The European Union (EU) is committed to ensuring its budget delivers maximum value for citizens by focusing on results and performance. In 2018, as part of the shift towards performance-based budgeting, the EU revised the rules applicable to the general budget and introduced the possibility of financing that is not linked to cost (FNLC) in addition to the traditional ways of financing based on incurred costs (Article 125 of EU Regulation 2018/1046). Under this method, payments are based on results achieved, and are made if a beneficiary fulfils predefined conditions linked to progress in implementing or achieving the objectives of a project or programme. The Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) – the EU's ground-breaking instrument created to support the Member States' post-pandemic economic recovery – is a key example of how this delivery method is applied. For the first time, disbursements to the Member States depend on achieving pre-defined milestones and targets relating to the implementation of reform and investment measures. Since the creation of the RRF, the EU has set up similar instruments in other policy areas. The Ukraine Facility (UF) and the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans (WBF), both launched in 2024, share some key features with the RRF delivery method. Along with the application of the FNLC principle for payments, other common features include the prominent role of the reform measures, using scoreboards to monitor implementation, and setting up special forums, known as 'dialogues', for the exchange of information and views with the European Parliament. Examining in detail this innovative way of funding as it applies to the three facilities helps to shed light on an emerging, performance-based modus operandi that is already being discussed as a possible blueprint for other spending tools under the post-2027 EU budget. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a resilient healthcare system but also for quick access to inventions and technologies in challenging situations. To address this need, in April 2023 the Commission submitted a proposal for a regulation on compulsory licensing for crisis management. The aim is to secure the rapid deployment of patent-protected inventions in times of crisis or emergency, without eroding patent protection as an incentive to innovate. The proposal lays down rules and procedures for granting Union compulsory licences and supervising the law's implementation. Views on the proposal diverge. Civil society organisations support broad application of the compulsory licensing scheme, whereas industry organisations advocate narrow application. Opinions differ on: (i) the need for legislative intervention; (ii) the events justifying the use of compulsory licences; (iii) whether compulsory licensing should be conditional on failed prior negotiations for voluntary licences; (iv) whether the disclosure of know-how or trade secrets is warranted under certain circumstances; (v) at what level remuneration and sanctions should be capped; vi) how advisory bodies should be composed; and vii) what role potential licensees should play in initiating and engaging in the compulsory licensing procedure. On 13 March 2024, Parliament voted its first-reading position ahead of future trilogue negotiations. Parliament insists on empowering the Commission to mandate the disclosure of relevant trade secrets and know-how, and on significantly strengthening the position of rights-holders. In its position of 26 June 2024, the Council recommends a more industry-oriented approach. Third edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP

The political landscape within the UTM is heating up as the party gears up for its inaugural convention on November 17. Recent tensions have erupted into a public clash between established members and newcomers, particularly surrounding the candidacy of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe. During a weekend gathering where candidates presented their nomination papers, Mr. Newton Kambala, […] The post UTM Convention: Kambala takes a swipe at Kabambe, says he consistently tortured Chilima appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

As the UTM Party prepares for its crucial elective convention on November 17, 2024, in Mzuzu, significant questions arise about whether the event will proceed as planned amidst a backdrop of unresolved intra-party conflicts and procedural concerns. Party leader Michael Usi has publicly raised alarms about the national executive committee’s (NEC) handling of the convention […] The post UTM Convention: Amidst unresolved intra-party issues, will the event proceed on November 17? appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The growing chorus of calls for the resignation of Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) Chairperson Annabel Mtalimanja raises critical questions about the integrity and independence of the electoral body in the lead-up to the September 2025 General Elections. Stakeholders, including political parties and civil society organizations, have expressed concerns over Mtalimanja’s alleged connections to the Malawi […] The post Analysis: Should MEC Chair Annabel Mtalimanja Resign? appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, with an estimated one in eight Canadian men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetimes. Experts say improved screening tools can help more accurately identify prostate cancer, improving mortality by identifying the disease sooner. 

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is calling on Canada’s premiers to match his pledge to remove the federal sales tax on new homes under $1 million by doing the same with provincial sales taxes.

The journey to build a high-quality, affordable daycare system hasn't been without speed bumps. Daycare experts highlight obstacles they're facing as the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care agreements shift into the next phase.

As draft regulations for an oil and gas emissions cap are released, Canada's environment minister warns the NDP and the Bloc Québécois that triggering an early election could dash hopes of curbing emissions from Canada's biggest polluters.

A Go Public investigation into telco contracts has prompted hundreds of frustrated customers from all the big providers to ask why contracts can have language that locks them in for two to three years while allowing prices to increase. A contract law expert says the CRTC should investigate.

If you are married and have unused defined contribution pensions when you die, does your spouse inherit the pension tax free, like the house, savings and so on?

Alex Castellanos, who worked on campaigns for Mitt Romney and George W. Bush, told Fox News that he believes pollsters are wrong with their predictions.

Spain's King Felipe has been seen snapping at Valencian locals who threw mud and him and his wife as they visited the region in the wake of devastating floods that have so far killed 217.

Struggling farmers have accused Labour of 'lying' and said inheritance tax changes are the 'final nail in the coffin' as they react angrily to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' Autumn Budget.

Visual artist Leila Bartell, born Leila Bdeir, was once hailed as the 'Slovenian Kate Moss ' and was a well-known TV presenter in her home country before moving to London to work.

Based on The Washington Post polling average, Trump has three paths to victory. Winning North Carolina, Georgia and Pennsylvania is his most likely route.

Despite the laborious ongoing recovery — with some roads still impassable, bridges washed away — a record number of voters cast early ballots in recent weeks.

Based on The Washington Post polling average, Harris has three paths to victory. Winning the Rust Belt is her most likely route.

The 26-year-old with 176 points is one of three male licence holders with more than 100 points.

In particular, a fixed-wing drone without a warhead or visual surveillance equipment was eliminated in the Kuibyshevsky district of Donetsk, near an energy facility

A Hindu temple in Brampton was attacked on Sunday amidst rising tensions between India and Canada Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukrainian MPs have passed a law introducing criminal liability for storing firewood without proper paperwork, local media have reported Read Full Article at RT.com

Dr Paul Morrison, 72, worked on Coquet Island, off Northumberland, for 38 years but was suspended following claims he treated Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi like a modern-day slave.

Propos introductif de la conference de presse du 03 novembre 2024 Mesdames et Messieurs, Chers journalistes, Chers officiels, Chers invités présents ici et participant de loin, Bienvenue à tous pour cette conférence de presse qui a lieu dans un contexte sociopolitique et institutionnel exceptionnel depuis le 30 août 2023. Nous saluons les journalistes qui sont parmi nous, mais aussi ceux qui nous ont adressé des questions avant la Conférence et ceux qui nous suivent en direct. Avant de (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

[allAfrica] Botswana's new president took office on Friday after a fast transfer of power after elections that ended nearly 60 years of rule by the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).

She called it the craziest plane ride of her life. TikToker Bernice Lim posted a video on Sunday (Nov 3) recounting a wild 13-hour flight on Singapore Airlines that brought her back to where she started. She and her family were on the SQ878 flight from Singapore to Taipei on Thursday. «My family was so excited because this was their first time flying Singapore Airlines,» said the TikToker in the almost two-minute video.

A woman has claimed that a school bully punched and kicked her 11-year-old son for ignoring him. Chen, 46, told 8World that her son was hospitalised after coming home from a school in the north with a swollen head and complaining of nausea. «I'm so heartbroken that I don't know how to describe it,» said the single mother. Chen said that the bullying incident happened on Oct 8 afternoon, while her son and his classmates were waiting at the canteen for an oral examination. According to the boy's version of events told by his mother, he had slipped after placing his hand on a freshly-painted wall. Chen said that her son ignored a classmate who asked what had happened. She added that the classmate then became «angry» and hurled profanities at her son, who later told him to «don't talk to me like that». The classmate then pushed Chen's son to the ground, while punching and kicking him. A teacher was notified and brought the boy to the school office for medical treatment. According to Chen, the bully is one or two years older than her son but is also in the Primary 5 cohort.

A person was sentenced to six months in jail and fined $306 for sharing his internet banking account details and One-Time Password with another person.  That person had allegedly received RM$1,000 (S$302) for the illegal arrangement, said the police in statement on Monday (Nov 4).  The person's bank account was then used to launder more than $160,000 of money obtained from criminal conduct.  The unnamed individual is one of 74 people arrested by the police between Sept 9 and Nov 1 for allowing their Singpass credentials or bank accounts to be used for criminal activity. A total of 59 men and 15 women, aged between 18 to 59, were charged in court under the new amendments to the Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act and the Computer Misuse Act, said the police. Some cheated banks into opening accounts Some also cheated banks into opening personal bank accounts before handing over the ATM cards and credentials of the accounts to unknown persons. 

[HRW] Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi, during a speech in Kisangani on October 23, proposed steps to change the country's constitution, including floating the idea of a change to presidential term limits. Tshisekedi had previously pledged to «scrupulously respect constitutional obligations.»

[Mozambique News Reports And Clippings] Police killings rise to 13, with dozens injured by police bullets

[allAfrica]

[HRW] Tshisekedi's Call for Constitutional Commission Raises Rights Concerns

Dr Paul Morrison, 72, worked on Coquet Island, off Northumberland, for 38 years but was suspended following claims he treated Dr Ibrahim Alfarwi like a modern-day slave.

Kenya’s reputation as a safe haven for refugees has been blemished with its recent deportation of four Turkish nationals who were under asylum protection.

Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali Deputy Minister of Education Ahmed Isman Ibrahim Daqare and Minister of State for Planning and International Cooperation Abdirashid Jire Qalinle resigned on Sunday, citing federal government planning to confront some regional administrations.