Podcasts about directorate general

Indigo's mass cancellations have disrupted the lives of thousands of passengers. This company is not a newbie or a start-up. It is India's largest airline, with 60% market share. In Financial Year 2024, it returned a profit of ₹8,000 crores. So, finances were not a concern.  Yet, it did not invest in preparing for the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms that kicked in from November 1. Following the mess with the cancellations, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has now created special Oversight Team which will be stationed at the Indigo headquarters and audit its operations.  Why didn't Indigo prepare for the new FDTL norms? Could this operational crisis have been averted if it had hired pilots on time? Or is it true, as some analysts are claiming, that India's aviation sector is inherently uncompetitive, and the odds are stacked against the airlines? We get to the bottom of the Indigo fiasco in this InFocus episode.  Guest: Jagriti Chandra, The Hindu's aviation correspondent. Host: G. Sampath Edited and produced by Sharmada venkatasubramanian Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1.India among nations hit as Mexico raises import duties up to 50% On December 10, Mexico's Senate approved tariff hikes of up to 50% next year on imports from China and several other Asian countries, aiming to bolster local industry despite opposition from business groups and affected governments. The proposal, passed earlier by the lower house, will raise or impose new duties of up to 50% from 2026 on certain goods such as autos, auto parts, textiles, clothing, plastics and steel from countries without trade deals with Mexico, including China, India, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. The majority of products will see tariffs of up to 35%. The import duty on cars will rise to 50 per cent from 20 per cent, dealing a significant blow to India's largest vehicle exporters to Mexico including Volkswagen, Hyundai, Nissan and Maruti Suzuki. 2.Microsoft deepens India bet with AI tie-ups and 200,000 Copilot licenses across top IT firms, and CEO Satya Nadella develops his own cricket app  Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella has announced partnerships with four Indian IT companies — Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, and Wipro. Each company will deploy over 50,000 Microsoft Copilot licenses, collectively surpassing 200,000 licenses, and setting a new benchmark for enterprise-scale AI adoption. On a side note, Satya Nadella, a die-hard cricket fan, has been spending his free time coding and designing his own app that he used to analyze the centuries-old game. He talked about combining two of his passions when he designed a Deep Research AI app over Thanksgiving. He then used it to select a team of all-time greats in Indian test cricket, for starters. “The system produced consensus areas, debates, reasoning chains, everything. It was fantastic,” Nadella said during a company event in Bangalore. “I wanted to get a job on the Copilot team.” Nadella is meeting business and political leaders in India this week.  3.IndiGo to give travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 to affected passengers  IndiGo on Thursday said it will offer travel vouchers worth ₹10,000 to passengers impacted by flight disruption on December 3-5. These can be used for any future IndiGo flight in 12 months. The travel vouchers will be in addition to compensation payable under government norms. Directorate General of Civil Aviation norms require airlines to pay compensation of ₹,5000-10,000 to passengers whose flights are cancelled within 24 hours of departure time.  The announcement comes a day after Delhi High Court asked why the airline was not paying compensation. The court also questioned the government for its failure to prevent the chaos. 4.Prada to launch ‘Made in India' Kolhapuri chappals after backlash Prada will make a limited-edition collection of Kolhapuri chappals in India inspired by India's traditional footwear -Kolhapuri sandals, selling each pair at around  $930(₹84,000), turning a backlash over cultural appropriation into a collaboration with Indian artisans. The Italian luxury group plans to make 2,000 pairs of Kolhapuri chappals in the regions of Maharashtra and Karnataka under a deal with two state-backed cooperative bodies.

Europe's demand for workers is growing across a wide range of skill levels, with more than three-quarters of small- and medium-sized enterprises struggling to find workers with the right skills. Meeting these labor needs will be essential to sustaining economic growth and competitiveness yet will prove even more challenging as workforces shrink and the digital and green transitions reshape which skills are most valued. At the same time, countries worldwide are competing to attract talent in critical sectors such as health care and construction, making it more important than ever that strategies to attract workers are designed to benefit both migrant-receiving and sending countries.  To ensure that labor migration works for everyone involved, the European Union has promoted a "quadruple win" approach, aiming to benefit employers, workers, and sending and receiving countries. In addition to targeted mobility partnerships with sending countries, European governments are expressing a broader interest in the lessons from existing labor migration corridors to expand opportunities for partnerships that combine support for the movement of talent with investments in local skills development.  This webinar features discussion of a study by the Migration Policy Institute and MPI Europe, commissioned by the European Commission, which examines best practices for designing and managing labor migration corridors between EU Member States and partner countries. Experts discuss findings from the research, which examines the Bangladesh-Portugal, India-Germany, Peru-Italy, Senegal-Spain, and Vietnam-Hungary corridors and offers insights on how to connect employers and workers, promote skills development, protect migrant workers, and maximize benefits for countries of origin and destination alike. Speakers:  Sonam Denzongpa, Consultant, Emigration Policy & Welfare Division, Ministry of External Affairs, India Shakirul Islam, Chairperson, Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program, Bangladesh Francesco Luciani, Head of the Migration and Forced Displacement Unit, Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission Ravenna Sohst, Policy Analyst, MPI Europe Moderator: Kate Hooper, Senior Policy Analyst, Migration Policy Institute (MPI) Report is available at:  https://bit.ly/migrationcorridorsEU More information is available at: www.migrationpolicy.org

How is Blue Education reshaping learning by connecting students to their maritime environment, their communities, and the wider blue economy? Bernardo Mata, from the Directorate General for Maritime Policy, where he is a part of the team responsible for the implementation of the Blue School programme in Portugal, and Remco Schaap, a teacher of history and Blue School coordinator in Den Helder, Netherlands join Euractiv's Xhoi Zajmi to explore how simple, hands-on projects can turn ocean literacy into everyday practice.

Amazon to invest over $35 billion in India till 2030 across its businesses E-commerce major Amazon on Wednesday said it will make fresh investments of over $35 billion across all its businesses in the country till 2030. These investments will focus on business expansion as well as driving digitisation and export growth. It added that it plans to create one million additional job opportunities and deliver AI benefits to 15 million small businesses and Indian consumers. According to Amazon, Since 2010, the company has invested nearly $40 billion in India and has enabled over $20 billion in cumulative e-commerce exports, reports Meenakshi Verma Ambwani. H1B visa interviews of thousands of applicants in India cancelled triggering outrage Pre-scheduled interviews of thousands of H-1B visa applicants slated for later this month in India have been abruptly postponed by several months apparently to scrutinise their social media posts and online profiles. Some of the applicants, whose visa appointments were scheduled next week, have received e-mails from US immigration authorities informing that their interviews are being pushed back as late as May next year. The mass cancellation of scheduled interviews of the H-1B visa applicants in view of the enhanced vetting measures is set to result in significant delays in their return to the US. The rescheduling of the interviews is for all applicants who were previously given appointments from December 15 onwards. Most of them were already in India and are now unable to return to the US pending their new interview dates since they don't have a valid H1B visa to travel back to the US for their jobs. DGCA summons IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers to explain mass flight cancellations India's aviation safety regulator has summoned IndiGo's Chief Executive Pieter Elbers on Thursday to present facts related to the recent mass cancellation of flights.  The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed the airline's Chief Executive to present comprehensive data and updates relating to the recent operational disruptions. Elbers has been instructed to submit a complete report and appear before the DGCA on December 11, 2025. Sluggish growth in own tax revenue of most large States in FY26 At a time when GST rates have been lowered and states don't receive GST compensation cess either, the own tax revenue (OTR) of states becomes more significant. businessline analysis of OTR data from CAG shows that the growth of this revenue has been sluggish for some of the top states in FY26. Gujarat's OTR for April–October 2025 has grown by about 13 per cent over last year. This is the highest increase among the 10 biggest states in India (by GDP). Growth of OTR in some of the larger states such as Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh was anaemic, below 5 per cent. Only four of the ten large states have crossed half of their budgeted own tax collections by October 2025, reports Sindhu Hariharan.

A Crisis Management Group (CMG) of IndiGo officials, set up on December 4, is meeting daily to monitor the ongoing disruption. A sufficient number of pilots, fewer flights and better preparation helped Air India to implement the new flight duty time norms. According to sources, Air India initiated the process to configure crew rostering software two-three months before the November 1 deadline and rolled out the changes a fortnight before the deadline, writes Aneesh Phadnis. As IndiGo airline flight cancellations continue, Indian Railways is witnessing full occupancy in special trains it has deployed, particularly from metro cities. The Railways are operating 89 special trains across different destinations in the country to ease the plight of commuters impacted by flight cancellations, writes Aroosa Ahmed. According to agency reports, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation-appointed panel investigating the flight disruptions at IndiGo is likely to summon the airline's CEO Pieter Elbers and Chief Operating Officer Isidre Porqueras on Wednesday as part of the ongoing probe. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the ongoing IndiGo crisis in Rajya Sabha, saying the issues faced by passengers were linked to the airline's internal crew rostering and operational planning, and not the Aircraft Maintenance and Scheduling System (AMSS). The Aviation Minister emphasised that “there will be no compromise on safety”. 2. IDBI Bank stake sale expected to bridge part of tax shortfall With the strategic sale of IDBI Bank entering the final phase, the government is expected to factor in proceeds of over ₹32,000 crore in the Union Budget's math for fiscal year 2025-26. Top Finance Ministry officials said all regulatory clearances are now in place and the strategic disinvestment of IDBI Bank is likely to be completed soon, writes Shishir Sinha. 3. Trump Media to invest ₹1 lakh crore in Hyderabad's Bharat Future City over 10 years Trump Media has announced an investment of ₹1 lakh crore in Bharat Future City, a new city being built on the outskirts of Hyderabad, according to Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana. The US firm will invest over the next 10 years. 4.Intel products for local markets to be manufactured at Tata Electronics' Fab Tata Group and Intel Corporation will explore manufacturing and packaging of Intel products for local markets at Tata Electronics' upcoming Fab and OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test) facilities. The two companies will collaborate for advanced packaging in India and focus on consumer and enterprise hardware enablement and semiconductor and systems manufacturing to support India's domestic semiconductor ecosystem.

The European Union has 160 million hectares of forests, which corresponds to 40 per cent of its territory. Forests are an economic and ecological wealth that are directly impacted by many threats: global warming, parasites, diseases, storms and of course, fires. It is impossible to ignore the devastating fires that ravage the forests of southern Europe every summer. How are European forests doing today? How can they be protected and repaired? In the 63rd episode of Food for Europe we take you to Portugal, where Jorge Brito, executive secretary of the Coimbra region, looks back at the measures put in place to regenerate the forest ravaged by deadly fires in 2017 and ensure the protection of the population. Pierre Hermans, forester and founder of the private firm Sylva Nova, explains how he integrates global warming into the solutions he offers to his clients across Europe. Finally, Jérémie Crespin, policy officer at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, a specialist in forests, discusses the state of European forests and the role of the Common Agricultural Policy to prevent forest fires.

Acurious shift has been occurring within India's trade data. Despite the nation celebrating unprecedented foodgrain harvests and increased horticultural production, the latest official figures from the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics indicate that agricultural and allied imports have increased over two consecutive years, rising from $52.67 billion in 2022-23 to $62.52 billion in 2024-25. Watch #ThePrintEconomix by Bidisha Bhattacharya.----more----Read full article here: https://theprint.in/opinion/india-agricultural-paradox-output-imports-shrinking-trade-surplus/2786181/

The European Union is one of the world's largest producers of cereals. But for the past three years, the sector has been caught between low prices on volatile international markets and rising production costs, not to mention the impact of climate change on yields. How are cereal farmers doing today? What is the outlook for European cereals? The 62nd episode of Food for Europe attempts to answer these questions. Eric Thirouin, a French cereal farmer and president of the General Association of Wheat Producers, reports on the deterioration in the competitiveness and morale of the profession in the European Union since the start of the war in Ukraine. Guillaume Jacquemin, cereal breeder at the Agricultural Research Centre of Wallonia, explains how new varieties of cereals that are resistant to climate change are being created. And Philippe Mitko, head of external relations at Soufflet Négoce by InVivo, tells us about the factors that determine the prices of cereals on international markets and the exposure of European producers to exchange-rate fluctuations. Finally, Justyna Wrobel, who heads the cereals, oilseeds, pulses and rice team in the Arable Crops Unit of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses the nature of the support provided by the Common Agricultural Policy to European cereal producers in this difficult period, and the ways in which the sector's competitiveness can be strengthened.

The 61st episode of Food for Europe looks back at the conference held on 17 October 2025 in Brussels that brought together all the players in the Farm Accountancy Data Network, FADN. It was an opportunity to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the network but also to look to the future with the evolution of the FADN into Farm Sustainability Data Network (FSDN). While the accounting database has played a key role in assessing the impact of agricultural policies and adjusting them, it has also provided farmers with a better understanding of the management of these policies. As for the academic world, there are countless research works made possible by this field data that is made available across all Member States. By integrating environmental and social data, the FSDN aims to reflect the impact of recent developments in the Common Agricultural Policy and shape its evolution in the future. Only farmers who volunteer will be involved. To fully understand the added value of FADN and FSDN, Food for Europe spoke on the fringes of the conference to Patrizia Engelhart-Getzinger, a young Austrian farmer who has been feeding the network with data for years. Katre Kirt, who heads the FADN/FSDN unit at the Estonian Centre for Rural Research and Knowledge, talks about the challenges faced by data collectors in her country. Alessandra Kirsch, an agricultural engineer with a PhD in agricultural economics and policy in France, explains how the FADN has fuelled her research, which is still useful to the European Commission today. Finally, Bence Tóth, deputy head of unit for analysis and outlook of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, explains the timeline for the implementation of FSDN and expands on issues raised by the other podcast guests.

In this episode of Raising the Aviation Bar, Filip Cornelis, Director for Aviation at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE), shares his insights as a key member of the Team Europe delegation to the 42nd ICAO General Assembly, a seminal event for world aviation every three years. Filip walks us through the Assembly's major outcomes for Europe such as the successful election of all European candidates to the ICAO Council, a new resolution on GNSS interference championed by Europe addressing growing safety and security risks, broader attention to cyber security and aviation's role in irregular migration. While safety and technical topics remained core, this Assembly was a notably political one — shaped by global tensions and Europe's proactive stance on many of the key issues on the table. For the first time, ICAO also saw a resolution adopted on conflict zones, calling on countries to enhance their civil-military coordination to prevent military operations from accidentally interfering with civilian traffic.  Asked about the greatest need for cooperation and support collectively as Team Europe, Filip stressed how GNSS interference is one of the key priorities where the Commission works closely with EUROCONTROL and EASA to ensure Europe's communication, navigation and surveillance (CNS) infrastructure remains resilient even if GNSS or other navigation methods fail. Filip further reflects on the various bilateral meetings the Commission conducted with non-EU Member States to discuss possible cooperation in the future to improve air traffic, coordination and cooperation. He also discusses the regulatory push to make aviation energy more sustainable, and the ongoing work on STIP, the Commission's Sustainable Transport Investment Plan - a strategic framework for supporting sustainable transport fuel production and distribution.  And on a more personal level, Filip talks about the roles that have shaped him, and his career as a leading EU official working on European integration and international cooperation in aviation.

Regular listeners will be familiar with the frustrations that European farmers face, trying to comply with the rules and regulations of the Common Agricultural Policy. In Episode 59 of "Food for Europe," we discuss the plans underway to simplify those rules and regulations and help farmers get their subsidy payments earlier. At this stage, however, the plan is still a work in progress. For the package to take effect, it must first be approved by other EU institutions – such as the European Parliament and the Council. Our guests this time are Bence Major, Deputy Head of Unit for Economic Sustainability at the Commission's Directorate General for Agriculture and Rural Development; John Greaney, Project Advisor, Teagasc, Ireland; Carl Ljungqvist, farmer, Jönköping, Sweden and Lovisa Filipsson, Agricultural Advisor, Jönköping, Sweden.

In today's episode of iGaming Daily, SBC Media Manager Fernando Noodt is joined by SBC Noticias Editor Lucía Gando and SBC Noticias Business Journalist Damian Martinez as the trio discuss the latest updates from Spain's Directorate General of Gambling (DGOJ) and its new plans for enhanced player protection and monitoring controls.Tune in to today's episode to find out:What the DGOJ's new player protection and monitoring plans involveHow the industry has reacted to the proposed measuresWhether stricter rules could push players towards unregulated marketsWhy a lack of iGaming education among teenagers is raising concernHow Spain's regulatory approach might influence developments across Latin America, particularly in ArgentinaHost: Fernando NoodtGuests: Lucía Gando & Damian MartinezProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor:  Anaya McDonaldSecure your spot to join Optimove for an exclusive sweepstakes industry breakfast at G2E on October 7th in Las Vegas! Network with industry leaders and gain key insights while enjoying great conversation. Click HereiGaming Daily is also now on TikTok. Make sure to follow us at iGaming Daily Podcast (@igaming_daily_podcast) | TikTok for bite-size clips from your favourite podcast.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.

In this episode we examine gender disparities in research and inno-vation, highlighting challenges women face in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, including low repre-sentation in patents, leadership roles, and persistent pay gaps across the European Union.4 experts from different domains will discuss with Jonathan Elliott why careers in science and innovation still look so different for wom-en and men in the EU. These are: Daniela Enache, statistician in the field of science and technology, and Marina Perez Julian, statistician and gender statistics coordinator (both at Eurostat); Anne Laure Humbert, professor of gender and statistics and lead researcher on the She Figures Index; and Oriane Gilloz, policy officer in the Gender Sector of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Re-search and Innovation.

In this episode of The Sound of Economics, host Rebecca Christie talks with Niclas Poitiers and Damien Levie, head of the FDI screening unit in the European Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security. They discuss how the EU aims to reduce risks, track projects and coordinate national procedures related to non-EU investments in companies and critical infrastructure. How can the EU protect itself when investors from China, the U.S. and other countries want to make a purchase? How should countries decide which deals are important? Would a so-called 28th regime, or pan-EU legal framework, offer a way around bureaucratic backlogs? This conversation explains what is at stake as the Commission, member states and the European Parliament start talks on how to revise the rules. Relevant research: Interinstitutional talks begin on EU's revised FDI screening mechanism, News article, Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, European Commission Rethinking global supply chains: insights for a changing world, Bruegel event, 18 September 2025 This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement number 101061123.

Since July 1st of this year, Denmark has been holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union. In episode 58 of 'Food for Europe', we discuss Denmark's ambitious plan for the Presidency including wrapping up negotiations on the agricultural simplification package, efforts to make life easier for farmers, as well as promoting innovation, ensuring sustainability and competitiveness in the sector. But the big story over the next few years around Danish farming will be the implementation of the Green Tripartite agreement, Denmark's firm plan to reduce carbon emissions. Of course, one size does not fit all in farming across the EU but can the Danish model for a sustainable future be an example for other states to follow in the future? Our guests this time are Neda Skakelja, Head of Unit for the Nordic and the Baltic member states of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development; Niels Peter Nørring, Climate Director for the Danish Agriculture and Food Council and Christian Orthmann Andersen Chairman of LandboUngdom.

The EU's two big green regulations on shipping have had many consequences, whether intended or otherwise. But their original purpose was as a threat. Four years ago the International Maritime Organization had been dragging its feet on agreeing any kind of meaningful limits on CO2 from ships. So Brussels effectively told the regulator: reduce your emissions, or we will. The European Commission extended its emissions trading system to cover half of emissions from voyages to and from the EU. It also pitched a green fuel standard called FuelEU Maritime, which fines companies unless they phase in greener fuels over time. The ETS started at the beginning of 2024 and the first credits are due to be handed over by September 30. FuelEU is being phased in too, with its own set of deadlines in the coming years. Shipping has been preparing ever since. But now the EU could be close to getting its original wish. A global net zero framework for cutting emissions is on its way from the IMO, though it needs to be formally adopted in October. So, now we have a global regime on the horizon, shouldn't Europe fall into line? The commission has said will consider changing its ways – if it considers the IMO system ambitious enough for the planet. So, what will it do? Joining Declan on this week's podcast are: Magda Kopczyńska, Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport, European Commission Simon Bennett, Deputy Secretary General, International Chamber of Shipping

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 112-points this morning from Friday's close, at 23,477 on turnover of 7.3-billion N-T. The market closed marginally lower on Friday ahead of strong technical resistance near the 23,500-point intraday-high mark and renewed concerns over U-S tariff policies. Work and School Cancellations Due to Rain School and work have been cancelled in parts of central Taiwan due to heavy rain and flooding. The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration says all of Chiayi County, as well as Shui-lin Township in Yunlin County will suspend work and classes, as both areas see precipitation through last night. Local officials are reporting flooding along several roadways and homes, up to 30 centimeters high, and hundreds of water pumps (抽水機) have been deployed. Forecasters say more thunderstorms are expected this afternoon, and they are advising the public to be on the lookout for more flooding as well as landslides. (NS) MAC bemoans China's recall comments The Mainland Affairs Council is slamming China's Taiwan Affairs Office for accusing the D-P-P of "political manipulation" and of saying it has lost public support following this past weekend's failed recall votes targeting 24 K-M-T lawmakers. According to the council, Beijing's "lack of democratic experience" means it has no right to comment on, or misinterpret (曲解), Taiwan's democratic system. The council is describing the recall vote as an example of Taiwan's democratic constitutional system and a major democratic achievement by civil society groups. The comments come after China's Taiwan Affairs Office issued a statement saying the D-P-P "has lost popular support and its policies run counter to the true mainstream public opinion in Taiwan." NKorea Rebuffs SKorea Efforts at Ties The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has rebuffed (回絕) outreach by South Korea's new liberal government, saying that North Korea has no interests in talks with South Korea for whatever proposal its rival offers. It's North Korea's first official statement on the government of South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, which took office in early June. In an effort to improve badly frayed ties with North Korea, Lee's government has halted anti-Pyongyang frontline loudspeaker broadcasts, taken steps to ban activists from flying balloons with propaganda leaflets across the border and repatriated North Koreans who were drifted (漂流) south in wooden boats months earlier. Kim Yo Jong called such steps “sincere efforts” but she said the Lee government won't be much different from its predecessors, citing what it calls “their blind trust” to the military alliance with the U.S. and attempt to “stand in confrontation” with North Korea. US Terrorism Assault Charges for Walmart Attacker Authorities seek to file terrorism and assault (攻擊) charges against suspect in Walmart knife attack AP correspondent Julie Walker reports That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下訊息由 SoundOn 動態廣告贊助商提供－－－－ 挺你所想！與你一起生活的銀行 中國信託行動銀行APP 全新推出「交易中安全提示」防詐騙功能 開啟後，轉帳的同時也在通話，會自動跳出貼心提醒，力挺你的金融安全 防護再進化，交易好安心！ 馬上下載「中國信託行動銀行APP」 https://sofm.pse.is/7xtwsg -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The European Commission's much-anticipated Rule of Law Report was published on 8 July 2025. Since 2019, the Report has monitored developments in the rule of law in Member States and issues recommendations on how the Member States can improve judicial systems, anti-corruption frameworks, media pluralism, and other institutional checks and balances. In this IIEA webinar, Florian Geyer and Nicolaas Bel, Head and Deputy Head of Unit (respectively) at DG JUST in the European Commission, join Judge Marie Baker to discuss the Commission's most recent findings and recommendations. They will present the new elements of the Report, including the innovative Single Market dimension, and discuss the connection between Rule of Law and securing EU funds. Speaker bios: Ms Justice Marie Baker serves as the first Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ireland. She was called to the Bar of Ireland in 1984 and was made a judge of the High Court of Ireland in 2014. She was a judge of the Court of Appeal of Ireland from 2018 until she was appointed to the Supreme Court of Ireland in 2019 where she sat until her retirement in 2024. She has lectured in law at University College Cork and Dublin City University. Florian Geyer is a lawyer who has worked for the European Commission for more than fifteen years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) in Brussels and a senior research assistant in public law at the University of Trier, Germany. Since 2021, he has been the Head of Unit responsible for rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission. Nicolaas Bel is a lawyer and has been working for the European Commission for some twenty years in various Directorates-General. Before joining the Commission, he worked in the legal department of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Since 2019, he has been the Deputy Head of Unit responsible for the rule of law in the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers of the European Commission.

A new Chinese ekranoplan is spotted, the Air India Flight AI171 black boxes, a Ryanair Boeing 737 evacuation, Essential Air Service subsidies, exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights, and keeping your shoes on at the TSA checkpoint. Aviation News Full Photo of New Chinese Ekranoplan Breaks Cover A photograph published on Chinese social media shows a Chinese ekranoplan, a wing-in-ground-effect vehicle that resembles an airplane but typically flies over water, supported by the air between its wings and the surface. Previously In China Builds New Large Jet-Powered Ekranoplan, Naval News published a photograph showing a portion of a vehicle that appeared to be an ekranoplan. New we have a view of the entire airframe on the water. China's new ekranoplan. (Image credit: Chinese social media, via X) Air India plane crash investigation: Lawyers oppose sending black box abroad The Khaleej Times reports that a group of Indian lawyers have notified the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Air India, and Boeing India, urging that the investigation remain entirely under Indian jurisdiction. They argue that sending the black boxes from Air India Flight AI171 to foreign entities could compromise the transparency and independence of the investigation. The black boxes were flown to the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) lab in Delhi for analysis. Indian and NTSB experts were present. 18 Passengers Injured As False Fire Alarm Prompts Emergency Evacuation Of Ryanair Boeing 737 After a fire alarm activated on a Ryanair Boeing 737, a chaotic passenger evacuation ensued, resulting in 18 passengers being injured, including six who were taken to local hospitals. The evacuation took place on the tarmac at Palma Airport on the Spanish Island of Mallorca. Passengers evacuated the plane via emergency slides, as well as onto the wings. See also: Ryanair Boeing 737 Fire Triggers Wing Evacuation at Palma Airport, 18 Injured. President Trump wants to slash subsidies for small airports across rural America Congress created the Essential Air Service (or EAS) in 1978 as part of the Airline Deregulation Act. The EAS was designed to ensure that small and rural communities would continue to receive a minimum level of scheduled commercial air service after deregulation. Initially authorized for a ten-year term, it is now permanently authorized by Congress. About 180 airports benefit from EAS funding. See: Current List of Eligible EAS Communities (Excluding Alaska & Hawaii) [PDF]. Estimates of EAS spending vary between approximately $200 million and $394 million due to differences in how the program's funding is categorized, the inclusion of both discretionary and mandatory appropriations, and variations in budget requests versus enacted appropriations. Southwest Airlines Explains What's [sic] It's Doing To Tackle The Curious Case Of The Exploding Soda Cans Previously, we talked about exploding soda cans on Southwest Airlines flights that mysteriously exploded and injured flight attendants. It was observed that Southwest didn't chill its in-flight supplies, and the cans could sit for hours in the heat before being moved onto the plane. Since then, Southwest started using 60 refrigerated vehicles in Phoenix and Las Vegas, with the possible addition to the catering fleet in Dallas and Houston. Also, the crew has infrared guns to check soda can temperature. Numerous Outlets Are Citing TikTok for a TSA Rule Change on Shoes, but What Does TSA Say? Several media outlets report that as of July 7, 2025, the TSA has made a significant policy change and all travelers, regardless of PreCheck status, will now be allowed to keep their shoes on during security screening. As we recorded this episode, reports were inconsistent and the TSA had not published an official statement. See: You Can Finally Keep Your Shoes On—TSA's 23-Year Airport Security Rule Ended Today.

EU Space Defense and Security Initiatives: An Interview with Christophe MorandIn this episode of Space Café Radio live from Prague, host Torsten Kriening was joined by Christophe Morand, advisor to the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defense Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). As a former French Air Force Colonel with extensive experience in military space intelligence, Morand discusses the EU's current and future projects related to space and defense, the importance of the European Defense Fund (EDF), and the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations. Learn about the EU's strategy for space situational awareness (SSA), space domain awareness (SDA), and the collaboration between EU member states and commercial entities. Discover how the EU plans to balance policy and operational roles in space security to ensure comprehensive preparedness for future challenges.Space Café Radio brings you talks, interviews, and reports from the team of SpaceWatchers while out on the road. Each episode has a specific topic, unique content, and a personal touch. Enjoy the show, and let us know your thoughts at radio@spacewatch.globalWe love to hear from you. Send us your thought, comments, suggestions, love lettersYou can find us on: Spotify and Apple Podcast!Please visit us at SpaceWatch.Global, subscribe to our newsletters. Follow us on LinkedIn and X!

Policy Seminar | IFPRI Policy Seminar Worsening food insecurity, waning response capacity: Options for a better way forward Co-organized by IFPRI, the Food Security Information Network (FSIN) and the CGIAR Science Program on Food Frontiers and Security | Part of the Fragility to Stability Seminar Series July 2, 2025 Food crises arise from the complex interplay of conflict, poverty, climate variability, and economic shocks, resulting in acute food insecurity among vulnerable populations. According to the latest Global Report on Food Crises (2025), the number of people facing severe levels of acute food insecurity has tripled over the past decade, rising from around 100 million in 2016 to nearly 300 million people in 2024. The report warns that intensifying conflict in areas prone to food crises could worsen these conditions, policy uncertainty in major economies could slow income growth around the world, and budget cuts could erode humanitarian assistance, as well as capacities to monitor and anticipate drivers of acute food insecurity. This seminar will assess these prospects and discuss ways to counteract them. Speakers will discuss: • Trends in acute food insecurity and major drivers • Challenges posed by budget cuts by major aid donors and impacts on food crisis response capacities • Obstacles faced by early warning, early action systems in collecting adequate data to monitor and anticipate food crises and address drivers • Insights from AI-driven predictive modeling approaches to overcome select data challenges and better inform anticipatory and preventive action Opening Remarks Johan Swinnen, Director General, IFPRI Global food crises, fragility, and prospects: Trends and drivers Presentation of the key findings of the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises Sara McHattie, Global Coordinator, Food Security Information Network (FSIN) What are the consequences for food insecurity risks of waning international humanitarian and development assistance? EC perspectives and responses Simona Bortolotti, Policy Officer, Sustainable Agrifood Systems and Fisheries Unit, Directorate General for International Partnerships, European Union Implications of foreign aid cuts for climate resilience and food insecurity Kalle Hirvonen, Research Fellow, UNU-WIDER and Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Challenges to humanitarian assistance and anticipatory action amid Sudan's worsening food crisis Nigist Abebe, Regional Representative, Chemonics International; Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping National Officer, World Food Programme (WFP) Sudan A new approach to assess food insecurity trends and drivers to better inform early action systems Luca Russo, Independent consultant and co-lead of study on trends and drivers of acute food insecurity commissioned by the Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC) Using AI-informed modeling to overcome challenges to data collection and predict food crises Yanyan Liu, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Concluding Remarks Rob Vos, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Moderator Katrina Kosec, Interim Deputy Director, CGIAR Science Program on Food Frontiers and Security; Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI Links: More about this Event: https://www.ifpri.org/event/worsening-food-insecurity-waning-response-capacity-options-for-a-better-way-forward/ Subscribe IFPRI Insights newsletter and event announcements at www.ifpri.org/content/newsletter-subscription

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories. Ceasefire Cheers, Markets Rally Wall Street bounced and gold slumped as President Donald Trump brokered a surprise ceasefire between Israel and Iran—bringing an end to what he called the “12-Day War.” Investors cheered the cooling conflict, triggering a selloff in safe-haven assets. On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures dropped sharply by ₹2,606 per 10 grams, while global gold prices echoed the dip. But the peace proved shaky—new explosions were reported in Tehran, adding fresh uncertainty. Analysts now expect continued volatility in bullion, with technical indicators flashing a bearish outlook. Trump Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize In a bold political twist, US Congressman Buddy Carter nominated Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his “extraordinary and historic” efforts in ending the Israel-Iran standoff. Carter praised Trump's “courage and clarity” in averting a broader war and halting Iran's nuclear momentum. While the prize remains far from guaranteed, the nomination adds a headline-grabbing chapter to Trump's presidency—and could influence the global political narrative. DGCA Flags Grim Safety Lapses India's skies are under scrutiny. In the wake of the June 12 Air India crash, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) launched a nationwide audit—and found alarming lapses. From repeated aircraft defects to worn-out tyres and faded runway markings, the audit revealed deep cracks in aviation safety protocols. Ground equipment was unserviceable, simulators didn't match actual aircraft, and obstruction data hadn't been updated in three years—despite ongoing construction near airports. The DGCA has ordered urgent fixes within a week and vowed continuous monitoring. With air traffic surging, the need for a full-scale aviation safety overhaul is more urgent than ever. Wegovy Enters India's Obesity Fight Novo Nordisk has officially launched Wegovy in India—a once-a-week injectable weight loss drug targeting adults battling obesity and cardiovascular risks. Priced between ₹17,345 and ₹26,050, Wegovy enters a space already heating up with Eli Lilly's Mounjaro, launched earlier this year. Unlike diabetes drug Ozempic, Wegovy is FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. The drug mimics appetite-suppressing hormones and boosts insulin sensitivity. Novo Nordisk says it's focusing on awareness and accessibility rather than immediate sales numbers. As India's obesity challenge deepens, a pharma face-off is brewing—one pen injection at a time. Hindalco Buys Into High-Tech Alumina Hindalco is going deeper into advanced materials. The Aditya Birla Group's metals major has announced a $125 million acquisition of U.S.-based AluChem Companies Inc., adding 60,000 tonnes of specialty alumina capacity. AluChem's products power EVs, semiconductors, and precision ceramics—critical segments in a fast-changing global supply chain. This marks Hindalco's third U.S. metals acquisition after Novelis and Aleris. MD Satish Pai says the deal is part of a long-term plan to double Hindalco's specialty alumina output to 1 million tonnes by FY30. “As clean-tech demand rises, AluChem's chemistry will help us lead,” he said. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This high-level policy debate will convene key actors to discuss the critical role of research and innovation in helping to drive Europe's green transition and enhancing its competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy. The dialogue will cover a range of topics, including the fostering of green startups and scaleups, effective measures to combat green disinformation and its erosion of public trust and sound policy making, and the strategic importance of green and blue diplomacy in addressing global environmental and security challenges. Discussions on these topics are timely as the negotiations on the next EU's long-term budget plan are starting up.By bringing diverse perspectives to the table, this policy debate aims to stimulate forward-thinking dialogue on how Europe can accelerate the transition to a resilient, competitive, and secure green economy. Speakers will look at the role of R&I as an enabler of the green transition and explore how its policy, economic and societal impact can accelerate in the coming years. We invite you to join this timely conversation and contribute to shaping the future of EU research and innovation for sustainable prosperity.This policy dialogue will set the scene for the full-day "R&I for a Competitive Green Transition" conference, organised by the European Commission, Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, on 24 June 2025 in Brussels. Topics introduced in this policy dialogue session will be explored in more depth during this conference, which is a satellite event of the European Research and Innovation Days.More information and registrations for the conference: Events | The research and innovation community platform

Raimund Löw in conversation with Thomas Carothers, Mitchell Ash and Eva NowotnyDEMOCRACY UNDER THREAT - DONALD TRUMP AND WORLD POLITICS?In the second presidency of Donald Trump an attack against the rule of law in the United States has begun. The White House has challenged or undercut independent institutions of the government, the liberal media and the universities. The United States have greatly reduced its support of democracy on the international level. Vice-president JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio have supported parties and politicians from the far right in Europe and elsewhere. How far will the pressure on democracy in the United States under Donald Trump go? How strong is the resistance of the democratic institutions and civil society in the US? What are the consequences for democracy in the world?A discussion between democratization expert Thomas Carothers (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Washington DC), historian Mitchell Ash (University of Vienna) and former Austrian Ambassador to the USA Eva Nowotny, moderated by journalist Raimund Löw Thomas Carothers is a leading authority on comparative democratization and international support for democracy, human rights, governance, the rule of law, and civil society. He is the author or editor of critically acclaimed books and articles in prominent journals, including most recently, Democracies Divided: The Global Challenge of Political Polarization (Brookings Press, 2019, co-edited with Andrew O'Donohue). He has been a visiting faculty member at the Central European University, Nuffield College, Oxford University, and Johns Hopkins SAIS.Mitchell G. Ash is Professor Emeritus of Modern History at the University of Vienna, Austria.  He is a member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities and the European Academy of Sciences and Arts. Ash is author or editor of 20 books and 200 articles and review essays with focus on the social, cultural and political relations of the sciences in the 19th and 20th centuries. Since 2016 he has published commentaries and participated in media discussions on recent American politics, most recently “Die USA auf dem Weg zu einer Demokratur?” (in Der Standard, 29. Jänner 2025. https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000254882/die-usa-auf-dem-weg-zu-einer-demokratur).Eva Nowotny is Vicepresident of the Kreisky Forum. She had been Austrian Ambassador to France, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. She had served as Foreign Policy Advisor at the Office of the Federal Chancellor and as head of the Directorate-General for Integration and Economic Policy at the Foreign Ministry. Eva Nowotny has chaired the University Board of the University of Vienna.Raimund Löw, journalist and historian, is editor of the podcast Falter Radio. He has been foreign correspondent for Austrian Radio and Television ORF in Washington DC, Beijing, Brussels and Moscow. He is author and coautor of several books on international affairs including Welt in Bewegung (2022), Weltmacht China (2018)

In this episode of Money Tales, our guest is Sophie Bertin. You know that feeling when everything looks good on paper, a great job, supportive colleagues, a solid paycheck, but something inside keeps whispering, this isn't it! That was Sophie. She had a comfortable life, but comfort wasn't enough. It took a spark - an unexpected stat about entrepreneurs from a business school dean when Sophie was at a less-than-satisfying moment in her career - for her to realize: “Why am I in the 50% who haven't taken the leap?” That catalyzed her turning point. Sophie Bertin has a varied career path, from strategic consultancy, to banking operations, to the European Commission and now turned entrepreneur. She recently founded Serapy with the aim of improving corporate compliance training through the combination of simulations, gamification, role play and online tools. Serapy uses the latest educational theories to provide trainings with increased retention rate, and combines that with AI tools to enhance the learning process. Serapy is currently present in Switzerland, Bulgaria, Portugal, France and the UAE. Serapy has been accepted in the incubation program of the Unicorn Factory Lisbon and of Station F in Paris. In addition to Serapy, Sophie has her own consultancy (Parnima Consulting) since 2016, where she works with top legal and regulatory firms, consultancy firms and financial clients on EU Regulations in the area of Financial Services, Foreign Subsidies and State Aid. She also serves as independent board member of Eastnets, a leading provider of AML, SWIFT and payments solutions. She sits on the Remuneration, Nomination and Governance Committee. Before becoming entrepreneur, Sophie was Group Head of Corporate Development and Managing Director of SIX Group (in Switzerland), in charge of strategy development, innovation and regulatory affairs. During the Financial Crisis, she served as Head of Unit at the Directorate General for Competition within the European Commission. There, she was responsible for the review and approval of the State aid provided by Member States to the financial services (mostly banks) during the financial crisis of 2008-2014. Prior to her role with the European Commission, Sophie held senior positions within SWIFT, where she was globally in charge of Asset Servicing; with The Bank of New York Mellon; and worked with the top consultancies McKinsey and later Bain &Co. She started her career path as IT and database programmer, which is very helpful now with the latest AI tools she uses in her start-up. She started her studies in Vienna, graduated from the Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris, holds an MBA from INSEAD and a post-graduate diploma in EU Competition Law from King's College. She holds also a diploma from the Swiss Board Institute. She is member of the Executive Committee of the INSEAD Alumni organization, and she is also the founder and president of the global INSEAD Women in Business Club. Recently, she finished an advanced AI Mastery class and won the award for the best AI Application Builder. She is promoting and advocating for AI literacy among women and through the INSEAD Women in Business Club organizes events for Women in AI.

European wines enjoy a reputation for excellence throughout the world and provide 2.9 million jobs in the European Union. But in many regions, wine is much more than its market value - it's a heritage, the backbone of local identity. But now, with consumption at an all-time low, production costs soaring and the threat - sometimes existential - of climate change, the wine industry has its back up against the wall: to overcome the crisis, it is going to have to adapt. This is the theme of the 56th episode of our Food for Europe podcast. The situation is complex, which is why the European Commission's response consists of a multitude of measures and aids that can be modulated according to the regional and national situation of the vineyard concerned. We talk to Simone Loose, professor of business economics in the wine and drinks sector at the University of Geisenheim in Germany; Valentine Picant, co-owner and manager of Château Hostens-Picant, east of Bordeaux; Luca Rigotti, chairman of Copa-Cogeca's ‘Wine' working group; and Lavinia Stan, market analyst in the wine sector at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ireland continues to participate in the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, a European campaign to raise awareness of the critical role plant health plays in protecting food, biodiversity, and the environment. Now in its third year, the #PlantHealth4Life campaign returns with renewed focus on citizen empowerment, encouraging people across Europe including gardeners, travellers, and families - to become active plant health ambassadors. Led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Commission (EC), the 2025 campaign is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine in Ireland, and will empower citizens to become plant health ambassadors, spotlighting how everyday actions can have powerful impacts on biodiversity, agriculture, and the environment. Plant Health, Biodiversity, and Economy in the EU Speaking on the campaign, garden designer and UN FAO Goodwill Ambassador for Ireland, Diarmuid Gavin, said: "Along with being places of beauty, our gardens are frontline defences in the fight for biodiversity and climate resilience. Every seed we sow responsibly and every pest we spot early is a step toward protecting Ireland's natural environment. This campaign reminds us that plant health begins at home, and we all have a role to play." Ms Louise Byrne, Chief Plant Health Officer for Ireland, added: "Protecting plant health is something every person in Ireland can contribute to. People should travel wisely and avoid bringing plants and seeds home from abroad. Practice responsible sourcing of plants with plant passports from reputable operators. Monitor plants in your garden and in the wider environment for pests and diseases and if you've concerns email PlantAndPests@agriculture.gov.ie. Empower the next generation by teaching children about the importance of plant health." Emphasising practical action and community involvement, the campaign encourages informed citizens not only to reflect but also to share their knowledge and inspire others to join in the collective effort to safeguard our ecosystems and economies. The campaign urges travellers not to bring back any plants, flowers, seeds, fruits, or vegetables from outside the EU, as these items may harbour plant pests or diseases detrimental to native flora. Additionally, consumers are advised to buy plants and seeds online only if accompanied by a valid phytosanitary or plant health certificate. Embracing good plant hygiene practices and promptly addressing signs of plant pests or diseases in home gardens and communal outdoor spaces will also prevent their spread to neighbouring plants and natural habitats. Sylvain Giraud, Head of Plant Health Unit in the Directorate General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) said: "When citizens understand the vital role of plant health in their lives - from the food on their tables to the air they breathe - they become powerful agents of change. The #PlantHealth4Life campaign is a reminder that each of us can make a meaningful difference by staying informed and making thoughtful choices that help protect what sustains us all." Giuseppe Stancanelli, Team Leader for Plant Health Risk Assessment at EFSA added: "A plant isn't just a plant - it can carry other living organisms too. In our interconnected world, plants move more than ever. That's why the EU relies on science-based risk assessment to understand and manage potential threats to plant health - helping to protect our environment, agriculture, and biodiversity. Through the #PlantHealth4Life campaign, we're raising awareness across Europe." The 2025 #PlantHealth4Life campaign is running across 26 EU Member States, five EU pre-accession countries, and Switzerland. Visit www.efsa.europa.eu/en/plh4l and discover how to safeguard plant health. About the campaign #PlantHealth4Life is a multi-year and multinational campaign developed at the request of the European Commission and based on an in-depth analysis of citizen perceptions and behaviour with respect to plant h...

In Episode 54 of 'Food for Europe!' we'll be discussing mental health in agriculture. Long working hours, financial worries, isolation and loneliness, are among the many reasons farmers are struggling. That leaves us to ask: What does it mean to be a farmer in today's world? At the same time, there is a lot that can be done – and the European Commission is aware of the problem. Our guests this time are Maria Gafo, Head of the Social Sustainability Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development; David Meridith, Head of Agri-Food and Spatial Analysis at the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority; Peter Lundqvist, a professor at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and Peter Hynes, a farmer from Ireland who has struggled with mental health issues.

The 2025 Spring Meeting of the ABA Antitrust Law Section offered the Our Curious Amalgam team a chance to speak with competition law enforcers from around the world. In this episode, host Matthew Hall asks Olivier Guersent, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission (DG COMP), about what's been happening in the European Union since we interviewed him at the 2024 Spring Meeting. Listen and learn about DG COMP's current and recent work and what competition law policy and enforcement trends the Director-General sees on the horizon. With special guest: Olivier Guersent, Director-General, Directorate-General for Competition, European Commission Related Links: European Commission DG COMP website 2024 Spring Meeting interview with Olivier Guersent 2023 Spring Meeting interview with Olivier Guersent 2022 Spring Meeting interview with Olivier Guersent Hosted by: Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP

Since January 1st, Poland has held the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. So, this is an opportunity for Food for Europe to focus on the Polish agricultural sector. Polish farming has undergone profound changes since the country joined the EU 21 years ago. Under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy, the average size of farms has increased, farmers are specializing more, and their products have conquered the shelves of the common market. As a result, in 2023, Poland was the fifth largest contributor to the European agricultural sector, behind France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In the 53rd episode of the podcast dedicated to agriculture, farming and food, Jacek Zarzecki, a cattle breeder and expert with the European Commission, talks to us about his sector, its strengths, but also its weaknesses and industry concerns. Magdalena Nowicka, Deputy Director of the Direct Payments Department at the Polish Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses measures to cut red tape implemented by her teams. Professor Marek Wigier of the Warsaw-based Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics explains the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead. Finally, Arkadiusz Mazur, Programme Officer at the Commission's Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development, discusses the transformation of the Polish agricultural sector and the opportunities ahead within the EU.

HPQ Silicon and its France-based affiliate Novacium have taken a critical step toward revolutionizing hydrogen production with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) alongside Malaysian aluminum recycler GLD Alloys. Their collaborative innovation is a solid-state fuel that generates hydrogen without electricity, dangerous pressurized storage, or complex infrastructure—tackling some of the biggest barriers in traditional hydrogen systems.FRENCH MILITARY LOOKING TO FINANCE PILOT PLANT IN 2025 AND REAL WORLD TESTINGIn a powerful vote of confidence, France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) has pre-selected the project as a candidate for a €750,000 pilot plant grant, and the French military is set to be the first to test the technology in real-world conditions.STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACTGLD Alloys is a leading Malaysian producer of recycled aluminum. The MOU collaboration leverages GLD Alloys' 200,000-ton recycled aluminum production capacity, a critical input in METAGENE's low-carbon hydrogen solution. This partnership addresses two converging needs: scalable hydrogen production and decarbonized aluminum use.95% fewer carbon emissions than primary aluminum-based processesHydrogen output of 1.25 m³ per kg of fuel, surpassing conventional methodsTarget production of 500 tonnes of METAGENE™ fuel per year MILITARY-GRADE VALIDATION & MARKET READINESSThe announcement is more than a promising prototype—it's a platform with real commercial traction. A pilot system producing 10kg of hydrogen per day is set to launch this year, with field testing expected in early 2026 and commercial production soon after.“GLD Alloys is the ideal partner to make METAGENE™ a global commercial success. Their production capacity and environmental commitment position us to target the rapidly growing green hydrogen market.” – Bernard Tourillon, CEO, HPQ SiliconA MARKET POISED FOR EXPONENTIAL GROWTHAccording to BloombergNEF, the green hydrogen market is projected to reach US$500 billion by 2030.  HPQ and Novacium's METAGENE™ offers a rare, fully off-grid solution—ideal for defense, industrial, and remote applications where energy independence is critical.CONCLUSION: DISRUPTION IN MOTIONWith French military backing, an industrial-scale partnership, and a disruptive technology that eliminates long-standing hydrogen hurdles, HPQ Silicon is no longer just an early-stage innovator—it's an emerging force in the future of clean energy. Investors looking for the next transformative small cap may find this company difficult to ignore.

By introducing artists to science and research institutions, sci-art collaborations are establishing new perspectives and interdisciplinary approaches, and artistic work is contributing to scientific inquiry. In this talk, musician and sound artist Sam Nester introduces his work and how it has led to collaborative projects with institutions in the USA, Europe, and the UAE. From working alongside scientists at the European Joint Research Centre and policy officers of the Directorate General for Environment, to collaborating with members of the Center for Genomics & Systems Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi as the inaugural artist-in-residence. Speaker Sam Nester, Artist-in-Residence, Center for Genomics & Systems Biology, NYUAD

Tai-Ex opening  The Tai-Ex opened up 224-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,132 on turnover of 7.1-billion N-T. PM2.5 haze from China to affect Taiwan in coming week: MOENV The Ministry of Environment says Taiwan will experience poorer air quality and visibility (能見度) from today through Thursday due to fine particulate matter moving in from China. The ministry says air quality across Taiwan is expected to range from "moderate to orange" warning levels on those days, with the orange warning level meaning that air quality is "unhealthy for sensitive groups" . Officials say PM2.5 concentrations measuring 40-50 micrograms per cubic meter possible in northern parts of the country today, with the haze then sweeping southward across the island. The World Health Organization has recommended in its air quality guidelines that 24-hour average exposures to PM2.5 particulates should not exceed 15 micrograms per cubic meter. Air quality in areas north of Hsinchu and Miaoli counties is expected to improve from Tuesday, though other areas will continue to be affected until at least Thursday, when another wave of pollution from China may also roll into Taiwan. HeHuanShan Sees Season's Heaviest Snowfall Hehuanshan saw its heaviest snowfall of the winter overnight, drawing crowds of snow chasers despite freezing temperatures. Local officials say snowfall began at around 8 p.m. yesterday and continued into the early morning. Workers at Songxue Lodge reported about 0.5 centimeters of accumulation. Cold air combined with moisture caused snow and sleet to blanket roads and slopes. The snowfall led the Directorate General of Highways to restrict (限制) access to Hehuanshan's main route, Provincial Highway 14A. As of early this morning, parts of the road between Kunyang and Xiaofengkou remained icy, prompting continued snow chain requirements. Drivers were urged to proceed cautiously and follow traffic and safety advisories. SKorea Requests Police Takeover Impeached President Arrest Attempt South Korea's anti-corruption agency has requested that police take over efforts to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol after its investigators failed to bring him to custody following a standoff with the presidential security service last week. The agency and police confirmed the discussion today, hours before the one-week warrant for Yoon's detention was to expire (到期). The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials will likely seek a new court warrant to extend the window for Yoon's detention, according to police. Venezuela Opposition Leader Urges Protests Against Maduro Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged supporters to demonstrate across the country, telling them in a video message that President Nicolas Maduro will not step down on his own and they “must make him leave.” Machado on Sunday instructed supporters to demonstrate Thursday, the day before Venezuela's next presidential term is set to begin. Her message came hours after the government again made clear its intention (意圖) to arrest retired diplomat Edmundo Gonzalez, who claims to have defeated Maduro in last year's election. Gonzalez left Venezuela for exile in Spain in September after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. US NYC Congestion Toll New York City now has a toll (收費) to enter the heart of the Big Apple. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

07th Aug: Crypto & Coffee at 8

Host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the news in the crypto industry from Binance challenging a $86 million tax showcause in India to Ronin's pause after a white hat hack.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here."CoinDesk Daily" host Jennifer Sanasie breaks down the biggest headlines in the crypto industry today, as Binance challenged a nearly $86 million tax showcause notice from India's Directorate General of Goods and Services Tax Intelligence. Plus, bridging service Ronin was paused after a white hat hack, and spot ether ETFs recorded net inflows of nearly $49 million on Monday despite the slump in ETH.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and Melissa Montañez and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The EU MDR is still not stable. There are still updates ongoing so stay tuned and listen to Erik Vollebregt explaining the Article 10a that will be integrated to the EU MDR where medical device manufacturers have to inform about interruption of supply. So what will be the requirements and what should you do. Listen to it to know more.  Who is Erik Vollebregt?  Erik specializes in EU and national legal and regulatory issues relating to medical devices, including eHealth, mHealth, software, and protection of personal data. He is an expert in life sciences regulation at the EU and Dutch level, with a focus on contracts, and regulatory litigation against competent authorities and M&A. Erik was initially trained as intellectual property and competition lawyer, starting his career at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. He subsequently gained experience in contentious matters, commercial contracts, and transactional work at three large international law firms. He actively contributes to law and policy development at the national and EU levels via membership in specialized committees at branch associations and the European Commission. Erik also works as an arbitrator in medical devices-related disputes and is regularly retained as an expert witness in foreign litigation. Erik worked and lived in Brussels and Stockholm for several years, and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Swedish. Chambers Europe 2017: Erik is known for his specialism in regulatory work, which covers medical technology, devices, and products as well as for biotechnology. Clients confirm his strong capabilities, with one saying “he stands out to me. Whenever I work with lawyers he has been the best, with a solid scientific background. He has the perfect combination of skills and experience.”   Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.  Link Erik Vollebregt Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvollebregt/ Axon Lawyers Website: https://www.axonlawyers.com/  EU MDR: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02017R0745-20230320  Medical devices: Council adopts new measures to help prevent shortages    https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/PE-54-2024-INIT/en/pdf  Article Judith de Wildth – How to prepare for article 10a: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erikvollebregt_how-to-prepare-for-article-10a-mdr-as-a-manufacturer-activity-7216378083308646401-vqzF  EUDAMED roll-out timeline: https://health.ec.europa.eu/document/download/04ce2012-97df-4dd0-8a39-d4f6993b9e16_en?filename=md_eudamed_roadmap_en.pdf  Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

More and more regulations have to be applied in parallel of the EU MDR and the one of the EU Battery Regulation is not an exception. Erik Vollebregt from Axon Lawyers will be explaining to us what are these additional requirements. He will also confirm that Notified Bodies can ask you questions about it and finally he will share some key timelines for its implementation. Spoiler Alert ! first is August 2024 so be quick.  Who is Erik Vollebregt? Erik specializes in EU and national legal and regulatory issues relating to medical devices, including eHealth, mHealth, software, and protection of personal data. He is an expert in life sciences regulation at the EU and Dutch level, with a focus on contracts, and regulatory litigation against competent authorities and M&A. Erik was initially trained as intellectual property and competition lawyer, starting his career at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. He subsequently gained experience in contentious matters, commercial contracts, and transactional work at three large international law firms. He actively contributes to law and policy development at the national and EU levels via membership in specialized committees at branch associations and the European Commission. Erik also works as an arbitrator in medical devices-related disputes and is regularly retained as an expert witness in foreign litigation. Erik worked and lived in Brussels and Stockholm for several years, and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Swedish. Chambers Europe 2017: Erik is known for his specialism in regulatory work, which covers medical technology, devices, and products as well as for biotechnology. Clients confirm his strong capabilities, with one saying “he stands out to me. Whenever I work with lawyers he has been the best, with a solid scientific background. He has the perfect combination of skills and experience.” Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.    Links from the Video Erik Vollebregt Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvollebregt/  Axon Lawyers Website: https://www.axonlawyers.com/  EU Battery Regulation: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10488-2023-INIT/en/pdf   Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

Christian D'Cunha, Head of the Cyber Coordination Task Force at the European Commission, discusses the critical role of GDPR during the pandemic, and explores how Europe balanced the necessity of contact tracing and mobility data with the imperative to protect personal privacy. He also shares the challenges regulators face in enforcing GDPR against tech giants, and the strategies these companies use to delay compliance. Key Takeaways: The use of anonymized data during COVID-19, and the vital lessons learned from this unprecedented period The evolving landscape of data protection laws—including the Digital Markets Act and the Digital Services Act—and their interaction with GDPR Critiques to the prescriptive nature of GDPR and its expectations How to ensure GDPR is upheld in an evolving technological landscape, and continues to be effective in the future Guest Bio: Christian D'Cunha is Head of the Cyber Coordination Task Force in the Directorate-General for Communications, Content, and Technology in the European Commission. In recent years he oversaw a study into the future of digital advertising and its impact on privacy; drafted the Data Act proposal and EU cybersecurity strategy; and led the roll out of interoperable contact tracing apps during the COVID pandemic. He was head of the Private Office of the European Data Protection Supervisor from 2015-2020, advising on privacy-related legal and policy developments in the EU, including online manipulation, digital monopolies, digital ethics, and scientific research. He also served for several years as private secretary to the Chairman of the UK Labour Party. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte  

Everyone knows that price fixing is against the law, chiefly Section 1 of the Sherman Act. Competitors may not collude, i.e., agree, to keep prices where they want them, but there are relatively new pricing platforms that some companies maintain take them out of the equation, so they do not have to share private information directly with competitors. Instead, they claim, they feed their data to a third-party which uses algorithms to come up with pricing for these competitors based on data they all contribute. The subject has been getting a lot of attention as cases mount against a company called RealPage, a firm that provides shared pricing services for landlords. The company faces dozens of suits in multidistrict litigation and has also captured the attention of federal antitrust law enforcers. But they are not the only company finding themselves in litigation. As our guest recently wrote: “When pricing algorithms are used by individual firms, such as airlines, e-commerce platforms, ride-share and room-share companies, stock traders, and others, there are unlikely to be anti-competitive consequences. It is when market competitors avail themselves of the same algorithmic program or service that the specter of unlawful collusion arises.” That risk increases as markets become more concentrated, he says. He is Jonathan Rubin, Partner and Co-Founder of MoginRubin LLP, a widely recognized competition law attorney, economist, and commentator who has presented at antitrust conferences in the United States and Europe, testified before several congressional committees, and before the Directorate General for Competition of the European Commission.  “The fact that these services employ an algorithm is not central to what's going on in this scenario,” he told me, “because what's important is the conduct of the businesspeople involved.”Listen to my interview with Jonathan Rubin as we discuss what algorithmic or software-facilitated pricing is, what the law says about price collusion, how this new pricing mechanism violates that law, and recent developments in litigation. *******This podcast is the audio companion to the Journal of Emerging Issues in Litigation. The Journal is a collaborative project between HB Litigation Conferences and the vLex Fastcase legal research family, which includes Full Court Press, Law Street Media, and Docket Alarm.If you have comments, ideas, or wish to participate, please drop me a note at Editor@LitigationConferences.com.Tom HagyLitigation Enthusiast andHost of the Emerging Litigation PodcastHome PageFollow us on LinkedInSubscribe on your favorite platform.  

The Recent Changes to the EU Regulatory Framework and their Impact on Shipping The discussion is focused on the adoption of EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and the road ahead to implement Fuel EU Maritime in 2025 Featuring: · Mr. Ricardo Batista, Policy Officer – Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport – Maritime Transport Unit – European Commission · Mr. Dimitris Anassis FCIArb, Partner – Hill Dickinson LLP 4th Annual Capital Link Decarbonization in Shipping Forum Moving from Discussion to Delivery Monday, July 1, 2024 | Digital Event #DecarbonizationinShipping #FuelEU #EUETS #ETS #FuelEUMaritime #Mobility #Transport #Maritime #EUShipping For more information, please visit the following link: https://forums.capitallink.com/shipping/2024decarbonization/

In this powerful episode of Bitcoin for PEACE, we delve into the intersection of women's rights, financial autonomy, and Bitcoin with Mercedes Juarez, a seasoned women's rights expert who has worked in over 50 countries. Mercedes shares her extensive experience in advocating for women's health, wellness, and financial independence, particularly in the Global South. We discuss the challenges women face in escaping violence and becoming autonomous, and how Bitcoin can be a transformative tool in this journey.Mercedes highlights the systemic issues within the development industry and the importance of strategic, culturally sensitive interventions. She emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that includes financial education and community support. We also explore the concept of circular economies and the importance of creating sustainable, self-sufficient communities.Throughout the conversation, Mercedes shares poignant stories and insights from her work, illustrating the profound impact of empowering women with financial tools like Bitcoin. We also touch on the importance of ethical considerations and the need for a shift in mindset within the Bitcoin community to truly leverage this technology for social justice and equity.Join us for an enlightening discussion that underscores the potential of Bitcoin to create a more peaceful and equitable world, especially for women in vulnerable situations.ABOUT MERCEDES:International women's specialist with 40 years' experience as a consultant, trainer, and researcher in the fields of education, development aid, global health and gender issues. Senior adviser in the education and health sector to governments and international institutions such as the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Directorate-General for International Cooperation-Dutch government, Danida-Danish Government, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office-UK Government, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and World Bank, in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. She agrees with Saifdean's definition from the FIAT standard that all of the above can be characterized as “the misery industry”.In her teenage years she participated in community development programmes organized by the Jesuits throughout Mexico. Growing up in the slums of Mexico City Mercedes' activism was born as a result of experiencing the drastic social contrast in Mexican society which still prevails to this day. As many of her peers in the 70's she studied Marxism and it's most prominent critics such as Foucault in depth, and considered it as the most viable route towards social justice, however now in her 70's she has become an ardent supporter of bitcoin for achieving her life long goals of supporting underprivileged populations and particularly women.FOLLOW:https://twitter.com/U2640 ❤️ SUBSCRIBE to the MOST VIVACIOUS Newsletter on Earthhttps://djvalerieblove.com/subscribe

At a groundbreaking gathering hosted by ADAPT, the SFI Research Centre for AI-Driven Digital Content Technology at Trinity College Dublin, European leaders and innovators are convening to explore the powerful, transformative potential of AI, presenting new insights in the race for technological supremacy and ethical governance. Drago? Tudorache MEP, the architect of the groundbreaking AI Act, will deliver a keynote talk on 'The Geopolitics of AI', which centres on the EU's initiative to set a gold standard for AI regulation amid a global race for AI supremacy. He will discuss how Europe can drive innovation while also creating a future where AI serves humanity's best interests. Mr Tudorache said: "With the passage of the AI Act, we now have a series of rules that will steer the development of technology around the world. We have forever nudged AI in a direction where humans are either at the centre, where fundamental rights are respected, and where, in the geopolitical struggle over values, democracy rests at the heart of technological progress. "We must now start exporting these rules, vigorously, and we need to leverage our diplomacy, our foreign policy, our economic policy and strategic planning to ensure that the global AI race has our values at its core. This way, we will have a competitive advantage on the global stage." Entitled "Generative AI: From Research to Impact Across Domains," the conference will welcome government officials, international politicians, and state agency representatives who are engaging with leading AI researchers, governance specialists, and innovative ADAPT start-up founders spearheading advancements in the "fourth industrial revolution." This convergence fosters a multidisciplinary dialogue on the transformative potential of AI across various sectors. Key Takeaways from the Conference Geopolitical Impact: The conference examines the EU's AI Act, exploring its profound implications for establishing global AI standards and effective AI regulation. Speakers will emphasise the importance of creating robust frameworks that ensure AI technology is developed and utilised in ways that uphold democratic values and human rights while fostering international cooperation and competitiveness. Multidisciplinary Insights: Leading experts from diverse fields, including healthcare, history, and human rights, will discuss AI's transformative impact, showcasing groundbreaking advancements and the pressing need for collaborative approaches in addressing AI's societal implications. Innovation and Ethics: Attendees will discuss the critical importance of establishing ethical guidelines to navigate the complexities of AI innovation, ensuring that progress is aligned with societal values and human rights. This balanced approach is seen as vital for fostering sustainable and responsible AI development. At the conference, attention will also be given to the newly formed EU AI Office, established by the European Commission's Directorate General of Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). Tasked with implementing the EU's landmark AI Act, the AI Office aims to regulate the rapidly evolving technology based on risk assessment, ensuring robust governance of AI within the EU. Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation, and Science, Patrick O'Donovan said: "Our mission must always be to make sure that generative AI contributes positively to society, driving progress, and helping us to tackle the greatest challenges of our time. Through strategic investments we are fostering groundbreaking advancements in generative AI and also positioning Ireland as a global leader in digital transformation." Professor John D Kelleher, Director of ADAPT and Chair of Artificial Intelligence at Trinity College Dublin, said: "ADAPT's annual conference sets the benchmark for dialogue in AI technology and exemplifies our commitment to fostering responsible AI development that aligns with ethical standards...

The EU's merger control law--the Merger Regulation--was revised in 2004, and 2024 is therefore the 20th anniversary of the changes. What prompted those changes? Sir Philip Lowe, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition from 2002-2010, joins Matthew Reynolds and Matthew Hall to discuss the background to the changes and what else in EU merger control changed at the time. Listen to this episode to learn more about the basis for the current EU regime and Sir Philip's views on other topical merger control issues. With special guest: Sir Philip Lowe, Partner, Oxera Consulting Related Links: European Commission Mergers Website Page Court of First Instance judgment in Airtours Court of First Instance judgment in Tetra Laval/Sidel Court of First Instance judgment in Schneider/Legrand Hosted by: Matthew Reynolds, Huth Reynolds LLP and Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP

The 2024 Spring Meeting of the ABA Antitrust Law Section offered the Our Curious Amalgam team a chance to speak with competition law enforcers from around the world. In this episode, host Matthew Hall asks Olivier Guersent, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission (DG COMP), about what's been happening in the European Union since we interviewed him at the 2023 Spring Meeting. Listen and learn about DG COMP's current and recent work and what competition law policy and enforcement trends the Director-General sees on the horizon. With special guest: Olivier Guersent, Director-General, Directorate-General for Competition, European Commission Related Links: European Commission DG COMP website 2023 Spring Meeting interview with Olivier Guersent 2022 Spring Meeting interview with Olivier Guersent Hosted by: Matthew Hall, McGuireWoods London LLP

The AI Act or Artificial Intelligence Act is now a reality. But what does it mean for the Medical Device industry and what should you do within your Quality or Regulatory affairs activities.   Erik Vollebregt, from Axon Lawyers will tell us what we should understand with this new legislation and what are the consequences for the Medical Device community.  Who is Erik Vollebregt?  Erik specializes in EU and national legal and regulatory issues relating to medical devices, including eHealth, mHealth, software, and protection of personal data. He is an expert in life sciences regulation at the EU and Dutch level, with a focus on contracts, and regulatory litigation against competent authorities and M&A. Erik was initially trained as intellectual property and competition lawyer, starting his career at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. He subsequently gained experience in contentious matters, commercial contracts, and transactional work at three large international law firms. He actively contributes to law and policy development at the national and EU levels via membership in specialized committees at branch associations and the European Commission. Erik also works as an arbitrator in medical devices-related disputes and is regularly retained as an expert witness in foreign litigation. Erik worked and lived in Brussels and Stockholm for several years, and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Swedish. Chambers Europe 2017: Erik is known for his specialism in regulatory work, which covers medical technology, devices, and products as well as for biotechnology. Clients confirm his strong capabilities, with one saying “he stands out to me. Whenever I work with lawyers he has been the best, with a solid scientific background. He has the perfect combination of skills and experience.”    Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.  Link:  Erik Vollebregt Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvollebregt/  Axon Lawyers Website: https://www.axonlawyers.com/  Erik Blog: https://medicaldeviceslegal.com/  Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

In January 29th, 2024, the EU Commission issued a Proposal that discuss mainly the shortage of Medical Devices, the EUDAMED availability and the IVDR transition periods. So apparently this is urgent and needed to avoid shortage. Let's ask Erik Vollebregt what he thinks about it. Will this really help and when will this become a law as it is only a proposal for now.  Who is Erik Vollebregt?  Erik specializes in EU and national legal and regulatory issues relating to medical devices, including eHealth, mHealth, software, and protection of personal data. He is an expert in life sciences regulation at the EU and Dutch level, with a focus on contracts, and regulatory litigation against competent authorities and M&A. Erik was initially trained as intellectual property and competition lawyer, starting his career at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. He subsequently gained experience in contentious matters, commercial contracts, and transactional work at three large international law firms. He actively contributes to law and policy development at the national and EU levels via membership in specialized committees at branch associations and the European Commission. Erik also works as an arbitrator in medical devices-related disputes and is regularly retained as an expert witness in foreign litigation. Erik worked and lived in Brussels and Stockholm for several years, and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Swedish. Chambers Europe 2017: Erik is known for his specialism in regulatory work, which covers medical technology, devices, and products as well as for biotechnology. Clients confirm his strong capabilities, with one saying “he stands out to me. Whenever I work with lawyers he has been the best, with a solid scientific background. He has the perfect combination of skills and experience.”    Who is Monir El Azzouzi?  Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland.  Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more.  Link:  Erik Vollebregt Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvollebregt/  Axon Lawyers Website: https://www.axonlawyers.com/  Erik Blog: https://medicaldeviceslegal.com/  Linkedin post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/erikvollebregt_medical-devices-council-endorses-new-measures-activity-7166021646573641730-abCh  Medical Devices: Council endorses new measures to help prevent shortage: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/02/21/medical-devices-council-endorses-new-measures-to-help-prevent-shortages/?utm_source=dsms-auto&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Medical+devices%3a+Council+endorses+new+measures+to+help+prevent+shortages  Proposal text: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6156-2024-INIT/en/pdf  Social Media to follow Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice

In this conversation, Valerie, Tali, Amanda, and Mercedes discuss the importance of women's wellness retreats in the Bitcoin community. They highlight the magical place of Merida and its connection to nature and the Mayan culture. The conversation also explores the role of Bitcoin in promoting self-sustainability and supporting unbanked women. The need for a global virtual women's Bitcoin conference is emphasized, as well as the importance of empowering women through financial literacy. The conversation concludes with action steps, including creating safe spaces for women to learn and connect. The conversation explores the importance of the retreat in Yucatan as a way to brainstorm and build connections within the Bitcoin community. It highlights the different priorities and needs of women in relation to Bitcoin and the potential distortions in its adoption. The discussion emphasizes the importance of working with women on financial education and simplifying Bitcoin for their adoption. It also emphasizes the need for empowerment and creating spaces for women to think together. The conversation concludes by encouraging individuals to take the next step in Bitcoin adoption and highlighting the Orange Hatter retreat as a resource.Tali Lindberg is a Yale School of Management graduate, where she met her husband, Scott. They are co-founders of Free Market Kids and creators of the Bitcoin game HODL UP. She homeschooled four kids over the last twenty years. She was orange pilled at the Bitcoin 2022 conference and, since then, has committed full-time to sharing Bitcoin with the community, especially women. She co-leads the Bitcoin meetup group in Louisville, Kentucky, the Kentuckiana Louisville Bitcoin Club. She is also the host of two podcasts: Orange Hatter and Bitcoin Homeschoolers.Mercedes JuarezInternational specialist with 40 years' experience as a consultant, trainer, and researcher in the fields of education, development aid, global health and gender issues. Senior adviser in the education and health sector to governments and international institutions such as the Royal Tropical Institute (KIT), Directorate-General for International Cooperation-Dutch government, Danida-Danish Government, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office-UK Government, UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO and World Bank, in Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America. She agrees with Saifdean's definition from the FIAT standard that all of the above can be characterised as “the misery industry”.In her teenage years she participated in community development programmes organised by the Jesuits throughout Mexico. Growing up in the slums of Mexico City Mercedes' activism was born as a result of experiencing the drastic social contrast in Mexican society which still prevails to this day. As many of her peers in the 70's she studied Marxism and it's most prominent critics such as Foucault in depth, and considered it as the most viable route towards social justice, however now in her 70's she has become an ardent supporter of bitcoin for achieving her life long goals of supporting underprivileged populations and particularly women.AmandaAmanda is originally from Canada, and was first introduced to Bitcoin in 2017 after relocating to Indonesia. After attempting to live a Bitcoin standard in Bali for years which was challenging, she relocated to Mexico post plandemic. Amanda Cofounded Bitcasa Homes; a Bitcoin real estate agency. Also part of the Bitcoin Yucatan team in Mexico, Amanda is focused on elevating the Bitcoin community & economy locally.

Dark Arena: A Frenchman Novel (The Frenchman Series) by Jack Beaumont https://amzn.to/3HEVD8S Written by a former French spy, Dark Arena is an espionage thriller that takes the reader through an invisible but violent battle for energy supremacy in Europe that led the invasion of Ukraine. February 2022. An officer of the Directorate-General for External Security (DGSE), the French foreign intelligence agency, delivers a package of top secret Russian military information from Prague to Paris, and is subsequently assassinated. So begins a cat and mouse game across Europe as DGSE agent Alec de Payns races to find the source of what has become regular "drops" of highly sensitive information regarding Russian military operations. De Payns infiltrates the clandestine meeting a of Russian private military company, follows the trail of a shady individual codenamed Starkand, and nearly gets assassinated himself. Meanwhile, de Payns marriage is falling apart and his mental state unraveling as his wife, Romy, pulls away from her increasingly paranoid husband. But as his personal life crumbles, his professional life makes a breakthrough and the DGSE are finally closing in on Starkand and the mysterious head of an American spy network--who is much closer to home than Alec ever imagined. About the author Jack Beaumont joined the French Air Force in his late teens, trained as a fighter pilot on Mirage 2000-5 single seaters for air-to-air combat, and was deployed in various conflicts. After being injured in a flying accident, he subsequently flew clandestine missions for French special forces and intelligence services before joining the DGSE, where he carried out clandestine operations in the field under false identities. He has since retired from the DGSE and is married with children.

This MDCG came like evidence but comments on it where more confusion. What exactly was the objective of the MDCG 2023-4. We will try to explain to you on this podcast with Erik Vollebregt from Axon Lawyers. Who is Erik Vollebregt? Erik specializes in EU and national legal and regulatory issues relating to medical devices, including eHealth, mHealth, software, and protection of personal data. He is an expert in life sciences regulation at the EU and Dutch level, with a focus on contracts, regulatory litigation against competent authorities, and M&A. Erik was initially trained as intellectual property and competition lawyer, starting his career at the Directorate-General for Competition of the European Commission. He subsequently gained experience in contentious matters, commercial contracts, and transactional work at three large international law firms. He actively contributes to law and policy development at the national and EU levels via membership of specialized committees at branch associations and the European Commission. Erik also works as an arbitrator in medical devices-related disputes and is regularly retained as an expert witness in foreign litigation. Erik worked and lived in Brussels and Stockholm for several years, and is fluent in Dutch, English, French, German, and Swedish. Chambers Europe 2017: Erik is known for his specialism in regulatory work, which covers medical technology, devices, and products as well as for biotechnology. Clients confirm his strong capabilities, with one saying “he stands out to me. Whenever I work with lawyers he has been the best, with a solid scientific background. He has the perfect combination of skills and experience.” Who is Monir El Azzouzi? Monir El Azzouzi is a Medical Device Expert specializing in Quality and Regulatory Affairs. After working for many years with big Healthcare companies, particularly Johnson and Johnson, he decided to create EasyMedicalDevice.com to help people better understand Medical Device Regulations worldwide. He has now created the consulting firm Easy Medical Device GmbH and developed many ways to deliver knowledge through videos, podcasts, online courses… His company also acts as Authorized Representative for the EU, UK, and Switzerland. Easy Medical Device becomes a one-stop shop for medical device manufacturers that need support on Quality and Regulatory Affairs. Links ■Erik Vollebregt LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikvollebregt/ ■Axon Lawyers website:  https://www.axonlawyers.com/ ■MDCG 2023-4: https://health.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2023-10/md_mdcg_2023-4_software_en.pdf  ■Blog post: medicaldevicelegal.com  ■Book: https://erikvollebregt.gumroad.com/  ■Blue guide: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/news/blue-guide-implementation-product-rules-2022-published-2022-06-29_en  Social Media to follow ■ Monir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouzi ■ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzim ■ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldevice ■ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldevice