NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Climate change impacts on food security in the European Union – 14-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In a geopolitical context which temporarily affects food security, climate change remains the most common driver of food insecurity. It will continue to disrupt the entire food supply chain in the long term – from production (upstream) to storage, processing and distribution (downstream). On the supply side, rising temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events harm key crops like wheat and grain maize, and challenge livestock and seafood. Southern Europe is particularly vulnerable, raising climate justice issues within the EU, while some northern regions could experience more favourable conditions for specific crops. Impacts on pollinators, pests, diseases and labour productivity further reduce yields. The resulting economic losses threaten producers’ livelihoods and affordability for consumers, worsening food insecurity. Along the supply chain, climate change affects both the quality and quantity of food, raising concerns about sufficient access to nutritious food. Moreover, the EU’s reliance on imports from trade partners, themselves vulnerable to climate change, especially for animal feed, raises concerns about the future of EU food sovereignty and dietary traditions key to food security. The EU’s responses span several policy areas, including food production (agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture), climate adaptation, water, soil and biodiversity. However, challenges remain in coordination and implementation. The EU’s strategic focus has recently shifted from building a sustainable food system towards a competitive and resilient agricultural sector. While ex-post measures, such as improved insurance schemes, are paramount, they should not overshadow ex-ante adaptation efforts that promote a sustainable food system, integrating new technologies, sustainable farming and evolving dietary trends. This briefing focuses solely on how climate change affects food security in the EU, while acknowledging global interdependencies. A 2023 EPRS paper explores the climate impact of the EU agrifood system.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – Public hearing with Claudia Buch, Chair of the ECB / SSM Supervisory Board – 15 July 2025 – 14-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing has been prepared for the public hearing with the Chair of the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM), Claudia Buch, scheduled for 15 July 2025 in the ECON Committee. Content: 1. Annual Report on Supervisory Activities for 2024 2. Annual Report on Sanctioning Activities in the SSM in 2024 3. ECB sanctions against SEB Baltics 4. The SSM’s simplification efforts 5. ECB’s feedback on Parliament’s Banking Union Annual Report 6. Between prudence and politics: EBA default framework fails to reflect legislative intent 7. National security or economic intervention? The stretching boundaries of golden power 8. New external expertise on (1) competitiveness of European banks and (2) real estate risks 9. Latest Supervisory Banking Statistics (Q4 2024)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – A comprehensive analysis of the updated trade part of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement – 14-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    After more than two decades of negotiations, the EU and Mercosur reached an initial agreement text (EUMETA) in 2019. Since then, however, several political developments – most notably the increase in deforestation rates in Brazil under President Bolsonaro – have called for further negotiations. Concerns over sustainability led the EU to demand additional commitments and to adopt unilateral instruments, such as the Regulation on Deforestation-free Products (EUDR), which Mercosur perceived as undermining the benefits of the EUMETA 2019. At the same time, escalating geopolitical and economic tensions underscored the strategic importance for trade agreements. The revised EUMETA 2024 presents a balanced compromise: the EU secures strengthened sustainability provisions and protection against potential export duties, while Mercosur gains some linkages to EU unilateral measures on sustainability. These include the possibility of benefiting from risk classification for the EUDR, amendments to the tariff elimination schedule for vehicles, specific safeguards, and options for export duties for selected minerals. Agricultural market access remains largely consistent with EUMETA 2019, with only modest additional quotas for Paraguay. By incorporating multiple protection mechanisms and aligning with complementary EU sustainability policies, EUMETA 2024 aims to address European concerns related to deforestation and competition risks.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New Houthi attack on Greek-owned ship in the Red Sea – E-002777/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002777/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE)

    Houthi rebels launched a fierce attack on a Greek-owned merchant ship bound for Jeddah, which was sailing in the Red Sea, approximately 50 nautical miles west of the Yemeni capital, which is under Houthi control. The attack resulted in the death of one crew member and the serious injury of two others, while causing serious damage. This is the second attack in 24 hours in the Red Sea, as it was preceded – on Sunday 6 July – by a Houthi attack on a Greek-owned merchant ship, which the rebels later announced had sunk. The attack put an end to six months of calm in the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes, where Houthi attacks had disrupted shipping between Europe and Asia.

    Given the worrying international geopolitical situation in the Middle East, as well as the urgent need to ensure safe navigation for European ships:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place for the immediate protection of European and Greek-owned merchant ships sailing in the Red Sea, following the recent attacks by Houthi rebels, and to prevent similar attacks in the future?
    • 2.Will the Commission encourage action at international level, in particular under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation, to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against maritime piracy?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Clarification on the alleged financing of the NGO ClientEarth by the Commission, part 2 – E-002487/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002487/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (PfE)

    In the light of a recent media report published in the Brussels Signal on 10 June 2025 citing

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Reciprocity of health and environmental standards on the EU horticulture market – E-001338/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware that cut flowers may contain residues of pesticides, whether these flowers are produced domestically or imported.

    The use of pesticides for the production of flowers in the EU falls within the scope of Regulation (EC) 1107/2009 on the placing on the market of plant protection products[1].

    Potential exposure of workers to pesticides is always assessed prior to their authorisation on the basis of worst-case scenarios to ensure a high level of protection of human health.

    As stated in the Vision on agriculture and food[2], considering EU’s concerns about environmental protections and moral values in response to societal demands, the Commission will pursue, in line with international rules, a stronger alignment of production standards applied to imported products, including on pesticides.

    There is no EU legislation regulating the levels of residues of pesticides in cut flowers as Regulation (EC) 396/2005 setting maximum residue levels (MRLs) of pesticides[3] applies only to food and feed intended for human or animal consumption.

    Since 2017, the Commission has held discussions with Member States on residues on cut flowers on several occasions in the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed[4].

    As the control of the levels of residues of pesticides in imported cut-flowers is not currently covered by any EU legislations, Member States have the possibility to introduce specific national provision to protect the workers in this sector as it is already the case in one Member State.

    • [1] Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj.
    • [2] COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations, COM/2025/75 final.
    • [3] Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 February 2005 on maximum residue levels of pesticides in or on food and feed of plant and animal origin. http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2005/396/oj.
    • [4] Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed in March 2017, May
      2017, July 2017, October 2017, October 2020, March 2022 and May 2022. https://ec.europa.eu/food/plant/standing_committees/sc_phytopharmaceuticals_en.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Bridgestone’s restructuring plan for its plants in the Basque Country and Cantabria – E-001853/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is monitoring collective redundancies and restructuring events in the EU, including through Eurofound’s European Restructuring Monitor[1].

    The Commission will establish a European Fair Transition Observatory, to strengthen the evidence base on fairness of the green transition, develop standardised indicators, facilitate data sharing and ensure a transparent dialogue with social partners and stakeholders .

    The Clean Industrial Deal provides over 70 measures to support industrial competitiveness and decarbonisation in Europe. These measures concern access to energy, lead markets, investment, materials and resources, global markets and skills.

    The main financial instruments to support workers affected by restructuring are the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+), which helps in a more anticipative way by supporting upskilling and reskilling, and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers (EGF), which helps in case of major restructuring events.

    The EGF intervenes by co-financing active labour market policy measures to bring dismissed workers back into sustainable employment.

    ESF+ in Spain plays a crucial role to promote employment in a changing labour market, to enhance the skills and competencies of the Spanish workforce.

    The Commission has recently proposed an amendment to the regulation on the EGF, broadening the support to workers at the risk of imminent job loss due to restructuring.

    The amendment also proposes to shorten the mobilisation procedure so that workers get EGF support in a swifter manner . The Commission has also issued an Industrial Action Plan for the European automotive sector to support the sector in the current transition.

    • [1] https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/en/resources/european-restructuring-monitor.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Acquisition of X by Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence start-up xAI – E-001615/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    This transaction has not been formally notified to the Commission. It is up to the companies to notify transactions for merger control clearance, if they constitute a concentration with an EU dimension under the Merger Regulation[1].

    The processing of personal data requires a legal basis under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)[2]. The acquisition of the shares in a company that is a controller of personal data does not provide a legal basis for the processing of personal data by the acquiring company.

    The transmission of personal data by X to xAI and any further processing of individuals’ personal data by xAI would therefore require a legal basis in the GDPR.

    Without prejudice to the competences of the Commission as guardian of the Treaties, the enforcement of the GDPR in individual cases lies primarily with the competent national supervisory authorities and courts.

    For instance, in April 2025, the Irish Data Protection Commission announced the commencement of an investigation into the processing of personal data comprised in posts on the X social media platform for the purposes of training generative artificial intelligence models, in particular the Grok Large Language Models (LLMs), developed by xAI.

    In 2024, the EU adopted the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act)[3]. The AI Act in Article 53 sets out specific transparency requirements regarding training data for general-purpose AI (GPAI) models.

    In addition, Article 55 imposes an obligation on providers of GPAI models with systemic risks to identify and mitigate those risks arising from the development and use of such models.

    The AI Act’s enforcement mechanism is key to ensuring that AI models placed in the EU market are not threatening consumers’ rights and the democratic values of the EU.

    • [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20 January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings, OJ L 24, 29.1.2004, p. 1.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Directive 95/46/EC (General Data Protection Regulation), OJ L 119, 4.5.2016, p. 1.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence, OJ L, 12.7.2024, 2024/1689.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request for clarification on the interpretation of Article 4(2) of Directive 2013/29/EU – E-001796/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Article 4(2) of Directive 2013/29/EU[1] enables Member States to take measures to prohibit or restrict the possession, use and/or the sale to the general public of category F2 and F3 fireworks, theatrical pyrotechnic articles and other pyrotechnic articles, which are justified on grounds of public order, security, health and safety, or environmental protection. The directive does not allow for national restrictions on the making available on the market of professional fireworks beyond the provisions of the directive. However, the directive does not prevent Member States from restricting professional firework displays to certain areas or time periods, as long as this does not restrict or hinder the making available on the market.

    2. According to Articles 6 and 7 of the directive, category F4 fireworks are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge and may only be made available to such persons. The prohibition of access of the general public to fireworks of category F4 is therefore mandated by the directive.

    3. Article 4(2) refers to the general public only and allows Member State to prohibit not only the sale to, but also the possession and use by the general public of the articles concerned.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32013L0029.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Study – An update on the economic, sustainability and regulatory effects of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement – 14-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This report assesses the economic, sustainability and regulatory effects of the trade part of the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EUMETA), with a focus on developments between the 2019 and 2024 revisions of the agreement. In our assessment, the macroeconomic effects of the agreement remain positive albeit moderate, with most of the gains concentrated in the EU industry. Developments since the 2019 and 2024 iterations of the EUMETA have significantly reduced sustainability-related risks. On the EU side, a suite of unilateral measures reinforces deforestation-free product standards, thereby mitigating potential climate effects, and bolsters labour rights across international value chains, independently of any trade agreement. Meanwhile, CO2 emissions in Mercosur countries have fallen and deforestation rates have declined. Against the backdrop of escalating global trade tensions, the economic and political benefits of EUMETA appear to outweigh the remaining risks. These risks are being managed both through safeguards built into EUMETA and through an array of other instruments beyond the agreement (agricultural support fund and unilateral sustainability measures.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the CO2 emission standards for cars and vans – P-002795/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002795/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Fulvio Martusciello (PPE), Caterina Chinnici (PPE), Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE)

    On 7 July 2025, the Commission opened a public consultation on the revision of Regulation (EU) 2019/631[1] concerning CO₂ standards for cars and vans. The published document raises serious concerns, as several of its measures appear inadequate to effectively support the automotive sector, which is currently facing a profound crisis.

    A key concern is the indicative timeline, as the proposal is expected in the second quarter of 2026, despite earlier Commission commitments to bring the revision forward to the end of 2025. The previously adopted amendment, granting a three-year flexibility period for manufacturers, should have been only temporary relief, not a structural solution to a regulatory framework that remains highly ideological.

    Another major issue is the narrow interpretation of technological neutrality, which focuses solely on e-fuels while neglecting other renewable fuels, undermining the principle set out in recital 11 of the Regulation.

    Additionally, the regulation applicable to heavy-duty vehicles[2], revision of which is scheduled for 2027, sets even more unrealistic targets. This treatment disparity risks penalising an industry already under pressure where targeted measures are needed.

    Does the Commission intend to bring forward the revision to the end of 2025, as previously anticipated, and align the revision timeline for heavy-duty vehicles with that of light-duty vehicles?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2019/631 of 17 April 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, OJ L 111, 25.4.2019, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/631/oj.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2019/1242 of 20 June 2019 setting CO2 emission performance standards for new heavy-duty vehicles, OJ L 198, 25.7.2019, p. 202, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2019/1242/oj.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Considering Colombia a ‘safe country of origin’ – E-002756/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002756/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pernando Barrena Arza (The Left)

    In a meeting with the European network the International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia (Oidhaco) and the Colombian platform CCEEU, we were informed about the serious situation of human rights defenders in Colombia. In their latest reports, Global Witness and Front Line Defenders conclude that Colombia is the most dangerous country in the world for human rights defenders and in particular for community leaders, indigenous peoples and those who defend territory and the environment. Front Line Defenders states that of the 324 human rights defenders killed in the world, 157 were killed in Colombia. According to the INDEPAZ observatory, from 1 January 2025 to 20 May 2025, 65 human rights defenders and social leaders were assassinated. The armed conflict is also affecting more and more population groups. The Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia identified at least 11 critical humanitarian emergency hotspots and the presence of non-state armed actors in 73 % of the national territory.

    • 1.Against this bleak backdrop, how can the Commission consider including Colombia on a list of safe countries of origin?
    • 2.Beyond calculations based on the number of asylum requests and rejection rates – which vary greatly from country to country – what were the criteria used by the Commission?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – France-UK bilateral refugee agreement – a threat for countries of first entry – E-002753/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002753/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

    According to reports in the international press, France and the United Kingdom are negotiating a ‘one in, one out’ deal, meaning that for each irregular migrant returned to France from the Channel, an asylum seeker from France will be accepted for family reunification in the UK[1]. The five countries of first entry (Greece, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Malta) have expressed their opposition, noting that this agreement could circumvent European law and place a strain on the southern states.

    The planned approach appears to be at odds with the principles of the new regulation on asylum management (Regulation (EU) 2024/1358) and Article 78 TFEU on a common European asylum system.

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

    • 1.What is its legal assessment of the UK-France agreement under negotiation, in relation to EU asylum law?
    • 2.What measures will it take to ensure that countries of first entry, such as Greece, are not placed under additional strain?
    • 3.Does it intend to call for transparency or approval for such bilateral agreements when they affect the very heart of European immigration policy?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/uk-and-france-discuss-one-in-one-out-migrant-returns-wjlgr66ms
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Clarification on alleged financing of the NGO ClientEarth by the Commission, part 1 – E-002488/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002488/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Bryłka (PfE)

    In the light of a recent media report published in the Brussels Signal on 10 June 2025 citing

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Possibilities of strengthening data security within public procurement regulation – E-001462/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission confirms that ‘data security’ can be used in public procurement as a technical specifications requirement or as part of the awarding criteria.

    It is up to the public buyers to define the adequate procurement solution that meets their specific needs and reflect it adequately in the tender documents.

    The evaluation of the EU public procurement framework is ongoing. Security aspects, including data security, are discussed in this context.

    Once the evaluation is concluded, its outcome will be taken into account in the impact assessment of the forthcoming revision. As a principle, public procurement regulates only the process of purchasing. Public buyers have already various ways to include security aspects in their tenders.

    From the general cybersecurity perspective, the Commission is monitoring the current transposition of the Network and Information Systems (NIS2) Directive[1] which requires entities from 18 critical sectors to take organisational cybersecurity risk-management measures to protect their network and information systems, which include the digital data stored, processed, retrieved or transmitted.

    The Commission is also monitoring and supporting the implementation of the Cyber Resilience Act[2], which ensures, among others, cybersecurity by design (including protection of processed data) of products with digital elements placed on the EU market as of 11 December 2027.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148 (NIS 2 Directive) (Text with EEA relevance).
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:02024R2847-20241120.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU action on gambling companies in Malta – E-002772/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002772/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE)

    Gambling companies in Europe are extremely concentrated in Malta. There are 321 such companies with a Maltese licence[1].

    The largest companies are: Flutter (TSG Interactive, PokerStars), Hillside (bet365), 888 (Mr. Green), Betsson, Super Group (Betway), and Tipico.

    Another deeply concerning matter is the Maltese Gaming Act (Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta)[2], which hinders the enforcement of rulings handed down by courts in other Member States against Maltese-licensed gabling companies. After almost two years of reviewing the compatibility of Malta’s Gaming Act with EU law, the Commission has recently decided to open an infringement procedure against Malta.

    • 1.Can the Commission state whether any gambling company in Malta benefits from EU funding, whether through direct or indirect management?
    • 2.Can the Commission provide a detailed explanation of why it took nearly two years to review the Gaming Act and reach this decision, and can it provide access to the written exchanges on this case between Malta and the Commission in order to make this lengthy process more comprehensible?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/licensee-register/.
    • [2] Malta Government Gazette, 1 August 2018, https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/583/eng.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU action on gambling companies in Malta – E-002772/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002772/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Daniel Freund (Verts/ALE)

    Gambling companies in Europe are extremely concentrated in Malta. There are 321 such companies with a Maltese licence[1].

    The largest companies are: Flutter (TSG Interactive, PokerStars), Hillside (bet365), 888 (Mr. Green), Betsson, Super Group (Betway), and Tipico.

    Another deeply concerning matter is the Maltese Gaming Act (Chapter 583 of the Laws of Malta)[2], which hinders the enforcement of rulings handed down by courts in other Member States against Maltese-licensed gabling companies. After almost two years of reviewing the compatibility of Malta’s Gaming Act with EU law, the Commission has recently decided to open an infringement procedure against Malta.

    • 1.Can the Commission state whether any gambling company in Malta benefits from EU funding, whether through direct or indirect management?
    • 2.Can the Commission provide a detailed explanation of why it took nearly two years to review the Gaming Act and reach this decision, and can it provide access to the written exchanges on this case between Malta and the Commission in order to make this lengthy process more comprehensible?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.mga.org.mt/licensee-hub/licensee-register/.
    • [2] Malta Government Gazette, 1 August 2018, https://legislation.mt/eli/cap/583/eng.
    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘A compass towards progress’ – but key development goals remain way off track

    Source: United Nations 2

    The UN’s key Sustainable Development Goals Report released Monday by Secretary-General António Guterres, chronicles both progress and setbacks – showing that the world has made significant advances but is still drastically off-track to achieve its development goals by 2030.

    Seize the day

    “This report is more than a snapshot of today. It’s also a compass pointing the way to progress. This report shows that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are still within reach, but only if we act – with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve,” Mr. Guterres said.

    The release of the report coincides with the first day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development which will convene over the next ten days in New York in the hopes of answering the UN chief’s call to action. 

    ‘A global development emergency’

    In 2015, the General Assembly adopted the 2030 Agenda, which outlined 17 Sustainable Development Goals – including ending poverty and ensuring that everyone had access to healthcare and quality education.

    The ambitious SDGs were to be achieved by prioritising future generations through sustainable and climate-friendly initiatives.

    “The 2030 Agenda represents our collective recognition that our destinies are intertwined and that sustainable development is not a zero-sum game but a shared endeavour that benefits us all,” said Li Junhua, UN Under Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

    Ten years after this commitment, the agenda is facing increasingly strong headwinds, including a $4 trillion funding shortfall for the developing world and increasing geopolitical tensions which are undermining multilateralism.

    “The problem is that the Sustainable Development Goals do not include the instruments that would be necessary to make them happen,” Mr. Guterres said.

    In light of these challenges, only 18 per cent of the SDGs are on track to be met by 2030. Around 17 per cent are experiencing moderate progress. But over half of the goals are moving too slowly – and 18 per cent of the goals have gone backwards.

    “We are in a global development emergency, an emergency measured in the over 800 billion people still living in extreme poverty, in intensifying climate impacts and in the relentless debt service,” the Secretary-General said.

    Real lives transformed – and left behind

    Between 2015 and 2023, maternal death rates and death rates of children under the age of five dropped by approximately 15 per cent. During this same period of time, 54 countries eliminated at least one tropical disease, and 2.2 billion cases of malaria were averted as a result of prevention areas.

    “These victories are not abstract statistics – they represent real lives transformed, families lifted from poverty and communities empowered to build better and more resilient futures,” Mr. Li said.

    However, just as some have had their lives transformed, many people around the world have been left behind.

    One in 10 people still live in abject poverty and one in 11 experience food insecurity. Over 1.1 billion people live in slums or informal settlements without basic services, including access to clean water and sanitation. And in 2024, one person lost their life to conflict every 12 minutes.

    In short, while many lives were transformed in the past ten years, many lives were not – and some were actually worsened or lost.

    “What we have learned since then is that sustainable development is not a destination but rather a journey of innovation, adaptation and commitment to human dignity,” Mr. Li said.

    Data at the heart of development

    Reliable data is what underpins sustainable development, according to the Secretary-General’s report. It is what enables the UN, State governments and civil society leaders to understand what progress has been made and how to target increased investments for areas which require more work.

    When the 2030 Agenda was first adopted in 2015, only a third of the SDGs had sufficient data and over a third lacked internationally agreed upon methodologies. Today, 70 percent of the SDGs are well-monitored and all indicators have internationally established monitoring mechanisms.

    However, the progress made in monitoring development progress is, like all parts of the development agenda, under increasing threat.

    “This report tells the SDG story in numbers, but it is, above all, a call to action,” Mr. Guterres said.

    © UNICEF/Anderson Flores

    A young girl in Guatemala holds herbs from a kitchen garden.

    Multilateralism is non-negotiable

    The Secretary-General said that the SDGs cannot be achieved without significant reforms to the financial architecture, which must begin with an investment in multilateralism.

    “This year’s HLPF is a crucial moment that gives us hope and encourages us to think collectively outside the box,” said Lok Bahadur Thapa, Vice President of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the meeting which opened the HLPF.

    This forum is an acknowledgement that the work is not yet done – the goals require more investment and more commitment in the next five years in order to ensure that the world does not leave more people behind.

    “This is not a moment for despair, but for determined action. We have the knowledge, tools, and partnerships to drive transformation. What we need now is urgent multilateralism – a recommitment to shared responsibility and sustained investment,” Mr. Li said.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: People, businesses urged to conserve water as drought risks increase

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is urging people in British Columbia to conserve water over the coming weeks as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions.

    “Saving water and responding to drought is a shared responsibility, and we know that early action can make a big difference, especially when we work together,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “The Province is doing our part to ensure communities and farmers are prepared, and we are working with large water users to reduce their water use. This is especially critical in high-risk watersheds that support fish populations or are at risk of long-term harm.”

    Voluntary reduction and water-conservation measures and changes in weather, including significant rainfall, can play a critical role in maintaining stream flows. In some B.C. communities, residential water use makes up as much as 70% of total use during the summer months, which is why even small changes at home can make a big difference. That might look like:

    • watering your lawn less often or switching to drought-tolerant plants;
    • using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways or patios;
    • turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes; or
    • fixing leaky faucets, which can waste hundreds of litres over time.

    The Province continues to monitor stream and weather conditions and their potential impacts to aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. In the meantime, people in British Columbia are asked to help ensure the sustainability of watersheds by reducing their water use whenever possible.

    While the recent rains provided relief for some regions in B.C., particularly the Fort Nelson area, it has not been enough to overcome limited rain from previous months. Much of the southern Interior is expected to remain dry with little to no rainfall, with drought conditions worsening and stream flows continuing to decline in the Nicola, Kettle, Okanagan and Slocan-Lower Columbia basins.

    The Province has taken a whole-of-government approach to investing in practical solutions and is working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector to manage water wisely and protect long-term water security. In spring 2025, government also updated B.C.’s Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan to clarify the approach to monitoring drought and water-scarcity impacts ahead of the dry season, with an emphasis on early action and support for local decision-making.

    Additional efforts include a $100-million Watershed Security Fund to support local water projects that build drought resilience and more than $100 million through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program to help farmers and communities build better water storage and delivery systems, as well as more funding for emergency response and community planning to better manage water shortages when they happen.

    Temporary protection orders may be issued as a last resort if voluntary efforts are not enough to restore water flows and protect vulnerable animals, fish and watersheds from long-lasting harms that could take generations to recover. Decisions about whether to issue water-use restrictions are based on supporting science, and a careful analysis of local economic factors.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about drought preparation and response, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/drought

    A backgrounder follws.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: People, businesses urged to conserve water as drought risks increase

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province is urging people in British Columbia to conserve water over the coming weeks as forecasts suggest much of the province will experience elevated drought conditions.

    “Saving water and responding to drought is a shared responsibility, and we know that early action can make a big difference, especially when we work together,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “The Province is doing our part to ensure communities and farmers are prepared, and we are working with large water users to reduce their water use. This is especially critical in high-risk watersheds that support fish populations or are at risk of long-term harm.”

    Voluntary reduction and water-conservation measures and changes in weather, including significant rainfall, can play a critical role in maintaining stream flows. In some B.C. communities, residential water use makes up as much as 70% of total use during the summer months, which is why even small changes at home can make a big difference. That might look like:

    • watering your lawn less often or switching to drought-tolerant plants;
    • using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways or patios;
    • turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes; or
    • fixing leaky faucets, which can waste hundreds of litres over time.

    The Province continues to monitor stream and weather conditions and their potential impacts to aquatic ecosystems and fish populations. In the meantime, people in British Columbia are asked to help ensure the sustainability of watersheds by reducing their water use whenever possible.

    While the recent rains provided relief for some regions in B.C., particularly the Fort Nelson area, it has not been enough to overcome limited rain from previous months. Much of the southern Interior is expected to remain dry with little to no rainfall, with drought conditions worsening and stream flows continuing to decline in the Nicola, Kettle, Okanagan and Slocan-Lower Columbia basins.

    The Province has taken a whole-of-government approach to investing in practical solutions and is working closely with First Nations, local governments, industry and the agricultural sector to manage water wisely and protect long-term water security. In spring 2025, government also updated B.C.’s Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan to clarify the approach to monitoring drought and water-scarcity impacts ahead of the dry season, with an emphasis on early action and support for local decision-making.

    Additional efforts include a $100-million Watershed Security Fund to support local water projects that build drought resilience and more than $100 million through the Agricultural Water Infrastructure Program to help farmers and communities build better water storage and delivery systems, as well as more funding for emergency response and community planning to better manage water shortages when they happen.

    Temporary protection orders may be issued as a last resort if voluntary efforts are not enough to restore water flows and protect vulnerable animals, fish and watersheds from long-lasting harms that could take generations to recover. Decisions about whether to issue water-use restrictions are based on supporting science, and a careful analysis of local economic factors.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about drought preparation and response, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/drought

    A backgrounder follws.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Incoming female passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A female incoming passenger was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (July 14) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

    Customs officers intercepted the incoming 68-year-old female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on July 12 and seized 5 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law. Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Incoming female passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A female incoming passenger was sentenced to four weeks’ imprisonment at the Fanling Magistrates’ Courts today (July 14) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

    Customs officers intercepted the incoming 68-year-old female passenger at the Lo Wu Control Point on July 12 and seized 5 220 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $21,000 and a duty potential of about $17,000 from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law. Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​An incoming male passenger was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment with a fine at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (July 14) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

    Customs officers intercepted the incoming male passenger, aged 22, at Hong Kong International Airport on March 14. About 16 800 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 8 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $94,000 and a duty potential of about $56,000 in total, were seized from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

    Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHYA begins visit to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Leading a delegation, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, commenced her visit to Beijing today (July 14). In addition to leading a delegation and attending the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum, Miss Mak called on the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), to introduce family, women and youth development work in Hong Kong, with a view to deepening exchanges and collaboration with the Mainland on the related areas.
     
    Miss Mak met with the Vice-President of the ACWF, Ms Lin Yi, to exchange views on promoting the healthy development of women and families on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women, the country will host the Global Summit of Women again in Beijing in the second half of the year, to discuss plans for advancing global women’s career development with the international community. Miss Mak said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will participate in the summit. The exchange session today allowed the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) to gain a better understanding of the country’s work on women’s issues, draw on the experiences of women’s organisations on the Mainland, and promote women’s development in Hong Kong.
     
    Miss Mak then called on the Vice President of ACYF, Mr Hu Baijing. She thanked the ACYF for its staunch support for the youth development work of the HKSAR Government, nurturing future leaders who are characterised by patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong. With the support of the Central Government, the ACYF implemented various measures to benefit young people in Hong Kong, including providing numerous internship opportunities for Hong Kong youth every year through the youth federations in various Mainland provinces and cities. The ACYF also provided assistance and support to Hong Kong non-governmental organisations in organising internship projects on the Mainland, and enriching Hong Kong youth’s knowledge of the nation through visits and exchanges in different parts of the country. Miss Mak said that the HKSAR Government will continue to communicate and co-operate with the ACYF to deliver its best efforts on Hong Kong youth matters.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Mak officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum at the said museum. The HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland organises a total of six internship programmes to provide Hong Kong youth with diverse, unique and in-depth thematic internship opportunities, including the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum co-organised with the Palace Museum in Beijing.
     
    Miss Mak expressed gratitude to the Palace Museum for its support to the youth development work of the HKSAR Government over the years. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that this year’s internship programme is of special significance as the Palace Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. The programme enables Hong Kong youth to acquire professional knowledge in various fields including the conservation of cultural properties, exhibition planning as well as publicity and promotions, providing them with a platform for Chinese cultural exchanges. During the meeting with the interns, Miss Mak encouraged them to humbly learn from the instructors and apply their knowledge in the future to help Hong Kong further establish itself as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
     
    The delegation to Beijing includes the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; and the Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (Home Affairs), Mr Paul Wong. Miss Mak and the delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 15).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHYA begins visit to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Leading a delegation, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, commenced her visit to Beijing today (July 14). In addition to leading a delegation and attending the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum, Miss Mak called on the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), to introduce family, women and youth development work in Hong Kong, with a view to deepening exchanges and collaboration with the Mainland on the related areas.
     
    Miss Mak met with the Vice-President of the ACWF, Ms Lin Yi, to exchange views on promoting the healthy development of women and families on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women, the country will host the Global Summit of Women again in Beijing in the second half of the year, to discuss plans for advancing global women’s career development with the international community. Miss Mak said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will participate in the summit. The exchange session today allowed the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) to gain a better understanding of the country’s work on women’s issues, draw on the experiences of women’s organisations on the Mainland, and promote women’s development in Hong Kong.
     
    Miss Mak then called on the Vice President of ACYF, Mr Hu Baijing. She thanked the ACYF for its staunch support for the youth development work of the HKSAR Government, nurturing future leaders who are characterised by patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong. With the support of the Central Government, the ACYF implemented various measures to benefit young people in Hong Kong, including providing numerous internship opportunities for Hong Kong youth every year through the youth federations in various Mainland provinces and cities. The ACYF also provided assistance and support to Hong Kong non-governmental organisations in organising internship projects on the Mainland, and enriching Hong Kong youth’s knowledge of the nation through visits and exchanges in different parts of the country. Miss Mak said that the HKSAR Government will continue to communicate and co-operate with the ACYF to deliver its best efforts on Hong Kong youth matters.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Mak officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum at the said museum. The HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland organises a total of six internship programmes to provide Hong Kong youth with diverse, unique and in-depth thematic internship opportunities, including the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum co-organised with the Palace Museum in Beijing.
     
    Miss Mak expressed gratitude to the Palace Museum for its support to the youth development work of the HKSAR Government over the years. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that this year’s internship programme is of special significance as the Palace Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. The programme enables Hong Kong youth to acquire professional knowledge in various fields including the conservation of cultural properties, exhibition planning as well as publicity and promotions, providing them with a platform for Chinese cultural exchanges. During the meeting with the interns, Miss Mak encouraged them to humbly learn from the instructors and apply their knowledge in the future to help Hong Kong further establish itself as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
     
    The delegation to Beijing includes the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; and the Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (Home Affairs), Mr Paul Wong. Miss Mak and the delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 15).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHYA begins visit to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Leading a delegation, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, commenced her visit to Beijing today (July 14). In addition to leading a delegation and attending the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum, Miss Mak called on the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), to introduce family, women and youth development work in Hong Kong, with a view to deepening exchanges and collaboration with the Mainland on the related areas.
     
    Miss Mak met with the Vice-President of the ACWF, Ms Lin Yi, to exchange views on promoting the healthy development of women and families on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women, the country will host the Global Summit of Women again in Beijing in the second half of the year, to discuss plans for advancing global women’s career development with the international community. Miss Mak said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will participate in the summit. The exchange session today allowed the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) to gain a better understanding of the country’s work on women’s issues, draw on the experiences of women’s organisations on the Mainland, and promote women’s development in Hong Kong.
     
    Miss Mak then called on the Vice President of ACYF, Mr Hu Baijing. She thanked the ACYF for its staunch support for the youth development work of the HKSAR Government, nurturing future leaders who are characterised by patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong. With the support of the Central Government, the ACYF implemented various measures to benefit young people in Hong Kong, including providing numerous internship opportunities for Hong Kong youth every year through the youth federations in various Mainland provinces and cities. The ACYF also provided assistance and support to Hong Kong non-governmental organisations in organising internship projects on the Mainland, and enriching Hong Kong youth’s knowledge of the nation through visits and exchanges in different parts of the country. Miss Mak said that the HKSAR Government will continue to communicate and co-operate with the ACYF to deliver its best efforts on Hong Kong youth matters.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Mak officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum at the said museum. The HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland organises a total of six internship programmes to provide Hong Kong youth with diverse, unique and in-depth thematic internship opportunities, including the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum co-organised with the Palace Museum in Beijing.
     
    Miss Mak expressed gratitude to the Palace Museum for its support to the youth development work of the HKSAR Government over the years. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that this year’s internship programme is of special significance as the Palace Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. The programme enables Hong Kong youth to acquire professional knowledge in various fields including the conservation of cultural properties, exhibition planning as well as publicity and promotions, providing them with a platform for Chinese cultural exchanges. During the meeting with the interns, Miss Mak encouraged them to humbly learn from the instructors and apply their knowledge in the future to help Hong Kong further establish itself as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
     
    The delegation to Beijing includes the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; and the Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (Home Affairs), Mr Paul Wong. Miss Mak and the delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 15).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHYA begins visit to Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Leading a delegation, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, commenced her visit to Beijing today (July 14). In addition to leading a delegation and attending the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum, Miss Mak called on the All-China Women’s Federation (ACWF) and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF), to introduce family, women and youth development work in Hong Kong, with a view to deepening exchanges and collaboration with the Mainland on the related areas.
     
    Miss Mak met with the Vice-President of the ACWF, Ms Lin Yi, to exchange views on promoting the healthy development of women and families on the Mainland and in Hong Kong. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the United Nations’ Fourth World Conference on Women. On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the World Conference on Women, the country will host the Global Summit of Women again in Beijing in the second half of the year, to discuss plans for advancing global women’s career development with the international community. Miss Mak said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will participate in the summit. The exchange session today allowed the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) to gain a better understanding of the country’s work on women’s issues, draw on the experiences of women’s organisations on the Mainland, and promote women’s development in Hong Kong.
     
    Miss Mak then called on the Vice President of ACYF, Mr Hu Baijing. She thanked the ACYF for its staunch support for the youth development work of the HKSAR Government, nurturing future leaders who are characterised by patriotism with affection for the country and Hong Kong. With the support of the Central Government, the ACYF implemented various measures to benefit young people in Hong Kong, including providing numerous internship opportunities for Hong Kong youth every year through the youth federations in various Mainland provinces and cities. The ACYF also provided assistance and support to Hong Kong non-governmental organisations in organising internship projects on the Mainland, and enriching Hong Kong youth’s knowledge of the nation through visits and exchanges in different parts of the country. Miss Mak said that the HKSAR Government will continue to communicate and co-operate with the ACYF to deliver its best efforts on Hong Kong youth matters.
     
    In the afternoon, Miss Mak officiated at the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum at the said museum. The HYAB Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland organises a total of six internship programmes to provide Hong Kong youth with diverse, unique and in-depth thematic internship opportunities, including the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum co-organised with the Palace Museum in Beijing.
     
    Miss Mak expressed gratitude to the Palace Museum for its support to the youth development work of the HKSAR Government over the years. Speaking at the ceremony, she said that this year’s internship programme is of special significance as the Palace Museum celebrates its 100th anniversary. The programme enables Hong Kong youth to acquire professional knowledge in various fields including the conservation of cultural properties, exhibition planning as well as publicity and promotions, providing them with a platform for Chinese cultural exchanges. During the meeting with the interns, Miss Mak encouraged them to humbly learn from the instructors and apply their knowledge in the future to help Hong Kong further establish itself as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges.
     
    The delegation to Beijing includes the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Director of Home Affairs, Ms Priscilla To; and the Deputy Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (Home Affairs), Mr Paul Wong. Miss Mak and the delegation will continue their visit to Beijing tomorrow (July 15).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at reception in celebration of 2025 Bastille Day (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the reception in celebration of 2025 Bastille Day today (July 14):

    Consul General Christile Drulhe (Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

    Bon soir. Good evening. 

    It’s a great pleasure to be here with you, tonight, in honour of Bastille Day, a day of surpassing joy throughout France, and one that resonates far beyond its borders, including right here in Hong Kong. 

    Tonight is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the strong and deepening ties between France and Hong Kong. They are thriving, and in so many promising ways.

    France remains one of Hong Kong’s most important trading partners in the European Union, with our bilateral trade in goods reaching around EUR9 billion last year. And Hong Kong, I must say, is a passionate admirer of French products. French elegance is quite literally everywhere in this city, especially when you count the handbags carried and the fashion worn by men and women in this city.

    And of course, our enduring love for Bordeaux and Burgundy wines, champagnes and, increasingly, fine French liquors and spirits, continues to flourish, as the Consul General rightly mentioned earlier.

    We are also seeing a growing interest from French companies and professionals in the opportunities here in Hong Kong. Last year, around 350 French companies operated here, spanning a wide range of industries. French technologies and expertise have long contributed to Hong Kong’s development in such areas as smart mobility, energy efficiency, construction engineering and waste management. 

    I believe more are on the way. Notably, a global leader in aeronautical services from France will establish facilities in Hong Kong for aircraft dismantling, parts recycling, and manpower training. This investment aligns with our vision of becoming a regional hub for aircraft parts processing and trading. The company also has plans to set up ancillary operations in Zhuhai. It shows how we are joining hands to bring French industrial excellence into the Greater Bay Area. 

    In the innovation and technology sector, France ranks among the top three international sources of start-up founders in Hong Kong. It not only reflects French entrepreneurial spirit, but also the vast potential of our tech co-operation.

    And I’m pleased to note that in the first half of this year alone, over 74 000 French visitors came to Hong Kong, a 9 per cent year-on-year increase. We hope many more will follow.

    Looking ahead, I am confident that the relationship between Hong Kong and France will continue to grow from strength to strength, especially in the broader context of the ever-deepening China-France relationship.

    Last year, our country became the largest Asian investor in France, and Hong Kong continues to be a vital conduit for Mainland investments into Europe, and as a springboard for Mainland companies expanding into the continent. At the same time, we remain the gateway of choice for French and European enterprises seeking opportunities in China and across Asia.

    That role is more important than ever today. In a world beset with uncertainty – geopolitical risks, tariff chaos, and the rise of protectionism and unilateralism – we stand to support and benefit from stronger co-operation between China and France, and between Asia and Europe.

    Hong Kong stands as a steadfast “super connector”, a reassuring beacon of free and open trade, a champion of cross-border investment, and an international city of stability, diversity and opportunity.

    This is evident in our financial markets. Last year, the Hong Kong stock market recorded an 18 per cent gain, and has grown by another 20 per cent so far this year. This year, we raised around EUR14 billion through IPOs so far, putting us the leading IPO market in the world. International investors, including European ones, are playing key roles as cornerstone participants. And since last September, waves of capital from the US and Europe flowed into our markets, as global investors recognised that they might have under-weighted their allocations to the Greater China region, particularly in the technology and green energy sectors. 

    In short, the world, and its capital, has turned to Hong Kong as a safe, welcoming and reliable haven.

    More and more, the international community are rediscovering the strengths of Hong Kong’s “one country, two systems” framework. A cornerstone of it is our unwavering commitment to the rule of law, underpinned by the common law system and a judiciary exercising powers independently. Over the past few years, the restoration of stability as well as law and order has not only safeguarded the rights and freedoms of our people, but also reinforced Hong Kong’s appeal as a safe and world-class business destination.

    This is reflected in our rising position in various international competitiveness rankings and positive feedback we continue to receive from foreign businesses operating here.

    Ladies and gentlemen, as the Consul General noted earlier, there is so much more that Hong Kong and France can do together – in technology, housing, education, arts and culture, and in celebrating the many pleasures of life. I look forward to more exchanges and deeper collaboration between our two communities.

    And that should include a visit by the Champions League winners, or better yet, Les Bleus, to our world-class Kai Tak Stadium. 

    Let us continue to build lasting bonds between Hong Kong and France, France and Hong Kong.

    Merci beaucoup. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Death on arrival case in Yuen Long reclassified as murder

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Police reclassified a death on arrival case happened in Yuen Long yesterday (July 14) as murder.

    At 5.42pm yesterday, Police received a report from a staff member of a residential care home on Long Wo Road that a man had collapsed

    Police officers sped to the scene and found the 54-year-old man lying unconsciously on the ground. Sustaining no superficial injury, he was rushed to Pok Oi Hospital and was certified dead at 6.35pm.

    Initial investigation revealed that the deceased allegedly had a dispute with a 50-year-old man, who assaulted him with fists and kicks. Police arrested the 50-year-old man for murder at scene. He is being detained for further enquiries.

    Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

    Active investigations by the District Crime Squad of Yuen Long are under way.

    Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 4640.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Death on arrival case in Yuen Long reclassified as murder

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Police reclassified a death on arrival case happened in Yuen Long yesterday (July 14) as murder.

    At 5.42pm yesterday, Police received a report from a staff member of a residential care home on Long Wo Road that a man had collapsed

    Police officers sped to the scene and found the 54-year-old man lying unconsciously on the ground. Sustaining no superficial injury, he was rushed to Pok Oi Hospital and was certified dead at 6.35pm.

    Initial investigation revealed that the deceased allegedly had a dispute with a 50-year-old man, who assaulted him with fists and kicks. Police arrested the 50-year-old man for murder at scene. He is being detained for further enquiries.

    Post-mortem examinations will be conducted later to ascertain the cause of death of the deceased.

    Active investigations by the District Crime Squad of Yuen Long are under way.

    Anyone who witnessed the case or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 4640.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –