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The European Commission is one step closer to implementing EU rules on crypto‑assets and cybersecurity for the financial sector, with the recent adoption of a number of technical standards in the form of delegated and implementing acts. The acts complete and complement the Regulation on Operational Resilience (DORA) and the Regulation on Markets in crypto‑assets (MiCA), both of which will begin to fully apply soon. The Commission’s overarching objective in the area of digital finance is to enable individuals and businesses to take advantage of the benefits new financial technologies offer, while also managing the risks they can pose.Status of implementationThe DORA and…

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health, Doug Parker, has issued the following statement in regard to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ release of its 2023 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries on Dec. 19, 2024:“Today’s report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is more positive news for worker safety and health. In November, the bureau reported a 20-year low in the rate of non-fatal worker injuries and illnesses in 2023, and we are further encouraged by the news that the number and rate of fatal worker injuries also dropped in 2023.“I believe the Biden-Harris administration’s…

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The United States is imposing sanctions today on three individuals and four entities that form part of Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s patronage network and enable the Dodik family’s continued attempts to evade U.S. sanctions.  This action also includes the designation of Stasa Kosarac, a Bosnia and Herzegovina politician who serves as a key enabler of Dodik’s corruption and destabilizing political agenda.  The U.S. government previously designated Dodik for, among other things, engaging in corruption related to the Western Balkans.  For years, Dodik has used his official position to accumulate personal wealth through companies connected to himself and his son, Igor Dodik.  This corruption has undermined public confidence in Bosnia and Herzegovina state institutions and the rule of law.  The Dodik network has continued its…

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI – A federal court has ordered the owner of three West Michigan taco restaurants to pay 177 workers a total of $823,326 after the court granted the U.S. Department of Labor’s request for summary judgment, concluding that the restaurants operated an illegal tip pool that led to violations of federal minimum wage and overtime regulations.On Nov. 5, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan entered summary judgment against Sparty Tacos LLC in East Lansing, TC Tacos LLC in Traverse City and GR Tacos LLC in Grand Rapids – all operating as Barrio Tacos – and owner…

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Liechtenstein became the 52nd signatory of the Artemis Accords at a ceremony at NASA headquarters today. Director of Liechtenstein’s Office for Communications Rainer Schnepfleitner signed the Artemis Accords on behalf of the Government of Liechtenstein in the presence of Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein to the United States of America Georg Sparber, U.S. Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein Scott C. Miller, and NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. The United States welcomes Liechtenstein to the Artemis Accords. Liechtenstein is a valued friend and partner, with a steadfast commitment to human rights, democratic values, and good…

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. and Mexican governments have announced the successful resolution to a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism petition alleging the denial of workers’ rights at Odisa Concrete Equipment, a manufacturer in Hidalgo. To remediate workers’ claims, the Mexican government facilitated a resolution with Odisa taking several actions, including posting a neutrality statement, creating guidelines on freedom of association and collective bargaining, reinstating a fired worker with back pay and refunding improperly withheld union dues to workers. In addition, the Mexican Ministry of Labor provided labor rights training to workers.“We commend the actions taken by Odisa Concrete Equipment and the government of…

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UK today accedes to CPTPP, a major trade bloc in the Indo-Pacific which includes countries like Australia, Vietnam, Peru, Chile and Malaysia. Wales exported £1.2 billion worth of goods to CPTPP countries in 2023, with membership expected to bring a £110 million boost to the Welsh economy in the long run. This comes as an immediate step to support the Government’s Plan for Change by delivering growth and putting more money in people’s pockets. The UK has today [15 December] officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) as a fully-fledged member, potentially boosting the Welsh economy…

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The text of the following statement was released by the Governments of the United States of America, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom on the occasion of the First Anniversary of the Tallinn Mechanism. Ukraine has withstood Russia’s brutal full-scale invasion for over 1000 days. This war does not only take place in the trenches but also in cyberspace; it confirms that cyberattacks are an integral part of 21st century conflict and warfare, and cybersecurity is a crucial dimension of the overall resilience of society. Thanks to Ukraine’s own resilience coupled with…

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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $1.5 million in grant funding to Florida’s Department of Commerce to assist people affected by the health and economic effects of widespread opioid use, addiction and overdose.The opioid epidemic has significantly affected Florida’s workforce, with opioids involved in over 6,000 fatal overdoses in 2022, as well as contributing to absenteeism, increased healthcare costs, turnover, loss of productivity and shortages of treatment providers and facilities.Overseen by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the National Health Emergency Dislocated Worker Grant will serve people in 21 counties across Florida by creating disaster-relief positions to…

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During his mission to Mauritania, the European Union’s Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela signed a budget agreement with Minister of Economy and Finance and handed over EU-distributed security equipment. He also met with the President of the country, the Prime Minister and three other members of the government. During these meetings, Commissioner Síkela focused on further development within the Global Gateway strategy, specifically enhancing Mauritania’s economic resilience, infrastructure, and security which align with Europe’s strategic objectives for energy diversification, sustainable development, and security.“I knew very well why I chose Mauritania for my first official mission as Commissioner for International…

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