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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Announces the Repatriation of a Nazi-Looted Monet, Missing for More than 80 Years, to the Heirs of Original Owners

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    With the help of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana, a consent judgment was secured in May 2024. This judgment awarded full ownership of the Monet to the Parlagi heirs.

    “We are immensely proud to have been able to recover this remarkable piece of art and bring it home to its rightful owners,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough. “I want to commend the work done by the FBI Art Crime Team and thank the Schlamp family for their cooperation in returning this significant artwork back to its rightful heirs. This moment brings to light not only the historical significance of this repatriation, but also the committed work of the FBI in cultural restitution and importance of our partnerships with organizations like The Commission for Looted Art in Europe. The FBI continues its commitment to returning stolen art and other objects of cultural and historical significance to the communities to which they belong.”

    “We’re honored to have played a role in returning this stolen artwork to its rightful owners,” said James Dennehy, assistant director in charge of the FBI in New York City. “While this Monet is undoubtedly valuable, its true worth lies in what it represents to the Parlagi family. It’s a connection to their history, their loved ones, and a legacy that was nearly erased. The emotions tied to reclaiming something taken so brutally can’t be measured in dollars—it’s priceless.”

    “We are proud to support the work of the Art Crime Team, especially in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Myrthil of FBI New Orleans. “Nothing can excuse the hateful and heinous behavior of the past, but we are most grateful to the Schlamp family for their role in righting this wrong. We need and appreciate the ongoing support of the public and the art community at large to ensure there are more success stories like this in the future.”

    The FBI’s work on this case is ongoing. In addition to the Monet, several other pieces of artwork were stolen from the Parlagi family in 1940. A signed Paul Signac watercolor from 1903, titled “Seine in Paris (Pont de Grenelle),” was sold to the same Nazi art dealer and is still missing today. As it is common for titles of stolen art to change over time, and due to the history of the Signac watercolor, it is very likely that it may be known under a different title today.

    To assist in the search for the stolen Signac, the piece has been entered into the FBI’s National Stolen Art File (NSAF) catalog. The NSAF is a database of stolen art and cultural property. Stolen objects are submitted for entry to the NSAF by law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

    If you believe you have information about the stolen Signac, you are encouraged to contact the FBI’s Art Crime Program or FBI New York at NYArtCrime@fbi.gov. You may also submit online to tips.fbi.gov, call 1-800-CALL FBI (800-225-5324), or contact your nearest local FBI field office or U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Disaster Assistance Available to the San Carlos Apache Tribe Private Nonprofit Organizations

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Low-interest federal disaster loans are now available to certain private nonprofit organizations in the San Carlos Apache Tribe following President Biden’s federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance as a result of the Watch Fire that occurred from July 10-17, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Private nonprofits that provide essential services of a governmental nature are eligible for assistance.

    “Private nonprofit organizations should contact the San Carlos Apache Tribe by calling (928) 475-1600 or visiting https://www.scat-nsn.gov to obtain information about applicant briefings,” said Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration. “At the briefings, private nonprofit representatives will need to provide information about their organization,” continued Sánchez. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will use that information to determine if the private nonprofit provides an “essential governmental service” and is a “critical facility” as defined by law. FEMA may provide the private nonprofit with a Public Assistance grant for their eligible costs. SBA encourages all private nonprofit organizations to apply with SBA for disaster loan assistance.

    SBA may lend private nonprofits up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets.

    For certain private nonprofit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help with meeting working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic Injury Disaster Loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that cannot be paid because of the disaster’s impact. Economic injury assistance is available regardless of whether the nonprofit suffered any property damage.

    “SBA’s disaster loan program offers an important advantage–the chance to incorporate measures that can reduce the risk of future damage,” Sánchez added. “Work with contractors and mitigation professionals to strengthen your property and take advantage of the opportunity to request additional SBA disaster loan funds for these proactive improvements.”

    The interest rate is 3.25 percent with terms up to 30 years. The deadline to apply for property damage is Dec. 3, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is July 7, 2025.

    Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.

    Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration
    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation That Would Make it Harder to Purchase Machetes and Other Long-Blade Weapons

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    October 9, 2024

    Manitoba Government Introduces Legislation That Would Make it Harder to Purchase Machetes and Other Long-Blade Weapons

    – – –
    Proposed Legislation Aims to Improve Public Safety by Regulating Retail Sale of Machetes, Knives, Swords: Wiebe

    The Manitoba government is introducing legislation that would regulate the retail sale of long-bladed weapons, including machetes, knives and swords, Justice Minister Matt Wiebe announced today. 

    “Our government is committed to getting tough on crime and this new legislation would help keep our communities safer by restricting access to weapons such as machetes, knives and swords,” said Wiebe. “We’ve heard loud and clear: the purchase of these weapons needs to be restricted. We’re pleased to be moving forward to take real action to make our streets safer.” 

    Bill 39, the long-bladed weapon control act, aims to limit the supply of long-bladed weapons to individuals with dangerous intentions by:

    • requiring retailers to securely store long-bladed weapons in a way that prevents the public from accessing them without assistance;
    • prohibiting the retail sale of long-bladed weapons to minors under 18;
    • requiring purchasers to provide photo identification; and
    • requiring retailers to retain records, including purchaser information and transaction details, for a minimum of two years.

    “Manitoba has seen significant success in deterring crime through regulating the retail sale of products targeted for criminal purposes,” said Wiebe. “Access controls, age restrictions and identification and record-keeping requirements have proven effective at combatting crime. Our government is expanding this approach to address long-bladed weapon violence in the province.” 

    The bill defines long-bladed weapons as having a metal blade at least 30 centimetres in length. The minister noted the definition could be expanded through regulation to include certain features or characteristics, in response to emerging community safety needs. 

    “Ensuring the safety and well-being of our AMC member nations is paramount. I want to recognize and applaud the efforts of the minister of justice to address the concerns put forth by First Nations leadership with this long blade weapons control act,” said Acting Grand Chief Betsy Kennedy, Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs (AMC). “The AMC looks forward to continue being a part of this conversation and to work with Manitoba to draft a regulatory framework that prioritizes the protection of First Nation citizens in Manitoba.”

    The legislation would also apply to online retailers shipping long-bladed weapons to Manitoba addresses, added Wiebe.

    “The Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police strongly supports provincial legislation that restricts the purchase of long-bladed machetes or knives by those who are acquiring with the intent to use for an unlawful or violent purpose,” said Scot Halley, president, Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police. “Edged weapon and machete attacks have dramatically increased in the last number of years, the consequences of which can cause significant life-altering injuries or sometimes be fatal. This legislation is another tool to assist law enforcement in keeping these weapons out of the hands of the gang and criminal elements.” 

    If passed through the legislature, the bill would take effect on proclamation and be accompanied by regulations that would include additional long-bladed weapon features and characteristics, as well as exemptions where necessary, noted Wiebe. The minister added the province plans to consult retail businesses, law enforcement and Indigenous leadership to develop the regulations in the coming months. 

    – 30 –

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Charges “Magic Mushroom” Company and Two Individuals with Multimillion Dollar Pump-and-Dump Scheme

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Minerco Inc. (former over-the-counter ticker: MINE), Bobby Shumake Japhia, and Julius Makiri Jenge, for their roles in an alleged pump-and-dump scheme that defrauded investors out of approximately $8 million while generating millions of dollars in ill-gotten proceeds from sales of Minerco stock.

    According to the SEC’s complaint, in the fall of 2019, Shumake, who was formerly known as Robert Samuel Shumake, Jr., secretly gained control of a large stock position in Minerco, an inactive penny stock company, and then arranged for Jenge to assume control of Minerco. The defendants then began pumping Minerco’s stock price by promoting Minerco as the “first publicly traded company focused on the research, production, and distribution of psilocybin mushrooms.” Psilocybin is the principal psychoactive component in “magic mushrooms,” a plant-based hallucinogen.

    From 2020 to 2021, the defendants allegedly continued to pump Minerco stock by making public statements and disclosures that contained false and misleading information. For example, Shumake and Minerco allegedly issued press releases falsely suggesting that an independent third party had valued Minerco at $1 billion and that Minerco had partnered with a Jamaican company that would lend expertise in growing a unique strain of psilocybin and bequeath to Minerco its Jamaican cannabis licenses. The SEC’s complaint also alleges that Jenge and Minerco falsely claimed in public disclosures that Minerco was an active Nevada company when, in reality, its charter had been revoked. Finally, Shumake allegedly engaged an offshore company to “dump” his Minerco shares and ultimately transfer at least $3.4 million in ill-gotten gains to an entity Shumake controlled. 

    “As alleged here, pump-and-dumps often begin when cheap stock of dormant companies is suddenly touted by a promoter as the next big thing,” said Melissa Hodgman, Associate Director of the Division of Enforcement. “Today’s action serves as an important reminder that the SEC will remain steadfast in its efforts to root out of the market stock offerings that are more about hype than substance.”

    The SEC previously obtained an Order compelling Jenge to produce documents and appear for testimony pursuant to an investigative subpoena issued by the SEC.

    The SEC’s complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, charges Minerco, Shumake, and Jenge with violating the antifraud provisions of Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement with prejudgment interest, and civil monetary penalties against each defendant, as well as conduct-based injunctions and penny stock and officer-and-director bars against Shumake and Jenge.

    The SEC’s investigation, which is ongoing, is being conducted by Adam Eisner, Brittany Garmyn, Keith O’Donnell, and Zachary Scrima and supervised by C. Joshua Felker and Ms. Hodgman. Damon Taaffe will lead the litigation team under the supervision of David Nasse. The SEC appreciates the assistance of FINRA, OTC Markets Group, the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, the Jamaica Financial Services Commission, the Québec Autorité des Marchés Financiers, the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye, and the Belize Financial Services Commission.

    The SEC encourages investors to take certain steps to identify pump-and-dump schemes involving the stocks of dormant shell companies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Go Flourish opens outdoor learning garden at North Kessock Primary School

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    A nature pilot project founded by the Go Flourish charity was officially opened on Saturday 5 October by Raoul Curtis-Machin, Director of Horticulture, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, much to the excitement of the many North Kessock Primary School pupils, parents and carers, teachers, and local community members who attended the event.

    The Go Flourish Charity was established by Jane-Julia Gladwin in 2023 to bring a range of benefits to schools by establishing high quality teaching gardens within school grounds. The three-year North Kessock pilot project will be monitored by researchers at the University of St Andrews, Psychology and Neuroscience School, to examine the impact of the gardening programme on children’s well-being and to demonstrate proof of concept by gathering data on a range of benefits.

    The North Kessock PS Go Flourish project is supported by fully qualified teacher, Laura Dorantt, who, as Liaison Teacher, has been working with the school over the last year in preparation to establish the garden in the school’s outdoor education curriculum. With the garden now installed and open, she will lead timetabled classes for pupils, and as the garden develops, will liaise with the local community to develop and sustain the Go Flourish Garden for the benefits of education, health, and community resilience. Based on the enthusiastic attendance of the school and local community at the Opening Day, Go Flourish is off to a very promising start.

    The Highland Council’s Education Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “This partnership project, designed to improve wellbeing and essential life skills is supported by the vision of the “Go Flourish Project” and St Andrews University’s School of Psychology and Neuroscience who will collate appropriate data and analysis to demonstrate the impact of the pilot project.

    “I would like to acknowledge our gratitude to the Go Flourish founder and Garden Designer, Julia-Jane Gladwin for her unwavering support and I really look forward to visiting the outdoor classroom and learning from the pupils, staff and community involved in this wonderful project.”  

    This pilot project will provide:

    • A three-year scoping study funded by Go Flourish and St Andrews University.
    • Quantitative data to demonstrate educational, financial and societal benefits of Go Flourish school gardens.
    • Data backed evidence to inform local education authorities across Scotland and to the Scottish Government on the benefits of incorporating “Go Flourish Gardens” within school communities.
    • Learning the procedures and steps needed to establish and maintain sustainable gardens on Highland schools.

    Go Flourish Charity Founder, Julia-Jane Gladwin said: “Our vision is to reinstate nature at the heart of education. The children at North Kessock Primary School will themselves be the proof of the intrinsic value of this.”

    Primary 6 Pupil said: “The garden is cool! I like looking up through the trees when you see the sun shining through. And it smells really nice. It makes me happy.”

    To learn more about the work of the Flourish charity visit – http://www.flourishcharity.org (external link)

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Increase in wolf attacks and the need to protect livestock farms and the public – E-001561/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Several measures are supported by the EU to improve coexistence with large carnivores, including through the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP) funded by the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) as well as by the LIFE programme[1].

    Within the CAP Strategic Plans (CSP), support schemes are designed by the Member States and approved by the Commission. These may include activities or investments such as the installation of various types of fences or acquisition of livestock guarding dogs and also including shepherding costs under some interventions. In the Italian CSP, four regions have included some of these elements (Calabria, Liguria, Piedmont and Tuscany).

    2. In December 2023, the Commission published a comprehensive study on the wolf in the EU[2], that also addressed the specific issues mentioned by the Honourable Member[3]. Under the current EU legislation in force[4], national authorities have already the necessary tools to take appropriate preventive and reactive measures to address conflicts, problems, and any public safety situation related to protected wildlife species. Furthermore, on 20 December 2023, the Commission proposed a Council decision to change the wolf’s protection status under the Bern Convention[5], to which the EU and its Member States are parties. Following its adoption by the Council, the Commission has submitted the proposal to the secretary of the Bern Convention. The proposal is meant to create additional flexibility for the Parties to the Bern Convention to decide on the most appropriate management measures.

    3. Damage compensation payments of up to 100% of direct and indirect costs of damages caused by protected species can be granted by the Member State within the framework of the EU State Aid rules.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/programme-environment-and-climate-action-life_en
    • [2] https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/5d017e4e-9efc-11ee-b164-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    • [3] See paragraphs 3.5 and 4.7 of the study for the aspects related to public safety and to the management of so called ‘bold wolves’.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_6752
    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fort William improvement works start next week

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    The Highland Council are preparing to carry out improvement works at Monzie Square and its junction with Middle Street, Fraser Square to High Street and at An Aird Roundabout in Fort William. 

    The scope of the work is to improve access and will include resurfacing of footways, creating new drop kerbs and installing tactile paving.  

    Work is scheduled to start on Monday 14 October 2024 and will take approximately 4-6 weeks. 

    George Gordon Construction are the appointed contractor. They along with the Council will work together to minimise any disruption for road users and pedestrians during the works. Traffic management will be in operation as required and if at any time works might temporarily restrict access, businesses and residents will be notified in advance. 

    9 Oct 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for reinforced border checks on live animal imports – E-001452/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2017/625[1] establishes the framework for the performance of official controls on animals and goods entering the Union to verify compliance with Union rules, in particular in the areas of food safety and animal health.

    It provides that no consignments of animals coming from third countries can be introduced into the EU territory without being presented at the designated border control post of first arrival into the Union, where all consignments of animals must be inspected by official veterinarians.

    The regulation obliges the competent authorities to have sufficient suitably qualified and experienced staff so that official controls are performed efficiently and effectively.

    The Commission carries out audits and inspections aimed at monitoring the implementation and enforcement of Union law on live animal imports.

    The list of countries authorised to import ovine and caprine animals to the EU is limited to six countries, where no case of Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) has been reported so far.

    According to currently available statistics, no consignments of sheep or goats have been imported into the EU from non-EU countries in 2024.

    Therefore, there are no grounds for concluding that more veterinary staff would need to be deployed at the external border due to this disease incursion.

    The Commission is not aware of any specific request by Greece for increased EU support for the border checks made over the last five years.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (‘Official Controls Regulation’) of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and welfare, plant health and plant protection products (OJ L 95, 7.4.2017, p. 1-142, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj)
    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mpox vaccines – P-001626/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2022, the Commission purchased 334,540 doses of the MVA-BN vaccine (called Jynneos in the United States and Imvanex in the EU) and donated those to the Member States to respond to the global outbreak of mpox in Europe.

    The Commission also concluded framework contracts under the Joint Procurement Agreement (JPA) that allow participating countries to purchase up to 2 million doses of vaccine until the end of 2024 and 10 million courses of the therapeutic Tecovirimat SIGA until mid-2026.

    The Commission is currently in discussions with the JPA participant countries and the manufacturer Bavarian Nordic to conclude a new vaccine framework contract.

    Imvanex is the only vaccine authorised at Union level for adult immunisation against mpox. The European Commission issued a decision extending the indication of use for Imvanex to include adolescents from 12 to 17 years of age on 19 September 2024. Tecovirimat SIGA is the only medicine authorised at EU level for treatment of mpox in adults and children weighing at least 13 kg.

    Following the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 14 August 2024, the Commission donated 215 420 vaccine doses to Africa via the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. To date, 200 000 of these doses have been delivered to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The Commission is also coordinating the response by the EU and Member States in a Team Europe approach where Member States have so far committed to donating approximately 360 000 additional doses to Africa as soon as an agreement is reached on allocation and acceptance of these doses by recipient countries.

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The ‘Cannabis light’ amendment in Italy’s security bill and its compatibility with EU law – E-001510/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission has received multiple complaints both against the recently approved Amendment 13.06 of Italy’s security bill that aims to restrict the movement of hemp inflorescences or products containing such inflorescences and against the Italian Decree of 27 June 2024[1] that classifies the products containing as an active substance for pharmaceutical use cannabidiol oil for oral consumption derived from Cannabis.

    The analysis of these complaints is ongoing. In that context, the Commission is currently assessing the compliance of these measures with the Treaties and with secondary Union legislation.

    • [1] Decree of the Ministry of Health of 27 June 2024, Update of the tables containing the indication of narcotic and psychotropic substances, referred to in Presidential Decree No 309 of 9 October 1990, as amended and supplemented. Inclusion in the table of medicines, section B, of compositions for oral administration of cannabidiol obtained from cannabis extracts. OJ General Series No 157, 06.07.2024.
    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of Pegasus and other types of spyware in Slovakia – E-001920/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001920/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Saskia Bricmont (Verts/ALE), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), Martin Hojsík (Renew), Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová (Renew), Ľubica Karvašová (Renew), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Lucia Yar (Renew), Leoluca Orlando (Verts/ALE), Jan Farský (PPE), Jeroen Lenaers (PPE), Jana Toom (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Gordan Bosanac (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Brejza (PPE), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE), Emma Rafowicz (S&D), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left), Birgit Sippel (S&D), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Benoit Cassart (Renew), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Damien Carême (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Nathalie Loiseau (Renew), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Markéta Gregorová (Verts/ALE), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Danuše Nerudová (PPE), Ľudovít Ódor (Renew), Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle (Renew)

    According to recent press reports[1], Slovak intelligence services have acquired Pegasus spyware. This technology targets mobile devices and enables the extraction of very sensitive personal data, as well as being able to activate a device’s microphone and camera. In June 2023 Parliament adopted a report[2] calling for strict conditions to be put in place to restrict the use of such intrusive technologies. Given the current situation in the country – including attacks on journalists, activists, civil society, and the opposition – we are very concerned that the potential use of this spyware will pose a significant threat to fundamental rights and the rule of law.

    • 1.Has the Commission contacted the Slovak authorities to confirm the acquisition and use of spyware in Slovakia and to assess the potential implications for democracy and the rule of law?
    • 2.What measures does the Commission intend to take to ensure that surveillance technologies comply with data protection requirements and respect human rights within the EU?
    • 3.We understand that the Commission will be publishing a communication regarding the use of spyware. When will the communication be published and will it include binding obligations for Member States, as recommended by the report from Parliament’s PEGA Committee?

    Supporter[3]

    Submitted: 1.10.2024

    • [1] https://dennikn.sk/4176198/tajna-sluzba-za-fica-zrejme-ziskala-moznost-totalne-ovladnut-mobil-moze-ist-o-nastroj-pegasus/https://www.article19.org/resources/slovakia-use-of-pegasus-a-threat-to-democracy-and-human-rights/.
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/B-9-2023-0260_EN.html.
    • [3] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Raphaël Glucksmann (S&D)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Wholesale electricity prices in eastern Europe – P-001709/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission promotes market integration and interconnectivity in the region through the trans-European network framework, the process to establish a list of Projects of Common and Mutual Interest (PCI/PMI) and the work of the Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) High-Level group[1]. Several of the region’s PCIs were financially supported from the Connecting Europe Facility in the past[2], increasing interconnectivity.

    The existing PCI list contains several projects in the region, such as the interconnector between Hungary and Romania. A new PCI/PMI selection process started in September 2024.

    The Commission welcomes projects that will address inter alia a closer integration of the Southeast European region with the other regions in Europe.

    While the Commission continues to monitor the situation, it appears that the high prices result from a structural shortage of flexibility in the electricity system of the region in times when it is needed to meet peak demand.

    The reform of the electricity market design sets out rules addressing these situations[3]. It aims to make electricity bills more independent from short-term prices and to provide greater incentives for non-fossil flexibility such as demand response and storage.

    Union legislation also enables Member States to protect vulnerable consumers with regulated prices at retail level, subject to specific conditions[4].

    • [1] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/topics/infrastructure/high-level-groups/central-and-south-eastern-europe-energy-connectivity_en
    • [2] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/connecting-europe-facility_en
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1747 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 amending Regulations (EU) 2019/942 and (EU) 2019/943 as regards improving the Union’s electricity market design (OJ L, 2024/1747).
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ 2019, L 158).
    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 001-002 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration – RC-B10-0072/2024(001-002)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 001-002
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0072/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0073/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0080/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0081/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0082/2024 (The Left)
    B10-0085/2024 (S&D)
    on strengthening Moldova’s resilience against Russian interference ahead of the upcoming presidential elections and a constitutional referendum on EU integration
    (2024/2821(RSP))
    Siegfried Mureşan, Andrzej Halicki, Michael Gahler, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Daniel Caspary, Jan Farský, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver, Ioan-Rareş Bogdan, Daniel Buda, Gheorghe Falcă, Mircea-Gheorghe Hava, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Adina Vălean, Loránt Vincze, Iuliu Winkler
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Sven Mikser, Thijs Reuten, Dan Nica, Victor Negrescu, Gheorghe Cârciu, Mihai Tudose, Adrian-Dragoş Benea, Gabriela Firea, Maria Grapini, Claudiu Manda, Vasile Dîncu, Ştefan Muşoiu
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Cristian Terheş, Alexandr Vondra, Roberts Zīle, Ivaylo Valchev, Carlo Fidanza, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Assita Kanko, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Maciej Wąsik, Veronika Vrecionová, Georgiana Teodorescu, Adrian-George Axinia, Ondřej Krutílek, Tobiasz Bocheński, Alberico Gambino, Gheorghe Piperea, Aurelijus Veryga, Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Dan Barna, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt
    on behalf of The Left Group

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 001-001 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – RC-B10-0070/2024(001-001)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 001-001
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0070/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0071/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0079/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0083/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0084/2024 (S&D)
    on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
    (2024/2822(RSP))
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Daniel Caspary, Jan Farský, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Sven Mikser
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Veronika Vrecionová, Michał Dworczyk, Ondřej Krutílek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 005-005 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – RC-B10-0070/2024(005-005)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 005-005
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0070/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0071/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0079/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0083/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0084/2024 (S&D)
    on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
    (2024/2822(RSP))
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Daniel Caspary, Jan Farský, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Sven Mikser
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Veronika Vrecionová, Michał Dworczyk, Ondřej Krutílek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 003-003 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – RC-B10-0070/2024(003-003)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 003-003
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0070/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0071/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0079/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0083/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0084/2024 (S&D)
    on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
    (2024/2822(RSP))
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Daniel Caspary, Jan Farský, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Sven Mikser
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Veronika Vrecionová, Michał Dworczyk, Ondřej Krutílek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 004-004 – JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia – RC-B10-0070/2024(004-004)

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 004-004
    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION
    pursuant to Rule 136(2) and (4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10-0070/2024 (Renew)
    B10-0071/2024 (ECR)
    B10-0079/2024 (PPE)
    B10-0083/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10-0084/2024 (S&D)
    on the democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism in Georgia
    (2024/2822(RSP))
    Rasa Juknevičienė, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Željana Zovko, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Wouter Beke, Daniel Caspary, Jan Farský, Sandra Kalniete, Ondřej Kolář, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Matej Tonin, Milan Zver
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Sven Mikser
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Veronika Vrecionová, Michał Dworczyk, Ondřej Krutílek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Alberico Gambino, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Urmas Paet, Petras Auštrevičius, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Reinier Van Lanschot
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Jonas Sjöstedt, Hanna Gedin

    Source : © European Union, 2024 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Serious environmental and social impact of the Achlada coal mine operating in the municipality of Florina, Greece – E-001483/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission was not aware of the alleged problematic functioning of the coal mine in Achlada.

    Industrial installations for the extraction of coal are listed in Annex II (point 2.e) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive[1].

    According to Article 4 of the EIA Directive , prior to granting a consent for such projects, Member States are required to determine whether an environmental impact assessment is necessary, based on a case-by-case analysis or by setting specific criteria (such as the location, size or type of a project). Should such an assessment be required it would examine the impacts of the project on various elements, including on air quality.

    Member States are primarily responsible to ensure compliance with EU law, including verifying individual cases of potential breach of the relevant rules, and taking the necessary steps for enforcement and the appropriate measures to address any matter that has arisen.

    In the present case, the competent Greek authorities should verify whether the private company operating the mine complies with the permit that was granted to it, and in particular with any environmental conditions imposed.

    It should be stressed that human health protection aspects shall be fully taken into account in the permitting phase, including at the stages of granting, reviewing and updating of permits.

    • [1] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EU Commissioners-designate confirmation hearings in committees – Committee on Culture and Education

    Source: European Parliament

    The designated candidates of the von der Leyen Commission will be heard by the EP committees dealing with their respective portfolios from 04/11/2024 until 12/11/2024.

    During each confirmation hearing, the commissioner-designate will give an opening speech and then answer questions by committee members. More detailed information, including the candidates’ portfolios, the procedure, the schedule, the latest news and a live webstreaming during and record after the hearing, can be found on the dedicated webpage.

    Commissioners-designate hearings:

    https://elections.europa.eu/european-commission/en/

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Political pressure on content moderation and limiting freedom of speech in social media – E-001750/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001750/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Piotr Müller (ECR), Bogdan Rzońca (ECR), Anna Zalewska (ECR), Dominik Tarczyński (ECR), Aurelijus Veryga (ECR), Adrian-George Axinia (ECR), Ivaylo Valchev (ECR), Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR), Michał Dworczyk (ECR), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Nicolas Bay (ECR), Tobiasz Bocheński (ECR), Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Gheorghe Piperea (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR), Laurence Trochu (ECR), Sebastian Tynkkynen (ECR), Marlena Maląg (ECR), Marion Maréchal (ECR), Waldemar Buda (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR)

    In the light of the recent letter from EU Commissioner Thierry Breton to Elon Musk, in which the Commissioner exerts direct pressure on X (formerly Twitter) to ensure stricter content moderation under the pretext of managing harmful content, and considering the statement by Meta’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, who revealed instances of formal and informal coercion by public authorities to demote or remove specific content:

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm whether Commissioner Breton or any other Commission officials have, at any point, used their political or administrative positions to exert pressure – whether formally or informally – on major social media platforms to enforce specific content moderation actions, even when those actions contradicted the platforms’ own assessments or policies?
    • 2.During negotiations of codes of conduct, or discussions related to best practices under the Digital Services Act (DSA)[1], have Commission officials, including Commissioner Breton, pushed for specific content moderation standards or practices that platforms found contentious or excessive, and, if so, were these requests consistent with the principles of free speech and transparency that the Commission publicly upholds?
    • 3.Does the Commission maintain records of all communications regarding content moderation discussions with social media platforms?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Team Europe launches new funding envelope to support economic growth in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The ACP Trust Fund has received pledges worth more than €74 million from seven EU countries.
    • Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Sweden are the first contributors, adding to the EU contribution launched in February 2023.
    • In line with the EU Global Gateway strategy, the primary focus of the support will be to provide grants and technical assistance to projects promoting sustainable growth in ACP countries.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has signed agreements with seven EU Member States pledging just over €74 million to a new envelope under the ACP Trust Fund. This funding will promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and human development, especially in least developed countries and fragile states in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific. The ACP Trust Fund envelope supported by EU Member States will target EU Global Gateway projects in ACP countries and support the UN’s Agenda 2030 as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “This is a great example of Team Europe partners working together. I look forward to welcoming future donors to the fund so that, together, we can invest in energy, health, climate, food security and digital solutions that will foster green and inclusive growth – ultimately boosting prosperity in Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific,” said EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros.

    Denmark has pledged around €9.9 million, Finland €4.3 million, Germany €30.6 million, Luxembourg €5.4 million, Portugal €2.8 million, Spain €9 million, and Sweden €12.25 million.

    Denmark: “Denmark is committed to supporting inclusive green growth globally, including in least developed countries and fragile states. Our ambition is to promote the European Union as an effective and impactful global actor, and that is why we support the EIB’s new ACP Trust Fund. Through the trust fund, we are delighted to be contributing to inclusive and sustainable development – especially in Africa, which is well-aligned with Denmark’s new strategy of stronger engagement with African countries. The trust fund is financed by a true Team Europe approach, and I strongly encourage other European partners to join,” said Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

    Finland: “Finland sees the ACP Trust Fund as an important vehicle to support the implementation of the Global Gateway in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. We hope that our contribution will, for example, contribute to greater, safer digital connectivity in our partner countries and give European companies more ways to invest in and develop projects in the ACP countries,” said Juha Savolainen, Director General (Department for Development Policy) of Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

    Germany: “Fostering human and social development, addressing climate change and mobilising investments for sustainable and inclusive growth are at the heart of the EU-ACP partnership. The EIB ACP Trust Fund can help increase the development impact of EIB projects in ACP partner countries, including with regard to the implementation of Global Gateway projects. Therefore, we support it in a Team Europe spirit together with other EU partners,” said Dirk Meyer, Director-General of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. 

    Luxembourg: “Luxembourg is proud to contribute €5.4 million to the ACP Trust Fund, reflecting our commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries. This funding, from the reflows of the former ACP Investment Facility, aims to empower communities, promote environmental sustainability and enhance resilience. We look forward to ongoing collaboration with the EIB, the European Commission and EU Member States to achieve impactful development outcomes,” said Finance Minister of Luxembourg Gilles Roth.

    Portugal: “Portugal’s contribution to the ACP Trust Fund reflects our ongoing commitment to sustainable economic, social and environmental development in these regions. By partnering with the European Union and other Member States, we can better leverage resources and collectively unlock financial and technical assistance to target global challenges and achieve impact in areas like climate action, connectivity and job creation,” said Portugal’s Minister of State and Finance Joaquim Miranda Sarmento.

    Spain: Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares said, “Spain’s €9 million contribution will increase EIB Global’s capacity to reach ACP countries through tailored instruments, such as technical assistance to support capacity-building. We need to unlock sustainable finance for the countries that need it the most, as they often face adverse financing conditions that hinder sustainable development. This contribution reinforces our support for the ACP countries, and is consistent with our commitment to implementing the SDGs and raising more financing for the development agenda, as shown by Spain’s move to host the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Seville in 2025.”

    Sweden: “Sweden is glad to contribute to the ACP Trust Fund in a renewal of the historic partnership between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific States. The Trust Fund will play an important role in fulfilling the overall objectives of the Global Gateway, linking trade, business and development cooperation in the entire ACP region. We look forward to being part of a broad collaboration encompassing four continents, 79 countries and 1.5 billion people, and to work together on issues of green transition, entrepreneurship and digitalisation”, said Benjamin Dousa, Sweden’s Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade.

    European Commission: “Enabling the private sector is key to sustainable development. I welcome the Member States’ contribution to the ACP Trust Fund. Together with our powerful risk-sharing instrument, the EFSD+, these resources will underpin the implementation of the Global Gateway investment strategy,” said Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen.

    In 2023, the European Commission and EIB Global signed an agreement for €500 million and launched the first of two envelopes of the ACP Trust Fund to realise high-impact projects in the private sector that could not otherwise be brought to fruition.

    The ACP Trust Fund forms part of the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI – Global Europe). Through this programme, the European Commission supports technical assistance and financial instruments spanning equity, quasi-equity, subordinated debt and risk-sharing. Last year in Madagascar, for example, the ACP Trust Fund supported agricultural mechanisation for smallholder farmers and the construction of a refrigerated facility for local fishermen. In Uganda, it helped fund the installation of over 500 telecom towers to broaden access to communications in the countryside.

    The Member States envelope of the ACP Trust Fund is an effective complement to the European Commission-financed envelope, and provides technical assistance, investment grants and interest rate subsidies in both the public and private sectors. The technical assistance is expected to help raise standards and ensure that environmental and social requirements are met throughout the preparation and implementation of each project. Investment grants and interest rate subsidies help reduce total financing needs, especially where a project promoter faces debt sustainability constraints.

    Background information

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investments that pursue EU policy goals. EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner in the Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. With Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships, alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through its offices around the world.

    Global Gateway

    The Global Gateway strategy is the European Union’s offer for partner countries to support their resilience and sustainable development. It aims to narrow the global investment gap with value-driven investments from the public and private sectors, supporting global economic recovery and accompanying the twin green and digital transitions outside the European Union. Worldwide, the Global Gateway aims to mobilise €300 billion in investments between 2021 and 2027, with a mix of grants, concessional loans and guarantees to de-risk private sector investments.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Alleged abuse of a dominant position on the electronic payments market – E-001933/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001933/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    At the European Parliament hearing on Monday 23 September 2024, ECB Executive Board member Piero Cipollone stated that the electronic payments market was dominated by a duopoly made up of two US firms, which, accordingly, charge excessive prices.

    According to my reading of the Treaties, the power to identify and address a dominant position on a relevant market, and abuse of that position, lies exclusively with the competition authorities of the Member States and the Commission.

    Does the Commission agree with the ECB’s analysis that the two US duopolists are abusing their dominant position on the electronic payments market? If so, when will it bring infringement proceedings against them?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 14 October: Assistance to Ukraine, Egypt and Jordan, TDI Report and Forced Labour – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    At its 14 October meeting, INTA Members will exchange and vote on the financial assistance package in support of Ukraine consisting of a Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism and an exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan of up to €35 billion.

    Members will also consider two macro-financial assistance programmes: one for Egypt and one for Jordan. Council adopted a short-term MFA of up to €1 billion on 12 April 2024. The current MFA proposal for Egypt would complement the existing €1 billion MFA with a longer-term operation of up to €4 billion. The proposal for a new MFA operation to Jordan is worth up to €500 million dates back to 8 April 2024.

    Chief Trade Enforcement Officer Denis Redonnet will present the 42nd Annual Report on the EU’s Anti-Dumping, Anti-Subsidy and Safeguard activities and the Use of Trade Defence Instruments by Third Countries targeting the EU in 2023.

    INTA and IMCO will also jointly examine the draft corrigendum of the Forced Labour regulation adopted in the previous legislature.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Hungarian golden passport and visa schemes – E-001863/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001863/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Joachim Streit (Renew)

    Hungary is increasingly promoting its golden passport and visa programmes, especially among Chinese investors. Such schemes are at odds with the principle of sincere cooperation and commodify EU citizenship and right of residence. The fact that citizenship and right of residence can effectively be purchased in Hungary opens the door to corruption, money laundering, security threats and tax avoidance.

    It is also important to add that these schemes jeopardise macroeconomic governance and put other Member States at a competitive disadvantage. Member States that comply with EU rules and that have not introduced similar schemes are at a disadvantage vis-à-vis Hungary. In response to my question to the Hungarian Minister for European Union Affairs on the legality of these plans, János Bóka stated at the AFCO Committee meeting that all Member States could do what they wanted.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s assessment of the distortion of competition caused by these schemes? What compensatory financial mechanisms can it propose to reduce the negative economic impact on other Member States caused by this unfair behaviour?
    • 2.What specific steps has the Commission taken to get Hungary to scrap these programmes?
    • 3.How does the Commission’s plan to prevent the continuation of golden passport and visa schemes in Hungary?

    Submitted: 27.9.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protection of children from addiction to social networks – E-001935/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001935/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)

    According to a recent WHO report,[1] 11 % of adolescents ‘showed signs of problematic social media behaviour, struggling to control their use’. Scientific studies have also linked prolonged and excessive social media use to sleep disturbances and, therefore, to consequences for children’s mental and physical development, as well as to depression, bullying and increased anxiety. It may be that digital platforms and social media are designed to reinforce children’s addiction through their design, operation and/or use.

    In view of this:

    • 1.Following on from the Digital Services Act,[2] what does the Commission plan to do to address addiction to social media among children as a consequence of their design, operation and/or use?
    • 2.How does it plan to help the Member States provide comprehensive and up-to-date digital literacy programmes?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Loan to Ukraine and the European Stability Pact – E-001947/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001947/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thierry Mariani (PfE)

    The Commission has brought forward a new raft of measures in support of Ukraine’s civilian expenditure, which could translate into an overall outlay of up to EUR 45 billion at EU level.

    A portion of that sum will be funded by means of an exceptional financial contribution from the Member States, with a potential EUR 9 billion for France, given its weight within the Union.

    The Stability and Growth Pact, which provides a framework for monitoring Member States’ deficits and debt, was revised in the spring.

    It established net government expenditure as a new variable for tracking the trajectory of public finances, with such expenditure being understood as gross public expenditure less, inter alia, national expenditure on the co-financing of programmes funded by the Union.

    • 1.Will the Commission include expenditure on support measures for Ukraine decided at EU level in its calculation of net government expenditure?
    • 2.If not, how will it take into account this significant financial effort the EU is imposing on Member States, which is liable to distort the way in which their fiscal trajectories are perceived?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ‘I feel happy here’

    Source: European Investment Bank

    When the Russian bombardments started in Odesa in March 2022, Patrashku fled to Kopparberg in southern Sweden. After a year, she moved north to Skellefteå to work as assistant nurse.

    With a population of 76 542, Skellefteå has grown quickly over the past five years. By 2030, it’s expected to add 16 000 further people.

    Finding accommodation wasn’t easy for Patrashku. Properties were often taken before she could even visit them. The only option seemed to be living with other Ukrainian refugees, but Patrashku was determined to get a proper place. She signed onto Skebo’s housing list and started collecting “points”.

    The number of points required to rent an apartment varies according to  location and the applicant’s place in the queue. While those with the greatest need, such as low-income individuals, homeless people, refugees and the disabled, are given priority, others can also qualify if there is enough housing available.

    With 53 points, Patrashku qualified for an apartment in Bostäder, a picturesque rural area north of Skellefteå. “Support from the European Investment Bank has given us the opportunity to accelerate housing construction in places where the private sector wouldn’t see an immediate return on investment,” says Ulander, the municipal official.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Madrid-Lisbon high-speed rail link – E-001937/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001937/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Borja Giménez Larraz (PPE), Elena Nevado del Campo (PPE)

    In August 2024, the Spanish Ministry of Transport pledged to map out the route that the Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon high-speed rail link would take through the province of Toledo. However, the Spanish Government is still dragging its feet over this decision, jeopardising the 2030 completion deadline set by the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) for this railway.

    And Spain is not the only country affected. Portugal will also be impacted, given that this high-speed railway line is a key border crossing between Madrid and Lisbon that would boost regional development and combat depopulation. Not to mention that both countries are hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

    Due to the Spanish Government’s lack of commitment and given that this railway line is part of the TEN-T core network, there is a need for EU-level action.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What mechanisms does the Commission have at its disposal to enforce the deadlines for implementing the TEN-T?
    • 2.Has the Spanish Government informed the Commission of its timeline for completing the Madrid-Lisbon high-speed railway?
    • 3.Does the Commission think that the deadlines will be met?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Solidarity and funding to renovate the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital in the Azores – E-001931/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001931/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    André Rodrigues (S&D)

    On 4 May 2024, a major fire broke out at the Divino Espírito Santo Hospital (DESH) in Ponta Delgada, São Miguel, Azores, putting it out of action. The entire hospital had to be evacuated, with patients being moved into alternative accommodation. The health care system and services on the island and in the wider region also had to be reorganised.

    DESH is the largest health facility in the region and the hospital for the other health centres, giving it an important role on the island and in the region as a whole. The disaster has therefore considerably disrupted health care and has had a significant financial impact on the Azores region’s health service and budget.

    • 1.Has Portugal activated the EU Solidarity Fund to help cover the costs of this disaster and quickly restore the hospital? If so, how much funding has been requested?
    • 2.What other EU funding is available to the region and Member State to quickly restore and improve a crucial health facility in one of the EU’s outermost regions?

    Submitted: 3.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compensatory measures for the fishing fleet following the ruling by the CJEU suspending the agreement with Morocco – E-001965/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001965/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)

    The ruling issued by the Court of Justice of the European Union annulling the trade agreements between the European Union and Morocco has caused serious concern to the Spanish fishing fleet, which regularly operates in Moroccan fishing grounds.

    Furthermore, the suspension of these agreements entails a loss of income for the fishing fleet not to say a further reduction in fishing possibilities for a sector already affected by the crisis and the cut in days and quotas set by the European Commission itself.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What timetable is the Commission setting itself for negotiations with Morocco with a view to finding a solution for the fisheries sector?
    • 2.What action will the Commission take in response to the CJEU ruling on the agreement with Morocco?
    • 3.What compensatory aid will it provide for the European fishing fleet affected by the suspension of the agreement?

    Submitted: 4.10.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –