its 100-country laboratory network, driving global plastic pollution monitoring and research. It also advanced innovative solutions, using ionizing radiation to develop bio-based plastics, reducing reliance on petroleum-based materials and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

The IAEA also developed methods to verify the authenticity of foods with specific geographic origins, by using stable isotope analysis to identify cases of fraud. This breakthrough enhances food authenticity and integrity in global markets.

In agriculture, advanced diagnostic assays developed by the Agency’s Plant Breeding and Genetics Laboratory provide rapid, reliable, and resource-efficient tools for disease detection, addressing challenges exacerbated by climate change.

Since its launch in 2023, Atoms4Food has supported agrifood transformation through innovations in cropping systems, livestock productivity, and natural resource management. Through the Joint FAO/IAEA Centre, a roadmap for a protein digestibility database was developed to guide evidence-based dietary policies.

The Agency is also advancing industrial 3D printing by using non-destructive testing techniques like X rays and gamma computed tomography scans to ensure the quality and safety of 3D-printed components, supporting industries with more reliable production processes.

The Global Network of Water Analysis Laboratories (GloWAL) completed its baseline survey in 2024, involving 85 laboratories from 65 countries. The results will inform capacity-building efforts in isotope hydrology, with a focus on regional networks, including a Latin America-led initiative starting in 2025.

Upcoming in 2025: In 2025, the IAEA will continue advancing key global initiatives aimed at addressing some of the most pressing development challenges facing countries today. Rays of Hope, working closely with Anchor Centres, will enhance cancer care through regional capacity-building. Additionally, the development of the SUNRISE database will contribute to advancing radiation medicine, enabling policymakers and practitioners to leverage insights that strengthen cancer care worldwide. ZODIAC will expand its network and focus on disease forecasting, particularly zoonotic and climate-related health risks. NUTEC Plastics will address plastic pollution with upcycling technology and expand its marine microplastic monitoring network. Atoms4Food will scale nuclear technologies to improve food security and support climate-resilient crops, alongside its work on a protein digestibility database. GloWAL will continue to focus on capacity-building in isotope hydrology. The ReNuAL2 laboratory upgrades will strengthen the IAEA’s role in addressing food, health, and environmental challenges.

MIL Security OSI –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Mountain America Credit Union Boosts BroncoLife with First Down Donation Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the official credit union of the Boise State Broncos, Mountain America Credit Union continues its support of BroncoLife through the First Down donation program. Through this unique program, the credit union committed a donation to BroncoLife for every first down completed by the BSU football team in 2024. This year, those first downs added up to $15,000, which will help BroncoLife continue its mission of empowering student-athletes to reach their full potential both in school and on their future career paths.

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

“Community service is integral to our core values, and Mountain America is proud to participate in the First Down donation program,” said Nathan Anderson, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Mountain America. “We value the lasting contributions BroncoLife makes to the lives of families and students in the Treasure Valley and beyond.”

During the November 29, 2024, game, Mountain America presented a check for $15,000 to Associate Athletic Director Sara Whiles, Buster Bronco, and fellow Boise State Athletics associates. Since 2019, Mountain America has donated over $90,000 to BroncoLife.

“We are so grateful Mountain America Credit Union continues to recognize and support the BroncoLife program,” Whiles said. “With investments like theirs we can provide opportunities that assist in the development of student-athletes and ultimately prepare them for life after sports.”

For more information about Mountain America’s community involvement activities, visit macu.com/newsroom.

About Mountain America Credit Union
With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across multiple states, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

The MIL Network –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: NBT Bancorp Inc. Receives Regulatory Approval, Evans Bancorp, Inc. Shareholders Approve Merger

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NORWICH, N.Y. and WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y., Dec. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NBT Bancorp Inc. (“NBT”) (NASDAQ: NBTB) announced that it has received regulatory approval to complete the proposed merger (the “Merger”) of Evans Bancorp, Inc. (“Evans”) (NYSE American: EVBN) with and into NBT and Evans Bank, N.A. (“Evans Bank”) with and into NBT Bank, N.A. (“NBT Bank”). The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approved the merger of Evans Bank with and into NBT Bank, and NBT received a waiver from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for any application with respect to the merger of Evans with and into NBT.

On December 20, 2024, the shareholders of Evans voted to approve the Merger. Evans reported over 75% of the issued and outstanding shares of Evans were represented at a special shareholder meeting and over 96% of the votes cast were voted to approve the Merger.

“We are pleased that we have received the necessary regulatory approvals to proceed with the Merger and that Evans shareholders have demonstrated strong support for the partnership that will bring NBT and Evans together,” said NBT President and CEO Scott A. Kingsley. “Team members from NBT and Evans have been working closely to plan for a smooth transition in the second quarter of 2025, and we look forward to continuing to build on the relationships Evans has established with their customers, communities and shareholders as we extend NBT’s footprint in Upstate New York into the attractive Buffalo and Rochester markets.”

“These approvals are important milestones in the merger process, and we are grateful that Evans shareholders have so positively endorsed this strategic partnership,” said David J. Nasca, Evans President and Chief Executive Officer. “Joining the NBT family will benefit our customers and communities as they will continue to be served by a combined organization upholds our shared culture and values, maintains our relationship-focused approach, and offers an elevated suite of financial products and services.”

On September 9, 2024, NBT, Evans, NBT Bank and Evans Bank entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger pursuant to which Evans will merge with and into NBT in an all-stock transaction, and immediately after, Evans Bank will merge with and into NBT Bank. This Merger will bring together two highly respected banking companies and extend NBT’s growing footprint into Western New York. The Merger is expected to close in the second quarter of 2025 in conjunction with the system conversion, pending customary closing conditions.

About NBT Bancorp Inc.
NBT Bancorp Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Norwich, NY, with total assets of $13.84 billion at September 30, 2024. NBT primarily operates through NBT Bank, N.A., a full-service community bank, and through two financial services companies. NBT Bank, N.A. has 155 banking locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. EPIC Retirement Plan Services, based in Rochester, NY, is a national benefits administration firm. NBT Insurance Agency, LLC, based in Norwich, NY, is a full-service insurance agency. More information about NBT and its divisions is available online at: www.nbtbancorp.com, www.nbtbank.com, www.epicrps.com and https://www.nbtbank.com/Insurance.

About Evans Bancorp, Inc.
Evans is a financial holding company headquartered in Williamsville, NY, with total assets of $2.28 billion at September 30, 2024. Its primary subsidiary, Evans Bank, N.A., is a full-service community bank with 18 branches providing comprehensive financial services to consumer, business and municipal customers throughout Western New York. More information about Evans is available online at www.evansbancorp.com and www.evansbank.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements about NBT and Evans and their industry involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Statements other than statements of current or historical fact, including statements regarding NBT’s or Evans’ future financial condition, results of operations, business plans, liquidity, cash flows, projected costs, and the impact of any laws or regulations applicable to NBT or Evans, are forward-looking statements. Words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results.

Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following: (1) the businesses of NBT and Evans may not be combined successfully, or such combination may take longer to accomplish than expected; (2) the cost savings from the merger may not be fully realized or may take longer to realize than expected; (3) operating costs, customer loss and business disruption following the merger, including adverse effects on relationships with employees, may be greater than expected; (4) the possibility that the merger may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; (5) diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; (6) the possibility that the parties may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the merger within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate Evans’ operations and those of NBT; (7) such integration may be more difficult, time consuming or costly than expected; (8) revenues following the proposed transaction may be lower than expected; (9) NBT’s and Evans’ success in executing their respective business plans and strategies and managing the risks involved in the foregoing; (10) the dilution caused by NBT’s issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the proposed transaction; (11) changes in general economic conditions, including changes in market interest rates and changes in monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government; and (12) legislative and regulatory changes. Further information about these and other relevant risks and uncertainties may be found in NBT’s and Evans’ respective Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and in subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. NBT and Evans do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation, to publicly release the result of any revisions which may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Contacts	NBT Bancorp Inc.	Evans Bancorp, Inc.

	Scott A. Kingsley President and Chief Executive Officer	David J. Nasca President and Chief Executive Officer

	Annette L. Burns EVP and Chief Financial Officer	John B. Connerton EVP and Chief Financial Officer

	607-337-6589	716-926-2000

		Evans Investor Relations Deborah K. Pawlowski, Alliance Advisors dpawlowski@allianceadvisors.com 716-843-3908

This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual.

The MIL Network –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Video: Love is the One Thing that Solves Everything | United Nations ‘Awake at Night’ podcast teaser

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Having overcome a childhood marked by violence, abuse and neglect, Benjamin Perks has always drawn strength from an innate sense of optimism. Now Head of Campaigns and Advocacy at UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, he helps protect young people in similar situations all over the world.

“I think it was very clear that we were in a bad spot, though, being dealt a bad hand, but I was somehow optimistic that things would be better.”

Having recently authored a book about his experiences, Trauma Proof, Benjamin Perks reflects in this episode on a lifetime campaigning for all children to be safe, seen, and soothed, and on how an encounter with a special teacher put his life back on track.

Listen to more Awake at Night episodes: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwoDFQJEq_0b6hu1e8oxsch9W0D7vkNqt
#podcast #unitednations #awakeatnight #humanrights #OHCHR

About Awake at Night
Hosted by Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications, the podcast ‘Awake at Night’ is an in-depth interview series focusing on remarkable United Nations staff members who dedicate their career to helping people in parts of the world where they have the hardest lives – from war zones and displacement camps to areas hit by disasters and the devastation of climate change.

Link to the full episode on Youtube: https://music.youtube.com/podcast/PaXECZ-rDVI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jh0NVllLRLs

MIL OSI Video –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Conditions of Employment (Updated Dec 2024) – CBP Hiring Process | CBP

Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

Before you apply to become a U.S. Border Patrol Agent or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer, it is critical that you acknowledge each of CBP’s Conditions of Employment. We expect our employees to uphold these conditions throughout their tenure with CBP. This video will detail each of the agreements within our main categories of conditions for employment: appearance and health; examinations, investigations, and tests; fitness and the academy. The goal of this video is to set you up for success as an employee of CBP and provide you with all the upfront knowledge necessary to kick off your career.

Join our Talent Network: https://bit.ly/3B05O5M
Start Your Application: https://www.cbp.gov/careers/apply-now

Instagram ➤ https://instagram.com/CBPgov
Facebook ➤ https://facebook.com/CBPgov
Twitter ➤ https://twitter.com/CBP
Official Website ➤ https://www.cbp.gov

#cbp
#lawenforcement
#hiring
#employment

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6F7LYW4Jr0

MIL OSI Video –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan’s El Fasher siege: UN humanitarians killed as refugee crisis intensifies

Source: United Nations 4

20 December 2024 Peace and Security

The ongoing conflict in Sudan – particularly around besieged El Fasher – and a growing refugee crisis on the South Sudan border, have intensified an already alarming humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies on Friday.

In a new report, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) has detailed the catastrophic humanitarian situation unfolding in El Fasher, the capital of Sudan’s North Darfur state.

The city has been under siege for seven months by fighters from the powerful militia known as the RSF, which has been battling Government forces for control of Sudan since April last year. Thousands of civilians are trapped, leaving at least 782 civilians dead and over 1,143 injured.

“The continuing siege of El Fasher and the relentless fighting are devastating lives everyday on a massive scale,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

The report, based on 52 interviews conducted in October and November with survivors who fled El Fasher, reveals a widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas by the Rapid Support Forces and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – together with their allied militias.

These actions raise serious concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.

Hospitals and camps targeted

The report highlights attacks on key civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital, the last remaining public hospital in El Fasher providing surgical and reproductive health services, has been repeatedly shelled by the RSF.

Tumbasi Medical Centre was similarly targeted in August, resulting in the deaths of 23 people and injuries to 60 more.

The report also documents increased cases of sexual violence since the siege began, exacerbating the suffering of vulnerable populations.

The Zamzam IDP camp, located 15 km south of El Fasher and home to hundreds of thousands of displaced people, has been shelled six times by the RSF, reportedly killing at least 15 civilians.

“Attacks against the civilian population and protected persons and objects, including medical facilities, may amount to war crimes,” said Li Fung, the UN High Commissioner’s Representative in Sudan.

Risk of escalation

The situation in El Fasher remains dire, with the report warning of potential large-scale attacks on Zamzam camp and the city itself

“Any large-scale attack on Zamzam camp and El Fasher city will catapult civilian suffering to catastrophic levels,” Mr. Türk cautioned.

Rights office, OHCHR, has called on all parties – as well as the international community – to engage in mediation efforts and immediately end hostilities.

© UNHCR/Reason Moses Runyanga

Families arrive at a transit centre in Renk, South Sudan, after fleeing escalating violence in Sudan.

WFP workers killed

The World Food Programme (WFP) mourned the deaths of three staff members in the Blue Nile state, killed during an aerial bombardment on 19 December.

WFP Executive DirectorCindy McCain condemned the attack, calling for accountability.

“Any loss of life in humanitarian service is unconscionable. Humanitarians are not, and must never be, a target,” Ms. McCain gravely stated.

“2024 is the deadliest year on record for aid workers in Sudan. Yet despite significant threats to their personal safety, they continue to do all they can to provide vital support wherever it is needed,” underscored Secretary-General António Guterres in a statement released by his spokesperson.

Refugee crisis at the border

Meanwhile, the spillover from the war between rival militaries is overwhelming neighbouring South Sudan.

UNHCR warns that over 80,000 people have fled into South Sudan in just three weeks, joining the more than one million Sudanese refugees already there.

“The recent surge in arrivals in South Sudan is overwhelming services in border areas, and funding for the humanitarian response remains insufficient,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan.

Call for accountability

The UN is calling for a renewed push for mediation and increased international support to prevent further civilian suffering.

Ms. Fung expressed the need for accountability and compliance with international law particularly due to “the Jeddah Declaration of Commitments that was signed by both parties in May 2023.”

The OHCHR report also underscores the urgent need for a thorough investigation into potential war crimes and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Emergency funds for Egypt

The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Tom Fletcher, has allocated $6 million from the UN’s Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address the humanitarian needs of refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan to Egypt, in support of the ongoing response there.

The conflict in Sudan has created the world’s fastest-growing displacement crisis, the UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters on Friday.

“Of the more than three million people who have sought protection across Sudan’s borders since April of last year, some 1.2 million are being hosted by Egypt – more than in any other country – according to recent data from the Egyptian Government,” he told reporters at the daily briefing in New York.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with States and UTs (with legislature), in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chairs the Pre-Budget Consultation Meeting with States and UTs (with legislature), in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today

Union Finance Minister informed that funds devolved to States in 45 months under 15th FC exceed total funds devolved during 60 months under 14th FC (2015-2020)

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 10:08PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman chaired the pre-budget consultations with Finance Ministers of States and Union Territories (with Legislature) at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, today.

The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State for Finance Chri Pankaj Chaudhary, Chief Ministers of Goa, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Meghalaya and Odisha; Deputy Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana; Finance Ministers, Ministers, Secretaries of Departments of Economic Affairs and Expenditure, Ministry of Finance and Senior Officers from the States/Union Territories and the Union Government.

The participants gave several valuable suggestions to the Union Finance Minister for consideration in the Union Budget for F.Y. 2025-26.

Smt. Sitharaman remarked that because of healthy macroeconomic environment, buoyancy and efficiency in the tax collections, the funds devolved to the States in the last 45 months (April 2021 to December 2024) under the 15^thFinance Commission is more than what was devolved in 60 months under the 14^thFinance Commission (2015-20).

The Union Finance Minister also referred to the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), which was first announced in the Union Budget 2020-21, and acknowledged that it has received a very good response from the States. The States have been requesting the Central Government to enhance the outlay under the Scheme as it is leading to construction of crucial capital assets in the States.

Smt. Sitharaman stated that the Centre has allocated an additional amount of approximately Rs. 30,000 crore as ‘Untied Funds’ under the SASCI-2024-25. This allocation may be used by the State Governments in any sector to further increase expenditure on creation of capital assets.

In addition to this, the Union Finance Minister stated that the Centre has created an additional dispensation under SASCI for the States affected by disaster of a severe nature as assessed by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT), deputed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This will aid the States in their efforts for reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure, like roads and bridges, water supply lines, electricity poles, and culverts etc. The States which suffered a natural disaster of severe nature (as assessed by IMCT) in FY 2024-25 may be eligible for upto 50% of their allocation under Part-1 (Untied) of the SASCI scheme. This amount will be in addition to the funds provided under the National Disaster Response and Mitigation Fund (NDRMF), Smt. Sitharaman added.

Smt. Sitharaman thanked the dignitaries for their valuable inputs and ideas which will be given due consideration in the preparation of budget for the ensuing Financial Year.

****

NB/KMN

(Release ID: 2086682) Visitor Counter : 40

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CCI approves UltraTech Cement Limited’s acquisition of The India Cements Limited

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 9:26PM by PIB Delhi

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved UltraTech Cement Limited’s acquisition of The India Cements Limited.

The Proposed Combination envisages UltraTech Cement Limited’s (UltraTech/Acquirer) acquisition of (i) 32.72% of the paid-up equity share capital of The India Cements Limited (India Cements/Target) from the promoters and members of the promoter group of India Cements and Sri Saradha Logistics Private Limited, and (ii) up to 26% of the paid-up equity share capital of India Cements by way of an open offer.

UltraTech is a public listed company in India and is engaged in the business of the manufacture and sale of grey cement, white cement, ready-mix concrete, clinker, and building products in India. UltraTech is also engaged in the provision of building solutions in India. UltraTech is a subsidiary of Grasim Industries Limited, a public listed company.

India Cements is a public listed company in India and operates both core and non-core businesses. The core business of India Cements is the manufacture and sale of grey cement and ready mix concrete.

Detailed order of the Commission will follow.

*****

NB/AD

(Release ID: 2086677) Visitor Counter : 40

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Review Meeting for Haj 2025 Preparations

Source: Government of India

Review Meeting for Haj 2025 Preparations

Ministry of Minority Affairs launches CBT Portal for the selection of Haj trainers and State Haj Inspectors

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 9:23PM by PIB Delhi

The Haj Committee of India, under the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, organized the Review Meeting for Haj 2025 Preparations at the Haj House, Mumbai, on December 20, 2024. The meeting brought together senior officials, representatives from state Haj committees, and key stakeholders to discuss and strategise for the forthcoming Haj season. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs in the presence of Shri C.P.S. Bakshi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. Key learnings of Haj 2024 and new measures for making Haj 2025 a seamless experience were discussed and new initiatives for Haj 2025 were reviewed by the Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs.

In his address, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar emphasized the importance of meticulous planning, collaborative efforts, and the use of innovative technologies to ensure a seamless and spiritually enriching journey for pilgrims. He said that State Haj Inspectors (SHIs) are the first line of defence, hence, it is very essential to select merit-based, tech-savvy and committed applicants. This will ensure that most issues of pilgrims are resolved speedily and they receive individual attention by the State Haj Inspectors.

Shri C.P.S. Bakshi highlighted the Ministry’s firm commitment to the welfare and facilitation of pilgrims, reiterating the Ministry’s support for all stakeholders.

A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of the CBT (computer-based test) Portal, a significant technological advancement designed to streamline the selection process of Haj Trainers and State Haj Inspectors as Haj is becoming more and more a technologically driven activity. The portal was developed in collaboration with BISAG-N, whose team demonstrated its user-friendly interface and functionalities during the event.

A presentation was made by the Chief Executive Officer and discussions held by the participants focusing on improving the overall Haj experience for pilgrims. Various aspects of the preparation, including modalities for conduct of computer-based exam for the selection of Haj trainers and State Haj Inspectors, logistics, training, medical facilities, and welfare services were discussed. Feedback from State/ UT Haj Committees were also sought and taken into consideration and it was decided to ensure close coordination with all the stakeholders. Mr. Ashfaque Ahmad Arfi, Executive Officer, Delhi State Haj Committee shared his recent experience of working as a member of the Building Inspection-cum-Selection Team and said that India being the first country to initiate building selection process so early had the advantage of getting good quality buildings and the team finalized about 50% of total accommodation required for Haj 2025 in less than a week, marking it as the fastest progress achieved in recent years.

***

SS/PRK

(Release ID: 2086675) Visitor Counter : 49

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: YARD 12707 (SURAT) AND YARD 12651 (NILGIRI) DELIVERED TO INDIAN NAVY

Source: Government of India (2)

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 9:01PM by PIB Delhi

In a historic milestone for the country’s Aatmanirbharta, journey, two warships, a destroyer (Surat) and a frigate (Nilgiri) were delivered to the Indian Navy on 20 Dec 24. The ships have been designed and constructed indigenously by the Warship Design Bureau of Indian Navy and M/s MDL, respectively. This is in keeping with the thrust, given by Government of India and the Indian Navy, on nation building through self-reliance. Simultaneous induction of two state-of-the-art men of war will significantly enhance the operational capabilities and combat readiness of the Indian Navy.

Yard 12707 (Surat), the fourth and final Project 15B stealth guided missile destroyer, follows in the wake of her predecessors IN Ships Visakhapatnam, Mormugao and Imphal commissioned in the past three years. The delivery of Surat culminates the iconic indigenous destroyer building project of the Indian Navy, which began with the Project 15 (three Delhi class, 1997-2001), followed by Project 15A (three Kolkata class, 2014-2016) and Project 15B (four Visakhapatnam class, 2021-2024). Being a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters, Surat is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes. Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, she has achieved speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h) during her sea trials. It is also poised to be IN’s first Al enabled warship utilising indigenously developed Al solutions which would enhance its operational efficiency manifolds.

Yard 12651 (Nilgiri), the first Project 17A stealth frigate is a follow-on of the Shivalik class (Project 17) frigates active in service. Nilgiri is first among the seven P17A frigates under construction and MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These multi-mission frigates are capable of operating in a ‘blue water’ environment dealing with both conventional and non-conventional threats in the area of India’s Maritime Interests. The newly designed ships are also being built using ‘Integrated Construction’ philosophy, which involves extensive pre-outfitting at the Block stages to reduce the overall build periods. The ships are powered by two Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) main propulsion plants, each comprising a Diesel Engine and Gas Turbine, driving a Controllable Pitch Propeller (CPP). The ships also have state- of-the-art Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS). The ships are fitted with supersonic surface-to-surface missile system, Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles system, 76 mm Upgraded Gun, and a combination of rapid-fire close-in weapon systems.

The delivery of the vessels showcases the nation’s design, ship construction, engineering prowess and industrial know-how. The delivery also reinforces IN’s unrelenting focus on Aatmanirbharta in both ship design and shipbuilding. In keeping with the current thrust on nation building through self-reliance the vessels have 75% indigenisation content with orders on a myriad of indigenous firms including MSMEs (more than 200 in each shipyard). The projects have boosted self-reliance, economic development, employment generation, growth of MSMEs and ancillary ecosystem in the country.

The warships are fitted with major weapons and sensors sourced from indigenous OEMs, viz M/s BAPL, L&T, MTPF, M/s BEL, BHEL, Mahindra etc

Surat’s keel was laid on 07 Nov 19 and was launched on 17 May 22. The ship has been delivered to the Indian Navy in 31 months from launch to delivery, making her the fastest indigenous destroyer ever built. The ship had commenced her Contractor Sea Trials on 15 Jun 24 and completed her Final Machinery Trials on 25 Nov 24, within an unprecedented record time of just six months.

Nilgiri’s keel was laid on 28 Dec 17 and the ship was launched into water on 28 Sep 19. The ship had sailed out for her maiden sea trials in Aug 24 and ever since, has undergone a comprehensive schedule of trials in harbour and at sea, leading up to its delivery now.

The balance six ships of the class are at various stages of construction at MDL, Mumbai and GRSE, Kolkata. These ships are expected to be delivered to IN in 2025 and 2026.

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VM/SPS 272/24

(Release ID: 2086668) Visitor Counter : 23

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Fatal crash at Swan Reach

Source: South Australia Police

A woman has died in a crash at Swan Reach.

About 10.40pm on Friday 20 December, police and emergency services were called to Anzac Avenue after reports that a black Ford Falcon sedan had left the road and crashed into a tree.

The driver and sole occupant, a 45-year-old Swan Reach woman died at the scene.

Major Crash officers attended the scene to investigate the circumstances of the collision.

The woman’s death is the 83^rd life lost on South Australian roads this year.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Installation of Kavach in Trains/Routes

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 8:46PM by PIB Delhi

Kavach is an indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. Kavach is a highly technology intensive system, which requires safety certification of highest order (SIL-4).

Kavach aids the Loco Pilot in running of train within specified speed limits by automatic application of brakes in case Loco Pilot fails to do so and also helps the trains to run safely during inclement weather.
The first field trials on the passenger trains were started in February 2016. Based on the experience gained and Independent Safety Assessment of the system by Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), three firms were approved in 2018-19, for supply of Kavach Ver 3.2.
Kavach was adopted as National ATP system in July 2020.
Implementation of Kavach System involves following Key Activities:

Installation of Station Kavach at each and every station, block section.
Installation of RFID Tags throughout the track length.
Installation of telecom Towers throughout the section.
Laying of Optical Fibre Cable along the track.
Provision of Loco Kavach on each and every Locomotive running on Indian Railways.

Based on deployment of Kavach version 3.2 on 1465 RKm on south central Railway, lot of experience was gained. Using that further improvements were made. Finally, Kavach specification version 4.0 was approved by RDSO on 16.07.2024.
Kavach version 4.0 covers all the major features required for the diverse railway network. This is a significant milestone in safety for Indian Railways. Within a short period, IR has developed, tested and started deploying Automatic Train Protection System.
Major improvement in Version 4.0 includes increased Location Accuracy, Improved Information of Signal Aspects in bigger yard, Station to Station Kavach interface on OFC and Direct Interface to existing Electronic Interlocking System. With these improvements, Kavach Ver.4.0. is planned for large scale deployment over Indian Railways.
Progress of Key items comprising Kavach system on Indian Railways upto Nov’ 2024 is as under: –

SN.	Items	Progress
i	Laying of Optical Fibre Cable	5133 Km
ii	Installation of Telecom Towers	540 Nos.
iii	Provision of Kavach at Stations	523 Nos.
iv	Provision of Kavach in Loco	707 Locos
v	Installation of Track side equipment	3434Rkm

Next phase of Kavach implementation is planned as under:-

Project for equipping 10,000 Locomotives has been finalized. 69 number of loco sheds have been prepared for equipping with Kavach.
Bids for track side Works of Kavach for approximately 15000 RKm have been invited. It covers all GQ, GD, HDN and Identified sections of Indian Railways.

Currently, 3 OEMs are approved for supply of Kavach System. To increase capacity and scale of implementation, trials and approval of more OEMs are at different stages.
Specialized training programme on Kavach are being conducted at centralized training institutes of Indian Railways to impart training to all concerned officials. By now more than 9000 technicians, operators and engineers have been trained on Kavach technology. Courses have been designed in collaboration with IRISET.
The cost for provision of Track Side including Station equipment of Kavach is approximately Rs. 50 Lakhs/Km and cost for provision of Kavach equipment on locomotives is approximately Rs. 80 Lakh/Loco.
The funds utilized on Kavach works so far is Rs. 1547 Crores. The allocation of funds during the year 2024-25 is Rs. 1112.57 Crores. Requisite funds are made available as per the progress of works.

This information was given by Union Minister of railways, information & broadcasting and electronics & information technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

******

DT/SK

(Release ID: 2086655) Visitor Counter : 25

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Completion of On-Going and New Railway Projects in West Bengal

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 8:35PM by PIB Delhi

Railway projects are surveyed/sanctioned/executed Zonal Railway wise and not State-wise as the Railways’ projects may span across State boundaries. Sanctioning of Railway projects is a continuous and dynamic process of Indian Railway. Railway infrastructure projects are taken up on the basis of remunerativeness, traffic projections, last mile connectivity, missing links and alternate routes, augmentation of congested/saturated lines socio-economic considerations etc. depending upon liabilities of ongoing projects, overall availability of funds and competing demands.

Railway Infrastructure Projects falling fully/partly in the State of West Bengal are covered under Eastern Railway (ER), South Eastern Railway (SER) and Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) Zones of Indian Railways. Zonal Railway wise details of Railway projects including cost, expenditure and outlay are made available in public domain.

As on 01.04.2024, 43 projects (13 New Lines, 04 Gauge Conversions and 26 Doubling), of total length of 4479 Km, costing Rs. 60,168 crore falling fully/partly in the State of West Bengal including those which are in planning/approval/construction stage, out of which, 1655 km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of Rs. 20,434 crore has been incurred upto March, 2024. The summary is as under:-

Category	No. of projects	Total Length (in Km)	Length Commissioned till March, 2024 (in Km)	Total Exp. upto March, 2024 (Rs. in Cr.)
New Lines	13	1087	322	9774
Gauge Conversion	4	1201	854	3663
Doubling/Multi-tracking	26	2192	479	6997
Total	43	4479	1655	20434

The details of outlay for infrastructure projects falling fully/partly in the State of West Bengal is as under:-

Period	Outlay
2009-14	Rs. 4,380 Cr./year
2024-25	Rs. 13,941 Cr. (More than 3 times)

Though fund allocation has increased manifold but pace of execution of project is dependent on expeditious land acquisition. Railway acquires the land through State Government and the completion of a railway projects is dependent of land acquisition. Execution of important infrastructure projects falling fully/partly in the State of West Bengal are held up due to delay in land acquisition. Status of land acquisition in the State of West Bengal is as under:

Total Land required for Projects in West Bengal	3040 Ha
Land Acquired	640 Ha (21%)
Balance Land to be acquired	2400 Ha (79%)

SNo.	Name of the project	Total land required (in Ha)	Land acquired (in Ha)	Balance Land to be acquired (in Ha)
1	Nabadwipghat-Nabadwipdham New Line (10 Km)	106.86	0.17	106.69
2	Chandaneshwar-Jaleswar new line (41 Km)	158	0	158
3	Naihati-Ranaghat-3^rd line (36 Km)	87.83	0.09	87.74
4	Balurghat-Hilli new line (30 km)	156.38	67.38	88.00
5	Byepass at Sainthia (5 Km) & Sitarampur (7 Km)	22.28	2.22	20.06

The completion of any Railway project depends on various factors like quick land acquisition by State Government, forest clearance by officials of forest department, deposition of cost share by State Government in cost sharing projects, priority of projects, shifting of infringing utilities, statutory clearances from various authorities, geological and topographical conditions of area, law and order situation in the area of project(s) site, number of working months in a year for particular project site due to climatic conditions etc.

Various steps taken by the Government for speedy approval and implementation of Railway projects include (i) setting up of Gati Shakti units (ii) prioritiAsation of projects (iii) substantial increase in allocation of funds on priority projects (iv) delegation of powers at field level (v) close monitoring of progress of project at various levels, and (vi) regular follow up with State Governments and concerned authorities for expeditious land acquisition, forestry and Wildlife clearances and for resolving other issues pertaining to projects. This has led to substantial increase in rate of commissioning since 2014.

This information was given by Union Minister of railways, information & broadcasting and electronics & information technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

DT/SK

(Release ID: 2086649) Visitor Counter : 63

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI: Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 4

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Company announcement no. 4 2025

Group Communications
Bernstorffsgade 40
DK-1577 København V
Tel. +45 45 14 00 00

27 January 2025

Danske Bank share buy-back programme: Transactions in week 4

On 2 February 2024, Danske Bank A/S announced a share buy-back programme for a total of DKK 5.5 billion, with a maximum of 70 million shares, in the period from 5 February 2024 to 31 January 2025, at the latest, as described in company announcement no. 2 2024.

The programme is being carried out under Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014 and the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016, also referred to as the Safe Harbour Rules.

The following transactions were made under the share buy-back programme in week 4:

	Number of shares	VWAP DKK	Gross value DKK
Accumulated, last announcement	26,388,423	201.8712	5,327,062,369
20/01/2025	25,000	211.4840	5,287,100
21/01/2025	24,619	213.0982	5,246,265
22/01/2025	25,000	215.3265	5,383,163
23/01/2025	57,000	214.9559	12,252,486
24/01/2025	92,500	216.4736	20,023,808
Total accumulated over week 4	224,119	215.0323	48,192,821
Total accumulated during the share buyback programme	26,612,542	201.9820	5,375,255,190

With the transactions stated above the total accumulated number of own shares under the share buy-back programme corresponds to 3.09% of Danske Bank A/S’ share capital.

We enclose share buy-back transaction data in detailed form of each transaction in accordance with the Commission’s delegated regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016.

Danske Bank

Contact: Stefan Singh Kailay, Group Press Officer, tel. +45 45 14 14 00

Attachments

The MIL Network –

January 27, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Status Of Ongoing Railway Projects In Tamil Nadu

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 20 DEC 2024 8:27PM by PIB Delhi

Railway projects are surveyed/ sanctioned/executed Zonal Railway wise and not State-wise as the Railway projects may span across State boundaries. Railway projects are sanctioned on the basis of remunerativeness, traffic projections, last mile connectivity, missing links and alternate routes, augmentation of congested/saturated lines, demands raised by State Governments, Central Ministries, Members of Parliament, other public representatives, Railway’s own operational requirement, socio-economic considerations etc. depending upon throw forward of ongoing projects and overall availability of funds.

Railway infrastructure projects falling fully/partly in the State of Tamil Nadu are covered under Southern Railway (SR), South Central Railway (SCR) and South Western Railway (SWR) zones of Indian Railways. Zonal Railway wise details of Railway projects including cost, expenditure and outlay are made available in public domain on Indian Railway’s website.

As on 01.04.2024, 22 Railways projects including those sanctioned in last three years (10 New Line, 03 Gauge Conversion and 09 Doubling) of total length 2,587 Km, costing ₹33,467 Crore, falling fully/partly in the State of Tamil Nadu, are at various stages of planning and implementation, out of which 665 Km length has been commissioned and an expenditure of ₹7,154 Crore has been incurred upto March’ 2024. The summary is as under:-

Plan Head	No. of projects	Total Length (in Km)	Length Commissioned (in Km)	Expenditure upto March 2024 (₹in Cr.)
New Line	10	872	24	1223
Gauge Conversion	3	748	604	3267
Doubling /Multitracking	9	967	37	2664
Total	22	2587	665	7154

Budget allocation for infrastructure projects and safety works, falling fully/partly in the State of Tamil Nadu is as under:

Period	Outlay
2009-14	₹879 crore/year
2024-25	₹6,362 crore (more than 7 times)

Though fund allocation has increased manifold but pace of execution of project is dependent on expeditious land acquisition. Railway acquires the land through State Government and the completion of railway projects is dependent of land acquisition. Execution of important infrastructure projects falling fully/partly in the State of Tamil Nadu are held up due to delay in land acquisition. Status of land acquisition in the State of Tamil Nadu is as under:

Government of India is geared up to execute projects, however success depends upon the support of Government of Tamil Nadu. For instance, details of some major projects which are delayed due to land acquisition are as under:-

SN	Name of the project	Total land required (in Ha)	Land acquired (in Ha)	Balance Land to be acquired (in Ha)
1.	Tindivanam –Tiruvannamalai new line (71 Km)	273	33	240
2.	Attiputtu – Puttur New Line (88 Km)	189	0	189
3.	Morappur – Dharmapuri (36 Km)	93	0	93
4.	Mannargudi – Pattukkottai (41 Km)	152	0	152
5.	Thanjavur – Pattukottai (52 Km)	196	0	196

This information was given by Union Minister of railways, information & broadcasting and electronics & information technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.

******

DT/SK

(Release ID: 2086644) Visitor Counter : 31

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025

Category: KB

Hospitals and camps targeted

Risk of escalation

WFP workers killed

Refugee crisis at the border

Call for accountability

Emergency funds for Egypt

Review Meeting for Haj 2025 PreparationsMinistry of Minority Affairs launches CBT Portal for the selection of Haj trainers and State Haj Inspectors

Review Meeting for Haj 2025 Preparations

Ministry of Minority Affairs launches CBT Portal for the selection of Haj trainers and State Haj Inspectors