COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION:Forward look: 22 January - 4 February 2024

 

Press material Friday 19 January 2024

● General Secretariat   19/01/2024 16:12 | Press release | Forward look: 22 January - 4 February 2024   Overview of the main topics and events at the Council of EU and European Council for the coming fortnight. Foreign Affairs Council, 22 January 2024 The January 2024 Foreign Affairs Council will discuss the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, along with other Current Affairs issues. Read more Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 23 January 2024 The Belgian presidency will give a presentation of its work programme in the field of agriculture and fisheries. The Council will also exchange views on trade-related agricultural issues, as well as on the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in Europe. Additionally, ministers will hold a first discussion on the proposal for a forest monitoring framework. Read more General Affairs Council, 29 January 2024 Ministers will discuss the ‘Defence of European Democracy’ package, hear a presentation on the Belgian presidency priorities and hold a country-specific discussion as part of the Council’s annual rule of law dialogue. Read more Special European Council, 1 February 2024 EU leaders will meet in Brussels to discuss the revision of the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027, including support for Ukraine. Read more Other meetings Informal meeting of trade ministers, 22-23 January 2024 EU-Egypt Association Council, 23 January 2024 Informal meeting of justice and home affairs ministers, 24-26 January 2024 Informal meeting of defence ministers, 30-31 January 2024 EU-ASEAN ministerial meeting, 2 February 2024 Informal meeting of foreign affairs ministers - Gymnich, 2-3 February 2024 Indicative calendar of meetings under the Belgian presidency (1 January - 30 June 2024) Belgian presidency website

Press material Friday 19 January 2024

● Council of the EU   19/01/2024 14:46 | Press release | European Media Freedom Act: EU member states’ representatives confirm provisional agreement   Today, member states’ EU ambassadors endorsed the provisional agreement reached on 15 December 2023 between the Council and the European Parliament’s negotiators on a new law to establish a common framework for media services in the EU internal market and to safeguard media freedom, media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU. The European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) will establish a common framework for media services in the EU’s internal market and introduce measures aimed at protecting journalists and media providers from political interference, while also making it easier for them to operate across the EU’s internal borders. The new rules will guarantee the right of citizens to access free and plural information and define the responsibility of Member States to provide the appropriate conditions and framework to protect it. "This is the first endorsement of a provisional agreement on culture and media under the Belgian Presidency, building on the efforts of the Spanish Presidency. Today is a landmark day for media freedom and pluralism in the EU. This new regulation will protect journalists and their sources and will allow citizens to make informed decisions on the basis of plural and independent information." Benjamin Dalle, Flemish Minister for Brussels Affairs, Youth, Media and Poverty Reduction Background and next steps On 16 September 2022 the Commission published its proposal for a regulation establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market. The EMFA proposal set out new rules to protect media pluralism and independence in the EU. Negotiations with the European Parliament on the final shape of the law started on 19 October 2023 and were concluded with the provisional agreement reached on 15 December 2023. The text of the agreement will now be finalised in all the official languages and formally adopted by both institutions by April 2024. Provisional agreement on the European Media Freedom act Council and Parliament strike deal on new rules to safeguard media freedom, media pluralism and editorial independence in the EU (press release, 15 December 2023) Media freedom in the EU (background information)

Michelle Obama:Thank you!

 

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Hi there, Thank you for helping make my 60th birthday so special! I got so many kind and encouraging messages — and it really made my day.  Reading about all the ways people like you are making the world a little better and brighter gives me hope for the future. And I wanted to share some of what I saw: Barack and I started the Obama Foundation with the belief that each and every one of us has the ability to make a difference when we join together to tackle the problems that come our way.  These reflections are proof of how much we can accomplish when we do that.  Thank you, again. It means so much to know you are in this with us. –Michelle DONATE NOW ⓒ 2024 Obama Foundation

Weekend Read: AI, the Economy, and Humanity ...

 

Dear MARIA, In today's edition, we highlight: Kristalina Georgieva on AI, the economy, and humanity How accountants can help save public finances US commercial property prices Ghana debt agreement Europe's working hours

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE Let’s Make Sure AI Benefits Humanity (Credit: X-poser/Adobe Stock) The world is on the brink of a technological revolution that could jumpstart productivity, boost global growth and raise incomes around the world, but it could also replace jobs and deepen inequality, the IMF managing director writes in a blog. Writing ahead of this week’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Kristalina Georgieva said the net effect of artificial intelligence’s rapid advance is difficult to foresee, but robust regulatory frameworks would foster a responsible AI environment, helping maintain public trust.

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council establishes dedicated sanctions framework and lists six individuals

 

Press material Friday 19 January 2024

● Council of the EU   19/01/2024 17:49 | Press release | Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council establishes dedicated sanctions framework and lists six individuals   The Council today established a dedicated framework of restrictive measures that will allow the European Union to hold accountable any individual or entity who supports, facilitates or enables violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). "With today's decision of a dedicated framework of restrictive measures against supporters of violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, the European Union shows that we are ready to take decisive steps to react to the brutality shown by terrorists on October 7. Israelis and Palestinians deserve to live in a just, lasting, and secure peace."

COVID-19 Updates

January 19, 2024
Amount of Respiratory Illness Is Elevated or Increasing in Most Areas of the Country



Respiratory Virus Data Channel Weekly Snapshot
The amount of respiratory illness (fever plus cough or sore throat) causing people to seek healthcare is elevated or increasing across most areas of the country. CDC’s Respiratory Virus Data Channel provides a summary of the key viral respiratory illness findings for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. CDC continues to anticipate this fall and winter respiratory illness season will likely result in a similar number of hospitalizations as last season. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself against serious outcomes of COVID-19, flu, and RSV (if eligible for RSV vaccine).

Learn More



Where to Find FREE COVID-19 Testing
CDC’s Increasing Community Access to Testing (ICATT) program will continue to provide no-cost COVID-19 testing for uninsured people who are symptomatic or exposed. More than 19,000 ICATT sites will also offer no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults without full vaccine insurance coverage. This website helps you find ICATT COVID-19 testing locations and contact information for the providers. You can also visit your state, tribal, local, or territorial health department’s website to find the latest local information on testing.
Learn More



Benefits of Antiviral Treatment for COVID-19 Outweigh Potential Risks of Reboun
If you get sick with COVID-19 and are at higher risk for severe illness, antiviral treatments are available that can reduce your risk of hospitalization and death. But it’s important to get on treatment within 5-7 days after you first develop symptoms.
Rebound, a return of symptoms or a new positive test after having tested negative, has been reported in people with and without the use of COVID-19 antivirals. Current evidence suggests rebound presents as mild symptoms 3-7 days after initial illness resolves. If you are at high risk for severe COVID-19, treatment benefits outweigh the potential risks of rebound.

Learn More



Updated Guidance for Healthcare Providers on Increased Supply of RSV Immunization to Protect Babies

Nirsevimab is an RSV antibody immunization recommended for preventing severe RSV in infants and some young children. Supply of nirsevimab was limited earlier in the season, and CDC provided guidance to healthcare providers on how to prioritize the limited supply. But with recent increases in supply, CDC now advises healthcare providers to return to recommendations put forward by CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on the use of nirsevimab in babies and young children. Infants and children recommended to receive nirsevimab should be immunized as quickly as possible. RSV antibody immunization is recommended for all infants who are younger than 8 months, born during or entering their first RSV season, and some children between 8-19 months who are at increased risk for severe RSV and entering their second RSV season. Most infants whose mothers received an RSV vaccine do not need to also get an RSV antibody.

Learn More

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30329 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348

BATA SHOE MUSEUM,update

 

Shoe Customization 101 We have a few spots left for this weekend's Shoe Customization workshop with award-winning artist Jasmin Pannu! Get creative as she guides you to paint your own custom shoe design on Saturday, January 20 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. More details on our website. LEARN MORE Celebrating Lunar New Year at the BSM Join us on Sunday February 4th for crafts and a special performance from Lion Dance Toronto to commemorate the coming Lunar New Year. Lion Dance Toronto will be bringing the museum to life with two colourful, energetic performances at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm. Included with general admission (Free on Sundays) LEARN MORE  Add tickets to your cart  A night out with your besties and your sweethearts! Valentine's Day is fast approaching and we'll be stepping back in time for the raddest 1980s-themed Prom Party. Grab your epic prom outfit (80s inspired of course) and join us on Wednesday, February 14 from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. From now until February 1, we have a limited time deal to purchase 4 tickets for $180. So tease that hair, layer on the blush, and get your dancing shoes on for a totally tubular night out! BUY TICKETS Museum Shop Filled with a selection of thoughtfully-chosen items inspired by the Bata Shoe Museum’s collection and exhibitions, our museum shop has an ever-changing selection of books, cards, gifts, paper goods and more from local artisans. Visit our shop in person to discover more.

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