NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Urgent need to protect civilians amid unprecedented escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran

    Source: Amnesty International –

    As more and more civilians bear the cruel toll of the terrifying military escalation in Iran and Israel since 13 June 2025, and amid threats of further escalation in the conflict, Amnesty International is urging the Israeli and Iranian authorities to abide by their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians.

    On 16 June, an Iranian government spokesperson reported that Israeli attacks had killed at least 224 people, including 74 women and children, without specifying how many of them were civilians. The health ministry also stated 1,800 people have been injured.

    In Israel, the Israeli Military Home Front reported that Iranian attacks had killed at least 24 people, including women and children, stating that they were all civilians, with nearly 600 injured.

    “As the number of deaths and injuries continue to rise, Amnesty International is urging both parties to comply with their obligations and ensure that civilians in both countries do not further pay the price of reckless military action,” said Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International. 

    “Further escalation of these hostilities risks unleashing devastating and far-reaching consequences for civilians across the region and beyond.

    As the number of deaths and injuries continue to rise, Amnesty International is urging both parties to comply with their obligations and ensure that civilians in both countries do not further pay the price of reckless military action

    Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International

    “Statements by the US and the G7 so far have failed to recognize the catastrophic impact this escalation will have on civilians in both countries.

    “Instead of cheering on one party to the conflict over another as if civilian suffering is a mere sideshow, states must ensure the protection of civilians. Preventing further suffering must be the priority – not the pursuit of military or geopolitical goals.

    “Both Israeli and Iranian authorities have time and again demonstrated their utter disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law, committing grave international crimes with impunity.

    “The world must not allow Israel to use this military escalation to divert attention away from its ongoing genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip, its illegal occupation of the whole Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) and its system of apartheid against Palestinians.

    “Likewise, the international community must not ignore the suffering that decades of crimes under international law by the Iranian authorities have inflicted upon people inside Iran, that is now being compounded by relentless bombardment.”

    Under international humanitarian law, all parties must take all feasible precautions to spare civilians and minimize their suffering and casualties. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits attacks directed at civilians and civilian objects, as well as attacks which do not distinguish between military targets and civilians or civilian infrastructure.

    For this reason, weapons that are extremely inaccurate and have large warheads that produce large area effects, such as ballistic missiles, should never be used in areas with large populations of civilians. Attacks on military objectives that are likely to result in disproportionate civilian casualties or destruction of civilian objects are also prohibited.

    In the deadliest incident in Israel, eight people including three children, were killed in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv, on 15 June.

    In Iran, at least 12 people including children and a pregnant woman were killed in one attack in Tajrish square in Tehran on 15 June.

    In the shadow of this latest escalation, Israeli authorities continue to forcibly displace and starve Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip as part of their ongoing genocide. They have imposed a full closure on the West Bank, where state-backed settler violence continues to rise, further entrenching Israel’s illegal occupation and apartheid system.

    Meanwhile, Iranian authorities have responded to Israel’s latest military attacks by imposing internet restrictions, arresting journalists and dissidents within the country. They have also restricted prisoners’ communication with the outside world, including those in prisons near sites of the bombings. On 16 June, the Iranian authorities executed a man for alleged espionage for Israel, raising concerns about the fate of others on death row for similar charges. The Iranian authorities must release all human rights defenders and others arbitrarily detained and should relocate other prisoners away from locations at risk of being attacked by Israel.

    Sinister and fear-inducing ‘warnings’

    Over the past three days, Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister of Defence Israel Katz, and Persian-language spokesperson of the Israeli army Kamal Pinchasi have issued alarming threats and overly broad, ineffective evacuation warnings to millions of civilians in Tehran a major city with a population of around 10 million people, located in Tehran province which is home to around 19 million people. In some cases, warnings were issued in the middle of the night when residents were asleep or did not clarify if they referred to the city or the province of Tehran.

    On 16 June, Israel Katz, Israel’s Minister of Defense threatened  on X that “the residents of Tehran will be forced to pay the price” for the actions of the Iranian authorities. Hours later, the Israeli military’s Persian-language spokesperson warned civilians to evacuate Tehran’s District Three – an area of approximately 30 square km and home to over 350,000 people- via a video showing unclear danger zones. The video included a map indicating danger zones for civilians but did not clearly specify targeted locations or areas of blast and fragmentation hazard, leaving residents uncertain about which areas to avoid. Iranian civil society activists later republished the map with cleared boundaries and locations named.

    Prior to the “evacuation” warnings on 16 June, the Israeli army had issued another overly broad warning in Persian, instructing people across the country to  “immediately leave areas … [housing] military weapons manufacturing facilities and their support institutions”. The statement sowed panic and confusion among people, as the locations of military facilities are not known to the general public, and no clear guidance was provided on where civilians should or should not go to ensure their safety.

    Evacuation warnings, even if detailed and effective, do not release Israel from its other obligations under international humanitarian law. They must not treat as open-fire zones areas for which they have issued warnings. Millions of people in Tehran cannot leave, either because they have no alternative residences outside the city or due to limited mobility, disability, blocked roads, fuel shortages or other constraints. Israel has an obligation to take all feasible precautions to minimize harm to these civilians.

    Early morning Tehran time on 17 June, US President Donald Trump caused further panic with a Truth Social post stating: “Everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the White House amplified the message on X, amid media reports that the United States may join Israel in striking Iran. 

    In reaction to the Israeli warnings, Iranian state media reported on 15 June that the Iranian armed forces had issued warnings urging residents of Tel Aviv to evacuate. In a video aired on state media, Reza Sayed, spokesperson of the Communication Center of the General Staff of the Armed Forces stated: “Leave the occupied territories [referring to Israel and the OPT], as they will undoubtedly become uninhabitable for you in the future … Do not allow the criminal regime to use you as human shields. Avoid residing or moving near the aforementioned locations and know that even underground shelters will not provide you with safety.”

    In Israel, these Iranian warnings have not triggered the same level of chaos and mass evacuation, largely due to the presence of the Iron Dome defense system and available shelters.  However, there have been cases where civilians, particularly Palestinian citizens of Israel and Bedouin communities, who do not have access to underground shelters, such as the Khatib family in the Palestinian town of Tamra, were killed as a result of an Iranian missile strike. Israeli civil society groups are calling on the government to urgently address the chronic lack of protected space for non-Jewish Israeli citizens

    Parties to armed conflicts are prohibited from issuing threats of violence which are designed to spread terror among the civilian population. They cannot hide behind overly general warnings to claim that they have met their obligations under international law. To constitute effective warnings under international humanitarian law, parties must provide civilians with clear and practical instructions on moving away from military objectives that will be targeted rather than unlawfully calling for the mass exodus of millions – an approach that appears designed more to incite panic and terror among civilians than to ensure their protection.

    Internet shutdowns and media censorship

    In Iran, the authorities have disrupted access to the Internet and instant messaging applications, preventing millions of people caught up in the conflict from accessing essential information and communicating with loved ones both inside and outside the country and thereby exacerbating their suffering.

    “Access to the Internet is essential to protect human rights, especially in times of armed conflict where communications blackouts would prevent people from finding safe routes, accessing life-saving resources, and staying informed. The Iranian authorities must immediately ensure full restoration of internet and communication services in all of Iran,” said Agnès Callamard.

    The Israeli authorities are also using vague security pretexts to target people over social media posts or sharing videos deemed to breach strict censorship rules.

    “Israeli authorities must refrain from using military escalations, as they have done in the past, as a further pretext to crack down on freedom of expression, disproportionately targeting Palestinian citizens of Israel, including through arbitrary detention over unsubstantiated allegations of incitement,” said Agnès Callamard.

    Background

    On 13 June 2025, Israeli authorities launched air and drone strikes against Iranian territory. Shortly afterwards, Israeli officials announced that they launched the operation to target Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities and decapitate Iran’s military leadership. The Israeli strikes began as Iran and the US were in the process of negotiating a new deal to limit Iran’s nuclear program and enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

    Iranian authorities have retaliated by launching hundreds of missiles and drones against Israeli territory.

    Israeli attacks have struck cities in multiple provinces across Iran, including the provinces of Alborz, East Azerbaijan, Esfahan, Fars, Kermanshah, Hamedan, Lorestan, Ilam, Markazi, Qom, Tehran, West Azerbaijan and Khorasan Razavi.

    Iranian attacks have struck several urban areas in Israel, such as Tel Aviv, Bat Yam, Tamra, Petah Tikva, Bnei Brak, Haifa, Herzliya.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pfluger Encourages TX-11 Students to Participate in the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)

    Rep. Pfluger Encourages TX-11 Students to Participate in the Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge

    Washington, June 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Second Lady of the United States Usha Vance announced her Summer Reading Challenge, and Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) is encouraging all K-8 students in Texas’s 11th Congressional District to participate. To enter, students must read 12 books, complete the reading log, and submit it to receive a prize. The challenge is open to all students in grades K-8, and participants will be entered into a raffle for a special trip to visit the Nation’s Capital!

    “The Second Lady’s Summer Reading Challenge is in full swing! Developing strong reading skills lays the foundation for lifelong success. I know my daughter is actively participating, and I encourage every eligible student to join in as well. This is an incredible opportunity to show the rest of America what I already know — that TX-11 is home to some of the best and brightest students in the country,” said Rep. Pfluger.

    The Summer Reading Challenge runs through September 5, 2025. To learn more and enter the challenge, please click HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Johnson Releases Budget Reconciliation Report

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) released his report titled, “FY 2025 Budget Reconciliation: Facts, Figures, and Analysis.” The senator contends that neither Congress, the Administration, nor the public at large has fully acknowledged the depth of the fiscal hole we have dug, or what it will take to dig ourselves out of it. “The first step in solving any problem is admitting you have one. The second step is defining it clearly,” said Sen. Johnson.

    In the seven years prior to the pandemic, federal deficits averaged $660 billion per year. Mass panic during the pandemic resulted in a spending increase of $2.1 trillion in FY2020 ($4.4 to $6.5 trillion), with a one-year deficit exceeding $3.1 trillion. Instead of returning to a reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending as the economy recovered and unemployment rates returned to normal, President Biden and congressional Democrats kept the spending spree going, resulting in deficits averaging $1.9 trillion over the next four years, sparking forty-year high inflation.

    CBO’s January 2025 baseline projects a cumulative 10-year (FY2025-FY2034) deficit of $21.1 trillion, or $2.1 trillion average deficit per year. CBO’s score of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) projects a 10-year deficit of $24.1 trillion, or $2.4 trillion average per year. Even the scenario presented by the White House in its June 7, 2025 memo projects a 10-year deficit of $18.6 trillion, or $1.86 trillion average per year, only slightly below President Biden’s level. The White House scenario assumes $2.8 trillion in tariff revenue and $1.5 trillion in additional discretionary spending reduction.

    With these facts in mind, Sen. Johnson’s report provides an analysis of different scenarios using various growth rates and spending levels to prove that, without returning to a much lower pre-pandemic spending level, there is virtually no hope of achieving a balanced budget.

    As Republican leaders have repeatedly stated, “We don’t have a revenue problem; we have a spending problem.”

    “Republicans must ask themselves whether they’re willing to address this spending problem. I hope the answer is yes — and I will continue doing everything I can to ensure it is,” said Sen. Johnson.

    The full text of the report can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chicago Lab Owner Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison in Connection with $14M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    The owner of a Chicago laboratory has been sentenced today to seven years in prison for his role in a COVID-19 testing fraud scheme.

    According to court documents, Zishan Alvi, 46, of Inverness, Ill., owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for COVID-19. In 2021 and 2022, Alvi caused claims to be submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for COVID-19 tests that were either not performed at all or not performed correctly. As part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive because Alvi had diluted the tests to save on costs, rendering the tests unreliable. Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for tests that were not performed or were inconclusive but still caused the laboratory to bill HRSA for those tests. Alvi also lied to laboratory directors to conceal his fraud. As a result of the fraudulent claims, HRSA paid the laboratory more than $14 million.

    Alvi pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud on September 30, 2024. At sentencing, he was also ordered to pay $14,199,217 in restitution, and forfeit approximately $6.8 million in cash, a 2021 Range Rover HSE, and over $630,000 from an E-Trade account.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois, Special Agent in Charge Douglas S. DePodesta of the FBI Chicago Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Claire Sobczak Pacelli of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Hasten for the Northern District of Illinois prosecuted the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: WTO members review six regional trade agreements, discuss transparency issues

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO members review six regional trade agreements, discuss transparency issues

    The Committee considered the following Agreements:

    The Chair of the Committee, Ambassador José Valencia of Ecuador, noted that 61 RTAs in force have still not been notified to the WTO up to 2 June 2025 – up from 58 RTAs on the previous list.
    The Chair outlined the informal consultations he recently held with members on the issues of  non-notified RTAs, factual presentations, and possible inputs for the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference to be held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 26-29 March 2026.
    Ambassador Valencia shared a report summarizing members’ views, with background context provided primarily by the Secretariat, and his own suggestions for action. The report was presented under the Chair’s own responsibility and without prejudice to members’ views. Further informal consultations are planned after the summer to facilitate deeper discussions on the report’s content and future actions.
    Under other business, Brazil sought clarification on the trade deal recently announced by the United States and the United Kingdom. The US and the UK said they would relay the questions to capitals and revert back.
    Next meeting
    The next Committee meeting is scheduled for 10 November.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: The European Space Agency, Thales Alenia Space and Blue Origin to explore collaboration opportunities

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: The European Space Agency, Thales Alenia Space and Blue Origin to explore collaboration opportunities

    The cooperation will cover human spaceflight, science, technology and commercial capabilities

    Paris Air Show, June 18th 2025 – The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales Alenia Space, a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), and Blue Origin to foster and facilitate commercial and industrial advancements in the area of space exploration in Low Earth Orbit.

    Signature Ceremony – from left to right: Giampiero Di Paolo,Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space, Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA and Pat Remias, Vice President, Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering, Blue Origin © ESA

    The signatories will explore opportunities for European payloads and/or crew members to utilize on a non-exclusive basis the low-Earth orbit (LEO) space station Orbital Reef which will offer end-to-end services, including transportation of crew and cargo, astronaut accommodations, and payload utilization services.

    Through this MoU, the European Space Agency intends to develop a closer relationship with Blue Origin and Thales Alenia Space for the development of Orbital Reef, that could provide services meeting Europe’s long-term research and commercial needs in alignment with ESA’s recently announced requirements. 

    The MoU will also support European industry in preparing to supply modules, systems, subsystems, and equipment for Orbital Reef, and conducting risk-mitigation activities. Furthermore, Thales Alenia Space and Blue Origin are considering using future qualified European LEO cargo and/or crew transportation services under commercially viable terms and conditions as a means to transport astronauts and supplies to and from the station.

    “I am thrilled to witness an opening of a new economic dimension on Low Earth Orbit, to which this MoU is contributing,” said Daniel Neuenschwander, Director of Human and Robotic Exploration at ESA. “Our core mission at ESA is to support our Member States’ ambitions, and to do so, we are always keen to investigate potential collaborations in a renewed ecosystem with a growing commercial segment.” 

    “We’re truly honored that ESA has placed its trust in our company to explore opportunities in the LEO ecosystem together with Blue Origin to meet Europe’s commercial needs,” said Giampiero Di Paolo, Deputy CEO and Senior Vice President of Observation, Exploration, and Navigation at Thales Alenia Space.“Thales Alenia Space has played a key role in achieving humanity’s ambitions in LEO in recent years. By leveraging our expertise in space exploration infrastructures and vehicles, we’re committed to competing and investing in the development of technological solutions to empower Europe’s plans for the commercialization of low-Earth orbit. We’re excited about our collaboration with Blue Origin and are ready to implement whatever’s required to prepare for human presence and life in space, laying the groundwork for the post-ISS era while addressing new economic needs for research and science.”

    “This alliance is a unique opportunity to not only enable a new era of research and progress in orbit, but to welcome the broadest spectrum of partners in constructing humanity’s future beyond Earth,” said Pat Remias, Vice President, Advanced Concepts and Enterprise Engineering, Blue Origin. “Together, we are building foundations for industries and missions yet to be imagined.” 

    About the European Space Agency

    The European Space Agency (ESA) provides Europe’s gateway to space.
    ESA is an intergovernmental organisation, created in 1975, with the mission to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space delivers benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world. 
    ESA has 23 Member States: Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia are Associate Members. 
    ESA has established formal cooperation with other four Member States of the EU. Canada takes part in some ESA programmes under a Cooperation Agreement. 

    By coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its members, ESA can undertake programmes and activities far beyond the scope of any single European country. It is working in particular with the EU on advancing the Galileo and Copernicus programmes as well as with Eumetsat for the development of meteorological missions. 

    About Thales Alenia Space

    Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental monitoring, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of solutions including services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of €2.23 billion in 2024 and has more than 8,100 employees in 7 countries with 15 sites in Europe.

    About Blue Origin

    We are building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, humanity’s blue origin. Our team is focused on radically reducing the cost of access to space and harnessing its vast resources while mobilizing future generations to realize this mission. Blue Origin builds and operates reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, in-space systems, and lunar landers. 
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Trade Policy Review: Colombia

    Source: World Trade Organization

    The following documents are available:

    Secretariat report

    A detailed report written independently by the WTO Secretariat.

    Government report

    A policy statement by the government of the member under review.

    From the meeting

    The Secretariat and Government reports are discussed by the WTO’s full membership in the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB).

    Background

    Trade Policy Reviews are an exercise, mandated in the WTO agreements, in which member countries’ trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. All WTO members are subject to review, with the frequency of review depending on the country’s size.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trahan, Craig, Brown, Hayes, McGovern Lead 30 House Members Demanding Answers on Trump Administration’s Handling of Americans’ SNAP Data

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    LOWELL, MA – Today, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03), House Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig (MN-02), Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11), Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Congressman Jim McGovern (MA-02) led 30 House Democrats in demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on its handling of the personal data of Americans who applied for or received food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    “For months, this Administration has been on an unprecedented quest to collect and consolidate as much personal data from the American people as possible,” the lawmakers wrote. “Initiated by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency and bolstered by executive actions, including Executive Order 14243 on ‘Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos,’ the administration has combined the sensitive information of millions of individuals, creating major cybersecurity risks, endangering Americans’ privacy, and repeatedly violating the letter and spirit of longstanding laws, like the Privacy Act of 1974.”
    Last month, USDA notified states that they would be required to turn over sensitive data about millions of Americans as part of its Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) effort to collect and consolidate as much personal data as possible. The SNAP data requested by the administration includes Americans’ Social Security numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, employment and citizenship statuses, incomes, health information, history of substance abuse treatment, paternity, and history of child support payments. In its request, USDA wrote that the data would be used to “ensure program integrity” and is the “only way” to detect improper payments, despite the rollout of privacy-preserving initiatives like its National Accuracy Clearinghouse.
    In the lawmakers’ letter, they warn about the serious risks the Department’s demand poses for data breaches, hacking, and eroding trust in SNAP.
    “If Americans begin to lose trust in state SNAP agencies and EBT processors as good-faith stewards of their personal data, it will become increasingly difficult–and costly–to effectively administer SNAP. Americans may even forgo participation in SNAP entirely. These are unacceptable and, frankly, entirely avoidable outcomes,” the lawmakers concluded.
    A copy of the letter sent today can be accessed HERE.
    Additional co-signers include Representatives Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (NC-12), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Diana DeGette (CO–01), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Cleo Fields (LA-06), Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Julie Johnson (TX-32), George Latimer (NY-16), Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Jill Tokuda (HI-02), and Nydia M. Velázquez (NY-07).
    This request follows efforts Trahan has led regarding DOGE’s alleged mishandling of Americans’ sensitive data housed in the Treasury Department’s payment system and separately at the National Labor Relations Board. In March, Trahan announced that she will be introducing legislation to rewrite the Privacy Act for the first time since its passage in 1974.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: World Refugee Day: Prolonged refugee separation is harming families — and Canada’s economy

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Christina Clark-Kazak, Professor, Public and International Affairs, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    As World Refugee Day approaches on June 20, advocates and health experts are calling on the Canadian government to urgently address prolonged family separation for refugees. With wait times for family reunification now averaging more than four years, critics say the delays are causing irreparable harm to refugee families and imposing long-term costs on the health-care system and the Canadian economy.

    The significant health, social and economic costs of prolonged family separation merit urgent action. These costs are borne by refugees and their families as well as municipal, provincial and federal governments.

    People seeking refugee protection whose claims are accepted in Canada receive protected person status and are allowed to apply for permanent residence. They are permitted to include dependent children and spouses who are outside Canada on their permanent residence applications.

    While accepted refugees and their family members are legally eligible for permanent residence in Canada, they must be admitted under the immigration levels for Protected Persons in Canada and Dependants Abroad. Because the number of people applying under these levels exceeds the number of spaces available, family separation currently lasts 50 months.

    In 2024, the government of Canada announced major reductions in immigration levels starting in 2025. These reductions will further delay family reunification, prolonging refugees’ bureaucratic limbo.

    Mental and physical health costs

    Studies document the several mental health consequences of the separation of children from their parent(s), and of spouses from their partner. These challenges intensify as the duration of the separation increases.

    Medical associations around the world say family separation is a traumatic event that can cause developmental regression and higher rates of unexplained illness in children.

    This trauma may stem from the sense of abandonment that children experience while being separated from their parents. In one study from 2005, an interviewee said:

    “It was hard at first … .The children thought that I had abandoned them. They considered me a traitor.”

    Despite the time and efforts invested in long-distance relationships, family breakdown may result from prolonged family separation, necessitating counselling or child protection services.

    These mental health consequences not only have human costs. They also represent a financial burden for the Canadian government through the Interim Federal Health Care (IFHC) Program. After protected people transition away from IFHC, provincial and territorial governments pay for health costs associated with family separation.

    Some children may also require school-based interventions, mental health services and counselling, the costs of which are also borne by provincial governments.

    Economic costs

    Protected people separated from their families also pay to maintain two households: one in Canada and one overseas. In a 2019 study, a refugee said that “sending remittances was more expensive than if they lived together in Canada.”

    Remittances not only represent a financial challenge to refugee families, they also result in indirect economic losses to Canada as funds leave the country instead of being invested in Canada.

    Research shows that family separation also inhibits integration. The inability to find affordable child care in a single-parent household, for example, limits the ability to learn official languages, participate in community groups and find work opportunities.

    For example, one woman from Afghanistan who had been waiting more than six years for reunification with her husband told researchers:

    “In night I sometimes cannot sleep and I just walk and walk around the lobby of my apartment building. […] I can no longer take care of my children when they’re missing all the time their father. They need their father. Even sometimes my family asking ‘where is he?’ and other kids at my children’s schools are asking.”

    This stress caused severe mental and physical health issues for this woman and her family, further limiting her ability to work.

    These integration challenges mean fewer people can work to their full capacity, limiting participation in the Canadian economy. Delayed economic integration due to family separation results in lower tax revenues for all levels of the Canadian government.

    Family unity provides refugees with the necessary support to manage the stresses of resettlement. Family reunification increases flexibility to adjust to a new country and culture without additional challenges.

    As refugees and their families integrate, Canada benefits. They find work, pay taxes and contribute to their communities.

    An easy administrative fix

    The United Nations declared June 20 to be World Refugee Day almost 25 years ago. Although it’s just one day, it reminds us to honour refugees from around the world.

    It is a good time for the Canadian government to work towards issuing temporary visas to eligible family members, allowing them to live in Canada while they await permanent residence.

    The right to family unity is protected by international law. Canada’s reputation as a leader in refugee protection is at risk if family reunification continues to be delayed.

    The social, health and economic costs of family separation are both inhumane and unnecessary.

    Chloé Bissonnette, undergraduate student in Conflict Studies and Human Rights at the University of Ottawa, contributed to this article.

    Christina Clark-Kazak receives funding from the Social Sciences Humanities and Research Council (SSHRC).

    – ref. World Refugee Day: Prolonged refugee separation is harming families — and Canada’s economy – https://theconversation.com/world-refugee-day-prolonged-refugee-separation-is-harming-families-and-canadas-economy-258441

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: ICC ICC Moot Court Competition 2025 – English version

    Source: International Criminal Court (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7p3IQ_4zZWA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Kamlager-Dove, Chu, Sánchez, Takano, and Rivas Successfully Gain Access to Adelanto ICE Facility, Demanding Accountability and Answers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    ADELANTO, CA – Today, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39), and Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29) were granted entry to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center in order to conduct oversight guaranteed by federal law. The lawmakers demanded answers following reports of unlawful immigration raids, due process violations, and alarming allegations that U.S. citizens may have been wrongfully detained.

    The Members learned that the facility, which held just 300 individuals last month, is now at full capacity with 1,100 detainees. This drastic surge is not about targeting dangerous criminals. It is the direct result of Donald Trump’s policies aimed at rounding up hard-working immigrants who are essential to our communities and economy.

    “Donald Trump’s ICE raids in Los Angeles have terrorized our communities and left families in the dark about the whereabouts of their loved ones,” said Rep. Kamlager-Dove. “Alarming reports of inhumane conditions and lack of access to legal counsel at the Adelanto detention facility compelled my colleagues and I to conduct this oversight visit — and what we witnessed confirmed our worst fears. Detainees forced to wear the same clothes for ten days. Individuals lacking access to drinking water and medical care. Meals every fourteen hours. We will not stop fighting until every constitutional right is upheld and every abuse is brought to light.”

    “While I’m relieved that we were ultimately allowed into the Adelanto facility, as is our legal right as Members of Congress, this visit only reinforced how much work remains,” said Rep. Chu. “The conditions many of these people are facing are inhumane. The detainees told me that they have gone days without changing their clothes, and they have been unable to use the telephone to call their families or a legal representative. The people I met are not criminals, they are hardworking individuals who strengthen our communities and they simply want the opportunity to work for a better life. I will continue to closely monitor conditions at this ICE facility, as I have done before, and work with both local and federal officials to ensure that everyone, regardless of status, is afforded their full right to due process.” 

    “President Trump is indiscriminately targeting the hardworking individuals in our communities who keep our economy running. He is not reducing crime. The immigration raids happening today in places like Pico Rivera are racial profiling. Full stop. What we saw and heard at Adelanto is equally as disturbing as the cruel ICE raids in our neighborhoods. The administration is deliberately hiding the truth: immigrants, some here legally, are being detained in inhumane conditions, without enough food, clean clothing, the ability to call their families or access to a lawyer. This is a betrayal of our values and a violation of our immigration laws. It must end,” said Rep. Sánchez.

    “Just because ICE has opened their doors to a few members of Congress does not excuse their inflammatory tactics to meet deportation quotas,” said Rep. Takano. “Accountability means showing a consistent pattern of accessibility, not just a one-off event. ICE and DHS still must be reined, and stop a bad faith enforcement of immigration law to bring relief to my community.”

    “The conditions we saw inside the Adelanto ICE Detention Center prove that Donald Trump’s policies are putting our most vulnerable in harm’s way,” said Rep. Rivas. “From being detained for lawfully seeking asylum to cutting off communication to family and counsel, no one should be forced to live through what this Administration is forcing immigrants to live through. My colleagues and I will continue to conduct oversight of these facilities to expose the effects of Donald Trump’s cruel policies on our most vulnerable communities.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Reps. Kamlager-Dove, Chu, Colleagues Conduct Oversight at Adelanto ICE Facility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    ADELANTO, CA — Yesterday, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) gained entry to the Adelanto ICE Processing Center to fulfill her constitutional oversight responsibilities. Alongside Representatives Judy Chu (CA-28), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Luz Rivas (CA-29), she demanded answers following reports of inhumane conditions, due process violations, and alarming allegations that U.S. citizens may have been wrongfully detained.

    Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove explains what the lawmakers learned in a video shared to social media following the oversight visit.

    Following the visit, the lawmakers hosted a press conference to share their experiences at the facility. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove’s full remarks as-delivered can be found below:

    “We should be here talking to you about the $880 billion cut to Medicaid. The closures of Social Security Administration offices. But instead, we are talking about these indiscriminate and illegitimate ICE raids that have been happening across our community. 

    “I came here today to find my constituents. I have a constituent who is deaf and mute. He was picked up by ICE and transported and we are still looking for him. We had a list of constituents that we are trying to check on. We were conducting oversight and we were also conducting casework. 

    “And let me tell you, we have had laundromats, we have had churches, we have had elementary schools, we have had small stores raided by [the] FBI [and] Homeland Security, in cooperation with ICE, snatching folks, not asking them for identification, not providing identification or judicial warrants themselves. We talked to the agents in the detention facility, and we did not get concrete information about how folks were lawfully being detained if they did have criminal records or not. Some of that is still being decided while folks are being detained. 

    “And something else we learned is that people are being detained and separated and let go by race. Now, I don’t know about you, but if this Administration said that it was looking for folks with criminal records and they have detained U.S. Citizens, legal immigrants, and folks who are legally going through the immigration status process, then tell me why you are also racially profiling folks and then separating them and doing different things to each of these communities. 

    “And let me tell you something else. We are decimating the local economy here because most of the folks were students. They were applying for licenses to do work. They have businesses. They have families. They are workers. This is impacting our economy, our regional and state economy. 

    “And we have an Administration that is interested in manufacturing a violent and traumatizing show called “LA Raids” to distract us from the larger issues that are impacting everyday Americans like the cost of living, the cost of food, the cost of health care. And now we are dealing with an Administration that is racially profiling and detaining folks without giving them the representation that they need. 

    “This is why we came out here to conduct oversight. And this is why we are going to continue to hold this administration accountable because it is illegitimate. You are denying folks their 4th, their 5th, and their 14th Amendment rights when you are not giving them due process, when people do not know why they have been picked up other than the color of their skin. And we must demand more from this Administration. That is what Congress is trying to do.”

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Duckworth Press RFK Jr. on “Dangerous War on Vaccines,” Reckless Decision to Slash HHS Vaccine Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 18, 2025

    RFK Jr. cut hundreds of millions of dollars for bird flu, HIV vaccine development

    “The public has little reason to trust your judgment or your review of the science surrounding vaccines or any aspect of public health.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) wrote to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., pressing him on his recent reckless decisions to slash funding for critical vaccine development. In May, the Trump Administration announced that it would cut off millions of dollars that the federal government had committed to the development of the critical bird flu vaccine, and HHS abruptly ended an over-$250 million program to develop an AIDS vaccine.

    “This is a grievous mistake that threatens to leave the country unprepared for what experts fear might be the next pandemic – and there appears to be no rationale for this decision other than your ill-informed and dangerous war on vaccines,” wrote the lawmakers.

    In January, HHS championed the development of new vaccines to make sure “Americans have the tools they need to stay safe.” Now, the RFK Jr.-led HHS is ripping those tools away — tools which would save lives and save billions in health care costs over time.

    An HHS spokesperson indicated that the decision to cut funding for the bird flu vaccine was made following a “rigorous review.” Another senior HHS official claimed that the decision to slash funding for the HIV vaccine was made after a “review by N.I.H. (National Institutes of Health) leadership.” HHS has made neither review available to the American public.

    “You have failed to justify either of these moves to [ruin] vaccine research,” wrote the lawmakers. “This is just the latest example that calls into question your commitment to ‘radical transparency.’”

    The Administration also recently released its “Make America Healthy Again” report containing numerous references and citations that were fully fabricated. RFK Jr. himself has long peddled anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and spread harmful misinformation.

    “The public has little reason to trust your judgment or your review of the science surrounding vaccines or any aspect of public health,” wrote the lawmakers.

    The lawmakers requested copies of the “rigorous review” that resulted in the termination of funding for the bird flu vaccine and the “review by N.I.H. leadership” that prompted the termination of funding for AIDS vaccine research. The lawmakers also requested a detailed description of the process by which HHS decided to end these contracts, including whether it was based on a recommendation by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) officials.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schumer, Wyden, Gallego Lead Democratic Caucus In Rejecting Republicans’ Tax Cuts for the Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    June 17, 2025

    Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” would raise costs on 40% of American families, while the top 0.1% would see their taxes cut by an average of $400k per year

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), along with Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), led the entire Senate Democratic caucus in urging Republican Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Finance Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Ind.) to abandon their plan to cut taxes for billionaires and instead work together to help American families.

    “Senate Democrats oppose efforts to give the richest Americans a tax break, especially at a time when ordinary Americans are struggling to make ends meet because of this administration’s reckless economic actions,” wrote the senators.  

    Trump promised to lower costs for American families “on day one.” Instead, the Republican agenda raises costs on families while showering benefits on billionaires. 

    Their “Big, Beautiful Bill” takes away health insurance from 16 million Americans and makes it harder for families to put food on the table. Meanwhile, the average person in the top 0.1% would get a tax cut of nearly $400,000 in 2026. When combined with Trump’s tariff tax, which he has suggested helps pay for the bill, the Republican agenda raises costs on 80 percent of American families, funneling its benefits solely to the most affluent.

    “If Republicans continue down the path of slashing taxes for the ultra-wealthy and destroying vital benefits for working families, we will stand opposed to those efforts—and so will the American people,” the caucus concluded. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: During Hearing, Rosen Slams Hegseth for Refusing to Address Antisemitism in His Own Department

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

    Watch the full exchange HERE. 
    WASHINGTON, DC – During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) slammed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth for promoting Kingsley Wilson to serve as the Pentagon’s spokesperson despite her history of spreading antisemitic conspiracy theories. Senator Rosen pressed Secretary Hegseth and called on him to dismiss Ms. Wilson, which Secretary Hegseth refused to do.
    Below is an excerpt from the exchange:
    Senator Rosen: Secretary Hegseth, would you agree that every senior official in the Department of Defense must reflect the values and conduct that our servicemembers must uphold and our citizens expect?
    Secretary Hegseth: Senator, we want to uphold the highest possible standards.
    Senator Rosen: I’ll take that for a yes. Would you also agree that antisemitism and antisemitic conspiracy theories have no place in our government or military? 
    Secretary Hegseth: They should not. 
    Senator Rosen: Would you agree that anyone who has posted “antisemitic conspiracy theories lifted right out of the neo-Nazi playbook,” shouldn’t be anywhere near a position of power? Yes or no, please. 
    Secretary Hegseth: Since I don’t believe the characterization of many officials in the news media, I would need to see precisely what’s being characterized. 
    Senator Rosen: But generally… 
    Secretary Hegseth: Generally speaking, sure.
    Senator Rosen: Would you not say that if you thought something was coming out of a neo-nazi playbook it doesn’t have any place in our Department of Defense?
    Now, Secretary Hegseth, the quote I just read you was referencing Ms. Kingsley Wilson, the DOD press secretary, who my Republican colleagues on this committee have also expressed alarm over due to her public comments. In fact, one colleague said, “Obviously, I don’t agree with her comments. I trust the Pentagon will address this.” 
    However, in the months since, not only have you not addressed these comments, you have promoted Ms. Wilson. This seems to be at odds with President Trump’s commitment to combat antisemitism, which you just said you agreed with. 
    So, Secretary Hegseth, given the rise in antisemitic violence and hate crimes in our nation, and to show that the Trump Administration does have a zero-tolerance policy for antisemitism, will you dismiss Ms. Kingsley from her role as the U.S. military’s spokesperson today? Yes or no. 
    Secretary Hegseth: Again, that’s why I referenced the context and characterization. I’ve worked directly with her; she does a fantastic job, and any suggestion that I, or her, or others are party to antisemitism is a mischaracterization attempting to win political points. 
    Senator Rosen: I’m going to assume that your lack of an answer confirms what we’ve known all along, that the Trump Administration is not serious. You are not a serious person. You are not serious about rooting out antisemitism in the ranks of our DOD. It’s despicable. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Expansion of TikTok Shop in Europe and the impact on minors – E-001421/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission was informed that the provider of TikTok expanded its e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, to users in France, Germany and Italy on 31 March 2025.

    The provider of TikTok has carried out and submitted to the Commission a specific ad-hoc risk assessment ahead of the deployment of TikTok Shop in the EU, pursuant to Article 34(1) of Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 (The Digital Services Act, or ‘DSA’)[1].

    The Commission continues to supervise the evolution of the deployment of the new TikTok Shop features in the EU and monitor compliance with the DSA.

    In particular, the Commission examines whether the provider of TikTok has diligently identified, analysed, assessed and mitigated any systemic risks stemming from the design, functioning and use made of its service and related systems, including any actual and foreseeable negative effects in relation to the protection of minors and serious negative consequences to the person’s physical and mental well-being.

    The Commission is also supervising the compliance by the provider of TikTok of the obligations applicable to providers of online marketplaces, such as ensuring the traceability of traders. The Commission would ensure a swift enforcement if it finds potential infringements of the DSA.

    Following the publication of its findings of the Digital Fairness Fitness Check[2], the Commission is working on a Digital Fairness Act which will aim at addressing identified gaps in EU consumer protection, in order to ensure a high level of protection in the digital environment. The Digital Fairness Act thus aims, notably, at complementing areas that are not regulated under the DSA.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj/eng.
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/document/707d7404-78e5-4aef-acfa-82b4cf639f55_en.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Ban or suspension of hunting trophy imports from Tanzania due to severe adverse human rights impact on Maasai indigenous peoples in Ngorongoro Conservation Area – E-001333/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission does not currently intend to revise its approach to trophy hunting as outlined in the reply to Written Question E-1394/2023.

    The Commission believes that legal, well-regulated trophy hunting programmes can deliver benefits for both wildlife conservation and for the livelihoods and wellbeing of indigenous people and local communities living with wildlife.

    In line with the revised EU Action plan against wildlife trafficking[1], the Commission, in consultation with experts from Member States’ scientific authorities, is currently assessing whether the list of species for which stricter import measures in relation to hunting trophies apply (contained in Annex XIII to Commissions Regulation (EC) No 865/2006[2]) should be revised to include new species.

    However, the applicable EU legislation governing trade in wildlife[3], including hunting trophies, does not provide a basis for suspension of trade for reasons other than those related to the adverse impact on the conservation status of the species in question.

    The EU has repeatedly stated that all measures related to the Maasai communities in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area need to be adopted in compliance with the rule of law and the respect for human rights, providing compensation and fair, transparent sharing of the revenue from natural resources.

    The EU strongly encourages the conduct of genuinely inclusive dialogue among stakeholders in order to identify consensual and fair solutions to the issues at stake.

    Guaranteeing both biodiversity conservation and human rights protection calls for an inclusive dialogue involving all the relevant partners.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=COM%3A2022%3A581%3AFIN&qid=1667989438184 Action 18.
    • [2] Commission Regulation (EC) No 865/2006 of 4 May 2006 laying down detailed rules concerning the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein, OJ L 166, 19.6.2006, p. 1-69.
    • [3] Council Regulation (EC) No 338/97 of 9 December 1996 on the protection of species of wild fauna and flora by regulating trade therein, OJ L 61, 3.3.1997, p. 1-69.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Incinerators and persistent organic pollutants – E-001712/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Waste incineration is regulated by the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED)[1], which contains emission limit values and associated monitoring requirements for pollutants including heavy metals and its compounds and dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) . Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions[2] also impose more stringent rules to waste incinerators over a certain size.

    The Commission has already taken steps to address contamination from waste incineration through an ongoing discussion in the industrial emissions expert group on monitoring of biological markers around waste incinerators which started in 2022[3].

    In addition , Article 48 of the revised IED[4] has made monitoring of emissions to air from waste incinerators more stringent, as it will be required not only during normal operating conditions but also during other conditions, including PCDD/F and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

    Furthermore, in line with Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU and the reduction of contamination at source, the same article requires emissions of PCDD/F and PCBs to be prevented or minimised as far as possible.

    These substances are also included in Annex III to the regulation on Persistent Organic Pollutants[5], requiring Member States to identify, characterise and minimise releases, with the objective to eliminate them where feasible.

    The Commission will monitor the implementation of the provisions of Article 48 and will continue exchanges with experts from Member States, so as to take potential additional measures.

    The Commission recalls that the primary responsibility for correctly implementing EU law lies with the Member States.

    • [1] Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) (recast), OJ L 334, 17.12.2010, p. 17-119.
    • [2] Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/2010 of 12 November 2019 establishing the best available techniques (BAT) conclusions, under Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council, for waste incineration, C/2019/7987, OJ L 312, 3.12.2019, p. 55-91.
    • [3] Meeting of the Industrial Emissions Expert Group held on 20 September 2022, https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/expert-groups-register/screen/meetings/consult?lang=en&meetingId=44437.
    • [4] Directive (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 April 2024 amending Directive 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and control) and Council Directive 1999/31/EC on the landfill of waste, PE/87/2023/REV/1, OJ L, 2024/1785, 15.7.2024.
    • [5] Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on persistent organic pollutants (recast), PE/61/2019/REV/1, OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 45-77.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Presence of alien ibis in Europe and their ecological impact: Threskiornis melanocephalus and Threskiornis aethiopicus – E-001770/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is aware of the presence and dynamics of the African sacred ibis in Europe. Because of its environmental impact, this species was prioritised and added to the list of invasive alien species (IAS) of Union Concern in 2016[1]. In some countries like France, the Netherlands and Spain, management has led to a decrease in its population size in the past years.

    In principle, there is no established population of the Black-headed ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) in the wild in the EU. Records in the EU are scarce. This species is classified as ‘Least Concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List, and while it faces localised threats, its numbers are increasing in much of its native range.

    2. Regulation EU 1143/2014[2] provides the framework for coordination and management of invasive alien species in the EU.

    3. The list of alien species managed and monitored at European level is updated regularly[3]. It contains several bird species. The Commission’s proposal for the next update of the Union list will be submitted to the IAS Committee for examination and delivery of opinion in 2025.

    • [1] Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1141 of 13 July 2016 adopting a list of invasive alien species of Union concern pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, OJ L 189, 14.7.2016, p. 4-8.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 October 2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, OJ L 317, 4.11.2014, p. 35.
    • [3] A consolidated version of the Union list is available at the following address: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:02016R1141-20220802&from=EN.
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – EMPL Hearing on a new EU anti-poverty strategy – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June, the EMPL committee will hold a public hearing (14.30 – 16.15) on the development of a new EU anti-poverty strategy.

    The European Parliament has consistently highlighted the importance of reducing income inequalities and fighting poverty, especially in its resolution on a Roadmap for a Social Europe, adopted in May 2023. The EMPL committee is currently also drawing up will an own-initiative report on this topic.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Joint EMPL-HOUS public hearing on the housing crisis – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.

    The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Joint EMPL-HOUS public hearing on the housing crisis – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organising a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.

    The exchange will focus on evaluating tenant rights, eviction policies, social housing availability, and homelessness reduction strategies, including EU best practices and policy recommendations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – EMPL Hearing on a new EU anti-poverty strategy – 25-06-2025 – Committee on Employment and Social Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 25 June, the EMPL committee will hold a public hearing (14.30 – 16.15) on the development of a new EU anti-poverty strategy.

    The European Parliament has consistently highlighted the importance of reducing income inequalities and fighting poverty, especially in its resolution on a Roadmap for a Social Europe, adopted in May 2023. The EMPL committee is currently also drawing up will an own-initiative report on this topic.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission welcomes political agreement to simplify and strengthen the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 18 Jun 2025 The European Commission welcomes the provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the Council today on the Commission proposal to simplify and strengthen the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – CBAM: Deal with Council to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument

    Source: European Parliament

    The changes to the EU carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) are part of simplification efforts to reduce the administrative burden for SMEs and occasional importers.

    Parliament and Council today agreed on changes to the CBAM. These changes are part of the “Omnibus I” simplification package presented on 26 February 2025, which aims to simplify existing legislation in the fields of sustainability and investment.

    Co-legislators supported a new de minimis mass threshold whereby imports up to 50 tonnes per importer per year will not be subject to CBAM rules. It replaces the current threshold exempting goods of negligible value. The new threshold exempts the vast majority (90%) of importers − mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals − who import only small quantities of CBAM goods. The climate ambition behind the mechanism remains unchanged, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers will still be covered by the CBAM. The co-legislators included safeguards to ensure this figure and to prevent circumvention of the rules.

    Co-legislators also agreed on changes to simplify imports covered by the CBAM such as the authorisation process, the calculation of emissions and verification rules as well as the financial liability of authorised CBAM declarants, while strengthening anti-abuse provisions.

    Quote

    After the deal, rapporteur Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT) said: “The CBAM is designed to prevent carbon leakage and protect Europe’s cement, iron, steel, aluminium, fertiliser, electricity, and hydrogen industries. We have answered calls from companies to simplify and streamline the process and exempted 90% of importers of CBAM goods to facilitate competitiveness and growth for our businesses. As the CBAM will still cover 99% of total CO2 emissions, we have maintained the EU’s environmental ambitions and remain fully committed to a just transition and to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.”

    Next steps

    Today’s deal has still to be endorsed by both Parliament and Council. It will enter into force three days after publication in the EU Official Journal.

    Background

    The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is the EU’s tool to equalise the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) with that of imported goods, and to encourage greater climate ambition in non-EU countries. In early 2026, the Commission will assess whether to extend the scope of the CBAM to other ETS sectors and how to help exporters of CBAM products at risk of carbon leakage.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Better future cooperation between EPPO, Europol and Eurojust – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    The LIBE committee is organising an exchange of views on 23rd June 2025, h16.00-17.30, with representatives of the European Public Prosecutors’ Office, Europol and Eurojust, as well as of the European Commission. This exchange aims to assess, particularly from the perspective of the agencies, the challenges of cooperation and to explore ways to improve collaboration in the future, including in the context of a possible review of the legislative framework that governs their operations.

    The cooperation between law-enforcement and prosecution is increasing to match the scale and complexity of cross-border criminality. Furthermore, newly established bodies – such as AMLA or the EU Customs Authority – will carry out tasks relevant for the detection and investigation of such crimes and collect a wealth of data relevant for agencies such as EPPO, Europol and Eurojust. This exchange takes place against the backdrop of the review cycle of the of the founding regulations of those agencies. These evaluations should also provide an opportunity to address some of the relevant aspects of inter-agency cooperation and data exchange. Guest-speakers in this exchange will be:

    • Andres RITTER, Deputy European Chief Prosecutor, EPPO
    • Federica CURTOL, Head of Operations Department, Eurojust
    • Burkhard MÜHL, Head of Economic and Financial Crime Centre, Europol
    • Nils BEHRNDT, Deputy Director General DG JUST, European Commission
    • Olivier ONIDI, Deputy Director General DG HOME, European Commission

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Exchange of views on the issue of missing persons in Cyprus – Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    On 24 June 2025, the LIBE Committee will hold an exchange of views on the issue of missing persons in Cyprus, with a focus on the families of missing persons from both the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities, as well as the implementation of EU funding for reconciliation projects.

    The exchange will include the participation of the LIBE Standing Rapporteur on the issue of missing persons in Cyprus, a representative of the European Commission, and representatives of organisations of relatives of missing persons from both communities.

    The LIBE Committee has been closely following the situation of missing persons in Cyprus, and this debate provides another opportunity to revisit the issue and draw attention to this serious humanitarian concern.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – What role for AI skills in (re)shaping future European workforce? – 18-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Driven by the rapid pace of technological change and the need for a human-centric approach to the development of artificial intelligence (AI), AI skills have a significant role in shaping the future European workforce. The growing skills gap in the EU, with almost half of the population lacking basic digital skills, including AI skills, poses a significant challenge for the future that needs to be addressed for the EU to maintain its competitiveness and manage regional disparities. Several EU initiatives are under way, including the recently adopted union of skills communication and AI continent action plan. Fostering anticipatory governance, a culture of innovation, supporting diversity and inclusiveness in the AI workforce, and strengthening digital infrastructure are all critical to ensuring that the benefits of AI are shared by all, while minimising its negative impacts. Aligning with European values will be important to ensure fairness in this process. The EU’s future prosperity depends on using AI’s potential while basing it on a human-centric approach and ethical development, ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as prioritising people’s wellbeing. Targeted investment in EU-wide digital infrastructure and education that emphasises lifelong learning and skills development could ensure balanced economic growth and competitiveness in the global talent market. By examining the multifaceted interaction between AI, skills and jobs, a way forward may be identified that focuses on the needs of EU citizens and ensures that the future European workforce – and citizens in general – are equipped to succeed in an increasingly automated and AI-driven economy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Two Decades of progress – 26-06-2025 – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    Growth in EU © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 26 June 2025, the Committee on Budgetary Control (CONT) will organise the public hearing “Two Decades of progress: Evaluating the successes and lessons in implementing the EU budget from the Enlargements since 2004”.

    This hearing will assess the impact of the EU Budget on the Member States that joined the EU since 2004, focusing on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned regarding the implementation, control and transparency of EU funds. It will provide insights for both current and prospective candidate countries while ensuring that the lessons from the past two decades are integrated into future enlargement negotiations.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Parliament approves financial aid package for Egypt

    Source: European Parliament

    On Wednesday, Parliament approved a provisional agreement reached with Council on a macro-financial assistance (MFA) package for Egypt worth €4 billion.

    A short-term loan of up to €1 billion was already disbursed at the end of 2024. An additional loan of up to €4 billion will now be disbursed. Egypt will have 35 years to repay the loans.

    The funds’ release is subject to Egypt’s satisfactory implementation of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and other policy measures to be agreed in a memorandum between the EU and the Egyptian authorities.

    In a yearly report to Parliament and Council, the Commission will examine the progress made, assess Egypt’s economic prospects and evaluate the loans’ impact on the economic and fiscal situation. The Commission will also assess steps taken to shore up democratic mechanisms and the rule of law and to protect human rights in the country.

    The agreement with Council was approved by 386 votes in favour, 132 against, and with 49 abstentions.

    Quote

    Parliament’s rapporteur Céline Imart (EPP, FR), said: “Parliament’s backing for this EU loan reflects its high regard for Egypt as a partner country. By helping Egypt, we are also looking after EU interests in an unstable region.”

    Background

    With its macro-financial assistance initiatives, the EU supports partner countries that are struggling with financial, economic and societal challenges, and helps them with structural political and economic reforms.

    MIL OSI Europe News –