NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The new Global Signal Exchange will help fight scams and fraud

    Source: Google

    Scams have a devastating impact on people’s lives, and can cause real-world harm. Keeping people safe from scammers is core to the work of many teams at Google. It’s why we’ve developed world-class systems for detecting and preventing fraud, and block millions of attempted scams every day across our different products and services.

    It’s also why today we’re sharing more information about a new partnership to help fight scams, as well as announcing how Cross-Account Protection is actively protecting 3.2 billion users, since we first announced it earlier this year.

    Global Signal Exchange

    Today we are announcing a new partnership with the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (GASA) and DNS Research Federation (DNSRF) to launch the Global Signal Exchange (GSE). The GSE is a new project with the ambition to be a global clearinghouse for online scams and fraud bad actor signals, with Google becoming its first Founding Member.

    This collaboration leverages the strengths of each partner: GASA’s extensive network of stakeholders, the DNS Research Federation’s robust data platform with already over 40 million signals, and Google’s experience in combating scams and fraud. By joining forces and establishing a centralized platform, GSE aims to improve the exchange of abuse signals, enabling faster identification and disruption of fraudulent activities across various sectors, platforms and services. The goal is to create a user-friendly, efficient solution that operates at an internet-scale, and is accessible to qualifying organizations, with GASA and the DNS Research Federation managing access.

    The GSE seeks to address the complex issue of online fraud and scams signal sharing. We have had a long history of partnering with Priority Flaggers around the world to take in scam signals. In this initial pilot of the data platform, Google was for the first time able to share over 100,000 URLs of bad Shopping merchants and as part of the same test, ingest 1 million scam signals. We’ll start by sharing URLs that we have actioned under our scams policies, and as we gain experience from the pilot, we will look to add data soon from other relevant Google product areas.

    The data engine powering the platform runs on Google Cloud Platform and will allow participants to both share and consume signals gathered by others while benefiting from Google Cloud Platform’s AI capabilities to find patterns and match signals smartly.

    As part of this announcement, Google is supporting the DNS Research Federation and GASA with new funding to launch the GSE. We have also developed a partnership enabling the sending and receiving of signals related to scam and fraud activities across relevant and in-scope products and services related to online scams and fraud.

    We know from experience that fighting scams and the criminal organizations behind them requires strong collaboration among industry, businesses, civil society and governments to combat bad actors and protect users. We’re committed to doing our part to protect users, including through our continued work developing tools, publishing research, and sharing expertise and information with others to protect people online.

    Cross-Account Protection

    In May, we announced Cross-Account Protection, a tool which enables ongoing cooperation between platforms in the fight against abuse. Today we’re sharing that Cross-Account Protection is actively protecting 3.2 billion users across sites and apps where they sign in with their Google Account. This helps support our commitment to keeping you safe on Google platforms — and beyond.

    Cross-Account Protection is free and automatically available when sites and apps integrate Sign in with Google, allowing Google to share security notifications — in a privacy-preserving way — about suspicious events with the apps and services you’ve connected to your Google Account. Collaboration is critical to protect people across the internet, and that’s why we’re proud to be partnering with your favorite sites and apps on Cross-Account Protection, including Canva, Electronic Arts and Indeed. In turn, third-party apps and services can use Google’s suspicious event detection to help keep you safer online and prevent cybercriminals from gaining and maintaining a foothold across your many online accounts.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada commits to purchase carbon dioxide removal services to green government operations and achieve net-zero emissions

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    News release

    October 9, 2024 – Ottawa, Ontario – Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat

    Today at the Carbon Removal Canada’s “Procuring with Purpose: Canada’s Opportunity to Shape the Carbon Removal Market” report launch event, the Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport, announced the Government of Canada’s commitment to purchase carbon dioxide removal (CDR) services as part of the Greening Government Strategy. The federal government will purchase at least $10 million in carbon removal services between now and 2030 to help reach its goal of net-zero emissions in Government operations by 2050.

    The Greening Government Strategy commits the federal government to reducing its operational emissions to as close to zero as possible and then balance out any remaining emissions with an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide removal. To redouble these efforts, Minister Anand also announced the Government’s intention to work with public and private leaders to advance the development and responsible deployment of carbon dioxide removal solutions in Canada.

    This investment will enable the Government to lower its emissions, while supporting the development of these critical technologies and markets so they are available when we need them the most.

    With climate change being one of the greatest global challenges of our time, the Government of Canada is leading by example by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a low-carbon, climate-resilient and clean-growth economy.

    Quotes

    “Today, we are taking another step to demonstrate our government’s leadership in greening Government operations and fighting climate change. In addition to lowering our emissions, we are adopting carbon removal solutions to ensure we reach our goal to be net-zero emissions by 2050. By working together and innovating, we are building a greener, cleaner future for all generations.”

    –        The Honourable Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Transport

    Quick facts

    • Carbon dioxide removal refers to human activities that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (for example, direct air capture, enhanced carbon mineralization) and durably store it in natural reservoirs or in products. 

    • The Greening Government Strategy, under the responsibility of the Centre for Greening Government at Treasury Board Secretariat is a set of commitments that apply to all core government departments, agencies and Crown corporations, and support the Government of Canada’s commitment for net-zero emissions by 2050.

    • The purchases in carbon removal services will be made through TBS’ Low-Carbon Fuel Procurement Program (LCFPP), an eight-year, $134.9 million initiative to reduce emissions from federal air and marine operations. This investment follows the Budget 2024 decision to expand the LCFPP to include the procurement of carbon dioxide removal services in addition to low-carbon intensity fuels.  

    • Through the LCFPP, the Government of Canada will work with public and private sector leaders to use their purchasing power to advance the development and responsible deployment of CDR solutions in Canada.

    • As stated in Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy, Canada needs to scale up solutions that permanently remove emissions from the atmosphere, since some residual emissions are likely to remain despite aggressive mitigation efforts, including in agriculture, aviation, and shipping. The removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is also the only way to directly address historical emissions, which have accumulated in the atmosphere over centuries of industrial activity and continue to contribute to global temperature rise.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    Myah Tomasi
    Press Secretary
    Office of the President of the Treasury Board
    myah.tomasi@tbs-sct.gc.ca
    343-543-7210

    Media Relations
    Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat
    Telephone: 613-369-9400
    Toll-free: 1-855-TBS-9-SCT (1-855-827-9728)
    Email: media@tbs-sct.gc.ca

    Stay connected
    X: @TBS_Canada
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TBSCanada
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tbs-sct/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Iceland elected as member of United Nations Human Rights Council

    Source: Government of Iceland

    Iceland was elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council today at the UN General Assembly in New York. Nineteen countries put forward their candidatures for eighteen available seats on the Council for a three-year term from 2025 to 2027. Iceland’s candidature is supported by all Nordic States. 

    “We are grateful for the broad support we received in today’s election. Serving on the Human Rights Council is a great responsibly that Iceland takes seriously,” says Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs. Iceland received 174 out of 183 votes in the election. 

    Iceland has previously been a Member of the Council for half a term in 2018-2019, filling the seat vacated by the United States.

    “The international community is facing significant challenges with human rights increasingly under threat in too many places. Our main priority for our upcoming term on the Council will be working together with other states to promote and protect human rights for all. We will focus especially on gender equality, children’s rights and LGBTQI+ rights,” said Thórdís Kolbrún.

    The Human Rights Council consists of 47 countries, based in Geneva. Of these, seven represent the group of Western European and other states (WEOG), thirteen are from Africa, thirteen from the Asia-Pacific region, eight from Latin American and Caribbean countries, and six from Eastern European countries. 

    Iceland has published its voluntary pledges and commitments for its tenure on the Council. Iceland’s candidacy brochure can be found here.  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Connecticut Real Estate Agent Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Clients in Long Running Short Sale Fraud Scheme

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

    BOSTON – A real estate agent was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a multi-year scheme to defraud his clients by engaging in fraudulent short sales of government and bank-owned properties to straw buyers acting at the direction of the defendant and a co-conspirator.

    Sheldon Haag, 34, of Glastonbury, Conn. was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to one year and one day in prison and two years of supervised release. Haag was also ordered to forfeit $277,331 and to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date. In June2023, Haag pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    Haag and another real estate agent, James Macchio, used straw buyers to acquire properties owned by the clients of a brokerage where they worked, which included banks, federal agencies, bankruptcy trustees and other mortgage holders. The straw buyers included a shell company set up by a co-conspirator as a purported construction company. Haag and his co-conspirators hid their involvement as the de facto buyers of short sale properties from their clients, the owners of the properties, and used their inside knowledge as the owner’s broker to minimize sale prices in order to maximize their gain from later “flipping” the properties.

    While perpetrating the “flipping scheme,” Haag and his co-conspirators further defrauded clients by submitting fraudulent renovation bids from contractors to their own clients, including from the fake construction company they controlled through a co-conspirator. Once their clients accepted a fraudulent bid, Haag and his co-conspirators would hire different contractors at much lower cost and pocket the difference between the fraudulent bid and the actual cost of property repairs.

    Macchio pleaded guilty in May 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 19, 2024.

    Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Harry Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Christopher Algieri, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kriss Basil of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit prosecuted the case.

    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 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 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: 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: 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

    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 – 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: Written question – Protection of press freedom – E-001791/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001791/2024/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Joachim Streit (Renew)

    The latest monitoring report by the Media Freedom Rapid Response consortium reveals that, in the first six months of 2024 alone, there were 756 media freedom violation alerts involving 1 212 media-related persons or entities. Of the alerts in the report, 474 relate to EU Member States, while 282 were recorded in candidate countries. The number of violations in Germany was 72. In Europe, intimidation and online threats targeting members of the press are increasing, and anti-media laws, spoofing, censorship, legal harassment, editorial interference and physical attacks are also on the rise. In many cases, such violations occur at the hands of the government or public officials. This trend is particularly concerning because of its potential to affect national and regional elections in EU Member States and undermine the EU’s democratic principles.

    • 1.Is the Commission – and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in particular – aware of the dangerous situation faced by journalists? What does the Commission make of this situation in the light of the European Media Freedom Act?
    • 2.What new measures does the Commission intend to take to protect editorial independence, journalistic sources and journalists’ physical safety?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to cut EU funding to Member States and candidate countries where press freedom is particularly under threat, such as Hungary?

    Submitted: 23.9.2024

    Last updated: 9 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas – RC-B10-0101/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10‑0101/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10‑0115/2024 (Renew)
    B10‑0116/2024 (S&D)
    B10‑0117/2024 (PPE)
    B10‑0118/2024 (ECR)

    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Luděk Niedermayer, Ana Miguel Pedro, Mirosława Nykiel, Paulo Cunha, Marta Wcisło, Vangelis Meimarakis, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Tomáš Zdechovský, Jörgen Warborn, Wouter Beke, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Željana Zovko, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Raphaël Glucksmann, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Jaak Madison, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Assita Kanko, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Roberts Zīle, Waldemar Tomaszewski
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Erik Marquardt, Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Per Clausen, Rima Hassan, Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt

    Document selected :  

    RC-B10-0101/2024

    Texts tabled :

    RC-B10-0101/2024

    Texts adopted :

    European Parliament resolution on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas

    (2024/2857(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Articles 4 and 36 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC),

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

    A. whereas in 2014 Ilham Tohti was convicted of politically motivated charges of ‘separatism’ and sentenced to life imprisonment; whereas he worked to foster dialogue between Uyghurs and Han Chinese; whereas he was awarded the 2019 Sakharov Prize;

    B. whereas Gulshan Abbas is serving a 20-year sentence on fallacious terrorism-related charges relating to activities of her sister, a defender of the human rights of persecuted Uyghurs in the PRC;

    C. whereas this reflects the PRC authorities’ systemic repression of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR); whereas Uyghurs are arbitrarily detained in internment camps and forced to renounce their ethnic identity and religious beliefs;

    D. whereas the defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be at the centre of EU-PRC relations;

    1. Strongly condemns the PRC’s violations of the human rights of Uyghurs and people in Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China;

    2. Urges the PRC to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, as well as those arbitrarily detained in China and those mentioned by the EU during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, guarantee their access to medical care and lawyers, provide information on their whereabouts and ensure family visiting rights; calls for the EU and the Member States to apply pressure in this respect at every high-level contact;

    3. Calls for the EU and the Member States to adopt additional sanctions against high-ranking officials and entities involved in human rights violations in the PRC;

    4. Demands that the PRC authorities halt their repression and targeting of Uyghurs with abusive policies, including intense surveillance, forced labour, sterilisation, birth prevention measures and the destruction of Uyghur identity, which amount to crimes against humanity and a serious risk of genocide; calls for the closure of all internment camps;

    5. Strongly condemns the PRC for not implementing the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); calls on the PRC to allow the OHCHR independent access to XUAR and invites the OHCHR to issue a comprehensive situational update and an action plan for holding the PRC accountable;

    6. Regrets the PRC’s lack of commitment to the Human Rights Dialogue and the absence of results;

    7. Calls on Member States and the international community to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong, respect the non-refoulement principle and implement the OHCHR report;

    8. Urges Member States to address the transnational repression of Chinese dissidents and Uyghurs on their territory and prosecute individuals responsible;

    9. Welcomes the EU’s forced labour regulation and insists on its full implementation; calls on businesses operating in the PRC, particularly in XUAR, to comply with their HR due diligence obligations;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the PRC authorities, the VP/HR, the Commission, the Member States and the United Nations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye – RC-B10-0095/2024

    Source: European Parliament

    Sebastião Bugalho, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Michael Gahler, Luděk Niedermayer, Ana Miguel Pedro, Mirosława Nykiel, Marta Wcisło, Vangelis Meimarakis, Danuše Nerudová, Tomáš Zdechovský, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Jörgen Warborn, Željana Zovko, Miriam Lexmann, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Nikos Papandreou
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Rihards Kols, Ondřej Krutílek, Ivaylo Valchev, Assita Kanko, Emmanouil Fragkos, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Veronika Vrecionová
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Lucia Yar, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Hilde Vautmans
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Vladimir Prebilič
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Isabel Serra Sánchez
    on behalf of The Left Group

    European Parliament resolution on the case of Bülent Mumay in Türkiye

    (2024/2856(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous reports and resolutions on Türkiye,

    – having regard to the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, which ranks Türkiye 158th out of 180 countries,

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

    A. whereas, on 6 May  2023, Bülent Mumay, a Turkish journalist and coordinator of the Istanbul bureau of Deutsche Welle’s Turkish editorial office, was sentenced to 20 months in prison for social media posts about a pro-government company’s seizure of Istanbul Municipality’s subway funds during the AKP administration; whereas his appeal was rejected, and his tweets removed;

    B. whereas, on 20 August 2024, Istanbul’s 26th Regional Court, acting as an appeals court, upheld the sentence and ordered the Information and Communication Technologies Authority to block access to news reports about the upheld prison sentence;

    C. whereas the verdict, coupled with repeated censorship, demonstrates the escalating pressure on press freedom in Türkiye, with Bülent Mumay’s case not being an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of judicial harassment and censorship targeting Türkiye’s independent media;

    D. whereas Türkiye, as a member of the Council of Europe and EU candidate country, is required to apply the highest democratic standards and practices, including respect for human rights, the rule of law, fundamental freedoms (such as press freedom and freedom of expression), the universal right to a fair trial and strict respect for the principle of presumption of innocence and the right to due process;

    1. Condemns the sentence against Bülent Mumay, which follows a broader pattern of silencing critical journalism; calls on the Turkish authorities to drop the charges against Bülent Mumay, and all arbitrarily detained media workers and journalists;

    2. Is deeply concerned about the ongoing deterioration of democratic standards in Türkiye, relentless crackdown on any critical voices and targeting of independent journalists, activists and opposition members amid frequent reports of legal intimidation, censorship and financial coercion as ways to suppress criticism and investigative journalism;

    3. Deplores the fact that, the Turkish Government, through a number of laws, including the 2020 social media law, the 2021 anti-money laundering law, and the 2022 disinformation law, has built a complex web of legislation serving as a tool to systematically control and silence journalists; is highly concerned about the new ‘foreign agent regulation’ to be introduced by the end of 2024;

    4. Continues to condemn the lack of independence of the prosecution and judiciary and the political instrumentalisation of the judicial system in Türkiye and calls on the Turkish authorities to restore judicial independence, respect press freedom and ensure compliance with international human rights obligations;

    5. Calls on the EEAS to adequately support the EU Delegation to Türkiye in intensifying trial observation of detained journalists and media workers and raising their cases with the Turkish authorities at all levels, while maintaining close relations with civil society;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EEAS, and the President, Government and Parliament of Türkiye and have it translated into Turkish.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas – RC-B10-0101/2024/REV1

    Source: European Parliament

    pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10‑0101/2024 (Verts/ALE)
    B10‑0115/2024 (Renew)
    B10‑0116/2024 (S&D)
    B10‑0117/2024 (PPE)
    B10‑0118/2024 (ECR)

    Sebastião Bugalho, Miriam Lexmann, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Luděk Niedermayer, Ana Miguel Pedro, Mirosława Nykiel, Paulo Cunha, Marta Wcisło, Vangelis Meimarakis, Loránt Vincze, Danuše Nerudová, Rosa Estaràs Ferragut, Tomáš Zdechovský, Jörgen Warborn, Wouter Beke, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Željana Zovko, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Raphaël Glucksmann, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Jaak Madison, Reinis Pozņaks, Alexandr Vondra, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Assita Kanko, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza, Charlie Weimers, Beatrice Timgren, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Roberts Zīle, Waldemar Tomaszewski
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Ana Vasconcelos, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Erik Marquardt, Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Per Clausen, Rima Hassan, Hanna Gedin, Jonas Sjöstedt, Lukas Sieper

    Document selected :  

    RC-B10-0101/2024

    Texts tabled :

    RC-B10-0101/2024

    Texts adopted :

    European Parliament resolution on the cases of unjustly imprisoned Uyghurs in China, notably Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas

    (2024/2857(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Articles 4 and 36 of the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC),

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

    A. whereas in 2014 Ilham Tohti was convicted of politically motivated charges of ‘separatism’ and sentenced to life imprisonment; whereas he worked to foster dialogue between Uyghurs and Han Chinese; whereas he was awarded the 2019 Sakharov Prize;

    B. whereas Gulshan Abbas is serving a 20-year sentence on fallacious terrorism-related charges relating to activities of her sister, a defender of the human rights of persecuted Uyghurs in the PRC;

    C. whereas this reflects the PRC authorities’ systemic repression of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR); whereas Uyghurs are arbitrarily detained in internment camps and forced to renounce their ethnic identity and religious beliefs;

    D. whereas the defence of human rights, democracy and the rule of law should be at the centre of EU-PRC relations;

    1. Strongly condemns the PRC’s violations of the human rights of Uyghurs and people in Tibet, Hong Kong, Macau and mainland China;

    2. Urges the PRC to immediately and unconditionally release Ilham Tohti and Gulshan Abbas, as well as those arbitrarily detained in China and those mentioned by the EU during the 57th session of the UN Human Rights Council, guarantee their access to medical care and lawyers, provide information on their whereabouts and ensure family visiting rights; calls for the EU and the Member States to apply pressure in this respect at every high-level contact;

    3. Calls for the EU and the Member States to adopt additional sanctions against high-ranking officials and entities involved in human rights violations in the PRC;

    4. Demands that the PRC authorities halt their repression and targeting of Uyghurs with abusive policies, including intense surveillance, forced labour, sterilisation, birth prevention measures and the destruction of Uyghur identity, which amount to crimes against humanity and a serious risk of genocide; calls for the closure of all internment camps;

    5. Strongly condemns the PRC for not implementing the recommendations of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR); calls on the PRC to allow the OHCHR independent access to XUAR and invites the OHCHR to issue a comprehensive situational update and an action plan for holding the PRC accountable;

    6. Regrets the PRC’s lack of commitment to the Human Rights Dialogue and the absence of results;

    7. Calls on Member States and the international community to suspend extradition treaties with the PRC and Hong Kong, respect the non-refoulement principle and implement the OHCHR report;

    8. Urges Member States to address the transnational repression of Chinese dissidents and Uyghurs on their territory and prosecute individuals responsible;

    9. Welcomes the EU’s forced labour regulation and insists on its full implementation; calls on businesses operating in the PRC, particularly in XUAR, to comply with their HR due diligence obligations;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the PRC authorities, the VP/HR, the Commission, the Member States and the United Nations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Successful election: Switzerland to take a seat on the UN Human Rights Council for the 2025–27 term

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    Bern, 09.10.2024 – Switzerland was elected today to the UN Human Rights Council by the UN General Assembly in New York with 175 votes. It will serve as a member of the UN’s most important intergovernmental human rights body for three years starting in early 2025.

    Promoting and protecting human rights globally is a core objective of Swiss foreign policy. Respect for human rights is enshrined in the Swiss Federal Constitution and reflected in various international agreements to which Switzerland is a party. Switzerland is also the host state for the Human Rights Council and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. In 2006, it played a key role in the establishment of the Human Rights Council. Today, Switzerland was elected to the Human Rights Council for the fourth time and will serve from January 2025 until the end of 2027. Alongside Switzerland, 46 other states will serve on the UN’s most significant intergovernmental body in the field of human rights during this period.

    During its term on the Human Rights Council, Switzerland will work to strengthen the institution, promote human rights across the UN system, and implement them at national level. Its key priorities are the worldwide abolition of the death penalty, enforcing the prohibition of torture, promoting freedom of expression, and protecting minorities and women’s rights. In addition, Switzerland will work to strengthen democratic institutions globally by promoting electoral standards and emphasising the role of human rights in peaceful protests. In this context, Switzerland will also address the impact of new technologies, such as cyber, digital, and neurotechnologies, on human rights.

    As a bridge-builder, Switzerland will foster dialogue and cooperation among all states and contribute to solutions founded on international norms and standards. Ensuring the inclusion of civil society in the work of the Human Rights Council is a key concern for Switzerland.

    The UN and human rights
    The UN Human Rights Council is one of the UN’s main bodies dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights. Its mandate includes addressing human rights violations worldwide, setting international standards, and promoting human rights, for example, through providing technical support to states. The Human Rights Council comprises 47 member states and is based in Geneva.
     

    Address for enquiries

    FDFA Communication
    Federal Palace West Wing
    CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland
    Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55
    E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch
    Twitter: @SwissMFA

    Publisher

    Federal Department of Foreign Affairs
    https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Salazar and Colleagues Call on IMF to Create New Argentina Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Western Hemisphere Subcommittee Chairwoman María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) was joined by Republican members of Congress to urge the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to open new negotiations with the Republic of Argentina to create a robust financial package in order to support Argentina on their economic path to recovery. Joining Congresswoman Salazar on the letter were Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Mike Waltz (R-FL), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), and Keith Self (R-TX).  

    In their letter to Dr. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF, the Representatives commended President Milei’s efforts to restore reliability as an economic borrower and end Argentina’s historical financial mismanagement under previous socialist administrations. The Members highlighted Milei’s background as an economist, his already-enacted measures to curtail inflation, and his Déficit Cero budget austerity plan as positive steps taken to accomplish those outcomes. 

    “The United States is the largest shareholder of the International Monetary Fund and therefore takes a keen interest in its activities. In Argentina, President Milei has vowed to restore his country’s reputation as a country that pays its debts and belongs in the club of countries that are reliable borrowers,” wrote the legislators. “According to reports, the economic adjustment plans he has implemented through the executive branch and the legislature are already curtailing inflation, hopefully setting Argentina on a path that ensures it will not miss any international financial obligations. As such, we ask that you consider these positive measures as you assist Argentina in charting the course ahead.”

    Below is the text of the letter. The full letter can be found HERE.

    Dear Managing Director Georgieva,

    As members of Congress of the United States who oversee foreign affairs issues, we write to you concerning the Republic of Argentina’s stated commitment to putting its fiscal house in order and righting the ship of state. The United States is the largest shareholder of the International Monetary Fund and therefore takes a keen interest in its activities. In Argentina, President Milei has vowed to restore his country’s reputation as a country that pays its debts and belongs in the club of countries that are reliable borrowers. According to reports, the economic adjustment plans he has implemented through the executive branch and the legislature are already curtailing inflation, hopefully setting Argentina on a path that ensures it will not miss any international financial obligations. As such, we ask that you consider these positive measures as you assist Argentina in charting the course ahead.

    We are encouraged that President Milei appears to be working toward meeting Argentina’s international obligations.

    As an economist, President Milei knows what the necessary measures are to tame inflation and ensure Argentina meets its commitments to the International Monetary Fund and other international creditors. In fact, should his Déficit Cero budget austerity plan be implemented in its entirety, the result would go beyond what the IMF has requested, cutting spending across the board and responsibly tackling Argentina’s economic challenges. 

    We believe that the IMF was generous with past profligate socialist governments.

    Since the Presidency of socialist Néstor Kirchner, the IMF has treated Argentina with incredible generosity, despite refusals of consecutive socialist governments to cut spending. The few times these governments did pay, it was because they printed more of the Argentine peso (ARS), a strategy which many economists believe caused a painful inflation crisis which wrecked Argentina’s economy. Nonetheless, these profligate governments received deals for $21.6 billion in 2001, $15.6 billion in 2003 and most recently $44 billion in 2022. Despite the IMF’s generosity, the Kirchner government was in default from 2007-2015. We are encouraged by President Milei’s stated commitment to leaving this shameful and damaging legacy where it belongs – in the past.

    President Milei’s government appears to be reinstituting fiscal responsibility after decades of mismanagement, but needs support.

    The current $800 million disbursement provided earlier this year is helpful. To repair the years of corruption and mismanagement, we believe that Argentina will need robust multilateral bank support, such as through a comprehensive IMF program, that would support Argentina’s difficult path toward economic health. Within all applicable rules and regulations, we respectfully request that you assess whether such support would both complement and reward the tough decisions that President Milei has made toward promoting Argentina’s long-term solvency and prosperity.

    We appreciate President Milei’s efforts to pay down Argentina’s debt and bring prosperity to his country. We think that these efforts could be bolstered by time and help from multilateral financial institutions such as the IMF.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Zealand’s BMI threshold for publicly funded fertility treatment is outdated and unethical. Here’s why it should go

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Carina Truyts, Associate Research Fellow (Deakin) and Research Officer, Monash University

    Getty Images

    Women seeking publicly funded fertility treatment in New Zealand must have a body mass index (BMI) under 32, according to clinical priority assessment criteria for access to assisted reproductive technology.

    But as our in-depth interviews and a growing body of evidence show, this approach is outdated and unethical.

    One of our study participants described the system as “completely rigged if you’re a fat person”. Nina, a 37-year-old dance teacher, was denied public funding support to help her conceive because her BMI was above 32 – even though the cause of infertility was her husband’s sperm count.

    Nina is not alone. Paratta, who moved to Aotearoa from Sri Lanka in 2009, was also denied because of her BMI. She raced to lose the required weight in spite of a medical condition, but was then denied again because she had reached 40, the age limit for access to public funding.

    Both women’s experiences highlight New Zealand’s obsolete and discriminating BMI limit. The United Kingdom does not include BMI as a criterion for public funding, and international cutoffs are generally between 35 and 45.

    We argue New Zealand’s BMI threshold must be scrapped to reflect impactful research and respond ethically to New Zealand’s diverse population.

    BMI and fertility

    One in six people worldwide are affected by infertility, according to the World Health Organization’s most recent estimate. They suffer severe social and psychological consequences.

    There are numerous factors that can affect fertility, and obesity is certainly one of them, impacting 6% of women who have never been pregnant.

    But the BMI is an outdated method of assessing this risk. It doesn’t measure body fat percentage, distribution or differences across populations.

    Our study participants have raised concerns about the BMI limit. International and local studies concur with them. Research shows Polynesians are much leaner than Europeans at significantly higher BMIs, meaning Māori and Pacific women are disadvantaged before they even step into the clinic.

    Quick weight loss unlikely to help

    In New Zealand, people seeking public support are told that “making lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or losing weight” could help them become eligible. They are given a stand-down period wherein they must lose the requisite weight before referrals.

    As in Paratta’s case, this can lead to a race to lose weight before the inflexible age limit of 40 is reached. Evidence-based research advises that fertility care should balance the risk of age-related fertility decline with weight-loss advice.

    Nina rejected the advice to lose weight. She was concerned that quick weight loss would require unhealthy practices that could affect her success rate during the embryo transfer.

    Lifestyle changes made within a short time before conception don’t improve outcomes.
    Getty Images

    At the Australia and New Zealand Fertility Association’s annual conference last month, US obstetrician Kurt Barnhart confirmed that lifestyle interventions made weeks or months before conception are unlikely to improve outcomes. They may even cause harm.

    He discussed the FIT—PLESE randomised control study, which compared two groups of infertile women. One underwent a targeted weight-loss program and another exercised but did not lose weight. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the groups’ fertility and live-birth rates. These findings suggest the stand-down period should be revised.

    Barnhart also highlighted that weight loss through lifestyle changes can be practically impossible given obesity is often linked to endocrine issues that have nothing to do with choice. He observed signals that the medical community is changing its views on obesity as a “lifestyle” choice – a welcome shift.

    BMI, lifestyle and ethics

    Social science research has long challenged a colonial and biomedical habit of imposing standards on women whose bodies do not conform to Western ideas of a healthy or ideal body.

    Historically, the emphasis on weight as a criterion for reproductive health echoes harmful eugenicist beliefs. As US science historian Arleen Tuchman writes, the discovery of insulin prompted some groups to recommended banning marriages for people with diabetes to prevent the “unfit” from reproducing. New Zealand’s BMI criteria similarly suggest only those who fit specific physical standards deserve access to fertility care.

    The idea that lifestyle and health are straightforward individual choices is also challenged by research in epigenetics and philosophy. Obesity is often linked with poverty, which in turn is linked to broader social and living environments, including access and income.

    The high economic burden of obesity has led biomedical experts to recommended obese people should be considered for particular support, given the prohibitive cost of assisted reproductive technologies.

    Nina exercises more than eight hours a week and Paratta leads an active lifestyle. For both women, behavioural advice – and the stigma and assumptions it underscores – is offensive.

    Weight-loss advice can be particularly culturally offensive for Māori and Pacific peoples, who may be stigmatised in clinic settings for being too “fat” but considered “skinny” in their communities if they lose the required weight.

    New Zealand’s assessment criteria for publicly funded fertility treatment have not been updated in 27 years. While infertility and health risks associated with obesity during pregnancy and at birth should not be ignored, research shows these risks can be managed effectively and with empathy through a transdisciplinary approach.

    The Australian state of Victoria now offers two free cycles of fertility treatment to any Medicare-holding woman, regardless of BMI, up to the age of 42. The program deliberately reaches out to specific groups whose ethnicity, sexuality and environment limit their access. It has been highly successful and should inspire New Zealand to approach fertility funding with fresh perspectives.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. New Zealand’s BMI threshold for publicly funded fertility treatment is outdated and unethical. Here’s why it should go – https://theconversation.com/new-zealands-bmi-threshold-for-publicly-funded-fertility-treatment-is-outdated-and-unethical-heres-why-it-should-go-240295

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The dangers of voice cloning and how to combat it

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leo S.F. Lin, Senior Lecturer in Policing Studies, Charles Sturt University

    David Herraez Calzada/Shutterstock

    The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has brought both benefits and risk.

    One concerning trend is the misuse of voice cloning. In seconds, scammers can clone a voice and trick people into thinking a friend or a family member urgently needs money.

    News outlets, including CNN, warn these types of scams have the potential to impact millions of people.

    As technology makes it easier for criminals to invade our personal spaces, staying cautious about its use is more important than ever.

    What is voice cloning?

    The rise of AI has created possibilities for image, text, voice generation and machine learning.

    While AI offers many benefits, it also provides fraudsters new methods to exploit individuals for money.

    You may have heard of “deepfakes,” where AI is used to create fake images, videos and even audio, often involving celebrities or politicians.

    Voice cloning, a type of deepfake technology, creates a digital replica of a person’s voice by capturing their speech patterns, accent and breathing from brief audio samples.

    Once the speech pattern is captured, an AI voice generator can convert text input into highly realistic speech resembling the targeted person’s voice.

    With advancing technology, voice cloning can be accomplished with just a three-second audio sample.

    While a simple phrase like “hello, is anyone there?” can lead to a voice cloning scam, a longer conversation helps scammers capture more vocal details. It is therefore best to keep calls brief until you are sure of the caller’s identity.

    Voice cloning has valuable applications in entertainment and health care – enabling remote voice work for artists (even posthumously) and assisting people with speech disabilities.

    However, it raises serious privacy and security concerns, underscoring the need for safeguards.

    How it’s being exploited by criminals

    Cybercriminals exploit voice cloning technology to impersonate celebrities, authorities or ordinary people for fraud.

    They create urgency, gain the victim’s trust and request money via gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.

    The process begins by collecting audio samples from sources like YouTube and TikTok.

    Next, the technology analyses the audio to generate new recordings.

    Once the voice is cloned, it can be used in deceptive communications, often accompanied by spoofing Caller ID to appear trustworthy.

    Many voice cloning scam cases have made headlines.

    For example, criminals cloned the voice of a company director in the United Arab Emirates to orchestrate a $A51 million heist.

    A businessman in Mumbai fell victim to a voice cloning scam involving a fake call from the Indian Embassy in Dubai.

    In Australia recently, scammers employed a voice clone of Queensland Premier Steven Miles to attempt to trick people to invest in Bitcoin.

    Teenagers and children are also targeted. In a kidnapping scam in the United States, a teenager’s voice was cloned and her parents manipulated into complying with demands.

    It only takes a few seconds of audio for AI to clone someone’s voice.

    How widespread is it?

    Recent research shows 28% of adults in the United Kingdom faced voice cloning scams last year, with 46% unaware of the existence of this type of scam.

    It highlights a significant knowledge gap, leaving millions at risk of fraud.

    In 2022, almost 240,000 Australians reported being victims of voice cloning scams, leading to a financial loss of $A568 million.

    How people and organisations can safeguard against it

    The risks posed by voice cloning require a multidisciplinary response.

    People and organisations can implement several measures to safeguard against the misuse of voice cloning technology.

    First, public awareness campaigns and education can help protect people and organisations and mitigate these types of fraud.

    Public-private collaboration can provide clear information and consent options for voice cloning.

    Second, people and organisations should look to use biometric security with liveness detection, which is new technology that can recognise and verify a live voice as opposed to a fake. And organisations using voice recognition should consider adopting multi-factor authentication.

    Third, enhancing investigative capability against voice cloning is another crucial measure for law enforcement.

    Finally, accurate and updated regulations for countries are needed for managing associated risks.

    Australian law enforcement recognises the potential benefits of AI.

    Yet, concerns about the “dark side” of this technology have prompted calls for research into the criminal use of “artificial intelligence for victim targeting.”

    There are also calls for possible intervention strategies that law enforcement could use to combat this problem.

    Such efforts should connect with the overall National Plan to Combat Cybercrime, which focuses on proactive, reactive and restorative strategies.

    That national plan stipulates a duty of care for service providers, reflected in the Australian government’s new legislation to safeguard the public and small businesses.

    The legislation aims for new obligations to prevent, detect, report and disrupt scams.

    This will apply to regulated organisations such as telcos, banks and digital platform providers. The goal is to protect customers by preventing, detecting, reporting, and disrupting cyber scams involving deception.

    Reducing the risk

    As cybercrime costs the Australian economy an estimated A$42 billion, public awareness and strong safeguards are essential.

    Countries like Australia are recognising the growing risk. The effectiveness of measures against voice cloning and other frauds depends on their adaptability, cost, feasibility and regulatory compliance.

    All stakeholders — government, citizens, and law enforcement — must stay vigilant and raise public awareness to reduce the risk of victimisation.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The dangers of voice cloning and how to combat it – https://theconversation.com/the-dangers-of-voice-cloning-and-how-to-combat-it-239926

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rebates for buying e-bikes and e-scooters are good but unlikely to greatly boost sustainable transport on their own

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Abraham Leung, Senior Research Fellow, Cities Research Institute, Griffith University

    BikePortland/Flickr, CC BY

    Queensland has joined Tasmania as the second Australian state or territory to offer a A$500 rebate for buyers of new e‑bikes. The pre-election announcement includes a smaller $200 rebate for e‑scooters.

    The Queensland e‑mobility rebate scheme is first come, first served, until its $2 million budget ($1 million was added last week) is used up. The Tasmanian scheme has closed for this reason.

    These schemes follow a trend of government incentives to buy e‑bikes in North America and Europe. The Australian schemes differ from most schemes overseas by including e‑scooters too.

    It’s a welcome move to promote sustainable transport. These personal transport devices have smaller environmental footprints to produce and operate than electric cars. Owning e‑bikes or e‑scooters can enable people to drive less – reducing congestion and emissions – and avoid high fuel costs.

    However, my research and other studies suggest ownership doesn’t guarantee much greater use. Additional measures will be needed to boost use of these sustainable transport modes.

    Why own e-bikes or e-scooters when you can share?

    The rebate is likely to boost retailers’ sales. More than 860 rebate applications were received within three days of the scheme starting on September 23.

    And existing owners now have an incentive to upgrade or replace models. They might then sell their pre-loved e‑bikes or e‑scooters on the second-hand market. This means others could get them more cheaply.

    Queensland was the first Australian state to legalise the use of e‑scooters in 2018, when Brisbane introduced shared e‑scooter operations. Regional cities such as Townsville and Cairns launched similar schemes. Dockless e‑bikes later replaced Brisbane’s initial CityCycle bike-sharing scheme.

    I recently conducted research to understand why South-East Queensland residents want to own e‑scooters. The study methods were comparable to an earlier e‑bike user survey.

    Both sets of owners cite replacing car use as their top reason for ownership. However, their motivations differ.

    E‑scooter owners are mainly driven by the lower price and the fun factor of riding. E‑bike owners focus more on fitness and the health benefits of getting some exercise when riding. Australian regulations require e‑bikes to be pedal-assisted.

    But does this mean people will ride more?

    Since 2022, the Queensland government has offered a rebate of up to $6,000 for buying full-sized electric vehicles (that scheme closed last month). It now appears to have responded to calls to do the same for e‑bikes and e‑scooters.

    Buyers certainly won’t mind freebies and rebates, but rebate-induced ownership might not increase overall use by much.

    An Australia-wide survey in 2023 found 57% of respondents had access to at least one working bicycle at home and this proportion has been increasing. However, only 15% reported riding in the previous week. Only 36.7% had ridden in the past year.

    Overall cycling participation has declined over the past decade, except during the COVID pandemic when work and travel patterns were more local. For all periods, men are significantly more likely to cycle than women.

    The same 2023 survey revealed only about 2.1% own e‑bikes. The rebate will likely increase this rate in Queensland.

    Some preliminary evidence suggests e‑bike users ride more often and further than those riding non-electric bikes. It also helps older people get into cycling. And it has the potential to replace car use even in rural areas.

    Despite e‑bikes offering advantages over traditional bikes, riders of both face obstacles to greater use, such as road safety and poor cycling infrastructure.

    What kinds of incentives do other countries offer?

    Australian policymakers should consider offering incentives to ensure the new purchases are well used, not sitting idle most of the time.

    The United Kingdom has a long-standing cycle-to-work scheme that offers commuters a tax exemption for buying bicycles or e‑bikes.

    In the Netherlands, incentive schemes have used smartphone technology to track their mileage. For example, in the B-Riders scheme, riders earn €0.08–0.15 (A$0.13–0.21) per kilometre. There was a 68% increase in e‑bike use by former car commuters after one month and 73% increase after six months of participation.

    Schemes in North America tend to be aimed at lower-income households. They are more likely to be involuntarily carless, so e‑bikes can improve their access to jobs, goods and services.

    There are alternatives to rebates. North Vancouver, for example, is trialling e‑cargo bike lending to replace car shopping trips, as these bulky bikes are not practical for every household to own.

    In France, residents can claim a bike or e‑bike subsidy of up to €2,000 (A$3,210). Second-hand devices sold by approved repairers are covered too, which is likely to help reduce e‑waste. Australian schemes so far only cover new purchases.

    What more can be done?

    For e‑bike and e‑scooter owners, the main barrier to riding more is the lack of safe and well-connected infrastructure. Numerous studies have connected rates of riding to the quality and quantity of infrastructure. Extensive, high-quality and safe cycling networks can deliver lasting shifts towards sustainable transport.

    When the Spanish city of Seville built such networks, cycling rates surged 11-fold in a few years.

    In the Netherlands, this infrastructure is so well-funded and extensive that it’s no surprise cycling is popular there.

    Riders don’t just need bikeways. They also need end-of-trip facilities with secure parking (and maybe free charging too).

    In Australia, cycling gets only around 2% of transport funding.

    In Brisbane, despite not being anywhere close to the European level of cycling infrastructure, new “green bridges” and bikeways will be expanded to more areas of the city (and other Queensland venues). It’s part of preparations to host “climate-positive” Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2032. This year’s games host, Paris, successfully upgraded infrastructure and boosted cycling rates.

    Another benefit of more riders on the streets is that it creates “safety in numbers”. Greater numbers would also help attract more funding for infrastructure that makes cycling and scooting safer and more attractive.

    Both e‑bikes and e‑scooters are already worthwhile investments. Using them often would free yourself from car dependence – and that’s good for the planet and your wallet.

    Abraham Leung received funding from the Transport Academic Partnership (Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Motor Accident Insurance Commission) and the Transport Innovation and Research Hub (Brisbane City Council, BCC). The data from the Privately Owned Electric Mobility User Survey (POEMUS) used in this article is funded and commissioned by BCC.

    His current Advance Queensland Industry Research Fellowship is funded and/or partnered with TMR, BCC, Townsville City Council, and micromobility operators Neuron and Beam. He is also an active member of PedBikeTrans.

    – ref. Rebates for buying e-bikes and e-scooters are good but unlikely to greatly boost sustainable transport on their own – https://theconversation.com/rebates-for-buying-e-bikes-and-e-scooters-are-good-but-unlikely-to-greatly-boost-sustainable-transport-on-their-own-239939

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Federal government invests in flood mitigation for the Raisin River

    Source: Government of Canada News

    News release

    Cornwall, Ontario October 9, 2024 — Flood mitigation measures are being put in place to reduce the likelihood, frequency, and severity of flooding to residents and businesses located on the south branch of the Raisin River in Cornwall, after an investment of $783,360 from the federal government.

    A new culvert will significantly decrease the likelihood of flooding from the south branch of the river. This will reduce sewer overflows and the risk of wastewater moving into storm water systems. Once upgraded, the culvert will have an increased life span and reduced maintenance requirements.

    This project aligns with the 2022 City of Cornwall Climate Change Action Plan.

    Making adaptation investments now not only keeps Canadians safe but also has major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.

    Quotes

    “As we deal with the growing impacts of climate change, we need to work with communities to keep them safe from potential natural disasters. A new culvert for the south branch of the Raisin River will do just that for the residents and business of Cornwall.”

    The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

    “We appreciate the support of the federal government in the replacement of our culvert located on McConnell Avenue. This project not only enhances the safety and resilience of our community but also underscores a shared commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and sustainable development.”

    Justin Towndale, Mayor of Cornwall

    Quick facts

    • The federal government is investing $783,360 in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

    • The DMAF program supports projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that helps communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.

    • Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 million in total eligible costs to be considered eligible.

    • Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Part of this commitment is $489.1 million in funding from the Adaptation Action Plan, which was released in November 2022 alongside Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. Overall, the National Adaptation Strategy commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.

    Associated links

    Contacts

    For more information (media only), please contact:

    Sofia Ouslis
    Communications Advisor
    Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
    Sofia.ouslis@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
    613-960-9251
    Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
    Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca
    Follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
    Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

    City of Cornwall
    communications@cornwall.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sinema, Kelly Announce $300k From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the City of Glendale to Increase Energy Efficiency

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kyrsten Sinema (Arizona)
    Bipartisan infrastructure law led by Sinema and shaped by Kelly provides $300,000 to lower energy costs and improve operations at the City of Glendale’s water treatment facility. 
    WASHINGTON – $300,000 will be invested in the City of Glendale to perform a detailed energy analysis and replace two chillers at the city’s water treatment facility from bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs led by Senator Kyrsten Sinema and shaped by Senator Mark Kelly.
    The City of Glendale will receive $300,000 through the Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) Implementation Grant Program – a program supported by Sinema and Kelly’s bipartisan infrastructure to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers make improvements at their facilities to save energy, reduce carbon pollution, lower costs, and strengthen our domestic manufacturing sector.  
    “We’re proud to deliver these funds to lower energy costs and increase efficiency at Glendale’s water treatment facility,” said Sinema, co-author and lead negotiator of the bipartisan infrastructure law.  
    “These kinds of investments are exactly what we need to modernize our energy infrastructure and secure Arizona’s water future,” said Kelly. “These federal resources will help local facilities optimize their energy usage and bring down costs for Arizonans.”  
    Sinema led bipartisan Senate negotiations with Republican Senator Rob Portman of Ohio that included Senator Kelly and senators from both parties.
    For more than four decades, the ITAC program has supported small and medium-sized manufacturers who are looking to make investments in energy efficiency and modern manufacturing processes. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $80 million to support the ongoing goals of the ITAC program.
    The bipartisan infrastructure law was supported by groups including The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Business Roundtable, The National Association of Manufacturers, The AFL-CIO, The National Retail Federation, The Bipartisan Policy Center, North America’s Building Trades Unions, the Outdoor Industry Association, The American Hotel and Lodging Association, The National Education Association, as well as hundreds of mayors across all 50 states.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The University of Kansas Must Immediately Fire Professor Who Said Men Who Don’t Vote For Kamala Should be ‘Lined Up and Shot’

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. is calling for the immediate termination of a University of Kansas professor after a disturbing video circulated of the professor saying men who don’t vote for Kamala Harris should be ‘lined up and shot’ to a class at a KU lecture. 
    “The University of Kansas must fire this professor immediately. Anyone who says that people who don’t vote for Kamala Harris should be ‘lined up and shot’ are completely deranged and shouldn’t be around students nor in academia. This promotion of political violence should be met with quick action by KU,” Senator Marshall said.
    You may click HERE or on the tweet above to see the video.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Obtains Injunction to Prevent California Company from Manufacturing and Distributing Adulterated Food Following Listeria Outbreak

    Source: US State of California

    A federal court yesterday enjoined a California company from manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products following a listeria outbreak linked to multiple hospitalizations and two deaths.

    In a civil complaint filed on Sept. 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, the United States alleged that Rizo Lopez Foods Inc., along with its president, chief executive officer and co-owner, Edwin Rizo, and its chief financial officer, secretary and co-owner Tomas Rizo, violated the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) at the company’s facility in Modesto, California, by manufacturing and distributing adulterated food products. Rizo Lopez Foods produced cotija cheese and other cheeses, yogurt, sour cream and other foods sold under the brand names Tio Francisco, Don Francisco, Rizo Bros, Rio Grande, Food City, El Huache, La Ordena, San Carlos, Campesino, Santa Maria, Dos Ranchitos, Casa Cardenas and 365 Whole Foods Market.

    The complaint further alleged that, in January, Hawaiian state health officials detected Listeria monocytogenes (L. mono), the bacterial pathogen that can cause listeriosis, in cheese made by the defendants. The government further alleged that during a subsequent inspection of the defendant’s facility, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found L. mono in two locations as well as various insanitary conditions. The complaint alleged that a genetic analysis matched the L. mono strain collected in Hawaii to the strain from defendants’ facility, as well as to L. mono samples from patients sickened as early as 2014 during a years-long listeriosis outbreak. An investigation by the Centers for Disease Control identified 26 cases of listeriosis in 11 states linked to the same L. mono strain. The CDC reported that 23 individuals were hospitalized as a result of the outbreak, including two patients who died. In February, Rizo Lopez recalled all cheese and dairy products produced at their facility.

    “Food manufacturers have an important responsibility to ensure the safety of their products,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department and FDA will continue to work closely on enforcement actions against food manufacturers who fail to meet their obligations and put the health of their customers at risk.”

    “Food producers in the Eastern District of California feed the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert for the Eastern District of California. “Our office is committed to assuring compliance with the FDCA throughout the District.”

    The defendants agreed to settle the suit and be bound by a consent decree of permanent injunction. The injunction entered by the court permanently enjoins the defendants from violating the FDCA. As part of the settlement, the defendants represented that they have discontinued all operations related to preparing and processing food. Under the permanent injunction, the defendants must notify FDA in advance of resuming such operations, comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction and allow FDA to inspect their facility, including the buildings, sanitation-related systems, equipment, utensils, all articles of food and relevant records.

    Trial Attorney David G. Crockett Jr. and Senior Trial Attorney James Nelson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division prosecuted this case, with assistance from Assistant Chief Counsel for Enforcement Lauren Fash of the FDA’s Office of Chief Counsel.

    Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at http://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

    The claims resolved by the consent decree announced today are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    Consent Decree

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Translation: 09/10/2024 Strengthening defence cooperation and security in the region as topics of Polish-Checo consultations

    MIL ASI Translation. Region: Polish/Europe –

    Fuente: Gobierno de Polonia en poleco.

    Strengthening defense cooperation and security in the region are the topics of Polish-Czech consultations09/10/2024Cooperation between defense industries, assistance for fighting Ukraine, cooperation within the EU and NATO to build deterrence and defense capabilities, and further strengthening cooperation within the Visegrad Group are the main topics of the talks between the defense ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic in Prague.

    W środę 9 października br. w Pradze, wicepremier Władysław Kosiniak Kamysz spotkał się z Janą Černochová, minister obrony Czech oraz wziął udział w międzyrządowych konsultacjach polsko-czeskich pod przewodnictwem Prezesów Rady Ministrów obu państw.Podczas rozmów poruszono kwestie działań i perspektyw realizacji postanowień szczytu NATO w Waszyngtonie – ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem wzmacniania potencjału do obrony flanki wschodniej NATO i UE oraz przeciwdziałania zagrożeniom o charakterze hybrydowym i cybernetycznym.Spotkanie było również okazją do podziękowania stronie czeskiej za pomoc, której udzieliły załogi śmigłowców SZ tego kraju podczas ewakuacji ludności w trakcie ostatniej powodzi, która nawiedziła Polskę. 2 czeskie śmigłowce Mi-17, stacjonujące w Polsce wsparły działania ewakuacyjne oraz brały udział w zabezpieczaniu terenów dotkniętych wspomnianą katastrofą naturalną.>>> GALLERY – Polish-Czech intergovernmental consultations***The defence and military cooperation between Poland and the Czech Republic is an example of good mutual political and economic relations between the two countries. The joint operation of the Polish and Czech Armed Forces, among others within the Canadian eFP group in Latvia, not only strengthens the regional potential for deterrence and defence, but also demonstrates the readiness of Warsaw and Prague to further strengthen partnership cooperation, among others in the field of exchange of experience covering technical modernisation of the Armed Forces and participation in joint military exercises.

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    MILES AXIS

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This article is a translation. Apologies should the grammar and/or sentence structure not be perfect.

    MIL Translation OSI