Thursday, May 31, 2018

The Future and the Promise of Smart Contracts


EU: Data Protection and Street Photography (PDF)

The Right Way for an Established Firm to Do an Innovation Pilot with a Startup


Naftogaz attacks Gazprom's assets





Ukrainian President in a meeting with Head of NJSC Naftogaz: The process of compulsory debt recovery from Gazprom under the decision of the Stockholm Arbitration has begun and we should not stop

President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with Head of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine Andriy Kobolyev who reported on the situation with compulsory fulfillment of the decision made by the Stockholm Arbitration in favor of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine, Gazprom’s appeal of that decision and Ukraine’s position of defense.
According to Andriy Kobolyev, even though Gazprom will try to appeal the decision of the Stockholm Arbitration in the court of Sweden, it does not suspend the decision already adopted. “It remains in force and we will comply with it,” the Head of Naftogaz noted. He added: “The only reason Russian monopolist found to appeal is an alleged linguistic expertise they are going to submit as an evidence. We remember well the expertise in such cases like “Almaz-Antey” - that the plane wasn’t shot down and so on. It seems to me Russians are playing a PR game here”.

How the Trump Administration Got Comfortable Separating Immigrant Kids from Their Parents


Президент підписав Указ «Про невідкладні заходи щодо зміцнення державного статусу української мови та сприяння створенню єдиного культурного простору України»

Президент Петро Порошенко під час робочої поїздки до Івано-Франківської області підписав Указ «Про невідкладні заходи щодо зміцнення державного статусу української мови та сприяння створенню єдиного культурного простору України».
Указ розроблено з метою забезпечення додержання конституційних гарантій щодо всебічного розвитку і функціонування української мови як державної в усіх сферах суспільного життя на всій території України, посилення її консолідуючої ролі в українському суспільстві як засобу зміцнення державної єдності, ураховуючи необхідність захисту національного мовно-культурного та мовно-інформаційного простору, підтримки розвитку національної культури, заохочення процесів її інтеграції у європейський та світовий культурний простір.

European Commission proposes to modernise and digitalise EU civil judicial cooperation

Today, the Commission is proposing to modernise and digitalise judicial cooperation for cross-border civil and commercial cases throughout the EU. It aims to make access to civil justice cheaper, more efficient and more accessible to citizens and businesses.
The updated rules will:

OSCE SMM drone spots about 100 tanks near Russian-occupied Luhansk


The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine in another aerial observation effort has spotted about 100 tanks of militants near the city of Luhansk in Russian-occupied Donbas. "In non-government-controlled areas, on 26 May, aerial imagery available to the SMM revealed the presence of 57 tanks (type undetermined) about 4km south-east of Ternove (57km east of Donetsk); 34 tanks (type undetermined) near Kruhlyk (31km south-west of Luhansk); 19 tanks (type undetermined), eight self-propelled mortars (or howitzers) and 24 towed mortars (or howitzers) near Myrne; 13 tanks (type undetermined) near Shymshynivka (27km south-west of Luhansk); eight tanks (type undetermined) and seven towed mortars (or howitzers) near Miusynsk; as well as 24 tanks (type undetermined) and four surface-to-air missile systems (type undetermined) near Buhaivka (37km south-west of Luhansk)," reads the OSCE SMM's daily spot report.


The mood of the Donbas


Government approved National Action Plan for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child up to 2021

On May 30, 2018, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the State Social Program "National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child" for the period until 2021.
By ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on September 27, 1991, Ukraine undertook obligations, hence the Law of Ukraine "On the National Program "National Action Plan for the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child" for the period until 2016 was adopted.

A journalist reappears, and Russia cries foul

(CNN)A journalist is alive, but the truth died a little in Kiev on Wednesday.
To recap: Russia-watchers received a fresh shock on Tuesday night, when they saw reports that Russian journalist and Kremlin critic Arkady Babchenko had been gunned down in an apparent contract killing.
Ukrainian police reported that an unidentified gunman shot and killed him in the entryway to his apartment in Kiev, an apparent murder that bore the hallmarks of a contract hit, and appeared to be part of a wave of targeted killings in Ukraine directed at opponents of Moscow.
    Then Babchenko made a surprise appearance at a press conference Wednesday, very much alive and well.

    Google Emerges as Early Winner From Europe’s New Data Privacy Law




    Italy awaits decision on last-ditch deal to avoid snap elections


    Opinion analysis: Justices decline to extend Fourth Amendment’s “automobile exception”


    English Court of Appeal Re-Affirms Pro-Enforcement Stance Toward Foreign Arbitral Awards


    Wednesday, May 30, 2018

    #DisinfoReview: Retracing the steps of a disinformation campaign


    2018 has already seen several clear examples of the ongoing pro-Kremlin disinformation campaign. First came the disinformation surrounding the Skripal poisoning, then the smokescreen designed to hide the facts concerning the chemical attack in Douma, and this week a return to the disinformation accompanying the MH17 disaster.


    But something is different from previous years. Action has been taken by Western states, both concerning the disinformation campaigns surrounding these events, and also concerning the actors behind the incidents.

    President Trump Signs Financial Services Regulatory Reform Legislation


    Archive: Kyiv Real Estate tips



    Introduction
                Kyiv is the capital and the largest city of Ukraine, located in the north central part of the country on the Dnieper River. The population in July 2014 was 2,847,200 (though higher estimated numbers have been cited in the press), making Kiev the 8th largest city in Europe.
               Kyiv is an important industrial, scientific, educational, and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.
                Geographically, Kyiv belongs to the Polesia ecological zone (a part of the European mixed woods). However, the city's unique landscape distinguishes it from the surrounding region.
                Kyiv is located on both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city towards the Black Sea. The older right-bank (western) part of the city is represented by numerous woody hills, ravines and small rivers. It is a part of the larger Dnieper Upland adjoining the western bank of the Dnieper in its mid-flow. Kiev expanded to the Dnieper's lowland left bank (to the east) only in the 20th century. Significant areas of the left-bank Dnieper valley were artificially sand-deposited, and are protected by dams.

    С@ка ты, Бабченко!!

    Beware the Pitfalls in Standard Commercial Real Estate Agreements

    The largest agroindustrial exhibition in Ukraine: 06.06-06.08.2108



    Exhibition "AGRO-2018" — the largest agricultural exhibition in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Acts effec­tion platform for excellence­tion of production, innovation, and new product presentations in all fields Agricultural sector of Ukraine. Business event, providing the opportunity for cooperation with the countries-leaders in the global agricultural sector, as well as a unique platform for dialogue between private business and government, associations and Ino­strange representatives.

    Getting behind the numbers – Politicians and public tenders

    Agrarian trade turnover between Ukraine and Netherlands 69% up in 2017

    Canadian opposition demands weapons intended for the Kurds in Iraq be sent to Ukraine instead


    EU Justice, Rights and Values Fund

    Your Pre-Nup May Be A Ticking Time Bomb


    “High” Stakes for Employers Dealing With Evolving Cannabis Laws


    Dialoguer avec le passé pour arrêter la guerre russo-ukrainienne


    Kremlin critic turns up alive on TV after reported murder


    UPDATE: Journalist Babchenko alive: His "assassination" was SBU's special operation





    Tuesday, May 29, 2018

    Prominent Russian journalist who criticized Kremlin shot dead in Kiev



    TV show 'Roseanne' abruptly canceled after star's racist tweet sparks furor


    Building Your Own Network When You’re Part of a Family Business


    "Urgent" anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine




    Ukrainian President: I hope that the creation of anti-corruption infrastructure will have been completed by the next presidential elections in Ukraine

    President Petro Poroshenko is hopeful that the creation of anti-corruption infrastructure will have been completed by the next presidential elections in Ukraine.
    "We have almost a year before the presidential elections and I hope that we will be able to complete the creation of anti-corruption infrastructure, which is totally unprecedented in the world," the Head of State said at the joint press conference with the Federal President of Germany.

    Ukraine: Council endorses agreement on a further €1bn in loans

    On 29 May 2018, EU ambassadors endorsed, on behalf of the Council, an agreement with the European Parliament on a new package of macro-financial assistance for Ukraine.
    A further €1 billion in loans will cover Ukraine’s financing needs over a period of two and a half years. The loans will support economic stabilisation and a programme of structural reforms, supplementing resources provided by the IMF and other donors.

    Sanctions: Iran, Russia, OFAC and cryptocurrencies


    Hungary aims to criminalize aiding illegal migration in 'Stop Soros' bill



    Monday, May 28, 2018

    Parliamentarians appeal for unity, credibility ahead of July NATO Summit


    Warsaw, 28 May 2018 – Parliamentarians from NATO nations appealed Monday for Alliance leaders to show unity at their summit in July and demonstrate that the organization remains credible in the face of security threats headed by Russia and terrorism.

    In a declaration at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s Spring Session in Poland, the lawmakers insisted that the Alliance makes “unique and valuable contributions” to tackling complex security challenges and underlined that an attack on one Ally remains an attack on all.

    Anon (film)


    The power of human rights


    Syria: EU extends sanctions against the regime by one year

    On 28 May 2018, the Council extended EU restrictive measures against the Syrian regime until 1 June 2019. Given the ongoing repression of the civilian population, the EU decided to maintain its restrictive measures against the Syrian regime and its supporters, in line with the EU strategy on Syria.
    The Council also updated the information relating to certain persons and entities on the list and removed two deceased persons from the list. It now includes 259 persons and 67 entities targeted by a travel ban and an asset freeze. The persons added most recently were included for their role in the use of chemical weapons, as was the case for the 4 persons added to the sanctions list on 19 March 2018.

    Kyiv perfectly hosts Champions League final

    Human rights and democracy in the world: EU annual report 2017 adopted

    On 28 May 2018, the Council adopted the EU's annual report on human rights and democracy in the world in 2017.

    In 2017, human rights remained at the heart of the European Union's external action, and the EU reaffirmed its role as a leading global proponent of the promotion and protection of human rights.
    The EU continued to oppose firmly any unjustified restrictions of the rights of freedom of association and peaceful assembly, as 2017 saw a continued backlash against civil society. The EU strongly supported an enabling environment for non-governmental organisations and human rights defenders through bilateral dialogues including human rights dialogues, financial support and in multilateral fora.
    2017 marked a milestone on the EU's global work with the rights of the child with the update of the guidelines on the promotion and protection of the rights of the child, which date back to 2007.
    The 2017 annual report sets out the efforts of the EU, including through its global network of delegations, to promote and protect the universality of human rights across the world. Unlike previous years, this report does not include a geographic part with specific observations on  all third countries but human rights updates for each country can be found on the European External Action Service's (EEAS) and delegations' webpages.

    Dr. Soros' snake oil bad medicine for struggling Ukraine

    Week's balance: New tunnel to Europe, anti-corruption court's final stretch, and Russia sanctions




    Cartels in Australia

    Sunday, May 27, 2018

    An online Advance Care Directive (South Australia)

    Lawyers are encouraging us to think about how we want our lives to end as part of a campaign to record end-of-life wishes with a free online tool called Advance Care Directive.
    While the topic of death and dying remain uncomfortable subjects for many, lawyers in South Australia are urging members of the community to think seriously about the end.
    These can include questions about whether a patient wishes to be resuscitated or placed on life support in the event of a heart attack. 

    Три преграды на пути к автокефалии

    В ближайшие недели Синод Константинопольской Церкви может выступить с первым документом, открывающим дорогу к получению автокефалии Украинской православной церковью. Первым, потому что это может быть решение, позволяющее Патриарху Варфоломею издать томос о провозглашении автокефалии, но может быть и документ в стиле «продолжим работу». Может не быть ничего — вопрос отложат на следующий раз — на конец лета-осень 2019 года. Причина множества возможных вариантов кроется в том, что далеко не все проблемы, которые мешают изданию томоса, нашли своё решение.

    Полностью статью читать здесь

    Political free-for-all

    There are actually times when Ukrainian politicians and journalists privately recall the Yanukovych era with nostalgia. Because things were much simpler in politics back than, and much easier to figure out. There was Evil, personified by Party of the Regions, the communists and the Yanukovych family—and in order to remain on the side of Light, you had to stand up to them. A strong common enemy forced politicians from the national democratic camp to set aside their differences and work together. Everyone who was against Yanukovych had the sympathy of the opposition and could count on the moral support of a large chunk of ordinary Ukrainians. The country’s pro-Ukrainian voters were ready to forgive the flaws of those politicians who confronted the Regionals.

    Ukrainian interest. Russia's aggression in Crimea, Black mark for Moscow, and President's bravery





    Starbucks and the Issue of White Space


    Kyiv today: Postal Square



    Russia and Turkey ink pipeline agreement, end gas dispute



    Why Traditional M&A Is Becoming Less Important


    Kim Reaffirms Korean Denuclearization Push, Looks Forward to Trump Meeting, Moon Says


    Commentary: The EU’s Italian nightmare

    In 1972, a time of great stress in the White House and in the Italian economy, President Richard Nixon asked to reflect on the fate of Italy’s currency, famously snapped: “I don’t give a shit about the lira!” His line, recorded amid his Watergate travails, points to Italy being of peripheral concern to the world’s great ones.

    It isn’t now. The lira has gone; the country’s entry into the eurozone on January 1, 1999, has made it a country that the great powers do have to care about. After Brexit it will be the third- largest economy in the European Union , eighth largest in the world with a nominal GDP of nearly $2.2 trillion, a population of 60 million, a member of NATO and of the Group of Seven. Were it to default on its more than $2.6 trillion public debt,  it could not be “saved” like Greece. Yet now, the matter of saving Italy (from itself) is squarely in front of its fellow members of the EU.

    EU tells UK to stop with Brexit 'fantasies'

    Pentecost

    The Christian feastday of Pentecost, which is celebrated ten days after Ascension Thursday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem celebrating the Feast of Weeks, as described in the Acts of the Apostles. Some Christians believe this event represents the birth of the Church. Since the Feast of the Ascension occurs forty days after Easter, Pentecost is a moveable feast.
    In Eastern Christianity, Pentecost can also refer to the entire fifty days of Passover through Pentecost inclusive; hence the book containing the liturgical texts for Paschaltide is called the "Pentecostarion".
    The holy day is also called "White Sunday" or "Whitsunday", especially in the United Kingdom, where traditionally the next day, Whit Monday, was also a public holiday (now fixed by statute on the last Monday in May). The Monday after Pentecost is a legal holiday in many European nations.