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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Video: In Lebanon, more than 2,000 dead and 800,000 forced to flee in recent weeks as shelling continues

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    In Lebanon, more than 2,000 people have died and 800,000 have been forced to flee in recent weeks as shelling continues, the Spokesperson for the United Nations Interim Mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says. Briefing reporters in New York from Beirut, Andrea Tenenti points out that statistics cannot convey the human toll of the conflict. Peacekeepers have been targeted by attacks from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and actions by the IDF and Hezbollah put the blue helmets in danger, he adds.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ONk99AUd_k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Occupied Palestinian Territory: Human rights situation – Special Rapporteur | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press conference by Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb833UFbnEM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: CBP Protects Our Borders through Harsh Terrains | USBP | CBP

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

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) keeps our Nation’s borders safe, and our agents of the United States Border Patrol (USBP) assist in securing our borders by patrolling long stretches of land and sea, often in harsh terrains. Those who attempt to cross illegally are met with extreme weather along the Northern Region, which extends from the state of Washington to Maine and includes 4,668 miles of land and water along the shared U.S.–Canadian border.

    #cbp
    #lawenforcement
    #borderpatrol
    #snowmobile
    #bordersecurity

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on Behalf of Council Leader, Raymond Bremner, Convener, Bill Lobban and Leader of the Opposition, Alasdair Christie.

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    ‘Today Highland Council took an important step forward in its plans to sustain care provision in the Lochaber Area. In a confidential paper to council, various options were considered that could ensure that there is minimum disruption to residents of Moss Park Nursing Home.

    While there are a lot of sensitive matters still to deal with and no guarantees at this stage, there is now hope that a solution can be found by the partnership between Highland Council and NHS Highland.

    As there are still so many issues remaining unresolved, NHS Highland’s core team and its partners will continue to ensure that everyone is focused on the best interests and well-being of all residents.

    Further communications regarding progress on this important matter will be provided in due course, with communications with residents and families being our key priority.’

    31 Oct 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Financial forecast reported to Council

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A revised financial forecast for the Highland Council, taking account of already agreed savings and other measures, suggests a remaining budget gap of £38m-£54m over the coming three years, 2025/26 to 2027/28. 

    As part of the Council’s Medium-Term Financial Plan, agreed in February 2024, Council agreed a package of £54.6m of budget savings, and the use of a range of financial flexibilities and use of reserves, to address the projected £113m gap over a 3-year period 2024/25 – 2026/27.    

    A revised forecast, before taking account of agreed savings and other measures, and factoring in financial assumptions, is a budget gap over the next three years (2025/26 to 2027/28) ranging from £116m-£132m.  

    After allowing for budget savings and other decisions already made by the Council, and other assumptions, these scenarios suggest the figure of a residual budget gap of £38m-£54m over the three years.  

    It is clear that there are significant and additional financial pressures and challenges facing Governmental budgets in the current and next year, with it being expected these will ultimately translate to a potentially more challenging budget settlement and financial outlook for Scottish Local Authorities. There remains uncertainty regarding the impact of national decisions, which may in turn impact the scenarios reported to Members. 

    While inflation and cost pressure estimates are expected to exceed the likely level of funding that may be available to the Council, there is an inevitable need to plan for further additional savings.

    Convener of the Highland Council, Bill Lobban said: “Decisions already made by the Council in February 2024 provide a very solid foundation to the Council’s financial planning.  It is essential the Council continues to apply a multi-year, strategic approach to its financial planning and financial sustainability, and makes the necessary decisions to ensure expenditure plans are in line with funding levels. 

    Leader, Raymond Bremner said: ““We will do everything we can to mitigate the impact on our residents in our decision making. At the same time as making savings, and making best use of public funds, we have been able to plan supporting our ambitious Highland Investment Plan through our revenue budget decisions, which could see £2bn of capital investment across the Highlands over the next 20 years and which will leave a valuable legacy for communities well into the future.  

    “Public and staff engagement in the lead up to our last budget was extremely helpful in shaping our thinking and decisions. The Operational Delivery Plan also provides a helpful mechanism for monitoring progress with the delivery of agreed savings and this will continue to be useful moving forward as part of our financial planning process.” 

    Chair of the Council’s Resources Committee, Cllr Derek Louden commented: “The important thing for us to remember this is a very early stage in budget setting, with a great deal of uncertainty at this time. Looking at the direction of travel and considering income generation, budget reduction and use of reserves in line with the Council’s strategy for the coming years will be part of our planning for budget setting in March 2025.” 

    A further report will be brought to the Council meeting in December. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Lochaber Care Provision 

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Members considered a report on Lochaber Care Provision at the meeting of the Highland Council on 31 October. 

    HC-One informed NHS Highland of their intention to close Moss Park Care Home on the 18 September 2024. A contractually standard notice period of 13 weeks was given.  

    Since that announcement, NHS Highland and The Highland Council have been working together to identify a solution to support the continuation of care in the area.  

    Work is ongoing at present to find an alternative solution to this closure, but in the interests of the welfare of residents, and with no such process concluded at this stage, the core team are actively planning, as a contingency, for the relocation of all residents. 

    Chair of the Council’s Health and Social Care Committee, Cllr David Fraser said: “We understand that this is a worrying time for residents, relatives and all involved, while we continue to pursue potential solutions for Mosspark residents.  

    “This is a challenging situation. Across Highland, our focus remains on working with NHS Highland in reducing delayed discharges and accelerating our work towards a new care model which would support people to live more independently for longer in their own communities and shifting the balance of care from acute to sustainable community provision.” 

    Further updates will be provided to all residents, staff, stakeholders, including the local community, once we have further information and progress will be reported to the Health, Social Care and Wellbeing Committee. 

    The report was discussed in private session due to the nature of sensitive and confidential information contained in the report. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a meeting on the formation of a general plan for the placement of electric power facilities until 2042

    Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak held a meeting on the formation of a general plan for the placement of electric power facilities until 2042

    Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak held a meeting on the formation of the General Scheme for the placement of electric power facilities until 2042. The event was attended by heads and representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Economic Development, energy companies, industry and business associations.

    The parties discussed the parameters for the functioning of the Russian energy system until 2042, taking into account the projected increase in energy consumption due to the accelerated growth of the economy.

    In order to reliably meet the needs of citizens and industry for electricity, it is planned to introduce new modern generation by 2042. This concerns facilities of both traditional and renewable and nuclear energy.

    In addition, the modernization of generating equipment will continue. There is also the task of further increasing the installed capacity, taking into account the need to balance consumption peaks, ensure the reliability of the energy system and export obligations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: A Proclamation on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month,  2024

    Source: The White House

         From the energy that powers our homes to the networks that connect us and the systems that protect our health and safety, our critical infrastructure keeps our economy thriving and our communities secure.  This Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we recommit to strengthening our country’s critical infrastructure and building an America that is safe and secure for generations to come.

         This year, I signed a National Security Memorandum to secure and enhance the resilience of United States critical infrastructure — updating the policy for the first time in a decade.  This represents the launch of a new era in protecting our infrastructure against all threats and hazards by safeguarding our strong and innovative economy and enhancing our collective resilience to disasters before they happen.  But there is more to do.  Climate change is making natural disasters more frequent, ferocious, and costly — endangering our supply chains, creating more instability for our communities, and straining the critical infrastructure Americans depend on for their livelihoods.  And we need to stay vigilant against adversaries that seek to maliciously target our critical infrastructure, including through cyberattacks.  

         To meet this moment, my Administration made a once-in-a-generation investment in our Nation’s infrastructure — creating an opportunity to build in resilience to all hazards upfront and by design.  Through my American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and CHIPS and Science Act, we are investing billions of dollars to secure and bolster our infrastructure.  That includes improving our electric grid so that people can maintain power in any situation, elevating roads and bridges over possible flood zones, funding community resilience programs, and more.  These investments have not only helped to protect Americans — they have benefited our economy, creating jobs and new possibilities for our communities.  At the NATO summit this year, I announced an arrangement with Canada and Finland to collaborate on the production of polar icebreakers.  The partnership will advance United States economic and national security interests by strengthening our shipbuilding and industrial capacity while simultaneously opening up new trade routes and pushing back against foreign aggression and bolstering our international alliances.  This year, I also announced a United States Port Security Initiative to reverse our dependence on foreign manufactured port equipment.

         Ensuring our Nation is resilient in the face of threats also means working with other nations around the globe to build better, stronger, and more sustainable infrastructure.  At the G7 Summit in June, I was proud to announce the historic progress we have made with our Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment.  This initiative will strengthen United States national and economic security for Americans at home and enable sustainable economic growth for partner countries.  To date, we have mobilized $60 billion to create high-quality global infrastructure.  That comes on top of our work with the European Union and African heads of state to develop the Lobito Corridor as well as our work with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia to expand regional and global trade markets through the Port of Lobito in Angola.  We continue to pursue opportunities to expand our investments across Africa and around the world, including the Indo-Pacific, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Western Hemisphere.  Investments like these create more shared opportunities, prosperity, and security for everyone.

         Across the Nation, America is writing the greatest comeback story we have ever known — people are putting shovels in the ground, founding new businesses, and creating hope for entire communities.  It is more important now than ever before that we remain vigilant against any threats that seek to undermine our collective security and prosperity. 

         During Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month, we recommit to safeguarding and strengthening our Nation’s critical infrastructure to save lives and allow our Nation to continue doing what it does best:  creating new possibilities.

         NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2024 as Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month.  I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the importance of protecting our Nation’s infrastructure and to observe this month with appropriate measures to enhance our national security and resilience.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

                                   JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ARS Hosts 30th Anniversary Ceremony for USDA George E. Brown, Jr. Salinity Laboratory

    Source: US Agriculture Research Service

    ARS Hosts 30th Anniversary Ceremony for USDA George E. Brown, Jr. Salinity Laboratory

    Contact: Amaani Lyle
    Email: Amaani.Lyle@usda.gov

    RIVERSIDE, Calif., Oct. 31, 2024 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) hosted the 30th anniversary ceremony of the U.S. Department of Agriculture George E. Brown, Jr., Salinity Laboratory on the University of California, Riverside campus today.

    The event celebrated decades of research at the laboratory, where ARS teams have pioneered irrigation practices to optimize crop production, leverage conservation through recycled water, and minimize land degradation caused by the omnipresence of natural and man-made salinization, the overabundance of salt.

    Salinization is the buildup of salts and other trace elements in irrigated soils that reduces the productivity of croplands, constituting a long-standing threat to farming in the semi-arid regions of the American West, parts of the Midwest, and throughout the world.

    The Salinity Laboratory’s innovation and leadership in understanding salt-affected soil-plant-water systems for the conservation and protection of our land and water resources and the maintenance of a viable, permanent irrigated agriculture has garnered acclaim from both USDA leadership and UC Riverside collaborators.

    “This milestone anniversary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture George E. Brown, Jr., Salinity Laboratory marks a storied history of our mission to overcome water quality and water scarcity constraints on agriculture and human health,” said Dr. Simon Liu, ARS Administrator. “Our researchers’ work has yielded palpable solutions to address climate change, drought, and competition for resources — factors that reduce the availability of irrigation water and compound risks posed by salinization.”

    ARS Research Leader Todd Skaggs echoed the importance of appropriate salinity control.

    “To meet increasing demands for food amid limited soil and water resources, the nation and much of the world community will continue to look to the USDA Salinity Laboratory for salinity expertise, water quality research, and applications to solve these problems,” Skaggs said. “Protection of soil resources will become even more vital as water conservation, efficiency and quality assurance continue to increase.”

    According to Skaggs, current research focus areas have earned the lab a vanguard position in addressing and eradicating per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals of concern whose presence in recycled water may lead to the introduction of these harmful compounds into the human food chain if such waters are used for agricultural crop irrigation.

    “Even low levels of PFAS may accumulate in soils over time and be absorbed by crop roots,” Skaggs explained. “Our team is therefore developing a low-cost, low-energy, environmentally-friendly treatment system for the removal of PFAS from recycled water, and it’s being optimized for application at the greenhouse scale, potentially allowing for production of PFAS-free crops for human consumption.”

    Skaggs also recounted research inflection points in the 1960s and 1970s when ARS scientists quantified the salinity response of a wide variety of agricultural crops and demonstrated that soil salinity could be managed with significantly less water than used in conventional irrigation practices, setting the stage for substantial water conservation.

    “This research enabled the selection of suitable crops for a given irrigation water quality and the data remain the most comprehensive information available on relative crop salt tolerances,” he said.

    By the 1990s, the Salinity Laboratory developed benchmark methods for mapping and monitoring soil salinity across swaths of U.S. farms and agricultural regions, irrigated lands that produce 30% of the nation’s food and fiber and practically all of the nation’s fruits and vegetables.

    The 30th anniversary ceremony highlighted but a fraction of the lab’s deep roots.

    In 1937, the United States Regional Salinity Laboratory was established at the base of Mount Rubidoux in the city of Riverside before adopting a new moniker, United States Salinity Laboratory, in 1951. 

    In 1986, Congressmen George Brown, Jerry Lewis, and Al McCandless of California introduced legislation to replace the aging U.S. Salinity Laboratory with a modern facility on the UCR campus, which supported the project by leasing to the federal government a 7.5-acre site for 50 years at $1 per year. Groundbreaking occurred in 1992 before the facility officially opened in 1995. 

    In 2000, the laboratory name would change once more to George E. Brown, Jr., Salinity Laboratory in memory of Congressman George E. Brown, Jr.

    The laboratory has the distinction of being the only facility in the country specifically devoted to agricultural and environmental issue analysis through basic research on saline and alkali soils, including related reclamation, irrigation, drainage and soil management.  

    Following the ceremony was an open house highlighting current research including breeding of salt-tolerant alfalfa, precision agriculture, and greenhouse-scale treatment systems for removing PFAS from irrigation water.

    ARS and UC Riverside researchers have maintained collaborative relationships, sharing vital resources to achieve common research objectives through cooperative research programs. 

    Leaders who spoke at the ceremony included:

    • Dr. Simon Liu, Administrator, USDA-ARS 
    • Dr. Tara McHugh, Director, Pacific West Area, USDA-ARS 
    • Dr. Marlen Eve, Deputy Administrator, USDA-ARS National Program Staff, Natural Resources and Sustainable Agricultural Systems
    • Peter Atkinson, Interim Dean, UC Riverside College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
    • Rien van Genuchten, Recipient of the 2023 Wolf Prize in Agriculture

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in U.S. agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 5012, SHINE for Autumn Act of 2023

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 5012 would authorize several activities of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) related to research on stillbirths. Specifically, the bill would authorize $6 million annually over the 2024-2028 period for HHS to make grants to states to conduct surveillance and collect data on the incidence of and risk factors for stillbirths. The bill would direct HHS to issue guidelines for that data collection. The bill also would authorize $3 million annually over the same period to establish a fellowship program that would provide training in perinatal autopsy pathology; fund research on data collection from fetal autopsies; and address challenges in education, research, and data collection concerning stillbirths. Finally, H.R. 5012 would require HHS to report to the Congress on the fellowship program’s progress and effectiveness. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 5067, Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Categories24/7 OSI, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Congressional, US Congressional Budget Office

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    2025

    2025-2029

    2025-2034

    Direct Spending (Outlays)

    0

    0

    0

    Revenues

    0

    0

    0

    Increase or Decrease (-) in the Deficit

    0

    0

    0

    Spending Subject to Appropriation (Outlays)

    5

    24

    not estimated

    Increases net direct spending in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?

    No

    Statutory pay-as-you-go procedures apply?

    No

    Mandate Effects

    Increases on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2035?

    No

    Contains intergovernmental mandate?

    No

    Contains private-sector mandate?

    No
    The bill would
    Estimated budgetary effects would mainly stem from
    Areas of significant uncertainty include

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 9151, Protecting American Industry and Labor from International Trade Crimes Act of 2024

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 9151 would require the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish a unit within its criminal division to investigate and prosecute trade-related crimes, including the evasion of sanctions, tariffs, or duties; trade-based money laundering; and smuggling. The bill also would require DOJ to report annually to the Congress on the unit’s activities. 

    Based on the costs of similar programs and activities, CBO estimates that DOJ would need 10 people, at an average annual cost of $250,000 per person in 2025, and $8 million annually in administrative costs to implement the bill’s requirements. Accounting for anticipated inflation, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 9151 would cost $50 million over the 2025-2029 period. Any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman on Bold Measures to Feed Africa During the World Food Prize

    Source: USAID

    DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR ISOBEL COLEMAN: Thank you, President [Akinwumi] Adesina, for that introduction, and thank you, President [Samia Suluhu] Hassan and President [Julius Maada] Bio, for your thoughtful reflections. It is an honor to join you today, representing the U.S. Agency for International Development.

    As we’ve heard, the level of need remains great in Africa. It is one of the few regions of the world where hunger and undernourishment have continued to rise in recent years. However, Africa is also home to 12 of the 20 fastest growing economies on the planet, and the continent is poised to become the world’s second fastest-growing economic region. 

    This is a moment of great opportunity. With smart policy reforms, and increased investment and trade, we can realize the potential of this dynamic region while seriously tackling poverty, hunger and malnutrition. 

    The U.S. government’s global hunger initiative, Feed the Future, prioritizes investments in Africa – providing more than $400 million each year to drive inclusive and sustainable agriculture-led growth, improve nutrition outcomes, and build resilience. Feed the Future’s locally-led model has yielded remarkable success over its first decade. In areas where Feed the Future has worked, poverty, hunger, and child stunting all declined by 20 to 25 percent. 

    But, we know there is much more work to be done. 

    As global needs continue to far outpace available resources, USAID is focused on investing our dollars in the most impactful, cost-effective ways to maximize our impact. Under Feed the Future, we are making an effort to concentrate our work in countries and regions where we see both significant need and opportunity to drive long-term sustainable progress.  

    Through rigorous data analysis, we have identified three countries in sub-Saharan Africa – Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia – as ripe for the kind of agricultural transformation that can lift hundreds of thousands of people out of poverty and help expand the food supply across the region and beyond. So, through an initiative we are calling Feed the Future Accelerator, we are doubling down on our investments in these three countries. We believe these countries have the potential to become regional breadbaskets helping to feed the world. 

    In partnership with the African Union, the Accelerator will allow us to support an African-led approach to tap into that potential. The governments in these countries – by implementing the smart policies and economic reforms needed to catalyze inclusive growth – are laying the groundwork to form a regional agricultural powerhouse.

    We are committed to capitalizing on this game-changing opportunity in the region. So, last month, we announced over $80 million in USAID commitments to Feed the Future Accelerator, which complements an ongoing portfolio of nearly $500 million in investments from across the U.S. government in these three countries. And, over the course of this week, we’ve seen that number grow.

    For example, on Tuesday, the Millennium Challenge Corporation announced a new $491 million compact with Zambia, with MCC providing $458 million and the Government of Zambia contributing $33 million to boost agricultural productivity and investment. And, as we ramp up our investments in these priority countries, the U.S. and other donors are also investing in the hard infrastructure that farmers need to access affordable agricultural inputs and then to transport what they grow to markets across the region. 

    Under the umbrella of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, or PGI, we are investing in the Lobito Corridor – an ambitious infrastructure project stretching from the port of Lobito on Angola’s Atlantic coast, through the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Zambia, and on to Tanzania. These investments will directly benefit smallholder farmers and agricultural small and medium-sized enterprises by enabling them to scale up operations, create linkages to agro-processing and storage, create jobs, and drive growth. Our ambition is that this economic corridor, enhanced by our investments in the Accelerator, will raise incomes among small- and medium-sized farm holders, especially women farmers, while also contributing to regional trade and market linkages – catalyzing the kind of agricultural growth needed to enable countries not just to provide for their own people but to become major food exporters.

    And, we know that these investments in infrastructure and food security are also building greater climate resilience in a region battling the impacts of climate change. USAID has announced over $38 million in new research investments with a host of U.S. universities that will focus on developing climate-smart innovations to build resilience and support smallholder farmers in Accelerator countries specifically and across Africa more broadly.

    But, we know that the United States government cannot do this alone, which is why we are excited that the private sector is joining us in this effort, with major companies such as Bayer and ofi, one of the largest coffee suppliers in the world, investing over $150 million in Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia. And, earlier this week, you may have heard from Bayer and ofi about the investments they are making. Bayer will invest $35 million in building a new seed production facility in Zambia, which is expected to open in March 2025. The hybrid seeds Bayer will produce will be sold across the region, contributing to a more integrated regional seed market that benefits smallholder farmers in neighboring countries. ofi, one of the largest coffee producers and exporters in Tanzania and Zambia, will invest $80 million over the next four years in Zambia and Tanzania coffee value chains. These investments will boost local economies and generate additional income for farming communities.

    This kind of partnership – with the private sector, with local African leaders, with other donors, and beyond – will be vital to our efforts. Together, we will create an engine that can help feed hungry people, not just in these three countries, but across the African continent.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USAID Announces New Disability Policy

    Source: USAID

    Today, USAID announced the release of the new 2024 Nothing Without Us: USAID Disability Policy. There are more than 1.3 billion persons with disabilities around the world – 80 percent of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. Any issue that affects humans – climate change, hunger, disease – often disproportionately affects persons with disabilities. Intentional, sustainable, and meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in all areas of USAID’s work is therefore no longer an option – it is essential to realize our potential and meet our development goals.

    The 2024 Policy is a comprehensive update to the 1997 USAID Disability Policy in response to stakeholder feedback and changes in the 21st century. At its core, the Policy reinforces USAID’s commitment to championing disability-inclusive development and the rights of persons with disabilities. The Policy, upheld by seven key operating principles, seeks to empower and elevate the lives of persons with disabilities by ensuring that USAID and our partners recognize, respect, value, meaningfully engage, include, and are intentional in supporting persons with disabilities and their representative organizations.

    The Policy:

    • Updates our framework of understanding disability to a social and rights-based framework in which the goal is to remove societal barriers to participation of persons with disabilities in their communities;
    • Promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities both in wider USAID programming and in activities focused specifically on persons with disabilities;
    • Underscores the importance of working with persons with disabilities and local disability-led groups across all phases of the program cycle;
    • Highlights promising approaches to disability inclusion in the full range of USAID programming areas.

    The Policy is available at: https://www.usaid.gov/inclusivedevelopment/disability-policy

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 2024 VISITOR ARRIVALS RECOVERED 96.1 PERCENT COMPARED TO PRE-PANDEMIC SEPTEMBER 2019

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    NEWS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 2024 VISITOR ARRIVALS RECOVERED 96.1 PERCENT COMPARED TO PRE-PANDEMIC SEPTEMBER 2019

    Posted on Oct 31, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM

     

    RESEARCH AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS DIVISION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    JAMES KUNANE TOKIOKA

    DIRECTOR

    1. EUGENE TIAN
      CHIEF STATE ECONOMIST

     

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    October 31, 2024

    SEPTEMBER 2024 VISITOR ARRIVALS RECOVERED 96.1 PERCENT COMPARED TO PRE-PANDEMIC SEPTEMBER 2019

     

    HONOLULU – Total visitor arrivals in September 2024 represent a 96.1 percent recovery from pre-pandemic September 2019, the best recovery rate since the Maui wildfires (not including February 2024, which had a leap day). Total nominal visitor spending increased 16.3 percent compared to September 2019. According to preliminary statistics from the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism (DBEDT), there were 707,486 visitors to the Hawaiian Islands in September 2024, up 7.8 percent from the same month last year. Total visitor spending measured in nominal dollars was $1.45 billion, growth of 4.6 percent from September 2023.

    In September 2024, 688,831 visitors arrived by air service, mainly from the U.S. West and U.S. East. Additionally, 18,655 visitors arrived via out-of-state cruise ships. In comparison, 648,145 visitors (+6.3%) arrived by air and 8,143 visitors (+129.1%) came by cruise ships in September 2023, and 718,042 visitors (-4.1%) came by air and 18,114 visitors (+3.0%) came by cruise ships in September 2019.

    The average length of stay by all visitors in September 2024 was 8.23 days, which was shorter than September 2023 (8.61 days, -4.4%) and September 2019 (8.40 days, -2.0%). The statewide average daily census was 194,156 visitors in September 2024, compared to 188,319 visitors (+3.1%) in September 2023 and 206,169 visitors (-5.8%) in September 2019.

    In September 2024, 359,688 visitors arrived from the U.S. West, an increase from September 2023 (329,347 visitors, +9.2%) and September 2019 (305,808 visitors, +17.6%). U.S. West visitor spending of $663.6 million grew compared to September 2023 ($604.5 million, +9.8%) and was considerably higher than September 2019 ($466.0 million, +42.4%). Daily spending by U.S. West visitors in September 2024 ($228 per person) increased compared to September 2023 ($223 per person, +2.3%) and was significantly more than September 2019 ($179 per person, +27.5%).

    In September 2024, 160,299 visitors arrived from the U.S. East, up from September 2023 (153,737 visitors, +4.3%) and from September 2019 (133,185 visitors, +20.4%). U.S. East visitor spending of $408.9 million increased compared to September 2023 ($404.5 million, +1.1%) and September 2019 ($288.9 million, +41.5%). Daily spending by U.S. East visitors in September 2024 ($274 per person) was slightly less than September 2023 ($275 per person,
    -0.3%) but was much higher than September 2019 ($229 per person, +19.8%).

    There were 64,940 visitors from Japan in September 2024, which was a slight increase from September 2023 (64,580 visitors, +0.6%) but continued to be much lower than September 2019 (143,928 visitors, -54.9%). Visitors from Japan spent $96.2 million in September 2024, compared to $101.3 million (-5.0%) in September 2023 and $196.5 million (-51.0%) in September 2019. Daily spending by Japanese visitors in September 2024 ($240 per person) decreased compared to September 2023 ($243 per person, -1.2%) but was higher than September 2019 ($231 per person, +3.8%).

    In September 2024, 19,188 visitors arrived from Canada, an increase from September 2023 (18,647 visitors, +2.9%), but a decline compared to September 2019 (21,928 visitors, -12.5%). Visitors from Canada spent $43.6 million in September 2024, compared to $48.1 million (-9.3%) in September 2023 and $40.5 million (+7.6%) in September 2019. Daily spending by Canadian visitors in September 2024 ($236 per person) was similar to September 2023 ($236 per person, +0.2%) and was considerably more than September 2019 ($159 per person, +48.8%).

    There were 84,717 visitors from all other international markets in September 2024, comprising visitors from Oceania, Other Asia, Europe, Latin America, Guam, the Philippines, the Pacific Islands and other regions. In comparison, there were 81,833 visitors (+3.5%) from all other international markets in September 2023 and 113,192 visitors (-25.2%) in September 2019.

    Air capacity to the Hawaiian Islands in September 2024 (4,476 transpacific flights with 990,746 seats) increased compared to September 2023 (4,376 flights, +2.3% with 963,916 seats, +2.8%), but declined from September 2019 (4,533 flights, -1.3% with 1,012,883 seats, -2.2%).

    VIEW FULL NEWS RELEASE AND TABLES

     

    Statement by DBEDT Director James Kunane Tokioka

     

    The leading contributor to the September 2024 tourism industry performance was the U.S. market with 519,987 visitors and registered as the second highest September visitor count on record (the highest September number occurred in 2022 with 566,189 visitors). The September 2024 U.S. visitor count was 18.4 percent higher than the same month in 2019. For the first nine months of 2024, the U.S. visitor count was 6.0 percent higher than the same period in 2019.

     

    The rebound of Hawai‘i’s cruise industry, which has surpassed pre-pandemic 2019 levels, was also a contributing factor in September’s performance. Nine out-of-state cruise ships brought 18,655 visitors to the islands in September 2024, more than double the number of visitors who came by cruise ships in September 2023 and 3.0 percent higher than September 2019. For the first nine months of 2024, there were 58 arrivals from out-of-state cruise ships that carried more than 106,000 visitors, a growth of 11.5 percent compared to year-to-date 2019.

     

    Current airlift and travel agency bookings data indicate that the U.S. market will still be leading Hawai‘i’s tourism recovery in the future months. We expect that the foreign exchange rate will be more favorable to foreign visitors and the international market will improve in the near future. During the first nine months of 2024, the recovery of foreign visitors was at 63.6 percent, while Japanese visitor recovery was at 44.5 percent.

     

    # # #

     

     

    Media Contacts:

     

    Laci Goshi

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    808-518-5480

    [email protected]

     

    Jennifer Chun

    Director of Tourism Research

    Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism

    808-973-9446

    [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: R.I. Board of Elections Releases November 5th General Election Tabulation Process and Timeline Overview

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    CRANSTON, R.I. � To better help Rhode Islanders understand the vote tallying and public results reporting process, the Rhode Island Board of Elections has released the following timeline:

    November 5th Polling Place These are ballots cast in-person at polling places on November 5th, encrypted, and securely transmitted from the polling place to the Board of Elections when polls close. These results will be available on the Board of Elections’ website (elections.ri.gov) on November 5th beginning at 8:00 p.m.

    Early Voting These results will be transmitted by local Boards of Canvassers on November 5th and will be available on the Board of Elections’ website beginning at 8:00 p.m.

    Mail Ballots While the Board expects to count most mail ballots by November 5th, ballots placed in authorized drop boxes at City/Town Halls or in polling places must still be tabulated. These ballots are sealed in envelopes and held in secure and sealed containers by the local Board of Canvassers and delivered to the Board of Elections on November 6th. Partial mail ballot results will be available on the Board of Elections’ website after 8:00 p.m. but will not include these drop box ballots.

    November 6th – 7th Remaining drop box ballots and any still uncounted mail ballots will be added to the Mail Ballots totals and made available on our website. Any precincts which failed to transmit their results on November 5th due to any technical issues will be added to the primary election results and made available on the Board of Elections’ website.

    November 7th � 8th Provisional ballots results will be added to Polling Place Results and will be made available on the Board of Elections’ website.

    November 8th � 11th Military/overseas ballots and deficient mail ballots cured by voters and due to the Board of Elections by November 8th � 11th will be added to Mail Ballots Results and will be made available on the Board of Elections’ website prior to final primary election results certification.

    November 21st The Rhode Island Board of Elections anticipates certifying final election results.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California launches new program to improve public safety by reducing homelessness and recidivism

    Source: US State of California 2

    Oct 31, 2024

    What you need to know: California is announcing a new state program using $16 million in federal funds to help improve public safety and reduce recidivism by creating long-term supportive housing and support for people exiting incarceration.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today launched a first-of-its-kind program to improve public safety — with new federally funded investments to create long-term supportive housing and comprehensive wrap-around services for individuals exiting incarceration. The funding opportunity is collaboratively administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the California Department of Corrections Rehabilitation (CDCR).

    The agencies are now accepting proposals for efforts aimed at reducing the risk of homelessness and recidivism for people who were formerly incarcerated and are reentering society, for the mutual benefit and safety of the individuals being housed and the communities to which they return. 

    “Ensuring that those exiting our prison system have the resources and housing they need makes us all safer. We are grateful for this federal funding to help us reduce homelessness and support those looking for a clean start.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Formerly incarcerated individuals are nearly 10 times more likely than the general public to experience homelessness. However, formerly incarcerated individuals are often excluded from participating in public and affordable housing programs. Studies also indicate reductions in recidivism may occur when formerly incarcerated individuals can secure housing.

    “CDCR knows firsthand how homelessness impacts California communities and is committed to enhancing public safety and promoting successful community reintegration,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber. “Housing stability is an important aspect to successful reentry, and this groundbreaking effort in partnership with HCD will provide a valuable opportunity to address these challenges.”

    In a concerted effort to lower barriers to housing for people exiting correctional institutions or programs in California, HCD and CDCR will partner to implement the federally funded HOME American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) Reentry Housing Pilot Project (RHPP), backed with $16 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The aim is to lower the rate of homelessness among formerly incarcerated and justice-involved populations, while increasing success in securing employment, furthering education, and helping establish links to health care—all of which lower rates of recidivism. 

    “The Reentry Housing Pilot Project will provide safe and stable homes, along with permanent supportive services to people exiting the justice system,” said Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency Secretary Tomiquia Moss. “Stable housing is a crucial foundation for everyone, including those who were formerly incarcerated. The pilot program will enable them to secure employment, receive necessary health care and reunite with their families. These opportunities and tools serve to benefit both individuals and our communities so we can all succeed.”

    CDCR offers numerous wraparound resources to facilitate successful community reintegration. Research shows that education and employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals have a positive impact on recidivism rates and help them avoid reoffending. Resources for housing, substance use disorder, and other needs such as life skills, jobs, and education are all important in attaining long-term sustainable change.

    Building on those efforts, the Governor is directing HCD and CDCR to work together to add a final step for reentry services, which will provide permanent supportive housing linked to comprehensive, evidence-based programs and services that support successful outcomes and long-term stability.

    “Too often, people leaving prison face a life sentence of housing instability,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “Our communities and society are all better for it when we choose to lay the foundation for successful reentry, and housing is the first most critical cornerstone for a more hopeful future.”

    The grants are competitively funded and will be available only to organizations with extensive experience in developing and operating transitional housing and permanent supportive housing for the reentry population.

    Applications for the program are being accepted now and are due by December 31, 2024. Initial HOME-ARP Reentry Housing Pilot Project awards are anticipated in early summer of 2025. Learn more about the program and eligibility requirements here.

    More housing. More accountability.

    Since taking office, Governor Newsom has invested $40 billion in housing production. The state has also invested more than $27 billion to help communities address homelessness.

    Governor Newsom championed the creation of the Housing Accountability Unit at HCD to ensure cities and counties fulfill their legal responsibilities to plan and permit their fair share of housing. This focus on accountability has, in part, led to a 15-year high in housing starts in California. Since its establishment, the Housing Accountability Unit has supported the development of 7,513 housing units, including 2,765 affordable units, through enforcement actions and by working with local jurisdictions to ensure compliance with housing law. 

    Addressing the homeless crisis 

    This also follows the Governor’s recent executive order urging local government to quickly address encampments and provide individuals experiencing homelessness with the care, compassion, and support they need. Earlier this month, the Governor announced $130.7 million in new funding for local communities to help people experiencing homelessness in dangerous encampments, paired with robust accountability measures.

    California recently announced 37 new grant awards totaling more than $827 million to help more than 100 local communities and organizations create long-term solutions to address homelessness, with strong accountability and transparency measures and clear expectations to ensure that local strategies to address homelessness are measurable and effective. 

    The agencies are now accepting proposals for efforts aimed at reducing the risk of homelessness and recidivism for people who were formerly incarcerated and are reentering society, for the mutual benefit and safety of the individuals being housed and the communities to which they return. 

    Recent news

    Oct 30, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: A fines del 2023, California distribuyó más de $267 millones a las agencias policiales locales y a los fiscales en todo el Estado para combatir los delitos organizados contra la propiedad y el comercio minorista. En los primeros nueve…

    Oct 30, 2024

    News Lo que necesita saber: El gobernador Newsom anunció 37 nuevas subvenciones por un total de más de $827 millones para ayudar a más de 100 comunidades y organizaciones locales a crear soluciones a largo plazo para abordar el problema de las personas sin hogar. Los…

    Oct 30, 2024

    News What you need to know: The federal court of appeals today denied Huntington Beach’s NIMBY attempt to sue the state for enforcing state law that requires the city to build its fair share of housing. California will continue to hold the city accountable and ensure…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: FDFA welcomes the outcome of the 34th International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Gathered in Geneva, 2,200 delegates from all over the world approved five resolutions aimed at strengthening humanitarian action in a world of constant change, where humanitarian needs are immense. The work, in which Switzerland actively participated, focused on compliance with international humanitarian law (IHL).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Article 7 proceedings against Poland – E-001608/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission’s decision to withdraw its reasoned proposal of 2017 and thereby close the procedure under Article 7(1) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) for Poland is based on a thorough and objective assessment of the rule of law situation in Poland.

    It is important to bear in mind that what is assessed is the ‘clear risk’ of a serious breach of the rule of law within the meaning of Article 7(1) TEU.

    The acknowledgement by Poland that rule of law shortcomings exist which need to be addressed, the adoption of a clear programme in the form of an Action Plan, and the fact that the first concrete steps had been taken to implement the action plan, as well as the commitments made to the primacy of EU law and to the implementation of judgments of the Court of Justice of the EU and of the European Court of Human Rights, led the Commission to conclude that there is no longer such a clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law by Poland.

    The Commission discussed its assessment with Member States in the General Affairs Council and took those exchanges into account when adopting its decision.

    The Commission will continue to regularly monitor the measures under the action plan, as well as other steps to promote the rule of law in Poland, in particular under the Rule of Law Report process.

    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – The new economic governance framework – 31-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Credible ECB monetary policy requires that the revised EU economic governance framework be tightly enforced from its start. Net primary expenditures as key control variable allow predictable monetary policy focused on stabilisation. However, widespread debt reduction pushing spending growth below potential GDP growth may prompt more accommodative ECB policy. Moreover, potentially cumulating changes in public spending-to-GDP ratios need close monitoring. Finally, the criteria for TPI may increase pressure to be lenient on enforcement of the fiscal rules. This document was provided by the Economic Governance and EMU Scrutiny Unit at the request of the Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) ahead of the Monetary Dialogue with the ECB President on 4 December 2024.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish NGO receiving EU funds pays tribute to former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh – P-001517/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In June 2024, the European Council reiterated its strongest condemnation of the brutal terrorist attacks conducted by Hamas and other terrorist groups on 7 October 2023[1].

    Hamas is listed under the EU terrorist list[2]. Additionally, the EU established restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in January 2024[3].

    Concerning projects funded under the EU budget, if a project is not implemented in line with the grant agreement, including non- respect of EU values , the Commission and (in case of indirect management such as for Erasmus+) the national agencies can take appropriate measures, including financial corrections as appropriate.

    The Turkish organisation ‘Şark Forum Derneği’[4] is currently not receiving funding from Erasmus+ anymore but has received funding in the past for youth projects now finalised.

    As coordinator of four projects, this organisation received EUR 85 173 (shared with their partner organisations) under the current Erasmus+ programme and EUR 18 755 under the previous programme[5].

    The regular monitoring activities carried out during the project implementation period did not result in any issues being detected. As these projects have all been completed and this organisation has no longer contractual relations within the programme, there is no legal ground to take action vis-à-vis the projects in the specific context described.

    The Commission would like to refer the Honourable Member to the Commission’s reply to Written Question P-001524/24, which addressed the same issue and complement this reply.

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/qa3lblga/euco-conclusions-27062024-en.pdf
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02001E0931-20240221
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02024D0385-20240119
    • [4] https://www.sharqforum.org/
    • [5] These figures are those granted by the national agency to the entire consortium managing each project after finalisation.
    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of EU Commissioner-designate Olivér Várhelyi – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Olivér Várhelyi_0.png © European Commission

    On 6 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Health and Animal Welfare, Olivér Várhelyi (Hungary) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led jointly by the ENVI and AGRI Committees. ITRE Committee and SANT sub-Committee are also invited. The hearing is expected to last three hours from 18.30 to 21.30. As regards the topics in the remit of the ENVI Committee and following his replies to the written questions, the Commissioner-designate is expected to be further questioned on public health, in on the pharmaceutical reform, the access to medicinal products, EU research and competitiveness, and the fight against AMR. The Commissioner designate will also tackle food safety issues, such as the use of pesticides, animal diseases and food labelling, as well as issues related to animal welfare which are also under his portfolio. The confirmation hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to him.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Arrest of the environmental activist Paul Watson – E-001660/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU law does not apply to the requested extradition in the case at issue, as neither the EU nor Denmark have concluded bilateral agreements on extradition with Japan.

    In line with its Article 51(1), the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU is addressed to Member States only when they are implementing EU law.

    In situations such as the present one, where there is no link with the implementation of EU law, it is for Member States, including their courts, to ensure that fundamental rights are effectively respected and protected, in accordance with their national legislation and international human rights obligations, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

    The right to protest at sea is considered an internationally lawful use of the sea and thus an exercise of the flag State’s freedom of navigation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The protest shall remain peaceful and should not threaten human life, the marine environment or property.

    The EU and its Member States maintain a firm stance against whaling and uphold the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) moratorium on commercial whaling.

    Within the IWC, the EU and its Member States that are Party to the International Convention for the regulation of Whaling (ICRW) promote cooperation to ensure an effective international regulatory framework for the conservation and management of whales.

    The aim is to ensure a significant improvement in the conservation status of whales and bring all whaling operations by IWC members under IWC control.

    For countries that are not parties to the ICRW, the EU has consistently voiced strong concerns over any whaling activities and will continue to use all diplomatic channels to engage with these countries and discourage such practices.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Release of Paul Watson – P-001584/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has in place an effective legislative framework for the protection of persons reporting breaches of EU environmental law. Directive (EU) 2019/1937[1] (the ‘Whistleblower Protection Directive’) provides robust protection to persons who report, within the organisation for which they work, or to competent authorities of the Member States, or to the public (under certain conditions), breaches of the EU law in certain areas, including environmental law, which they discover in the context of their work, and who, for this reason, suffer or may suffer retaliation in that context.

    In the light of the information provided, this directive does not seem applicable to the individual circumstances of the case referred to by the Honourable Member.

    The EU remains committed to upholding the International Whaling Commission’s moratorium on commercial whaling and has consistently voiced strong concerns about Japan’s whaling activities.

    The Commission will continue to use all available diplomatic channels to engage with Japan to discourage such practices.

    • [1] 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, OJ L 305, 26.11.2019, p. 17.
    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Invasion and destructive impact of various pufferfish species ( Tetraodontidae ) in the Mediterranean Sea – E-001726/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU works with the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM) on the issue of the spread of Non-Indigenous Species (NIS).

    The GFCM 2030 Str ategy recognises its importance and makes its work on NIS a priority[1]. Several pilot projects and research programs, in which Member States take part, have been developed advancing data collection, information sharing and establishing comprehensive mitigation measures.

    These include a pilot study on NIS in the eastern Mediterranean and the creation of a NIS observatory. While initially focused on the east, the aim is for the observatory to eventually be expanded to the entire region.

    Regarding the compensation available to fishers, the EU provides for the funding of national initiatives under the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). Several Mediterranean Member States have identified the threat posed by NIS and put in place measures and solutions to combat them.

    In Cyprus, a scheme has been put in place to compensate fishers for their pufferfish catches[2]. Other Member States, such as Greece, have funded innovative projects which help turn this threat into an economic opportunity[3].

    Our Mediterranean neighbours have also been developing mitigation and adaptation measures, expanding their research on pufferfish species.

    At the 2024 GFCM Fish Forum, Tunisia and Türkiye presented pufferfish-focused research with the latter having developed the production of pufferfish leather[4].

    The EU has been financially supporting the GFCM’s capacity building work under the MedSea4Fish programme which has also focused on providing GFCM parties with support in their research and data collection on NIS, ensuring a uniform ability to combat invasion.

    • [1]  GFCM 2030 Strategy Action Plan(https://www.fao.org/gfcm/2030strategy): Target 1.4 on the need to prevent and mitigate ‘threats to fisheries and the marine environment, including plastic pollution, climate change and the expansion of non-indigenous species’
    • [2]  www.moa.gov.cy/emfaf
    • [3]  The Greek example of turning pufferfish into fishmeal is particularly relevant https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/turning-toxic-pufferfish-invader-aquaculture-feed-2023-12-22_en#:~:text=The%20pufferfish%2C%20originating%20from%20the,to%20have%20no%20commercial%20value.https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/news/turning-toxic-pufferfish-invader-aquaculture-feed-2023-12-22_en
    • [4]  https://pufferfishleather.com/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider attends G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider took part in the G20 Health Ministers’ Meeting in Rio de Janeiro today. Federal Councillor Baume-Schneider also represented Switzerland at the G20’s Joint Ministerial Meeting on Finance and Health. The meetings’ discussions focused in particular on the resilience of healthcare systems and on ensuring equitable access to medical products. The Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) also took the opportunity to conduct bilateral discussions with several of her international counterparts. She will continue her stay in Brazil with a working visit devoted to both health and cultural issues between now and Saturday 2 November.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reliable statistics on homelessness and potential solutions for homeless people – E-001980/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001980/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Gabriela Firea (S&D)

    As we approach the cold season, the issue of homelessness and the pinpointing of potential solutions to improve their situation are back on the agenda. Official statistics showed in 2022 that almost one in ten people in the EU spent over 40 % of their income on housing. The groups most at risk of homelessness due to a lack of access to housing are families with children and single-parent households. On top of this, overcrowding, mould, damp, exposure to pollution and poor sanitary conditions are an increasing cause for concern when assessing housing conditions themselves.

    What strategy does the Commission have for working in cooperation with the Member States to improve the gathering of statistics on the number of homeless people – especially in big cities, where they are concentrated – so as to facilitate the pinpointing of viable solutions?

    Submitted: 8.10.2024

    Last updated: 31 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Placing Ryplazim on the market in Europe – E-002234/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    23.10.2024

    Question for written answer  E-002234/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Chiara Gemma (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Giovanni Crosetto (ECR), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Pietro Fiocchi (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Lara Magoni (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Denis Nesci (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Daniele Polato (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Ruggero Razza (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Marco Squarta (ECR), Francesco Torselli (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR)

    Severe hypoplasminogenemia (HPG), or plasminogen deficiency type 1(PLGD-1) is a rare systemic disease characterised by abnormal extracellular fibrinolysis. It affects 0.02 in 10 000 people in the EU, usually manifesting in early childhood.

    There exists only one effective treatment, now available in the form of Ryplazim, an experimental drug already approved in 2019 by the US Food and Drug Administration and available on the American market since May 2024.

    The medicine was so successful that the manufacturer Kedrion received the prestigious Industry Innovation Award from the American National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD).

    However, the adoption of Ryplazim has not yet been authorised by the European Medicines Agency (EMA), which in 2015 granted orphan designation to ProMetic BioTherapeutics Ltd for human plasminogen with opinion EU/3/15/1511.

    Not having the possibility of using Ryplazim in national healthcare systems means outdated therapies will be used instead.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Was the Commission aware of this situation?
    • 2.What concrete steps does the Commission intend to take with regard to the EMA in order to ensure that people suffering from severe hypoplasminogenemia have safe access to life-saving medicines at the dosage necessary for treatment, even if experimental?

    Submitted: 23.10.2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of EU Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner-designate Jessika Roswall © European Commission

    On 5 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Environment, Water Resilience, and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall (Sweden) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led by ENVI. IMCO, ITRE, and AGRI committees are invited to participate in the hearing. It is expected to last three hours from 18:30 to 21:30 pm. ENVI Members will have the opportunity to question the Commissioner-designate on a variety of priority issues including, for instance, the need to develop a European Water Resilience Strategy to address water efficiency, scarcity, and pollution while considering the unique challenges faced by individual Member States. Another topic likely to come up is the Circular Economy Act and the challenge of creating market demand for secondary raw materials and establishing a single market for waste. The hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the political groups in the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to her.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib – Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety

    Source: European Parliament

    Commissioner-designate Hadja Lahbib © European Commission

    On 6 November, the confirmation hearing of Commissioner-designate for Preparedness and Crisis Management, and Equality, Hadja Lahbib (Belgium) will take place.

    The confirmation hearing will be led jointly by the DEVE, FEMM, and LIBE Committees. EMPL and SANT Committees are also invited to this hearing. It will take place between 9 to 12 am. Within the ENVI Committee’s remit, the Commissioner-designate will reply to questions concerning the enhancing of the Union’s crisis management via mechanisms like the UCPM and RescEU, ensuring adequate resources in the current and upcoming MFF, and providing equitable financial support for regions affected by disasters. ENVI Members will also question her on preparedness strategies, health emergencies, DG HERA’s role, the integration of disaster prevention into EU policies, the future Climate Adaptation Plan, and balancing EU stockpiling strategies. The hearing will be the basis for the coordinators of the committees responsible to assess whether the Commissioner-designate is qualified both to be a member of the College of Commissioners and to carry out the specific tasks assigned to her.

    MIL OSI Europe News –