NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bridging the Climate Finance Gap: Unpacking the Global Disparities and Imperatives for Developing Countries

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Kasumigaseki Building 8F, 3-2-5, Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-6008, Japan

    About ADBI

    The Asian Development Bank Institute was established in 1997 in Tokyo, Japan, to help build capacity, skills, and knowledge related to poverty reduction and other areas that support long-term growth and competitiveness in developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: BoBC Auction Results – 28 January 2025

    Source: Bank of Botswana

    The Monetary Policy Rate (MoPR) was unchanged at 1.9 percent of the previous week, for a paper maturing on 5 February 2025.   The summarised results of the auction held on 28 January 2025, are attached below:

    BOBC Results 28 January 2025.pdf

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Amid ceasefire in Gaza, thousands of displaced Palestinians return north | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Palestinians who were forcibly displaced as a result of Israel’s attacks on the Gaza Strip for more than 15 months seek to return to their homes in the north amid a ceasefire. Many hope to unite with family members they have not seen since the war began, while some can only pay respects and bury their remains.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS8W90zKthQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Democratic Republic of the Congo: Situation is volatile and dangerous – Presser | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Press Conference by Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations and Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    ———————-

    Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said the situation on the ground in DRC “remains volatile and dangerous.”

    During a press briefing at the United Nations headquarters today (27 Jan) Lacroix said, “The civilian population in a region that is already massively affected, and where the humanitarian challenges are daunting, certainly the risks of a broader humanitarian disaster are very high. And of course, we also want to avoid the risk of a broader war.”
    To ensure the safety of UN personnel, the mission has begun evacuating staff from Goma “by air and road.”
    Lacroix noted that the safety and security of the UN personnel “is and must be paramount.”

    Despite the challenging environment, MONUSCO continues its efforts to protect civilians and stabilize the region, “and that includes disarming combatants in conformity with international humanitarian law. There are significant numbers of civilians and also disarmed combatants that are currently in various MONUSCO premises,” Lacroix noted.

    Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General said, “With close to 6.5 million displaced people in the country, including close to 3 million displaced people in North Kivu, over one-third of the population of North Kivu is already displaced,” in addition to the new Goma crisis unfolding.

    Lemarquis described the dire conditions faced by civilians as fighting spreads across Goma. “The humanitarian situation in and around Goma is extremely, extremely worrying, with new thresholds of violence and suffering reached today, as active zones of combat have spread to all quarters of the city—all the neighborhoods of the city. Civilians are bearing the brunt of the escalating hostilities. This morning, heavy artillery fire was directed at the city center,” he reported.

    Hospitals in Goma are struggling to cope. “Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed in spite of the support provided, for example, by MSF and ICRC. They are struggling to manage the influx of wounded people,” Lemarquis said, highlighting that the General Hospital, with a capacity of 146 beds, was treating 259 patients, including 90 civilians, just three days ago.

    Basic services have also been severely disrupted, with water and electricity compromised and Internet service cut as of 1 p.m. Monday. “Phone networks remain operational, but it’s patchy and not helping the humanitarian response and coordination,” Lemarquis explained.

    Amid these challenges, the UN is relocating personnel and their families to safety. “We have taken both our international personnel and national personnel and their dependents to two locations—one in-country, Kinshasa, and the other one in Entebbe, where we have a large UN base,” Lemarquis said.

    Lacroix emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to resolve the crisis. “The recent announcement of an upcoming meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council is very important. We look forward to further engagement by the African Union in the efforts that are currently being made with a view to bringing about the cessation of hostilities. We count on the AU’s involvement in those efforts,” he said.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NL91oDWbUqc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Holocaust Memorial Ceremony: UN Chief’s remarks | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Opening remarks by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, at the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony 2025 – International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the Holocaust.

    ———
    UN chief said, “The history of the Holocaust shows us what can happen when people choose not to see and not to act.”

    Addressing the annual ceremony in remembrance of the victims and survivors of the Holocaust today (27 jan), Secretary-General António Guterres said, “I want to acknowledge that more than a year has passed since the appalling 7th October terror attacks by Hamas. We welcome, at long last, the ceasefire and hostage release deal. The deal offers hope, as well as much needed relief. The United Nations will do our utmost to ensure it leads to the release of all hostages and a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.”

    He also said, “The responsibility belongs to every one of us. Remembrance is not only a moral act. Remembrance is a call to action. To allow the Holocaust to fade from memory would dishonour the past and betray the future.”

    He continued, “Hatred is being stirred-up across the globe. One of the clearest and most troubling examples is the spreading cancer of Holocaust denial. Indisputable historical facts are being distorted, diminished, and dismissed. Efforts are being made to recast and rehabilitate Nazis and their collaborators. We must stand up to these outrages.”

    Philémon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the General Assembly said, “We must never forget that the Holocaust did not begin in the gas chambers; it began in the minds of people, fueled by hate speech, propaganda, and systemic discrimination.”

    Isaac Herzog, President of the State of Israel, said, “On this historic day, we must commit to joining hands to defeat darkness and hatred, and work together to ensure the building of a shared future. This is the vow we must share, all of us, the family of nations: That what happened once, will never happen again.”

    Dumitru Miclescu, Roma survivor of the Holocaust stated, “Even today, in Romania, people do not know this history. Instead of calling it the genocide in Transnistria, they refer to it as the deportations from Transnistria. I want to be clear: what we lived through was a genocide—mass killings and injustice. Just because we were born Roma or Jewish.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQW46p8H_sk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: International Criminal Court Security Council Signatories on Sudan – Security Council Media Stakeout

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Informal comments to the media by Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to the United Nations, on behalf of the members of the Security Council that are State parties to the Rome Statute to the International Criminal Court, on Sudan.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zht290nxd9w

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Melodies of Life during the Holocaust

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    For the Holocaust Memorial Ceremony in the UN General Assembly Hall on 27 January 2025, the Lebensmelodien (“Melodies of Life”) project performed music composed or heard or sung during the Holocaust. The project was founded by the third generation Holocaust survivor Nur Ben Shalom, in response to his family history. Lebensmelodien brings the silenced voices and sounds back to life and into memory.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E_yTdfpGkY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swiss expert becomes Special Representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office on South Caucasus

    Source: Switzerland – Federal Administration in English

    The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), Finland’s foreign minister Elina Valtonen, has appointed Christoph Späti as the Special Representative of the Finnish OSCE Chairpersonship for the South Caucasus. The Swiss expert, who most recently served as programme manager for the South Caucasus in the FDFA’s Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD), took up the post of Special Representative on 21 January 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Impact of the Russia-Iran Strategic Partnership Agreement on EU-Iran relations – E-000208/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000208/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Hannah Neumann (Verts/ALE)

    The conclusion of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Russia and Iran on 17 January 2025 and its reported focus on trade, investment and defence, as well as regional and international affairs, has potentially far-reaching geopolitical and security implications for the European Union and its relations with Iran.

    • 1.How does the EEAS assess the possible impact of this strategic agreement on the political and economic relations between the European Union and Iran?
    • 2.How does the EU intend to respond to a potential deepening of military and security cooperation between Russia and Iran, in particular with regard to the ongoing acts of war in Ukraine and Iran’s provision of support to Russia?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Documents required by financial institutions when entering into contracts with clients – E-000321/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000321/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Luděk Niedermayer (PPE)

    My question concerns the practice followed by some financial institutions in the EU, such as insurance companies, banks, investment companies, telecommunications companies, etc. If a financial institution, when concluding insurance, investment, credit, banking or telecommunications contracts, requires more documents or different types of documents from citizens of other EU countries than it requires from citizens of the country in which it operates, does the Commission consider that there is a breach of Article 18 TFEU, which prohibits discrimination on grounds of nationality, or not?

    If so, what course of action should be taken by EU citizen clients in respect of whom financial institutions are applying such practices?

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call goes out to traders and charities to be part of Tall Ships spectacular

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Local traders and charities are invited to be part of a huge outdoor market on Port of Aberdeen quayside that will be at the vibrant heart of the spectacular Tall Ships Races extravaganza this July.

    Curated on the Quayside will run for four days from Saturday 19 July – Tuesday 22 July, and is being organised by the Council and Aberdeen Inspired, supported by north-east children’s charity Charlie House. Applications to become a stallholder are now open.

    The colourful market will feature traders and charities across 60 stalls in prime position along Regent Quay, Upper Dock and Blaikie’s Quay. The market will be there for the duration of the world-class maritime festival, which is expected to attract around 50 ships and some 400,000 visits.

    The quayside market – inspired by Curated In The Quad, the popular festive market held in Marischal College’s quadrangle over the Christmas season – will help raise funds for Charlie House.

    Councillor Martin Greig, Chair of the Tall Ships Organising Committee, said: “Curated on the Quayside is a fabulous addition to our Tall Ships festivities. This is an additional opportunity for businesses and charities to get involved in what will be the city’s biggest event in decades.

    “The quayside venue is at the heart of a massive influx of visitors. This is an excellent chance for organisations to raise their profiles and their incomes right at the centre of the fun.”

    Adrian Watson, Chief Executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said: “Curated in the Quad helps bring the magic of Christmas to the city centre and I am sure Curated on the Quayside will help add even more excitement and vibrancy to the already spectacular Tall Ships celebrations.

    “It’s a chance for local traders and charities to be centre stage at an event that will put Aberdeen – and them – in the international spotlight, while adding to the unforgettable experience that visitors to the Tall Ships will enjoy and talk about for years.”

    John Brebner, CEO of Charlie House, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with many fantastic traders and charities at our various Curated markets over the years, and we’re delighted to expand on this by supporting the Tall Ships partners with the Curated on the Quayside application process.

    “With applications now open, we’re excited to discover both new and familiar talent eager to join us for this vibrant four-day market as part of The Tall Ships Races.”

    Bob Sanguinetti, CEO, Port of Aberdeen, said: “Curated on the Quayside will be an excellent addition to the Tall Ships programme and we look forward to welcoming a wide range of local traders and charities into the port.”

    Applications for Curated on the Quayside are open, with priority given to local businesses and groups – including nautical organisations – who reflect the Tall Ships event connection to Aberdeen’s maritime heritage.

    Successful traders will attend all four days, while charities will be allocated one day each to allow more good causes to take part. This means 55 traders and 17 charities will be involved Curated on the Quayside.

    Applications are welcomed up until the deadline of 5pm on Friday 28 March with shortlisted applicants being notified by email during the week beginning Monday 21 April.

    To find out more about applying visit the Charlie House website

    For more on Tall Ships 2025 visit the Tall Ships website

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU-Mercosur agreement – E-000324/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000324/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Regina Doherty (PPE)

    The Commission assures citizens that EU food safety standards will be respected for imported products under the proposed EU-Mercosur agreement, even if sanitary and phytosanitary checks have been reduced and customs procedures simplified.

    What specific assurances can the Commission provide in terms of respect for EU production standards and product quality?

    There are currently significant discrepancies between the two parties in terms of production standards, which is impacting exposed sectors, with EU producers having to respect a greater number of regulations, with less support at their disposal and higher labour costs and standards. These discrepancies may also have implications for the level playing field for farmers, as well as for the guarantee of quality, safety and sustainability standards expected by consumers.

    Submitted: 24.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Applying the Digital Services Act to German public service broadcasters – E-000228/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000228/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Germany’s public service broadcasters have massively expanded their online activities. Executives stress the growing importance of the internet for public service broadcasting and see the need for a greater online presence. They are therefore planning, for example, a big streaming push. The development of an ARD-wide streaming network in cooperation with ZDF is in the pipeline. The public broadcasters’ extensive on-demand services and numerous websites provide a wide range of information. Many of these platforms – such as Funk, which is aimed at young people – also allow users to contribute their own content. Platforms often also have integrated comment sections. They also organise online discussions and are making increasing use of interactive formats, with a view to reaching young audiences in particular. However, this also raises questions about the distinction with private media providers, which are also highly represented in the digital sphere.

    • 1.Does the Commission consider that the online platforms of public service broadcasters fall within the scope of the DSA?
    • 2.Does the Commission know whether the Bundesnetzagentur (German Federal Network Agency), which is responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Digital Services Act in Germany, has undertaken relevant regulatory efforts?
    • 3.Will the Commission instruct the Bundesnetzagentur to regulate the online platforms of German public service broadcasters?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Liverpool marks Holocaust Memorial Day with a special service

    Source: City of Liverpool

    The 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia have been marked by a reflective ceremony at Liverpool’s Town Hall.

    The theme of the service was ‘For a Better Future’ and residents are urged to learn about past horrors so that they never happen again. The Lord Mayor and Rabbi Fagleman from the Allerton Hebrew Congregation lit candles; there were prayers and also a speech delivered by Francine Palant, whose parents were both Holocaust survivors.

    The event opened with a performance by King David High School musicians. The Lord Mayor, Cllr Richard Kemp CBE also laid a wreath at St John’s Gardens. 

    At last week’s Full Council meeting, Liverpool City Council reaffirmed its commitment to advocating awareness of the Holocaust. The Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building were also lit up in purple to mark the day. 

    Lord Mayor, Councillor Richard Kemp CBE said: “This year is a significant milestone, given that it is 80 years since Auschwitz was liberated and 30 years since the genocide in Bosnia. 

    “Like each Holocaust Memorial Day, it is a time to reflect and to consider what we can do as a City and community to combat prejudice in all its forms.

    “Liverpool prides itself on being a diverse City and the better future we can work towards is where all communities can live together safely and with great respect for each other.  

    “Learning from the very worst things that humankind has done to itself is one of the most effective ways to prevent anything like this from ever happening again.” 

    Jeremy Wolfson, chair of the Holocaust Memorial Day Planning Group at Liverpool City Council and a member of Liverpool’s Jewish community, said: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us an opportunity to reflect on the Holocaust and subsequent genocides and raise awareness of not only what happened, but to try and ensure that the attitudes which led to them are not repeated.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategy for ending dependency on Turkish imports – E-000223/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000223/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR), Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    The EU imports products from Türkiye, a country that is problematic in many ways, when these products could be replaced by others produced in the EU or in countries around the EU that are not consumed by anti-European and anti-Christian extremist ideologies.

    The volume of trade with Türkiye makes it easier for changes to be made progressively with a view to avoiding short-term supply chain risks and potential objections from the European Council. The sectors where reliance on Türkiye is not critical are textiles and clothing, automotive spare parts, machinery and electrical equipment, as well as plastics and chemical products.

    We can move in the following directions in order to replace these imports: (a) provide immediate support to corresponding production in countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, by offering tax relief/subsidies, (b) promote innovation to reduce production costs and launch pilot projects to kick-start things with small scale changes in existing industry, (c) support regional industries in Germany, Italy, Greece, Portugal, France and Spain through targeted subsidies and investments to increase production capacity, and (d) finance industrial zones to increase production capacity and efficiency within the EU.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission not consider that a strategy for ending dependency on Turkish imports, at least partially, would be important for the independence of our foreign policy and for upholding our legal rights?
    • 2.Does it not consider that our industry would benefit from its support, helping it to cease its reliance on Turkish imports?

    Submitted: 20.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Constitutive Meeting, on 3 October 2024 – Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee

    Source: European Parliament

    The constitutive meeting of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) took place on Thursday, 3 October 2024, in Brussels.

    During the meeting, the Delegation Members elected Mr Karlo RESSLER (EPP, Croatia) as the new Chair, as well as Ms Biljana BORZAN (S&D, Croatia), as first Vice-Chair and Mr Ivaylo VALCHEV (ECR, Bulgaria), as second Vice-Chair.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds inventor’s 70s superbike conquers the cobbles at Leeds museum

    Source: City of Leeds

    A pedal-powered prototype designed by a Leeds inventor to take on the toughest terrain has been put through its paces at a Leeds museum.

    The hulking Fen Easy Rider bicycle was made in the late 1970s to tackle the rugged roads bordering parts of the British countryside, and gives a remarkable insight into the fascinating story of Leeds pioneer Henry Brown, who recently died at the age of 102.

    This past week, his tenacious two-wheeler took on what may have been its biggest challenge yet, when it was road tested on the Victorian cobbles outside Leeds Industrial Museum.

    Fitted with a heavy-duty aluminium frame, and with a robust suspension mechanism front and back along with a sprung saddle, brass bell and mud guards, the bike made for a formidable sight in its heyday.

    John McGoldrick, Leeds Museums and Galleries’ curator of industrial history, took the vintage velocipede for a spin as it officially became part of the museum’s collection in a fitting tribute to Mr Brown’s life and legacy.

    He said: “It’s been a real joy to take this remarkable piece of engineering for a bit of a spin and to get a feel for how much thought and ingenuity went into what is a truly bespoke design.

    “The cobbles at Leeds Industrial Museum certainly pushed the bike to its limits, but it’s a testament to the quality and robustness of its structure that it has very much stood the test of time.

    “The Fen Easy Rider was just one of the unique inventions created by Henry Brown, a Leeds engineer with the ability to apply his extraordinary skill and unique mind to solving all manner of practical problems. It’s a privilege to have one of his inventions in our collection and to be preserving the story of his life and work.”

    Born in Leeds in 1923, Henry Brown joined the RAF at 17, learning navigation, morse code and engineering.

    After the Second World War, he founded the Leeds Cycle and Engineering Company, setting up a workshop in an old rhubarb shed in Rodley.

    As well as designing the Fen Easy Rider, Mr Brown also created the extraordinary two seater vehicle that became known as the Scootacar, and which went into production in 1957.

    The eye-catching microcars were reputedly inspired by the wife of a local company director, who said she wanted a vehicle that was easier to park than her bulkier Jaguar.

    The Scootacar’s distinctive shape was said to be sparked by a particularly tall factory employee, who sat on a box against a wall before a chalk outline was drawn around him.

    An original Mark One version of the Scootacar in bright blue is also on display at Leeds Industrial Museum.

    Mr Brown also produced inventions and designs for a wide range of applications including health care, spiral staircases and agricultural silos. He sadly passed away on December 20, 2024.

    Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “The story of Leeds is filled with individuals whose creativity and spirit of invention have left their mark on the world.

    “Our museums play a hugely important role in keeping their legacy alive and ensuring their accomplishments are a source of fascination and inspiration for future generations.”

    For more information on visiting Leeds Industrial Museum, please visit: Visit Leeds Industrial Museum | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: A current flowing to the future

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Just 25 kilometres northwest of Mostar, another man is on a mission to save his local river. Boro Đolo grew up along the banks of the Lištica River. “Here, people learn to swim before they learn to walk,” he says.

    A soft-spoken grandfather, Đolo spends his free time working with a local organisation to restore the area’s native fish population. Professionally, Đolo has devoted 35 years to the water sector, working for the city of Široki Brijeg. There he leads a project aimed at improving wastewater services to protect the Lištica. The city has already built and rehabilitated 25 kilometres of sewer lines and four kilometres of storm drains and is currently constructing a treatment plant to serve its 15 000 residents.

    Flowing from a nearby spring, the Lištica River, carves through local landscapes before joining the Neretva near Mostar. “That’s why it’s crucial to keep the Lištica clean. We all live downstream,” Đolo says. “If someone upstream pollutes a river, that pollution affects everyone living downstream.”

    The projects in Mostar and Široki Brijeg are part of a larger effort, financed by the European Investment Bank, to improve water and sanitation across the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The €60 million invested in these initiatives is part of the Bank’s broader €240 million commitments to water infrastructure and flood protection in the country.

    “The project covers 19 municipalities and has significantly improved the quality of life for residents,” says Sukavata Bejdić, project lead at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry. Speaking in her crowded office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, Bejdić maintains an optimistic attitude and an infectious smile. “Over the last 15 years, this project has brought clean drinking water and a better sewerage system to more than 500 000 people.” 

    Bejdić knows she’s making a difference. “It’s been a long process and a lot of hard work,” Bejdić says, “but I talk to people on the ground every day, and I’m happy I can do something for them.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Funding the construction of a new Greek research vessel – E-000199/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-000199/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Yannis Maniatis (S&D)

    Greece, a country with enormous maritime wealth and importance for European maritime policy, is being confronted with the need to renew its basic infrastructure, such as research vessels. Oceanographic vessels are a key tool for studying climate change, implementing the European maritime policy strategy and fulfilling obligations under European directives.

    Greece’s two existing research vessels (‘AEGAEO’ and ‘PHILIA’) were built in 1985. The oceanographic vessel ‘AEGAEO’, which has been in service for 40 years and supported European programmes worth hundreds of millions of euro, will soon be decommissioned. Despite the fact that 75 % funding was secured from the European Investment Bank (EIB) in 2018 for the construction of a new modern research vessel, the national contribution (25 % of the total budget) has still not been made available, causing delays that are jeopardising the continuation of Greek maritime research.

    Can the Commission say whether additional European instruments or programmes could be used to help complete the construction of the new Greek research vessel, in order to ensure the continuation of maritime research and the fulfilment of Greece’s European obligations?

    Submitted: 17.1.2025

    Last updated: 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Otley Bridge: Oak tree to be removed from this Friday (31 January)

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds City Council is proposing to remove the two trees near to Otley Bridge from this Friday (31 January) so work can begin to replace the deteriorating pedestrian footway.

    The council must fell the mature oak tree and tulip tree before bird nesting season begins at the end of February to be able to remove the existing footway and install a temporary footway. Up to now the council has been unable to safely remove the two trees despite several site visits.

    If this were to continue beyond the end-of-February deadline, the only viable alternative to allow pedestrians to cross the River Wharfe would be to reduce Otley Bridge to single lane traffic with three-way temporary traffic signals for the duration of the works, which are expected to last until late Autumn.

    Recently the council installed temporary signals on Otley Bridge, reducing it to a single lane, to allow further in-depth inspections of the footway and traffic monitoring. This led to a significant amount of disruption in the local area and the council has received a large amount of correspondence from key partners including bus operators, ward members and residents raising concerns about the potential impacts if this were to continue over a longer period.

    This includes lengthy vehicle queuing, ‘gridlock’ and congestion, with some short journeys taking as long as 45 minutes, and delays for public transport and for students attending the nearby schools. Other correspondence also refers to ‘fewer visitors and lost income’ to businesses, and ‘major concerns’ about emergency services journeys including to the hospital.

    Today the council has taken the additional step of publishing a delegated decision notification which approves the felling of the two trees and proposes that this takes place from this Friday.

    The notification recognises the impact of the temporary signals and the correspondence received, and records the decision to proceed with officers’ recommendations that that the installation of a temporary footbridge, which would require the felling of the two trees, is the most appropriate solution to ensure pedestrians can continue to cross the river.

    Councillor Jonathan Pryor, Leeds City Council’s deputy leader and executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said: “We recognise the strength of feeling around protecting the two trees, and admire the passion and dedication of the groups involved.

    “However, the disruption seen since introducing the temporary signals reaffirms our position that the temporary footway is the best solution for the town compared to the only other viable alternative of reducing Otley Bridge to single-lane traffic for around six months. This is supported by the vast majority of correspondence I have received in recent weeks, with many residents and businesses expressing their concerns about long-term traffic management measures.

    “We intend to fell the two trees from this Friday so that we able to progress the essential work to install the temporary footbridge, so pedestrians and vehicles can safely cross the River Wharfe.”

    In accordance with the council’s guidance, the trees would be replaced by a minimum of 13 semi mature trees across the Otley area, including in Tittybottle Park, subject to community consultation.

    Should works commence to install the temporary footway in March, these would take around 12 weeks and it would be expected to be open in late spring 2025.

    The existing footway would then be removed from spring 2025 on completion of the temporary footway, with work lasting 20 weeks.

    The replacement permanent footway would be expected to be open in autumn 2025.

    All dates are dependent on weather and river conditions, and subject to the condition of the Otley Bridge once the existing footway has been removed.

    More information about the Otley Bridge project, including frequently asked questions and details of all the options explored by the council, can be found at: Have Your Say Today – Otley Bridge – Commonplace 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – New parliamentary committee: election of Chairs and Vice-Chairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Housing_thumbnail.png © European Union, 2024 – EP

    The constitutive meeting of Parliament’s new committee, established in December 2024, will take place on 30 January. During the meeting, the new special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, will elect its respective bureau, made up of a Chair and Vice-Chairs, for the duration of the committee’s mandate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Hate speech and hate crime targeting LGBTI people – 28-01-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Hate speech and hate crime are incompatible with the European Union’s common values and fundamental rights, as enshrined in the European Union (EU) Treaties and in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. EU law criminalises hate speech and hate crime, but only if it is related to a limited set of characteristics, namely: race, colour, religion, descent or national or ethnic origin. Legislative developments, case-law and policy initiatives have helped to create more equal and welcoming societies – including for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, intersex and queer people – in recent years. Nevertheless, there has also been a significant increase in hate-motivated harassment targeting LGBTI people, as well as more frequent physical and sexual attacks, particularly affecting trans-, non-binary, gender-diverse and intersex people. In the absence of EU legislation, the vast majority of Member States criminalise hate speech on grounds of sexual orientation, and many also do so on grounds of gender identity. Most Member States also consider an offence committed because of the victim’s sexual orientation as a hate crime, treating this aspect either as an offence in itself or the motive as an aggravating factor. Sixteen Member States consider an offence committed because of the victim’s gender identity to be a hate crime. However, only eight Member States consider sex characteristics to be grounds for either hate speech or hate crime. This means that only six EU Member States fully cover sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics in their legislation on hate-speech and hate-crime. By contrast, three Member States do not consider any of the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or sex characteristics to be protected grounds when it comes to hate speech or hate crime.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commissioner Kubilius’s speech at the European Space Conference

    Source: EuroStat – European Statistics

    European Commission Speech Brussels, 28 Jan 2025 We, Europeans, can be proud of our achievements in space. Together we’re worth a quarter of the global space economy. If we want to maintain our lead in space, we need to take bold and decisive steps.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Netherlands: Rabobank and EIB scale up support for environmentally conscious small businesses

    Source: European Investment Bank

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Rabobank are scaling up their support for environmentally conscious businesses. Through this new instrument, €300 million will be made available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) working at the forefront of sustainable development. Over the last nine years, in cooperation with the EIB, Rabobank has provided over €1.8 billion in sustainable financing to over 1 000 SMEs.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sees robust increase in EV charging facilities

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2024 shows new energy vehicles charging at a charging station in Changsha County, central China’s Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Zhenhai)

    China saw a significant surge in electric vehicle charging facilities in 2024, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.

    By the end of last year, the total number of electric vehicle charging poles in the country had reached 12.82 million, marking a 49.1 percent year-on-year increase.

    Of these, public charging poles accounted for approximately 3.58 million, while private charging poles neared 9.24 million.

    In 2024, China added more than 4.22 million electric vehicle charging poles.

    The expansion of charging facilities comes amid surging demand for new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China, with both production and sales surpassing 12 million units in 2024.

    China has maintained its position as the world’s leading NEV market for 10 consecutive years.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s oil, gas output exceeds 400M tonnes for 1st time

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    China’s crude oil and natural gas output exceeded 400 million tonnes of oil equivalent for the first time in 2024, according to the National Energy Administration.

    The country’s crude oil and natural gas output has sustained a robust annual growth streak of over 10 million tonnes for the eighth consecutive year, the administration said.

    Crude oil production reached 213 million tonnes in 2024, an increase of 24 million tonnes from 2018, while natural gas production reached 246.4 billion cubic meters, with an average annual growth of over 13 billion cubic meters in the past six years.

    Offshore and unconventional reserves have become the primary contributors to production growth. For example, China’s shale oil output surged to 6 million tonnes in 2024, marking a year-on-year increase of over 30 percent.

    Meanwhile, China’s shale gas production remained strong, exceeding 25 billion cubic meters, according to the administration.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arrest made in Wimbledon Prep School fatal collision investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the fatal collision at the Study Prep School in Wimbledon in July 2023 have arrested the driver as part of their ongoing investigation, as they appeal for further potential witnesses to come forward.

    The 48-year-old female driver was arrested today, Tuesday 28 January, on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and is currently in custody. This is the second time she has been arrested for this offence, the first time being at the scene of the collision on 6 July 2023.

    Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau – both eight years old – died when a car crashed through a fence and collided with a building at the school.

    An initial investigation by the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) resulted in a direction from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in June 2024 that the driver should face no further action.

    After concerns were raised by the families of Nuria and Selena regarding this outcome, it was agreed the Specialist Crime Review Group (SCRG) would carry out a review of the investigation. That review identified lines of enquiry which required further examination.

    In October the investigation was moved to the Specialist Crime Command, under Detective Superintendent Lewis Basford. He leads a team who have since been pursuing new lines of enquiry identified by the review.

    Detective Superintendent Basford said: “I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to any witnesses or individuals with information who are yet to speak to police to please come forward.

    “Were you attending the local golf course or driving in or around the area of the Study Prep School in Wimbledon at the time of the collision? Did you see the vehicle – a distinctive gold Land Rover Defender – in the lead up to the collision? We believe there were people in the local area who have not been spoken to by police and remain unidentified. I would ask those individuals to please contact us.

    “Our main priority is to ensure the lines of enquiry identified by the review are progressed. This is a live investigation and in order to maintain its integrity I can’t go into further detail at this stage. I would urge people to avoid speculation.”

    + To provide information you can contact the major incident room on 0207 175 0793, call 101 quoting CAD 6528/27Jan, or message @MetCC on X providing the CAD reference. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area economic and financial developments by institutional sector: third quarter of 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    28 January 2025

    • Euro area net saving increased to €820 billion in four quarters up to third quarter of 2024, compared with €804 billion one quarter earlier
    • Household debt-to-income ratio decreased to 82.5% in third quarter of 2024 from 86.2% one year earlier
    • NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 67.4% in third quarter of 2024 from 69.1% one year earlier

    Total euro area economy

    Euro area net saving increased to €820 billion (6.8% of euro area net disposable income) in the four quarters up to the third quarter of 2024 compared with €804 billion in the four quarters up to the previous quarter. Euro area net non-financial investment was broadly unchanged at €440 billion (3.7% of net disposable income), due to broadly unchanged net investment in all sectors (see Chart 1 and Table 1 in the Annex).

    Euro area net lending to the rest of the world increased to €418 billion (from €405 billion previously) reflecting the increased net saving and broadly unchanged net non-financial investment. Household net lending increased to €581 billion (4.8% of net disposable income) from €561 billion. Net lending of NFCs decreased to €192 billion (1.6% of net disposable income) from €231 billion while that of financial corporations was broadly unchanged at €132 billion (1.1% of net disposable income). General government net borrowing decreased, contributing less negatively (-4.0% of net disposable income, after -4.3% previously) to euro area net lending.

    Chart 1

    Euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world

    (EUR billions, four-quarter sums)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.
    * Net saving minus net capital transfers to the rest of the world (equals change in net worth due to transactions).

    Data for euro area saving, investment and net lending to the rest of the world (Chart 1)

    Households

    Household financial investment increased at a broadly unchanged annual rate of 2.4% in the third quarter of 2024. Among its components, investment in currency and deposits (2.6%, after 2.3%) and investment in shares and other equity (1.3%, after 0.8%) grew at higher rates – the latter due to investment fund shares – while investment in debt securities increased at a lower rate (15.4%, after 28.4%).

    Households continued to purchase, in net terms, mainly debt securities issued by general government and MFIs. Households were overall net sellers of listed shares, selling predominantly listed shares of non-financial corporations, while buying listed shares issued by the rest of the world (i.e. shares issued by non-euro area residents). Households increased their purchases of euro area investment fund shares, including those issued by MFIs (money market funds) and by non-money market investment funds, and continued to purchase investment fund shares issued by the rest of the world (see Table 1 below and Table 2.2. in the Annex).

    The household debt-to-income ratio[1] decreased to 82.5% in the third quarter of 2024 from 86.2% in the third quarter of 2023. The household debt-to-GDP ratio declined to 51.8% in the third quarter of 2024 from 53.5% in the third quarter of 2023 (see Chart 2).

    Table 1

    Financial investment and financing of households, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    2024 Q3

    Financial investment*

    1.8

    1.9

    2.0

    2.3

    2.4

    Currency and deposits

    0.3

    0.7

    1.6

    2.3

    2.6

    Debt securities

    58.7

    55.9

    39.4

    28.4

    15.4

    Shares and other equity**

    1.1

    0.3

    0.4

    0.8

    1.3

    Life insurance

    -0.7

    -0.7

    -0.2

    0.0

    0.8

    Pension schemes

    2.3

    2.1

    2.2

    2.2

    2.3

    Financing***

    1.5

    0.8

    1.0

    1.3

    1.3

    Loans

    1.0

    0.5

    0.5

    0.5

    0.9

    Source: ECB.
    * Items not shown include: loans granted, prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims and other accounts receivable.
    ** Includes investment fund shares.
    *** Items not shown include: financial derivatives’ net liabilities, pension schemes and other accounts payable.

    Data for financial investment and financing of households (Table 1)

    Chart 2

    Debt ratios of households and NFCs

    (percentages of GDP)

    Sources: ECB and Eurostat.
    * Outstanding amount of loans, debt securities, trade credits and pension scheme liabilities.
    ** Outstanding amount of loans and debt securities, excluding debt positions between NFCs
    *** Outstanding amount of loan liabilities.

    Data for debt ratios of households and NFCs (Chart 2)

    Non-financial corporations

    Financing of NFCs increased at an unchanged annual rate of 1.0% in the third quarter of 2024. Issuance of debt securities grew at a lower rate (2.4% after 2.9%) and financing via trade credits increased at a higher rate (2.4% after 1.8%) while financing via shares and other equity (0.7%) and loans (1.3%) increased at unchanged rates. Loans granted by MFIs to NFCs increased at a broadly unchanged rate (1.2%), and loans granted by other NFCs grew at a lower rate (2.6% after 3.1%). Loans granted by other financial institutions declined at a less negative rate (‑0.2% after -0.6%), as did loans granted by the rest of the world (-1.1% after -2.1) (see Table 2 below and Table 3.2 in the Annex).

    NFCs’ debt-to-GDP ratio (consolidated measure) decreased to 67.4% in the third quarter of 2024, from 69.1% in the third quarter of 2023; the non-consolidated, wider debt measure decreased to 138.4% from 141.3% (see Chart 2).

    Table 2

    Financing and financial investment of NFCs, main items

    (annual growth rates)

    Financial transactions

    2023 Q3

    2023 Q4

    2024 Q1

    2024 Q2

    2024 Q3

    Financing*

    1.2

    0.8

    0.8

    1.0

    1.0

    Debt securities

    1.5

    1.3

    1.9

    2.9

    2.4

    Loans

    1.8

    1.6

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    Shares and other equity

    0.4

    0.3

    0.4

    0.7

    0.7

    Trade credits and advances

    2.1

    1.1

    0.9

    1.8

    2.4

    Financial investment**

    2.3

    1.7

    1.8

    2.0

    2.0

    Currency and deposits

    -1.2

    -1.2

    0.5

    2.8

    1.8

    Debt securities

    24.9

    20.2

    8.5

    5.8

    1.9

    Loans

    4.7

    4.5

    3.9

    3.9

    3.4

    Shares and other equity

    1.2

    1.0

    1.4

    1.4

    1.6

    Source: ECB.
    * Items not shown include: pension schemes, other accounts payable, financial derivatives’ net liabilities and deposits.
    ** Items not shown include: other accounts receivable and prepayments of insurance premiums and reserves for outstanding claims.

    Data for financing and financial investment of NFCs (Table 2)

    For queries, please use the statistical information request form.

    Notes

    • These data come from a second release of quarterly euro area sector accounts for the third quarter of 2024 by the ECB and Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. This release incorporates revisions and completed data for all sectors compared with the first release on “Euro area households and non-financial corporations” of 13 January 2025. Moreover, it incorporates revisions to the data since the first quarter of 1999, reflecting, amongst others, the impact of the benchmark revision 2024 implemented in the EU. For further information see the related Eurostat webpage.
    • The euro area and national financial accounts data of NFCs and households are available in an interactive dashboard.
    • The debt-to-GDP (or debt-to-income) ratios are calculated as the outstanding amount of debt in the reference quarter divided by the sum of GDP (or income) in the four quarters up to the reference quarter. The ratio of non-financial transactions (e.g. savings) as a percentage of income or GDP is calculated as the sum of the four quarters up to the reference quarter for both numerator and denominator.
    • The annual growth rate of non-financial transactions and of outstanding assets and liabilities (stocks) is calculated as the percentage change between the value for a given quarter and that value recorded four quarters earlier. The annual growth rates used for financial transactions refer to the total value of transactions during the year in relation to the outstanding stock a year before.
    • Hyperlinks in the main body of the statistical release lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data as at the time of the current release.
    • The ECB publishes experimental Distributional Wealth Accounts (DWA) for the household sector. The release of results for the third quarter of 2024 is planned for 28 February 2025 (tentative date).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Threat detection systems on Royal Navy warships upgraded

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    More than 200 UK jobs will be supported through a new contract to boost the Royal Navy’s warship combat systems and increase their ability to track, analyse and respond to threats in combat.

    More than 200 UK jobs will be supported through a new contract to boost the Royal Navy’s warship combat systems and increase their ability to track, analyse and respond to threats in combat.  

    The contract, worth £285 million, has been awarded to BAE Systems, to maintain and modernise vital combat management systems (CMS) on Royal Navy vessels, including Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers and Type 26 frigates.

    Such systems provide warship crews with all the information they need to track, analyse and respond to threats in combat. The contract will support hundreds of jobs across the UK delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. 

    Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP said:

    This significant investment in our industry is another example of how our Government is making defence an engine for growth.  

    We are strengthening the UK’s defences while supporting growth, with hundreds of high-skilled jobs, to help deliver on our Plan for Change.   

    By working with British industry we’re ensuring our Royal Navy has the advanced technology it needs while strengthening our domestic defence industrial base.

    The project, dubbed RECODE (Real-time Combat System Open Data Enablers), will sustain more than 200 highly skilled UK jobs at BAE Systems in Filton, Dorchester, New Malden, Frimley and Portsmouth. It will also create additional investment in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and high-tech suppliers across the UK.  

    The CMS is the primary method for Royal Navy operators to interact with weapons and sensors. The system supports operators in their Decide and Enable functions by providing a range of tools including:  

    • Situation awareness.
    • Tactical picture compilation.
    • Threat evaluation and weapon assignment.
    • Navigation and blind pilotage.
    • Weapon direction and control.

    The upgrades announcement comes just a week after the Royal Navy was tracking a Russian spy ship, Yantar, in British waters. The Royal Navy was able to follow its every move before the Russian ship left for the Mediterranean waters.  Crucial upgrades such as RECODE will further improve the Royal Navy’s crucial deterrence capabilities.  

    This builds on the strategic aims of the Government’s upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, aligning national security with a high-growth economy to support the Plan for Change.   

    The combat management systems provide Royal Navy crews with essential situational awareness and operational capabilities. The new contract builds on 25 years of BAE Systems’ combat management expertise supporting the Royal Navy.  

    The Government is developing a full Defence Industrial Strategy, which the Defence Secretary launched in December, to ensure Defence is an engine for UK growth.

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Report 02/2025: Derailment of a passenger train at Grange-over-Sands

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    RAIB has today released its report into a derailment of a passenger train at Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, 22 March 2024.

    The rear of the train following the derailment.

    R022025_250128_Grange-over-Sands

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    Summary

    At around 06:05 on 22 March 2024, a passenger train travelling at 56 mph (90 km/h) derailed on the approach to Grange-over-Sands station. The derailment occurred because a void had opened in the embankment on which the train was travelling, leading to the rails under the train losing support. The train was carrying four train crew and four passengers when it derailed. Nobody was injured, but significant damage was caused to both the train and the railway infrastructure.

    RAIB’s investigation found that the void had been created because water had dislodged embankment material and carried it away. The water came from a pipe partially buried beneath the railway, which had been damaged during routine maintenance around 2 days before the derailment.

    The damage to the pipe had been reported immediately to the railway control room by the maintenance staff involved. However, as a result of ineffective communications, no action was taken to stop the consequent leak. The pipe had been installed by Network Rail in 2016 as a temporary measure to assist in managing flood water in the surrounding areas, but on-call engineering staff were unaware that it was in use and carrying water at the time it was damaged.

    Underlying factors to the accident were that those responsible for managing flood water at this location had not done so effectively, leading to the prolonged need to rely on temporary pumping arrangements. RAIB also identified that staffing levels at Network Rail’s Carnforth maintenance delivery unit did not provide sufficient resilience and had allowed non-compliance with the standards relating to the management of tamping to become normalised. In addition, Network Rail had allowed a temporary pumping arrangement to become permanent without applying the relevant asset management procedures.

    Recommendations

    As a result of its investigation, RAIB has made five recommendations. The first three recommendations are made to Network Rail. The first of these aims to reduce the risk associated with temporary drainage solutions which remain in place for longer than anticipated. The second asks Network Rail to review how it can improve the ability of tamper operators to detect buried services. The third aims to reduce the likelihood that buried services are struck during maintenance by ensuring staffing levels are adequate to comply with Network Rail’s own procedures. The fourth recommendation is made to the Environment Agency, and other local stakeholders, and aims to encourage timely decision-making in relation to the future of this area so that the management of flood water does not manifest in another risk to the railway. The final recommendation is addressed to Eversholt Rail Leasing Limited, the owner of the train involved, and aims to reduce the risk of a derailed train being struck by a train on the adjacent line due to a failure of communications and warning systems.

    Additionally, RAIB has identified three learning points. The first of these reminds track workers of the importance of completing required site visits ahead of planned work to mark up obstructions. The second reminds staff of the importance of being readily contactable when on call, and the final learning point encourages railway controllers to escalate issues where the first line on-call staff are not available.

    Andrew Hall, Chief Inspector of Rail Accidents said:

    Derailments of passenger trains are thankfully rare. The elements that came together and led to the derailment at Grange-over-Sands include some factors that have been seen in previous RAIB investigations. In this case Victorian infrastructure, increasing rainfall, a known flood water management problem which multiple parties had not fully resolved over years, ineffective communication and a short-term fix effectively becoming the permanent solution, all played a part. As the railway’s infrastructure will continue to age, and given the challenges of climate change, the importance of avoiding the other factors is ever more vital if such derailments are to remain a rarity.

    Notes to editors

    1. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

    2. RAIB operates, as far as possible, in an open and transparent manner. While our investigations are completely independent of the railway industry, we do maintain close liaison with railway companies and if we discover matters that may affect the safety of the railway, we make sure that information about them is circulated to the right people as soon as possible, and certainly long before publication of our final report.

    3. For media enquiries, please call 01932 440015.

    Newsdate: 28 January 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 28 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –