NewzIntel.com

Category: Ukraine

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks at the International Conference on Women, Peace and Security [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I am honoured to address this distinguished gathering in the beautiful city of Manila for this pivotal International Conference on Women, Peace, and Security. I thank the government of the Philippines, UN Women, and the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation, and the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy for organizing this event.

    Let me take a few moments to express my deepest condolences for the victims of the recent tropical storm that hit the Philippines and a speedy recovery for everyone affected. As we prepare for the next storm, it is now clear that climate change is real with more frequent and intense events.

    Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    We are at a critical juncture in our shared pursuit of peace, security and sustainable development. The world is facing unprecedented challenges, and though we may not know how to tackle them all, there is one thing we know for certain: it is imperative that women are at the core of our solutions.

    Peace and security decision-making is overwhelmingly dominated by men today. 

    And ending impunity for atrocities against women and girls is still but a distant goal.

    The past year has been especially difficult. 

    From Gaza to Sudan, from Lebanon to Ukraine, the toll on women and girls in conflict zones is devastating. Thousands have been killed, injured, and displaced as they endure extreme suffering.

    In Afghanistan, the stark regression of women’s rights underscores the profound impact of their exclusion from governance and society at large.

    Current pushback on gender equality and women’s empowerment is real and in too many spaces. The weaponization of misogyny for political gain exacts a cost that will reverberate for generations—resulting in more conflicts, prolonged conflicts, and more destructive conflicts.

    Just days ago, I had the honor of speaking at the United Nations Security Council in New York during the annual debate on Women, Peace and Security, where over 100 speakers joined in reiterating their calls for women’s increased participation and for stronger measures to protect them from all forms of violence. Yet, the true measure of our efforts unfolds in places far from the halls of the United Nations, in the lived realities of women in conflict zones across the world.   

    The Philippines offers profound insights as the first Asian nation to adopt a National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security. And as you adapt and expand the Plan to meet the moment and the evolving challenges that come with it, you are demonstrating commendable leadership.

    This leadership is not a step in a new direction for the Philippines, in fact it is set against the backdrop of a dedicated and rich history of women’s leadership at local and national levels, including the election of multiple women as presidents. I ask you to take a moment to consider how remarkable an achievement that is in a world where more than 100 countries have yet to see a woman in their highest office.

    Likewise, the Philippines’ appointment of the world’s first woman chief negotiator for a major peace agreement stands as a testament to the transformative power of inclusive peace processes: achieving a peace agreement in which half of its articles mentioned mechanisms to engage with women in governance and development, protect them against violence, setting an example by ensuring that one third of the people at the peace table were women, which is the minimum target we have set at the United Nations for all peace processes.

    Yet despite these advancements, the global landscape has not caught up.  In 2023, women constituted less than 10 percent of participants in peace negotiations globally. Let’s call this what it is: a significant barrier to achieving lasting peace and equity in the world.

    Where peace is in short supply, there is an outsize impact on the lives of women and girls the world over. Globally, over 170 conflicts were recorded last year impacting 612 million women and girls – a staggering 50 percent increase from a decade ago.

    The implications are dire: the proportion of women killed in armed conflicts has doubled; conflict-related sexual violence has risen by 50 percent, and the number of women and girls forcibly displaced due to persecution, conflict, and violence has surged by 70 percent since 2018. Meanwhile, every day, 500 women die from pregnancy and birth complications.

    As military spending continues to increase, funding for gender equality continues to go down, with dire implications, not just for women and girls, but for everyone across our societies.    

    Now is the time to reinforce the urgency of our mission. We must pivot our focus from military investments to empowering women peacebuilders, expanding spaces for civil society, and bolstering the roles of women human rights defenders. Our collective action and cooperation must foster a more inclusive, equitable world.  

    Our UN family, whether in peacekeeping or humanitarian operations, or working to find political solutions, advance sustainable development, or protect human rights, will continue to fight for gender equality, peace and security.

    Last week, the Secretary-General launched a Common Pledge calling on governments, regional organizations, mediation actors to commit to join the United Nations in taking concrete steps on women’s participation in all peace processes they are involved in – from appointing women as lead mediators, to ensuring conflict parties advocate for concrete targets and measures that promotes women’s participation. We are deeply thankful for the Philippine’s support to this Common Pledge.

    The UN family is also actively working with governments, civil society, academia, and various other stakeholders to advance women’s inclusion in leadership and decision-making through training, advocacy, policy and fundraising to promote gender equality.

    Over the next few days, let us channel our discussions into concrete actions that lead to the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, and let us build a world that is not just peaceful for all but for future generations to come.

    Let me end with a quote by a woman who has dedicated her life to advancing the cause of women and girls the world over – Malala Yousafzai – who said; “There are two powers in the world; one is the sword and the other is the pen. There is a third power stronger than both, that of women”. End quote.

    To all of you here today, thank you for embodying the spirit of these words. And for your dedicated partnership and commitment to the Women, Peace and Security.

    Let’s get to work.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clodagh Harrington, Lecturer in American Politics, University College Cork

    America is in the grip of a crisis of truth and its political and electoral systems are under duress. Losing the connection between what is true and what is fiction could have enormous consequence in the middle of this US election campaign.

    Academics refer to this as an epistemological crisis, a situation where different people believe different “truths” and it becomes difficult to get a shared understanding of key facts. This, they argue, can lead to polarisation and potentially, even, an ungovernable country, based on an inability to decide on what is factually correct.

    Jonathan Rauch, the journalist and author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth, says historically disagreement about what is true has, on some occasions, led to untold killing and suffering.

    Right now in the US, it’s clear that there are massive differences in what people believe is true. Polls show, for instance, that around 69% of Republicans and Republican-leaning voters think the 2020 election result was not legitimate and that Joe Biden did not win.

    This division is amplified by what is happening in and around the campaigns, and the use of new and developing techniques. The Trump campaign, for instance, continues to make claims that the 2020 election was stolen.

    Sharing misinformation (that is, when inaccurate content is disseminated but not with the intent to mislead) has always been part of political life, but it is now quickly amplified by social media. Spreading disinformation takes this to the next level, when organisations or individuals deliberately spread lies. But the means to do so have grown more sophisticated, as demonstrated in the recent Moldovan election, where a massive Russian disinformation campaign was discovered.

    History reminds us that fake news is at a premium during wartime and the world is currently experiencing two major conflicts. In both cases, the geopolitical consequences for the US are sky-high.

    By spring 2024, US news media were reporting on Russia’s potential to interfere in the US election. The US administration’s position on the Ukraine war in particular matters greatly to the Kremlin, and it is no secret that a Donald Trump victory would suit Putin far better than a continuation of the Ukraine-funding Democrat alternative.

    What is an epistemological crisis?

    In September, US officials warned of election threats, not only from Russia but also Iran and China. Former director of the US Cyber-Security and Infrastructure Agency, Chris Krebs, stated that 2024 is “lining up to be a busy election interference season”. What makes these multi-faceted and constantly evolving threats even harder to manage is the fact that Maga influencers are embroiled in the proceedings. This makes a unified American response against an external threat all but impossible.



    Read more:
    Why do millions of Americans believe the 2020 presidential election was ‘stolen’ from Donald Trump?

    One recent such example involved a company in Tennessee which was used by members of the Russian state-owned broadcaster RT (formerly Russia Today) to spread Russia-friendly content. The content-creators were paid US$10 million (£7.7 million) by RT to publish pro-Russia videos in English on a range of social media platforms. The RT employees were charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and violating the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

    This is one of many developments by the foreign interference machine as the election on November 5 nears. Other incidents include dozens of internet domains used by the Kremlin to spread disinformation on websites designed to look like news sites and to undermine support for Ukraine. The US government response to these complex and boundary-blurring threats is complicated by the tension between maintaining discretion and informing the public.

    Old challenges, new technology

    Looking back, the 2016 presidential campaign and subsequent victory for Trump brought many firsts, some comical, others deadly serious in this post-truth arena. The lighter side included inaccurate claims made by White House press secretary Sean Spicer about the size of Trump’s 2017 inauguration crowd. When Trump advisor Kellyanne Conway declared on television to have “alternative facts” to those reported by the media on the crowd size, her phrase entered general use.

    With hindsight, such falsehoods now seem a little quaint, as the images from the day told the truth better than any script. Far more disturbingly, Russia’s Project Lakhta involved a “hacking and disinformation campaign” described in Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s 2019 Report as vast and complex in scale. The scheme involved human and technological input and targeted politicians on the political left and right, with a view to causing maximum disruption. Just a year later, Russia interfered in the 2020 race, this time spreading falsehoods about Biden and working in Trump’s favour.

    Fast forward to 2024 and we are awash with AI-created images and writing. Now any sort of lie is possible. Deep fakes, voice, image and video manipulation now mean that we literally can no longer believe our ears and eyes.

    Kellyanne Conway on alternative facts.

    Meanwhile, back on the campaign trail in 2024, Team Trump demonstrates few qualms when dishing out alternative facts. A long-time proponent of “truthful hyperbole” the former real-estate dealer takes exaggeration to a point no longer on the scale. From sharing an AI-generated image of Taylor Swift endorsing him (she soon backed his opponent) to claims that helicopters were not getting through with hurricane relief, the news cycle is awash with baseless content.

    An inevitable outcome of this crisis and conflict over truth is voters’ confusion and disengagement, and increasing public tension, with a new poll reporting that the majority of Americans are expecting violence after the election.

    Voters deserve to know whether what they know is real, but in this campaign it is increasingly clear that they don’t and the consequences of this could be stark.

    Clodagh Harrington does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How a crisis of truth is putting US electoral system under stress – https://theconversation.com/how-a-crisis-of-truth-is-putting-us-electoral-system-under-stress-242046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New pathway to permanent residence for families of the victims of flight PS752

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada is committed to supporting those affected by the tragic event involving Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752).

    October 28, 2024—Ottawa—Canada continues to stand with those affected by the tragic downing of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752) and is committed to continue reuniting the victims’ family members.

    Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new pathway to permanent residence for the families of those who lost their lives in the PS752 tragedy. From October 28, 2024, to October 27, 2025, family members of victims of Flight PS752 who were Canadian Citizens, permanent residents or individuals who were approved to work or study in Canada can now apply for permanent residency.

    This new pathway will include most family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims who were not eligible to apply for permanent residence under the two previous public policies. More information, including how to apply, is available on the IRCC website.

    This new pathway builds on Canada’s previous efforts to support family members with close ties to our country and aligns with our broader pursuit of transparency, justice and accountability for the victims of this tragedy and their loved ones.

    “The downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event. As we launch this new pathway, we reaffirm our commitment to compassion, justice and human rights. Canada continues to honour the victims of Flight PS752, in solidarity with their families and loved ones who have suffered immeasurable loss.”

    – The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

    “The introduction of this new pathway to permanent residence is welcomed news by the families of Flight PS752 victims—especially families of student victims. I would like to thank Minister Miller for his understanding and support as the families work toward healing from the tragic loss of their loved ones.”

    – Kourosh Doustshenas, BSc, CIPS, Spokesperson and Chair, Government and Stakeholders Relations Committee, Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims

    • On January 8, 2020, Flight PS752 was brought down by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff from Tehran, Iran. All 176 passengers and crew were killed, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents of Canada.

    • On September 25, 2020, IRCC put in place special measures to help foreign national families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 who were stuck in Canada due to border closures during the pandemic.

    • Between May 12, 2021, and May 11, 2022, a temporary public policy was in place to support permanent residence for the extended family of Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Flight PS752 who were in Canada.

    • IRCC launched a subsequent public policy from August 3, 2022, until August 2, 2023, to support permanent residence to certain extended family living outside Canada.

    • Canada continues to work with international partners to hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law, demanding that it provides a full, transparent and credible explanation of the downing.

    • An International Coordination and Response Group to support families of victims of Flight PS752 includes representation by Canada, Sweden, Ukraine and the United Kingdom, and is coordinating legal efforts to pursue the transparency, accountability and justice the families and loved ones deserve.

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Press Secretary
    Minister’s Office
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    Renee.Proctor@cic.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Communications Sector
    Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
    613-952-1650
    media@cic.gc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden allocates EUR 63 million from previous support packages in financial support to Ukraine – Government.se

    Please enable javascript in your browser

    Press release from Ministry of Defence

    Published

    Within the framework for previously military aid packages to Ukraine the Swedish Government will allocate financial support of EUR 63 million or approximately SEK 720 million to Ukraine. The financial contribution will cover EUR 20 million in support to Ukraine’s industrial base. This is based on a Danish model that aims to support procurements from Ukrainian industry in line with Ukraine’s proposals. The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial support to a number of multilateral initiatives to support Ukraine.

    Last Thursday, the government decided to authorize the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to negotiate and enter into an agreement with Denmark regarding a donation of 20 million euros for the procurement of defence equipment through the Ukrainian defense industry for donation to Ukraine, as well as to assign the Swedish Armed Forces to transfer the funds to Denmark.

    The Danish model, which Sweden intends to support, is designed to assist in procurements that the Ukrainian industry wishes to carry out. The Danish model includes mechanisms to ensure that the donated funds are used efficiently, and that Ukraine provides feedback on the usage of the delivered equipment. Previous Danish support under this model has enabled Ukraine to produce 18 units of a Ukrainian artillery system. 

    By increasing production in Ukraine, the overall European defense industrial base is strengthened. A reinforced defense industrial base is necessary to meet the substantial needs resulting from the war in Ukraine and the European countries’ efforts to build up their defence capabilities.

    Together with the assignment that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration already has regarding support to Ukraine in the area of procurement, this assistance to Ukraine’s industrial base will open up further opportunities for cooperation between the Ukrainian and European defence industries. This includes being able to jointly develop innovative solutions that have been directly tested on the battlefield, and also increasing Ukraine’s capacity to produce and maintain defence equipment.

    The Government also intends to allocate approximately EUR 43 million in financial resources to a number of established multilateral initiatives in order to provide rapid and effective support to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. 

    Examples of initiatives that may be supported include some of the capability coalitions established within the framework of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group (UDCG):

    • The Air Force Capability Coalition, acquiring air-to-air missiles for Ukraine’s F-16 programme.
    • The Maritime Coalition, training Ukrainian marine infantry.
    • The Demining Capability Coalition, procuring equipment for demining landmines.
    • The IT Coalition, of which Sweden recently became a member, procuring hardware for communication. 

    Within the framework of this support, Sweden will also contribute to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) for Ukraine, which procures military equipment. 

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ensuring reliable and fast connections in rural areas and regions bordering Russia – E-001723/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere in the EU has access to high-speed connectivity. The targets set in the Digital Decade Policy Programme to connect all EU households to gigabit networks and ensure 5G coverage across all populated areas by 2030[1] apply also to the rural areas.

    According to the second annual report on the State of the Digital Decade[2], at the end of 2023 very high-capacity networks coverage in the EU’s rural areas reached 56% of households, while 5G coverage amounted to 74%. Reaching the targets may require at least a total investment of EUR 200 billion[3], including both private and public funding.

    The Commission supports the deployment of digital infrastructures through numerous funds. The Connecting Europe Facility Digital[4] with a budget of EUR 2 billion supports, inter alia, the deployment of standalone 5G infrastructures for rural communities in sectors like smart farming and border control.

    This is in particular important in regions bordering Russia in the specific context of its full-scale invasion on Ukraine. The budget allocated to connectivity under the recovery and resilience facility reaches almost EUR 14 billion[5].

    With a budget of EUR 2.4 billion the Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite programme[6] will also contribute to the coverage of rural areas.

    Connectivity is also supported under the cohesion funds, e.g. by the European Regional Development Fund (about EUR 2.3 billion[7]) and through InvestEU[8].

    Finally, the White Paper[9] adopted in February 2024 presents the challenges and opportunities Europe faces in the rollout of future secure and resilient connectivity networks and proposes several scenarios to improve the EU regulatory and investment frameworks to facilitate the achievement of EU digital objectives.

    • [1] The Digital Decade Decision (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=LEGISSUM:4646000) sets out digital targets grouped into four cardinal points, which were first identified in the Digital Compass Communication as key areas for the digital transformation of the EU: digital skills, digital infrastructures, the digitalisation of businesses and the digitalisation of public services, COM(2021) 118 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0118
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/news/second-report-state-digital-decade-calls-strengthened-collective-action-propel-eus-digital
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/investment-and-funding-needs-digital-decade-connectivity-targets
    • [4] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/activities/cef-digital
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/economy_finance/recovery-and-resilience-scoreboard/assets/thematic_analysis/scoreboard_thematic_analysis_connectivity.pdf
    • [6] https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en
    • [7] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/funding/available-budget_en
    • [8] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/broadband-public-and-private-funds-financing-broadband-deployments
    • [9] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/white-paper-how-master-europes-digital-infrastructure-needs
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Information concerning Greek arms deliveries to Ukraine – E-001528/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale aggression of Ukraine, the EU and its Member States have delivered unprecedented levels of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces.

    Between 2022 and 2024, the EU mobilised EUR 6.1 billion to incentivise Member States’ deliveries of military equipment in view of addressing Ukraine’s pressing military and defence needs.

    In addition, in March 2024, the EU increased the financial ceiling of the European Peace Facility by EUR 5 billion, by establishing a dedicated Ukraine Assistance Fund. This brings the total financial support allocated via the Facility to EUR 11.1 billion[1].

    Beyond these aggregated numbers of military support to Ukraine provided at the EU level, the EU is not in a position to disclose any information on military support provided by individual Member States.

    The Commission does not coordinate arms deliveries at the EU level. It remains the prerogative of each Member State to communicate on its national military support to Ukraine.

    • [1] Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/890 of 18 March 2024 amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 establishing a European Peace Facility, OJ L  2024/890, 19.3.2024.
    Last updated: 28 October 2024

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India-Spain Joint Statement during the visit of President of Government of Spain to India (October 28-29, 2024)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 28 OCT 2024 6:32PM by PIB Delhi

    At the invitation of the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, President of the Government of Spain, Mr. Pedro Sanchez paid an official visit to India on 28 -29 October, 2024. This was President Sanchez’s first visit to India and the first visit by a President of the Government of Spain to India after 18 years. He was accompanied by the Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Minister of Industry and Tourism, and a high-level official and business delegation.

    The two leaders noted that this visit has renewed the bilateral relationship, infusing it with fresh momentum and setting the stage for a new era of enhanced cooperation between the two countries across various sectors. They also expressed satisfaction at the progress of bilateral relations since Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Spain in 2017. Both leaders instructed their teams to continue upgrading the bilateral agenda further and forging cooperation in all dimensions of political, economic, security, defence, people-to-people and cultural cooperation.

    President Sanchez was granted a cultural welcome, and held delegation level talks with Prime Minister Modi at Vadodara.He also visited Mumbai where he interacted with prominent business leaders, cultural figures and representatives of the Indian film industry.

    President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi jointly inaugurated the Final Assembly Line Plant of C-295 aircraft co-produced by Airbus Spain and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. at Vadodara. This plant will roll out the first ‘Made in India’ C295 aircraft in 2026, out of a total of 40 aircrafts to be manufactured in India. Airbus Spain is also delivering 16 aircrafts in ‘fly-away’ condition to India, out of which 6have already been delivered to the Indian Air Force.

    Political, Defence, and Security Cooperation

    1. The two leaders reviewed the warm and cordial bilateral ties between the two countries and highlighted that the foundation of the growing partnership lies in the shared commitment to democracy, freedom, rule of law, a fair and equitable global economy, a more sustainable and resilient planet, a rules-based international order and enhanced and reformed multilateralism. They also highlighted the enduring historical ties and long-standing friendship between the two nations as central to this cooperation.

    2. Both leaders emphasised that regular high-level interaction is giving momentum to the partnership. They noted that the ongoing bilateral cooperation between the foreign, economy and commerce and defence ministries is working well, and stressed the importance of holding regular dialogues between the concerned ministries/agencies of the two sides with a view to strengthening and diversifying bilateral cooperation in key areas of defence, security including cyber security, trade and economic issues, culture, tourism, education and people-to-people ties.

    3. Both leaders expressed satisfaction on the progress made in the C-295 aircraft project as a symbol of the growing defence industrial cooperation between the two countries. In line with this growing partnership, and in recognition of the advanced capabilities and competitiveness of the Spanish defence industry and its contribution to the goals of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, they encouraged their respective defence industries in other sectors to set up similar joint projects in India.

    Economic and Commercial Cooperation

    4. President Sanchez and Prime Minister Modi welcomed the recent positive developments in bilateral trade and investment partnership, buoyed by the positive economic outlook in both countries and called for stronger ties between the businesses of the two countries.

    5. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sanchez on the growth and the resilience of the Spanish economy. President Sanchez complimented Prime Minister Modi on India’s fast economic growth and lauded the various government initiatives to promote a business-friendly environment. President Sanchez highlighted Spain’s commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative through the activities of about 230 Spanish companies present in India. Both leaders reiterated their strong support for an open rules-based multilateral trading system, and a business-friendly investment scenario in both countries.

    6. Recognizing the expertise of Spanish companies in areas such as energy, including renewables, nuclear, and smart grids, food processing, healthcare and health services, automotive and transport infrastructure, including trains, roads, ports and transport network management, the two leaders welcomed further collaboration in these areas. President Sanchez welcomed the positive contributions being made by Indian companies to the Spanish economy in fields such as information technology, pharmaceuticals and automobile and auto components. Both leaders welcomed the establishment of a ‘Fast Track Mechanism’ to facilitate mutual investments in India and Spain.

    7. The two leaders took note of the progress made by the 12th session of the India-Spain ‘Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation’ (JCEC) held in 2023 and agreed to convene the next session of the JCEC in Spain in early 2025. In this context, they also agreed on the importance of deepening economic ties and exploring strategic cooperation in key sectors such as renewable energy, technology, and sustainable infrastructure. The two leaders looked forward to an early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding on Urban Sustainable Development.

    8. Both leaders welcomed the Second meeting of the India-Spain CEOs Forum as well as India-Spain Business Summit in Mumbai on October 29, 2024,to promote trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

    9. Both leaders recognized the vital importance of innovation and the startup ecosystems in driving forward the bilateral partnership and called for all such opportunities to be explored in mutual interest. They encouraged relevant agencies of both countries to work to deepen any such exchanges in the future, including through frameworks such as Rising Up in Spain and the Startup India initiative.

    10. The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in the field of rail transport and the agreement of cooperation and mutual assistance in customs matter.

    11. The leaders acknowledged the role of tourism in driving economic and business opportunities and enhancing understanding between the people of both countries and agreed that it should be further promoted. Both leaders welcomed the interest shown by airlines to establish direct flights between Spain and India.

    The Year 2026 as India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism and AI

    12. Taking into account the deep relationship between India and Spain and the long lasting friendship between the two peoples, Prime Minister Modi, and President Pedro Sanchez, have agreed to make 2026 as the Year of India and Spain in Culture, Tourism and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

    13. During the year, both sides will make the maximum effort to boost the cultural presence of the other in their museums, art, fairs, film, festivals, literature, meetings of architects and circles of debate and thought.

    14. Likewise, special attention will be paid to ways of increasing tourist flows, promote reciprocal investments and share experiences in the many areas of hospitality, architecture, cuisine, marketing, both in urban and rural tourism, which benefits harmonious development and improvement for both countries.

    15. In accordance with the G20 New Delhi Leaders Declaration, India and Spain can play a very important role for the use of AI for good and its positive implementation in many fields. Both countries commit to hold during the year, events to foster positive use of AI and will work for the practical implementation of new advances in the field of AI in the productive economy.

    16. To mark the importance of this initiative, both leaders directed the concerned stakeholders to celebrate the year in the respective countries in the most befitting manner.

    Cultural and People-to-People Ties

    17. The two leaders acknowledged the role of cultural ties in bringing nations closer and lauded the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India and Spain. They appreciated the long-standing cultural exchanges and enrichment between India and Spain, particularly the role of Spanish Indologists and Indian Hispanists. They welcomed the signing of a Cultural Exchange Program to promote bilateral exchanges in music, dance, theatre, literature, museums and festivals.

    18.The two leaders applauded the growing interest in the study of the cultures and languages of both countries. Spanish is among popular foreign languages in India. They stressed the mutual interest in further strengthening India – Spain cultural cooperation and the reinforcement of cooperation among cultural institutions of both countries such as Instituto Cervantes in New Delhi and Casa de la India in Valladolid.

    19. The two leaders welcomed the establishment of the ICCR Chairs on Hindi and on Indian Studies at the University of Valladolid. India is bringing transformational changes in education sector in India under National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. In this context, Prime Minister Modi encouraged leading Spanish universities to strengthen academic and research partnership with Indian institutions; build institutional linkages through joint/dual degree and twinning arrangements and explore the possibility of setting up branch campuses in India.

    20. President Sanchez is also giving the keynote address at the 4th Spain-India Forum, co-organized by Spain-India Council Foundation and Observer Research Foundation, in Mumbai. The leaders recognized the valuable contributions of this institution, which has a complementary role to that of governments in strengthening the links between Indian and Spanish civil societies, companies, think tanks, administrations and universities, helping to enhance bilateral ties by fostering a strong partnership between their members and its activities and bringing the two countries together in order to increase their mutual knowledge.

    21. The two leaders welcomed the installation at Valladolid of the bust of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore gifted to the people of Spain by ICCR and the placing of the translated works of Tagore in the vaults of Instituto Cervantes in Madrid which is a testament to increasing cultural connect between peoples of the two countries.

    22. The two sides noted with satisfaction the growing cooperation in the field of film and audio-visuals, with India being the Guest Country at the SEMINCI International Film Festival in 2023, and the award of the IFFI Satyajit Ray Lifetime Achievement to the legendary Spanish director Carlos Saura. Acknowledging the large film and audio-visual industries in India and Spain, both leaders agreed that the scope of collaboration between the two countries under the Audio-Visual Co-Production Agreement can be enhanced and welcomed the creation of a Joint Commission to improve cooperation between the two countries in the audiovisual field and promote and facilitate the co-production of films.

    23. To enhance people-to-people ties and consular services in two countries, the two leaders welcome the operationalisation of India’s first Consulate General in Spain at Barcelona and the decision to open Spain’s Consulate General in Bengaluru.

    EU and India relations

    24. Prime Minister Modi and President Sanchez reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the India-EU Strategic Partnership and to advancing the EU-India triple negotiations of comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and Geographical Indications Agreement.

    25. They agreed to enhance their collaboration to fully realize the objectives of the EU-India Connectivity Partnership, and recognized the potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor Project (IMEEC) to boost connectivity between India and Europe. They explored avenues for cooperation among regional countries in areas such as trade, investment, technology, energy, logistics, ports, and infrastructure development.

    Global Issues

    26. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with international law, and consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy as well as earnest engagement between all stakeholders to achieve a sustainable and peaceful resolution of the conflict. Both sides agreed to remain in touch to support efforts aimed at negotiated settlement of the conflict.

    27.They shared their firm commitment to achieving peace and stability in the Middle East, and expressed their deep concern at the escalation of security situation in West Asia and called for restraint by all concerned. They urged that all issues be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. The two leaders unequivocally condemned the terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and agreed that the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unacceptable and must end as soon as possible. They called for the immediaterelease of all hostages, immediate ceasefire and safe, sustained entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. They emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and urged all parties to comply with international law. They reiterated their commitment to the implementation of the two State solution,leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent state of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in peace and security with Israel as well as their support for Palestine membership at the United Nations.

    28. Both sides reiterated their concern on escalation and violence in Lebanon, and the security situation along the Blue Line and reaffirmed their commitment to the full implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701. As major troop contributing countries, they condemned the attacks on UNIFIL and highlighted that the safety and security of peacekeepers are of paramount importance and must be ensured by all. Inviolability of UN premises and the sanctity of their mandate must be respected by all.

    29. Both sides emphasized the promotion of a free, open, inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, anchored in a rules-based international order, mutual respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, supported by effective regional institutions. They highlighted the importance of unimpeded commerce and freedom of navigation, in compliance with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Both sides acknowledged India’s invitation to Spain to participate in the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) for collaborative efforts aimed at the management, conservation, sustainability, security, and development of the maritime domain in the Indo-Pacific. They also recognized the complementarity between India’s Indo-Pacific Vision and the EU Strategy for Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

    30. Noting the growing political and commercial relations between India and Latin American region and the historical, economic and cultural links it shares with Spain, both leaders recognized the immense potential of triangular cooperation for investments and development in the region. Spain welcomed India’s application to join the Ibero-American Conference as an Associate Observer, which will offer a platform to strengthen the ties with Latin American countries. Both sides committed to finalise the process by the Ibero-American Summit, to be held in Spain in 2026, so that India may actively participate in the activities of Spain´s Pro Tempore Secretariat.

    International and Multilateral Cooperation

    31. Both leaders agreed to enhance cooperation and coordination within the United Nations, including the UN Security Council (UNSC), and other multilateral forums. They emphasized the importance of a rules-based international order for ensuring global peace and development. Both sides committed to advancing multilateralism that reflects present-day realities, making international organizations, including the UNSC, more representative, effective, democratic, accountable and transparent. India expressed its support for Spain’s UNSC candidature for the term 2031-32, while Spain expressed its support for India’s candidature for the period 2028-29.

    32. Both leaders look forward to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development to take place in 2025 in Sevilla (Spain) as a critical opportunity to identify priority actions to help close the resource gap needed to implement the Sustainable Development Goals.

    33. President Sanchez congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the exemplary chairmanship of G20, which successfully and inclusively addressed important and complex Global South issues. Prime Minister Modi appreciated the valuable contributions made by Spain to the discussions as a Permanent Invitee to the G20.

    34. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in promoting sustainable energy and adapting to climate change. They recognize the urgency of accelerating global actions to combat climate change and commit to collaborating in the context of the upcoming Climate Summit in Baku (COP29) to achieve an ambitious outcome including on a New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance that helps achieve the temperature goal of Paris Agreement. They also highlighted the need topromote actions to strengthen countries’ resilience and adaptation capacities in the face of the increasing impacts of climate change worldwide. The two leaders looked forward to the early conclusion of Memorandum of Understanding in the field of Renewable Energy. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s commitment towards a green transition and welcomed Spain to the International Solar Alliance. President Sanchez appreciated advances made by India in achieving the renewable energy goals much ahead of the target year. Both leaders also agreed that a concerted global effort would be needed in order to address climate change concerns. Both sides will respond positively to the outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake in light of national circumstances.

    35. Spain has invited India to join IDRA, the International Drought Resilience Alliance, which was launched in 2022, a platform to promote concrete actions to reduce the vulnerability of countries, cities and communities to drought through preparedness and adaptation measures.

    36.Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability, and called for bringing the perpetrators of all terrorist attacks to justice without delay. They urged all countries to take immediate, sustained and irreversible action to prevent territory under their control from being used for terrorist purposes, and stressed the need for firm implementation of relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council, as well as the implementation of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. They also called for concerted action against all terrorist groups proscribed by the UNSC including Al Qa’ida, ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Spain’s multilateral initiatives in support of the Victims of Terrorism and their empowerment.

    37. President Sanchez thanked Prime Minister Modi for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him and his delegation during the visit, and invited him to undertake a visit to Spain in the near future.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2068963) Visitor Counter : 44

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Major defence reforms launched, with new National Armaments Director to tackle waste and boost industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The biggest reform of the Ministry of Defence in over 50 years to fix what the Public Accounts Committee calls the ‘broken’ defence procurement system and to strengthen UK Defence, has been launched by the Defence Secretary.

    • Major reforms kicked off today to match increasing threats, tackle waste and strengthen UK Defence.
    • Recruitment underway for new fully fledged National Armaments Director role.
    • New powers for Chief of the Defence Staff, and Military Strategic Headquarters to be launched within weeks.

    The biggest reform of the Ministry of Defence in over 50 years to fix what the Public Accounts Committee calls the ‘broken’ defence procurement system and to strengthen UK Defence, has been launched by the Defence Secretary.

    It comes amid increasing global threats, with growing Russian aggression and conflict in the Middle East. This requires increased resilience and warfighting readiness. 

    The Defence Secretary is leading the reforms to create a stronger defence centre which is able to secure better value for money, better outcomes for our Armed Forces, and better implement the Strategic Defence Review which will be published in the first half of next year. 

    Central to this is the creation of a new role: the fully fledged National Armaments Director. Its aim is to ensure the armed forces are properly equipped to defend Britain, to build up the British defence industry and to crack down on waste. The recruitment process for the role has now begun, with a search for candidates now underway and which will continue over the coming weeks.

    The new National Armaments Director will be responsible for:

    • Delivering the capabilities required from industry to execute the Defence plans and operations demanded by the new era.
    • Shaping and delivering the Defence industrial strategy which will be launched in the coming weeks.
    • Ensuring a resilient supply chain and the required readiness of the national ‘arsenal’.
    • Leading on UK defence exports and acquisition reform.
    • Harmonising procurement and working closely with wider government, industry, academia, and international partners to deploy best practice and investment.

    The changes come as the Defence Secretary commits to ensuring “value for money across every penny of defence spend.”

    The reforms will also see the Chief of the Defence Staff overseeing a new Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) where he will formally command the individual Service Chiefs for the first time. They will now be central to investment decisions between the Services, along with the Defence Secretary and Permanent Secretary. 

    This Government’s MOD reforms will ensure faster delivery and clearer accountability across Defence, to support the Government’s ‘One Defence’ drive. They will also ensure defence is ready to take forward recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, with the new MSHQ fully functioning by the end of 2024 – ready to implement recommendations from the SDR in the first half of next year. 

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP said:

    Our government is delivering the change we promised: cracking down on waste and boosting Britain’s defence industry. We will forge “One Defence”, which is clear in its goals and consistent in its methods, to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.

    The world is more dangerous, with growing Russian aggression, conflict in the Middle East and increasing global threats. 

    These vital reforms will make UK military decision making faster, keep the country safer and achieve best value for taxpayers. This Government will strengthen UK Defence to respond to increasing threats.

    Defence Equipment & Support CEO and the UK’s current NAD, Andy Start, said: 

    This fully fledged NAD role is a vitally important step towards transforming defence acquisition and the industrial base in the UK. 

    This new role will have the levers needed to ensure our Armed Forces have the right kit and to deliver the defence industrial strategy we need for growth.

    We will work with industrial partners to embrace the One Defence approach so they can play their part in improvements that underpin national security and prosperity.

    The programme of reform will be informed by lessons from the department’s highly praised support to Ukraine. The National Audit Office recently highlighted the speed and scale of the MOD’s Operation Interflex training programme for Ukrainian recruits, as well as fast-tracked procurement and distribution of essential gifted equipment to the Ukrainian front line. 

    These reforms will radically simplify the MOD. Governance and processes will be streamlined, with innovation in technology and an improved approach to data underpinning everything the department does.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chair’s Statement Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC – Mr. Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister for Finance of Saudi Arabia

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    October 25, 2024

    In the context of the Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC that took place in Washington, D.C. on 24th and 25th October, several IMFC members discussed the global macroeconomic and financial impact of current wars and conflicts, including with regard to Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and in other places. IMFC members underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety. They acknowledged, however, that the IMFC is not a forum to resolve geopolitical and security issues which are discussed in other fora.

     

    ****

    IMFC members agreed on the following text:

     

    Securing a soft landing and breaking from the current low growth-high debt path are the policy priorities for the global economy. We welcome the IMF’s efforts to enhance its surveillance, lending toolkit, and capacity development, and become more representative. Looking ahead, we remain committed to multilateral cooperation to promote global prosperity and address shared challenges.

     

    1. The global economy has moved closer to a soft landing. Economic activity has proven resilient, with global growth steady and inflation continuing to moderate. However, this masks important divergences across countries. Uncertainty remains significant and some downside risks have increased. Ongoing wars and conflicts continue to impose a heavy burden on the global economy. Medium-term growth prospects remain weak, and global public debt has reached record highs.
    1. We will work to further secure a soft landing while stepping up our reform efforts to shift away from a low growth-high debt path and address other medium-term challenges. Fiscal policy should pivot toward consolidation, where needed, to ensure debt sustainability and rebuild buffers. Consolidation should be underpinned by credible medium-term plans and institutional frameworks while protecting the vulnerable and supporting growth-enhancing public and private investments. Monetary policy must ensure inflation returns durably to target, consistent with central bank mandates, remain data-dependent, and be well communicated. Financial sector authorities should continue to closely monitor risks in banks and non-banks, including from property markets. We will continue to enhance financial regulation and supervision, including via timely finalization and implementation of internationally agreed reforms, and harness the benefits of financial and technological innovation, while mitigating the risks. We will pursue well-calibrated and sequenced growth-enhancing structural reforms to ease binding constraints to economic activity, boost productivity, increase labor market participation, promote social cohesion, and support the climate and digital transitions.
    1. We remain committed to international cooperation to improve the resilience of the global economy and build prosperity, while ensuring the smooth functioning of the international monetary system. We reiterate our commitments on exchange rates, addressing excessive global imbalances, and our statement on the rules-based multilateral trading system, as made in April 2021, and reaffirm our commitment to avoid protectionist measures.
    1. We will continue to support countries as they undertake reforms and address debt vulnerabilities and liquidity challenges. We welcome the progress made on debt treatments under the G20 Common Framework (CF) and beyond. We remain committed to addressing global debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive, and systematic manner, including stepping up the CF’s implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner, and enhancing debt transparency. We look forward to further work at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable on ways to address debt vulnerabilities and restructuring challenges. We encourage the IMF and the World Bank to develop further their proposal to support countries with sustainable debt but experiencing liquidity challenges.
    1. We welcome the policy priorities set out in the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda, and welcome the start of Ms. Kristalina Georgieva’s second five-year term as Managing Director.
    1. We support the IMF’s surveillance focus on country-tailored advice to help members assess risks, bolster policy and institutional frameworks, and calibrate macrofinancial and macrostructural policies to enhance resilience, ensure debt sustainability, and boost inclusive and sustainable growth. We look forward to the Comprehensive Surveillance Review that will set future surveillance priorities.
    1. We welcome the recent reforms to the lending toolkit. We welcome the completion of the review of PRGT facilities and financing that aims to bolster the IMF’s capacity to support low-income countries in addressing their balance of payments needs, mindful of their vulnerabilities, while restoring the self-sustainability of the Trust. We welcome the Review of Charges and the Surcharge Policy, which will alleviate the financial cost of Fund lending for borrowing countries, while preserving their intended incentives and safeguarding the Fund’s financial soundness. We welcome the enhanced cooperation with the World Bank on climate action, and with the World Bank and the World Health Organization on pandemic preparedness, which will further enhance the effectiveness of IMF support through the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). We look forward to the Review of the GRA Access Limits, the Review of Program Design and Conditionality, the Review of the Short-term Liquidity Line, and the comprehensive Review of the RST. We continue to invite countries to explore voluntary channeling of SDRs, including through MDBs, where legally possible, while preserving their reserve asset status.
    1. We support the IMF’s efforts to strengthen capacity development and to secure appropriate financing. We welcome the ongoing work with the World Bank on the Domestic Resource Mobilization Initiative.
    1. We reaffirm our commitment to a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced IMF at the center of the global financial safety net. We have secured, or are working to secure, domestic approvals for our consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) by mid-November this year, as well as relevant adjustments under the New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB). As a safeguard to preserve the Fund’s lending capacity in case of a delay in securing timely consent to the quota increase, creditors for Bilateral Borrowing Agreements are working to secure approvals for transitional arrangements for maintaining IMF access to bilateral borrowing. We acknowledge the urgency and importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy, while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. We welcome the Executive Board’s ongoing work to develop by June 2025 possible approaches as a guide for further quota realignment, including through a new quota formula, under the 17th
    1. We welcome the new 25th chair on the Executive Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the voice and representation of the region. We also welcome Liechtenstein as a new member. We appreciate staff’s high-quality work and dedication to support the membership. We encourage further efforts to improve staff diversity and inclusion. We reiterate our commitment to strengthen gender diversity at the Executive Board and will continue to work to achieve the voluntary objectives to increase the number of women in Board leadership positions.
    1. We reiterate our strong commitment to the Fund on its 80th anniversary and look forward to further discussing at our next meeting ways to ensure the Fund remains well-equipped to meet future challenges, in line with its mandate, and in collaboration with partners and other IFIs. We ask our Deputies to prepare for this discussion.
    1. Our next meeting is expected to be held in April 2025.
    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chair’s Statement Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC – Mr. Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister for Finance of Saudi Arabia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    October 25, 2024

    In the context of the Fiftieth Meeting of the IMFC that took place in Washington, D.C. on 24th and 25th October, several IMFC members discussed the global macroeconomic and financial impact of current wars and conflicts, including with regard to Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, and in other places. IMFC members underscored that all states must act in a manner consistent with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in its entirety. They acknowledged, however, that the IMFC is not a forum to resolve geopolitical and security issues which are discussed in other fora.

     

    ****

    IMFC members agreed on the following text:

     

    Securing a soft landing and breaking from the current low growth-high debt path are the policy priorities for the global economy. We welcome the IMF’s efforts to enhance its surveillance, lending toolkit, and capacity development, and become more representative. Looking ahead, we remain committed to multilateral cooperation to promote global prosperity and address shared challenges.

     

    1. The global economy has moved closer to a soft landing. Economic activity has proven resilient, with global growth steady and inflation continuing to moderate. However, this masks important divergences across countries. Uncertainty remains significant and some downside risks have increased. Ongoing wars and conflicts continue to impose a heavy burden on the global economy. Medium-term growth prospects remain weak, and global public debt has reached record highs.
    1. We will work to further secure a soft landing while stepping up our reform efforts to shift away from a low growth-high debt path and address other medium-term challenges. Fiscal policy should pivot toward consolidation, where needed, to ensure debt sustainability and rebuild buffers. Consolidation should be underpinned by credible medium-term plans and institutional frameworks while protecting the vulnerable and supporting growth-enhancing public and private investments. Monetary policy must ensure inflation returns durably to target, consistent with central bank mandates, remain data-dependent, and be well communicated. Financial sector authorities should continue to closely monitor risks in banks and non-banks, including from property markets. We will continue to enhance financial regulation and supervision, including via timely finalization and implementation of internationally agreed reforms, and harness the benefits of financial and technological innovation, while mitigating the risks. We will pursue well-calibrated and sequenced growth-enhancing structural reforms to ease binding constraints to economic activity, boost productivity, increase labor market participation, promote social cohesion, and support the climate and digital transitions.
    1. We remain committed to international cooperation to improve the resilience of the global economy and build prosperity, while ensuring the smooth functioning of the international monetary system. We reiterate our commitments on exchange rates, addressing excessive global imbalances, and our statement on the rules-based multilateral trading system, as made in April 2021, and reaffirm our commitment to avoid protectionist measures.
    1. We will continue to support countries as they undertake reforms and address debt vulnerabilities and liquidity challenges. We welcome the progress made on debt treatments under the G20 Common Framework (CF) and beyond. We remain committed to addressing global debt vulnerabilities in an effective, comprehensive, and systematic manner, including stepping up the CF’s implementation in a predictable, timely, orderly, and coordinated manner, and enhancing debt transparency. We look forward to further work at the Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable on ways to address debt vulnerabilities and restructuring challenges. We encourage the IMF and the World Bank to develop further their proposal to support countries with sustainable debt but experiencing liquidity challenges.
    1. We welcome the policy priorities set out in the Managing Director’s Global Policy Agenda, and welcome the start of Ms. Kristalina Georgieva’s second five-year term as Managing Director.
    1. We support the IMF’s surveillance focus on country-tailored advice to help members assess risks, bolster policy and institutional frameworks, and calibrate macrofinancial and macrostructural policies to enhance resilience, ensure debt sustainability, and boost inclusive and sustainable growth. We look forward to the Comprehensive Surveillance Review that will set future surveillance priorities.
    1. We welcome the recent reforms to the lending toolkit. We welcome the completion of the review of PRGT facilities and financing that aims to bolster the IMF’s capacity to support low-income countries in addressing their balance of payments needs, mindful of their vulnerabilities, while restoring the self-sustainability of the Trust. We welcome the Review of Charges and the Surcharge Policy, which will alleviate the financial cost of Fund lending for borrowing countries, while preserving their intended incentives and safeguarding the Fund’s financial soundness. We welcome the enhanced cooperation with the World Bank on climate action, and with the World Bank and the World Health Organization on pandemic preparedness, which will further enhance the effectiveness of IMF support through the Resilience and Sustainability Trust (RST). We look forward to the Review of the GRA Access Limits, the Review of Program Design and Conditionality, the Review of the Short-term Liquidity Line, and the comprehensive Review of the RST. We continue to invite countries to explore voluntary channeling of SDRs, including through MDBs, where legally possible, while preserving their reserve asset status.
    1. We support the IMF’s efforts to strengthen capacity development and to secure appropriate financing. We welcome the ongoing work with the World Bank on the Domestic Resource Mobilization Initiative.
    1. We reaffirm our commitment to a strong, quota-based, and adequately resourced IMF at the center of the global financial safety net. We have secured, or are working to secure, domestic approvals for our consent to the quota increase under the 16th General Review of Quotas (GRQ) by mid-November this year, as well as relevant adjustments under the New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB). As a safeguard to preserve the Fund’s lending capacity in case of a delay in securing timely consent to the quota increase, creditors for Bilateral Borrowing Agreements are working to secure approvals for transitional arrangements for maintaining IMF access to bilateral borrowing. We acknowledge the urgency and importance of realignment in quota shares to better reflect members’ relative positions in the world economy, while protecting the quota shares of the poorest members. We welcome the Executive Board’s ongoing work to develop by June 2025 possible approaches as a guide for further quota realignment, including through a new quota formula, under the 17th
    1. We welcome the new 25th chair on the Executive Board for Sub-Saharan Africa, strengthening the voice and representation of the region. We also welcome Liechtenstein as a new member. We appreciate staff’s high-quality work and dedication to support the membership. We encourage further efforts to improve staff diversity and inclusion. We reiterate our commitment to strengthen gender diversity at the Executive Board and will continue to work to achieve the voluntary objectives to increase the number of women in Board leadership positions.
    1. We reiterate our strong commitment to the Fund on its 80th anniversary and look forward to further discussing at our next meeting ways to ensure the Fund remains well-equipped to meet future challenges, in line with its mandate, and in collaboration with partners and other IFIs. We ask our Deputies to prepare for this discussion.
    1. Our next meeting is expected to be held in April 2025.

    Chair

    Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia

    Managing Director

    Kristalina Georgieva

    Members or Alternates

     

    Ayman Alsayari, Governor of the Saudi Central Bank, Saudi Arabia (Alternate for Mohammed Aljadaan, Minister of Finance, Saudi Arabia)

    Mohammed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, United Arab Emirates

    Antoine Armand, Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industry, France

    Luis Caputo, Minister of Economy, Argentina

    Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia

    Carlos Cuerpo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Enterprise, Spain

    Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Canada

    Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of Economy and Finance, Italy

    Fernando Haddad, Minister of Finance, Brazil

    Eelco Heinen, Minister of Finance, The Netherlands

    Robert Holzmann, Governor of the Austrian National Bank, Austria

    Katsunobu Kato, Minister of Finance, Japan

    Karin Keller-Sutter, Minister of Finance, Switzerland

    Lesetja Kganyago, Governor, South African Reserve Bank, South Africa

    Christian Lindner, Federal Minister of Finance, Germany

    Mays Mouissi, Minister of Economy and Participations, Gabon

    Changneng Xuan, Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China (Alternate for Gongsheng Pan, Governor of the People’s Bank of China)

    Rachel Reeves, Chancellor of the Exchequer, H.M. Treasury, United Kingdom

    Ivan Chebeskov, Deputy Minister of Finance, Russian Federation (Alternate for Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance, Russian Federation)

    Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, India

    Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Governor, Bank of Thailand

    Salah-Eddine Taleb, Governor, Bank of Algeria

    Trygve Slagsvold Vedum, Minister for Finance, Norway

    Janet Yellen, Secretary of the Treasury, United States

    Observers

    Agustín Carstens, General Manager, Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

    Mohamed bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Chair, Development Committee (DC) and Minister of State for Financial Affairs, United Arab Emirates

    Christine Lagarde, President, European Central Bank (ECB)

    Paolo Gentiloni, Commissioner for Economy, European Commission (EC)

    Klaas Knot, Chair, Financial Stability Board (FSB) and President of De Nederlandsche Bank

    Richard Samans, Director, Research Department, International Labour Organization (ILO)

    Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

    Mohannad Alsuwaidan, Economic Analyst, Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)

    Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, United Nations (UN)

    Penelope Hawkins, Officer-in-Charge, Debt and Development Finance Branch, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

    Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, The World Bank (WB)

    Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization (WTO)

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    @IMFSpokesperson

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2024/10/25/pr24396-chairs-statement-fiftieth-meeting-of-the-imfc

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Lebanon/Israel, UNRWA, Sudan & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (25 Oct 2024) | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon briefing by Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    -Secretary-General travels
    -Occupied Palestinian territory
    -UNRWA
    -Lebanon/Israel
    -Lebanon/humanitarian
    -Sudan
    -Ukraine
    -Deputy Secretary-General
    -Cuba
    -Audiovisual Heritage
    -Guests and Briefings today

    SECRETARY-GENERAL TRAVELS
    The Secretary-General is traveling back to New York from Kazan, in the Russian Federation, and he will be back at the United Nations for the Security Council meeting on Monday.
    On the margins of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, the Secretary-General met last night with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation.
    The Secretary-General reiterated his position that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was in violation of the United Nations Charter and international law. He further underlined United Nations support for peace, in line with the remarks he delivered at the BRICS summit.
    The Secretary-General expressed his belief that establishing freedom of navigation in the Black Sea is of paramount importance for Ukraine, the Russian Federation and for the world’s food and energy security. He fully supports the continuation of negotiations in this regard and expresses his deep appreciation for the work being done by Türkiye.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    The Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is extremely alarmed by developments at Kamal Adwan Hospital in North Gaza, one of the last functioning medical facilities for civilians who are being killed, injured and trapped by the tightening Israeli siege.
    This morning’s reports of a military raid on the hospital are deeply concerning. As we have said repeatedly, hospitals must be protected, both from use for military purposes and from attack, by any party to the conflict.
    The World Health Organization says that since the reported raid, the agency has lost touch with personnel at Kamal Adwan.
    Yesterday, WHO – accompanied by OCHA, the UN Mine Action Service, and partners – reached Kamal Adwan. The mission took 20 hours, with the team arriving back at 3:30 a.m. this morning. While on their way, the team reported long delays at checkpoints, as hostilities continued nearby, and said that local UN staff were temporarily detained at a mobile checkpoint. The team transferred 23 patients and more than two dozen caregivers from Kamal Adwan to Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
    The mission also delivered 10,000 litres of fuel, 180 units of blood, and enough trauma and surgical supplies for 1,600 interventions at Kamal Adwan. And they supplied a range of medicines sufficient for about 5,000 patients.
    Kamal Adwan must be protected. It is the only minimally functional hospital providing trauma care in all of North Gaza governorate. Al Awda Hospital remains isolated due to hostilities in its vicinity.
    OCHA warns that the humanitarian crisis in North Gaza is rapidly worsening, with humanitarian essentials in extremely short supply. Moreover, the vast majority of attempts to deliver critical assistance continue to be denied or impeded.
    Today, Israeli authorities once again denied permission for the delivery of essential food and water supplies to Jabalya.
    OCHA warns that intense hostilities persist across the Gaza Strip, including the south. Overnight, an Israeli raid on multiple neighbourhoods of Khan Younis left scores dead and many more injured, including numerous women and children. During the operation, families sought safety in An Nasser hospital, the Maan UNRWA school, and the Al Mawasi area, with most returning home after Israeli forces withdrew. Reports indicate widespread damage to homes, leaving people in urgent need of tents, tarpaulins to cover damaged shelters, hot meals, and clean water.
    In the West Bank, OCHA reports that during this month alone, more than 100 incidents linked to Israeli settlers have led to Palestinian casualties and property damage. In October overall, there were some 180 settler-related incidents in almost 90 Palestinian communities across the West Bank, with more than half of these cases involving the olive harvest season.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=25%20October%202024

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Chw4-IHZc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement: 7th India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC)

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 8:25PM by PIB Delhi

    Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz co-chaired the seventh round of India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations (7th IGC) on 25 October 2024 in New Delhi. The Delegation included Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Commerce & Industries, Labour & Employment, Science & Technology (MoS) and Skill Development (MoS) from the Indian side and Ministers of Economic Affairs & Climate Action, Foreign Affairs, Labour & Social Affairs and Education & Research from the German side along with Parliamentary State Secretaries for Finance; Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection; and Economic Cooperation and Development from the German side, as well as senior officials from both sides.

    2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi warmly welcomed Chancellor Olaf Scholz on his third visit to India as Chancellor. Both leaders sincerely appreciated the renewed momentum in bilateral engagement across government, industry, civil society and academia that has played an instrumental role in advancing and deepening the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany.

    3. Both leaders emphasised the importance of the Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business (APK), which takes place in New Delhi in parallel to the 7th IGC, in strengthening economic ties and strategic partnerships between Germany, India and the Indo-Pacific region as a whole. The decision to host the 2024 conference in India underscores India’s political weight in the Indo-Pacific and globally.

    4. Under the motto “Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability”, the 7th IGC placed particular emphasis on technology and innovation, labour and talent, migration and mobility, climate action, green and sustainable development as well as economic, defence and strategic cooperation. Both sides agree that the aforementioned domains will be the key drivers of our ever more multi-faceted partnership that spans trade, investment, defence, science, technology, innovation, sustainability, renewable energy, emerging technologies, development cooperation, culture, education, sustainable mobility, sustainable resource management, biodiversity, climate resilience and people-to-people ties.

    5. The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Inter – Governmental Agreement on Cooperation in Scientific Research and Technological Development which institutionalized the framework of Indo-German cooperation in Science & Technology, research and innovation. In this context, the 7th IGC presented an opportunity to renew the close relationship between India and Germany in this regard and to prioritize the advancement of technology and innovation as a key pillar of cooperation.

    6. During the 6th IGC, both governments had announced the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP), which serves as an umbrella for bilateral formats and joint initiatives in this field. Subsequently, both sides signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) in December 2022 and launched the “India-Germany Vision to Enhance Cooperation in Innovation and Technology” in February 2023. Recalling the outcomes of the 6th IGC and various agreements concluded by the two sides thereafter, both governments launched the “India-Germany Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap” and introduced the “Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap”, whose aim is to promote the market ramp-up of Green Hydrogen.Growing Together for Peace, Security and Stability

    7. The two leaders noted the Pact for the Future and reaffirmed their commitment to upholding shared values and principles including democracy, freedom, international peace and security and a rules-based international order in line with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. Both governments also underscored their commitment to strengthen and reform the multilateral system including expansion of both permanent and non-permanent categories of membership of the UN Security Council to reflect contemporary realities, address current and future challenges and to support and preserve peace and stability across the world. The two leaders called for text-based negotiations at the IGN within a fixed timeframe.

    8. India and Germany agreed that the difficulties of the UN Security Council to effectively address regional and global crises offer a compelling reminder of the urgent need for reform. As members of the “Group of Four (G4)”, India and Germany reiterated their call for a Security Council that is efficient, effective, transparent and reflective of 21st century realities.

    9. The leaders expressed their deepest concern over the war raging in Ukraine including its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. They reiterated the need for a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in line with international law, consistent with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also noted the negative impacts of the war in Ukraine with regard to global food and energy security, especially for developing and least developed countries. In the context of this war, they shared the view that the use, or threat of use, of nuclear weapons is unacceptable. They underscored the importance of upholding international law, and in line with the UN Charter, reiterated that all states must refrain from the threat of or use of force against the territorial integrity and sovereignty or political independence of any state.

    10. The leaders expressed their shared interest in achieving peace and stability in the Middle East. They unequivocally condemned the Hamas’ terror attacks on October 7, 2023 and expressed concern over the large-scale loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They called for the immediate release of all hostages taken by Hamas and an immediate ceasefire as well as the urgent improvement of access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale throughout Gaza. The leaders underscored the need to prevent the conflict from escalating and spilling over in the region. In this regard, they called on all regional players to act responsibly and with restraint. Both sides also emphasized the urgent need to protect the lives of civilians and facilitate safe, timely and sustained humanitarian relief to civilians, and in this regard urged all parties to comply with international law. The leaders were also deeply concerned about the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, called for an urgent cessation of hostilities and agreed that a solution to the conflict in Gaza and in Lebanon can only be reached by diplomatic means. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 outlines the path towards a diplomatic solution along the Blue Line. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a negotiated two-state solution, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine, living within secure and mutually recognized borders, side by side in dignity and peace with Israel, taking into account Israel’s legitimate security concerns.

    11. The leaders underscored that as the world’s two largest democracies, India and the EU have a common interest in ensuring security, prosperity and sustainable development in a multi – polar world. They emphasized the importance of deepening the India-EU Strategic Partnership which would not only benefit both sides but also have a far-reaching positive impact globally. The leaders also expressed their strong support to the India-EU Trade and Technology Council that would serve as an innovative platform towards closer engagement in the critical areas of trade, trusted technologies and security. They agreed to coordinate efforts, both bilaterally and at the EU level, to take forward key connectivity initiatives including India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor in which India, Germany and EU are members as well as the EU Initiative Global Gateway.

    12. Both leaders underscored the crucial importance of a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications between the European Union and India, while calling for an early conclusion of the negotiations.

    13. Both leaders unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, including the use of terrorist proxies and cross-border terrorism. Both sides agreed that terrorism remains a serious threat to international peace and stability. They further called for concerted action against all terrorist groups, including groups proscribed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 1267 Sanctions Committee. Both sides also called upon all countries to continue to work towards eliminating terrorist safe havens and infrastructure as well as to disrupt terrorist networks and financing in accordance with international law.

    14. Both leaders noted with concern the emerging threats from the use of new and emerging technologies for terrorist purposes such as unmanned aircraft systems, use of virtual assets by terrorists and terrorist entities and the misuse of information and communication technologies for radicalization. In this regard they welcomed the adoption of Delhi Declaration on Countering the use of New and Emerging Technologies for Terrorism Purposes adopted during the conduct of UNCTC meetings in India in 2022.

    15. Recognizing a shared commitment to combat terrorism and strengthen the framework for global cooperation in this regard, both leaders emphasized the importance of upholding international standards on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism by all countries, including in FATF. Both sides called for bringing the perpetrators of terrorist acts to justice. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to hold regular consultations of the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism to strengthen channels for real time sharing of intelligence and coordination of counter-terrorism efforts. Both sides also committed to continued exchange of information about sanctions and designations against terror groups and individuals, countering radicalism, and terrorists’ use of the internet and cross-border movement of terrorists.

    16. With a view to ensuring closer collaboration to prevent, suppress, investigate and prosecute criminals, including crime related to terrorism, India and Germany concluded the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty in Criminal Matters (MLAT). Both leaders agreed that the India-Germany MLAT is an important milestone in strengthening security cooperation between the two countries that will enable sharing of information and evidence, mutual capacity building and sharing of best practices between the two countries.

    17. As strategic partners with a shared interest in deepening security cooperation, both sides concluded the Agreement on the Exchange and Mutual Protection of Classified Information thereby creating a legal framework for cooperation and collaboration between Indian and German entities and providing guidance on how classified information should be handled, protected and transmitted.

    18. With a view to better appreciating foreign policy perspectives in key regions across the world, both governments decided to establish an India-Germany Dialogue on West Asia and North Africa (WANA) between the respective Foreign Ministries, which would be in addition to long-standing dialogue mechanisms on Africa and East Asia. Both governments also expressed satisfaction with regular consultations on key thematic issues of mutual concern including policy planning, cyber-security, cyber issues and United Nations.

    19. Recognizing the need for a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, including amongst think tanks and foreign and security policy experts, both governments underscored the usefulness of India-Germany Track 1.5 dialogue between Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS) and MEA from the Indian side and German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA), the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) and the German Federal Foreign Office. The next meeting of this dialogue format is planned for November 2024. Both governments also appreciated the launch of a Track 1.5 Dialogue on East Asia and agreed that these exchanges help both sides better align and coordinate their outreach. With a view to sustaining this momentum, both sides agreed to convene the next edition of the Track 1.5 Dialogue Mechanisms at the earliest opportunity.

    20. Both sides are committed to promoting a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific built on international law, mutual respect for sovereignty, and peaceful resolution of disputes, and underpinned by effective regional institutions. Both sides reaffirmed their unwavering support for ASEAN’s unity and centrality. The Government of India welcomed Germany’s leadership in the capacity-building pillar of the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and its commitment of up to 20 Million EUR via a competitive call for ideas under its International Climate Initiative in 2022 to strengthen the resilience of Pacific Island States against climate-related loss and damage.

    21. Germany congratulated India on its successful G20 Presidency which brought the development agenda to centre stage in G20. Both Leaders acknowledged that from initiating a platform on Compact with Africa (CwA) during the German G20 Presidency to inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s Presidency, the G20 has come a long way to ensure that the voice of the Global South is amplified. India and Germany expressed their support to the priorities set by the Brazilian G20 Presidency, especially Global Governance Reforms.Strengthening Defence and Strategic Cooperation

    22. Recognizing the shared goal of intensifying defence ties between the two countries, the Government of India welcomed the efforts of the German Federal Government to facilitate faster export clearances, including through favourable regulatory decisions such as the General Authorisation/General Licences (AGG) regime. Both sides committed to supporting strategic exports to India and encouraged co-development, co-production and joint research between the respective defence industries. Both governments appreciated the defence roundtable held in New Delhi on 24 October, to strengthen the defense industrial partnership between India and Germany.

    23. In addition to regular visits and increasing interactions between the armed forces, both sides look forward to the next High Defence Committee (HDC) meeting to be held in India next year with a view to developing defence cooperation as a key pillar of the Strategic Partnership between India and Germany. India and Germany also agreed to finalize cooperation in peacekeeping related training between the Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK), New Delhi and its counterpart in Germany, the Bundeswehr United Nations Training Centre in Hammelburg (GAFUNTC) and looked forward to the Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin in 2025.

    24. Both sides stressed the importance of the Indo-Pacific for prosperity and security as well as for addressing global challenges. Germany will enhance its engagement with the region in line with the Federal Government’s policy guidelines for the Indo-Pacific. Both sides also highlighted the importance of freedom of navigation and of unimpeded maritime routes in accordance with International Law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, in all maritime domains including in the Indo-Pacific. In this context, both governments declared their joint intent to conclude a Memorandum of Arrangement regarding mutual logistics support and exchange between the armed forces of India and Germany to further intensify defence and security ties and to establish a basis for provision of mutual logistics support including in the Indo-Pacific theatre. With a view to deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, Germany will permanently deploy a Liaison Officer in the Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) at Gurugram to monitor the marine traffic in IOR, further augmenting close cooperation in this region.

    25. Both sides welcomed Germany’s growing engagement in the Indo-Pacific region in the field of security and defence cooperation and appreciated the successful cooperation of the Indian and German air forces during exercise TARANG SHAKTI in August 2024 as well as the port call in Goa and joint naval exercises between the German Naval Frigate “Baden-Württemberg” along with the Combat Support Ship “Frankfurt Am Main” and the Indian Navy. Germany also welcomed the port call of Indian naval ship INS TABAR to Hamburg in July 2024.

    26. Both governments agreed to intensify bilateral exchanges on security and defence issues also through enhancing research, co-development and co-production activities bilaterally, under EU mechanisms and with other partners. In this regard, both sides will support enhanced industry level cooperation in the defence sector with a specific focus on technology collaboration, manufacturing/co-production and co-development of defence platforms and equipment. Germany also welcomes India’s application for observer status in the Eurodrone Programme of OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation).Partnering for Critical and Emerging Technologies, Science and Innovation

    27. Both leaders expressed their appreciation on the successful 50 years of long standing collaboration in science and technology between the two countries and reaffirmed their support to expand it further through launching the ‘India-Germany Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap’ which will serve as a guideline to the public and private sectors and research institutions of the two countries to take forward our cooperation in the areas of renewable energy, start-ups, semiconductors, AI and quantum technologies, climate risk and sustainable resource management, climate change adaptation as well as agroecology Both leaders further identified space and space technologies as an important and promising area for future prosperity, development, and possible cooperation.

    28. The two leaders expressed their satisfaction at the growing exchanges between the two countries in the field of research & education and growing number of Indian students studying in Germany. Both leaders also acknowledged the flagship role of the Indo-German Science and Technology Centre (IGSTC) in promoting bilateral industry-academia strategic research and development partnerships. Both leaders welcomed the recent initiatives of IGSTC and signing of Joint Declaration of Intent to support 2+2 projects in the field of advanced materials. Understanding the importance of IGSTC, both leaders expressed their desire to expand and forge new partnerships anchored in shared values and driven by innovation led technology development and manufacturing.

    29. Both Leaders acknowledged the launching of the first ever basic research consortia model between the two countries namely, International Research Training Group (IRTG), jointly by Department of Science and Technology (DST) & German Research Foundation (DFG) with the involvement of first group of researchers from IISER Thiruvananthapuram and Würzburg University on Photoluminescence in Supramolecular Matrices. Underpinning science and innovation landscape, they expressed their desire to initiate an Indo-German Innovation and Incubation Exchange Programme to leverage collective expertise and capacity for fostering scientific innovation and incubation ecosystems of academic & research institutions.

    30. Both Leaders also expressed their appreciation and satisfaction over the high level of engagement as exemplified by India’s participation in mega-science facilities at Facility for Anti-Proton and Ion Research (FAIR) and Deutsche Elektronen Synchrotron (DESY) in Germany. They extended their commitment including financials to ensure timely execution of the FAIR facility. The two leaders also acknowledge the continuation of the cooperation at the synchrotron radiation facility PETRA-III and the free-electron laser facility FLASH at DESY.

    31. Both governments welcomed the steadily increasing partnerships in Higher Education which facilitate dual and joint degrees and intensify collaborative research and academic and institutional exchanges between Universities and Institutions of Higher Education. In particular, both sides expressed their appreciation and full support for the first ever Indo-German joint Masters degree programme in “Water Security & Global Change”, a joint initiative of TU Dresden, RWTH-Aachen and IIT-Madras (IITM) funded by DAAD as well as a new initiative of TU Dresden and IITM to conclude an agreement establishing a “transCampus” to deepen bilateral cooperation in teaching, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. Both governments also welcomed the signing of the MoU between IIT Kharagpur and the DAAD, which will enable joint funding for Indo-German university cooperation projects. Both sides expressed their strong support for the dedicated call of the “German Indian Academic Network for Tomorrow” (GIANT) under SPARC (Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration) highlighting cooperation between Indian and German universities.

    32. With a view to further strengthening digital and technology partnerships between India and Germany, both governments agreed to share experience and expertise in digital public infrastructure (DPI), e.g. to explore ways in which Germany can leverage India’s expertise in DPI and the strengths of the Indian IT industry to drive innovation and digital transformation in both countries. As an important forum for exchanges on digital topics such as internet governance, tech regulations, digital transformation of economy, and emerging digital technologies, both sides welcomed the finalization of the Work Plan for 2023-24 formulated by the Indo-German Digital Dialogue (IGDD).

    33. Both sides will endeavour to leverage AI to advance the SDG, recognizing the need for an innovation-friendly, balanced, inclusive, human-centric and risk-based approach to the governance of AI. Digital solutions such as image detection and AI are playing an important role in revolutionising agriculture by assisting farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity, climate resilience, carbon sinks and sustainability. Both countries are running national programmes to facilitate the growth of digital agriculture and have agreed to intensify their Cooperation in Digital Agriculture, AI and IoT to foster ongoing cooperation, innovation and exchanges for modernising agriculture.

    34. Both governments underlined the strategic importance of collaboration in the field of critical and emerging technologies, innovation and skill development. Reaffirming the priorities for bilateral cooperation, as laid down in the Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap, both governments agreed to focus on collaboration in innovation, skill development and critical and emerging technologies. Forging closer linkages between the industry and academia of the two countries in key technology areas would be prioritized, in recognition of a shared commitment to ensuring an open, inclusive and secure technology architecture, built on mutual trust and respect, and reflecting shared values and democratic principles. Based on that, the two countries would achieve outcome oriented and mutually beneficial technology collaboration in identified sectors.

    35. In furthering cooperation in the field of research in disaster mitigation, tsunami warnings, coastal hazards, early warning systems, disaster risk reduction and oceanography, polar sciences, biology and biogeochemistry, geophysics and geology, both Governments welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Potsdam – Deutsches GeoForschungsZentrum, and between National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and AlfredWegener-Institut, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung (AWI).

    36. Both Governments also welcomed the bilateral agreement in the biological, physical and mathematical sciences between National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) and International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), both centres of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), India and Max-Planck-Gesellschaft (MPG), Germany. This agreement will facilitate the exchange of scientists, including students and research staff, between the various Max Planck Institutes with ICTS and NCBS.

    37. Both Leaders noted with appreciation the collaboration between M/s New Space India Ltd and M/s GAF AG for upgrading the international ground station at Neustrelitz, Germany for the reception and processing of data from OceanSat – 3 and RISAT – 1A satellites. Partnership for a Green and Sustainable Future

    38. Both sides acknowledged the need for green, sustainable, climate resilient and inclusive development to achieve net zero emissions. Both governments aim to substantially enhance bilateral, trilateral and multilateral cooperation in climate action and sustainable development. Both sides acknowledged the progress achieved thus far under the Indo-German Green and Sustainable Development Partnership (GSDP). This partnership, guided by shared commitments, seeks to accelerate the implementation of the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and the SDGs. In this context, both sides stressed the need to work jointly for an ambitious outcome of the upcoming UNFCCC COP29, in particular on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG). Both sides will respond positively to the outcomes of COP28, including the first Global Stocktake, in light of national circumstances.

    39. Both sides appreciated the stocktaking of progress during the Ministerial meeting on the GSDP objectives. To contribute to the implementation of the GSDP, both sides are committed to regular dialogue within the existing working groups and other bilateral formats and initiatives. The next meeting of the Ministerial Mechanism shall take place at the latest within the framework of the next India-Germany Inter-Governmental Consultations, to conduct a stocktaking of the progress on GSDP objectives to achieve the Paris Agreement goals and SDGs. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to closely cooperate on combatting climate change and therefore expressed their intention to hold a meeting of the Indo-German Climate Working Group in the near future.

    40. Under the umbrella of the GSDP, both sides inter alia:

    a. Launched the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap. The Leaders agreed that the Roadmap will help support India’s ambition for production, usage and export of Green Hydrogen while also contributing to a swifter adoption of Green Hydrogen as a sustainable source of energy in both countries

    b. Launched the GSDP Dashboard, a publicly accessible online tool, which showcases the intensive cooperation between Germany and India under the GSDP. It gives an overview of key innovations and the broad range of experience covered by India-Germany cooperation. It facilitates stocktaking of the joint progress towards achieving GSDP objectives, and provides key information to relevant stakeholders on innovative solutions for global challenges.

    c. Signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to renew and further elevate the partnership in accordance with a shared vision to promoting in India sustainable urban mobility for all, recognizing the importance of green and sustainable urbanization for inclusive social and economic development and the strong results of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership since its establishment in 2019.

    d. Highly appreciated the achievements and vision for the future of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and agreed to intensify our cooperation within ISA.

    e. Appreciated the cooperation in the area of halting deforestation and degradation and reversing the trend by restoring forest landscapes in support of the implementation of the Rio Conventions and the SDGs.

    41. The leaders acknowledged that the Indo-German Energy Forum (IGEF), through its various activities, has played a pivotal role in strengthening the general bilateral economic relations between Germany and India, promoting economic growth, and addressing global climate change challenges.

    42. Both sides underscored the role of the 4th Global RE-INVEST Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo, held in September 2024 in Gandhinagar with Germany as a partner country, in bringing together key stakeholders in the renewable energy sector. Both governments recalled the ‘India-Germany Platform for Investments in Renewable Energy Worldwide’ which was launched during RE-INVEST as a key initiative to fast-track renewable energy investments, foster business collaborations and expand global supply chains. The platform will accelerate the expansion of renewable energy in India and worldwide through exchanges on green financing, technology and business opportunities.

    43. Both governments expressed their wish to continue to strengthen the cooperation through the Joint Working Group on Biodiversity and acknowledged that CBD COP 16 marks a crucial moment in the global effort to implement the goals of the Global Biodiversity Framework.

    44. Recalling the deliberations and outcomes of the Joint Working Group on Waste management and Circular Economy which has created opportunities by intensifying exchanges on experiences and technologies between the two countries, both sides agreed to explore the possibility of deepening cooperation within these structures, for instance, focusing future work on inter alia Solar Waste recycling. They appreciated the Indo-German environment cooperation on the effective and efficient implementation of ambitious objectives and policies in order to prevent waste, especially plastics, from entering the marine environment. India and Germany agreed to closely cooperate towards establishing a global legally binding agreement on plastic pollution.

    45. Both leaders acknowledged the progress made under the Triangular Development Cooperation (TDC), which pools mutual strengths and experiences to offer sustainable, viable and inclusive projects in third countries as per their priorities to support the achievement of SDGs and climate targets in Africa, Asia and beyond. Both sides welcomed the encouraging results of the pilot projects in Cameroon, Ghana and Malawi, and the progress made in the ongoing initiatives with Benin and Peru. In view of the successful implementation of the aforementioned initiatives, both governments have agreed to commence upscaling of the pilot projects with Cameroon (agriculture), Malawi (women entrepreneurship) and Ghana (horticulture) in 2024 and beyond. Furthermore, both sides welcomed the start of the three millet related pilot projects: two with Ethiopia and one with Madagascar. Additionally, both sides have launched the institutional mechanism to reach out to the partners, select and implement their joint initiatives on a full scale and to this end, both governments established a Joint Steering Committee and a Joint Implementation Group.

    46. The leaders reaffirmed that Gender Equality is of fundamental importance and investing in the empowerment of women and girls has a multiplier effect in implementing the 2030 Agenda. They reiterated their commitment to encourage women-led development and enhancing womens’ full, equal, effective and meaningful participation as decision-makers for addressing global challenges inclusively while noting Germany’s Feminist Foreign and Development Policies in this regard. Both sides reaffirmed their desire to strengthen Indo-German cooperation on promoting the critical role of women in green and sustainable development.

    47. In addition, both sides welcomed the milestones already achieved with respect to the existing initiatives and new commitments for financial and technical cooperation under the framework of the GSDP, as follows:

    a.New commitments in all core areas of the GSDP of more than 1 billion EUR as agreed during the negotiations on development cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in September 2024, adding up to accumulated commitments of around 3.2 billion EUR since beginning of the GSDP in 2022;

    b.Under the Indo-German Renewable Energy Partnership, the cooperation focused on innovative solar energy, green hydrogen, other renewables, grid integration, storage and investments in the renewable energy sector to facilitate an energy transition and to address the need for a reliable, round the clock renewable power supply.

    c.The “Agroecology and Sustainable Management of Natural Resources” cooperation benefits the vulnerable rural population and small-scale farmers in India by fostering income, food security, climate resilience, soil health, biodiversity, forest ecosystems and water security.

    d.Both sides reiterated their intention to continue their successful collaboration on sustainable urban development.

    Building resilience through Trade and Economic collaboration

    48. Both leaders hailed the consistent high performance in terms of bilateral trade between the two countries in the recent years and encouraged stakeholders in India and Germany to further strengthen trade and investment flows. The leaders also noted the strong two-way investments between India and Germany and the positive impacts of such investments in diversifying the global supply chains. In this context, the leaders expressed confidence that the APK 2024, the bi-annual flagship forum of German Business with participation of top-level business executives from Germany, is a crucial platform to showcase the immense opportunities available in India for German businesses.

    49. Both sides underlined the long-standing presence of German businesses in India and Indian businesses in Germany and agreed to work towards deepening economic and trade linkages between the two countries. In this context, both sides welcomed the holding of the meeting of the India-Germany CEO Forum which serves as a high-level platform to engage business and industry leaders from India and Germany. They also underlined the achievements of the Indo-German Fast Track Mechanism to resolve trade and investment related issues, and are ready to continue its operation.

    50. In recognition of the importance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)/Mittelstand in economic growth and job creation, both sides acknowledged the growth in bilateral investment and the success of the ‘Make in India Mittelstand’ Programme, which supports German Mittelstand enterprises seeking to invest and do business in India. In a similar vein, both governments also recognised the key role played by start-ups in fostering innovation, and commended the German Accelerator (GA) for successfully facilitating start-ups to address the Indian market, and welcomed plans to establish its presence in India. Both sides noted that a corresponding programme to assist Indian start-ups in gaining market access in Germany could further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

    Strengthening Labour Markets, Mobility and People-to-People Ties

    51. As bilateral cooperation on skilled migration expands across multiple fronts, involving collaboration between federal and state governments, as well as private sector stakeholders, both sides committed to full implementation of the provisions of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA). In line with the commitments outlined in the MMPA both sides remain dedicated to promoting fair and legal labor migration. This approach is guided by international standards that ensure migrant workers are treated with dignity and respect, including fair recruitment practices, transparent visa processes, and the protection of workers’ rights. By focusing on these principles, both countries aim to facilitate the mobility of skilled workers in a manner that benefits all parties while safeguarding against exploitation and ensuring compliance with international labor standards.

    52. Building on the MMPA, the two sides concluded a JDI in the field of Employment and Labour, to enhance bilateral cooperation and exchange in areas of mutual interest between the respective ministries. The German side informed that it will support a feasibility study on international reference classification, a G20 commitment undertaken by the Indian G20 presidency in 2023. Both leaders look forward to the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in the field of occupational diseases, rehabilitation and vocational training of workers with disabilities between the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the Directorate General of Employment (DGE) and the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV).

    53. Both leaders noted that Indian professionals comprise over 1/4th of all blue card holders in Germany and that Indian students now represent the largest cohort of international students in Germany. Regarding this, they recognized the complementarities that exist between the requirements of skills and talents in Germany and the vast reservoir of young, educated and skilled persons in India, who can be an asset to the German labour market. The Federal Employment Agency will deepen the existing exchange with the National Skill Development Council, India (NSDC) and other similar Government agencies at national and state levels. Both sides welcomed the launch of the new national strategy of the German Federal government to promote skilled migration from India.

    54. Both leaders also expressed satisfaction on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Skill Development and Vocational Education and Training which would leverage the strengths of India and Germany towards creating a pool of skilled workforce in India and strengthening the participation of women, especially in the areas of green skills. Both sides agreed to include elements of facilitating international mobility of labour.

    55. Both sides remain committed to the goal of expanding the teaching of the German language in India, including in secondary schools, universities and vocational education centers. They encouraged Indian and German States, culture centers and educational institutions to further promote the teaching of each other’s languages in India and Germany, including the training of language teachers. Both sides welcomed the joint efforts of the DAAD and the Goethe Institute to develop a format for the formalized training and further education of German teachers leading to a university certificate recognized in India.

    56. Both sides reaffirmed the contribution of highly skilled professionals for economic growth, noted with satisfaction the results achieved under the programme “Partnering in Business with Germany”, and renewed the JDI on advanced training of corporate executives and junior executives from India.

    57. With the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA), both sides also agreed to address irregular migration. For this purpose, both sides established a cooperation in the field of return since the entry into force of the MMPA. Both sides welcomed the progress achieved so far and underline the importance of further developing and streamlining cooperation through appropriate procedural arrangements.

    58. The leaders welcomed the growing ties between the two sides and their respective nationals. They acknowledged the wide range of Consular issues stemming from these growing ties and the need for dialogue on all matters related to Consular issues. They agreed to work towards early establishment of an appropriate format for a bilateral dialogue on various Consular, Visa and other issues affecting nationals of the other side residing in their respective territories.

    59. Both sides acknowledged the role of their youth as cultural ambassadors and catalysts for innovation and promoting people – people linkages between the two countries. In this context, both leaders stressed on the importance of youth cooperation and noted the proposal for establishing forum for youth exchanges and delegations between both sides. Both sides also agree to facilitate student exchanges on a mutual basis.

    60. Both sides noted with satisfaction the substantial work being done in the field of culture and welcomed efforts towards expanding scope of the Memorandum of Understanding on Museum Cooperation between Indian and German national museums such as the Prussian Heritage Foundation and the National Gallery of Modern Art, India.

    61. In line with the G20 New Delhi Leader’s Declaration (2023), both leaders underscored the intention to cooperate closely with regards to the restitution and protection of cultural goods and the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property at national, regional and state levels to enable its return and restitution to the country and community of origin as relevant, and called for sustained dialogue and action in that endeavour.

    62. Both Governments also appreciated substantial cultural and academic exchanges made possible via initiatives such as the establishment of Indian academic chairs at universities in Germany.

    63. Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the deliberations held at the 7th IGC and reaffirmed their commitment to further expand and deepen the Indo-German Strategic Partnership. Chancellor Scholz thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm hospitality and conveyed that Germany looks forward to hosting the next IGC.

     

    ***

    MJPS/SR

    (Release ID: 2068257) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: English Translation of Press Statement by Prime Minister at the Joint Press Conference with Chancellor of Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 OCT 2024 4:33PM by PIB Delhi

    Your Excellency, Chancellor Scholz,
    Delegates of both countries,
    Friends from the media,

    Namaskar!

    Guten Tag!

    First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chancellor Scholz and his delegation to India. I am happy that we have had the opportunity to welcome you to India for the third time in the last two years.

    You can gauge the extent of the strategic partnership between India and Germany from the activities over the last two-three days. This morning, we had the opportunity to address the Asia Pacific Conference for German Business.

    The first IGC of my third term concluded a short while ago. Right now, we have just come from the CEO Forum meeting. At the same time, German naval ships are making port calls in Goa. And the sports world is not far behind—friendly matches are also being played between our hockey teams.

    Friends,

    Our partnership under the leadership of Chancellor Scholz has gained new momentum and direction. I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for Germany’s “Focus on India” strategy, which provides a blueprint to modernize and elevate the partnership between two large democracies in the world in a comprehensive manner.

    Today, our innovation and technology roadmap has been launched. A whole-of-government approach to Critical and Emerging Technologies, Skill Development, and Innovation has also been agreed upon. This will strengthen cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, and Clean Energy. It will also help in building secure, trusted, and resilient global supply value chains.

    Friends,

    Growing cooperation in the defense and security sectors reflects our deep mutual trust. The agreement on the exchange of classified information is a new step in this direction. The Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed today will further bolster our joint efforts to combat terrorism and separatist elements.

    Both countries are constantly working on their shared commitment to green and sustainable growth. Today, taking our Green and Sustainable Development Partnership forward, we have agreed on the second phase of the Green Urban Mobility Partnership. Additionally, the Green Hydrogen Roadmap has also been launched.

    Friends,

    The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia are a matter of concern for both countries. India has always maintained that war cannot solve any problem at all, and stands ready to make every possible contribution towards the restoration of peace.

    We both agree on ensuring freedom of navigation and adherence to the rule of law in accordance with international laws in the Indo-Pacific region.

    We also agree that the Global Forums created in the twentieth century are not capable of addressing challenges of the twenty-first century. There is a need for reforms in various multilateral institutions, including the UN Security Council.

    India and Germany will continue to actively cooperate in this direction.

    Friends,

    People-to-people connections are an important pillar of our relationship. Today, we have decided to work together in skills development and vocational education. An agreement has also been signed between IIT Chennai and Dresden University, which will allow our students to take advantage of a Dual Degree program.

    India’s young talent is contributing to the progress and prosperity of Germany. We welcome the “Skilled Labour Strategy” released by Germany for India. I am confident that our young talent pool will get better opportunities to contribute to Germany’s development. I congratulate Chancellor Scholz for his faith in the capacity and capability of Indian talent.

    Excellency,

    Your visit to India has given new momentum, energy, and enthusiasm to our partnership. I can confidently say that our partnership has clarity, and the future is bright.

    In German, Alles klar, Alles gut!

    Thank you very much.
    Danke schön.

    DISCLAIMER -This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister’s remarks. Original remarks were delivered

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Middle East and Ukraine are focus of Ignazio Cassis’ trip to North America

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the head of the FDFA, will spend two days in the United States and Canada on 29 and 30 October 2024. As part of Switzerland’s October presidency of the UN Security Council, he will chair a high-level debate on the Middle East in New York on 29 October. From there, he will travel on to Montreal, where a follow-up conference to the June 2024 Summit for Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort will be held on 30 October. In Montreal, the focus will be on humanitarian aspects in connection with the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict. Mr. Cassis will hold bilateral talks in Montreal, including with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – 28-30 October: INTA Delegation to London (UK) – 28-10-2024 – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    A delegation of six Members of the Committee on International Trade (INTA), accompanied by the Chair of the Delegation to the EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly, will travel to London (UK) from 28 to 30 October 2024. The delegation, led by the INTA Chair, Bernd Lange (S&D, DE), will exchange with the UK government, parliamentarians and stakeholders on the trade aspects of the EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement, including the Windsor Framework, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

    The context of this visit is the ‘reset’ of the EU-UK relations announced recently by the UK Prime Minister, the first review of the TCA due in 2026 and the upcoming democratic consent vote of the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly on the continuation of the application of major provisions of the Windsor Framework in December 2024.

    The UK and the EU are also faced with the same challenges at global level regarding international trade. In the past decade, geopolitical and geoeconomic tensions have heightened, in part due to the strategic competition between the United States and China. In the last few years the situation has deteriorated further, notably due to the supply chain disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic and to the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, as well as recently the major crisis in the Middle East, bringing both competitiveness and economic security to the forefront.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Plenary round-up – October II 2024 – 25-10-2024

    Source: European Parliament

    A key moment during the October II session was the debate on managing migration in an effective and holistic way through fostering returns, based on a Commission statement following up the previous week’s European Council conclusions. International topics also took up much of the agenda, with Members debating Commission statements on war crimes committed by Russia, EU action against Russian shadow fleets and ensuring full enforcement of sanctions, and protection of European journalists reporting on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Moreover, they debated the situation in Azerbaijan, and in Tunisia, the need for a ceasefire in Lebanon, China’s military provocation around Taiwan, and state-sponsored terrorism by Iran in light of recent attacks in Europe. Members also debated a number of Commission statements, inter alia on a stronger Europe for safer products to better protect consumers and tackle unfair competition, tackling the steel crisis, foreign interference and hybrid attacks, closing the EU skills gap, the abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse, the need to strengthen rail travel and the railway sector in Europe, and persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities. Members also discussed the findings of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women on Poland’s abortion law, and the lack of progress in restoring the rule of law in Malta, seven years on from the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The Court of Auditors’ 2023 annual report was presented, in the presence of Tony Murphy, President of the Court. Finally, Members heard an address by Enrico Letta, presenting his report ‘Much More Than a Market’, which was followed by a debate on a Parliament statement on empowering the Single Market to deliver a sustainable future and prosperity for all EU citizens.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Administrator Samantha Power Meets with UK Minister of State for Development Anneliese Dodds

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Spokesperson Benjamin Suarato:‎

    Today, Administrator Samantha Power met with Anneliese Dodds, the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Development and Minister of State for Women and Equalities. They discussed dire humanitarian needs in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan, and the important role the long-standing partnership between the United States and the United Kingdom can play in addressing these crises and a range of development challenges. 

    Administrator Power and Minister Dodds underscored the shared commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom to work together and find new areas of partnership, including on multilateral development bank reform and efforts to address lead poisoning.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman Meets with with Ukraine Minister of Finance Sergii Marchenko

    Source: USAID

    The below is attributable to Deputy Spokesperson Shejal Pulivarti:‎

    Today, Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman met with Ukrainian Finance Minister Sergii Marchenko to reaffirm USAID’s commitment to helping Ukraine meet its urgent financing needs, including through the G7 loans announced this week. 

    Deputy Administrator Coleman and Minister Marchenko discussed the importance of continued reforms to improve Ukraine’s business climate, which are crucial for investment and long-term economic recovery. They also underscored their shared commitment to Ukraine’s transparency, customs reform, macroeconomic stability, and recovery efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China resolutely opposes unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said on Thursday when responding to a question about U.S. sanctions on Chinese drone-related entities.

    MOC spokesperson He Yadong said that China has strict measures controlling the export of military and related dual-use products, and requires companies that trade controlled items internationally to comply with relevant laws and regulations.

    Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, China has issued multiple announcements concerning drone control, and has clearly stipulated that non-controlled civilian drones must not be used for military purposes in violation of regulations. Relevant authorities have strengthened their examination and approval processes for the issuance of drone export permits in accordance with the law, and have intensified their inspection procedures for illegal exports.

    China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and “long-arm jurisdiction” that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council, the spokesperson said.

    When it comes to malicious acts that sanction or otherwise suppress Chinese companies by citing Russia-related issues, China will resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, He said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: National Armaments Directors meet to enhance Allied defence planning and production and strengthen their engagement with partners

    Source: NATO

    As NATO works to enhance defence production and ensure better defence planning, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke to the Conference of National Armaments Directors (CNAD) on the urgency of the task ahead. “Defence industrial issues are at the core of my agenda,” Mr Rutte explained. “NATO has made significant progress in kick-starting defence production, supporting Ukraine with munitions, and rebuilding stockpiles, but there is more to do, together.”

    The meeting on 23 and 24 October brought representatives from Allied and Interoperability Partner nations together at NATO Headquarters for their 2024 Autumn Plenary Session. Delegates discussed the most pressing challenges for the armaments community across the Alliance and beyond. They addressed defence planning and production, joint procurement, and standardization. They also spoke about how to strengthen engagement with partners, in particular on supply chain security and defence industrial cooperation.

    The CNAD plays an essential role in delivering the interoperable capabilities needed for the Alliance’s deterrence and defence. The Secretary General commended their work, highlighting the important part that Armaments Directors play in “turning political priorities and decisions into action.” This is vital not only among Allies but also with Partners. The recently appointed Assistance Secretary General for Defence Investment and CNAD’s Permanent Chair, Tarja Jaakkola, underscored the value of the of “ensuring that the CNAD contributes to bringing on board partners in NATO discussions to the fullest extent possible.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    There’s a degree of irony that countries attending the 2024 Brics summit this week voted to adopt the Kazan declaration (named for the capital city of the autonomous republic of Tatarstan in Russia, where the summit is being held). The declaration’s first clause emphasises that “all states should act consistently with the Purposes and Principles of the UN Charter in their entirety”. There’s also a certain amount of chutzpah on the part of conference chair, Vladmir Putin, whose ongoing invasion of Ukraine is so egregiously in breach of that charter.

    Article one stresses that the primary purpose of the UN is to “maintain international peace and security”. Article two rules that: “All Members shall settle their international disputes by peaceful means”. If that’s not clear enough, it goes on to further insist that: “All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.”

    Still, its a funny old world in which the UN secretary general, António Guterres, pitches up at a summit whose host is wanted on an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court on charges relating to the alleged illegal deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. In a country whose troops are currently fighting in Ukraine in direct contravention of the UN’s charter.

    To add a further layer of irony, October 24 is the 79th anniversary of the entry into force of the UN Charter in 1945.

    Guterres called on Putin to agree a peace deal “in line with the UN Charter, international law and UN General Assembly resolutions”. The Russian leader is perhaps more likely to listen to a deal proposed by the Chinese president, Xi Jinping. He said: “We must uphold the three key principles: no expansion of the battlefields, no escalation of hostilities, and no fanning flames and strive for swift de-escalation of the situation.”

    Now, more than ever, it’s vital to be informed about the important issues affecting global stability. Sign up to receive our weekly World Update newsletter. Every Thursday we’ll you expert analysis of the big stories making international headlines.

    The UN chief’s idea of a just peace would call for Russia to give up its illegal occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine. Xi’s proposal appears to call for a deal based on the status quo – virtually the opposite, in other words.

    This is pretty much all Ukraine can hope for, as far as the University of Portsmouth’s Frank Ledwidge is concerned. Ledwidge, who has written regularly for The Conversation since Putin launched his invasion in February 2024 and is well plugged into defence and intelligence networks in Nato as well as in Ukraine itself, believes that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – at least as things stand.

    Ledwidge says Ukraine’s western allies are partly to blame for the maximalist aims of the country’s president Volodymyr Zelensky. Western rhetoric has not properly been matched by sufficient weapons or the permission to use them as effectively as the situation warrants. Now is the time for realism, he writes:

    A starting point could be accepting that Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk are lost … Then we need to start planning seriously for a post-war Ukraine that will need the west’s suppport more than ever.



    Read more:
    Ukraine cannot defeat Russia – the best the west can do is help Kyiv plan for a secure post-war future

    One of the key factors that Ledwidge stresses is that just one of Russia’s allies, North Korea, has supplied twice as many artillery shells this year as the whole of Europe. Now North Korean troops are apparently also about to join their Russian comrades on the battlefield. This, writes Ra Mason – a Korea specialist at the University of East Anglia – will help ease the pressure on Putin to bring forward his mobilisation plans.

    Losing battle? The state of the conflict in Ukraine, October 23.
    Institute for the Study of War

    It’s a diplomatic coup for Putin, Mason believes – it’s a “clear show of opposition towards the Washington-led global order”, which “deals a further blow to the myth that the Russian Federation is isolated, as an international pariah, in a world led by western powers.”

    But a military coup de grace against Ukraine? Probably not. The jury is out on how effective North Korea’s “poorly equipped, unmotivated and undernourished” troops will be against Ukraine’s highly motivated defenders. It will also be interesting to see where and how they are deployed. If sent to the frontlines in Kursk, they’ll be helping an ally in its struggle against an incursion by Ukrainian forces. If deployed inside Ukraine, they’ll join Russia in breach of international law. Mason concludes:

    If sent into new theatres of war against state-of-the-art Nato-supplied weaponry, it could effectively mean waves of ill-prepared cannon fodder being thrown into the meat grinder of Donbas’ trenches.



    Read more:
    Kim Jong-un sends North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine – here’s what this means for the war

    Incidentally, the term “meat grinder” has been much bandied about of late. It follows reports from US intellegence recently that, while Russian forces have been making rapid advances and gaining a significant amount of ground in recent weeks, they are doing so at considerable cost in terms of dead and wounded. September was a particularly bloody month, with reports of Russian losses of more than 1,000 men a day, killed or wounded.

    But Russian military strategists are well versed in such pyrrhic victories, writes historian Becky Alexis-Martin, who points to equally savage losses in Russia’s defence against Napoleon and in the first and second world wars. Stalin, in particular, was able to defeat the Nazi war machine by, inter alia, throwing millions of troops at their enemies (and incurring terrible casualties). But it’s not a strategy that guarantees success. And terrible psychological effects are beginning to manifest themselves in veterans returning from Ukraine with severe and often violent post-traumatic stress disorder.



    Read more:
    Russia’s ‘meat grinder’ tactics in Ukraine have proved effective in past wars – but at terrible cost

    The diplomatic front

    As if things weren’t bad enough for Zelensky on the battlefield, the Ukrainian president was dealt a serious blow earlier this month when the US president, Joe Biden, was forced by extreme weather events, including a hurricane hitting the state of Florida, to cancel the planned meeting of the heads of government of up to 50 of Ukraine’s western allies in Germany. The “Ramstein Group”, so-called after the German air base at which they meet, was scheduled to meet in the second week of October to consider Zelensky’s “victory plan”. Stefan Wolff, an international security expert at the University of Birmingham writes that the Ukrainian president was hoping to get some degree of commitment for a path to Nato membership for Ukraine as well as permission to use western-supplied long-range missiles against targets deep inside Russia.

    Neither of these seem likely to happen in the short term, says Wolff. Like Ledwidge, Wolff thinks Ukraine is doomed to defeat unless its allies double down on their aid – and fast. And like Ledwidge, Wolff sees little indication of that happening any time soon.



    Read more:
    Ukraine faces worsening odds on the battlefield and a struggle on the diplomatic front after Biden postpones summit

    When it comes to continuing US support for Ukraine’s war effort, all eyes are now firmly fixed on November 5. The outcome of the presidential election will be seriously consequential for Ukraine’s future. Both candidates have made their positions clear and there is considerable difference between the two positions.

    Donald Trump has said any number of times that had he not lost that “rigged and stolen” election to Biden in 2020, Putin would never have invaded Ukraine in the first place. Still, he says, if he wins this one, he’ll bring the war to a very rapid conclusion. But it remains to be seen, given Trump’s oft-stated admiration for Putin, whether the conclusion will be palatable to Kyiv – or to Nato in general.

    Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, said the former president’s proposals are not “proposals for peace, they’re proposals for surrender”. As vice-president during the Biden administration, she flew to Europe not long after the invasion in February 2022 to help shore up support for Kyiv. Harris has also regularly restated her intention to continue to back Ukraine against Russia. In the only debate of the campaign she said that Ukraine was not Putin’s final stop and that he has “his eyes on the rest of Europe, starting with Poland”.



    Read more:
    On Ukraine, candidate Trump touts his role as dealmaker while Harris sticks with unwavering support

    Poland, incidentally, is an interesting case in point. While it is Ukraine’s firmest ally and it leadership is four-square behind Kyiv, the people are curiously divided on the country’s support for Ukraine. You can read more about that here.



    Read more:
    Why many Poles are not as supportive of Ukraine’s war effort as their leaders in Warsaw

    One imagines that Zelensky is as transfixed as anyone else on the 2024 US presidential election campaign as it heads into its final ten days. All we can tell you is that the polls are still very, very close. Well within most pollsters’ margin for error, in fact. A poll of polls, which combines polls from different agencies, published on the website FiveThirtyEight on October 22 shows that Harris leads Trump by 48.1% to 46.3% in the national popular vote. But the accepted popular wisdom is that the complex electoral college system used in the US may well favour Trump’s candidacy.

    We’ll be providing daily updates on the US presidential race and full coverage of election day on November 5 and its aftermath.



    Read more:
    Harris nudges ahead of Trump in the polls – but could the economy prove her downfall?

    World Update is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get our updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. World update: Ukraine faces prospect of defeat – but the west must ensure a just peace – https://theconversation.com/world-update-ukraine-faces-prospect-of-defeat-but-the-west-must-ensure-a-just-peace-242146

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ECB Consumer Expectations Survey results – September 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    25 October 2024

    Compared with August 2024:

    • median consumer inflation perceptions over the previous 12 months and consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months and for three years ahead all declined;
    • expectations for nominal income growth over the next 12 months increased, while expectations for spending growth over the next 12 months remained unchanged;
    • expectations for economic growth over the next 12 months were unchanged, while the expected unemployment rate in 12 months’ time increased;
    • expectations for growth in the price of homes over the next 12 months increased slightly, while expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly.

    Inflation

    The median rate of perceived inflation over the previous 12 months declined further in September to 3.4%, from 3.9% in August. Perceptions of past inflation have thus declined by 5.0 percentage points since their peak of 8.4% in September 2023. Median expectations for inflation over the next 12 months declined to 2.4%, from 2.7% previously, and stood at their lowest level since September 2021. Median expectations for inflation three years ahead also declined in September, by 0.2 percentage points to 2.1%, their lowest level since February 2022 (when Russia invaded Ukraine). Inflation expectations at the one-year and three-year horizons remained below the perceived past inflation rate. Uncertainty about inflation expectations over the next 12 months remained unchanged, also at its lowest level since February 2022. While the broad evolution of inflation perceptions and expectations remained relatively closely aligned across income groups, expectations for lower income quintiles were slightly above those for higher income quintiles. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) continued to report lower inflation perceptions and expectations than older respondents (those aged 35-54 and 55-70), albeit to a lesser degree than previously. (Inflation results)

    Income and consumption

    Consumer nominal income growth expectations increased to 1.3%, from 1.2% in August. The increase in income expectations continued to be driven by the lowest two income quintiles. Perceptions of nominal spending growth over the previous 12 months remained unchanged at 5.2%. Similarly, expectations for nominal spending growth over the next 12 months remained stable at 3.2%, their lowest level since February 2022. For the first time since March 2023, there was no drop in either perceptions or expectations of nominal spending, while inflation perceptions and expectations both continued on their downward trajectory, which might indicate a positive turning point for real spending. (Income and consumption results)

    Economic growth and labour market

    Economic growth expectations for the next 12 months were stable in September, standing at -0.9%. Meanwhile, expectations for the unemployment rate 12 months ahead increased to 10.6%, from 10.4% in August. Consumers continued to expect the future unemployment rate to be only slightly higher than the perceived current unemployment rate (10.3%), implying a broadly stable labour market. The lowest income quintile continued to report the highest expected and perceived unemployment rate, as well as the lowest economic growth expectations. (Economic growth and labour market results)

    Housing and credit access

    Consumers expected the price of their home to increase by 2.8% over the next 12 months, which was slightly higher than in August (2.7%). Households in the lowest income quintile continued to expect higher growth in house prices than those in the highest income quintile (3.4% and 2.5% respectively). Expectations for mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead declined slightly to 4.7%, 0.8 percentage points lower than their peak in November 2023 and the lowest level since September 2022. As in previous months, the lowest income households expected the highest mortgage interest rates 12 months ahead (5.3%), while the highest-income households expected the lowest rates (4.2%). The net percentage of households reporting a tightening (relative to those reporting an easing) in access to credit over the previous 12 months declined, as did the net percentage of those expecting a tightening over the next 12 months. (Housing and credit access results)

    The release of the CES results for October is scheduled for 29 November 2024.

    For media queries, please contact: Eszter Miltényi-Torstensson, Tel: +49 171 769 5305

    Notes

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Watch live: Lords debates the situation in Ukraine

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    Ukraine is at the heart of this Lords debate on Friday 25 October. Lord Coaker, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence, will put forward the debate.

    Find out more and see the full list of members speaking https://www.parliament.uk/business/news/2024/october/ukraine-at-the-heart-of-lords-debate/

    Catch-up on House of Lords business:

    Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords
    Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/

    Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media:

    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords
    • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords
    • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #StateOpening

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-5JOWhwAdU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Karen Tso, CNBC

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    JIM CHALMERS:

    Growth in the Australian economy has been soft, certainly softer than we would like. But I think it’s important to remember that most of the OECD has had a negative quarter or worse in the course of the last year or so, and Australia has avoided that.

    That’s because we’ve struck a really effective balance. We’ve maintained a primary focus on fighting inflation but at the same time as we haven’t ignored the risks to growth. Growth is very flat in our economy. It would be much worse had we cut harder in the Budget.

    KAREN TSO:

    The government stimulus certainly helped avoid some of the worst of what was the downturn predicted from here. But reduced air travel was a big feature, a bit of a fad as Australians stopped turning up to some of those bands going on tour as well, which is a feature we’ve seen in other economies as well. Are interest rates now simply too high for the economy?

    CHALMERS:

    As you know from the last time that we spoke, Karen, there are good reasons why Treasurers of either political persuasion in Australia don’t give free advice to the independent Reserve Bank. They will take their decisions based on the best information that they have to hand.

    My job is to focus on what I can control – delivering 2 surpluses for the first time in almost 2 decades, showing spending restraint, finding savings in the budget. All of this is part of our strategy to put downward pressure on inflation at the same time as we help people through what has been a very difficult period.

    TSO:

    But you and I both know there is a balance between fiscal and monetary policy where you don’t want to be doing too much on the fiscal side. Are you approaching that? Is it time for monetary policy to step up?

    CHALMERS:

    I don’t see it exactly that way. The Reserve Bank Governor has herself said that the 2 surpluses that we’ve delivered – again, for the first time in some decades in Australia – that’s helping in the fight against inflation. Our fiscal strategy is helping in the fight against inflation. We’ve found savings in the budget. We’ve shown spending restraint when we’ve got upward revisions to revenue.

    We’ve made sure that where we are providing cost‑of‑living help, it’s in the most responsible way that we can. That’s because we do recognise the role for fiscal policy and for budget management in the fight against inflation. That’s our primary focus.

    But we’re doing that at the same time as we recognise there are risks to growth and we want to maintain the gains that we’ve made in the labour market in the last couple of years. There’s been a million new jobs created in the Australian economy. That’s the first time that’s happened in a single parliamentary term. We want to preserve and maintain as much of that as we can.

    TSO:

    Another big government in the region is stimulating – the Chinese government. In recent weeks we’ve seen measures from them to try and shore up property market, to move along some of the local government debt and also help with the consumer appetite for consumption. I asked the Brazilians this question, whether Chinese stimulus equalled better growth rates for Brazil, and the response was, it’s not that simple. How do you feel? Is it that simple – China grows, Australia grows too?

    CHALMERS:

    There is a relationship between Chinese growth and Australian GDP growth. The rough rule of thumb that our Treasury uses is every extra per cent of growth in China is about a quarter of a per cent for Australia. That’s the rule of thumb that has been applied in the past.

    We see the steps announced by the Chinese authorities as really positive for Australia. One of the main concerns we have about the global economy – primarily escalation in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine obviously – but a softer economy in China does have consequences for Australia and, indeed, for the global economy.

    So we are very welcoming of the steps that the authorities have announced. As it turns out, I was in Beijing when they announced some of those additional measures. We see that as a very good thing for Australia, but we still maintain some element of concern about growth in the Chinese economy.

    TSO:

    Do you think they’ll have the same thirst for Australian resources that they’ve had in the past?

    CHALMERS:

    I think the mix will change over time. We’ve got big opportunities in our resources base in Australia, not just in the Chinese market, in the global market more broadly.

    But we have seen in the iron ore price, for example, there has been some volatility. After these measures were announced by the Chinese administration there was an increase in the iron ore price. That’s obviously a good thing for our economy and our exporters and for our budget. But over time demand for different kinds of resources will shift.

    TSO:

    No shortage of politics in the room here in DC – a US election around the corner, everybody’s trying to work out what it means if it’s a Trump versus a Harris win. You’ve done some modelling on this. Just give us a sense as to what you’re thinking about the implication if potentially it is a Trump win, which seems to be the scenario that could be more disruptive of the markets.

    CHALMERS:

    Obviously 13 days from the US election there is a lot of talk here in Washington DC, as you’d expect, about the outcomes of that.

    We don’t have a dog in the fight when it comes to the outcome of the US election. That is a matter for American domestic politics, and we’ll work closely with whoever the Americans choose to lead them.

    But like every country, we have done some scenarios, some planning for the different kinds of policies that the different administrations might enact. We don’t make that public necessarily, but we do think through the various scenarios that may play out.

    We’ve made it very clear here and on other occasions as well, we don’t want to see a trade war in our region or in the global economy. We think that would be costly. But we don’t involve ourselves in the domestic political choices or policy choices that the Americans have before them.

    TSO:

    To the point around the trade issues, bilateral relations with Beijing have certainly improved, as you just pointed out you were there. And, for instance, what are we seeing now? Australian rock lobsters are back on the menu, Australian wine no longer costing $116, 218 per cent higher thanks to tariffs. So there’s clearly been more warmth in the relationship. Could that be derailed if there’s a much more hawkish tone coming out of Washington in coming weeks which puts pressure on the Australian relationship?

    CHALMERS:

    I don’t really want to speculate on that. We have made some really quite substantial progress when it comes to stabilising, what is a very critical economic relationship for Australia. The lifting of those trade restrictions on lobster and wine are examples of how our efforts have been paying off.

    But it’s a really complex relationship. It’s full of complexity. It’s full of opportunity. There are areas where we have to disagree with China, but there are areas where we can work together and stabilise that relationship. We’ve seen the benefits of that already. And that’s because we believe as a government you get more out of engaging with people than not, and that’s proven to be the right strategy.

    TSO:

    Which is a different change to the last government in some ways. And on that note, it is a sea change from the 2016–2020 era when it was a Trump administration. It was also a conservative government in Australia versus your left‑leaning Labor government. Your policies have been more aligned with Biden’s – the Inflation Reduction Act and climate change policy. So what sort of a reset could you be facing around climate change? Do you hope that there’s still a commitment from the next administration towards climate change?

    CHALMERS:

    I think the net zero transformation in the global economy is the biggest change since the Industrial Revolution. That will be the case no matter who leads one country or another country. We’re confident that there is enough enthusiasm for and commitment to the global net zero transformation around the world that that will carry on. We want to be a really important part of that.

    Our Future Made in Australia agenda, which is a bit like the Inflation Reduction Act here in the US, that’s not about retreating from the world; that’s about engaging with the world, making ourselves an indispensable part of the global net zero transformation. And that will be the case no matter who the Americans choose to lead them.

    TSO:

    You specifically have weighed in big time into energy and climate policy in recent years. As we’ve seen some data this week from the UN suggesting we’re on course for a catastrophic 3.1 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, IMF staff have also highlighted the need to mobilise quickly. We’re counting down to COP29. Do countries including Australia need to ramp up their ambition around green goals?

    CHALMERS:

    We’re plenty ambitious about emissions reduction and about the economic opportunity that lies at the very core of that.

    Here at these meetings in DC I’ll be joining the Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen, and that’s because we recognise that the environmental and emissions reduction task brings with it enormous economic opportunity for Australia – jobs and opportunities for our businesses, our workers and our investors. And so we see those 2 things as intertwined.

    Yes, there needs to be ambition from the world to avoid the worst aspects and the worst outcomes and consequences of catastrophic climate change. We believe there is a lot of goodwill, there is a lot of commitment, but we all need to do better.

    For Australia, we’ve got ambitious targets. We need to make them a reality, and we need to make sure that as part of that we grab the economic opportunities as well.

    TSO:

    How frustrated are you about the EV story? Because from a European lens we’ve got automakers with big goals that they’re having to then concede are not going to be reached. We’ve got declining appetite – and that’s not just in Europe, it’s also in the United States. Prices have been an issue, but in Australia potentially less so. Charging seems to be an issue, having the infrastructure. I can see you’ve done a tonne of things trying to stimulate demand, but it’s simply not catching on. You still don’t have the same level of interest in changing to EVs. What’s going wrong?

    CHALMERS:

    I’m not sure about that. EV take‑up has been increasing in recent years, and that is partly because of our policy agenda – our tariff cuts and our tax cuts, which are about incentivising EV take‑up, they have been working.

    But we recognise in the global market for EVs there are some issues playing out, including decisions taken here by the Americans as they relate to Chinese EVs.

    We’ll take our own decisions and we’ll make those decisions based on the best available information. But we believe in the future of EVs. I think Australians do too. And where we can help that with good policies like our tax policies right now, we’ll continue to do that.

    TSO:

    Do you think governments are going to have to start thinking about full‑blown cash for clunkers type of programs to try to get some motivation into EVs?

    CHALMERS:

    That’s not something that we’re considering. That policy has some history, as you know in Australia and around the world. It’s not something that we are contemplating.

    I think the key here is making sure that the tax arrangements are right, and we’ve made those 2 important changes to incentivise take‑up. We need to make sure we’ve got the supply so that Australian drivers, motorists, have got choices and that EVs are affordable. That’s our priority rather than some of those other options that have been put forward from time to time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Thursday, 24 October 2024 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2024-10-24

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Thursday, 24 October 2024 – Strasbourg

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Composition of committees and delegations

    The PPE Group had notified the President of the following decisions changing the composition of the committees and delegations:

    ENVI Committee: Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz

    FISC Subcommittee: Danuše Nerudová

    Delegation to the EU-Ukraine Parliamentary Association Committee: Michał Szczerba

    Delegation for relations with Israel: Hildegard Bentele to replace Daniel Buda

    Delegation to the EU-Türkiye Joint Parliamentary Committee: Daniel Buda to replace Hildegard Bentele

    The decisions took effect as of that day.


    3. Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (debate)

    Commission statement: Closing the EU skills gap: supporting people in the digital and green transitions to ensure inclusive growth and competitiveness in line with the Draghi report (2024/2871(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Liesbet Sommen, on behalf of the PPE Group, Gabriele Bischoff, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Borchia, on behalf of the PfE Group, Mariateresa Vivaldini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Brigitte van den Berg, on behalf of the Renew Group, Nela Riehl, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Li Andersson, on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, Heléne Fritzon, Pascale Piera, Georgiana Teodorescu, Grégory Allione, Sara Matthieu, Marina Mesure, Diego Solier, Andreas Schwab, Niels Fuglsang, Annamária Vicsek, Marlena Maląg, Hristo Petrov, Benedetta Scuderi, Dario Tamburrano, Pilar del Castillo Vera, Marcos Ros Sempere, Antonella Sberna, Ľudovít Ódor, Rasmus Andresen, Hanna Gedin, Sérgio Humberto, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Elisabetta Gualmini, Kris Van Dijck, Billy Kelleher, João Oliveira, Giusi Princi, Tiemo Wölken, Beatrice Timgren, Catarina Martins, Andrea Wechsler, Marit Maij, Tobiasz Bocheński, who also answered a blue-card question from Branislav Ondruš, Arba Kokalari, Johan Danielsson, Paulius Saudargas, Idoia Mendia, Andrzej Buła, Estelle Ceulemans, Axel Voss, Alex Agius Saliba, Esther Herranz García, Marc Angel, Maravillas Abadía Jover, Annalisa Corrado and Bruno Gonçalves.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Hélder Sousa Silva.

    IN THE CHAIR: Pina PICIERNO
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Nina Carberry, Nikolina Brnjac, Tomislav Sokol, Maria Grapini, Branislav Ondruš, Grzegorz Braun and Milan Mazurek.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.


    4. Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (debate)

    Commission statement: Abuse of new technologies to manipulate and radicalise young people through hate speech and antidemocratic discourse (2024/2887(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Lídia Pereira, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Piotr Müller, on behalf of the ECR Group, Laurence Farreng, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Pernando Barrena Arza, on behalf of The Left Group, Petras Gražulis, on behalf of the ESN Group, Eleonora Meleti, Sabrina Repp, Fabrice Leggeri, Ivaylo Valchev, Hristo Petrov, Alexandra Geese, who also answered a blue-card question from Sebastian Tynkkynen, Ivan David, Milan Mazurek (The President reminded the speaker of the provisions of Rule 10), Zoltán Tarr, Francisco Assis, Susanna Ceccardi, Paolo Inselvini, Irena Joveva, Lena Schilling, Christine Anderson, Ondřej Dostál, Manuela Ripa, Gerolf Annemans, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Marc Jongen, Łukasz Kohut, Alexandre Varaut, Taner Kabilov, Sebastian Kruis, Tiago Moreira de Sá, who also answered a blue-card question from Bruno Gonçalves, Hermann Tertsch and Mathilde Androuët.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Matej Tonin, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    5. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:05.


    6. Sakharov Prize 2024 (announcement of the winner)

    The President announced that Parliament had decided to award the 2024 Sakharov Prize to María Corina Machado, leader of the democratic forces in Venezuela, and to President-elect Edmundo González Urrutia, representing all Venezuelans fighting to restore freedom and democracy to their country.


    7. Request for the waiver of immunity

    The competent Lithuanian authorities had sent the President a request for Petras Gražulis’s immunity to be waived in connection with legal proceedings in Lithuania.

    Pursuant to Rule 9(1), the request had been referred to the committee responsible, in this case the JURI Committee.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    8. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:10.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Lukas Sieper (the President took due note).


    9. Voting time

    For detailed results, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    9.1. Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0133/2024, B10-0129/2024, B10-0131/2024, B10-0133/2024, B10-0136/2024, B10-0139/2024, B10-0141/2024 and B10-0142/2024 (minutes of 24.10.2024, item I) (2024/2890(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2024)0029)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0129/2024 and B10-0131/2024 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 1)


    9.2. People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (vote)

    Motions for resolutions RC-B10-0134/2024, B10-0130/2024, B10-0132/2024, B10-0134/2024, B10-0135/2024, B10-0137/2024, B10-0138/2024 and B10-0140/2024 (minutes of 24.10.2024, item I) (2024/2891(RSP))

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2024)0030)

    (Motions for resolutions B10-0130/2024 and B10-0132/2024 fell.)

    (‘Results of votes’, item 2)

    (The sitting was suspended at 12:17.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    10. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 15:00.


    11. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    12. Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities (debate)

    Commission statement: Protecting our oceans: persistent threats to marine protected areas in the EU and benefits for coastal communities (2024/2888(RSP))

    Janusz Wojciechowski (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Francisco José Millán Mon, on behalf of the PPE Group, Christophe Clergeau, on behalf of the S&D Group, France Jamet, on behalf of the PfE Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Isabella Lövin, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Emma Fourreau, on behalf of The Left Group, Siegbert Frank Droese, on behalf of the ESN Group, Hélder Sousa Silva, André Rodrigues, André Rougé, Ana Miranda Paz, Per Clausen, Seán Kelly and Thomas Bajada.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Niels Geuking, Jean-Marc Germain, Pernando Barrena Arza and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Janusz Wojciechowski.

    The debate closed.


    13. Explanations of vote

    Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.

    Oral explanations of vote


    13.1. Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (RC-B10-0133/2024)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    13.2. People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (RC-B10-0134/2024)

    The following spoke: Seán Kelly.


    14. Approval of the minutes of the sitting and forwarding of texts adopted

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the start of the next sitting.

    With Parliament’s agreement, the texts adopted during the part-session would be forwarded to their respective addressees without delay.


    15. Dates of forthcoming sittings

    The next sittings would be held on 13 November 2024 and 14 November 2024.


    16. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 15:41.


    17. Adjournment of the session

    The session of the European Parliament was adjourned.

    Alessandro Chiocchetti

    Roberta Metsola

    Secretary-General

    President


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0129/2024)
    Giorgos Georgiou
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0131/2024)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0133/2024)
    Sergey Lagodinsky, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Vieira, Hannah Neumann, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Markéta Gregorová, Michael Bloss, Alice Kuhnke, Isabella Lövin, Pär Holmgren, Marie Toussaint
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2980(RSP)) (B10-0136/2024)
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Udo Bullmann, Raphaël Glucksmann, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0139/2024)
    Nathalie Loiseau, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0141/2024)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, François-Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (B10-0142/2024)
    Şerban-Dimitrie Sturdza, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Aurelijus Veryga, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Assita Kanko
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):
    on the situation in Azerbaijan, violation of human rights and international law and relations with Armenia (2024/2890(RSP)) (RC-B10-0133/2024)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0133/2024, B10-0136/2024, B10-0139/2024, B10-0141/2024 and B10-0142/2024)
    Rasa Juknevičienė, François-Xavier Bellamy, Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Nicolás Pascual De La Parte, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Daniel Caspary, Loucas Fourlas, Sandra Kalniete, Łukasz Kohut, Andrey Kovatchev, Andrius Kubilius, Miriam Lexmann, Vangelis Meimarakis, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Michał Szczerba
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Raphaël Glucksmann, Udo Bullmann, Matthias Ecke, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Emmanouil Fragkos, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Assita Kanko, Marion Maréchal, Aurelijus Veryga, Geadis Geadi, Rihards Kols, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Charlie Weimers
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Nathalie Loiseau, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan

    Motions for resolutions tabled under Rule 136(2) to wind up the debate:

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0130/2024)
    Danilo Della Valle
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0132/2024)
    Petr Bystron, Hans Neuhoff
    on behalf of the ESN

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of UN Resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0134/2024)
    Markéta Gregorová, Ville Niinistö, Maria Ohisalo, Hannah Neumann, Diana Riba i Giner, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Erik Marquardt
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0135/2024)
    Engin Eroglu, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Helmut Brandstätter, Dan Barna, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Nathalie Loiseau, Ľubica Karvašová, Karin Karlsbro, Ana Vasconcelos, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0137/2024)
    Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Tonino Picula
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0138/2024)
    Adam Bielan, Charlie Weimers, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Mariusz Kamiński, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Carlo Fidanza, Alexandr Vondra, Alberico Gambino, Rihards Kols, Reinis Pozņaks, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    on the People’s Republic of China’s misinterpretation of the UN resolution 2758 and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (B10-0140/2024)
    Miriam Lexmann, Sebastião Bugalho, Rasa Juknevičienė, Danuše Nerudová
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    Joint motion for a resolution tabled under Rule 136(2) and (4):
    on the misinterpretation of UN resolution 2758 by the People’s Republic of China and its continuous military provocations around Taiwan (2024/2891(RSP)) (RC-B10-0134/2024)
    (replacing motions for resolutions B10-0134/2024, B10-0135/2024, B10-0137/2024, B10-0138/2024 and B10-0140/2024)
    Michael Gahler, Miriam Lexmann, Sebastião Bugalho, Rasa Juknevičienė, Danuše Nerudová
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Tonino Picula
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Charlie Weimers, Michał Dworczyk, Alexandr Vondra, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Rihards Kols, Maciej Wąsik, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Alberico Gambino, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Engin Eroglu, Petras Auštrevičius, Helmut Brandstätter, Dan Barna, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Ana Vasconcelos, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Markéta Gregorová
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group


    II. Petitions

    Petitions Nos 1126-24 to 1190-24 had been entered in the register on 18 October 2024 and had been forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(9) and (10).

    The President had, on 18 October 2024, forwarded to the committee responsible, in accordance with Rule 232(15), petitions addressed to the European Parliament by natural or legal persons who were not citizens of the European Union and who did not reside, or have their registered office, in a Member State.


    III. Documents received

    The following documents had been submitted by Members:

    – Mathilde Androuët, Jordan Bardella, Nikola Bartůšek, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Markus Buchheit, Valérie Deloge, Elisabeth Dieringer, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Jean-Paul Garraud, Roman Haider, France Jamet, Virginie Joron, Julien Leonardelli, Aleksandar Nikolic, Philippe Olivier, Gilles Pennelle, Pascale Piera, Pierre Pimpie, Julie Rechagneux, André Rougé, Julien Sanchez, Malika Sorel, Rody Tolassy, António Tânger Corrêa, Matthieu Valet, Tom Vandendriessche, Roberto Vannacci and Alexandre Varaut. Motion for a resolution on the surge in the number of sub-Saharan migrants (B10-0065/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE
    opinion: DEVE

    – Virginie Joron. Motion for a resolution on the creation of a European fund, financed by the extraordinary profits from ‘COVID-19 vaccines’, to compensate victims and to finance research into the treatment of long COVID and its persistent side-effects (B10-0067/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: BUDG

    – João Oliveira. Motion for a resolution on solutions to the housing crisis (B10-0068/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: EMPL
    opinion: ECON

    – Beatrice Timgren. Motion for a resolution on the audit of green investments in light of Northvolt developments (B10-0069/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: CONT
    opinion: ENVI

    – Charlie Weimers. Motion for a resolution on limiting the freedom of movement for serious criminals (B10-0075/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: LIBE

    – Dick Erixon. Motion for a resolution on design and concept flaws of new own resources (B10-0076/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain and Catherine Griset. Motion for a resolution on Pink October (B10-0087/2024)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Antoci Giuseppe, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bausemer Arno, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Adrian-Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Bentele Hildegard, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Braun Grzegorz, Brejza Krzysztof, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Bryłka Anna, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Ceccardi Susanna, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Düpont Lena, Dworczyk Michał, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Everding Sebastian, Ezcurra Almansa Alma, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Friis Sigrid, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Gemma Chiara, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomes Isilda, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Grossmann Elisabeth, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guetta Bernard, Guzenina Maria, Gyürk András, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hassan Rima, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Hazekamp Anja, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Humberto Sérgio, Ijabs Ivars, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jaki Patryk, Jalloul Muro Hana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Kanev Radan, Kanko Assita, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kollár Kinga, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovatchev Andrey, Krah Maximilian, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubilius Andrius, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Lagodinsky Sergey, Lakos Eszter, Lange Bernd, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Lazarus Luis-Vicențiu, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Lins Norbert, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martins Catarina, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Matthieu Sara, Mavrides Costas, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Negrescu Victor, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Niebler Angelika, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Ohisalo Maria, Oliveira João, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Pérez Alvise, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Piperea Gheorghe, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Serra Sánchez Isabel, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Singer Christine, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Squarta Marco, Stancanelli Raffaele, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban-Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Temido Marta, Teodorescu Georgiana, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Topo Raffaele, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Uhrík Milan, Ušakovs Nils, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verheyen Sabine, Veryga Aurelijus, Vešligaj Marko, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Virkkunen Henna, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Wilmès Sophie, Winkler Iuliu, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zajączkowska-Hernik Ewa, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Złotowski Kosma, Zoido Álvarez Juan Ignacio, Zovko Željana, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Gómez López Sandra, Homs Ginel Alicia, Lalucq Aurore

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Poland expands EIB’s Ukraine reconstruction fund with €25 million

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • Poland provides €25 million to EIB fund supporting critical recovery projects in Ukraine.
    • Polish contribution increases size of EU for Ukraine Fund to nearly €400 million.

    The Polish government has contributed €25 million to a European Investment Bank (EIB) fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale military invasion in 2022. The agreement between the EIB and Poland increases the size of the EU for Ukraine Fund to €398.35 million.

    Created by the EIB in 2023, the fund aims to help rebuild infrastructure, restore essential services and stimulate economic growth in Ukraine. Part of the EU for Ukraine (EU4U) initiative supporting vital public and private reconstruction projects and improving access to finance for entrepreneurs in the country, the fund has received contributions to date from 14 EU countries.   

    “Poland joining the EIB-led EU for Ukraine Fund marks an important step in supporting Ukraine’s economic resilience,” said EIB vice-President responsible for operations in Ukraine, Teresa Czerwińska. “Thanks to the Polish contribution, the fund is now worth nearly 400 million euros. This money will help drive public sector investment to rebuild critical infrastructure, as well as propping up Ukrainian entrepreneurs and businesses to keep the economy going. On top of that, the EIB finances from its own resources advisory support to prepare infrastructure investment projects despite the ongoing war.”

    “Supporting Ukraine has been a long-standing priority for Poland, including through development cooperation. Since the Russian aggression on Ukraine in 2022 our efforts have intensified to address humanitarian needs and help Ukraine in recovery and post-war reconstruction. Poland is proud to be one of the initiators of the establishment of the EU for Ukraine Fund in 2023 and now to fulfil our political commitment with financial contribution of €25 million EUR. We hope that these funds will also help Ukraine to modernize on its EU accession path” said Polish Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jakub Wiśniewski.

    In addition to Poland, the EU for Ukraine Fund has received contributions from Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Spain.

    The guarantees provided under the Fund enable the EIB to support reconstruction projects in Ukraine that might otherwise be too risky to finance. The EU for Ukraine Fund also supports project promoters and beneficiaries by lowering the borrowing costs for them through investment grants.

    The fund has already supported several projects including by providing €25 million for an initiative to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine and Moldova and €50 million for a new metro fleet in the capital Kyiv. Other projects in the pipeline include renovation works for damaged housing, repairs to Ukraine’s critical export routes and an emergency response line for life-threatening situations.

    Background information 

    Present in Ukraine since 2007, the EIB has been unwavering in its support for the country’s EU integration, which has become even more vital given Russia’s war against Ukraine. With a portfolio of signed projects valued at €7.3 billion, the Bank has invested in municipal infrastructure, energy, transport and small businesses, all with the goal of improving daily life, boosting economic growth and lending support for Ukraine’s resilience and reconstruction efforts. Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the EIB has provided immediate relief, disbursing over €2 billion of financing for emergency repairs to the country’s ravaged infrastructure.

    Through the EIB’s EU4U Fund and the broader initiative, the Bank remains committed to stepping up its activities in line with the mandate given by EU leaders and in close cooperation with the European Commission, the European Parliament, EU Member States and international partners. The EIB also plays a key role in implementing the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BSTDB Supports Kernel Group with USD 25 million in Pre-Export Finance Facility

    Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

    Press Release | 25-Oct-2024

    Enhancing Ukraine’s Agricultural Exports in Challenging Times 

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is providing up to USD 25 million to a pre-export finance facility for Kernel Group, a leading player in Ukraine’s agricultural sector and one of the world’s largest sunflower oil exporters.  The BSTDB funds will help the company have the necessary working capital to procure, process, store, and transport oilseeds and vegoils, ensuring their export to global markets.

    BSTDB’s financing is part of a USD 150 million syndicated facility, arranged by ING Bank NV and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A.

    “We are pleased to extend our continued and unwavering support for Kernel’s operations during this critical and challenging times.  Agriculture remains an essential pillar of Ukraine’s economy despite the immense challenges posed by the conflict. By facilitating production and exports of vital agricultural goods, we are not only sustaining a vital industry that feeds millions, but we also actively contributing to the economic resilience and recovery of Ukraine. This partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to supporting the country’s long-term prosperity, even under the most testing circumstances”, said Dr. Serhat Köksal, BSTDB President.

    “In spite of the challenging political and economic environment, Kernel repaid its 2024 Notes on time and continues to meet its financial commitments. The strong credit history allowed the Company to attract new financing even during current unprecedented times. We are thankful to our partners, including the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank, for their support and willingness to continue our long-term cooperation. The facility is aimed to finance our working capital for procurement of sunflower seeds and beans for further processing and exporting of the vegetable oils and meals to the international market thus making an important contribution to the world food safety.”, commented Sergiy Volkov, the CFO of Kernel.

     

    Kernel is a leading vertically integrated Ukrainian agribusiness player with domestic and international operations. It is the largest oilseed crusher in Ukraine.

    The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

     

    Contact:

    Haroula Christodoulou

    Phone: +30 2310 290533

    : @BSTDB

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Will you get an extra hour’s sleep this weekend? Probably not, new research says

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Melanie de Lange, Epidemiology PhD Student, University of Bristol

    Science says you may not actually get that full hour’s extra sleep you were looking forward to. kattyart/Shutterstock

    A lot of people dread the clocks going back an hour in winter – but reassure themselves that at least they’ll get an extra hour’s sleep. However, in my new study my colleagues and I found most people do not (or can not) take advantage of the full extra hour of sleep in autumn.

    Daylight saving time is the practice of moving the clocks one hour forward in spring and one hour back in autumn. It was introduced during the first world war as a way to cut energy costs. It is in operation in around 70 countries and affects a quarter of the world’s population.

    This “springing forward” and “falling back” is widely thought of a loss of one hour of sleep in spring and a gain of one hour of sleep in autumn. However, research suggests we may lose sleep for about a week after both clock changes as we struggle to adapt to the new time.

    Previous studies have relied on people reporting their own sleep patterns in diaries or surveys. However, this may not be accurate because people sometimes forget or lie about how long they slept for. Recent research has overcome this problem by using activity monitors to record people’s sleep over the clock changes. But until now researchers have only been able to do this in a small number of people.

    Our new study explored the effects of the clock changes on objectively-measured sleep duration in a large number of people who are signed up to the UK Biobank. This is a research database with lifestyle and health information from half a million UK participants. We analysed sleep data from 11,800 people who wore activity monitors for one or more days during the two weeks surrounding the spring and autumn clock changes in 2013-2015.

    Sleep is important for health and wellbeing.
    Lizavetta/Shutterstock

    We found that people slept for just over half an hour more on the Sunday of the autumn clock change than the surrounding Sundays. But people slept for around an hour less of the Sunday of the spring clock change.

    Previous research suggests people sleep for less on the weekdays immediately after the clock changes than the weekdays before. In contrast, this study found that, overall, people were catching up on sleep on the Monday to Friday after both clock changes. This trend was stronger in spring after people had lost an hour of sleep. On average people slept seven minutes more per weeknight after the spring clock change and three minutes more per weeknight after the autumn clock change than the previous week.

    This suggests that effects of the clock changes on sleep duration are more short lived than earlier studies reported. However, when we broke the data down, we found that this pattern of catching up on sleep was not seen in women. In fact, women often slept for less on the weekdays after the clock changes than before. This could be because women experience higher levels of insomnia and sleep difficulties and that these problems are exacerbated by the clock changes. Women are thought to struggle more with insomnia than men due to a number of reasons, including hormonal fluctuations, societal factors and higher rates of depression and anxiety.

    We also found that, in autumn, older people and the retired slept less on the weekdays after the transition than before. It may be that older people are particularly vulnerable to their sleep being disrupted by the clock changes because sleep becomes lighter and more fragmented as we age.

    Why does this matter?

    Although short lived, the sleep loss seen over the spring clock change in our study has consequences for health, as just one night of bad sleep has been associated with a decline in mental and physical health.

    Research has found that the clock changes themselves are associated with an increase in heart attacks, strokes, traffic accidents and depression. Sleep plays a vital role keeping your heart healthy, as well as maintaining emotional regulation. The amount of sleep you get also affects your reaction times and how likely you are to take risks.

    Concern over the harmful effects of the clock changes on health has prompted sleep scientists to call for the clock changes to be abolished. Indeed, a growing number of countries – including the US, Jordan, Mexico, Ukraine and those in the EU – have made plans to do just that.

    But stopping the clock changes is not straightforward. Plans in both the US and EU have stalled, with disagreements over what time to adopt permanently. Sleep experts argue that staying on winter (standard) time is best for health as this prioritises morning light which helps wake you up, resets your biological rhythm each day and makes it easier for you to fall asleep in the evening. Meanwhile, politicians are campaigning for permanent summer time due to the economic benefits they think it has.

    The UK finds itself in an interesting position. No longer part of the EU, it is not duty bound to stop the clock changes at the same time as the EU. But being out of sync with the rest of Europe (including the Republic of Ireland) could have economic and logistical implications.

    The UK government will probably review its daylight saving time policy as and when the EU finally ends the clock changes. It is crucial that they take the effects on sleep and health into account when this happens.

    Melanie de Lange receives funding from Wellcome.

    – ref. Will you get an extra hour’s sleep this weekend? Probably not, new research says – https://theconversation.com/will-you-get-an-extra-hours-sleep-this-weekend-probably-not-new-research-says-241285

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Allies and experts discuss intensifying hybrid campaigns against the Alliance in Prague

    Source: NATO

    More than 100 Allied experts and representatives met at the NATO Hybrid Symposium in Prague, Czechia on 24-25 October to address the challenges posed by adversarial use of hybrid tactics. Participants discussed the worsening threat environment and how to strengthen NATO`s approach to countering hybrid threats and deter these threats more effectively.

    Opening the conference alongside the Czech hosts, James Appathurai, NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid and Cyber, said: “This meeting comes at an important time. Russia in  particular is stepping up hybrid attacks against NATO Allies. Our partners are also experience increased hostile grey zone activities by various actors. This meeting will help us improve our assessment of the threats, and step up our resilience, defence and deterrence against hybrid threats’’.  

    The Symposium also had sessions with representatives from private sector and academia as well as from NATO partners such as the European Union, Ukraine and Japan to explore their experience in countering hybrid interference. The annual event offers an opportunity for the Allied hybrid community to foster cooperation among experts and exchange views and best practices. The event was co-organised with the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Budget will invest in foundations of future growth

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves is in Washington D.C. for her first IMF Annual Meetings, where she will say that the Budget is about investing in future growth.

    Chancellor Rachel Reeves at the IMF Annual Meetings in Washington D.C.

    • Reeves will set out how public investment will drive innovation in science and technology, the transition to clean energy, and upgraded infrastructure.
    • Chancellor to represent British interests in G7, G20 and IMF discussions on the global economy, international financial system and ongoing support for Ukraine.

    Rachel Reeves will tell her global counterparts that the Government’s first Budget will “invest in the foundations of future growth,” as she attends her first annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Washington D.C as Chancellor.

    The Chancellor will pledge that the Budget next week will be “built on the rock of economic stability” to fix the foundations and deliver change. She will set out how public investment will help fuel mission-led government, from boosting investment in science and technology, transitioning to clean energy and upgrading infrastructure.

    The Chancellor will attend G7, G20 and IMF meetings to represent Britain’s interests on issues including the global economy, the international financial system and ongoing support for Ukraine. This follows the UK’s announcement of its £2.26bn contribution to the G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans for Ukraine scheme, backed by the profits from sanctioned Russian sovereign assets. She will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with her international counterparts.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:

    A Britain built on the rock of economic stability is a Britain that is a strong and credible international partner. I’ll be in Washington to tell the world that our upcoming Budget will be a reset for our economy as we invest in the foundations of future growth.

    It’s from this solid base that we will be able to best represent British interests and show leadership on the major issues like the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

    At the Annual Meetings, Chancellor Reeves will support proposals to expand financing for development, needed for countries to meet the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and tackle unsustainable debt. She will also press for all G20 countries to meet G20 best practice on debt transparency and move swiftly to implement support for countries facing pressing liquidity problems. The Chancellor will welcome the agreement of a new G20 roadmap to scale up financing to developing countries through Multilateral Development Banks.

    It is the 80th anniversary year of the founding of the IMF and the World Bank, established at a conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire in 1944 to promote international cooperation on economic and monetary policies. At this years’ gathering the Chancellor will also call for change to the global financial system to deliver a fairer deal for vulnerable countries.

    The IMF released its latest survey of the global economy on Tuesday, in which the UK’s growth forecast was upgraded to 1.1% in 2024. Whilst this is welcome, the Chancellor will make clear to her counterparts that there will be more long-term decisions required to reinforce stability and deliver on the promise of change at her first Budget on 30 October.

    The Chancellor’s trip to Washington D.C. follows the International Investment Summit earlier this month, at which it was announced that nearly 38,000 jobs are set to be created across the UK thanks to a total of £63 billion in investment commitments from businesses around the world. The vote of confidence in the UK is a clear sign Britain is open for business and ready to drive sustainable growth across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 October 2024

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –