NewzIntel.com

Category: MIL-OSI

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Young Kim Pushes to Improve Wildfire Mitigation Efforts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) joined Reps. Joe Neguse (CO-02), Marc Molinaro (NY-19), and Josh Harder (CA-09) to introduce the Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act (H.R. 9703). 

    This bipartisan bill will help inform recommendations for improving the effectiveness and efficiency of wildfire mitigation by identifying gaps and opportunities in current federal rules and regulations and supporting increased collaboration across agencies and land boundaries.  
     

    “As we introduce this bill, firefighters are working around the clock to contain the Airport fire on federal land in the Cleveland National Forest in Trabuco Canyon and surrounding communities. We also recently saw how a fire miles away can negatively impact the air quality in our area,” said Rep. Young Kim. “Reducing barriers to wildfire mitigation can save lives. The Cross Boundary Wildfire Solutions Act aims to bridge any barriers to wildfire mitigation and ensure our first responders can do their jobs as effectively as possible. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan, commonsense effort with Reps. Neguse, Molinaro, and Harder, and I will keep doing all I can to keep our communities safe and support first responders.” 

    Rep. Kim has been working tirelessly to improve wildfire mitigation efforts through efforts such as: 

    • Leading the bipartisan Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235) to expand access to wildfire technologies;  
    • Helping introduce the Fire Weather Development Act (H.R. 4866), which passed the House and includes bipartisan bills Rep. Kim worked on to enhance wildfire detection capabilities and improve communications and information sharing efforts between first responders and community members;  
    • Introducing the Restoring Our Unopened Trails for Enjoyment and Safety (ROUTES) Act (H.R. 6994) to prioritize, streamline, and improve maintenance of federal trails, roads, campgrounds, and recreation sites damaged by certain natural disasters;  
    • Securing funding in FY22 appropriations for the City of Yorba Linda Water District to install an additional heli-hydrant and for the City of Chino Hills’ fuel reduction project for areas susceptible to wildfires;  
    • Increasing resources for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Urban Search & Rescue Response System (US&R) task forces, which are deployed to respond to natural disasters in California and across the nation; 
    • Adding language to the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2024 directing U.S. Forest Service to address deferred trail maintenance issues. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sydney River — Tips from the public lead to impaired driving arrest

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Northeast Traffic Services – Cape Breton (NETS-CB) has charged a man with impaired driving in Sydney River.

    On September 21, at approximately 11:30 a.m., RCMP NETS-CB responded to a report of a Nissan Altima, which was traveling eastbound on Hwy. 4 from East Bay, weaving on the road and driving too slowly for the conditions.

    Based on details provided by concerned callers, RCMP officers located and safely stopped the vehicle near Sydney River.

    The driver of the Altima, a 28-year-old man from Reserve Mines, showed signs of impairment by alcohol. He was arrested and transported to the NETS-CB office where he provided breath samples that registered at 200mg% and 180mg%. He will face charges of Impaired Operation of a Conveyance and Impaired Operation Equal to, or Over, 80mg%.

    The man was also arrested in relation to an outstanding warrant and transported to Cape Breton Correctional Centre.

    “Callers gave significant details that helped us locate and stop this vehicle,” says A/Cpl. J. Michael Francis, RCMP NETS-CB. “We had information about not only what road they were on and the direction of travel, but also a unique feature of the vehicle that allowed us to identify it. The information we had from the public was key to getting this impaired driver off the road.”

    A passenger in the vehicle was not arrested and will not face charges.

    Road safety is a priority for the Nova Scotia RCMP. We continue to encourage members of the public to call 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Steel Calls on Biden to Address Human Rights Abuses with Vietnam Leader

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Michelle Steel (CA-48)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to President Biden ahead of his Wednesday meeting with Vietnam’s president and ruling Communist Party chief, Congresswoman Michelle Steel called on the President to directly address worsening human rights abuses in Vietnam under To Lam’s leadership.

    “Regretfully, this week you will be giving the enormous platform of a presidential meeting to Vietnam’s President and ruling Communist Party Chief, To Lam. During your sit down at the UN, it is crucial that you stop paying lip service to human rights and instead directly address the persecution that has defined To Lam’s leadership in Vietnam,” wrote Steel, who represents the Little Saigon community of Orange County that his home to a large population of Vietnamese Americans.

    Steel’s letter noted that during the meeting, Biden must pressure To Lam to:

    • Release all prisoners of conscience.
    • End the persecution of Vietnamese human rights defenders, activists, and government critics.
    • Respect all religious minorities and hold accountable Vietnamese authorities who imprison individuals based on religious beliefs.

    Steel also noted that the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent engagement with Vietnam has done nothing to slow the suppression of free speech and religious persecution on To Lam’s watch. Prior to his current head of state role, To Lam served as the Communist Party of Vietnam’s Minister of Public Security.

    “As the Biden Harris Administration attempts to promote closer ties with Vietnam, To Lam’s rise to power has coincided with a significant increase in human rights abuses by the Vietnamese authorities on its own citizens. This includes scores of human rights activists and independent journalists…who all face lengthy prison sentences for voicing their opinions about the Communist Party of Vietnam,” Steel added.

    Steel’s letter can be viewed here.

    Rep. Steel represents parts of Orange County and Los Angeles County, including the Little Saigon community which has the largest population of Vietnamese anywhere outside of Vietnam.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Moran Receives Guardian of Small Business Award from National Federation of Independent Business

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01)

    Washington, D.C. ­– Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for his efforts to support small businesses in East Texas and across the country. Congressman Moran received an 100% score from NFIB for his voting record in Congress on issues that impact small businesses.

    “I’m grateful to receive the NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award,” said Congressman Moran. “As a former small business owner, it’s a privilege to promote the right to own, operate, and help grow East Texas small businesses. I look forward to continuing the fight to protect Main Street businesses.”

    “The NFIB Guardian of Small Business Award is presented to Members of Congress with a demonstrated record of supporting America’s small and independent business owners,” said NFIB President Brad Close. “This Congress, small businesses faced tough economic headwinds, especially from inflation, labor shortages, and tax pressures at all levels of the government. We are proud to recognize the lawmakers from the 118th Congress who stood up for Main Street by taking pro-small business votes that would reduce taxes, eliminate burdensome government mandates, lower health insurance costs, and fuel the Main Street economy.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Laurel Lee Introduce Bill to Combat CCP Cyber Threat Actors

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Laurel Lee – Florida (15th District)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Homeland Security Committee Republicans introduced legislation to combat growing cyber threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against our critical infrastructure. Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL) introduced legislation to establish an interagency task force led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to address the cybersecurity threats posed by state-sponsored cyber actors associated with the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including Volt Typhoon.
     
    Additionally, the bill requires that the task force provide a classified report and briefing to Congress annually for five years on their findings, conclusions, and recommendations relating to malicious CCP cyber activity. Committee Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) and Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) cosponsored the legislation. Read more in NextGov via David DiMolfetta.
     
    On the “Strengthening Cyber Resilience Against State-Sponsored Threats Act,” Representative Lee said, “The CCP, acting through Volt Typhoon and other threat actors, has made a concerted effort to pre-position itself within our networks in order to target and compromise the critical infrastructure Americans rely on every day––from the transportation and water sectors to the energy sector. While individual agencies have worked to examine and address the threats posed by malign cyber actors like Volt Typhoon, a siloed approach to cybersecurity will only give our adversaries the upper hand. It is critical that the federal government implements a focused, coordinated, and whole-of-government response to all of Beijing’s cyber threats, so no other actors succeed.”  
     
    Chairman Green said, “The threat actor ‘Volt Typhoon’ remained undetected and undeterred in our networks for far too long.  The discovery of the new actor ‘Flax Typhoon’ further demonstrates the CCP’s unabashed commitment to infiltrating our critical infrastructure. While intrusions from threat actors like the Typhoons create a dangerous opportunity for espionage, we know they could also serve as open doors for the CCP to manipulate or thwart crucial services Americans rely on in the event of escalation in the Indo-Pacific. Now is the time to address the threat China poses in cyberspace.”
     
    Chairman Moolenaar said, “At our Select Committee hearing earlier this year, FBI Director Wray broke the news that the United States had uncovered state-affiliated Chinese hackers, known collectively as Volt Typhoon, who infiltrated American critical infrastructure and installed malware to unleash a cyber-attack at a time of their choosing. I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation alongside Rep. Laurel Lee that will help protect the American people.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO Reports on Botched FAFSA Rollout Reveal New Failures, Harm to Students

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins

    The preliminary findings showed that more than 400,000 fewer students, disproportionately those from low- and middle-income families, did not utilize the FAFSA last year due to the Department of Education’s failures, which included an abysmal 25% support call center answer rate, and the application taking on average nearly 700 times longer to complete than the Department had advertised.

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Susan Collins, a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee and the Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, responded to the two statements released as part of the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) preliminary findings reviewing the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) failure to roll out the updated and simplified 2024-2025 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The first statement of the two focused on the impact this failure had on students and schools, and the second reviewed the technical problems that led to this failure. Last month, the ED announced that the 2025-2026 FAFSA form will again not be available nationwide by the traditional release date of October 1.
    In January of this year, Senator Collins was part of the bicameral group that called on the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct these investigations into the Department of Education’s failure to implement the 2024-2025 FAFSA program. The final report is estimated for release in 2025. Last week, Senator Collins has joined a bipartisan group of her colleagues in introducing a resolution condemning the botched implementation by the Department of Education of the 2024-2025 FAFSA and the requirements mandated by the FAFSA Simplification Act.
    “These statements confirm much of what was already assumed, that the failures of the ED and its leadership have led to hundreds of thousands fewer students, many of them from low- and middle-income households, filling out a FAFSA application. The Department’s failures have directly led to many young people foregoing a traditional college education, for no reason other than lack of affordability,” said Senator Collins. “In my time working at Husson University, I learned firsthand the devastating impact a failure of this sort has on Maine students and families—whose decision of whether to send their children to college, especially for aspiring first-generation college students, is directly tied to the costs of doing so. With these reviews, it is clear that the Department must be held accountable for failing the American people in one of their most fundamental duties as a federal education agency. Maine families cannot make significant financial decisions for their children if they do not know what student aid is being made available to them, and the leadership of the Department must answer for these unacceptable mistakes.”
    The negative outcomes of the botched 2024-2025 FAFSA rollout described in the GAO statements include:
    Over 432,000 fewer students utilized the FAFSA, a 3% decrease from the previous year.
    The most significant decrease was amongst households who make between $30,000-$48,000 a year, where FAFSA applications were down 11%.
    The ED has reported and advertised that the new FAFSA form would only take between 15-20 minutes to complete. The actual average completion time for dependent first-time applicants was 5 days. The longer it takes for a student to complete a FAFSA, the less likely students and families are to finish it.
    74% of calls made to the Federal Student Aid (FSA) Call Center went unanswered.
    Additionally, the FSA waited 5 months before increasing call center staffing after the delayed launch.
    For those who submitted a paper FAFSA, FSA did not confirm receipt of forms. Those who submitted paper FAFSAs had to wait between 7 and 8 months before knowing if FSA had even received their application.
    ED mistakenly did not allow an applicant whose parent did not have a social security number to complete a FAFSA until 2 months after the form was launched. Then, ED grossly underestimated the work to verify the identity of parents who are non-citizens, required by law by 63 times. As a result, they suspended the requirement. It also did not allow for the automatic transferring of tax information for non-citizens with Individual Tax Identification Numbers (TIN). ED still has not timeline for fixing this issue.
    34,000 students who submitted paper FAFSAs did not receive confirmation of the receipt of their FAFSA until 7 months after it was submitted.
    ED does not have any comprehensive communication plan that includes steps to provide FAFSA applicants with timely updates on the status of their application and solutions to technical barriers.
    There are over 20 technical issues with the FAFSA processing system as of August 2024.
    The online form submission system was demonstrated to have an extremely high rate of defects. After deploying the system, 7 of the 55 discovered defects were categorized as “critical.”
    In 2020, Senator Collins co-sponsored the bipartisan FAFSA Simplification Act, which passed Congress, and required the Department of Education to roll out a new simplified FAFSA program by January 1, 2024. Despite having three years to prepare, the application was only made available for borrowers for 30 minutes on December 30, 2023 and then one additional hour on December 31, 2023. The application was then only accessible for sporadic periods until it became fully live on January 6, 2024. After the FAFSA went fully live, it was still plagued with issues, including delivering incorrect applicant data to colleges.
    In April of this year, Senator Collins questioned Secretary of the Department of Education Miguel Cardona on the Department’s failure to implement the FAFSA Simplification Act during an Appropriations hearing. Following the hearing, Senator Collins and a bipartisan, bicameral group of 10 Committee leaders in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to Secretary Cardona urging the Department to prioritize the timely rollout of the 2025-2026 FAFSA form. Yet still, In August, the ED again announced that the release of the 2025-2026 FAFSA form will also be delayed, this time, until December 1, 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Condemns Hochul Administration’s Silence on Embedded CCP Agent

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today issued the following statement in response to the Hochul Administration’s failure to address her inquiries by the September 18 deadline regarding the Department of Justice’s recent indictment of Linda Sun, a high-ranking official in the Hochul administration, for allegedly acting as an agent of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

    “Governor Hochul’s failure to respond promptly sends a dangerous message not only to the CCP but to all foreign adversaries seeking to infiltrate our government. Clearly, Governor Hochul does not take this issue seriously and is content with CCP infiltration of her administration. We must hold Governor Hochul accountable and ensure any other CCP operatives within this administration are exposed and removed. In addition, Hochul must recognize the serious consequences this has had on the state’s relationship with Taiwan and our economy. Her administration must immediately address these concerns and initiate a bipartisan investigation to ensure no compromised CCP agents remain employed by New York State,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

    View Tenney’s letter that she sent to Governor Hochul on September 5th here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Meets with Minnesota Veterans Visiting Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Minnesota Amy Klobuchar
    WASHINGTON— U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met veterans visiting Washington, D.C. through the Honor Flight Network program. The Honor Flight Network has flown approximately over 2,300 World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans to Washington to see their memorials at no cost in recognition of their service and sacrifices. This flight consisted of 215 Minnesota and North Dakota-based veterans who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. 
    “It was an honor to meet these incredible Minnesota veterans on their trip to our nation’s capital for this important program,” said Klobuchar. “I am so thankful to all our veterans for their dedicated service to our country, and will continue fighting to ensure our servicemembers and veterans receive the full support they have earned.” 
    Veterans from Kittson, Roseau, Marshall, Beltrami, Polk, Red Lake, Pennington, Clearwater, Norman, Mahnomen, Hubbard, Clay, Becker, Wilkin, Otter Tail, Douglas, Grant, Traverse, Stevens, Swift, Big Stone, Pope, Todd and Wadena counties took part in this trip. 
    Photos available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks at the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Moment Event [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, dear friends,  

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.

    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.  

    Gardons les Objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.

    ***
    [all-English]

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    The Sustainable Development Goals represent a bold vision: a commitment to a better, healthier, safer and more prosperous and sustainable future.   

    But the Goals are facing massive headwinds.

    More than 4 out of 5 SDG targets are off track.

    On top of the impacts from a global pandemic, many countries are being crushed by massive debt burdens, limited liquidity and sky-high borrowing costs.

    Conflicts, hunger, inequalities and the climate crisis are all intensifying.

    And the global financial architecture is not providing developing countries with sufficient financing and liquidity or to act as an effective safety net for all.

    The world has the wealth, the technology, and the know-how to achieve the SDGs.

    Last September’s SDG Summit included consensus around an SDG Stimulus of at least $500 billion per year in financing for developing countries — and the need for global financial architecture reform.

    It highlighted key transitions to generate maximum progress — ending hunger, expanding renewable energy, digitalization, education, social protection and decent work, and ending the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.

    It also underscored the vital importance of ensuring that women, girls and young people are at the decision-making table.   

    Today, you will hear from leaders about their countries’ progress across all these areas — leaders determined to make changes, even in the face of great odds.

    And we will celebrate some milestones at the global level.

    From reducing child mortality rates…to preventing new HIV infections…to increasing access to renewable energy and broadband …to greater gender parity across education systems.

    As we reflect on next steps, I urge focus on the three development drivers that can accelerate progress.

    The first is finance. 

    Crushing debt and inefficient tax systems are starving investments in health, education and food in many developing countries.
       
    The Pact for the Future includes support for the SDG Stimulus and global financial architecture reform to help ease the debt crisis of so many developing countries.

    This includes multiplying the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks to provide more resources for climate action and sustainable development, and changing their business model to leverage massive amounts of private finance.  

    As we look towards next year’s Summits on Social Development and Financing, I urge all countries to double down on these reform efforts.

    The second development driver is climate action.

    I urge countries to put forward ambitious national climate action plans that align with the 1.5 degree limit, and cover the whole economy and all sectors.

    This requires aligning national energy strategies with a 1.5-degree world, ending fossil fuel subsidies and putting a price on carbon.

    It is time for a rapid and just phase-out of fossil fuels, and a rapid and smart scale-up of renewables to drive sustainable development, energy security and economic prosperity.

    We must fairly and sustainably meet the global demand for critical minerals that can power the renewables revolution. And the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals has provided recommendations to do this.

    Protecting development gains from climate upheaval is also critical.

    We need new and generous contributions to the Loss and Damage Fund.

    We need developed countries honouring their commitment to double adaptation funding by 2025.

    And we need governments to agree on a significant new climate finance goal at COP29, including new and innovative sources of finance.

    And the third development driver is peace.

    All our development plans are quickly erased by relentless conflicts that cause death, destruction, hunger, displacement and gender-based violence.

    And the resources we desperately need to feed and educate our children and build a sustainable planet for our young people are wasted on military expenditures.

    We need peace — from Gaza to Ukraine to Sudan and beyond.

    I call on global leaders to heal divisions, end conflicts, and invest in people and peace.

    Dear friends,

    In our world of unprecedented wealth, knowledge and technologies, there is no excuse.

    It’s time to keep the promises of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to end poverty, protect the planet, and leave no one behind.  

    Let’s keep the SDG commitment alive.

    Thank you.

    ***
    [all-French]

    Excellences, Chers amis,

    Les objectifs de développement durable incarnent une vision audacieuse. Ils constituent un engagement en faveur d’un avenir meilleur, plus sain, plus sûr, plus prospère et plus durable.

    Mais les vents contraires sont nombreux.

    Nous sommes mal partis pour atteindre plus de quatre sur cinq de toutes les cibles associées aux objectifs de développement durable.

    Outre les conséquences d’une pandémie mondiale auxquelles ils doivent faire face, de nombreux pays sont écrasés par un endettement massif, des liquidités limitées et des coûts d’emprunt très élevés.

    Les conflits, la faim, les inégalités et la crise climatique s’intensifient.

    En outre, l’architecture financière mondiale ne permet pas aux pays en développement de pouvoir compter sur suffisamment de financements et de liquidités et ne leur offre pas un filet de sécurité efficace pour tous.

    Le monde a pourtant les richesses, les technologies et le savoir-faire qu’il faut pour atteindre les objectifs de développement durable.

    Au mois de septembre dernier, le Sommet sur les objectifs de développement durable a permis de dégager un consensus autour d’un plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable, prévoyant des financements d’au moins 500 milliards de dollars par an pour les pays en développement – et de s’accorder sur le fait qu’il est nécessaire de réformer l’architecture financière mondiale.

    L’accent a été mis sur les transitions clés qui permettront d’accomplir un maximum de progrès dans toute une série de domaines : élimination de la faim, développement des énergies renouvelables, numérisation, éducation, protection sociale et travail décent, ainsi que de mettre fin à la triple crise planétaire, à savoir les changements climatiques, la pollution et l’appauvrissement de la biodiversité.

    Il a également été souligné qu’il était crucial de veiller à ce que les femmes, les filles et les jeunes aient leur place à la table des décisions.

    Aujourd’hui, vous entendrez des dirigeants et dirigeantes parler des progrès réalisés par leur pays dans tous ces domaines. Ils sont déterminés à faire bouger les lignes, en dépit des difficultés énormes auxquelles ils heurtent.

    Et nous célébrerons des réussites phares à l’échelle planétaire : depuis la réduction des taux de mortalité infantile jusqu’à l’amélioration de la prévention des nouvelles infections par le VIH, en passant par l’élargissement de l’accès aux énergies renouvelables et de l’accès au haut débit et par l’amélioration de la parité entre les femmes et les hommes dans les systèmes éducatifs.

    Alors que nous réfléchissons aux prochaines étapes, je vous invite à vous concentrer sur les trois moteurs du développement qui pourraient permettre d’accélérer le rythme des progrès.

    Tout d’abord, les financements.

    Dans de nombreux pays en développement, les investissements dans les domaines de la santé, de l’éducation et de l’alimentation sont exsangues à cause du niveau écrasant de la dette et de l’inefficacité des systèmes fiscaux.

    Dans le Pacte pour l’avenir, il est prévu d’appuyer le plan de relance des objectifs de développement durable et la réforme de l’architecture financière mondiale afin d’atténuer la crise de la dette que traversent de trop nombreux pays en développement.

    Il s’agit notamment de multiplier la capacité de prêt des banques multilatérales de développement afin de dégager davantage de ressources pour l’action climatique et le développement durable, et de modifier leur modèle de fonctionnement afin de mobiliser en masse des financements privés.

    Les Sommets sur le développement social et le financement auront lieu l’an prochain, et j’invite tous les pays à redoubler d’efforts pour faire avancer la réforme dans cette perspective.

    Le deuxième moteur du développement, c’est l’action climatique.

    J’invite les pays à adopter des plans d’action nationaux pour le climat qui soient ambitieux, en ne dépassant pas la limite des 1,5 degré, et en couvrant l’ensemble de l’économie et tous les secteurs.

    Il faudra pour cela aligner les stratégies énergétiques nationales sur l’objectif d’une élévation de la température mondiale ne dépassant pas les 1,5 degré, mettre fin aux subventions aux combustibles fossiles et fixer un prix pour le carbone.

    L’heure est venue d’éliminer progressivement mais rapidement les combustibles fossiles, au terme d’une transition équitable, et d’augmenter rapidement, avec discernement, les énergies renouvelables pour favoriser le développement durable, la sécurité énergétique et la prospérité économique.

    Nous devons répondre d’une manière juste et durable à la demande mondiale en minéraux essentiels, qui ont le potentiel de porter la révolution des énergies renouvelables. Et le Groupe chargé de la question des minéraux essentiels à la transition énergétique a formulé des recommandations à cette fin.

    Il est également essentiel de protéger les acquis du développement face aux bouleversements climatiques.

    Il faut par ailleurs que de nouvelles et généreuses contributions soient versées au Fonds pour les pertes et les préjudices.

    Les pays développés doivent honorer l’engagement qu’ils ont pris de doubler le financement de l’adaptation d’ici à 2025.

    Et il faut que les gouvernements se mettent d’accord sur un nouvel objectif ambitieux en ce qui concerne le financement de l’action climatique lors de la vingt-neuvième session de la Conférence des Parties à la Convention-cadre des Nations Unies sur les changements climatiques, y compris au sujet des sources de financement nouvelles ou novatrices.

    Le troisième facteur de développement, c’est la paix.

    Tous nos plans de développement sont rapidement anéantis par des conflits sans fin causant la mort, la destruction, la faim, les déplacements de populations et les violences basées sur le genre.

    Et les ressources dont nous avons tant besoin pour nourrir et éduquer nos enfants et construire une planète durable pour notre jeunesse sont gaspillées en dépenses militaires.

    Nous avons besoin de paix – à Gaza, en Ukraine, au Soudan, et partout ailleurs.

    J’appelle les dirigeants du monde entier à surmonter les divisions, à mettre fin aux conflits, et à investir dans l’avenir de leurs populations et dans la paix.

    Chers amis,

    Dans un monde de richesses exceptionnelles, de connaissances et de technologies sans précédent, nous n’avons aucune excuse.

    Il est temps de tenir les promesses du Programme 2030 – de mettre fin à la pauvreté, de protéger la planète, et de ne laisser personne de côté.

    Gardons les objectifs de développement durable en vie.

    Je vous remercie.
    ***

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Amherd emphasises Switzerland’s commitment to peace and calls for strengthening of multilateralism in New York

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Bern, 24.09.2024 – In her speech to the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, 24 September, President Viola Amherd focused on peacebuilding and international humanitarian law. She emphasised Switzerland’s commitment to strong and effective multilateralism.

    In various conflicts around the world civilian populations and infrastructure are not only afforded inadequate protection, but are being deliberately targeted, explained the President. International law, as the foundation of all joint efforts for peace, security and prosperity in the world, must serve as the basis for action. She cited Switzerland’s commitment to peacebuilding, including the Conference on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock, and called for focused and effective multilateralism. She warned against the fragmentation of the world into blocs and paid tribute to the central role of the UN as the only universal organisation to address common challenges.

    The UN General Assembly was preceded by the Summit of the Future, which was aimed at strengthening international cooperation. Switzerland welcomes the Pact for the Future adopted at the summit as an important commitment to multilateralism. The Pact draws on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as a reference framework, sets priorities in peacebuilding and places human rights at the heart of each chapter. The Pact for the Future is a call for action by all UN member states, said President Amherd at the weekend.

    UN Security Council debate and bilateral meetings

    The president’s programme during her visit to New York continues with her participation in a high-level debate of the UN Security Council on the topic of ‘Leadership for Peace’ on Wednesday. Ms Amherd will give a speech at an event on the equal participation of women in political decision-making processes, which will be attended by other female presidents and heads of government. An event on the inclusion of women in the peace process in Afghanistan has already taken place.

    President Amherd is taking advantage of her time at the UN to meet with heads of state and government. She met with Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Sabah and the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday. The talks with the Kuwaiti Crown Prince covered bilateral relations while focusing on the Middle East conflict; this subject was also addressed at the meeting with President Pezeshkian alongside the human rights situation in Iran, Switzerland’s protecting power mandate and the 2015 nuclear agreement.

    A meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres is scheduled for Tuesday evening, which is set to address issues including multilateralism and Switzerland’s presidency of the UN Security Council in October.

    Address for enquiries

    DDPS Communications
    +41 58 464 50 58
    kommunikation@gs-vbs.admin.ch

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports
    http://www.vbs.admin.ch

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft expands its Global Engineering Development Center’s footprint to the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft expands its Global Engineering Development Center’s footprint to the UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi

    The Development Center will support world-class engineering talent in developing cutting-edge solutions that drive innovation and deliver lasting global impact

    ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — Sept. 24, 2024 — Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday announced it is expanding its Global Engineering Development Center footprint to the UAE. A new development center, which will be established in Abu Dhabi, is Microsoft’s first engineering center to be launched in the Arab world, joining the company’s global portfolio of development centers across key strategic locations around the world.

    Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will be part of a global ecosystem of centers dedicated to the creation of AI innovations, cloud technologies and advanced cybersecurity solutions. The engineering teams at the center will create cutting-edge solutions that will be part of Microsoft solutions globally.

    This announcement is the latest in a series of investments by Microsoft that further strengthens the UAE’s position as a global hub of tech innovation and talent. Microsoft’s strategic partnership with G42 has been instrumental in establishing a thriving local technological ecosystem, and the new Microsoft Engineering Development Center will build on these efforts by not only creating cutting-edge technologies in the region but also attracting top tech talent from around the world to develop tailored solutions that tackle pressing challenges in critical industries globally.

    His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said, “As a hub of innovation, Abu Dhabi is well-positioned to lead global efforts in AI, championing transformative solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Abu Dhabi’s advanced digital and physical infrastructure, combined with the UAE’s strategic location at the heart of the world, allows us to drive positive, far-reaching impacts across industries and societies alike.”

    Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO, Microsoft, said, “We are committed to ensuring transformative technologies, like AI, benefit everyone broadly and create local opportunity. Our Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will bring new talent to the region and help power innovation that will drive economic growth and job creation for both the UAE and the world.”

    Peng Xiao, Group CEO, G42, said, “The establishment of Microsoft’s Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi underscores the growing importance of the UAE as a hub for technological innovation. While G42 and Microsoft have worked together in the past to drive advancements in AI and cloud infrastructure, this new center will complement our collective efforts in building a more robust digital future for the region and beyond.”

    Samer Abu-Ltaif, Microsoft Corporate Vice President and President, Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, “Today’s announcement reinforces our commitment to the region and our strategic partnership with the UAE. By empowering youth, collaborating with academia and fostering IP creation, we are unlocking the region’s potential. We are transitioning from consuming technology to contributing to its global creation. With a world-class Engineering Development Centre in Abu Dhabi, we drive innovation and support organizations worldwide to stay competitive in a digital world.”

    The Engineering Development Center in Abu Dhabi will also play a key role in advancing Microsoft’s efforts to upskill the regional workforce by empowering professionals already in the workforce as well as upcoming talent with the skills necessary to effectively leverage the latest advancements in cutting-edge technologies. This will be achieved through a series of collaborations with local universities, training centers and government initiatives, particularly in the fields of cloud computing, AI and cybersecurity. Microsoft’s efforts to invest in human capital and improve the employability of professionals, specifically in tech-driven sectors, are aligned with the diversification efforts of local governments and their ambitions to transition into a knowledge-based economy.

    Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) creates platforms and tools powered by AI to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers. The technology company is committed to making AI available broadly and doing so responsibly, with a mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

    For more information, press only:

    Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, [email protected]

    Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit Microsoft Source at https://news.microsoft.com/source. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at https://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European Commission’s response to X’s non-compliance with the Digital Services Act – E-001748/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001748/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Estrella Galán (The Left)

    As a result of the investigation launched in December 2023, the Commission informed the platform X on 12 July 2024 that the latter was failing to comply with the Digital Services Act, in particular with Articles 25, 29 and 40 thereof. Far from investigating what changes in its operation were necessary to remedy the situation, the owner of the platform, Elon Musk, responded by insulting the Commissioner in charge of the preliminary investigation and dismissing the Commission.

    In other words, practices that contravene European law are continuing, and the public authorities are being ignored, much like in Brazil, where a Supreme Court judge had to suspend X’s operations in the country due to its refusal to comply with legal orders to block accounts used for committing hate crimes and spreading misinformation and fake news.

    • 1.What further steps is the Commission taking to ensure that X complies with the DSA and, above all, to enable digital independence from large technology platforms such as X in the long term?
    • 2.Will it continue to make use of a platform that fails to comply with European legislation?
    • 3.Is it planning to develop European digital public infrastructures that promote European digital sovereignty, in accordance with the principles of democratic oversight and the public interest?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ageing strategy for the Europe Union – E-001746/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001746/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Idoia Mendia Cueva (S&D)

    On 27 January 2021, the Commission adopted a Green Paper on Ageing – Fostering solidarity and responsibility between generations (COM(2021)0050).

    Europe’s ageing population is one of the major challenges for the EU, but also an opportunity to transform our economy by creating better jobs and improving our long-term care system.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission take the view that it is time to continue the work initiated in the Green Paper and to move towards a White Paper setting out specific measures to address the challenge of ageing in the EU?
    • 2.Does the Commission believe that there is a need to develop an ageing strategy for the European Union, with clear and long-term objectives?

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Flawed Albanian census supported by EU funding – E-001733/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001733/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    In 2023, the European Commission provided EUR 4.8 million in funds to assist Albania in carrying out a census. This was because the previous census, conducted in 2011, was severely criticised by the Council of Europe owing to a number of violations[1].

    On 28 June 2024, following the completion of the census earlier that month, the Democratic Union of the Greek Minority in Albania (also known as Omonoia) issued a statement declaring the results of the census to be ‘unfounded, untrue and unacceptable’ and adding that Omonoia ‘therefore rejects the results of the census procedure with regard to the demography of the native Greek ethnic minority’.

    Serious problems were identified and flaws in the population census procedure were reported, specifically: (a) an unreliable methodology, given that the principle of self-identification was not applied and that questionnaires preventing the proper recording of national identity, language and religion were used; (b) a lack of transparency in data collection and processing; (c) the distortion of results and interference with / manipulation of responses and (d) the failure to involve minority representatives.

    In view of this, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Has it assessed the ‘integrity’ of the census and reviewed the (flawed) census procedure and its (dubious) results? Is it satisfied with its findings?
    • 2.Will there be any consequences for Albania should any misuse of these funds be found and, if so, what will these be?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] See question E-002964/2023 https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2023-002964_EN.html
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    Submitted: 16.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Fears and regrets expressed by Gabriele Mazzini about the Artificial Intelligence Act – E-001729/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001729/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mathilde Androuët (PfE)

    The combined share of artificial intelligence (AI) patents awarded between 2010 and 2022 shows that only 2% originated from the EU and the UK, while 61% came from China, 16% from the United States and 21% from the ‘rest of the world’[1]. In January, the Commission launched measures to ‘support European startups and SMEs in developing trustworthy AI that respects EU values and rules’[2]. Parliament adopted the AI Act in March 2024[3].

    Everyone agrees that the dangers of unethical use of AI need to be recognised, but European countries also need to remain competitive with Chinese and US giants in this crucial area.

    Gabriele Mazzini, the lead author at the Commission of the proposal for an AI Act, has apparently stated that ‘the regulatory bar may have been placed too high’, fearing that legal uncertainty will paralyse European firms, benefiting in particular the US tech giants[4].

    Does the Commission share Mr Mazzini’s fears and regrets?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] The AI index report, Measuring trends in AI – Stanford University – https://aiindex.stanford.edu/report/
    • [2] Commission launches AI innovation package to support Artificial Intelligence startups and SMEs – European Commission press release – 24 January 2024.
    • [3] Artificial intelligence: MEPs adopt landmark legislation – European Parliament press release – 13.3.2024.
    • [4] ‘Europe Has US Tech in Its Sights. It Might Miss,’ Lionel Laurent – Bloomberg – 1.8.2024.
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of possible curb on exports of Russian uranium – E-001721/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001721/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D)

    Several daily newspapers, including the Financial Times, have recently warned that Russia could curb exports of uranium. This act of retaliation from the country in response to the sanctions that the EU has imposed against it would direct affect the EU’s nuclear plants, many of which are still dependent on Russian supplies. With Russia accounting for about one third of the world’s uranium enrichment capacity and about 5 % of uranium mining, there is a real threat posed to the EU’s energy security here.

    • 1.What did the Commission do before 22 February 2022 and what has it done since to anticipate this risk?
    • 2.Has it looked at what the impact would be if this Russian supply were to be fully disrupted?
    • 3.What will it do to reduce the EU’s dependence on Russia for sourcing products in the value chain of the civil nuclear industry?

    Submitted: 16.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

    Submitted: 16.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

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

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

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

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

    In view of this:

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

    Submitted: 18.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Food waste: Every little effort makes a difference – 24-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    At least one billion meals are being wasted in households worldwide every day. This is the equivalent of a meal served every day to every single person in the world suffering from hunger. Importantly, when food is discarded, all the embedded energy and resources and their environmental consequences, such as greenhouse gas emissions – that accumulate along the food chain – still materialise with no benefit for human nutrition.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the General Product Safety Regulation on SMEs/VSEs selling online – P-001787/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001787/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nadine Morano (PPE)

    From 13 December 2024, during the Christmas shopping period, the General Product Safety Regulation will be applicable in all Member States.

    This Regulation, which aims to provide more certainty and transparency to consumers when shopping online, raises concerns among many SMEs/VSEs in the distance sales sector about the significant increase in administrative burdens that might result from its application. Both competitiveness and jobs in the sector are at stake, as well as the purchasing power of consumers.

    The application of the Regulation by certain SMEs/VSEs which sell online and have very many listings but few items per listing, particularly for cultural products, seems likely to create a significant workload, particularly in the area of labelling and traceability.

    Article 17 of the Regulation requires the Commission to inform economic operators of how the legislation is to be implemented.

    In this context:

    • 1.What measures has the Commission taken and what action will it take to comply with this obligation to provide information, in particular with regard to SMEs/VSEs?
    • 2.What arrangements does the Commission intend to put in place to support SMEs/VSEs which encounter difficulties in complying with the Regulation? Has provision been made for exemptions or accommodations?

    Submitted: 23.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Election of the fourth Vice-Chair and exchanges on topical issues – Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

    Source: European Parliament

    On 3 October, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will elect its fourth Vice-Chair. Members will also attend a workshop devoted to food price inflation, and discuss the Commission Communication on force majeure and exceptional circumstances in the CAP legislation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Energy transition – 24-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Energy transition is central to the European Union’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The EU greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets – 55 % by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 – have accelerated the move away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources and increased energy efficiency. The REPowerEU plan and other EU measures launched in response to the energy crisis meanwhile brought to the fore the importance of ensuring energy security and energy affordability. Existing EU legislation in support of energy transition includes the recently revised Renewable Energy Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive. These laws set targets for renewables in consumption, energy efficiency and building renovations. The recently adopted hydrogen and decarbonised gas market package, along with the electricity market reform, also promote the use of cleaner energy and integration of renewables into the EU energy system. The new political priorities of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen include a future clean industrial deal boosting investment in clean energy infrastructure and technologies. The aim is to further decarbonise the economy and bring down energy prices. In a similar vein, the recent report on EU competitiveness (Draghi Report) highlights the need to reconcile industrial competitiveness with climate neutrality through increased support for clean technologies. These include for instance renewables (such as solar and wind), batteries, heat pumps, electrolysers (used for hydrogen production) and CO2 capture technologies. While the EU has been steadily increasing the rollout of renewables and working towards decarbonisation, several challenges remain. The energy infrastructure must be adapted to accommodate low-carbon energy sources through the expansion of grids and energy storage. Dependence on raw materials needed for clean energy technologies needs to be addressed. The new EU ambitions in terms of boosting industrial competitiveness will also require massive investment. All this has to happen while ensuring secure energy supply and energy affordability.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU targets for reducing material and consumption footprints – E-001734/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001734/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carola Rackete (The Left)

    Paragraph 7 of the European Parliament resolution of 10 February 2021 on the New Circular Economy Action Plan[1] ‘[c]alls on the Commission to propose binding EU targets for 2030 to significantly reduce the EU material and consumption footprints and bring them within planetary boundaries by 2050, using the indicators to be adopted by end of 2021 as part of the updated monitoring framework; calls on the Commission to build on the examples set by the most ambitious Member States while taking due account of differences in starting points and capabilities between the Member States’.

    Furthermore, the EU’s 8th Environment Action Programme (2022)[2] calls for a significant decrease in the EU’s material and consumption footprints, both to safeguard precious natural resources and because the extraction and processing of these resources has significant environmental impacts, such as climate change and biodiversity loss.

    • 1.How has the Commission responded to paragraph 7 of Parliament’s resolution and the related call in the 8th Environment Action Programme?
    • 2.What action, if any, has the Commission taken?
    • 3.Does the Commission agree that EU targets for reducing material and consumption footprints are necessary, and if so, does the Commission intend to propose relevant legislation?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    • [1] OJ C 465, 17.11.2021, p. 11.
    • [2] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/environment-action-programme-2030_en.
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Investment Bank

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Background information

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

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

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

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001726/2024
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Eric Sargiacomo (S&D), André Rodrigues (S&D)

    The increasing prevalence of various pufferfish species (Tetraodontidae) in the Mediterranean Sea poses a significant threat to fisheries, marine ecosystems and the economies of coastal regions. These invasive species, which have entered the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, are known for their highly poisonous tetrodotoxin, making them a serious health hazard when consumed. Furthermore, their predatory behaviour and destructive impact on fishing gear are causing substantial ecological damage.

    In light of these alarming developments:

    • 1.What initiatives does the Commission intend to take to effectively combat the spread of these species and to protect the marine ecosystem and economic activity of the EU’s coastal regions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to fund compensation programmes for fishers affected by pufferfish, and to promote alternative fishing methods?
    • 3.What measures does the Commission intend to take, in cooperation with non-EU countries that share the same marine basin, to promote a transnational strategy for combating the invasion of pufferfish in the Mediterranean Sea?

    Submitted: 17.9.2024

    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – BRICS+: Economic indicators and trade with EU – 24-09-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Our infographic shows the overview of the BRICS+ countries’ economic and trade relations with the EU. All 9 BRICS+ states have experienced a relatively consistent increase in their GDP per capita (PPP) since 2007. Female labour force participation rates vary significantly from country to country. At the extremes are Iran with 14.4, and Ethiopia, with 74.8%. EU trade in goods (imports and exports) with the BRICS+ countries has risen steadily comparatively to 2007 volumes. The BRICS+ group is now the EU’s main trading partner for goods. Mechanical appliances and electrical equipment, vehicles and aircraft, and pharmaceutical products comprise about 54% of all goods exported by the EU to the BRICS+ countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Effects of drought on Mediterranean regions – E-001512/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. In her recently published 2024-2029 Political Guidelines[1], the President of the Commission has announced that the next Commission intends to adopt a European Water Resilience Strategy to ensure that water is properly managed, scarcity reduced, and the competitive edge of Europe’s water industry strengthened also using a circular economy approach. The adoption date of the strategy will be determined once the new Commission is in place.

    2. It is very important for Member States to close their investment gaps by using existing European funds to the fullest extent. The current Mult i annual Financial Framework 2021-2027[2] already provides for various possibilities to financially support improvements of water management and innovation in the water sector (through the European Regional Development Fund[3], the Recovery and Resilience Fund[4], Horizon Europe[5], the EU programme for the environment and climate action[6] etc) . Moreover, the Common Agricultural Policy for 2023-2027[7] funds more efficient irrigation, supports nature-based solutions and organic farming. In case of natural disasters or health emergencies, Member States may also seek support from the EU Solidarity Fund[8].

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/president-elect-ursula-von-der-leyen_en
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/eu-budget/long-term-eu-budget/2021-2027_en
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/erdf_en
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en
    • [5] For instance, ongoing Horizon Europe programmes regarding water resilience include ‘the Water4All Partnership (https://www.water4all-partnership.eu/) , the Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area — PRIMA (https://prima-med.org/) , the EU missions “A Soil Deal for Europe” (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/soil-deal-europe_en), “Restore our Ocean and Waters” (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/restore-our-ocean-and-waters_en) and “Adaptation to Climate Change” (https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe/eu-missions-horizon-europe/adaptation-climate-change_en ).
    • [6] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/life_en
    • [7] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/cap-overview/cap-2023-27_en
    • [8] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/solidarity-fund_en
    Last updated: 24 September 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –