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Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Somaliland’s 30-year quest for recognition: could US interests make the difference?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Aleksi Ylönen, Professor, United States International University

    More than three decades after unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia, Somaliland still seeks international recognition as a sovereign state. Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement, the breakaway state has built a relatively stable system of governance. This has drawn increasing interest from global powers, including the United States. As regional dynamics shift and great-power competition intensifies, Somaliland’s bid for recognition is gaining new currency. Aleksi Ylönen has studied politics in the Horn of Africa and Somaliland’s quest for recognition. He unpacks what’s at play.

    What legal and historical arguments does Somaliland use?

    The Somali National Movement is one of the main clan-based insurgent movements responsible for the collapse of the central government in Somalia. It claims the territory of the former British protectorate of Somaliland. The UK had granted Somaliland sovereign status on 26 June 1960.

    The Somali government tried to stomp out calls for secession. It orchestrated the brutal killing of hundreds of thousands of people in northern Somalia between 1987 and 1989.

    But the Somali National Movement declared unilateral independence on 18 May 1991 and separated from Somalia.

    With the collapse of the Somali regime in 1991, the movement’s main enemy was gone. This led to a violent power struggle between various militias.

    This subsided only after the politician Mohamed Egal consolidated power. He was elected president of Somaliland in May 1993.

    Egal made deals with merchants and businessmen, giving them tax and commercial incentives to accept his patronage. As a result, he obtained the economic means to consolidate political power and to pursue peace and state-building. It’s something his successors have kept up with since his death in 2002.

    What has Somaliland done to push for recognition?

    Successive Somaliland governments continue to engage in informal diplomacy. They have aligned with the west, particularly the US, which was the dominant power after the cold war, and the former colonial master, the UK. Both countries host significant Somaliland diaspora communities.

    The US and the UK have for decades flirted with the idea of recognising Somaliland, which they consider a strategic partner. However, they have been repeatedly thrown back by their respective Somalia policies. These have favoured empowering the widely supported Mogadishu government to reassert its authority and control over Somali territories.

    This Somalia policy has been increasingly questioned in recent years, in part due to Mogadishu’s security challenges. In contrast, the Hargeisa government of Somaliland has largely shown it can provide security and stability. It has held elections and survived as a state for the last three decades, though it has faced political resistance and armed opposition.

    Read more: Somaliland elections: what’s at stake for independence, stability and shifting power dynamics in the Horn of Africa

    As new global powers rise, Somaliland administrations have pursued an increasingly diverse foreign policy, with one goal: international recognition.

    Hargeisa hosts consulates and representative offices of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Taiwan, the UK and the European Union, among others.

    The government has also engaged in informal foreign relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Middle Eastern monarchy serves as a business hub and a destination of livestock exports. Many Somalilanders migrate there.

    Somaliland maintains representative offices in several countries. These include Canada, the US, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Taiwan. Hargeisa has alienated China because it has collaborated with Taiwan since 2020. Taiwan is a self-ruled island claimed by China.

    On 1 January 2024, Somaliland’s outgoing president Muse Bihi signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed for increased cooperation. Bihi implied that Ethiopia would be the first country to formally recognise Somaliland. The deal caused a sharp deterioration of relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.

    Abiy later moderated his position and, with Turkish mediation, reconciled with his Somalia counterpart, President Hassan Mohamud.

    What’s behind US interest in Somaliland?

    The US, like other great powers, has been interested in Somaliland because of its strategic location. It is on the African shores of the Gulf of Aden, across from the Arabian Peninsula. Its geographical position has gained currency recently as Yemeni Houthi rebels strike maritime traffic in the busy shipping lanes. Somaliland is also well located to curb piracy and smuggling on this global trade route.

    The US Africa Command set up its main Horn of Africa base at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti in 2002. This followed the 11 September 2001 attacks.

    Read more: Somaliland’s quest for recognition: UK debate offers hint of a sea change

    In 2017, China, which had become the main foreign economic power in the Horn of Africa, set up a navy support facility in Djibouti. This encouraged closer collaboration between American and Somaliland authorities. The US played with the idea of establishing a base in Berbera, which hosts Somaliland’s largest port.

    With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election in 2024, there were reports of an increased push for US recognition of Somaliland. This would allow the US to deepen its trade and security partnerships in the volatile Horn of Africa region.

    Since March 2025, representatives of the Trump administration have engaged in talks with Somaliland officials to establish a US military base near Berbera. This would be in exchange for a formal but partial recognition of Somaliland.

    What are the risks of US recognition of Somaliland?

    Stronger US engagement with Somaliland risks neglecting Somalia.

    Mogadishu depends on external military assistance in its battle against the advancing violent Islamist extremist group, Al-Shabaab. It also faces increasing defiance from two federal regions, Puntland and Jubaland.

    US recognition would reward Hargeisa for its persistent effort to maintain stability and promote democracy. However, it could encourage other nations to recognise Somaliland. This would deliver a blow to Somali nationalists who want one state for all Somalis.

    – Somaliland’s 30-year quest for recognition: could US interests make the difference?
    – https://theconversation.com/somalilands-30-year-quest-for-recognition-could-us-interests-make-the-difference-255399

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand

    The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.

    The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.

    Read more: Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

    I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.

    Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.

    Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.

    Deepfakes and fake news

    Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.

    Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?

    Read more: The use of deepfakes can sow doubt, creating confusion and distrust in viewers

    The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).

    Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.

    Ethical questions

    A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?

    Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?

    The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?

    Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?

    A fix

    Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.

    The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.

    Read more: AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

    The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.

    The five categories could be:

    C – Corrected

    Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.

    E – Enhanced

    Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.

    B – Body manipulated

    This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.

    O – Object manipulated

    This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.

    G – Generated

    Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)

    Degrees of photo manipulation. Martin Bekker

    The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.

    The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.

    Feasibility

    Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.

    Read more: Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

    Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.

    The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.

    – How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed
    – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Felon Convicted for Possessing Machinegun in Connection With Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Baltimore, Maryland – After a five-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict against Osman Malik Sesay, 32, of Gambrills, Maryland. Sesay was found guilty of a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition; conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; maintaining a drug involved premises; and possession of firearms — including a machinegun — in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes. 

    The conviction for possession of a machinegun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years imprisonment. Sesay faces an additional mandatory consecutive sentence of five years imprisonment for possessing another firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on a previous date.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the verdict with Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan, Federal Bureau of Investigation – Washington Field Office, Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department; and Chief Malik Aziz, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD).

    According to the evidence presented at trial, between November 13, 2020, and continuing until at least July 16, 2021, Sesay conspired with others in a drug trafficking operation involving the bulk distribution of marijuana.  Sesay used multiple fake identifications — and at least four stolen luxury vehicles and seven firearms, including two equipped with machinegun conversion devices — to facilitate his drug trafficking operation. He also leased apartments under fake names to store his drugs, proceeds, and firearms.

    Anne Arundel County Police Department and PGPD Washington Area Vehicle Enforcement (W.A.V.E.) Auto Theft Unit detectives observed Sesay operating stolen vehicles in March 2021.  On April 29, 2021, W.A.V.E. detectives arrested Sesay in Prince George’s County, Maryland, driving a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Supercharged. 

    During the arrest, authorities found that Sesay possessed more than $14,000 in U.S. currency and a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license.  The fraudulent Maryland driver’s license was associated with a fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland, where Sesay stored his drugs.  Sesay also had a Glock 26 firearm in the glove compartment of the stolen vehicle, which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking.  The Glock 26 firearm had a machinegun conversion device attached.

    Then on June 30, 2021, after he was released on bond pending trial, a PGPD Guardian Helicopter captured surveillance footage of Sesay conducting a drug transaction out of a stolen Corvette in a Washington, D.C. school parking lot.  On July 16, 2021, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sesay’s fraudulently rented apartments in Lanham, Maryland, and Gambrills, Maryland. 

    Sesay used the fraudulently rented apartment in Lanham, Maryland as a stash house for his drugs, and used the fraudulently rented apartment in Gambrills, Maryland to store more drugs, cash, and firearms.  In total, law enforcement recovered approximately 90 pounds of marijuana.  Evidence showed that Sesay transported marijuana across the country on a commercial airplane using fake identification.

    Law enforcement also recovered more than $40,000 in U.S. Currency and six firearms, five of which were loaded, from the apartment in Gambrills, Maryland.  And officers seized the stolen Corvette, a stolen Audi A7 sedan, and a stolen Land Rover Range Rover Velar that Sesay used as part of his drug trafficking operation.  Inside the vehicles, law enforcement recovered more marijuana.  Additionally, law enforcement discovered a loaded Glock 30 firearm with a machinegun conversion device attached — which Sesay possessed in furtherance of his drug trafficking — inside the stolen Corvette.  As a convicted felon, Sesay is prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.

    Sesay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking on April 29, 2021; a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum of life for possessing firearms, including a machinegun, in furtherance of drug trafficking on July 16, 2021; a maximum of five years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; a maximum of 20 years in prison for maintaining a drug involved premises; and a maximum of 10 years in prison each for two felon in possession of firearms and ammunition charges.  U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025, at 12 p.m.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, ATF, Anne Arundel County Police Department, and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick D. Kibbe and Brooke Y. Oki who are prosecuting the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: We set out to improve literacy among struggling readers in Kenya – what we learnt

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Fridah Gatwiri Kiambati, Post Doctoral research scientist, African Population and Health Research Center

    Literacy – being able to read, write and understand written or spoken language – is a cornerstone of educational achievement. Yet, for millions of children worldwide, acquiring basic literacy skills is a significant challenge.

    This is a result of systemic inequalities, poverty, conflict, displacement and gender disparities. A Unicef report on global literacy levels in 2023 found that 89% of 10-year-olds in sub-Saharan Africa were unable to read or comprehend a basic story.

    In Kenya, the gap in foundational literacy is stark. A nationwide evaluation of over 44,000 children across 1,973 primary schools in 2023 found that three in 10 grade 6 learners aged 11 struggled to read grade 3-level (age 8) texts.

    These numbers highlight the critical need to address reading difficulties in early grades to ensure that learners do not fall behind irretrievably.

    When learners aren’t able to read, they are likely to fall behind in literacy and other learning areas. This is because foundational learning skills – which include literacy (reading) and numeracy (basic maths) – are the building blocks for learning in later years of schooling and for lifelong learning.

    I am an inclusive education researcher. I was involved in the Developing Readers Study. It set out to design and pilot an intervention to improve literacy skills among grade 2 and 3 learners who are furthest behind in reading.

    The study, implemented by the African Population and Health Research Center, was aimed at providing policy-relevant evidence on how support for struggling readers can be formally and systematically incorporated into school timetables and education systems.

    In 13 weeks, more than a third of the learners had become fluent readers.

    The study

    The Developing Readers Study was implemented in 15 schools in Kiambu County, which neighbours the Kenyan capital Nairobi. This was strategic to design, test and refine the intervention before scaling up.

    The intervention started with the preparation of instruction materials. These included a teachers’ guide and assessment booklet, as well as homework packets for the learners. Teachers were trained on how to deliver the structured intervention while accommodating individual learner needs.

    Learners were assessed to identify those with reading difficulties. Out of 2,805 learners from 15 schools screened, 920 (33%) learners had reading difficulties.

    They were then categorised into three groups as per their reading levels at baseline:

    • module 1 for non-readers, who numbered 410 (45%)

    • module 2 for beginning readers, who could read 1-9 correct words per minute (212 learners, or 23%)

    • module 3 for intermediate readers who could read 10-16 correct words per minute (298 learners, or 32%).

    The learners were then taken through remedial lessons for English and Kiswahili for 13 weeks. Each lesson lasted 30 minutes. During the intervention period, teachers received support from curriculum support officers, and quality assurance and standards officers in Kiambu County.

    In addition, these officers observed the lessons to identify the support needed. Cluster meetings were held to gather teacher feedback on the implementation process.

    Parents were also engaged through homework packets. This encouraged a supportive home environment for learning.

    The results

    The study led to significant improvements in literacy outcomes among participating learners over the 13 weeks.

    1. The proportion of non-readers who couldn’t read any correct word per minute reduced from 43.3% (following a few dropouts) to 18.9% at endline. This improvement highlights the power of targeted instruction to transform learning outcomes for struggling readers.

    2. Both boys and girls benefited from the programme. However, girls consistently outperformed boys in tasks like syllable and oral passage reading. These insights highlight the importance of designing interventions that address gender-specific learning needs.

    3. The programme equipped teachers with practical tools and strategies to give learners individual attention according to their needs. By the endline assessment, 92% of teachers were closely following the structured lesson guides, demonstrating increased confidence and competence.

    4. Parents played a pivotal role in the programme’s success. Weekly homework packets provided opportunities for learners to practise reading at home.

    5. Over a third of the learners (37%) advanced to emergent and fluent reading levels, meaning they no longer required remedial support. This progression was particularly notable among younger learners in grade 2, underscoring the value of early intervention.

    The developing readers intervention stands out because it goes beyond addressing literacy challenges at the classroom level. It also brought in education officials, rigorous teacher training and contextualised learning materials.

    Its findings demonstrate that structured, targeted interventions can effectively address foundational literacy gaps. This same model can be used elsewhere.

    What next

    The study provides a roadmap for addressing Kenya’s literacy crisis. Its positive outcomes demonstrate that early, targeted interventions can put struggling readers on the path to success.

    Scaling up this programme offers an opportunity to ensure no child is left behind in acquiring foundational literacy skills.

    To achieve this, policymakers must make sure remedial interventions take place at schools. They must also provide resources for teacher training and promote home-school collaboration.

    With sustained investment and a commitment to evidence-based strategies, Kenya can bridge its literacy gap and pave the way for a brighter future for its learners.

    Fridah Gatwiri Kiambati works for the African Population and Health Research Center. The Developing Readers Study, which this article is based was funded by the Gates foundation.

    – ref. We set out to improve literacy among struggling readers in Kenya – what we learnt – https://theconversation.com/we-set-out-to-improve-literacy-among-struggling-readers-in-kenya-what-we-learnt-253252

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Somaliland’s 30-year quest for recognition: could US interests make the difference?

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Aleksi Ylönen, Professor, United States International University

    More than three decades after unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia, Somaliland still seeks international recognition as a sovereign state. Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement, the breakaway state has built a relatively stable system of governance. This has drawn increasing interest from global powers, including the United States. As regional dynamics shift and great-power competition intensifies, Somaliland’s bid for recognition is gaining new currency. Aleksi Ylönen has studied politics in the Horn of Africa and Somaliland’s quest for recognition. He unpacks what’s at play.

    What legal and historical arguments does Somaliland use?

    The Somali National Movement is one of the main clan-based insurgent movements responsible for the collapse of the central government in Somalia. It claims the territory of the former British protectorate of Somaliland. The UK had granted Somaliland sovereign status on 26 June 1960.

    The Somali government tried to stomp out calls for secession. It orchestrated the brutal killing of hundreds of thousands of people in northern Somalia between 1987 and 1989.

    But the Somali National Movement declared unilateral independence on 18 May 1991 and separated from Somalia.

    With the collapse of the Somali regime in 1991, the movement’s main enemy was gone. This led to a violent power struggle between various militias.

    This subsided only after the politician Mohamed Egal consolidated power. He was elected president of Somaliland in May 1993.

    Egal made deals with merchants and businessmen, giving them tax and commercial incentives to accept his patronage. As a result, he obtained the economic means to consolidate political power and to pursue peace and state-building. It’s something his successors have kept up with since his death in 2002.

    What has Somaliland done to push for recognition?

    Successive Somaliland governments continue to engage in informal diplomacy. They have aligned with the west, particularly the US, which was the dominant power after the cold war, and the former colonial master, the UK. Both countries host significant Somaliland diaspora communities.

    The US and the UK have for decades flirted with the idea of recognising Somaliland, which they consider a strategic partner. However, they have been repeatedly thrown back by their respective Somalia policies. These have favoured empowering the widely supported Mogadishu government to reassert its authority and control over Somali territories.

    This Somalia policy has been increasingly questioned in recent years, in part due to Mogadishu’s security challenges. In contrast, the Hargeisa government of Somaliland has largely shown it can provide security and stability. It has held elections and survived as a state for the last three decades, though it has faced political resistance and armed opposition.



    Read more:
    Somaliland elections: what’s at stake for independence, stability and shifting power dynamics in the Horn of Africa

    As new global powers rise, Somaliland administrations have pursued an increasingly diverse foreign policy, with one goal: international recognition.

    Hargeisa hosts consulates and representative offices of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Taiwan, the UK and the European Union, among others.

    The government has also engaged in informal foreign relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Middle Eastern monarchy serves as a business hub and a destination of livestock exports. Many Somalilanders migrate there.

    Somaliland maintains representative offices in several countries. These include Canada, the US, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Taiwan. Hargeisa has alienated China because it has collaborated with Taiwan since 2020. Taiwan is a self-ruled island claimed by China.

    On 1 January 2024, Somaliland’s outgoing president Muse Bihi signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed for increased cooperation. Bihi implied that Ethiopia would be the first country to formally recognise Somaliland. The deal caused a sharp deterioration of relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.

    Abiy later moderated his position and, with Turkish mediation, reconciled with his Somalia counterpart, President Hassan Mohamud.

    What’s behind US interest in Somaliland?

    The US, like other great powers, has been interested in Somaliland because of its strategic location. It is on the African shores of the Gulf of Aden, across from the Arabian Peninsula. Its geographical position has gained currency recently as Yemeni Houthi rebels strike maritime traffic in the busy shipping lanes. Somaliland is also well located to curb piracy and smuggling on this global trade route.

    The US Africa Command set up its main Horn of Africa base at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti in 2002. This followed the 11 September 2001 attacks.



    Read more:
    Somaliland’s quest for recognition: UK debate offers hint of a sea change

    In 2017, China, which had become the main foreign economic power in the Horn of Africa, set up a navy support facility in Djibouti. This encouraged closer collaboration between American and Somaliland authorities. The US played with the idea of establishing a base in Berbera, which hosts Somaliland’s largest port.

    With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election in 2024, there were reports of an increased push for US recognition of Somaliland. This would allow the US to deepen its trade and security partnerships in the volatile Horn of Africa region.

    Since March 2025, representatives of the Trump administration have engaged in talks with Somaliland officials to establish a US military base near Berbera. This would be in exchange for a formal but partial recognition of Somaliland.

    What are the risks of US recognition of Somaliland?

    Stronger US engagement with Somaliland risks neglecting Somalia.

    Mogadishu depends on external military assistance in its battle against the advancing violent Islamist extremist group, Al-Shabaab. It also faces increasing defiance from two federal regions, Puntland and Jubaland.

    US recognition would reward Hargeisa for its persistent effort to maintain stability and promote democracy. However, it could encourage other nations to recognise Somaliland. This would deliver a blow to Somali nationalists who want one state for all Somalis.

    Aleksi Ylönen is affiliated with the Center for International Studies, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, and is an associate fellow at the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies.

    – ref. Somaliland’s 30-year quest for recognition: could US interests make the difference? – https://theconversation.com/somalilands-30-year-quest-for-recognition-could-us-interests-make-the-difference-255399

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand

    The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.

    The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.



    Read more:
    Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

    I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.

    Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.

    Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.

    Deepfakes and fake news

    Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.

    Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?



    Read more:
    The use of deepfakes can sow doubt, creating confusion and distrust in viewers

    The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).

    Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.

    Ethical questions

    A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?

    Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?

    The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?

    Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?

    A fix

    Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.

    The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.



    Read more:
    AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

    The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.

    The five categories could be:

    C – Corrected

    Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.

    E – Enhanced

    Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.

    B – Body manipulated

    This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.

    O – Object manipulated

    This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.

    G – Generated

    Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)

    The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.

    The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.

    Feasibility

    Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.



    Read more:
    Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

    Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.

    The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.

    Martin Bekker receives funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa.

    – ref. How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – International companies to host live webcasts at Deutsche Bank’s Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deutsche Bank today announced the lineup for its Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference (“dbVIC”) on Thursday, May 15, 2025 featuring live webcast presentations from international companies with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs in the United States.

    Representatives from participating companies based in China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Denmark, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will respond to questions during formal presentations. The conference is targeted to all categories of investors and analysts interested in international companies.

    There is no fee for participants to log in, attend live presentations and/or ask questions.

    Pre-registration is suggested. Please register here: www.adr.db.com/dbvic

    Conference Agenda May 15th, 2025 (US Eastern Standard Time):

    • 8:00 AM: Bavarian Nordic A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY)  
    • 8:30 AM: Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: VIOT)
    • 9:00 AM: Infineon Technologies AG (Xetra: IFX, OTC: IFNNY)
    • 9:30 AM: Clicks Group Ltd (JSE: CLS, OTC: CLCGY)
    • 10:00 AM: First Pacific Company Ltd (HKEX: 142, OTC: FPAFY)
    • 10:30 AM: HUTCHMED (China) Limited (AIM: HCM, NASDAQ: HCM, and HKEX:13)
    • 11:00 AM: 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE)
    • 11:30 AM: Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD)
    • 12:00 PM: ABB Ltd. (SIX: ABBN, OTC: ABBNY)
    • 12:30 PM: Belite Bio, Inc  (NASDAQ: BLTE)
    • 13:00 PM: Epiroc AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: EPIA, OTC: EPOAY)
    • 13:30 PM: International Airlines Group (LSE: IAG, MAD: IAG, OTC: ICAGY)
    • 14:00 PM: BDO Unibank, Inc (PSE: BDO, OTC: BDOUY)
    • 14:30 PM: iHuman Inc. (NYSE: IH)

    The presentations will be available for replay after the conference.

    In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as American and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow and related services. The Bank offers a broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings.

    For further information, please contact:
    Dylan Riddle
    Deutsche Bank AG
    Press & Media Relations
    Tel. +12122504982
    Cell. +1(904)3866481
    Email dylan.riddle@db.com

    Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

    Deutsche Bank is sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipt Investor Conference solely for informational purposes. Deutsche Bank does not prepare, review, approve or edit any presentations, statements, documents or other information or materials, whether in written, electronic or verbal form, provided by any company participating in such conference, and disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any such information or materials. Deutsche Bank is not promoting, endorsing or recommending any company participating in the conference.

    The Depositary Receipts have been registered pursuant to the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) on Form F-6. The investment or investment service which is the subject of this notice is not available to retail clients as defined by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This notice has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG New York. The services described in this notice are provided by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with appropriate local registration and regulation. Deutsche Bank is providing the attached notice strictly for information purposes and makes no claims or statement, nor does it warrant as to or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details contained herein and does not undertake an obligation to update or amend this information. Deutsche Bank, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates disclaims any and all liability to fullest extent permitted by law, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any of them might otherwise have in respect of the above information. This announcement appears as a matter of record only. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by Deutsche Bank or any other issuer or entity for the purchase or sale of any securities in the United States, nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to any person in any other jurisdiction. No part of this notice may be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Copyright© May 2025 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved.

    The MIL Network –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation CAIRO, Egypt, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ — Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced the third edition of its vibrant short film competition, CANEX Shorts, that is designed to recognise and celebrate talents of young filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora.   Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation. To be eligible, they must be Africans living on the continent, in the diaspora or the Caribbean. Each filmmaker can only enter one film for which they must hold all rights. The entered films should have been produced in 2023 or after and can be in any language.   Besides the cash prize, CANEX Shorts winners will also get an opportunity to participate and have their films screened at CANEX at IATF2025, which will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. This will also provide them with a chance to connect with potential investors and partners in what has become the largest gathering of creatives on the continent.  To enter the competition, filmmakers are required to submit their films, not more than five minutes long, via the Film Freeway digital platform (https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts). From all entries, the selection committee will curate a shortlist of 30 films – 10 films per category for submission to the jury that comprises, well-respected film experts from across the continent. The jury will then select a winning film in each of the categories during CANEX at IATF2025.  The 2024 CANEX shorts winners were unveiled at CANEX WKND 2024. The winning films were: Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Fiction category; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) in the CANEX Shorts Best Documentary category; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Animation category. According to the jury, the quality of films submitted during CANEX WKND 2024 was exceptionally high, necessitating award of two Special Mentions: Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud’s Last Parade.  CANEX at IATF2025, where the winners will be unveiled, will provide a unique platform for nurturing business, investment opportunities, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst the creatives fraternity across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others. The event participants will include creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, business and political leaders, development partners, thought leaders as well as some of the most respected names in the Creative and Cultural Industries from across the continent and the diaspora.   Highlighting the importance of the competition, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank said: “Africa’s film industry, estimated at over $5 billion is thriving and brimming with untapped potential,” adding, “At Afreximbank, we are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage. By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we’re actively ensuring Africa’s vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.”  To enter the 2025 CANEX Shorts competition, please visit Filmfreeway: https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts. To register to attend CANEX at IATF for free: Canex.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3GK4Bo8).   Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media contact:  Vincent Musumba  Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations)  Email: press@afreximbank.com About CANEX: Given the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative economy as a key driver for development and job creation, Afreximbank has developed the Creative Africa Nexus programme to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The initiative provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments /interventions aimed at supporting and developing Africa’s production, trade, and investment in the creative sector. The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include increasing Africa’s share of global cultural trade flows through trade and investment promotion activities, deploying specialized financial products to support the CCI ecosystem, facilitating technical capacity programs that enable export-grade production, facilitating market access to high-value demand hubs (through partnerships) and advocating for harmonized regulatory reform, especially concerning IP rights and incentives  About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.  About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development. 

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Meet four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Meet four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners

    May 8, 2025

    UPDATE

    Local inspiration, global impact: Meet four of this year’s Swift Student Challenge winners

    Every year, the Swift Student Challenge invites students from around the world to follow their curiosity and explore their creativity through original app playgrounds built with Apple’s intuitive, easy-to-learn Swift coding language. From a starry sky glimpsed through a telescope in Nuevo León, Mexico, to a pack of cards discovered in a Japanese game shop, the inspirations behind this year’s 350 winning submissions span the globe, representing 38 countries and regions, and incorporating a wide range of tools and technologies.

    “We’re always inspired by the talent and perspective young developers bring to the Swift Student Challenge,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “This year’s winners show exceptional skill in transforming meaningful ideas into app playgrounds that are innovative, impactful, and thoughtfully built — and we’re excited to support their journey as they continue building apps that will help shape the future.”

    Fifty Distinguished Winners have been invited to attend the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Apple Park, where they’ll take part in a specially curated three-day experience. Over the course of the week, the winners will have the opportunity to watch the Keynote live on June 9, learn from Apple experts and engineers, and participate in labs.

    Many of this year’s winners took inspiration from their local communities, creating powerful tools that are designed to make an impact on a global scale. Below, Distinguished Winners Taiki Hamamoto, Marina Lee, Luciana Ortiz Nolasco, and Nahom Worku delve into their app playgrounds and the real-world problems they’re aiming to solve, demonstrating the power of coding to drive lasting change.

    When Taiki Hamamoto, 22, came across a Hanafuda deck at his local game shop, he was intrigued. He had grown up playing the traditional Japanese card game with family members, and he thought it’d be easy to recruit friends for a nostalgic round or two — but that wasn’t the case.

    “I found that very few people in my generation know how to play Hanafuda, despite it being such a staple in Japanese culture,” explains Hamamoto, a recent graduate of the Prefectural University of Kumamoto. “I thought if there was a way to make it easy to play on a smartphone, it might be possible to spread Hanafuda, not only in Japan but also to the world.”

    Through his winning app playground, Hanafuda Tactics, novices can get familiar with the game’s rules and the cards themselves. The colorful, ornate 48-card decks, inspired by Japan’s reverence for nature, are divided into 12 suits — one for each month of the year — and each illustrated by a seasonal plant. There are many ways to play, but one of the most popular variations is Koi-Koi, where players try to form special card combinations known as yaku.

    While Hamamoto stayed true to the game’s classic floral iconography, he also added a modern touch to the gameplay experience, incorporating video game concepts like hit points (HP) that resonate with younger generations. SwiftUI’s DragGesture helped him implement dynamic, highly responsive effects like cards tilting and glowing during movement, making the gameplay feel natural and engaging. He’s also experimenting with making Hanafuda Tactics playable on Apple Vision Pro.

    The idea that a centuries-old game could one day disappear is unthinkable for Hamamoto, who’s gotten so much joy from it. “Hanafuda is unique in that it allows you to experience the scenery and culture of Japan,” he says. “I want users of my app to feel immersed in it, and I want to preserve the game for generations to come.”

    With wildfires spreading quickly across much of Los Angeles earlier this year, Marina Lee, 21, got a harrowing phone call. Her grandmother — a resident of the San Gabriel Valley — had received an evacuation alert, and had little time to decide what to do or where to go.

    “As someone who grew up in L.A., I’ve always been aware of the wildfire risks and the realities that come with natural disasters,” says Lee, a third-year computer science student at the University of Southern California, who was spending winter break with her parents in Northern California at the time. “But with this phone call, the urgency really hit home. My grandma was panicked, unsure what to pack, or how to stay prepared and informed. That inspired me to create an app for people like her, who might not be as tech-savvy but deserve an accessible, trustworthy resource in times of crisis.”

    Through the app playground EvacuMate, users can prepare an emergency checklist of important items to pack for an evacuation. Lee integrated the iPhone camera roll into the app so users can upload copies of important documents, and added the ability to import emergency contacts through their iPhone contacts list. She also included resources on topics like checking air quality levels and assembling a first-aid kit.

    As Lee continues to refine EvacuMate, she’s focused on ensuring that the app is accessible to everyone who might want to use it. “I’d like to add support for different languages,” Lee explains. “Thinking back to my grandma, she’s not as comfortable reading English, and I realized a translation feature could really help others in the community who face the same challenge.”

    Heading into WWDC, Lee’s looking forward to fostering new connections with fellow developers, like the kinds she’s made hosting hackathons with her organization Citro Tech, or serving as a mentor for USC Women in Engineering. “Coding is so much more than just developing software,” she says. “It’s really the friendships you build, the community you find, and the problem-solving journey that empower you to make a difference.”

    Luciana Ortiz Nolasco was thrilled when she was presented with a telescope for her 11th birthday. Every night, she’d peer through her bedroom window to explore the sky over her home state of Nuevo León, Mexico.

    But there were two issues she quickly encountered: first, the thick layer of smog that hung over the heavily industrialized city, obscuring the stars and their brilliance, and second, a lack of fellow enthusiasts to geek out with.

    “I didn’t find a community till I joined the Astronomical Society of Nuevo León,” shares Ortiz Nolasco, now 15. On the weekends, through the connections she made at the society, she’d travel to the countryside to see the stars more clearly, attending camps and learning from mentors who shared her passion. These experiences sparked her interest in making astronomy even more accessible to others.

    Her app playground BreakDownCosmic is a virtual gathering place where users can add upcoming astronomical events around the world to their calendars, earn medals for accomplishing “missions,” and chat with fellow astronomers about what they see.

    Ortiz Nolasco found the ideal tool for bringing her idea to life with the Swift programming language. “Swift is very easy to learn, and using Xcode is very intuitive,” she explains. “Most of the time, it would correct me if I had an error. I didn’t have to spend time looking for hours and have it turn out to just be a small error I overlooked.”

    After attending WWDC in June, she plans to continue to develop BreakDownCosmic, with the ultimate goal of launching it on the App Store. “I want people to feel like they’re going on a journey through space when they log into my app,” she says. “The universe is full of mysteries we have yet to discover, and infinite possibilities. This journey is not just for some selected people. The universe is where we live. It’s our home, and everybody should be able to get to know it.”

    Growing up in Ethiopia and later in Canada, Nahom Worku felt pulled in two career directions: following in his uncle’s footsteps and becoming a pilot, or pursuing an engineering degree like his father. Ultimately, his fear of flying took the former profession off the table, but he still couldn’t decide on an engineering field to specialize in, until COVID-19 hit.

    “During the pandemic, I had a lot of time on my hands, so I bought a few books and discovered web design and coding,” says Worku, 21. He found a community in Black Kids Code, a nonprofit that helps kids learn math and coding, and eventually became a mentor himself.

    While assisting with a summer program at York University in Toronto, where he’s now a fourth-year student, Worku and his group were tasked with working on a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal that focuses on ensuring global access to quality education. For Worku, the project was eye-opening, as it connected back to his formative years. “Growing up in Ethiopia, I witnessed firsthand how many students lacked quality education,” he explains. “Additionally, many people either don’t have access to the Internet, or have issues with unreliable connections.”

    His app playground AccessEd is designed to tackle both of these issues, offering learning resources that are accessible with or without Wi-Fi connectivity. Built using Apple’s machine learning and AI tools, such as Core ML and the Natural Language framework, the app recommends courses based on a student’s background, creating a truly personalized experience.

    “Students can take a picture of their notes, and then the machine learning model analyzes the text using Apple’s Natural Language framework to create flash cards,” Worku says. “The app also has a task management system with notifications, as many students globally have a lot of homework and family responsibilities after school, so they often struggle with time management.”

    Worku hopes that AccessEd can unlock new possibilities for students around the world. “I hope my app will inspire others to explore how modern technologies like machine learning can be used in innovative ways, especially in education, and how they can make learning more engaging, effective, and enjoyable,” he says.

    Apple is proud to champion the next generation of developers, creators, and entrepreneurs through its annual Swift Student Challenge program. Over the past five years, thousands of program participants from all over the world have built successful careers, founded businesses, and created organizations focused on democratizing technology and using it to build a better future. Learn more at developer.apple.com/swift-student-challenge.

    Press Contacts

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU opens call for postdoctoral fellowships

    Source: European Union 2

    Postdoctoral Fellowships offer researchers holding a PhD the opportunity to acquire new skills through advanced training and international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral mobility.

    The 2025 call for the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships is open as of 8 May 2025.

    The grants aim to improve the creative and innovative potential of researchers holding a PhD, with a budget of €404.3 million. They will help researchers acquire new skills, develop their careers, and gain international, interdisciplinary, and inter-sectoral experience by working in another country.

    These prestigious fellowships are also a stepping stone in researchers’ careers. They allow them to strengthen research cooperation with leading scientific teams and figures worldwide.

    The call will close on 10 September 2025 and is expected to fund nearly 1650 projects.

    Research in all fields

    The call is open to applications in any scientific field, including Euratom research.

    Fellowships include

    • European Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to researchers of any nationality to carry out a personalised project in the European Union (EU) or countries associated to Horizon Europe for up to 24 months
    • Global Postdoctoral Fellowships, open to EU and Horizon Europe associated countries nationals or long-term residents wishing to work with organisations in third countries for a period of 12 to 24 months, before returning to Europe for 12 months

    The scheme encourages researchers to gain experience beyond academia by giving them the opportunity to request an additional six months at the end of their fellowship to undertake a placement in a non-academic organisation in Europe.

    Conditions for researchers and organisations

    MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to postdoctoral researchers from all over the world, of any nationality and at any career stage, with a maximum of 8 years of research experience after their PhD.

    Some exceptions and specific conditions apply, for instance for Global Postdoctoral Fellowships.

    Researchers must develop an application with their prospective supervisor and apply together with their future host organisation, which can be

    • a university
    • a research institution or facility
    • a company, small or medium-sized enterprise
    • a government, public institution, or body
    • a museum, hospital, or NGO
    • any other organisation

    based in an EU Member State or Horizon Europe associated country.

    As of January 2025, Switzerland benefits from transitional arrangements in place for countries in the process of associating to Horizon Europe. Swiss entities can therefore apply and be evaluated under this year’s call under the same conditions as other countries associated to Horizon Europe. Successful proposals will however no longer be treated as established in an associated country if the association agreement does not apply by the time of the signature of the grant agreement. Morocco and Egypt also benefit from transitional arrangements at the call opening.

    Researchers applying to Global Fellowships will need to seek the commitment of an organisation based in a third country, as they will carry out their research there for a period of between 12 and 24 months.

    The call is open to researchers wishing to reintegrate in Europe, to those who are displaced by conflict, as well as to researchers with high potential who are seeking to restart their careers.

    ERA Fellowships

    Researchers applying for a standard European Fellowship with a host organisation in a “widening country” (i.e. a country with lower participation rates in Horizon Europe) can opt in to be considered for the ERA Fellowships call.

    Around 45 ERA Fellowships will be awarded to excellent applicants who were not selected under the MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call due to budget constraints. 

    Check out the list of eligible host countries for ERA Fellowships

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Visiting Media Appoints Chad Kimner as SVP of Growth & Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Visiting Media, the leader in immersive sales and marketing technology for the hospitality industry, today announced the appointment of Chad Kimner as Senior Vice President of Growth & Operations. In this newly created role, Kimner will oversee Product, Marketing, and Product Studio teams while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO in driving operational excellence.

    Kimner brings extensive product management and marketing expertise, along with operational leadership to Visiting Media, with a background spanning both established technology companies and high-growth startups. Most recently, he served as Director of Product Marketing at Meta’s Reality Labs, where he led Go-to-Market efforts for AI, Mixed Reality, and AR products. Previously, he spent nine years at Mozilla in escalating leadership roles, including driving hockey-stick growth of the new product development portfolio.

    “Chad’s unique blend of product leadership and operational excellence comes at a perfect time as we scale our solutions across the global hospitality sector,” said Jascha Kaykas-Wolff, CEO of Visiting Media. “His proven track record in building robust product management and marketing systems and driving cross-functional alignment will help us move with greater clarity and purpose as we enter our next growth phase.”

    In his role, Kimner will focus on strengthening the connection between product development and go-to-market execution. He will partner closely with industry veterans at Visiting Media Steve Sackman, SVP Sales, and Kevin Huang, SVP Customer Experience, to ensure a unified approach across the entire customer journey.

    “I’m thrilled to join Visiting Media at such a pivotal moment in the company’s growth story,” said Kimner. “The team has built an impressive foundation with industry-leading immersive technology. I look forward to helping scale our impact through disciplined product management, operational rigor, and strategic alignment across our go-to-market functions.”

    Kimner holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson and a BA from Middlebury College. His appointment is effective May 12, 2025.

    For more information about Visiting Media and its leadership team, please visit www.visitingmedia.com or contact communication@visitingmedia.com.

    About Visiting Media
    Visiting Media is a leading hospitality company revolutionizing the industry through technology, offering cutting-edge immersive media production (360°, 3D, drone video and CGI virtual tours) and leading software that empowers businesses to engage with clients and enhance their guest experiences. Their innovations are revolutionizing immersive sales enablement and digital asset management for property and above-property sales and marketing teams around the world by harnessing the power of immersion to gain a competitive edge.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e8159f66-627f-40f8-9f74-84b44c7c495f

    The MIL Network –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Afreximbank extends EUR15-million factoring line of credit to Banque Postale du Congo

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAIRO, Egypt, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has signed a EUR 15 million Factoring line of credit agreement with Banque Postale du Congo (BPC) in Cairo. The facility will provide liquidity to BPC for factoring supplier invoices accepted by eligible buyers, as well as  for engaging in cross-border factoring.

    Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank, explained that the dual-tranche factoring facility would support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Republic of Congo and enable BPC to expand its cross-border factoring activities.  

    She noted that the facility would significantly boost SME financing in Congo, where BPC is currently the only institution offering factoring. It is expected that the facility will be revolved severally over the next year, resulting in cumulative financing of up to EUR 60 million for SMEs.

    Mrs. Awani highlighted that the transaction is part of a broader strategic partnership between Afreximbank and BPC aimed at promoting factoring in the Republic of Congo and across the Central Africa region. The partnership is also designed to improve access to finance for SMEs, which are vital contributors to job creation and economic growth as well as strengthen capacity building and legal and regulatory framework

    “Factoring has been identified as a key instrument to facilitate the implementation of Afreximbank’s current strategy, Impact 2026 – Extending Frontiers, by providing financing to SMEs that may not meet the criteria for traditional bank lending,” said Mrs. Awani. “This facility will support SMEs and improve their competitiveness by enabling them to trade on open account terms, thereby expanding trade frontiers.”

    Mr. Calixte Tabangoli, Chief Executive Officer of BPC, who signed on behalf of his organisation commented: “We are honoured to once again partner with Afreximbank through this expanded facility. Over the past two years, the Bank’s support has enabled us to provide vital working capital to more than 100 SMEs in Congo. This new EUR 15 million facility will further strengthen our ability to promote financial inclusion and economic development. We deeply appreciate the unwavering commitment of Mrs. Kanayo Awani and her team, whose leadership continues to demonstrate that factoring is a powerful instrument for SME growth across Africa.”

    The facility builds on a strong and evolving partnership between Afreximbank and BPC, which began in 2018 with an initial EUR 5million facility. That support was subsequently increased to EUR 10million in 2022. Since then, BPC’s factoring volumes have grown from EUR 1.5 million in 2018 to EUR 30.5 million in 2024.

    In addition to financing, the partnership has included key capacity-building and policy initiatives. Notably, Afreximbank supported the Republic of Congo’s adoption of a Model of Law on Factoring in 2021. The Bank has also provided technical assistance, including a week-long secondment of three BPC staff members to Afreximbank in June 2024, and has collaborated with BPC in promoting awareness and developing the factoring ecosystem across the region.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Al Etihad Gold Joins Mining in Motion 2025 as Bronze Sponsor

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ACCRA, Ghana, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Al Etihad Gold, one of the UAE’s largest and fastest-growing gold and silver refineries, will participate as a Bronze Sponsor at the upcoming Mining in Motion Summit, taking place on June 2–4, 2025 in Accra, Ghana. Held under the theme Sustainable Mining & Local Growth – Leveraging Resources for Global Impact, the summit will connect global stakeholders like Al Etihad Gold with new investment and collaboration opportunities in Ghana’s dynamic mining sector.

    Al Etihad Gold’s participation comes at a pivotal time, as Ghana enforces new regulations effective May 1, 2025 that prohibit foreigners from directly trading or purchasing gold from artisanal and small-scale miners. Under the new framework, the Ghana Gold Board will assume sole authority to purchase, assay, and export gold from small-scale producers – creating a restructured pathway for international partners.

    As Ghana’s leading gold export destination, the UAE plays a central role in the country’s gold ecosystem. Al Etihad Gold’s involvement at Mining in Motion underscores its long-term commitment to Ghana’s value-added gold industry and positions the company as a key stakeholder in the sector’s transformation. The summit provides a strategic platform for the refinery to engage with public and private stakeholders on regulatory compliance, downstream opportunities, and responsible sourcing under the evolving policy environment.

    Backed by the Ashanti Green Initiative – led by Prince Oheneba Kwaku Duah of the Ashanti Kingdom – and held in collaboration with the World Bank and World Gold Council, the summit will feature high-level panels and curated networking sessions. Al Etihad Gold will participate in these discussions, reinforcing its support for sustainable development and local beneficiation in Ghana’s mining industry.

    Stay informed about the latest advancements, network with industry leaders, and engage in critical discussions on key issues impacting small-scale miners and medium- to large-scale mining in Ghana. Secure your spot at the Mining in Motion 2025 Summit by visiting www.MiningInMotionSummit.com. For sponsorship opportunities or delegate participation, contact sales@ashantigreeninitiative.org.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: International companies to host live webcasts at Deutsche Bank’s Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deutsche Bank today announced the lineup for its Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference (“dbVIC”) on Thursday, May 15, 2025 featuring live webcast presentations from international companies with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs in the United States.

    Representatives from participating companies based in China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Denmark, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will respond to questions during formal presentations. The conference is targeted to all categories of investors and analysts interested in international companies.

    There is no fee for participants to log in, attend live presentations and/or ask questions.

    Pre-registration is suggested. Please register here: www.adr.db.com/dbvic

    Conference Agenda May 15th, 2025 (US Eastern Standard Time):

    • 8:00 AM: Bavarian Nordic A/S (Nasdaq Copenhagen: BAVA, OTC: BVNRY)  
    • 8:30 AM: Viomi Technology Co., Ltd (NASDAQ: VIOT)
    • 9:00 AM: Infineon Technologies AG (Xetra: IFX, OTC: IFNNY)
    • 9:30 AM: Clicks Group Ltd (JSE: CLS, OTC: CLCGY)
    • 10:00 AM: First Pacific Company Ltd (HKEX: 142, OTC: FPAFY)
    • 10:30 AM: HUTCHMED (China) Limited (AIM: HCM, NASDAQ: HCM, and HKEX:13)
    • 11:00 AM: 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE)
    • 11:30 AM: Yiren Digital Ltd. (NYSE: YRD)
    • 12:00 PM: ABB Ltd. (SIX: ABBN, OTC: ABBNY)
    • 12:30 PM: Belite Bio, Inc  (NASDAQ: BLTE)
    • 13:00 PM: Epiroc AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: EPIA, OTC: EPOAY)
    • 13:30 PM: International Airlines Group (LSE: IAG, MAD: IAG, OTC: ICAGY)
    • 14:00 PM: BDO Unibank, Inc (PSE: BDO, OTC: BDOUY)
    • 14:30 PM: iHuman Inc. (NYSE: IH)

    The presentations will be available for replay after the conference.

    In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as American and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow and related services. The Bank offers a broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings.

    For further information, please contact:
    Dylan Riddle
    Deutsche Bank AG
    Press & Media Relations
    Tel. +12122504982
    Cell. +1(904)3866481
    Email dylan.riddle@db.com

    Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.

    Deutsche Bank is sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipt Investor Conference solely for informational purposes. Deutsche Bank does not prepare, review, approve or edit any presentations, statements, documents or other information or materials, whether in written, electronic or verbal form, provided by any company participating in such conference, and disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any such information or materials. Deutsche Bank is not promoting, endorsing or recommending any company participating in the conference.

    The Depositary Receipts have been registered pursuant to the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”) on Form F-6. The investment or investment service which is the subject of this notice is not available to retail clients as defined by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. This notice has been approved and/or communicated by Deutsche Bank AG New York. The services described in this notice are provided by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas (Deutsche Bank) or by its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in accordance with appropriate local registration and regulation. Deutsche Bank is providing the attached notice strictly for information purposes and makes no claims or statement, nor does it warrant as to or guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the details contained herein and does not undertake an obligation to update or amend this information. Deutsche Bank, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates disclaims any and all liability to fullest extent permitted by law, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any of them might otherwise have in respect of the above information. This announcement appears as a matter of record only. Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by Deutsche Bank or any other issuer or entity for the purchase or sale of any securities in the United States, nor does it constitute an offer or solicitation to any person in any other jurisdiction. No part of this notice may be copied or reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of Deutsche Bank. Past results are not an indication of future performance. Copyright© May 2025 Deutsche Bank AG. All rights reserved.

    The MIL Network –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists Doodles (DOOD) with 50,000 USDT Worth of DOOD and 50,000 USDT Bonus Prize Pool

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announces it will list Doodles (DOOD) on May 9, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC is launching a special event with a prize pool of 50,000 USDT Worth of DOOD & 50,000 USDT Bonus for new and existing users.

    Doodles is a Web3-native creative brand established in October 2021 by Canadian digital artist Burnt Toast (Scott Martin), alongside Evan Keast and Jordan Castro. The project features a collection of 10,000 unique generative NFT avatars, renowned for their vibrant, pastel-colored designs. Since its inception, Doodles has evolved into a multifaceted entertainment brand, expanding into animation, music, and fashion collaborations. Doodles has also partnered with prominent brands like Adidas, Crocs, and McDonald’s to bridge NFT culture with mainstream audiences.

    In February 2025, Doodles announced the launch of its official token, DOOD, aimed at enhancing community engagement and supporting the decentralized development strategy of Doodles. Following the announcement of the token, Doodles NFT trading volume surged to $16 million in one week, marking the second-highest weekly trading volume in the project’s history. The total supply of DOOD is capped at 10 billion, with no possibility of inflation. As a key element in fostering community interaction and value sharing, DOOD enables token holders to participate in governance, access exclusive content, and contribute to the growth of the Doodles ecosystem.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC is hosting an Airdrop+ event from May 8, 11:00 to May 18, 11:00, 2025 (UTC), offering a range of rewards and exclusive opportunities:

    Benefit 1: Deposit and share $32,000 USDT in DOOD (New user exclusive)
    Benefit 2: Spot Challenge – Trade to share $10,000 in DOOD (For all users)
    Benefit 3: Futures Challenge – Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonus (For all users)
    Benefit 4: Invite new users and share $8,000 in DOOD (For all users)

    MEXC has established itself as an industry leader by consistently providing users with early access to promising projects. According to the latest TokenInsight report, MEXC led the industry with an impressive 461 spot listings. During each bi-weekly period, MEXC maintained a high listing frequency, consistently ranking among the top six exchanges and demonstrating its ability to capture market trends quickly. To date, the exchange has listed more than 3,000 digital assets. MEXC will continue to maintain its industry-leading listing efficiency, innovate, and expand its offerings, ensuring users have access to the best opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

    For full event details and participation rules, please visit here.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b631a595-d2ed-4ac7-8d15-5009779b29cd

    The MIL Network –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Egyptian air forces complete joint exercises in Egypt

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — China’s Air Force sent aircraft including J-10C, KJ-500 and YY-20 to participate in a recent joint exercise with the Egyptian army at an Egyptian air base, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang said Thursday.

    From April 17 to May 4, 2025, the air forces of the two countries held the first joint exercise, codenamed “Eagles of Civilization-2025,” Zhang Xiaogang informed the media.

    According to him, this is the first time that China has sent a group of military personnel to Africa to participate in joint exercises.

    During the exercise, the two sides conducted training in disciplines such as air superiority operations, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), battlefield search and rescue and combined forces, Zhang Xiaogang said, adding that discussions and exchanges of views on training models, air combat tactics and air refueling were also held.

    The joint exercise enhanced the tactical and technical capabilities of the troops participating in the exercise and strengthened the friendship, mutual trust and practical cooperation between the two armies, and effectively tested the PLA’s long-range force projection, rapid deployment and systemic operations capabilities, Zhang Xiaogang stressed. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 9, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Human rights and democratic principles in Tunisia: the EU’s response to the imprisonment of Rached Ghannouchi and other political prisoners – E-000687/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms constitutes a key element of EU-Tunisia relations, as enshrined in the Association Agreement[1].

    Since 2021, the EU has regularly raised matters of concern with the Tunisian authorities, mainly in direct conversations with them, but also publicly through statements and declarations of the High Representative/Vice-President on behalf of the 27 Member States and EU statements in multilateral human rights fora.

    The EU maintains a keen interest in the continued strengthening of its strategic partnership with Tunisia and it is in the shared interest of both parties to continue effective and comprehensive cooperation in various sectors within the framework of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in July 2023.

    The Commission has taken note of the European Ombudsman’s decision (EO)[2] to close its own-initiative inquiry on how the Commission intends to guarantee the respect for human rights in the context of the EU-Tunisia MoU and welcomes that the EO has recognised that the ‘various monitoring measures described by the Commission, should produce periodic assessment of the human rights impact of actions under the MoU’ with Tunisia. On 18 February 2025[3], the Commission replied to the European Ombudsman suggestions for improvements.

    The EU will continue to stand by the Tunisian people and their legitimate aspirations in terms of human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and sustainable development. The EU is committed to do so in the framework of the Association Agreement, which governs its relations with Tunisia.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX%3A21998A0330%2801%29
    • [2] https://www.ombudsman.europa.eu/en/decision/en/193851
    • [3] C(2025) 982 final.
    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Human rights breaches in Tanzania, Russia and Tibet

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, Parliament adopted human rights resolutions on Tanzania, Russia and Tibet.

    Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania’s main opposition party

    In their resolution, MEPs condemn the arrest of the leader of Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, and express great concern regarding the politically motivated accusations that could lead to Tundu Lissu being sentenced to death.

    They urge the Tanzanian authorities to restore Chadema’s full participation in the October 2025 elections, engage in dialogue with all political parties on electoral reform, respect the political parties’ rights and guarantee free and fair elections.

    The resolution denounces the escalation of repression in Tanzania, with arbitrary arrests and the harassment of opposition politicians, human rights defenders, LGBTQI+ activists, journalists and civil society organisations.

    Tanzania must abolish the death penalty and commute all death sentences, say MEPs, and the EU must ensure its development cooperation with Tanzania, not least under the Global Gateway initiative, is compatible with the promotion of human rights, freedom of expression and fair trial standards.

    The resolution was adopted by show of hands.

    Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    MEPs strongly condemn the “genocidal strategy” carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop.

    Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs.

    The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non‑governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. . MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. “Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations, ” MEPs conclude.

    The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions.

    Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    MEPs strongly condemn China’s repressive assimilation policies and violations of human rights, which seek to eliminate Tibet’s religious and cultural traditions and heritage. They express deep concern regarding the death in suspicious circumstances of Tulku Hungkar Dorje in March 2025 in Vietnam and call for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation, with international oversight, access to evidence and witnesses, and the immediate return of his remains.

    China’s authorities must put an end to discrimination against religious and ethnic minorities, allow peaceful religious practice, and release all religious and political prisoners, including the rightful Panchen Lama and Ilham Tohti.

    Parliament also condemns the transnational repression practices of the Chinese authorities and their interference in the selection of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leaders, including the Dalai Lama. It calls on the EU to impose sanctions on officials and entities responsible for human rights violations in Tibet.

    The resolution was adopted by 478 votes in favour, 30 votes against and 41 abstentions.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minutes – Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg – Final edition

    Source: European Parliament

    PV-10-2025-05-07

    EN

    EN

    iPlPv_Sit

    Minutes
    Wednesday, 7 May 2025 – Strasbourg

     Abbreviations and symbols

    + adopted
    – rejected
    ↓ lapsed
    W withdrawn
    RCV roll-call votes
    EV electronic vote
    SEC secret ballot
    split split vote
    sep separate vote
    am amendment
    CA compromise amendment
    CP corresponding part
    D deleting amendment
    = identical amendments
    § paragraph

    IN THE CHAIR: Martin HOJSÍK
    Vice-President

    1. Opening of the sitting

    The sitting opened at 09:00.


    2. Negotiations ahead of Parliament’s first reading (Rule 72) (action taken)

    The decisions of the LIBE and PECH committees and (jointly) the SEDE and ITRE committees to enter into interinstitutional negotiations had been announced on 5 May 2025 (minutes of 5.5.2025, item 12).

    Since no requests for vote had been made pursuant to Rule 72(2), the committees responsible had been able to begin negotiations after the expiry of the deadline set.


    3. EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: EU support for a just, sustainable and comprehensive peace in Ukraine (2025/2685(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Ursula von der Leyen (President of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Michael Gahler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Yannis Maniatis, on behalf of the S&D Group, Kinga Gál, on behalf of the PfE Group, Adam Bielan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Petras Auštrevičius, on behalf of the Renew Group, Terry Reintke, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Özlem Demirel, on behalf of The Left Group, Hans Neuhoff, on behalf of the ESN Group, Sandra Kalniete, Thijs Reuten, Harald Vilimsky, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Alberico Gambino, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marc Botenga, who also answered a blue-card question from Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petar Volgin, Fidias Panayiotou, who also answered a blue-card question from Moritz Körner, Rasa Juknevičienė, Brando Benifei, Tom Vandendriessche, Mirosława Nykiel and Heléne Fritzon.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Beata Szydło, Nathalie Loiseau, Mika Aaltola, Francisco Assis, Hannah Neumann, Paulius Saudargas, Marcos Ros Sempere, Roberto Vannacci, Victor Negrescu, Aurelijus Veryga, Hilde Vautmans, Matej Tonin, Danilo Della Valle, Francisco José Millán Mon, Tonino Picula, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Salvatore De Meo, Raphaël Glucksmann, Merja Kyllönen, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Elena Yoncheva, Seán Kelly, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus, Tamás Deutsch, Rihards Kols, Helmut Brandstätter, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Vilija Blinkevičiūtė, Krzysztof Hetman, Jonas Sjöstedt, Danuše Nerudová, Tobias Cremer, Tomasz Buczek, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Dan Barna, Wouter Beke, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Irene Montero and Ana Miguel Pedro.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Michał Szczerba, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Viktória Ferenc, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Dainius Žalimas, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Siegbert Frank Droese, Lukas Sieper, Maria Grapini, Damian Boeselager and Petras Gražulis.

    The following spoke: Valdis Dombrovskis (Member of the Commission) and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.

    (The sitting was suspended at 11:19.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Roberta METSOLA
    President

    4. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 11:35.


    5. Commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe

    The President made a statement to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

    António Costa (President of the European Council), Robert Chot (Member of the Belgian Royal National Federation of War Volunteers), Janusz Komorowski (President of the Polish Association of Home Army Soldiers) and Janusz Maksymowicz (Vice-President of the Warsaw Uprising Insurgents Association), addressed the House.

    The House stood for the European anthem performed by soprano Francesca Sorteni, accompanied by Thomas Gautier and Claire Rigaux on violin, Marie Viard on cello and Emma Errara on viola.

    (The sitting was suspended for a few moments.)


    6. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 12:19.

    ⁂

    The following spoke: Valérie Hayer (the President noted her remarks. She pointed out that serving Europe in the House of democracy was an honourable commitment and called for everyone to respect what this represented).


    7. Welcome

    On behalf of Parliament, the President welcomed Dr Denis Mukwege, winner of the 2014 Sakharov Prize and 2018 Nobel Peace Prize, who had taken his seat in the distinguished visitors’ gallery.


    8. Voting time

    For detailed results of the votes, see also ‘Results of votes’ and ‘Results of roll-call votes’.


    8.1. Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review ***I (vote)

    Amending ERDF, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as regards specific measures to address strategic challenges in the context of the mid-term review – (COM(2025)0123 – C10-0063/2025 – 2025/0084(COD))

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the REGI Committee (Rule 170(5))

    Approved

    Vote: at a later part-session.

    Detailed voting results


    8.2. European Social Fund (ESF+): specific measures to address strategic challenges ***I (vote)

    European Social Fund (ESF+): specific measures to address strategic challenges – (COM(2025)0164 – C10-0064/2025 – 2025/0085(COD))

    REQUEST FOR AN URGENT DECISION by the EMPL Committee (Rule 170(5))

    Approved

    Vote: at a later part-session.

    Detailed voting results


    8.3. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Commission, executive agencies and European Development Funds (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section III – Commission, executive agencies and the ninth, tenth and eleventh European Development Funds [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0067/2024 – 2024/2019(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Niclas Herbst (A10-0074/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS – Commission and executive agencies

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS – European Development Funds – EDF (9th, 10th and 11th)

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0077)

    Detailed voting results


    8.4. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Parliament (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section I – European Parliament [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0068/2024 – 2024/2020(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Monika Hohlmeier (A10-0062/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0078)

    Detailed voting results


    8.5. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Council and Council (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section II – European Council and Council [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0069/2024 – 2024/2021(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0052/2025)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Approved (P10_TA(2025)0079)

    Discharge postponed (see Annex V, Article 5(1)(b) to the Rules of Procedure)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0079)

    Detailed voting results


    8.6. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Justice of the European Union (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IV – Court of Justice [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0070/2024 – 2024/2022(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Cristian Terheş (A10-0050/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0080)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0080)

    Detailed voting results


    8.7. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Court of Auditors (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section V – Court of Auditors [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0071/2024 – 2024/2023(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Dick Erixon (A10-0047/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0081)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0081)

    Detailed voting results


    8.8. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Economic and Social Committee (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VI – European Economic and Social Committee [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0073/2024 – 2024/2025(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0054/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0082)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0082)

    Detailed voting results


    8.9. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – Committee of the Regions (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VII – Committee of the Regions [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0074/2024 – 2024/2026(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0046/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0083)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0083)

    Detailed voting results


    8.10. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Ombudsman (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section VIII – European Ombudsman [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0075/2024 – 2024/2027(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0055/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0084)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0084)

    Detailed voting results


    8.11. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European Data Protection Supervisor (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0076/2024 – 2024/2028(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0053/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0085)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0085)

    Detailed voting results


    8.12. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the general budget of the European Union for the financial year 2023, Section X – European External Action Service [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0072/2024 – 2024/2024(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Joachim Stanisław Brudziński (A10-0069/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSAL FOR A DECISION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0086)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0086)

    Detailed voting results


    8.13. Discharge 2023: European Public Prosecutor’s Office (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0077/2024 – 2024/2029(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Tomáš Zdechovský (A10-0051/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0087)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0087)

    Detailed voting results


    8.14. Discharge 2023: Agencies (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the European Union Agencies for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0078/2024 – 2024/2030(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Erik Marquardt (A10-0065/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    European Union Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Agency for Support for BEREC

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Translation Centre for the Bodies of the European Union (CdT)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Banking Authority (EBA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Environment Agency (EEA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Labour Authority (ELA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Medicines Agency (EMA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (now European Union Drugs Agency)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Railways (ERA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Euratom Supply Agency (ESA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Training Foundation (ETF)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge and closure of the accounts was postponed (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for the Operational Management of Large-Scale IT Systems in the Area of Freedom, Security and Justice (eu-LISA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions (Eurofound)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (Europol)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0088)

    Detailed voting results


    8.15. Discharge 2023: Joint Undertakings (vote)

    Report on discharge in respect of the implementation of the budget of the EU joint undertakings for the financial year 2023 [COM(2024)0272 – C10-0079/2024 – 2024/2031(DEC)] – Committee on Budgetary Control. Rapporteur: Michal Wiezik (A10-0056/2025)

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    European Joint Undertaking for ITER and the Development of Fusion Energy

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Innovative Health Initiative Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Chips Joint Undertaking (before 21.9.2023: Key Digital Technologies Joint Undertaking)

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Single European Sky ATM Research 3 Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking

    PROPOSALS FOR DECISIONS

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Discharge was granted and closure of the accounts approved (see Annex V, Article 5(1) to the Rules of Procedure).

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0089)

    Detailed voting results


    8.16. A revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world (vote)

    Report on a revamped long-term budget for the Union in a changing world [2024/2051(INI)] – Committee on Budgets. Rapporteurs: Siegfried Mureşan and Carla Tavares (A10-0076/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 9).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0090)

    Detailed voting results


    8.17. The European Water Resilience Strategy (vote)

    Report on the European Water Resilience Strategy [2024/2104(INI)] – Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety. Rapporteur: Thomas Bajada (A10-0073/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 13).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0091)

    Detailed voting results


    8.18. 2023 and 2024 reports on Türkiye (vote)

    2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Türkiye [2025/2023(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Nacho Sánchez Amor (A10-0067/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 14).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0092)

    The following had spoken:

    Nacho Sánchez Amor (rapporteur), to move an oral amendment to add a new paragraph after paragraph 31. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    Jordan Bardella, to move an oral amendment to add a new paragraph after paragraph 36. Parliament had not agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote as more than 39 Members had opposed it.

    Detailed voting results


    8.19. 2023 and 2024 reports on Serbia (vote)

    Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Serbia [2025/2022(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Tonino Picula (A10-0072/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 16).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0093)

    The following had spoken:

    Tonino Picula (rapporteur), to move an oral amendment to paragraph 23. Parliament had agreed to put the oral amendment to the vote.

    Detailed voting results


    8.20. 2023 and 2024 reports on Kosovo (vote)

    Report on the 2023 and 2024 Commission Reports on Kosovo [2025/2019(INI)] – Committee on Foreign Affairs. Rapporteur: Riho Terras (A10-0075/2025)

    The debate had taken place on 6 May 2025 (minutes of 6.5.2025, item 17).

    (Majority of the votes cast)

    MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

    Adopted (P10_TA(2025)0094)

    Detailed voting results

    20

    (The sitting was suspended at 13:39.)


    IN THE CHAIR: Javi LÓPEZ
    Vice-President

    9. Resumption of the sitting

    The sitting resumed at 13:44.


    10. Approval of the minutes of the previous sitting

    The minutes of the previous sitting were approved.


    11. Winning the global tech race: boosting innovation and closing funding gaps (topical debate)

    The following spoke: Eva Maydell to open the debate proposed by the PPE Group.

    The following spoke: Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Pablo Arias Echeverría, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Julie Rechagneux, on behalf of the PfE Group, Elena Donazzan, on behalf of the ECR Group, Christophe Grudler, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kim Van Sparrentak, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Leila Chaibi, on behalf of The Left Group, Marcin Sypniewski, on behalf of the ESN Group, Tomislav Sokol, Christel Schaldemose, Kosma Złotowski, Svenja Hahn, David Cormand, Milan Mazurek, Massimiliano Salini, Giorgio Gori, Philippe Olivier, Charlie Weimers, Morten Løkkegaard, Eszter Lakos, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Diego Solier, Fernando Navarrete Rojas, Matthias Ecke, Mario Mantovani and Elena Sancho Murillo.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    12. Competition policy – annual report 2024 (debate)

    Report on competition policy – annual report 2024 [2024/2079(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Lara Wolters (A10-0071/2025)

    Lara Wolters introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Teresa Ribera (Executive Vice-President of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Andreas Schwab, on behalf of the PPE Group, and Thomas Bajada, on behalf of the S&D Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Pierre Pimpie, on behalf of the PfE Group, Francesco Ventola, on behalf of the ECR Group, Stéphanie Yon-Courtin, on behalf of the Renew Group, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Martin Schirdewan, on behalf of The Left Group, Rada Laykova, on behalf of the ESN Group, Markus Ferber, René Repasi, Enikő Győri, Marlena Maląg, Marie Toussaint, Marcin Sypniewski, Branislav Ondruš, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Georgios Aftias, Nikos Papandreou, Dirk Gotink, Adnan Dibrani, Marco Falcone and Jonás Fernández.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Ralf Seekatz, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Petras Gražulis, João Oliveira and Alexander Jungbluth.

    The following spoke: Teresa Ribera and Lara Wolters.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    13. Resilience and the need to improve the interconnection of energy grid infrastructure in the EU: the first lessons from the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Resilience and the need to improve the interconnection of energy grid infrastructure in the EU: the first lessons from the blackout in the Iberian Peninsula (2025/2686(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Dan Jørgensen (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Dolors Montserrat, on behalf of the PPE Group, Nicolás González Casares, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, on behalf of the PfE Group, Diego Solier, on behalf of the ECR Group, Anna Stürgkh, on behalf of the Renew Group, Diana Riba i Giner, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Estrella Galán, on behalf of The Left Group, Petr Bystron, on behalf of the ESN Group, Paulo Cunha, who also answered a blue-card question from Petras Gražulis, Francisco Assis, António Tânger Corrêa, who also answered a blue-card question from Bruno Gonçalves, Patryk Jaki, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Jaume Asens Llodrà, Irene Montero, Marc Jongen, Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos, François-Xavier Bellamy, who also answered a blue-card question from Nicolás González Casares, Sofie Eriksson, Paolo Borchia, Nora Junco García, Christophe Grudler, Pernando Barrena Arza, Pilar del Castillo Vera, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Nicolás González Casares, and Elena Sancho Murillo.

    IN THE CHAIR: Christel SCHALDEMOSE
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: András Gyürk, Nicolas Bay, Michał Kobosko, João Oliveira, Ana Miguel Pedro, Bruno Gonçalves, Pascale Piera, Daniel Obajtek, Seán Kelly, Bruno Tobback, Georg Mayer, Aleksandar Nikolic and Juan Carlos Girauta Vidal.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Davor Ivo Stier, Susana Solís Pérez, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Maria Zacharia and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    14. High levels of retail food prices and their consequences for European consumers (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: High levels of retail food prices and their consequences for European consumers (2025/2687(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Costas Kadis (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: Tomislav Sokol, on behalf of the PPE Group, Camilla Laureti, on behalf of the S&D Group, Gilles Pennelle, on behalf of the PfE Group, Stefano Cavedagna, on behalf of the ECR Group, Asger Christensen, on behalf of the Renew Group, David Cormand, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Hanna Gedin, on behalf of The Left Group, Milan Mazurek, on behalf of the ESN Group, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Adnan Dibrani, Tomasz Buczek, Veronika Vrecionová, Christine Singer, Ana Miranda Paz, who also answered a blue-card question from João Oliveira, Konstantinos Arvanitis, who also answered a blue-card question from Rody Tolassy, Kateřina Konečná, Péter Magyar, Biljana Borzan, Marieke Ehlers, Sergio Berlato, Ciaran Mullooly, Marc Botenga, Nikolaos Anadiotis, Krzysztof Hetman, Pierfrancesco Maran, Barbara Bonte, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Laura Ballarín Cereza, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión and France Jamet.

    IN THE CHAIR: Esteban GONZÁLEZ PONS
    Vice-President

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Cristina Maestre, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Csaba Dömötör, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Rasmus Andresen, Elena Kountoura, João Oliveira, Lukas Sieper and Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Costas Kadis and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    15. Malta’s Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: Malta’s Golden Passport scheme circumventing EU sanctions against Russia (2025/2688(RSP))

    Adam Szłapka (President-in-Office of the Council) and Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statements.

    The following spoke: David Casa, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, on behalf of the ECR Group, Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, on behalf of the Renew Group, Saskia Bricmont, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Giuseppe Antoci, on behalf of The Left Group, Luděk Niedermayer, Birgit Sippel, Georgiana Teodorescu, who also declined to take a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle, Irena Joveva, Daniel Freund, Peter Agius, Thomas Bajada, who also answered a blue-card question from Raquel García Hermida-Van Der Walle and did not accept a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Daniel Attard, who also answered a blue-card question from Daniel Freund, and Evelyn Regner.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar and Sebastian Tynkkynen.

    The following spoke: Alex Agius Saliba (the President cut off the speaker as his remarks did not constitute a point of order).

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Maria Zacharia.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Adam Szłapka.

    The debate closed.


    16. The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season (debate)

    Report on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2017/1938 as regards the role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season [COM(2025)0099 – C10-0041/2025 – 2025/0051(COD)] – Committee on Industry, Research and Energy. Rapporteur: Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025)

    Borys Budka introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Andrea Wechsler, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jens Geier, on behalf of the S&D Group, András Gyürk, on behalf of the PfE Group, Ondřej Krutílek, on behalf of the ECR Group, Yvan Verougstraete, on behalf of the Renew Group, Marie Toussaint, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Dario Tamburrano, on behalf of The Left Group, Alexander Sell, on behalf of the ESN Group, Jüri Ratas, Nicolás González Casares, Julie Rechagneux, Michael Bloss, Thomas Geisel and Mirosława Nykiel.

    IN THE CHAIR: Ewa KOPACZ
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Michalis Hadjipantela and Virgil-Daniel Popescu.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Marta Wcisło and Billy Kelleher.

    The following spoke: Dan Jørgensen and Borys Budka.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    17. Banking Union – annual report 2024 (debate)

    Report on Banking Union – annual report 2024 [2024/2055(INI)] – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs. Rapporteur: Ralf Seekatz (A10-0044/2025)

    Ralf Seekatz introduced the report.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The following spoke: Marco Falcone, on behalf of the PPE Group, Jonás Fernández, on behalf of the S&D Group, Marlena Maląg, on behalf of the ECR Group, Billy Kelleher, on behalf of the Renew Group, Jussi Saramo, on behalf of The Left Group, Costas Mavrides and Giovanni Crosetto.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Marta Wcisło, Sebastian Tynkkynen and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath and Ralf Seekatz.

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    18. The fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms (debate)

    Commission statement: The fine against TikTok and the need to strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights on social media platforms (2025/2704(RSP))

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: François-Xavier Bellamy, on behalf of the PPE Group, Alex Agius Saliba, on behalf of the S&D Group, Virginie Joron, on behalf of the PfE Group, Gheorghe Piperea, on behalf of the ECR Group, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, on behalf of the Renew Group, Alexandra Geese, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Konstantinos Arvanitis, on behalf of The Left Group, Mary Khan, Pablo Arias Echeverría, Elisabeth Dieringer, Sandro Gozi, Fidias Panayiotou, Sunčana Glavak, Cynthia Ní Mhurchú and Moritz Körner.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Juan Fernando López Aguilar, Billy Kelleher and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    19. Debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (debate)

    (For the titles and authors of the motions for resolutions, see minutes of 7.5.2025, item I.)


    19.1. Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    Motions for resolutions B10-0260/2025, B10-0261/2025, B10-0262/2025, B10-0263/2025, B10-0264/2025 and B10-0265/2025 (2025/2690(RSP))

    Reinhold Lopatka, Marit Maij, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Catarina Vieira and Tomasz Froelich introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    19.2. Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    Motions for resolutions B10-0247/2025, B10-0249/2025, B10-0250/2025, B10-0252/2025, B10-0255/2025 and B10-0258/2025 (2025/2691(RSP))

    Jessika Van Leeuwen, Thijs Reuten, Petras Auštrevičius, Villy Søvndal and Małgorzata Gosiewska introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michał Szczerba, on behalf of the PPE Group, and Pina Picierno, on behalf of the S&D Group.

    IN THE CHAIR: Antonella SBERNA
    Vice-President

    The following spoke: Karin Karlsbro, on behalf of the Renew Group, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Sandra Gómez López, Charles Goerens, Lukas Mandl, Pierfrancesco Maran, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Davor Ivo Stier and Alice Teodorescu Måwe.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Liudas Mažylis, Nikos Papandreou, Lukas Sieper and Marta Wcisło.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    19.3. Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    Motions for resolutions B10-0248/2025, B10-0251/2025, B10-0253/2025, B10-0254/2025, B10-0256/2025 and B10-0259/2025 (2025/2692(RSP))

    Danuše Nerudová, Hannes Heide, Mariusz Kamiński, Engin Eroglu and Ville Niinistö introduced their groups’ motions for resolutions.

    The following spoke: Michael McNamara, on behalf of the Renew Group.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Michael McNamara, on the previous speaker’s comments, and Lukas Sieper on Michael McNamara’s contribution.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission).

    The debate closed.

    Vote: 8 May 2025.


    20. Democratic legitimacy and the Commission’s continued authorisation of genetically modified organisms despite Parliament’s objections (debate)

    Commission statement: Democratic legitimacy and the Commission’s continued authorisation of genetically modified organisms despite Parliament’s objections (2025/2645(RSP))

    Olivér Várhelyi (Member of the Commission) made the statement.

    The following spoke: Esther Herranz García, on behalf of the PPE Group, Biljana Borzan, on behalf of the S&D Group, Paolo Inselvini, on behalf of the ECR Group, Martin Häusling, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, Nikolas Farantouris, on behalf of The Left Group, Daniel Buda, Maria Noichl, Georgiana Teodorescu and Günther Sidl.

    The following spoke under the catch-the-eye procedure: Kristian Vigenin, Diana Iovanovici Şoşoacă, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis and Lukas Sieper.

    The following spoke: Olivér Várhelyi.

    The debate closed.


    21. The illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus (debate)

    Council and Commission statements: The illegal visit of President Erdoğan to the occupied areas of Cyprus (2025/2705(RSP))

    Michael McGrath (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of the Commission.

    The following spoke: Loucas Fourlas, on behalf of the PPE Group, Costas Mavrides, on behalf of the S&D Group, Afroditi Latinopoulou, on behalf of the PfE Group, Geadis Geadi, on behalf of the ECR Group (the President reminded the speaker of the rules on conduct), Kai Tegethoff, on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group, and Irene Montero, on behalf of The Left Group.

    The following spoke: Michael McGrath.

    The debate closed.


    22. Explanations of vote


    22.1. Discharge 2023: EU general budget – European External Action Service (A10-0069/2025 – Joachim Stanisław Brudziński) (oral explanations of vote)

    Lynn Boylan


    22.2. Written explanations of vote

    Explanations of vote submitted in writing under Rule 201 appear on the Members’ pages on Parliament’s website.


    23. Agenda of the next sitting

    The next sitting would be held the following day, 8 May 2025, starting at 09:00. The agenda was available on Parliament’s website.


    24. Approval of the minutes of the sitting

    In accordance with Rule 208(3), the minutes of the sitting would be put to the House for approval at the beginning of the afternoon of the next sitting.


    25. Closure of the sitting

    The sitting closed at 22:21.


    LIST OF DOCUMENTS SERVING AS A BASIS FOR THE DEBATES AND DECISIONS OF PARLIAMENT


    I. Motions for resolutions tabled

    Arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0260/2025)
    Catarina Vieira, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Mélissa Camara, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0261/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Marit Maij
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0262/2025)
    Tomasz Froelich
    on behalf of the ESN Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0263/2025)
    Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Karin Karlsbro, Moritz Körner, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Michal Wiezik, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0264/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Reinhold Lopatka, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the arrest and risk of execution of Tundu Lissu, Chair of Chadema, the main opposition party in Tanzania (2025/2690(RSP)) (B10-0265/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Ivaylo Valchev, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Assita Kanko, Alberico Gambino, Carlo Fidanza
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0247/2025)
    Merja Kyllönen
    on behalf of The Left Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0249/2025)
    Villy Søvndal, Sergey Lagodinsky, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Maria Ohisalo, Catarina Vieira, Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0250/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Thijs Reuten, Evin Incir, Pina Picierno
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0252/2025)
    Petras Auštrevičius, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Abir Al-Sahlani, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Michał Kobosko
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0255/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Michael Gahler, David McAllister, Sandra Kalniete, Andrzej Halicki, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Dariusz Joński, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Danuše Nerudová, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Ewa Kopacz, Matej Tonin, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia (2025/2691(RSP)) (B10-0258/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Michał Dworczyk, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Jaak Madison, Alexandr Vondra, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Roberts Zīle, Ivaylo Valchev, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Assita Kanko, Aurelijus Veryga, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Rihards Kols, Maciej Wąsik, Marlena Maląg, Charlie Weimers, Cristian Terheş
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    Violations of religious freedom in Tibet

    The following Members or political groups had requested that a debate be held, in accordance with Rule 150, on the following motions for resolutions:

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0248/2025)
    Ville Niinistö, Catarina Vieira, Maria Ohisalo, Erik Marquardt, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Mounir Satouri, Leoluca Orlando
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0251/2025)
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Hannes Heide
    on behalf of the S&D Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0253/2025)
    Hermann Tertsch, Jorge Martín Frías, Jaroslav Bžoch, Susanna Ceccardi
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0254/2025)
    Engin Eroglu, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Helmut Brandstätter, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Bernard Guetta, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Moritz Körner, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Karin Karlsbro, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0256/2025)
    Sebastião Bugalho, Danuše Nerudová, Michael Gahler, Antonio López-Istúriz White, Ana Miguel Pedro, Davor Ivo Stier, Tomas Tobé, Reinhold Lopatka, Liudas Mažylis, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler-Lima, Mirosława Nykiel, Wouter Beke, Luděk Niedermayer, Vangelis Meimarakis, Milan Zver, Tomáš Zdechovský, Miriam Lexmann, Ondřej Kolář, Jan Farský, Loránt Vincze, Jessica Polfjärd, Andrey Kovatchev, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group

    on the violations of religious freedom in Tibet (2025/2692(RSP)) (B10-0259/2025)
    Adam Bielan, Mariusz Kamiński, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Alberico Gambino, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Carlo Fidanza, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Ondřej Krutílek, Veronika Vrecionová, Assita Kanko, Michał Dworczyk, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Alexandr Vondra, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński, Jadwiga Wiśniewska, Maciej Wąsik, Marlena Maląg
    on behalf of the ECR Group


    II. Delegated acts (Rule 114(2))

    Draft delegated acts forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing the content, methodologies, and presentation of the information to be voluntarily disclosed by issuers of bonds marketed as environmentally sustainable or of sustainability-linked bonds in the templates for periodic post-issuance disclosures (C(2025)00005 – 2025/2674(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying rules of procedure for the exercise of the power to impose fines or periodic penalty payments by the European Securities and Markets Authority on external reviewers (C(2025)00006 – 2025/2676(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2631 of the European Parliament and of the Council by specifying the type of fees to be charged by ESMA to external reviewers of European Green Bonds, the matters in respect of which fees are due, the amount of the fees, and the manner in which those fees are to be paid (C(2025)00007 – 2025/2677(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the general conditions for the functioning of supervisory colleges, and repealing Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/98 (C(2025)00701 – 2025/2678(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 23 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards additional data types on alternative fuels infrastructure (C(2025)01912 – 2025/2661(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards common technical requirements for a common application programme interface (C(2025)01913 – 2025/2659(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the harmonised classification and labelling of certain substances (C(2025)01916 – 2025/2660(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1804 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards standards for wireless recharging, electric road system, vehicle-to-grid communication and hydrogen supply for road transport vehicles (C(2025)01918 – 2025/2662(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 2 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/68 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/208 with regard to vehicle braking requirements and to vehicle functional safety requirements for agricultural and forestry vehicles (C(2025)01944 – 2025/2663(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 3 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/205 as regards the European Maritime Single Window environment data set (C(2025)02021 – 2025/2667(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 7 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: TRAN

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council by establishing threshold levels and classes of performance for permanent anchor devices and safety hooks (C(2025)02119 – 2025/2670(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 9 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Directive amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon (C(2025)02128 – 2025/2671(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 10 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: IMCO

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (C(2025)02189 – 2025/2672(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 14 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission delegated decision on the unilateral inclusion of sectors by Finland in the emissions trading system within the Union for buildings, road transport and additional sectors pursuant to Article 30j of Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (C(2025)02232 – 2025/2673(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 15 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: ITRE

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/2197 as regards the date of application (C(2025)02258 – 2025/2675(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 16 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: SANT

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the conditions and indicators that the EBA is to use to determine whether extraordinary circumstances in the sense of Article 325az(5) and Article 325bf(6) of that Regulation have occurred (C(2025)02287 – 2025/2679(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 23 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation supplementing Regulation (EU) 2023/1114 of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to regulatory technical standards specifying the arrangements, systems and procedures to prevent, detect and report market abuse, the templates to be used for reporting suspected market abuse, and the coordination procedures between the competent authorities for the detection and sanctioning of market abuse in cross-border market abuse situations (C(2025)02480 – 2025/2684(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 3 months from the date of receipt of 29 April 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ECON

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds (C(2025)02566 – 2025/2701(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation (EU)…/ … amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards UV-328 (C(2025)02567 – 2025/2703(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Delegated Regulation amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2910 on the implementation of the Union’s international obligations, as referred to in Article 15(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, under the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (C(2025)02570 – 2025/2702(DEA))

    Deadline for raising objections: 2 months from the date of receipt of 5 May 2025

    referred to committee responsible: PECH


    III. Implementing measures (Rule 115)

    Draft implementing measures falling under the regulatory procedure with scrutiny forwarded to Parliament

    – Commission Regulation correcting certain language versions of Regulation (EU) No 142/2011 implementing Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down health rules as regards animal by-products and derived products not intended for human consumption and implementing Council Directive 97/78/EC as regards certain samples and items exempt from veterinary checks at the border under that Directive (D010438/05 – 2025/2693(RPS) – deadline: 22 July 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI
    opinion: AGRI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for acetamiprid in or on certain products (D102375/03 – 2025/2664(RPS) – deadline: 4 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use of polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (E 1202) as a carrier in colour tablets for the decorative colouring of poultry eggshells (D106245/02 – 2025/2680(RPS) – deadline: 29 June 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI

    – Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EU) 2023/915 as regards maximum levels of inorganic arsenic in fish and other seafood (D106246/02 – 2025/2681(RPS) – deadline: 29 July 2025)
    referred to committee responsible: ENVI


    IV. Documents received

    The following documents had been received from other institutions:

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations DEC 05/2025 – Section III – Commission (N10-0013/2025 – C10-0065/2025 – 2025/2078(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations INF 1/2025 – Section VI – Economic and Social Committee (N10-0014/2025 – C10-0078/2025 – 2025/2091(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG

    – Proposal for transfer of appropriations No. 2/2025 – Section IX – European Data Protection Supervisor (N10-0015/2025 – C10-0079/2025 – 2025/2092(GBD))
    referred to committee responsible: BUDG


    V. Transfers of appropriations and budgetary decisions

    In accordance with Article 31(1) of the Financial Regulation, the Committee on Budgets had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfers of appropriations DEC 03/2025 and DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission.

    In accordance with Article 31(6) of the Financial Regulation, the Council of the European Union had decided to approve the European Commission’s transfers of appropriations DEC 03/2025 and DEC 04/2025 – Section III – Commission.


    ATTENDANCE REGISTER

    Present:

    Aaltola Mika, Abadía Jover Maravillas, Adamowicz Magdalena, Aftias Georgios, Agirregoitia Martínez Oihane, Agius Peter, Agius Saliba Alex, Alexandraki Galato, Allione Grégory, Al-Sahlani Abir, Anadiotis Nikolaos, Anderson Christine, Andersson Li, Andresen Rasmus, Andrews Barry, Andriukaitis Vytenis Povilas, Androuët Mathilde, Angel Marc, Annemans Gerolf, Annunziata Lucia, Antoci Giuseppe, Arias Echeverría Pablo, Arimont Pascal, Arłukowicz Bartosz, Arnaoutoglou Sakis, Arndt Anja, Arvanitis Konstantinos, Asens Llodrà Jaume, Assis Francisco, Attard Daniel, Aubry Manon, Auštrevičius Petras, Axinia Adrian-George, Azmani Malik, Bajada Thomas, Baljeu Jeannette, Ballarín Cereza Laura, Bardella Jordan, Barna Dan, Barrena Arza Pernando, Bartulica Stephen Nikola, Bartůšek Nikola, Bay Nicolas, Bay Christophe, Beke Wouter, Beleris Fredis, Bellamy François-Xavier, Benea Dragoş, Benifei Brando, Benjumea Benjumea Isabel, Beňová Monika, Berendsen Tom, Berger Stefan, Berlato Sergio, Bernhuber Alexander, Biedroń Robert, Bielan Adam, Bischoff Gabriele, Blaha Ľuboš, Blinkevičiūtė Vilija, Blom Rachel, Bloss Michael, Bocheński Tobiasz, Boeselager Damian, Bogdan Ioan-Rareş, Bonaccini Stefano, Bonte Barbara, Borchia Paolo, Borrás Pabón Mireia, Borvendég Zsuzsanna, Borzan Biljana, Bosanac Gordan, Boßdorf Irmhild, Bosse Stine, Botenga Marc, Boyer Gilles, Boylan Lynn, Brandstätter Helmut, Brasier-Clain Marie-Luce, Bricmont Saskia, Brnjac Nikolina, Brudziński Joachim Stanisław, Bryłka Anna, Buchheit Markus, Buczek Tomasz, Buda Daniel, Buda Waldemar, Budka Borys, Bugalho Sebastião, Buła Andrzej, Bullmann Udo, Burkhardt Delara, Buxadé Villalba Jorge, Bystron Petr, Bžoch Jaroslav, Camara Mélissa, Canfin Pascal, Carberry Nina, Cârciu Gheorghe, Carême Damien, Casa David, Caspary Daniel, Cassart Benoit, Castillo Laurent, del Castillo Vera Pilar, Cavazzini Anna, Cavedagna Stefano, Cepeda José, Ceulemans Estelle, Chahim Mohammed, Chaibi Leila, Chastel Olivier, Chinnici Caterina, Christensen Asger, Ciccioli Carlo, Cifrová Ostrihoňová Veronika, Ciriani Alessandro, Cisint Anna Maria, Clausen Per, Clergeau Christophe, Cormand David, Corrado Annalisa, Costanzo Vivien, Cotrim De Figueiredo João, Cowen Barry, Cremer Tobias, Crespo Díaz Carmen, Cristea Andi, Crosetto Giovanni, Cunha Paulo, Dahl Henrik, Danielsson Johan, Dauchy Marie, Dávid Dóra, David Ivan, Decaro Antonio, de la Hoz Quintano Raúl, Della Valle Danilo, Deloge Valérie, De Masi Fabio, De Meo Salvatore, Demirel Özlem, Deutsch Tamás, Devaux Valérie, Dibrani Adnan, Diepeveen Ton, Dieringer Elisabeth, Dîncu Vasile, Di Rupo Elio, Disdier Mélanie, Dobrev Klára, Doherty Regina, Doleschal Christian, Dömötör Csaba, Do Nascimento Cabral Paulo, Donazzan Elena, Dorfmann Herbert, Dostalova Klara, Dostál Ondřej, Droese Siegbert Frank, Dworczyk Michał, Ecke Matthias, Ehler Christian, Ehlers Marieke, Eriksson Sofie, Erixon Dick, Eroglu Engin, Estaràs Ferragut Rosa, Everding Sebastian, Falcă Gheorghe, Falcone Marco, Farantouris Nikolas, Farreng Laurence, Farský Jan, Ferber Markus, Ferenc Viktória, Fernández Jonás, Fidanza Carlo, Fiocchi Pietro, Firea Gabriela, Firmenich Ruth, Fita Claire, Fourlas Loucas, Fourreau Emma, Fragkos Emmanouil, Freund Daniel, Frigout Anne-Sophie, Fritzon Heléne, Froelich Tomasz, Fuglsang Niels, Funchion Kathleen, Furet Angéline, Furore Mario, Gahler Michael, Gál Kinga, Galán Estrella, Gálvez Lina, Gambino Alberico, García Hermida-Van Der Walle Raquel, Garraud Jean-Paul, Gasiuk-Pihowicz Kamila, Geadi Geadis, Gedin Hanna, Geese Alexandra, Geier Jens, Geisel Thomas, Gemma Chiara, Georgiou Giorgos, Gerbrandy Gerben-Jan, Germain Jean-Marc, Gerzsenyi Gabriella, Geuking Niels, Gieseke Jens, Giménez Larraz Borja, Girauta Vidal Juan Carlos, Glavak Sunčana, Glück Andreas, Glucksmann Raphaël, Goerens Charles, Gomart Christophe, Gomes Isilda, Gómez López Sandra, Gonçalves Bruno, Gonçalves Sérgio, González Casares Nicolás, González Pons Esteban, Gori Giorgio, Gosiewska Małgorzata, Gotink Dirk, Gozi Sandro, Grapini Maria, Gražulis Petras, Grims Branko, Griset Catherine, Gronkiewicz-Waltz Hanna, Groothuis Bart, Grossmann Elisabeth, Grudler Christophe, Gualmini Elisabetta, Guarda Cristina, Győri Enikő, Gyürk András, Hadjipantela Michalis, Hahn Svenja, Haider Roman, Halicki Andrzej, Hansen Niels Flemming, Hauser Gerald, Häusling Martin, Hava Mircea-Gheorghe, Heide Hannes, Heinäluoma Eero, Henriksson Anna-Maja, Herbst Niclas, Herranz García Esther, Hetman Krzysztof, Hohlmeier Monika, Hojsík Martin, Holmgren Pär, Hölvényi György, Homs Ginel Alicia, Humberto Sérgio, Imart Céline, Incir Evin, Inselvini Paolo, Iovanovici Şoşoacă Diana, Jamet France, Jarubas Adam, Jerković Romana, Jongen Marc, Joński Dariusz, Joron Virginie, Jouvet Pierre, Joveva Irena, Juknevičienė Rasa, Junco García Nora, Jungbluth Alexander, Kabilov Taner, Kalfon François, Kaliňák Erik, Kaljurand Marina, Kalniete Sandra, Kamiński Mariusz, Karlsbro Karin, Kartheiser Fernand, Karvašová Ľubica, Katainen Elsi, Kefalogiannis Emmanouil, Kelleher Billy, Keller Fabienne, Kelly Seán, Kennes Rudi, Khan Mary, Kircher Sophia, Knafo Sarah, Knotek Ondřej, Kobosko Michał, Köhler Stefan, Kohut Łukasz, Kokalari Arba, Kolář Ondřej, Kols Rihards, Konečná Kateřina, Kopacz Ewa, Körner Moritz, Kountoura Elena, Kovařík Ondřej, Kovatchev Andrey, Krištopans Vilis, Kruis Sebastian, Krutílek Ondřej, Kubín Tomáš, Kuhnke Alice, Kulja András Tivadar, Kulmuni Katri, Kyllönen Merja, Kyuchyuk Ilhan, Lakos Eszter, Lalucq Aurore, Lange Bernd, Langensiepen Katrin, Laššáková Judita, László András, Latinopoulou Afroditi, Laurent Murielle, Laureti Camilla, Laykova Rada, Lazarov Ilia, Le Callennec Isabelle, Leggeri Fabrice, Lenaers Jeroen, Leonardelli Julien, Lewandowski Janusz, Lexmann Miriam, Liese Peter, Loiseau Nathalie, Løkkegaard Morten, Lopatka Reinhold, López Javi, López Aguilar Juan Fernando, López-Istúriz White Antonio, Lövin Isabella, Lucano Mimmo, Luena César, Łukacijewska Elżbieta Katarzyna, Lupo Giuseppe, McAllister David, Madison Jaak, Maestre Cristina, Magoni Lara, Magyar Péter, Maij Marit, Maląg Marlena, Manda Claudiu, Mandl Lukas, Maniatis Yannis, Mantovani Mario, Maran Pierfrancesco, Marczułajtis-Walczak Jagna, Maréchal Marion, Mariani Thierry, Marino Ignazio Roberto, Marquardt Erik, Martín Frías Jorge, Martusciello Fulvio, Marzà Ibáñez Vicent, Mato Gabriel, Mavrides Costas, Maydell Eva, Mayer Georg, Mazurek Milan, Mažylis Liudas, McNamara Michael, Mebarek Nora, Meimarakis Vangelis, Meleti Eleonora, Mendes Ana Catarina, Mendia Idoia, Mertens Verena, Mesure Marina, Metsola Roberta, Metz Tilly, Mikser Sven, Milazzo Giuseppe, Millán Mon Francisco José, Minchev Nikola, Miranda Paz Ana, Molnár Csaba, Montero Irene, Montserrat Dolors, Morace Carolina, Morano Nadine, Moratti Letizia, Moreira de Sá Tiago, Moreno Sánchez Javier, Moretti Alessandra, Motreanu Dan-Ştefan, Mularczyk Arkadiusz, Müller Piotr, Mullooly Ciaran, Mureşan Siegfried, Muşoiu Ştefan, Nagyová Jana, Navarrete Rojas Fernando, Negrescu Victor, Nemec Matjaž, Nerudová Danuše, Nesci Denis, Neuhoff Hans, Neumann Hannah, Nevado del Campo Elena, Nica Dan, Niebler Angelika, Niedermayer Luděk, Niinistö Ville, Nikolaou-Alavanos Lefteris, Nikolic Aleksandar, Ní Mhurchú Cynthia, Noichl Maria, Nordqvist Rasmus, Novakov Andrey, Nykiel Mirosława, Obajtek Daniel, Ódor Ľudovít, Oetjen Jan-Christoph, Ohisalo Maria, Olivier Philippe, Omarjee Younous, Ondruš Branislav, Ó Ríordáin Aodhán, Orlando Leoluca, Ozdoba Jacek, Paet Urmas, Pajín Leire, Palmisano Valentina, Panayiotou Fidias, Papadakis Kostas, Papandreou Nikos, Pappas Nikos, Pascual de la Parte Nicolás, Patriciello Aldo, Paulus Jutta, Pedro Ana Miguel, Pedulla’ Gaetano, Pellerin-Carlin Thomas, Peltier Guillaume, Penkova Tsvetelina, Pennelle Gilles, Pereira Lídia, Peter-Hansen Kira Marie, Petrov Hristo, Picaro Michele, Picierno Pina, Picula Tonino, Piera Pascale, Pietikäinen Sirpa, Pimpie Pierre, Piperea Gheorghe, de la Pisa Carrión Margarita, Pokorná Jermanová Jaroslava, Polato Daniele, Polfjärd Jessica, Popescu Virgil-Daniel, Pozņaks Reinis, Prebilič Vladimir, Princi Giusi, Protas Jacek, Pürner Friedrich, Rackete Carola, Radev Emil, Radtke Dennis, Rafowicz Emma, Ratas Jüri, Razza Ruggero, Rechagneux Julie, Regner Evelyn, Repasi René, Repp Sabrina, Ressler Karlo, Reuten Thijs, Riba i Giner Diana, Ricci Matteo, Ridel Chloé, Riehl Nela, Ripa Manuela, Rodrigues André, Ros Sempere Marcos, Roth Neveďalová Katarína, Rougé André, Ruissen Bert-Jan, Ruotolo Sandro, Rzońca Bogdan, Saeidi Arash, Salini Massimiliano, Salis Ilaria, Salla Aura, Sánchez Amor Nacho, Sanchez Julien, Sancho Murillo Elena, Saramo Jussi, Sardone Silvia, Sargiacomo Eric, Satouri Mounir, Saudargas Paulius, Sbai Majdouline, Sberna Antonella, Schaldemose Christel, Schaller-Baross Ernő, Schenk Oliver, Scheuring-Wielgus Joanna, Schieder Andreas, Schilling Lena, Schneider Christine, Schnurrbusch Volker, Schwab Andreas, Scuderi Benedetta, Seekatz Ralf, Sell Alexander, Serrano Sierra Rosa, Sidl Günther, Sienkiewicz Bartłomiej, Sieper Lukas, Simon Sven, Singer Christine, Sinkevičius Virginijus, Sippel Birgit, Sjöstedt Jonas, Śmiszek Krzysztof, Smith Anthony, Smit Sander, Sokol Tomislav, Solier Diego, Solís Pérez Susana, Sommen Liesbet, Sonneborn Martin, Sorel Malika, Sousa Silva Hélder, Søvndal Villy, Squarta Marco, Staķis Mārtiņš, Stancanelli Raffaele, Ştefănuță Nicolae, Steger Petra, Stier Davor Ivo, Storm Kristoffer, Stöteler Sebastiaan, Stoyanov Stanislav, Strack-Zimmermann Marie-Agnes, Strada Cecilia, Streit Joachim, Strik Tineke, Strolenberg Anna, Sturdza Şerban Dimitrie, Stürgkh Anna, Sypniewski Marcin, Szczerba Michał, Szekeres Pál, Szydło Beata, Tamburrano Dario, Tânger Corrêa António, Tarczyński Dominik, Tarquinio Marco, Tarr Zoltán, Târziu Claudiu-Richard, Tavares Carla, Tegethoff Kai, Teodorescu Georgiana, Teodorescu Måwe Alice, Terheş Cristian, Ter Laak Ingeborg, Terras Riho, Tertsch Hermann, Thionnet Pierre-Romain, Timgren Beatrice, Tinagli Irene, Tobback Bruno, Tobé Tomas, Tolassy Rody, Tomac Eugen, Tomašič Zala, Tomaszewski Waldemar, Tomc Romana, Tonin Matej, Toom Jana, Torselli Francesco, Tosi Flavio, Toussaint Marie, Tovaglieri Isabella, Tridico Pasquale, Trochu Laurence, Tsiodras Dimitris, Tudose Mihai, Turek Filip, Tynkkynen Sebastian, Ušakovs Nils, Vaidere Inese, Valchev Ivaylo, Vălean Adina, Valet Matthieu, Van Brempt Kathleen, Van Brug Anouk, van den Berg Brigitte, Vandendriessche Tom, Van Dijck Kris, Van Lanschot Reinier, Van Leeuwen Jessika, Vannacci Roberto, Van Sparrentak Kim, Varaut Alexandre, Vasconcelos Ana, Vasile-Voiculescu Vlad, Vautmans Hilde, Vedrenne Marie-Pierre, Ventola Francesco, Verougstraete Yvan, Veryga Aurelijus, Vicsek Annamária, Vieira Catarina, Vigenin Kristian, Vilimsky Harald, Vincze Loránt, Vind Marianne, Vistisen Anders, Vivaldini Mariateresa, Volgin Petar, von der Schulenburg Michael, Vondra Alexandr, Voss Axel, Vozemberg-Vrionidi Elissavet, Vrecionová Veronika, Vázquez Lázara Adrián, Waitz Thomas, Walsh Maria, Walsmann Marion, Warborn Jörgen, Warnke Jan-Peter, Wąsik Maciej, Wawrykiewicz Michał, Wcisło Marta, Wechsler Andrea, Weimers Charlie, Werbrouck Séverine, Wiesner Emma, Wiezik Michal, Winkler Iuliu, Winzig Angelika, Wiseler-Lima Isabel, Wiśniewska Jadwiga, Wölken Tiemo, Wolters Lara, Yar Lucia, Yon-Courtin Stéphanie, Yoncheva Elena, Zacharia Maria, Zalewska Anna, Žalimas Dainius, Zan Alessandro, Zarzalejos Javier, Zdechovský Tomáš, Zdrojewski Bogdan Andrzej, Zijlstra Auke, Zīle Roberts, Zingaretti Nicola, Złotowski Kosma, Zver Milan

    Excused:

    Verheyen Sabine

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – 14-15 May: USA, Canada, Ukraine, Mercosur, Japan, Gulf, Trade and Agriculture – Committee on International Trade

    Source: European Parliament

    On 15 May, INTA Members will vote on two INTA opinions to IMCO own initiative reports on public procurement and on product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce. Members will also vote on the report on the modification of customs duties for fertilisers from Russia and Belarus as well as on the consent and resolution on the termination of a Voluntary Partnership Agreement on FLEGT between the EU and Cameroon.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting on role of European arms industry and violence in the oPT (07/05/25) – Delegation for relations with Palestine

    Source: European Parliament

    The meeting of the Delegation for relations with Palestine took place on Wednesday, 7 May 2025, in Strasbourg.

    The main topic of discussion was the role of the European arms industry in facilitating violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with:

    × Dr Sam Perlo-Freeman, Research Coordinator for Campaign Against Arms Trade

    × Mr Frank Slijper, economist and researcher specialising in arms trade at Dutch peace organisation PAX

    × Mr Andrew Feinstein – former ANC MP in South Africa and author of a number of books on the global arms trade

    The meeting was web-streamed through the European Parliament’s Multimedia Centre. Interpretation services were provided in English, French, Italian, and Spanish.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Threats at the external borders – the role of FRONTEX – E-001723/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001723/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    The European Union is failing to secure its external borders, while irregular migration flows are rising dangerously. Instead of acting as a deterrent, FRONTEX remains cumbersome, largely ineffective and lacking in effective operational power. Frontline Member States, such as Greece, are basically tackling a European crisis alone. The Commission should clarify whether it really intends to strengthen FRONTEX or whether it will continue to sacrifice European security in the name of ‘solidarity’ without borders.

    In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.To what extent does it consider that FRONTEX is adequately fulfilling its role of defending external borders, especially in light of the recent tensions in Evros, the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean?
    • 2.Are there any plans to step-up FRONTEX’s competences so that it can immediately gain an operational deterrence capability?
    • 3.What sort of cooperation is there with military and national border guard forces?

    Submitted: 30.4.2025

    Last updated: 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sudan: Advanced Chinese weaponry provided by UAE identified in breach of arms embargo – new investigation

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Norinco Group guided bombs and howitzers used in attacks
    • Weapons almost certainly provided by UAE to RSF in Sudan
    • “Civilians are being killed and injured because of global inaction” – Brian Castner

    Sophisticated Chinese weaponry, re-exported by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been captured in Khartoum, as well as used in Darfur in a blatant breach of the existing UN arms embargo, Amnesty International said following a new investigation.

    By analysing pictures and videos showing the aftermath of attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Amnesty International identified Chinese GB50A guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers. This is the first time GB50A bombs have been documented in active use in any conflict worldwide. The weapons are manufactured by the Norinco Group, also known as China North Industries Group Corporation Limited, a Chinese state-owned defence corporation. The weapons were almost certainly re-exported to Sudan by the UAE.

    “This is clear evidence that sophisticated Chinese-made guided bombs and howitzers have been used in Sudan,” said Brian Castner, Head of Crisis Research at Amnesty International.

    “The presence of recently manufactured Chinese bombs in North Darfur is a clear violation of the arms embargo by the UAE. Our documentation of AH-4 howitzers in Khartoum further strengthens a growing body of evidence showing extensive UAE support to the RSF, in violation of international law.

    “It is shameful that the UN Security Council is failing to implement the existing  arms embargo on Darfur, and not heeding calls to extend it to all of Sudan. Civilians are being killed and injured because of global inaction, while the UAE continues to flout the embargo. The UAE must halt its arms transfers to the RSF immediately. Until they do, all international arms transfer to the UAE must also stop.”

    This is clear evidence that sophisticated Chinese-made guided bombs and howitzers have been used in Sudan.

    Brian Castner, Head of Crisis Research at Amnesty International

    China, as state party to the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), must take urgent measures to prevent the diversion of arms to Sudan. By continuing to supply such weapons to the UAE – a state which has a long track record of supplying arms to conflict where war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law are regularly occurring – China risks indirectly supplying weapons to the conflict.

    The UAE, as a signatory to the ATT, has consistently undermined its object and purpose. All states should stop transferring arms to the UAE until such time that the UAE can guarantee that none will be reexported to Sudan or to other embargoed destinations, and that all it’s past breaches of the UNSC arms embargoes are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators brought to account.

    Last year, Amnesty International’s briefing New Weapons Fuelling the Sudan Conflict documented how recently manufactured weapons from countries including China, Russia, Türkiye and the UAE had been transferred into and around Sudan, often in flagrant breach of the existing Darfur arms embargo. Amnesty International also revealed how French-manufactured weapons systems were being used on the battlefield in Sudan.

    Amnesty International sent letters to Norinco Group regarding the findings on 18 April 2025. At the time of publication, no response had been received.

    MIL OSI NGO –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ageing: High-level meeting – General Assembly, 79th session | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    The high-level meeting will provide an opportunity to exchange views and share experiences on the recommendations included in decision 14/1 of the Open-ended Working Group on Ageing, in an equitable and non-exclusive manner, and to define next steps on the challenges and opportunities regarding the rights and well-being of older persons.

    Opening segment

    H. E. Mr. Philemon Yang, President of the General Assembly
    Ms. Ilze Brands Kehris, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights
    Ms. Bjørg Sandkjær, Assistant Secretary-General for Policy Coordination, Department of Economic and Social Affairs
    Ms. Claudia Mahler, Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons
    Ms. Rigbe Gebrehawaria, Commissioner for Women, Children, Older Persons and Disability Rights of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission
    Ms. Silvia Perel-Levin, Representative of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) and the International Longevity Centre Global Alliance (ILC GA)

    Plenary segment

    Interventions by Member States and observers of the General Assembly.

    To watch in all UN official languages, please visit: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k11/k11u3rl9xq

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uFzUPDhpvLs

    MIL OSI Video –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/TOGO – Being a missionary with and for others

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 7 May 2025

    SG

    Lomé (Agenzia Fides) – “We are a family consisting of seven young people, all university graduates, a community leader, Father Valéry Aguh, who spent ten years in Sierra Leone; a director of studies, Jean Jacques Wisdom; and a chaperone,” says Father Silvano Galli, the “spiritual director” who, at the end of the second-term exams of the propedeutic period, the preparatory year for entry into the Society of African Missions before the beginning of the three-year philosophical cycle of the SMA missionaries, offers some insights into reflections on mission and on traditional life and cultures.”Being a missionary, far from our own lands, among unknown peoples and other cultures, means sharing the love of Christ with others and conveying to them that we are all brothers,” says one of the students. “Living with people from different countries in one house means creating unity through our differences, living in harmony as brothers, learning from one another, and being open to new cultures. Being a missionary does not just mean leaving one’s own country, but above all being a missionary with and for others.” “It is the harmony that exists between the different colors that makes a flower beautiful,” is another quote.”Charles de Foucauld reminds us that we are missionaries by who we are, not by what we do. Challenges are part of our mission and help us gain new experiences, immerse ourselves in new cultures, learn from our mistakes, and change our perspective.The courses have enabled me to be well-equipped as a missionary of tomorrow, not to be afraid to explore, to delve deeper, to understand other cultures without ever judging. Wisdom helps us live well with others, develop our maturity, and face the challenges that come our way.”Some of these young people had a difficult journey that prepared them for the complexities of life. One example is a young man from a “normal and well-functioning” family: “We were all living without major worries when our parents suddenly separated,” he says. “This event turned our entire lives upside down, as I was still in first grade, my brother in fourth, and my sister in fifth. After my parents separated, I stayed with my aunt and uncle until I finished elementary school. It was a very difficult time. The family was a peasant family, and by second grade, I had to use a hoe because that was the only way I could eat. I was on my own. And so it was until the first year of middle school when my mother came to visit me with some clothes and then disappeared again. I had to cope with this nomadic life (back and forth) and various problems, especially the lack of affection from my parents, until I finished fifth grade. After graduating, my father decided to send me to the city of Sokodé to continue my education with a teacher. In Sokodé, I attended high school. After graduating, I went to Lomé,” says the young man, “and enrolled at the University of Anthropology, passing two exams.” Then I joined the Society of African Missions.” (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 7/5/2025)
    SG

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Video: Deputy President Paul Mashatile briefs The National Assembly.

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Deputy President Paul Mashatile briefs members of the National Assembly, in Parliament, Cape Town, on government efforts to address structural constraints in the local government sector, which is critical for providing essential services, promoting economic development, and ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCqzdtgGsqM

    MIL OSI Video –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Announces Listing of Shardeum (SHM) with 72,000 SHM and 150,000 USDT in Bonuses

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announces that it will list Shardeum (SHM) in the Innovation Zone on May 8, 2025 (UTC). To celebrate this significant addition to the exchange, MEXC has launched three exclusive events with a combined prize pool of 72,000 SHM and 150,000 USDT.

    Shardeum is an EVM-compatible, autoscaling blockchain designed with dynamic state sharding to ensure permanently low gas fees while maintaining full decentralization and robust security. Shardeum is on a mission to facilitate an affordable blockchain ecosystem with sustainably low gas fees. The project has secured over $31 million in funding with backing from leading investors, including Struck Crypto, Arrington Capital, Big Brain Holdings, Spartan Group, Amber Group, Foresight Ventures, Jane Street, and more.

    $SHM is the native token of the Shardeum ecosystem. It serves both utility and governance purposes, including fee payments, validator staking, and on-chain governance. It plays a vital role in the platform’s consensus mechanism, aligning incentives and securing the network to support sustainable Web3 innovation.

    To celebrate the listing, MEXC has launched three events for users:

    • Event 1: Shardeum (SHM) Launchpool – Stake USDT & MX to Share 63,360 SHM

    From May 2, 11:00 to May 4, 11:00, 2025 (UTC), users can stake USDT or MX on MEXC Launchpool to earn a share of 63,360 SHM. This initiative provides early access to SHM through token staking.

    • Event 2: Invite New Users & Share 8,640 SHM

    Users can earn 8 SHM for each new user they invite who registers, deposits at least 100 USDT, and participates in the Launchpool event. Each participant can invite up to 20 users and earn a maximum of 160 SHM. Rewards will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • Event 3: Join Airdrop+ to Share 150,000 USDT

    Users can participate in this event from May 2, 11:00 to May 16, 11:00, 2025 (UTC), and enjoy the following benefits:

    Benefit 1: Deposit and share 72,000 USDT in Futures bonus (New user exclusive)
    Benefit 2: Spot Challenge — Trade to share 10,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (For all users)
    Benefit 3: Futures Challenge — Trade to share 50,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (For all users)
    Benefit 4: Invite new users and share 18,000 USDT in Futures bonuses (For all users)

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    Risk Disclaimer:

    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the “MEXC”. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
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    Source

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c21606df-d749-423b-9809-9b9656b88b57

    The MIL Network –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Lesetja Kganyago: The role of ethical leadership amid threats to academic freedom

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning graduates and members of the university community.

    It is my distinct honour to be recognised by Walter Sisulu University (WSU), an institution that bears the name of such an influential figure in South Africa’s history.

    Incidentally, just over four years ago, I was conferred an honorary doctorate by a university named after Walter Sisulu’s lifelong friend, Nelson Mandela. I consider it a profound privilege for my name to be attached, albeit indirectly, to these two great men through the universities that stand as monuments to their legacies.

    Today I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the importance of safeguarding institutions such as WSU, tied as they are to our country’s past and – more critically – its future.

    During apartheid, South Africa’s universities became key sites of political activity. In an effort to curtail any political mobilisation, the government clamped down on progressive academics and student organisations.

    In the 1980s, for example, five lecturers at the University of Transkei, the institution that would later become WSU, were deported. Hundreds of students were arrested and more were banned from campus.1

    But this campaign against academic freedom went beyond the hard power tactics displayed in the 1980s. The government also exacted its influence by meddling in appointments and creating obstacles to certain areas of research.2

    What happened at our universities during apartheid was not a one-off, and history has repeated itself in a number of different contexts since.

    Most recently, universities in the United States (US) have also come under undue pressure. And US universities are not the only ones under strain, with research suggesting that academic freedom has declined in several other democracies in recent years.

    In spite of our own recent history, today some South African universities face intense pressure to bend on their principles in relation to their academic boycotts of certain countries.3

    Having led the South African Reserve Bank for just over a decade now, I have come to understand that institutions often comes under attack when they shed light on some or other dereliction of duty elsewhere.

    Whether it be a government’s failure to uphold the rights of its citizens or its stated democratic ideals, or a financial institution’s neglect to safeguard people’s money, the attacker’s response is often the same: a strike at the target’s independence.

    As we know, independence is sacred, especially for those institutions that hold a mirror up to power, as universities so often do.

    To paraphrase Albert Einstein, academic freedom means having the right to seek the truth and to uncover that truth. Naturally this right comes with the duty not to withhold a part of what is believed to be true.4

    It is no secret that South Africa’s universities have had their fair share of challenges over the years. Many of these have been the growing pains of a young democracy – and, while our universities have been bruised, they have not been broken.

    However, there are likely more perils in store for our maturing democracy, one of which reared its head during the country’s last election. I am of course referring to the rise of anti-constitutionalism and populism, which have targeted parts of South Africa’s accountability ecosystem.

    In the wake of this looming threat, and the other crises that have torn at the fabric of society, ethical leadership and strong governance are crucial to ensuring our universities can continue to deliver quality higher education.

    Every leader, lecturer and graduate of this university will forever have Walter Sisulu’s name on their CVs. This comes with an immense responsibility.

    Former President Nelson Mandela once described his comrade’s life as one of “absolute selflessness”.5

    Indeed, Sisulu was known for embodying servant leadership, prioritising collective good over personal gain. He also fostered collaboration among his peers, helping build an organisation that would withstand some of history’s greatest tests.

    As I stand before you today, now a member of this university community, I urge you all to model a type of leadership that will defend against threats to academic freedom and uphold accountability, thus safeguarding our country’s future.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Delivering our Plan for Change for workers

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    Delivering our Plan for Change for workers

    The Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting spoke at the Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers (Usdaw) Annual Conference in Blackpool.

    It’s great to be here in Blackpool.

    Paddy (Lillis), you stood in the tradition of the greatest leaders of our movement, who believed it was not enough to walk through the streets demanding change, but that we had to walk through the corridors of power to deliver it.

    I also want to say thank you to Dave (McCrossen) for his leadership as Deputy General Secretary.

    Paddy, Dave, what you and your team have achieved in Usdaw is truly remarkable.

    Given the challenges facing retail and food distribution and the high turnover rates in the sector, maintaining your membership is a tough enough challenge, but with your leadership, Usdaw has grown. 

    With the switch to online shopping and the decline of our high streets, accelerated by the pandemic, others would have thrown in the towel. 

    Instead, your Retail Recovery Plan is helping the sector to come back stronger.

    Usdaw is an example to the trade union and labour movement:

    • to focus on the issues that matter most in the workplace
    • to keep our heads screwed on and our feet on the ground
    • to always champion the interests of working people

    Paddy, Dave, on behalf of everyone here and on behalf of the Prime Minister and the government, thank you for everything you’ve done for Usdaw and for our country.

    I’m also delighted to welcome Joanne as Usdaw’s new General Secretary. Joanne, you made history as Usdaw’s youngest regional secretary and now you’ve made history as the first woman to become general secretary – and the youngest, too!

    It’s clear the whole conference is excited to see what you do in the role. Congratulations and good luck! 

    I owe so much to Usdaw.

    [Redacted political content.]

    And having had my life saved by the NHS when I had kidney cancer at the age of 38, I can think of no better way of repaying the debt I owe to the NHS than by saving our National Health Service. 

    We should be in no doubt about the threat to our NHS.

    When we came into government, we took over an NHS going through the worst crisis in history:

    • waiting lists at historic highs
    • patient satisfaction at record lows
    • people struggling to see a GP
    • dental deserts in huge swathes of the country
    • ambulances not turning up on time
    • A&E departments full to bursting
    • doctors on picket lines, instead of the front line
    • that founding promise, that the NHS would always be there for us when we needed it, broken

    The NHS was broken.

    [Redacted political content.]

    Broken, but not beaten. Because every day there are amazing people delivering outstanding and compassionate care, despite all those challenges.

    Not beaten, because as Nye Bevan is often quoted as saying: “The NHS will last as long as there’s folk with faith left to fight for it.”

    Well, every day since I became Health Secretary, I’ve gone into work fighting for our NHS.

    To restore that basic founding principle that the NHS should always be there for us when we need it.

    With our Plan for Change, we’ve hit the ground running.

    As our first step, we promised 2 million more appointments in our first year.

    Promise made, promise kept:

    • we delivered our promise 7 months early and we’ve smashed our target – delivering not 2, but 3 million extra appointments since July and rising
    • we’ve got waiting lists down 6 months on the trot, including during peak winter pressures
    • we ended the strikes within 3 weeks and delivered an above-inflation pay rise for NHS staff
    • we’ve invested an extra £26 billion in health and care
    • we’ve recruited 1,500 more GPs – and agreed a GP contract for the first time since the pandemic
    • we’ve delivered the biggest investment to hospices in a generation
    • the biggest expansion of Carer’s Allowance since the 1970s
    • a massive boost for older and disabled people through the Disabled Facilities Grant
    • the biggest real-terms increase to the Public Health Grant in nearly a decade
    • we’ve given pharmacies the biggest funding uplift in a generation
    • and last week we froze prescription charges for the first time in years

    A lot done, but there is more to do:

    • our bill on smoking and vapes will protect children and the most vulnerable and make this generation of kids the first smoke-free generation
    • our Mental Health Bill will stop the disgraceful incarceration of learning disabled adults
    • the ban on junk food advertising targeted at children will be a first step in addressing the growing problem of childhood obesity
    • we are working with health unions, councils and employers to deliver the first ever fair pay agreement for social care staff
    • and Louise Casey is leading a Commission on Social Care which will finally get a grip on a system that is broken for too many families

    [Redacted political content.]

    We will always defend our NHS as a publicly funded, public service, free at the point of use, so that when you fall ill you never have to worry about the bill. 

    Our job is twofold.

    First, to get the NHS back on its feet and treating patients on time again.

    And second, to reform the service for the long-term, so it is fit for the future.

    This summer we will publish our 10 Year Plan for Health:

    • shifting the focus of healthcare out of hospital and into the community, with more investment in primary and community care  
    • bringing our analogue health service into the digital age, arming staff with modern equipment and cutting-edge technology
    • turning our sickness service into a preventative health service, to help people live well for longer and tackle the biggest killers

    This cannot be done by one man sat behind a desk in Whitehall. We will only succeed if this is a team effort, from the Prime Minister to the 1.5 million people who work in the health service. And the millions of us who use it taking the decisions needed to live healthier, more active lives.

    Mental health

    I know Usdaw have long campaigned on the impact poor mental health and stress can have at work. And your ‘It’s good to talk’ campaign is helping to overcome stigma and offering practical support to members who may be struggling.

    Failing to take mental health seriously doesn’t just have an enormous impact on people. Absences take their toll on businesses, our NHS and our economy as a whole. 

    In the NHS, we’re expanding talking therapies. Last year, we provided almost 70,000 people with the support they need at work, up more than 60% on the year before. 

    We know a timely intervention on mental health can save anguish and distress further down the line, and to deliver this we need to expand the mental health workforce so everyone can access the right people, with the right support, at the right time. 

    That’s why our manifesto promised an extra 8,500 mental health staff: tackling mental ill-health and the causes of mental ill-health. 

    New deal for working people

    Central to good health and good mental health are good jobs.

    So while I’m focused on fixing the foundations of our NHS, the whole government is working hard to deliver our manifesto promise to deliver the new deal for working people.

    [Redacted political content.]

    Last month, our landmark Plan to Make Work Pay passed the House of Commons. It will mean: 

    • jobs that are more secure and family friendly 
    • a real living wage people can live on 
    • going further and faster to close the gender pay gap 
    • sick pay for the lowest earners 
    • day one rights from unfair dismissal 
    • ending fire and rehire  
    • and banning exploitative zero-hour contracts once and for all 

    Conference, this will be the biggest upgrade of workers’ rights in a generation.  

    Campaigned for by Usdaw, delivered by this government. 

    Of course change – real change – takes time. As I said to Laura Kuenssberg on the BBC over the weekend, I’m pretty sure when I talk about falling waiting lists, there are people shouting at the telly: “What are you talking about? I’m still waiting!”

    Both things are true. Waiting lists are falling and are over 200,000 lower today than they were when we came into office. But if you’re one of 7 million cases still on the list, you’re not feeling it yet.

    Similarly, the decisions I took within weeks of taking office that allowed us to employ 1,500 GPs are making a difference, but there will still be people going bananas trying to get through at 8am tomorrow morning after the bank holiday.

    If the Chancellor were standing here today, she’d also report that interest rates have fallen 3 times and wages are finally rising above inflation. But that doesn’t wash away the cost of living crisis.

    People are really struggling at the moment.

    Not living, just surviving.

    It’s not good for our health and it’s not good for our country.

    We were elected with a simple promise: change.

    It won’t be enough for people to see it in the statistics – you need to feel it in your lives.

    Is my family better off?

    Is the NHS there for me when I need it?

    Do my kids attend good schools?

    Are my streets safe?

    Am I getting a fair wage for a hard day at work?

    [Redacted political content.]

    Those are the questions we as politicians need to help you as union reps answer. 

    I want all of you to know that, in government, all of us feel that pressure to deliver the change people voted for. We don’t want to let you or our country down. 

    [Redacted political content.]

    At the weekend, I asked people to give us the time we need to deliver as we grapple with an enormous breadth and depth of challenges.

    [Redacted political content.]

    But day by day, week by week, step by step, we will rebuild our economy, rebuild our public services and rebuild trust in politics.

    There’ll be bumps in the road and we won’t get everything right.

    [Redacted political content.]

    This government has already:

    • increased the National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage, giving over 3 million workers a pay rise
    • delivered breakfast clubs at 750 primary schools, so that they start the day with hungry minds instead of hungry bellies
    • scrapped the wasteful Rwanda scheme and launched our Border Security Command
    • overhauled apprenticeships through a new Growth and Skills Levy
    • and switched on Great British Energy

    We’re:

    • bringing the UK’s railways back into public ownership
    • banning no-fault evictions and introducing new protections for renters
    • delivering the New Deal for Working People
    • and cutting NHS waiting lists

    Lots done, so much more to do. 

    [Redacted political content.]

    Change has begun and the best is still to come.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 8, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: BOBC Auctions- 6 May 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 14 May 2025.  The summarised results of the auction held on 7 May 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Results 6 May 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 8, 2025
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