Scotty

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4944655

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• China’s Shanghai and Turkey’s Mersin remained top origins in 2024, while UAE’s Jebel Ali entered the top three sources for the first time
• Authorities from 7 Member States generated 90% of the and value of counterfeit goods detained, namely Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, and Netherlands
• Counterfeit products included clothing, toys, perfumes, cosmetics, CDs, DVDs, and newer categories such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices
• Despite fewer items being detained, the estimated value of detentions in 2024 reached its highest recorded level. This apparent increase is attributed to higher unit prices of the counterfeit goods seized, reflecting a shift in the nature and market impact of IP-infringing products

In a related development, the European Centre for Innovative Textiles (CETI) and technology firm SMX unveiled their partnership to combat counterfeit products in the clothing industry.

The project ... embeds invisible molecular fingerprints into fibres, each tied to a blockchain passport, creating a textile that carries proof of its origin and composition from the moment it leaves the loom. For Europe’s fashion sector, grappling with the twin pressures of regulation and counterfeiting, the move could be a turning point. It certainly is a promise.

As the report says,

Counterfeits in the textiles–apparel–fashion industry now represent up to 4.7% of EU imports, while the global market for fakes is forecast to reach $1.79 trillion by 2030. Beyond financial losses, the counterfeit trade undermines artisan communities, exploits cheap labour, and exposes consumers to hazards such as toxic dyes, heavy metals and flammable fabrics. Enforcement alone has failed to stem the tide: seizures and lawsuits remain reactive and costly, and counterfeiters continue to exploit online marketplaces and parcel networks to outpace regulators.

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• China’s Shanghai and Turkey’s Mersin remained top origins in 2024, while UAE’s Jebel Ali entered the top three sources for the first time
• Authorities from 7 Member States generated 90% of the and value of counterfeit goods detained, namely Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Greece, Romania, and Netherlands
• Counterfeit products included clothing, toys, perfumes, cosmetics, CDs, DVDs, and newer categories such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices
• Despite fewer items being detained, the estimated value of detentions in 2024 reached its highest recorded level. This apparent increase is attributed to higher unit prices of the counterfeit goods seized, reflecting a shift in the nature and market impact of IP-infringing products

In a related development, the European Centre for Innovative Textiles (CETI) and technology firm SMX unveiled their partnership to combat counterfeit products in the clothing industry.

The project ... embeds invisible molecular fingerprints into fibres, each tied to a blockchain passport, creating a textile that carries proof of its origin and composition from the moment it leaves the loom. For Europe’s fashion sector, grappling with the twin pressures of regulation and counterfeiting, the move could be a turning point. It certainly is a promise.

As the report says,

Counterfeits in the textiles–apparel–fashion industry now represent up to 4.7% of EU imports, while the global market for fakes is forecast to reach $1.79 trillion by 2030. Beyond financial losses, the counterfeit trade undermines artisan communities, exploits cheap labour, and exposes consumers to hazards such as toxic dyes, heavy metals and flammable fabrics. Enforcement alone has failed to stem the tide: seizures and lawsuits remain reactive and costly, and counterfeiters continue to exploit online marketplaces and parcel networks to outpace regulators.

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4882731

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Ukraine has received another €4bn ($4.7bn) as a seventh tranche from the EU under the G7-backed Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported on Oct. 1.

It is another payment to Ukraine through the ERA, financed by interest income from Russian assets frozen following the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine still aims to obtain the principal €210bn ($227bn ) in immobilized Russian central bank assets.

The timing is symbolic: the transfer arrived on Ukraine’s Defenders Day.

“The tranche is secured by the proceeds from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia in the European Union and is for us an important signal about the determination of Europe to strengthen the defense capability of Ukraine and to provide long-term support”, Svyrydenko wrote.

...

Archived link

Ukraine has received another €4bn ($4.7bn) as a seventh tranche from the EU under the G7-backed Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) initiative, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported on Oct. 1.

It is another payment to Ukraine through the ERA, financed by interest income from Russian assets frozen following the country’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine still aims to obtain the principal €210bn ($227bn ) in immobilized Russian central bank assets.

The timing is symbolic: the transfer arrived on Ukraine’s Defenders Day.

“The tranche is secured by the proceeds from the frozen assets of the Central Bank of Russia in the European Union and is for us an important signal about the determination of Europe to strengthen the defense capability of Ukraine and to provide long-term support”, Svyrydenko wrote.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4861059

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Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday that he would back the European Commission’s Ukraine “reparation loan” if concerns about the liability and legality of using frozen Russian assets held in Belgium are addressed.

[It may be noteworthy that Belgium's PM is discussing this as the frozen Russian assets that are discussed to be used for a reparation loan to Ukraine are held by Euroclear, a financial services entity based in Belgium, and, therefore, are subject to Belgian law.]

“If we can find answers to every question – if the risks can be manageable – of course we can move on,” the Belgian PM told journalists, adding that he discussed his concerns with EU counterparts during their informal summit on Wednesday.

...

“I would like to know it before we go forward – who is going to embark on that boat with me? I’m already in the boat. There’s no escape for me,” De Wever said, moving away from more drastic comments that using the Russian assets “will never happen”.

“It’s absolutely clear that Belgium cannot be the only member state is carrying the risk,” von der Leyen said late last night. “The risks have to be put on broader shoulders.”

...

Meanwhile, the European Commission pushed back against Russia’s threats to seize European firms’ assets, arguing that Moscow’s floated retaliation against the EU’s planned “reparation loan” to Kyiv underscores the effectiveness of the bloc’s sanctions policy.

“We have seen indications that Russia indeed plans to nationalise and sell off foreign-owned assets,” Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari said. “This shows very clearly one thing…: our sanctions are working very well against Russia.”

Ujvari added that the impact of Brussels’ restrictive measures “will be even bigger” once the bloc’s 19th sanctions package on Moscow is adopted, which EU diplomats expect to happen later this month.

...

Archived link

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said on Thursday that he would back the European Commission’s Ukraine “reparation loan” if concerns about the liability and legality of using frozen Russian assets held in Belgium are addressed.

[It may be noteworthy that Belgium's PM is discussing this as the frozen Russian assets that are discussed to be used for a reparation loan to Ukraine are held by Euroclear, a financial services entity based in Belgium, and, therefore, are subject to Belgian law.]

“If we can find answers to every question – if the risks can be manageable – of course we can move on,” the Belgian PM told journalists, adding that he discussed his concerns with EU counterparts during their informal summit on Wednesday.

...

“I would like to know it before we go forward – who is going to embark on that boat with me? I’m already in the boat. There’s no escape for me,” De Wever said, moving away from more drastic comments that using the Russian assets “will never happen”.

“It’s absolutely clear that Belgium cannot be the only member state is carrying the risk,” von der Leyen said late last night. “The risks have to be put on broader shoulders.”

...

Meanwhile, the European Commission pushed back against Russia’s threats to seize European firms’ assets, arguing that Moscow’s floated retaliation against the EU’s planned “reparation loan” to Kyiv underscores the effectiveness of the bloc’s sanctions policy.

“We have seen indications that Russia indeed plans to nationalise and sell off foreign-owned assets,” Commission spokesperson Balazs Ujvari said. “This shows very clearly one thing…: our sanctions are working very well against Russia.”

Ujvari added that the impact of Brussels’ restrictive measures “will be even bigger” once the bloc’s 19th sanctions package on Moscow is adopted, which EU diplomats expect to happen later this month.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4825742

• The high-powered laser is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons
• An undisclosed NATO country is expected to receive the weapon in the next 18 months

...

Australia is helping to take the world into the era of Star Wars-style combat.

A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare.

The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot, which is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4825742

• The high-powered laser is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons
• An undisclosed NATO country is expected to receive the weapon in the next 18 months

...

Australia is helping to take the world into the era of Star Wars-style combat.

A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare.

The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot, which is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4825742

• The high-powered laser is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons
• An undisclosed NATO country is expected to receive the weapon in the next 18 months

...

Australia is helping to take the world into the era of Star Wars-style combat.

A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare.

The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot, which is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons.

...

• The high-powered laser is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons
• An undisclosed NATO country is expected to receive the weapon in the next 18 months

...

Australia is helping to take the world into the era of Star Wars-style combat.

A Canberra-made laser is about to become NATO's newest frontline defence against enemy drones, in a deal experts say could transform the future of warfare.

The high-powered laser, nicknamed Apollo after the Greek God of Light, can destroy up to 20 drones a minute, at a cost of $1 per shot, which is faster and cheaper than traditional missiles or cannons.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4735415

Archived version

...

The country is pushing lithium extraction and refining, active cathode materials and recycling plants, aiming to close the loop and reduce reliance on imported inputs.

...

The bet combines competitively priced, low-carbon electricity, public support (subsidies, credit lines and streamlined permitting), European financing and a critical mass of industry that lowers transaction costs across the chain.

The co-location of gigafactories, active material suppliers, R&D centres and recyclers creates network effects and accelerates manufacturing learning curves.

...

cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/4725491

• Mark Carney and Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought to rally global support for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
• Russia is facing accusations of starting this practice when the war began in 2014 and ramping up the abductions after its full-scale invasion in 2022.
• Zelenskiy announced a tracing mechanism to collect data about the displaced children and urged foreign leaders to increase pressure on Russian politicians involved in child abductions.

Mark Carney and Volodymyr Zelenskiy sought to rally global support for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, an issue that may resonate with the US administration even as it pulls back on financial and military aid for Ukraine.

The leaders of Canada and Ukraine co-hosted an event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly that focused on the nearly 20,000 children forcibly removed by Russia. The matter has previously caught the attention of First Lady Melania Trump, who wrote a letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin in August urging him to end the war in order to protect affected children.

“Putin has stolen Ukrainian children,” Carney said at the event on Tuesday. “To lose their child is every parents’ nightmare. For the people of Ukraine, it is a horrifying reality.”

...

Russia is facing accusations of starting this practice when the war began in 2014 and ramping up the abductions after its full-scale invasion in 2022. Some children were forcibly separated from their parents, while others were taken after their caregivers were killed or captured. Still others were seized from state institutions. They have been relocated to Russia or occupied parts of Ukraine.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of war crimes. Some children have reported they were subjected to Russian propaganda and maltreatment while in the country.

Russia has sought to erase the children’s Ukrainian identity by restricting their access to the Ukrainian language and history, imposing Russian citizenship and limiting access to alternative sources of information, the Canadian government said in a background document.

...

Canada and Ukraine have co-chaired the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children since 2024, and say some 1,600 kids have been brought back to their home nation. Canada believes this issue of “fundamental human rights” must be at the forefront of the international agenda, and it appreciates the US First Lady’s “leadership” and Donald Trump’s “engagement” on the matter, a government official told reporters in a background briefing.

In his remarks, Carney welcomed Melania Trump’s “powerful appeal” to Putin and the US president’s call for secondary sanctions on Russia’s trading partners.

...

Carney’s wife, Diana Fox Carney, and Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska also gave speeches at the event, along with several European ministers and heads of state.