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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Supply of Veterinary Medicines to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Supply of Veterinary Medicines to Northern Ireland from 1 January 2026

    New rules governing the distribution of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland will apply from 1 January 2026.

    On 19 June 2025, the Government published its paper ‘Protecting Animal Health: The Government’s Approach to Veterinary Medicines in Northern Ireland’.

    This paper sets out important information for Marketing Authorisation Holders, Wholesale Dealers and Retailers and reports on the progress in safeguarding the ongoing supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, and the steps that the Government will take to support this.

    The following guidance accompanies the Paper and provides further technical guidance which can be found on the VMD Information Hub – GOV.UK:

    • Supplying veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland from 2026 – Guidance for Marketing Authorisation holders
    • Supplying veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland from 2026 – Guidance for Wholesalers / Retailers
    • Supplying veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland from 2026 –  Veterinary Medicine Health Situation Scheme – Guidance
    • Supplying veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland from 2026 – Veterinary Medicines Internal Market Scheme guidance

    Please direct any queries to windsorframework@vmd.gov.uk

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    Updates to this page

    Published 19 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCED begins visit to France to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages as business and investment hub (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, began his visit to France on June 18 (France time) to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages and vast opportunities for businesses.
     
         Mr Yau first visited Toulouse and met with the Group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group SA, Mr Daniel Derichebourg, to learn about the company’s latest developments and exchange views on promoting closer business collaboration between Hong Kong and France. Elior Group SA is a global aeronautic services company, which is part of Derichebourg SA, a leading business in Europe.
     
         With the assistance of Invest Hong Kong, Elior Group SA has recently set up an Asian headquarters and expanded its presence in Hong Kong. The company early this year signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Airport Authority Hong Kong to explore the possibility of providing professional services such as aircraft dismantling, parts recycling and related training in Hong Kong, thereby helping Hong Kong develop into the first aircraft parts processing and trading centre in Asia.
      
         Mr Yau said that Hong Kong and France have long-standing business relations and many companies in Hong Kong with parent companies located in France are internationally renowned enterprises. With the distinct advantages under “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is the premier destination for enterprises around the globe to set up or expand their businesses. He believes that the co-operation between the company and various stakeholders in Hong Kong will help unleash market potential and create new opportunities, leveraging Hong Kong’s advantages as a business and investment hub, and its role as a springboard to the Mainland, markets in Asia and beyond.
      
         Meanwhile, Mr Yau took the opportunity to visit the Derichebourg Aeronautics Training Center and the Airbus assembly lines respectively to learn about the latest advancements in related aeronautic training, aircraft manufacturing and sustainable aviation development.
      
         Mr Yau will proceed to Bordeaux on June 19 (France time).

                  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for re-opening of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on June 25

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
     
    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), as representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (HKSAR Government), announced today (June 19) that a tender of 3-year HKD Government Bonds (Bonds) through the re-opening of existing 3-year Government Bond issue 03GB2804001 under the Infrastructure Bond Programme will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, for settlement on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

    An additional amount of HK$1.25 billion of the outstanding 3-year Bonds (issue no. 03GB2804001) will be on offer. The Bonds will mature on April 25, 2028 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.76 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrear. The Indicative Pricings of the Bonds on June 19, 2025 are 102.45 with an annualised yield of 1.882 per cent.

    Tender is open only to Primary Dealers appointed under the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Anyone wishing to apply for the Bonds on offer can do so through any of the Primary Dealers on the latest published list, which can be obtained from the Hong Kong Government Bonds website at www.hkgb.gov.hk. Each tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof.

    Tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Hong Kong Government Bonds website, Bloomberg (GBHK ) and Refinitiv (IBPGSBPINDEX). The publication time is expected to be no later than 3pm on the tender day.

    HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds Tender Information

    Tender information of re-opening of 3-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds:
     

    Issue Number : 03GB2804001
    Stock Code : 4291 (HKGB 2.76 2804)
    Tender Date and Time : Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    9.30am to 10.30am
    Issue and Settlement Date : Thursday, June 26, 2025
    Amount on Offer : HK$1.25 billion
    Maturity : 3 years
    Remaining maturity : Approximately 2.83 years
    Maturity Date : Tuesday, April 25, 2028
    Interest Rate : 2.76 per cent p.a. payable semi-annually in arrear
    Interest Payment Dates : April 25 and October 25 in each year, commencing on the Issue Date up to and including the Maturity Date, subject to adjustment in accordance with the terms of the Institutional Issuances Information Memorandum of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and Government Sustainable Bond Programme (Information Memorandum) published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.
    Method of Tender : Competitive tender
    Tender Amount : Each competitive tender must be for an amount of HK$50,000 or integral multiples thereof. Any tender applications for the Bonds must be submitted through a Primary Dealer on the latest published list.

    The accrued interest to be paid by successful bidders on the issue date (June 26, 2025) for the tender amount is 234.41 per minimum denomination of HK$50,000.

    (The accrued interest to be paid for tender amount exceeding HK$50,000 may not be exactly equal to the figures calculated from the accrued interest per minimum denomination of HK$50,000 due to rounding).

    Other Details : Please see the Information Memorandum available on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website or approach Primary Dealers.
    Expected commencement date of dealing on
    the Stock Exchange
    of Hong Kong Limited
    : The tender amount is fully fungible with the existing 03GB2804001 (Stock code: 4291) listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.
    Use of Proceeds : The Bonds will be issued under the institutional part of the Infrastructure Bond Programme. Proceeds will be invested in infrastructure projects in accordance with the Infrastructure Bond Framework published on the Hong Kong Government Bonds website.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on June 25

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender for re-opening of 5-year HKD HKSAR Institutional Government Bonds to be held on June 25 

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    Post navigation

    Issue Number9.30am to 10.30amthe Stock Exchange
    of Hong Kong LimitedIssued at HKT 19:06

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Water Pours Into Australia’s Lake Eyre

    Source: NASA

    Your browser does not support the video tag.

    Lake Eyre (also called Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre) sits in the heart of the Australian outback, the continent’s most arid area. Receiving an average of 140 millimeters (5.5 inches) of rain each year, the lake is a dry, salty plain much of the time. But every once in a while, it transforms into an expansive inland sea.
    Approximately one-sixth of the Australian continent drains toward Lake Eyre, rather than to an ocean. Water often evaporates before it makes it there, although some will end up in the lake every few years. In 2025, extreme autumn rainfall in Queensland flooded several rivers that flow toward Lake Eyre. Since late March, these floodwaters have been coursing hundreds of kilometers through the desert.
    Around the start of May, water arrived at Lake Eyre—and then kept coming. This animation, composed of 16 images acquired with the MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Terra satellite, shows Lake Eyre’s evolution from April 29 to June 12. The images are false-color to emphasize the presence of water.
    During this period, water can be seen entering the north side of the basin and expanding to cover larger areas every few days. Within weeks, water had reached Madigan Gulf and Belt Bay at the southern part of the lake, some 120 kilometers (75 miles) away. At more than 15 meters (49 feet) below sea level, these bays are the lowest points on the continent and the lake’s deepest areas.
    This year’s flood is shaping up to be quite the spectacle—possibly on a scale not seen since 1974, local observers say. That was the last time Lake Eyre filled to capacity, and it reached a record depth of 6 meters (20 feet) that year.
    Optimism around a complete fill in 2025 abounds, but rangers and area business owners told news outlets they do not anticipate it will quite reach that point. The lake has only filled completely three times in the past 160 years. Rainfall in Queensland and river flow through Channel Country were extraordinarily high earlier in the year, and cooler temperatures may help keep evaporation rates in check, some think. But two consecutive wet years may be needed for a chance at a full lake, locals say.
    Regardless of where the lake level peaks, the influx of water brings with it a profusion of wildlife. The eggs of brine shrimp, which can remain dormant for years in dry soil, hatch. Shield shrimp and freshwater crabs, also with adaptations for the unique environment, emerge. Fish that breed in the river systems come down into the lake, and the newly formed oasis and veritable buffet attract millions of migratory waterbirds. Pelicans, banded stilts, and many other species are known to flock to the area from as far away as China and Japan.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Lindsey Doermann.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon announces pricing terms of its private exchange offers for 10 series of notes and related tender offers open to certain investors

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon announces pricing terms of its private exchange offers for 10 series of notes and related tender offers open to certain investors

    NEW YORK, N.Y. –  Verizon Communications Inc. (“Verizon”) (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ) today announced the pricing terms of its two previously announced related transactions to repurchase 10 series of its outstanding notes listed in the tables below.

    Exchange Offers

    The first transaction consists of 10 separate private offers to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) any and all of the outstanding series of notes listed in the table below (as used in the context of the Exchange Offers and the Cash Offers (as defined below), collectively the “Old Notes”) in exchange for newly issued debt securities of Verizon (the “New Notes”), on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offering Memorandum dated June 12, 2025 (the “Offering Memorandum”), the eligibility letter (the “Eligibility Letter”) and the accompanying exchange offer notice of guaranteed delivery (the “Exchange Offer Notice of Guaranteed Delivery” which, together with the Offering Memorandum and the Eligibility Letter, constitute the “Exchange Offer Documents”). Only a holder who has duly completed and returned an Eligibility Letter certifying that it is either (1) a “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)); or (2) a person located outside the United States who is (i) not a “U.S. person” (as defined in Rule 902 under the Securities Act), (ii) not acting for the account or benefit of a U.S. person and (iii) a “Non-U.S. qualified offeree” (as defined below), are authorized to receive the Offering Memorandum and to participate in the Exchange Offers (such holders, “Exchange Offer Eligible Holders”).

    The Exchange Offers will each expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) today, June 18, 2025 (such date and time with respect to an Exchange Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Exchange Offer, the “Exchange Offer Expiration Date”). Old Notes tendered for exchange may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) today, June 18, 2025 (such date and time with respect to an Exchange Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Exchange Offer, the “Exchange Offer Withdrawal Date”), but not thereafter, unless extended by Verizon. The “Exchange Offer Settlement Date” with respect to an Exchange Offer will be promptly following the Exchange Offer Expiration Date and is expected to be June 25, 2025.

    Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used under the heading Exchange Offers have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Exchange Offer Documents.

    The table below indicates, among other things, the applicable Exchange Offer Yield and Total Exchange Price (each as defined in the Offering Memorandum) for each series of Old Notes, as calculated at 11:00 a.m. (Eastern time) today, June 18, 2025 (as used in the context of the Exchange Offers and the Cash Offers (as defined below), the “Price Determination Date”).

    Acceptance Priority Level(1)

    Title of Security

    CUSIP
    Number(s)

    Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Yield of Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Fixed Spread
    (basis points) (2)

    Floating Rate Note Total Exchange Price(3)

    Fixed Rate Note Exchange Offer Yield

    Fixed Rate Note Total Exchange Price

    1

    1.450% Notes due 2026

    92343VGG3

    4.625% due March 15, 2026

    4.225%

    +0

    N/A

    4.225%

    $980.07

    2

    Floating Rate Notes due 2026

    92343VGE8

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    $1,006.00

    N/A

    N/A

    3

    4.125% Notes due 2027

    92343VDY7

    3.875% due May 31, 2027

    3.929%

    +15

    N/A

    4.079%

    $1,000.71

    4

    3.000% Notes due 2027

    92343VFF6

    3.875% due May 31, 2027

    3.929%

    +15

    N/A

    4.079%

    $982.00

    5

    4.329% Notes due 2028

    92343VER1/

    92343VEQ3/

    U9221ABK3

    3.875% due June 15, 2028

    3.869%

    +20

    N/A

    4.069%

    $1,007.76

    6

    2.100% Notes due 2028

    92343VGH1

    3.875% due June 15, 2028

    3.869%

    +15

    N/A

    4.019%

    $950.62

    7

    4.016% Notes due 2029

    92343VEU4/

    92343VET7/

    U9221ABL1

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +30

    N/A

    4.252%

    $990.52

    8

    3.150% Notes due 2030

    92343VFE9

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +35

    N/A

    4.302%

    $951.02

    9

    1.680% Notes due 2030

    92343VFX7/

    92343VFN9/

    U9221ABS6

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +55

    N/A

    4.502%

    $867.19

    10

    7.750% Notes due 2030

    92344GAM8/

    92344GAC0

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +60

    N/A

    4.552%

    $1,152.36

    (1) Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Exchange Offers described in the Offering Memorandum, if the New Notes Capacity Condition (as defined below) and/or the corresponding Cash Offer Completion Condition (as defined below) is not satisfied with respect to every series of Old Notes, Verizon will accept Old Notes for exchange in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Level specified in the table above (as used in the context of the Exchange Offers and the Cash Offers, each an “Acceptance Priority Level,” with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 10 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level). It is possible that a series of Old Notes with a particular Acceptance Priority Level will not be accepted for exchange even if one or more series with a higher or lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase.

    (2) The Total Exchange Price payable per each $1,000 principal amount of a series of Old Notes validly tendered for exchange other than the Floating Rate Notes (as defined below) (the “Fixed Rate Notes”) will be payable in a specified principal amount of New Notes and will be based on the fixed spread specified in the table above (the “Fixed Spread”) for the applicable series of Fixed Rate Notes, plus the yield of the specified Reference U.S. Treasury Security for that series as of the Price Determination Date. The Total Exchange Price does not include the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment (as defined below), which will be payable in cash in addition to the applicable Total Exchange Price.

    (3) The Total Exchange Price payable per each $1,000 principal amount of floating rate notes due 2026 (the “Floating Rate Notes”) validly tendered for exchange and not validly withdrawn will be payable in a specified principal amount of New Notes. Any Floating Rate Notes validly tendered and accepted by us, will receive the Total Exchange Price listed above for the Floating Rate Notes.

    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Exchange Offer Documents, Exchange Offer Eligible Holders who (i) validly tender, and who do not validly withdraw, Old Notes at or prior to the Exchange Offer Expiration Date or (ii) deliver a properly completed and duly executed Exchange Offer Notice of Guaranteed Delivery and all other required documents at or prior to the Exchange Offer Expiration Date and validly tender their Old Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the second business day after the applicable Exchange Offer Expiration Date pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, and whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange by us, will receive the applicable Total Exchange Price for each $1,000 principal amount of such Old Notes, which will be payable in principal amount of New Notes.

    Verizon is offering to accept for exchange validly tendered Old Notes using a “waterfall” methodology under which such Old Notes of different series will be accepted in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Levels as listed in the table above, subject to a $2.5 billion cap on the maximum aggregate principal amount of New Notes that Verizon will issue in all of the Exchange Offers (the “New Notes Maximum Amount”). However, subject to applicable law, Verizon, in its sole discretion, has the option to waive or increase the New Notes Maximum Amount at any time.

    Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Exchange Offers described in the Offering Memorandum, Verizon will, in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels, accept for exchange all Old Notes of each series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, so long as (1) the Total Exchange Price for all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Old Notes of such series, plus (2) the Total Exchange Price for all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Old Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Old Notes is equal to, or less than, the New Notes Maximum Amount; provided, however, Verizon may: (x) waive the New Notes Capacity Condition with respect to one or more Exchange Offers and accept all Old Notes of the series sought in such Exchange Offer, and of any series of Old Notes sought in Exchange Offers with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, validly tendered and not validly withdrawn; or (y) skip any Exchange Offer for Old Notes that would have caused the New Notes Maximum Amount to be exceeded and exchange all Old Notes of a given series in an Exchange Offer having a lower Acceptance Priority Level so long as Verizon is able to exchange the full amount of validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes in such Exchange Offer without exceeding the New Notes Maximum Amount. Subject to applicable law, Verizon may waive or increase the New Notes Maximum Amount at any time.

    In addition to the applicable Total Exchange Price, Exchange Offer Eligible Holders whose Old Notes are accepted for exchange will receive a cash payment equal to the accrued and unpaid interest on such Old Notes from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Old Notes to, but excluding, the Exchange Offer Settlement Date (the “Accrued Coupon Payment”). Interest will cease to accrue on the Exchange Offer Settlement Date for all Old Notes accepted in the Exchange Offers, including those Old Notes tendered through the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.

    The New Notes will mature on July 2, 2037. The table below indicates the interest rate (the “New Notes Coupon”) for the series of New Notes to be issued by Verizon pursuant to the Exchange Offers (as calculated at the Price Determination Date in accordance with the Offering Memorandum).

    New Notes

    Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Reference Yield of Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Fixed Spread
    (basis points)

    New Notes Coupon

    New Notes due 2037

    4.250% due May 15, 2035

    4.351%

    +105

    5.401%

    Pursuant to the Minimum Issue Requirement, Verizon will not complete the Exchange Offers if the aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued would be less than $750 million. Verizon may not waive the Minimum Issue Requirement.

    In addition to the Minimum Issue Requirement, Verizon’s obligation to accept any series of Old Notes tendered in the Exchange Offers is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions applicable to the Exchange Offer for such series as described in the Offering Memorandum, including, among others, the New Notes Capacity Condition and the Cash Offer Completion Condition. Verizon expressly reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Exchange Offer, other than conditions described by Verizon as non-waivable.

    Notwithstanding any other provision in the Offering Memorandum to the contrary, if at the Exchange Offer Expiration Date, for a particular Exchange Offer, the Total Exchange Price payable for all validly tendered Old Notes of a particular series is greater than the New Notes Maximum Amount (after exchanging all validly tendered Old Notes of each series with a higher Acceptance Priority Level), then Verizon will not be obligated to accept for exchange, or issue any New Notes in exchange for, such series of Old Notes and may terminate the Exchange Offer with respect to such series of Old Notes (the “New Notes Capacity Condition”) in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Procedures described in the Offering Memorandum.

    Each series of Old Notes that is subject to an Exchange Offer pursuant to the Exchange Offer Documents is also subject to a corresponding Cash Offer pursuant to the Offer to Purchase (as defined below), which Cash Offer is only available to holders of the Old Notes that are not Exchange Offer Eligible Holders. The Acceptance Priority Levels set forth in the Offer to Purchase correspond to the Acceptance Priority Levels set forth in the Offering Memorandum. Verizon’s obligation to complete an Exchange Offer with respect to a particular series of Old Notes is conditioned on the timely satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the completion of the corresponding Cash Offer for such series of Old Notes (with respect to each Exchange Offer, the “Cash Offer Completion Condition”), and Verizon’s obligation to complete a Cash Offer with respect to a particular series of Old Notes is subject to various conditions, as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, including (i) that all of the conditions precedent to the completion of the corresponding Exchange Offer are timely satisfied or waived and (ii) that the aggregate amount of cash (excluding the Accrued Coupon Payment) that would have to be paid to purchase any and all of the validly tendered Old Notes of such series in such Cash Offer does not exceed the applicable maximum cash amount specified in the Offer to Purchase. Verizon will terminate an Exchange Offer for a given series of Old Notes if it terminates the Cash Offer for such series of Old Notes, and Verizon will terminate the Cash Offer for a given series of Old Notes if it terminates the Exchange Offer for such series of Old Notes. The termination of a Cash Offer for a series of Old Notes will not impact the Exchange Offers for any other series of Old Notes. The Cash Offer Completion Condition cannot be waived by Verizon. If Verizon extends any Cash Offer for a series of Old Notes for any reason, Verizon will extend the corresponding Exchange Offer for such series Old Notes.

    If and when issued, the New Notes will not be registered under the Securities Act or any state securities laws. Therefore, the New Notes may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws. Verizon will enter into a registration rights agreement with respect to the New Notes.

    Global Bondholder Services Corporation is acting as the Information Agent and the Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offers. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Exchange Offers or for additional copies of the Exchange Offer Documents may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (212) 430-3774.You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offers. The Exchange Offer Documents can be accessed at the following link: https://gbsc-usa.com/eligibility/verizon.

    Cash Offers

    The second transaction consists of 10 separate offers to purchase for cash (the “Cash Offers”) any and all of each series of Old Notes, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated June 12, 2025 (the “Offer to Purchase”), the certification instructions letter (the “Certification Instructions Letter”) and the accompanying cash offer notice of guaranteed delivery (the “Cash Offer Notice of Guaranteed Delivery” which, together with the Offer to Purchase and the Certification Instructions Letter, constitute the “Tender Offer Documents”). Only holders who are not Exchange Offer Eligible Holders (“Cash Offer Eligible Holders”) are eligible to participate in the Cash Offers. Holders of Old Notes participating in the Cash Offers will be required to complete the Certification Instructions Letter and certify that they are Cash Offer Eligible Holders.

    The Cash Offers will each expire at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) today, June 18, 2025 (such date and time with respect to a Cash Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Cash Offer, the “Cash Offer Expiration Date”). Old Notes tendered for purchase may be validly withdrawn at any time at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) today, June 18, 2025 (such date and time with respect to a Cash Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Cash Offer, the “Cash Offer Withdrawal Date”), but not thereafter, unless extended by Verizon. The “Cash Offer Settlement Date” with respect to a Cash Offer will be promptly following the Cash Offer Expiration Date and is expected to be June 25, 2025.

    Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalized terms used under the heading Cash Offers have the respective meanings assigned thereto in the Tender Offer Documents.

    The table below indicates, among other things, the applicable Cash Offer Yield and Total Consideration (as defined in the Offer to Purchase) for each series of Old Notes, as calculated at the Price Determination Date in accordance with the Offer to Purchase.

    Acceptance Priority Level(1)

    Title of Security

    CUSIP
    Number(s)

    Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Yield of Reference U.S.
    Treasury Security

    Fixed Spread
    (basis points) (2)

    Floating Rate Note Total Consideration(3)

    Cash Offer Yield

    Fixed Rate Note Total Consideration

    1

    1.450% Notes due 2026

    92343VGG3

    4.625% due March 15, 2026

    4.225%

    +0

    N/A

    4.225%

    $980.07

    2

    Floating Rate Notes due 2026

    92343VGE8

    N/A

    N/A

    N/A

    $1,006.00

    N/A

    N/A

    3

    4.125% Notes due 2027

    92343VDY7

    3.875% due May 31, 2027

    3.929%

    +15

    N/A

    4.079%

    $1,000.71

    4

    3.000% Notes due 2027

    92343VFF6

    3.875% due May 31, 2027

    3.929%

    +15

    N/A

    4.079%

    $982.00

    5

    4.329% Notes due 2028

    92343VER1/

    92343VEQ3/

    U9221ABK3

    3.875% due June 15, 2028

    3.869%

    +20

    N/A

    4.069%

    $1,007.76

    6

    2.100% Notes due 2028

    92343VGH1

    3.875% due June 15, 2028

    3.869%

    +15

    N/A

    4.019%

    $950.62

    7

    4.016% Notes due 2029

    92343VEU4/

    92343VET7/

    U9221ABL1

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +30

    N/A

    4.252%

    $990.52

    8

    3.150% Notes due 2030

    92343VFE9

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +35

    N/A

    4.302%

    $951.02

    9

    1.680% Notes due 2030

    92343VFX7/

    92343VFN9/

    U9221ABS6

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +55

    N/A

    4.502%

    $867.19

    10

    7.750% Notes due 2030

    92344GAM8/

    92344GAC0

    4.000% due May 31, 2030

    3.952%

    +60

    N/A

    4.552%

    $1,152.36

    (1) Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Cash Offers described in the Offer to Purchase, including if the Maximum Total Consideration Condition (as defined below) is not satisfied with respect to every series of Old Notes, Verizon will accept Notes for purchase in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Level specified in the table above. It is possible that a series of Old Notes with a particular Acceptance Priority Level will not be accepted for purchase even if one or more series with a higher or lower Acceptance Priority Level are accepted for purchase.

    (2) The Total Consideration for each series of Fixed Rate Notes (such consideration, the “Fixed Rate Note Total Consideration”) validly tendered will be determined in accordance with standard market practice, as described in the Offer to Purchase, to result in a Total Consideration payable per each $1,000 principal amount of each series of Fixed Rate Notes that equates to a yield to the maturity date (or Par Call Date, if applicable) in accordance with the formula set forth in Annex A to the Offer to Purchase, for the applicable series of Fixed Rate Notes, equal to the sum of (i) the yield corresponding to the bid side price of the applicable Reference U.S. Treasury Security specified in the table above for such series of Fixed Rate Notes at the Price Determination Date plus (ii) the applicable Fixed Spread specified in the table above for such series of Fixed Rate Notes. The Total Consideration does not include the applicable Accrued Coupon Payment (as defined below), which will be payable in cash in addition to the applicable Total Consideration.

    (3) Payable per each $1,000 principal amount of Floating Rate Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Cash Offer Expiration Date or the Cash Offer Guaranteed Delivery Date (as defined below) pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures and accepted for purchase (such amount, the “Floating Rate Note Total Consideration”).

    Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Tender Offer Documents, Cash Offer Eligible Holders who (i) validly tender, and who do not validly withdraw, Old Notes at or prior to the Cash Offer Expiration Date or (ii) deliver a properly completed and duly executed Cash Offer Notice of Guaranteed Delivery at or prior to the Cash Offer Expiration Date and validly tender their Old Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern time) on the second business day after the applicable Cash Offer Expiration Date (such date and time with respect to a Cash Offer, as the same may be extended with respect to such Cash Offer, the “Cash Offer Guaranteed Delivery Date”) pursuant to the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures, and whose Old Notes are accepted for purchase by Verizon, will receive the applicable Total Consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Old Notes, which will be payable in cash.

    Verizon is offering to purchase validly tendered Old Notes using a “waterfall” methodology under which such Old Notes of different series will be accepted in the order of their respective Acceptance Priority Levels as listed in the table above, subject to the Maximum Total Consideration Condition (as defined below) and the Exchange Offer Completion Condition (as defined below). However, subject to applicable law, Verizon, in its sole discretion, has the option to waive or increase the Maximum Total Consideration Condition at any time.

    Subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions of the Cash Offers described in the Offer to Purchase, Verizon will, in accordance with the Acceptance Priority Levels as listed in the table above, accept for purchase all Old Notes of each series validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, so long as the Total Consideration, excluding the Accrued Coupon Payment, for all validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes of all series having a higher Acceptance Priority Level than such series of Old Notes is equal to, or less than, the Maximum Total Consideration Amount; provided, however, Verizon may: (x) waive the Maximum Total Consideration Condition with respect to one or more Cash Offers and accept all Old Notes of the series sought in such Cash Offer, and of any series of Old Notes sought in Cash Offers with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, validly tendered and not validly withdrawn; or (y) skip any Cash Offer for Old Notes that would have caused the Maximum Total Consideration Amount to be exceeded and purchase all Old Notes of a given series in an Cash Offer having a lower Acceptance Priority Level so long as Verizon is able to purchase the full amount of validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes in such Cash Offer without exceeding the Maximum Total Consideration Amount. 

    In addition to the applicable Total Consideration, Cash Offer Eligible Holders whose Old Notes are accepted for purchase will be paid accrued and unpaid interest on such Old Notes from and including the immediately preceding interest payment date for such Old Notes to, but excluding, the Cash Offer Settlement Date (the “Accrued Coupon Payment”). Interest will cease to accrue on the Cash Offer Settlement Date for all Old Notes accepted in the Cash Offers, including those Old Notes tendered through the Guaranteed Delivery Procedures.

    Verizon’s obligation to accept any series of Old Notes tendered in the Cash Offers is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions applicable to the Cash Offer for such series as described in the Offer to Purchase, including the Maximum Total Consideration Condition and the Exchange Offer Completion Condition. Verizon expressly reserves the right, subject to applicable law, to waive any and all conditions to any Cash Offer, other than conditions described by Verizon as non-waivable.

    Verizon’s obligation to complete a Cash Offer with respect to a particular series of Old Notes validly tendered is conditioned (the “Maximum Total Consideration Condition”) on aggregate Total Consideration, excluding the Accrued Coupon Payment, payable for Old Notes purchased in the Cash Offers (the “Aggregate Purchase Consideration”) not to exceed $300 million (the “Maximum Total Consideration Amount”). Verizon’s obligation to complete a Cash Offer with respect to a particular series of Old Notes validly tendered is conditioned on the Maximum Total Consideration Amount being sufficient to pay the Total Consideration, excluding the Accrued Coupon Payment, for all validly tendered Notes of such series (after accounting for all validly tendered Notes that have a higher Acceptance Priority Level).  

    Verizon reserves the right, but are under no obligation, to increase or waive the Maximum Total Consideration Amount, in our sole discretion subject to applicable law, with or without extending the Cash Offer Withdrawal Date. No assurance can be given that Verizon will increase or waive the Maximum Total Consideration Amount. If Cash Offer Eligible Holders tender more Old Notes in the Cash Offers than they expect to be accepted for purchase based on the Maximum Total Consideration Amount and Verizon subsequently accepts more than such Cash Offer Eligible Holders expected of such Old Notes tendered as a result of an increase of the Maximum Total Consideration Amount, such Cash Offer Eligible Holders may not be able to withdraw any of their previously tendered Notes. Accordingly, Cash Offer Eligible Holders should not tender any Old Notes that they do not wish to be accepted for purchase.

    If the Maximum Total Consideration Condition is not satisfied with respect to each series of Old Notes, for (i) a series of Old Notes (the “First Non-Covered Notes”) for which the Maximum Total Consideration Amount is less than the sum of (x) the Aggregate Purchase Consideration for all validly tendered First Non-Covered Notes and (y) the Aggregate Purchase Consideration for all validly tendered Notes of all series, having a higher Acceptance Priority Level as set forth on the cover of the Offer to Purchase (with 1 being the highest Acceptance Priority Level and 10 being the lowest Acceptance Priority Level) than the First Non-Covered Notes, and (ii) all series of Old Notes with an Acceptance Priority Level lower than the First Non-Covered Notes (together with the First Non-Covered Notes, the “Non-Covered Notes”), then Verizon may, at any time on or prior to the Cash Offer Expiration Date: (x) waive the Maximum Total Consideration Condition with respect to one or more Cash Offers and accept all Old Notes of the series sought in such Cash Offer, and of any series of Old Notes sought in Cash Offers with a higher Acceptance Priority Level, validly tendered and not validly withdrawn; or (y) skip any Cash Offer for Old Notes that would have caused the Maximum Total Consideration Amount to be exceeded and purchase all Old Notes of a given series in an Cash Offer having a lower Acceptance Priority Level so long as Verizon is able to purchase the full amount of validly tendered and not validly withdrawn Notes in such Cash Offer without exceeding the Maximum Total Consideration Amount.

    Verizon’s obligation to complete any Cash Offer with respect to a given series of Old Notes is conditioned on the completion of the corresponding Exchange Offer for such series of Old Notes (with respect to each Cash Offer, the “Exchange Offer Completion Condition”). Verizon will terminate the Cash Offer for a given series of Old Notes if it terminates the Exchange Offer for such series of Old Notes, and it will terminate the Exchange Offer for a given series of Old Notes if it terminates the Cash Offer for such series of Old Notes. The termination of an Exchange Offer for a series of Old Notes will not impact the Cash Offer for any other series of Old Notes. If Verizon extends the Exchange Offer for a series of Old Notes for any reason, Verizon will extend the corresponding Cash Offer for such series of Old Notes. The Exchange Offer Completion Condition cannot be waived by Verizon.

    Global Bondholder Services Corporation is acting as the Information Agent and the Tender Agent for the Cash Offers. Questions or requests for assistance related to the Cash Offers or for additional copies of the Tender Offer Documents may be directed to Global Bondholder Services Corporation at (212) 430-3774. You may also contact your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Cash Offers. The Tender Offer Documents can be accessed at the following link: https://www.gbsc-usa.com/verizon.

    Verizon refers to the Exchange Offers and the Cash Offers, collectively, as the “Offers.”

    If Verizon terminates any Offer with respect to one or more series of Old Notes, it will give prompt notice to the Tender Agent or Exchange Agent, as applicable, and all Old Notes tendered pursuant to such terminated Offer will be returned promptly to the tendering holders thereof. With effect from such termination, any Old Notes blocked in DTC will be released.

    Holders are advised to check with any bank, securities broker or other intermediary through which they hold Old Notes as to when such intermediary needs to receive instructions from a holder in order for that holder to be able to participate in, or (in the circumstances in which revocation is permitted) revoke their instruction to participate in, the Exchange Offers or Cash Offers, as applicable, before the deadlines specified herein and in the Exchange Offer Documents or the Tender Offer Documents, as applicable. The deadlines set by any such intermediary and each clearing system for the submission and withdrawal of exchange instructions will also be earlier than the relevant deadlines specified herein and in the Exchange Offer Documents or the Tender Offer Documents, as applicable.

    This announcement is for informational purposes only. This announcement is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any Old Notes. The Exchange Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Offering Memorandum and related documents and the Cash Offers are being made solely pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and related documents. The Offers are not being made to holders of Old Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky or other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the securities laws or blue sky laws require the Offers to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offers will be deemed to be made on behalf of Verizon by the dealer managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

    This communication and any other documents or materials relating to the Exchange Offers have not been approved by an authorized person for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”). Accordingly, this announcement is not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, persons within the United Kingdom save in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. Accordingly, this communication is only addressed to and directed at persons who are outside the United Kingdom and (i) persons falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Financial Promotion Order”)), or (ii) within Article 43 of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iii) high net worth companies and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Financial Promotion Order, or (iv) to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of Section 21 of the FSMA) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (such persons together being “relevant persons”). The New Notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such New Notes will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on any document relating to the Exchange Offers or any of their contents.

    This communication and any other documents or materials relating to the Exchange Offer are only addressed to and directed at persons in member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), who are “Qualified Investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. The New Notes are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such New Notes, will be engaged in only with, Qualified Investors. The Exchange Offer is only available to Qualified Investors. None of the information in the Offering Memorandum and any other documents and materials relating to the Exchange Offer should be acted upon or relied upon in any member state of the EEA by persons who are not Qualified Investors.

    “Non-U.S. qualified offeree” means:

    (i)       in relation to any investor in the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), a qualified investor as defined in Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended or superseded) that is not a retail investor. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (a) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, “MiFID II”); or (b) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II;

    (ii)      in relation to any investor in the United Kingdom, a qualified investor as defined in Article 2 of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 that is not a retail investor and that (a) has professional experience in matters relating to investments and qualifies as an investment professional within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the “Financial Promotion Order”), (b) is a person falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (“high net worth companies, unincorporated associations etc.”) of the Financial Promotion Order, or (c) is a person to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the “FSMA”)) in connection with the issue or sale of any notes may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”). For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (x) a retail client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2 of Regulation (EU) No 2017/565 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”); or (y) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the FSMA and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No 600/2014 as it forms part of domestic law by virtue of the EUWA; or

    (iii)      any entity outside the U.S., the EEA and the United Kingdom to whom the Exchange Offer may be made in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of any applicable jurisdiction without registration of the Exchange Offer or any related filing or approval.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    In this communication Verizon has made forward-looking statements, including regarding the conduct and completion of the Offers. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but only predictions and generally can be identified by use of statements that include phrases such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “appear,” “project,” “estimate,” “hope,” “intend,” “target,” “forecast,” or other words or phrases of similar import. Similarly, statements that describe our objectives, plans or goals also are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, including those discussed in the Offering Memorandum and Offer to Purchase under the heading “Risk Factors” and under similar headings in other documents that are incorporated by reference in the Offering Memorandum and Offer to Purchase. Holders are urged to consider these risks and uncertainties carefully in evaluating the forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this press release, and Verizon undertakes no obligation to update publicly these forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events might or might not occur. Verizon cannot assure you that projected results or events will be achieved.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Christine Lagarde: Strengthening economies in a stormy and fragmenting world

    Source: European Central Bank

    Speech by Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB, at the ninth Annual Research Conference “Economic and financial integration in a stormy and fragmenting world” organised by the National Bank of Ukraine and Narodowy Bank Polski in Kyiv, Ukraine

    Kyiv, 19 June 2025

    It is an honour to be here in Kyiv – a city that has come to symbolise resilience, dignity and the enduring spirit of freedom. Kyiv stands not only as the heart of Ukraine, but as a beacon of what it means to hold fast to democratic values in the face of immense challenge.

    As the great Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko once wrote, “In your own house – your own truth. Your own strength and freedom.” Ukraine’s fight today reminds all of Europe of this powerful truth: our security and prosperity rely on unity, on integration with our neighbours.

    In the face of Russia’s unjustified war of aggression, Ukrainians have demonstrated extraordinary courage and resilience in defence of their country.

    In my remarks today, and in keeping with the theme of this conference, I would like to reflect on the historical lessons we have learned about strengthening and integrating economies in an increasingly stormy and fragmented world.

    Experience shows that closer ties with the European neighbourhood can provide a strong foundation for Ukraine to rebuild and emerge stronger. And as geopolitical tensions rise and global supply chains fragment, the case for deeper regional cooperation has never been clearer.

    Europe’s own long history of integration offers valuable insights that can help guide Ukraine’s path forwards. Two key lessons stand out.

    First, while deeper integration increases the potential rewards, it also raises the risks if not managed wisely. Sound domestic policy frameworks are essential to maximise growth and safeguard stability.

    Second, the benefits of integration are neither automatic nor permanent. Maintaining them depends on continuous reform – but reforms must also deliver tangible improvements for people’s lives, and do so relatively quickly.

    The benefits of integration in a fragmenting world

    During the Cold War, the Iron Curtain fractured the European economy. Trade between East and West fell by half. This division was like imposing a 48% tariff – leading to immense welfare losses and isolating the Eastern bloc from global markets.[1]

    But the transformation since Europe’s eastern enlargement has been nothing short of remarkable. On average, countries that joined the EU in 2004 have nearly doubled their GDP per capita over the past two decades.

    Critically, this was not just about catching up from a low base. Between 2004 and 2019, the EU’s new Member States saw their GDP per capita grow 32% more than comparable non-EU countries.[2] The difference was deeper economic integration – and those that were already highly embedded in the regional economy gained the most.

    While all new members experienced gains, countries with stronger integration into regional value chains recorded nearly 10 percentage points higher GDP per capita growth compared with less integrated peers – regardless of geographic proximity.[3]

    This difference was driven mainly by technology and productivity spillovers. ECB research shows that a 10% increase in productivity among western EU firms translated into a 5% productivity gain for central and eastern European firms linked to their supply chains.[4]

    The case for regional integration is therefore clear – and in today’s increasingly fragmented geopolitical landscape, it has become even more compelling.

    First, regional integration underpins growth.

    European economies are highly open, which means a world splintering into rival trading blocs poses clear risks to prosperity. Yet Europe’s most important trading partner is Europe itself: around 65% of euro area exports go to other European countries, including the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Norway. For Ukraine too, Europe is the principal trading partner, accounting for over 50% of its goods trade in 2024.

    By deepening economic ties – more closely linking neighbouring economies – we can reduce our exposure to external shocks. Rising trade within our region can help offset losses in global markets.

    Second, regional integration strengthens resilience.

    One consequence of geopolitical fragmentation is the realignment of supply chains toward trusted partners. Nearly half of firms involved in external trade have already revised their strategies – or intend to do so – including relocating parts of their operations closer to home.[5] While this trend reduces strategic dependencies, it can also raise costs.

    Yet large integrated regions can mitigate these costs by replicating many of the benefits of globalisation at the regional level. Supply chains can be reorganised regionally, allowing each country to specialise based on its comparative advantage within regional value chains.

    Ukraine stands to benefit significantly from expanding these networks across the region – and the EU stands to benefit, too, from having Ukraine as a partner.[6]

    In the automotive sector, for example, Ukrainian firms already produce around 7% of all wire harnesses used in EU vehicles.[7] As the industry shifts towards electric vehicles, which require more complex wiring systems, Ukraine’s manufacturing base is well positioned to scale up and play a larger role in the EU value chain.

    Equally transformative is Ukraine’s drone industry, which has become one of the most advanced in the region. Drones are not only a critical component of modern warfare, but also a technology with substantial spillover effects and far-reaching dual-use applications.

    Indeed, the country’s ambitious goal of producing 4.5 million drones by 2025 has accelerated innovation in materials science, battery technology and 3D printing. These advances are already finding civilian applications in sectors such as logistics, agriculture and emergency response.

    In short, for both existing EU members and neighbouring countries like Ukraine, regional integration is both a path to prosperity and a strategic anchor in an increasingly fragmented world.

    Managing the risks of integration

    But examining the experience of countries that have used regional integration as a platform for growth and reform reveals two important lessons.

    The first is that if integration is not accompanied by appropriate reforms, it can create new vulnerabilities – especially in the financial sphere.

    Financial integration often brings volatile capital inflows, which can make it difficult to distinguish sustainable growth from unsustainable excesses in real time.

    One way this can happen is when productivity gains in tradable sectors, such as manufacturing, drive up wages in those sectors, which then spill over into higher wages in non-tradable sectors and push up overall inflation.[8]

    While this effect is a normal feature of catching-up, it can make it easy to mistake genuine convergence for economic overheating. If foreign capital is in fact driving financial imbalances – such as unsustainable real estate booms – countries may exhibit the same patterns of rising wages and inflation, masking underlying vulnerabilities.

    Another potential distortion is that capital inflows can significantly affect government fiscal positions by boosting tax revenues and creating the illusion of permanently greater fiscal space. This often leads to procyclical fiscal policies, with governments increasing spending or cutting taxes during boom periods – only to face fiscal stress when inflows reverse or growth slows.

    Both dynamics have been visible during Europe’s recent experience with regional integration.

    After the eastern enlargement, financial integration accelerated rapidly. Between 2003 and 2008, the new Member States experienced an extraordinary surge in capital inflows, averaging over 12% of GDP annually – twice the typical level for emerging markets globally.[9]

    Initially, this rapid financial integration brought clear benefits: it expanded access to credit, fuelled growth and enabled much-needed development. However, in many countries, foreign capital was disproportionately channelled into consumption and construction booms, while tax revenues rose sharply on the back of property transactions and buoyant domestic demand.[10] This led to widespread misallocation of private capital and inefficient public spending.

    Capital flows then reversed sharply when the global financial crisis struck, exposing these imbalances. Between December 2008 and May 2013, external bank liabilities in non-euro area central and eastern European countries declined by an average of 27% – with some countries experiencing drops of more than 50%.[11]

    Yet the risks associated with financial integration can be avoided. Not all countries in the region were affected equally. Those that performed better typically shared two key features.

    First, they had clear policies to channel foreign investment into productive sectors. Strong industrial strategies, a skilled workforce and integration into global supply chains helped direct capital towards manufacturing and tradable services – sectors that drive export growth and are less prone to unsustainable booms and asset bubbles.[12]

    Second, they maintained robust financial policy frameworks. Tighter capital requirements, active macroprudential measures and countercyclical buffers strengthened domestic banking sectors and curbed excessive mortgage lending. These tools enabled those countries to absorb large capital inflows without creating destabilising imbalances.[13]

    The lesson is clear: as countries integrate into the region, strong domestic policy frameworks are critical to ensuring that capital inflows support long-term growth rather than generating financial instability or inefficient allocation.

    This insight is especially relevant for Ukraine today as it charts its path towards recovery. If reconstruction proceeds as planned, the country could attract significant capital inflows over the next decade. But without the right safeguards, that capital risks being misallocated – undermining long-term productivity instead of strengthening it.

    There are encouraging signs. The EU–Ukraine Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area have already driven significant reforms in the financial sector. Ukraine’s banking regulation now aligns with more than 75% of EU standards, covering critical areas such as capital adequacy, governance and auditing.[14]

    The National Bank of Ukraine has adopted a risk-based supervisory model inspired by the Single Supervisory Mechanism – the system of banking supervision in Europe – markedly improving oversight. Despite extremely challenging circumstances, Ukraine is also modernising its capital markets – consolidating exchanges, upgrading settlement systems and strengthening regulatory enforcement to attract long-term investors.

    These reforms are already delivering results: in 2023, Ukraine’s banking sector remained profitable and well capitalised despite the ongoing war – an outcome that would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

    Still, further progress is essential, especially in fiscal governance. Strengthening public investment management will be critical to ensure that reconstruction funds are allocated transparently and efficiently.

    This is not just about meeting external standards. It is about ensuring that every euro, and every hryvnia, delivers real returns for the Ukrainian people.[15]

    Making integration sustainable

    However, reforms cannot be treated as a one-time effort.

    So, the second key lesson is that the benefits of regional integration are neither automatic nor permanent. Sustaining them requires continuous reform – and, just as importantly, it requires citizens to see visible, tangible improvements in their daily lives.

    In this context, there are two risks to watch out for.

    The first is that institutional reform momentum can fade if economic benefits do not follow quickly.

    Deeper regional integration typically begins with aligning framework conditions, such as legal systems, regulation and public administration. These areas often improve rapidly. But for the economic gains to materialise, domestic entrepreneurs and foreign investors must respond to the new incentives created – and this takes time.

    In the long run, evidence shows that countries with initially weaker institutions benefit the most from adopting higher standards.[16] But in the short run, if people only see the effort and not the payoff, public support for further reforms can weaken, putting long-term convergence at risk.

    The second risk is that structural shifts in the economy may weaken the link between integration and economic convergence over time.

    The integration of goods markets has traditionally driven convergence almost automatically, as foreign direct investment flows to countries with lower land and labour costs, supply chains relocate and lower-income countries benefit from technology transfers.

    As I mentioned earlier, this will remain an important mechanism even in an era of supply chain reshoring. But countries cannot rely on it as heavily as in the past. Future growth in intra-EU trade is expected to depend increasingly on services – particularly digital services.

    However, research shows that services sector activity tends to concentrate in larger, more affluent urban areas that exhibit the hallmarks of a knowledge economy: high tertiary education rates, strong technology and science sectors and robust digital infrastructure.[17]

    This means that deeper integration alone will not guarantee broad-based convergence across all regions. Over time, countries will need to invest more in education, skills and digitalisation to ensure they can build high levels of human capital.

    Maintaining the path of convergence is therefore not easy. But slowing down reform efforts is not the answer – especially in the shock-prone world we face today.

    There is a clear link between strong institutions and economic resilience. ECB research indicates that, during the pandemic, regions with lower institutional quality experienced – all else equal – an additional decline of around 4 percentage points in GDP per capita compared with the ten regions with the highest quality of government.[18]

    As our economies are increasingly buffeted by global turbulence, institutional backsliding therefore risks creating a vicious circle: repeated shocks can undermine economic convergence and further erode public confidence in the reform process.

    The best way for countries to sustain reform momentum is to recognise the importance of maintaining public support and, as far as possible, pair governance improvements with a focus on sectors where they have a clear competitive edge – and where deeper integration with the region can unlock significant and rapid growth opportunities.

    This way, the benefits of reforms will be felt more quickly and more widely.

    Ukraine is well positioned to put this into practice. Its IT sector is already relatively strong: IT services exports reached nearly USD 7 billion in 2023, making it one of the country’s leading export sectors despite the war.[19]

    Ukraine also produces around 130,000 STEM graduates each year – exceeding Germany and France[20] – and it ranks among the top five countries globally for certified IT professionals.[21] Successful IT clusters are active in several cities, and major foreign firms – including Apple, Microsoft, Boeing and Siemens – have established R&D operations in the country.

    A dynamic defence tech ecosystem is also taking shape[22], with Ukrainian start-ups attracting almost half a billion US dollars in funding in 2024 – surpassing many of their peers across central and eastern Europe.[23] Experience from countries like Israel suggests that such a foundation can enable the country to emerge as a broader technology hub in the years ahead.

    If Ukraine stays the course on institutional reform and continues to adapt its economy to new opportunities, despite the stormy environment, it can emerge as a vital engine of growth and a key contributor to the region’s future.

    Conclusion

    Let me conclude.

    Ukraine stands at a pivotal moment – facing the hardships of war, the challenge of reconstruction and the opportunity of deeper regional integration.

    In a world marked by shifting geopolitical realities, such integration offers a clear path to recovery and lasting prosperity.

    The recent history of regional integration shows not only its immense benefits, but also the importance of managing transitional risks through robust policy frameworks. It also underlines the need to sustain reform over time by ensuring that people feel its benefits.

    I am confident that Ukraine will be able to fully realise its economic potential, turning the upheaval of today into the foundation for a dynamic future.

    As Ivan Franko, one of Ukraine’s greatest poets, once wrote: “even though life is but a moment and made up of moments, we carry eternity in our souls.”

    This enduring spirit captures the resilience and potential of Ukraine’s people and its economy – a spirit that will continue to drive advancement and renewal in the years ahead.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales and Terma sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in the Air, Naval and Space domains

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales and Terma sign a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in the Air, Naval and Space domains

    Paris Air Show, Paris: Thales and Terma have signed a Memorandum of Understanding signaling their commitment to local industrial cooperation and a potential strategic partnership within the three key domains of Air and Air Defence, Naval and Space. This cooperation and strategic partnership will help to strengthen the European industrial and technological base to the benefit of local and international defence industry.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Arab Emirates (UAE) Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025

    Sharif Salim Al-Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies to discuss collaborative opportunities in oil and gas. Taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town, the event is the premier platform for Africa’s energy industry. Al-Olama’s participation is expected to open new doors for multilateral deals and partnerships.  

    The UAE has emerged as Africa’s largest source of foreign direct investment, with investments from Emirati companies totaling $110 billion between 2019 and 2023. This reflects a broader trend by Emirati companies to expand their portfolios in Africa, with strengthened cooperation set to unlock a wealth of development opportunities for African nations. As African countries pursue new sources of finance to advance projects in oil, gas and logistics, UAE expertise and technology will prove invaluable. During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, Al-Olama is expected to share insights into opportunities for UAE-Africa collaboration.  

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

    Looking to consolidate its position as a major player in Africa’s energy landscape, the UAE has strengthened ties with African nations in recent months. A deal signed with Morocco will see the UAE support the development of the Africa-Atlantic gas pipeline – transporting Nigerian gas to North Africa and then on to Europe. The UAE will help mobilize financing for the project through its Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund. As of May 2025, the feasibility and preliminary engineering studies for the pipeline were complete. Agreements have also been signed with Tanzania for the operation and modernization of port infrastructure while the UAE and Kenya signed a landmark comprehensive economic partnership agreement in 2025. The UAE also launched the UAE-Africa Gateway initiative in 2025, aimed at enhancing investment opportunities for Emirati companies in the sub-Saharan African region. The initiative seeks to mobilize private sector investment to advance African projects and strengthen UAE-Africa cooperation.  

    The UAE’s state-owned oil and gas companies are also expanding their presence in Africa. Notably, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is deepening its footprint across the continent, with strategic investments in exploration and infrastructure development. Recent milestones include ADNOC’s international arm XRG acquiring a 10% stake in Mozambique’s offshore Rovuma Basin Area 4 concession. The acquisition includes stakes in the operational Coral South FLNG project, the planned Coral North FLNG project and the Rovuma LNG projects. Collectively, these projects have a target production capacity of 25 million tons per annum. In Egypt, ADNOC partnered with energy major bp to establish Arcius Energy – a natural gas platform to unlock the country’s upstream potential. The platform aligns with ADNOC’s international expansion plans.  

    Beyond oil and gas, UAE-based companies have played an instrumental role in strengthening Africa’s trade and logistics sector. Companies such as DP World and Abu Dhabi Ports have expanded their presence across the continent. DP World operates six African ports while Abu Dhabi Ports have recently extended operations into Guinea, Egypt and Angola. In the clean energy space, Emirati companies are leading projects in solar, green hydrogen and power. Notably, Masdar has committed $2 billion to renewable energy projects in Africa through 2030, unlocking significant opportunities for African countries. AMEA Power is investing in a series of renewable energy projects across the continent, including $620 million in a 300MW wind project in Ethiopia; a 120 million solar project in South Africa; a 1GW green hydrogen development in Mauritania; two battery storage projects in South Africa; a 150 MW solar plant in Angola; among others. Currently, the company has more than 2.6 GW of clean energy projects either in operation of under construction in Burkina Faso, Djibouti, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Togo and Tunisia.  

    “The UAE has emerged as a strong partner for African countries seeking to advance the development of their oil, gas, clean energy and infrastructure industries. By expanding their presence across the market, partnering with African firms and mobilizing capital for impactful projects, Emirati companies are playing a major role in supporting Africa’s economic growth,” states Verner Ayukegba, Senior Vice President, African Energy Chamber.  

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: CORRECTION: Africa Data Centres and Blue Turtle partner to accelerate South Africa’s digital infrastructure and cloud transformation

    Africa Data Centres (https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com), a business of Cassava Technologies, a pan-African technology group, has formed a commercial partnership with Blue Turtle, one of South Africa’s leading enterprise IT solutions providers, to deploy colocation services in the Cape Town and Midrand data centres. This agreement marks a significant step in expanding South Africa’s enterprise cloud and digital infrastructure ecosystem, enabling secure, scalable, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services for local enterprise customers.  

    The partnership enables Blue Turtle to deploy several racks, providing their enterprise clients with access to world-class, secure, and compliant colocation and private hosted cloud services. Additionally, this collaboration will also allow South African businesses the opportunity to rapidly embrace cloud computing, digital transformation, and data-driven operations in a scalable, compliant, and high-performance colocation environment.   

    “This partnership enables us to offer customers trusted colocation and private cloud solutions in two of South Africa’s most strategic data centre locations,” said Jan Hitge, Head of Managed Services at Blue Turtle. “As enterprise clients increasingly look for secure, scalable, and cost-efficient alternatives to on-premises infrastructure, we anticipate strong market uptake – a confidence reflected in the accelerated ramp-up timeline we’ve committed to.”  

    By providing high-availability colocation services backed by regulatory compliance, low-latency connectivity, and disaster recovery capabilities, the partnership is expected to support enterprises in modernising their IT environments, enhancing security posture, and meeting evolving data sovereignty requirements under laws such as South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).  

    “This agreement is about more than just filling racks; it’s about enabling digital transformation across the economy,” said Adil El Youssefi, CEO of Africa Data Centres. “Blue Turtle brings a strong client base and the ability to scale rapidly, making them an ideal partner in our mission to deliver secure, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure across South Africa. As demand for trusted infrastructure continues to climb, we will work towards this partnership evolving to support broader cloud initiatives, edge computing, and AI-ready infrastructure deployments.”  

    With commercial partners like Blue Turtle, Africa Data Centres continues to expand its footprint and impact across the continent, powering the next phase of enterprise transformation and solidifying South Africa’s status as a leading technology hub in Africa.  

    Africa Data Centres, which operates the continent’s largest interconnected, vendor- and cloud-neutral data centre platform, will benefit from Blue Turtle’s strong go-to-market capabilities and proven track record in delivering IT solutions to South Africa’s enterprise sector. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

    Africa Data Centres:
    Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa’s small, medium and large enterprises and global hyperscale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com  

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Valor Hospitality Partners announces two significant deals in West Africa, estimated value of R540 million

    Valor Hospitality Partners (www.ValorHospitality.com), a global leader in full-service hospitality solutions, today announced the signing of two new hotel management contracts in Nigeria and Senegal representing an investment in excess of approximately R540 million in West Africa. The deals were signed at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place in Cape Town this week.

    The significant figure represents the combined capital expenditure for the development and establishment of the two new-build properties.

    Both deals are franchise agreements with IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world’s leading hospitality companies. The agreements are to manage the new Holiday Inn SD City in Dakar, Senegal and a new Crowne Plaza hotel in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Significantly, these signings are Valor’s debut in the very dynamic West African market, and join Valor’s portfolio in Central, East and Southern Africa, and further strengthen Valor’s relationship with IHG globally.

    Across the two properties, Valor will be responsible for the successful opening and  operational management of each hotel.

    “The hospitality sector on the continent is teeming with opportunity, and represents an incredible frontier for the adoption of fully-integrated management services. These signings speak to this reality and we’re excited to further expand our footprint across Africa, not only for its market potential but for the value we can bring in enhancing the sector for all stakeholders – from owners and developers, right down to the guest experience,” says Michael Pownall, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Valor Hospitality Partners.

    Beyond the monetary investment, these deals signify confidence in the region’s hospitality and the growing preference for leveraging fully-integrated management services, such as those offered by Valor, to ensure global best-in-class management and operational practices at every level.

    Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG Hotels & Resorts , said: “Valor Hospitality is amongst our key strategic partners in the region and we’re pleased to further extend the partnership as we expand our footprint in high-potential African markets. We look forward to working with Valor in delivering world-class welcoming experiences for travellers, across our portfolio with them.

    Pownall adds: “These new deals represent a significant entry into a new, key market – namely Senegal and Nigeria in West Africa. This expansion diversifies our regional presence and strengthens our market position.”

    Thanks to the global insights and strategic thinking Valor brings to the industry, combined with their commitment to blending a big-picture view with regional and cultural nuances, Valor is cementing its position as a preferred partner to significant players in the hospitality sector across Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Valor Hospitality.

    For media inquiries and high-resolution imagesplease contact:
    Delia de Villiers
    delia@phoenixcollective.world 
    +27 73 710 3000

    For more information about Valor Hospitality and its innovative approach to hotel management and franchising
    visit www.ValorHospitality.com.

    ABOUT VALOR HOSPITALITY PARTNERS:
    Valor Hospitality Partners
     (www.ValorHospitality.com) is a leading global full-service hotel underwriting, acquisition, development, management, and asset management company. With over 90 hospitality projects in its international portfolio, Valor Hospitality offers an array of services, including site selection, product and brand selection, entitlements, financing solutions, conceptual design, construction and project management, procurement, technical services, pre-opening, and operations management. Valor also provides consulting services on a wide range of project scenarios, including working with new or existing ownership groups on reviewing site selection, assessing feasibility studies and project budgets, compiling project budgets, and underwriting. For more information, visit ValorHospitality.com connect with Valor on Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/462xp5L) and LinkedIn (https://apo-opa.co/3Zzd7Nq).

    MIL OSI Africa –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – State of play of the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine versus the Western Balkans – E-002321/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002321/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    Ukraine was granted EU candidate country status in 2022 and is among the ten countries hoping to accede to the Union. The Western Balkans embarked upon their journey to EU membership in 2003. Since then, only Croatia has joined the Union (in 2013), while the other countries are still working towards the Copenhagen criteria. By contrast, although Ukraine is at war, its accession process is advancing at a much faster pace.

    • 1.What progress has Ukraine made in ticking off the Copenhagen criteria and the individual chapters of the EU acquis since being conferred candidate status in June 2022, and what specific challenges remain, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, fighting corruption, and judicial reform?
    • 2.Are there discussions within the Commission about adapting or loosening the accession requirements for Ukraine in certain areas – for example, as regards the full implementation of the EU acquis or economic convergence – in order to speed up the accession process, and if so, how is a balance being struck between expedition and compliance with the accession criteria?
    • 3.To what extent is the Commission taking the current geopolitical situation and the ongoing war in Ukraine into account when setting timelines and priorities for the accession negotiations, and are there any plans to introduce transitional arrangements or special agreements in order to facilitate the accession process in these extraordinary circumstances?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – State of play of the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine versus the Western Balkans – E-002321/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002321/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    Ukraine was granted EU candidate country status in 2022 and is among the ten countries hoping to accede to the Union. The Western Balkans embarked upon their journey to EU membership in 2003. Since then, only Croatia has joined the Union (in 2013), while the other countries are still working towards the Copenhagen criteria. By contrast, although Ukraine is at war, its accession process is advancing at a much faster pace.

    • 1.What progress has Ukraine made in ticking off the Copenhagen criteria and the individual chapters of the EU acquis since being conferred candidate status in June 2022, and what specific challenges remain, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, fighting corruption, and judicial reform?
    • 2.Are there discussions within the Commission about adapting or loosening the accession requirements for Ukraine in certain areas – for example, as regards the full implementation of the EU acquis or economic convergence – in order to speed up the accession process, and if so, how is a balance being struck between expedition and compliance with the accession criteria?
    • 3.To what extent is the Commission taking the current geopolitical situation and the ongoing war in Ukraine into account when setting timelines and priorities for the accession negotiations, and are there any plans to introduce transitional arrangements or special agreements in order to facilitate the accession process in these extraordinary circumstances?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – State of play of the EU accession negotiations with Ukraine versus the Western Balkans – E-002321/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002321/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    Ukraine was granted EU candidate country status in 2022 and is among the ten countries hoping to accede to the Union. The Western Balkans embarked upon their journey to EU membership in 2003. Since then, only Croatia has joined the Union (in 2013), while the other countries are still working towards the Copenhagen criteria. By contrast, although Ukraine is at war, its accession process is advancing at a much faster pace.

    • 1.What progress has Ukraine made in ticking off the Copenhagen criteria and the individual chapters of the EU acquis since being conferred candidate status in June 2022, and what specific challenges remain, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, fighting corruption, and judicial reform?
    • 2.Are there discussions within the Commission about adapting or loosening the accession requirements for Ukraine in certain areas – for example, as regards the full implementation of the EU acquis or economic convergence – in order to speed up the accession process, and if so, how is a balance being struck between expedition and compliance with the accession criteria?
    • 3.To what extent is the Commission taking the current geopolitical situation and the ongoing war in Ukraine into account when setting timelines and priorities for the accession negotiations, and are there any plans to introduce transitional arrangements or special agreements in order to facilitate the accession process in these extraordinary circumstances?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Agricultural products from Türkiye containing banned pesticides – E-001061/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Food products from third countries, regardless of their origin, must comply with EU food safety standards laid down in EU legislation. According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625[1], Member States must carry out official controls and enforcement activities at all stages of distribution, including at the import stage.

    Where food of non-animal origin from third countries poses a risk, the Commission adopts measures through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793[2], including increased frequency checks at border control posts.

    Member States are to impose penalties applicable to the infringement of the Union agri-food chain legislation. These penalties shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and the Member States’ competent authorities are responsible for the removal of non-compliant consignments from the EU market.

    The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is established to ensure an exchange of information between Member States to support a swift reaction by food safety authorities.

    The Commission performs audits[3] in Member States and in third countries to ensure that their official control systems guarantee that goods intended for export to the EU comply with applicable EU rules. As suggested in the Vision for Food and Agriculture, a dedicated task force will be established, which will significantly increase the Union’s response to further strengthening the control on imports.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1793/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/index.cfm.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Agricultural products from Türkiye containing banned pesticides – E-001061/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Food products from third countries, regardless of their origin, must comply with EU food safety standards laid down in EU legislation. According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625[1], Member States must carry out official controls and enforcement activities at all stages of distribution, including at the import stage.

    Where food of non-animal origin from third countries poses a risk, the Commission adopts measures through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793[2], including increased frequency checks at border control posts.

    Member States are to impose penalties applicable to the infringement of the Union agri-food chain legislation. These penalties shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and the Member States’ competent authorities are responsible for the removal of non-compliant consignments from the EU market.

    The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is established to ensure an exchange of information between Member States to support a swift reaction by food safety authorities.

    The Commission performs audits[3] in Member States and in third countries to ensure that their official control systems guarantee that goods intended for export to the EU comply with applicable EU rules. As suggested in the Vision for Food and Agriculture, a dedicated task force will be established, which will significantly increase the Union’s response to further strengthening the control on imports.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1793/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/index.cfm.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Agricultural products from Türkiye containing banned pesticides – E-001061/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Food products from third countries, regardless of their origin, must comply with EU food safety standards laid down in EU legislation. According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625[1], Member States must carry out official controls and enforcement activities at all stages of distribution, including at the import stage.

    Where food of non-animal origin from third countries poses a risk, the Commission adopts measures through Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/1793[2], including increased frequency checks at border control posts.

    Member States are to impose penalties applicable to the infringement of the Union agri-food chain legislation. These penalties shall be effective, proportionate, dissuasive and the Member States’ competent authorities are responsible for the removal of non-compliant consignments from the EU market.

    The Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) is established to ensure an exchange of information between Member States to support a swift reaction by food safety authorities.

    The Commission performs audits[3] in Member States and in third countries to ensure that their official control systems guarantee that goods intended for export to the EU comply with applicable EU rules. As suggested in the Vision for Food and Agriculture, a dedicated task force will be established, which will significantly increase the Union’s response to further strengthening the control on imports.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/625/oj.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2019/1793/oj/eng.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/food/audits-analysis/audit_reports/index.cfm.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Media reports of opaque funding of non-governmental organisations to promote EU climate policy (cont.) – E-002335/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002335/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (PfE)

    An article in the Welt am Sonntag (cited on 7 June 2025 in Euronews and Politico) reported allegations of certain ‘secret contracts’ between the Commission and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as ‘ClientEarth’ and ‘Friends of the Earth’[1].

    According to the article, the Commission provided up to EUR 700 000 to fund actions aimed at promoting EU climate policy, including engaging German coal power plants in legal disputes to increase their legal and financial risks. To fully clarify this issue and ensure public confidence in the Commission’s actions:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to organise an audit or review of grant agreements with NGOs in order to ensure funding is transparent?
    • 2.What steps have been taken to investigate all allegations concerning claims that the Commission instructed NGOs to lobby for specific policies under the Green Deal?
    • 3.What additional measures does the Commission intend to introduce to increase the transparency of NGO funding and address public concerns regarding this matter?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus256221718/geheime-vertraege-offengelegt-eu-kommission-bezahlte-aktivisten-fuer-klimalobbyismus.html?icid=search.product.onsitesearch.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Media reports of opaque funding of non-governmental organisations to promote EU climate policy (cont.) – E-002335/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002335/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (PfE)

    An article in the Welt am Sonntag (cited on 7 June 2025 in Euronews and Politico) reported allegations of certain ‘secret contracts’ between the Commission and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), such as ‘ClientEarth’ and ‘Friends of the Earth’[1].

    According to the article, the Commission provided up to EUR 700 000 to fund actions aimed at promoting EU climate policy, including engaging German coal power plants in legal disputes to increase their legal and financial risks. To fully clarify this issue and ensure public confidence in the Commission’s actions:

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to organise an audit or review of grant agreements with NGOs in order to ensure funding is transparent?
    • 2.What steps have been taken to investigate all allegations concerning claims that the Commission instructed NGOs to lobby for specific policies under the Green Deal?
    • 3.What additional measures does the Commission intend to introduce to increase the transparency of NGO funding and address public concerns regarding this matter?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.welt.de/wirtschaft/plus256221718/geheime-vertraege-offengelegt-eu-kommission-bezahlte-aktivisten-fuer-klimalobbyismus.html?icid=search.product.onsitesearch.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European rules on nitrous oxide for recreational use – E-002334/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002334/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nadine Morano (PPE)

    Several Member States have reported an increase in cases of severe poisoning and deaths related to recreational use of nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), especially among young people. In 2023, some 472 incidents were reported to the French CEIP-A, an organisation which assesses and monitors drug addiction, an increase of 30% compared to 2022.

    In 92% of the cases, the doses consumed were high, often from large-volume canisters, and 50% of users reported daily consumption. More than 80% of cases presented serious neurological complications, including spinal cord damage. According to Santé publique France, in 2022 some 14% of 18-24 year-olds had experimented with nitrous oxide. The rules vary greatly from one Member State to another.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to harmonise the rules on the sale and use of nitrous oxide at European level?
    • 2.Are there plans to include nitrous oxide in the scope of the European Union Drugs Agency and in the Early Warning System?
    • 3.What information campaigns are being supported at European level to raise awareness of the neurological and respiratory risks associated with using nitrous oxide?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Rescue at sea by the aid vessel ‘Madleen’ – P-002408/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002408/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Özlem Demirel (The Left)

    On 5 June 2025, the Gaza-bound aid vessel ‘Madleen’ received a distress signal via a Frontex drone. It provided a location update for a boat with 30-40 people on board. The ‘Madleen’ contacted Greek authorities and, as the boat was in Egypt’s search-and-rescue zone, Egyptian authorities too. The crew launched a rescue boat. Another vessel approached; it was initially assumed to be Egyptian, but turned out to be a Libyan coastguard vessel. It took the people on board, apparently against their will. Four of them jumped into the sea out of fear; they were rescued by the ‘Madleen’, with Frontex subsequently taking charge of them.

    • 1.When and by what means (aircraft, drones, satellite reconnaissance) did Frontex observe and/or contact the ‘Madleen’ or the vessel ‘Conscious’, which had been on a similar mission?
    • 2.What facts are known to Frontex about the maritime emergency on 5 June 2025 (position and time, actor making the sighting, distress signals sent and received, maritime emergency coordination centres that were competent and took action, vessels in the vicinity, order given to the ‘Madleen’ to carry out the rescue)?
    • 3.Who directed Frontex to take charge of the rescued persons from the ‘Madleen’, and to hand them over to another centre, and where are those persons and the people taken on board by the Libyan coastguard vessel ‘Tareq Bin Zayed’ now?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Cybersecurity and operational readiness of port authorities – the need for pan-European coordination – E-002367/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002367/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolas Farantouris (The Left)

    As revealed by reports in the Greek press[1], the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy’s information system has reportedly been out of operation for several days and remains so to this date, for reasons still unknown. Even the official webpage is down. The disruption affects some of the Coast Guard’s critical digital applications, which help ensure that citizens are safe and get the assistance they need.

    In addition, the Coast Guard is entrusted with critical responsibilities, including maritime safety, maritime transport control and the management of migration flows, which are relevant for European security.

    This incident, whatever may have caused it, calls into question the operational readiness of critical EU infrastructure, in particular in relation to services at the EU’s external borders.

    Can the Commission therefore say:

    • 1.Have its services been informed of the aforementioned malfunctions?
    • 2.Does it intend to establish, in particular, protocols and mechanisms to prevent and respond to such situations?
    • 3.Does it intend to establish a single framework for assessing the cybersecurity of Member States’ port and border structures?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.documentonews.gr/article/sovari-kataggelia-epese-o-server-toy-ypoyrgeioy-naytilias-tyflo-to-limeniko/, https://www.newsbreak.gr/ellada/888514/psifiaki-katarreysi-offline-ypoyrgeio-naytilias-kai-limeniko-ti-ginetai-me-ton-server/.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Exclusion of sexual and reproductive health medicines from the EU’s list of critical medicines – E-002365/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002365/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Carolina Morace (The Left), Valentina Palmisano (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left)

    To prevent shortages and boost the resilience of the European health system, the Commission, with the technical and scientific support of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national agencies, published the EU list of critical medicines in December 2023, and updated it in 2024.

    However, the list does not include medicines that are essential for women’s sexual and reproductive health, including:

    • Misoprostol, used to terminate pregnancies pharmacologically;

    • Levonorgestrel and ulipristal acetate, used as emergency contraceptives.

    In its resolution of 11 April 2024 (2024/2655 (RSP)), Parliament defined access to safe abortion and emergency contraception as ‘fundamental rights’. These medicines, which are included in the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, are crucial for protecting women’s sexual and reproductive rights throughout the EU.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.What criteria led to the exclusion of those medicines from the list?
    • 2.Will the Commission review the selection criteria with a view to including essential medicines for sexual and reproductive health?
    • 3.What practical steps will it take to ensure their availability in all Member States, including where legislative or logistical barriers limit the right to abortion or access to emergency contraception?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unlawful use of Horizon Europe funds by Israeli entities – E-002355/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002355/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Thijs Reuten (S&D), Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    Investigative research by the investigative journalism platform Follow the Money has brought to light that more than EUR 3 billion has been allocated to Horizon Europe projects involving Israeli institutions since 2007. The research also concluded that Dutch universities are involved in at least 28 ongoing Horizon Europe projects developing technologies and products that could potentially also be used for military purposes – so-called dual-use products.

    • 1.Can the Commission provide an overview of all Horizon Europe projects involving Israeli entities which are developing dual-use products and whether they fall within Article 1(2)(a), (b) or (c) of Regulation (EU) 2021/695?
    • 2.How does the Commission verify that Horizon Europe projects (Article 1(2)(a) and (b)) with Israeli involvement comply with Regulation (EU) 2021/695, and in particular Articles 5, 7 and 19 regarding exclusive use for civilian purposes, protection of human rights and ethical principles?
    • 3.Are there any known cases where the Commission or a research institution either suspected or concluded that technology or finished products were being used by Israel for military purposes, and specifically for military actions in violation of international law, and thus in breach of Regulations (EU) 2021/695 and (EU) 2021/697? What action has the Commission taken if such cases have indeed come to light?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Aid for investment in new nuclear power in Sweden – E-002358/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002358/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Hanna Gedin (The Left), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left)

    In May 2025, the Swedish Parliament adopted a decision allowing state aid for firms investing in new nuclear reactors in Sweden. The aid takes the form of both government loans and two-way contracts for difference. The cost is put at SEK 400 billion, of which the Government will provide SEK 300 billion in loan capital. A price hedging agreement will also guarantee the nuclear power companies at least 80 öre/kWh from the Government for 40 years.

    EU state aid rules, in principle, prohibit state aid that distorts competition in the internal market, but allow derogations if the aid is deemed necessary, proportionate and compatible with the common interest as referred to in Article 107(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Has the Commission received a notification from Sweden on the proposed aid scheme for new nuclear power and, if so, does it regard the scheme as compatible with EU state aid rules?
    • 2.Does the Commission regard the aid as proportionate and necessary, especially in view of the fact that there is already an electricity surplus in many parts of Sweden?
    • 3.How is it to be ensured that the proposed aid scheme does not lead to distortions of competition vis-à-vis other non-fossil power sources, such as wind or solar?

    Submitted: 11.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Nea Dimokratia Government’s announced abolishment of OPEKEPE – E-002310/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002310/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    The revelations at the centre of the publicity surrounding OPEKEPE, Greece’s Payment and Control Agency for Guidance and Guarantee Community Aid, are hardly a ‘bolt from the blue’. They are the result of the EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) – which all the bourgeois parties voted for, co-shaped and implemented from government positions – and, indeed, the scandalous way in which agricultural subsidies are granted.

    The Nea Dimokratia Government bears full responsibility for the latest developments, because for at least six years it has continued to implement the ‘technical solution’ introduced by the previous Syriza Government from 2015 to 2017.

    National governments and the Commission have been – and still are – turning a deaf ear to farmers’ and livestock breeders’ demands for subsidies to be based on actual agricultural production and actual livestock count, as well as to complaints that ‘decoupled’ payments ultimately end up in the hands of non-farmers.

    In view of this, can the Commission say:

    • 1.What view does it take of the Nea Dimokratia Government’s announcement that it will abolish OPEKEPE, which comes just as it has declared that it has submitted a plan to turn the organisation around to the EU?
    • 2.How does it view the demands of the agricultural trade union movement for subsidies to be granted on the basis of actual agricultural production and actual livestock count?
    • 3.What view does it take of the need to take all the necessary measures to ensure that struggling farmers are not subject to cuts, that outstanding payments be made immediately and that the system be opened so that they can submit their declarations in good time?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regulation on the taxation of tobacco products – E-002377/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002377/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (PfE)

    At a meeting of the Sub-Committee on Taxation (FISC) on 6 February 2025, the Commission’s main priorities for 2025 in the area of taxation were presented, including the objectives of the new excise directive, as its priorities in the area of tobacco taxation regulation.

    Poland is one of the largest manufacturers and exporters of tobacco products in the European Union. At the same time, the tobacco sector provides more than 30% of excise revenues for the state budget, while the shadow economy is at a historically low level of less than 5%. This is a huge achievement by the Polish authorities in the fight against the shadow economy, given that one in every five cigarettes smoked in Poland came from illegal sources in 2015, and is also the result of a sensible and balanced tax policy, including the introduction of a multi-year plan for excise duty increases.

    The approximation of the level of taxation and prices in the EU that underpins the excise directive has already failed and will only increase illegal trade and smuggling.

    • 1.Could the Commission please set out the economic and social impact of the revision of Directive 2011/64/EU on the structure and rates of excise duty applied to manufactured tobacco?
    • 2.Could the Commission please provide a timetable for the work on the proposed changes?
    • 3.Could the Commission state which Member States support the proposed changes?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Sanctioning of sham charities supporting Hamas – E-002378/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002378/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Pina Picierno (S&D)

    In October 2024, the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned three individuals and one sham charity that are prominent financial supporters of Hamas but also active in Italy, Germany and Austria[1].

    On 10 June 2025, OFAC sanctioned another five people and five sham charities outside the US that stand accused of financing Hamas’s military wing under the guise of conducting humanitarian work both internationally and in Gaza. Some of them operate in the EU, specifically, in Italy and the Netherlands, and are run by people already subject to sanctions[2].

    Despite those measures, the charities continue to operate undisturbed in Europe, carrying out activities for a movement that the EU has designated a terrorist organisation.

    Taking into account that the US, an important Atlantic Alliance partner in efforts to tackle international terrorism and bring stability to the Middle East, has already sanctioned those charities, will the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy apply similar sanctions at EU level with a view to curbing terrorist activities in the Member States?

    Submitted: 12.6.2025

    • [1] https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2632.
    • [2] https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0162.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Brussels endorses the CGT as a ‘trusted flagger’ on the Internet – E-002315/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002315/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    The new EU Digital Services Act (DSA) now governs the moderation and removal of ‘illegal’ content online. Article 22 of the DSA requires online platforms to take the necessary technical and organisational measures to ensure that notices submitted by trusted flaggers are given priority. The Commission has recently confirmed that the CGT has been granted ‘trusted flagger’ status in France (5 March 2025)[1].

    However, the CGT is not recognised for its commitment to freedom of expression or to combating fraud, nor for its political neutrality.

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that the biggest platforms (X, Meta, Youtube, etc.)[2] must address reports and requests for removal issued by the CGT as a priority, including in times of crisis?
    • 2.Is the fact of a country granting trusted flagger status to a political entity or trade union compatible with the spirit of the DSA?
    • 3.Has the CGT indeed received nearly EUR 10 million from the European Union since 2014[3]?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/trusted-flaggers-under-dsa
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/analysis.html A search of the Commission’s financial transparency register using the keyword ‘CGT’ reveals approximately EUR 10 million in European funding, of which EUR 9.14 million was reportedly paid to three organisations: 1) The CGT’s National Federation of Construction Workers (approximately half of the amount) 2) The CGT’s Confederation of Retired Workers and Trade Unionists 3) The CGT’s Federation of Metalworkers
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Brussels endorses the CGT as a ‘trusted flagger’ on the Internet – E-002315/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002315/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    The new EU Digital Services Act (DSA) now governs the moderation and removal of ‘illegal’ content online. Article 22 of the DSA requires online platforms to take the necessary technical and organisational measures to ensure that notices submitted by trusted flaggers are given priority. The Commission has recently confirmed that the CGT has been granted ‘trusted flagger’ status in France (5 March 2025)[1].

    However, the CGT is not recognised for its commitment to freedom of expression or to combating fraud, nor for its political neutrality.

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm that the biggest platforms (X, Meta, Youtube, etc.)[2] must address reports and requests for removal issued by the CGT as a priority, including in times of crisis?
    • 2.Is the fact of a country granting trusted flagger status to a political entity or trade union compatible with the spirit of the DSA?
    • 3.Has the CGT indeed received nearly EUR 10 million from the European Union since 2014[3]?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/trusted-flaggers-under-dsa
    • [2] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/list-designated-vlops-and-vloses
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/analysis.html A search of the Commission’s financial transparency register using the keyword ‘CGT’ reveals approximately EUR 10 million in European funding, of which EUR 9.14 million was reportedly paid to three organisations: 1) The CGT’s National Federation of Construction Workers (approximately half of the amount) 2) The CGT’s Confederation of Retired Workers and Trade Unionists 3) The CGT’s Federation of Metalworkers
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    June 19, 2025
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