Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Statistics on Code on Access to Information for third quarter of 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Statistics on Code on Access to Information for third quarter of 2024 
    The total number of requests received since the introduction of the Code in March 1995 and up to the end of September 2024 amounted to 130 935. Of these, 8 226 requests were subsequently withdrawn by the requestors and 6 482 requests covered cases in which the bureaux/departments concerned did not hold the requested information or cannot confirm or deny the existence of information. As at September 30, 2024, 790 requests were still being processed by bureaux/departments.

    Among the 115 437 requests which covered information held by bureaux/departments and which the bureaux/departments had responded to, 112 104 requests (97.1 per cent) were met, either in full (109 073 requests) or in part (3 031 requests), and 3 333 requests (2.9 per cent) were refused.Issued at HKT 18:22

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Annual Issues and Opportunities Workshop

    Source:

    Mental Health Australia hosted an Annual Issues and Opportunities Workshop for members of the National Register of Mental Health Consumer and Carer Representatives (National Register) and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF).  

    Over the years, these two-day workshops have supported the development of representatives’ advocacy, policy development and leadership skills of mental health consumers and carers participating in national policy initiatives. The workshops have also provided important networking opportunities for representatives.  

    The 2025 Annual Issues and Opportunities Workshop was the final workshop for these two national groups. The Commonwealth Government has funded two peak bodies, one for consumers and one for carers, meaning the funding for the National Register of Mental Health Consumer and Carer Representatives (National Register) and the National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum (NMHCCF) ceased as of 30 June 2025.  

    The final meeting was held in Canberra on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 May 2025 and was attended by 57 mental health consumer and carer representatives, and staff from Mental Health Australia.  

    The theme chosen for this final Annual Workshop was Celebrating our Past and Building Our Future. The program encompassed different speakers, thought-provoking sessions on moving forward without the formal structure of the groups, and opportunities for participants to celebrate their achievements.  

    This report provides highlights from the two-day event and a summary of the key themes from the workshop and through the workshop evaluation survey.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Remembers Former Johnson Director Jefferson Howell

    Source: NASA

    July 3, 2025
    Jefferson Davis Howell, Jr., former director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, died July 2, in Bee Cave, Texas. He was 85 years old.
    Howell was a champion of the construction of the International Space Station, working on a deadline to complete the orbiting lab by 2004. He oversaw four space shuttle crews delivering equipment and hardware to reach that goal. He also served as director during a pivotal moment for the agency: the loss of STS-107 and the crew of space shuttle Columbia. He made it his personal responsibility to meet with the families, look after them, and attend memorial services, all while keeping the families informed of the accident investigation as it unfolded.
    “Gen. Howell led NASA Johnson through one of the most difficult chapters in our history, following the loss of Columbia and her crew,” said acting associate administrator Vanessa Wyche. “He brought strength and steady direction, guiding the workforce with clarity and compassion. He cared deeply for the people behind the mission and shared his leadership skills generously with the team. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and all who knew and loved him.”
    At the time of his selection as director, he was serving as senior vice president with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) as the program manager for the safety, reliability, and quality assurance contract at Johnson. Following the accident, he made it his mission to improve the relationship between the civil servant and contractor workforce. He left his position and the agency, in October 2005, shortly after the Return-to-Flight mission of STS-114.
    “General Howell stepped into leadership at Johnson during a pivotal time, as the International Space Station was just beginning to take shape. He led and supported NASA’s successes not only in space but here on the ground — helping to strengthen the center’s culture and offering guidance through both triumph and tragedy,” said Steve Koerner, Johnson Space Center’s acting director. “On behalf of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, we offer our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside him. The impact of his legacy will continue to shape Johnson for decades to come.”
    The Victoria, Texas, native was a retired lieutenant general in the U.S. Marine Corps with a decorated military career prior to his service at NASA. He flew more than 300 combat missions in Vietnam and Thailand.
    Howell is survived by his wife Janel and two children. A tree dedication will be held at NASA Johnson’s memorial grove in the coming year.
    -end-
    Chelsey Ballarte
    Johnson Space Center, Houston
    281-483-5111
    chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hubble Observations Give “Missing” Globular Cluster Time to Shine

    Source: NASA

    A previously unexplored globular cluster glitters with multicolored stars in this NASA Hubble Space Telescope image. Globular clusters like this one, called ESO 591-12 or Palomar 8, are spherical collections of tens of thousands to millions of stars tightly bound together by gravity. Globular clusters generally form early in the galaxies’ histories in regions rich in gas and dust. Since the stars form from the same cloud of gas as it collapses, they typically hover around the same age. Strewn across this image of ESO 591-12 are a number of red and blue stars. The colors indicate their temperatures; red stars are cooler, while the blue stars are hotter.
    Hubble captured the data used to create this image of ESO 591-12 as part of a study intended to resolve individual stars of the entire globular cluster system of the Milky Way. Hubble revolutionized the study of globular clusters since earthbound telescopes are unable to distinguish individual stars in the compact clusters. The study is part of the Hubble Missing Globular Clusters Survey, which targets 34 confirmed Milky Way globular clusters that Hubble has yet to observe.
    The program aims to provide complete observations of ages and distances for all of the Milky Way’s globular clusters and investigate fundamental properties of still-unexplored clusters in the galactic bulge or halo. The observations will provide key information on the early stages of our galaxy, when globular clusters formed.
    Explore More

    Media Contact:
    Claire AndreoliNASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDclaire.andreoli@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DHS Adds New Languages to CBP Home Mobile App to Support Voluntary Self-Deportation Under Project Homecoming

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: DHS Adds New Languages to CBP Home Mobile App to Support Voluntary Self-Deportation Under Project Homecoming

    lass=”text-align-center”>Chinese and Hindi added to the CBP Home Mobile App
    WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it is adding two new languages to the CBP Home Mobile App: Simplified Chinese and Hindi

    This update dramatically expands the app’s accessibility to make it easier for millions of illegal aliens to voluntarily self-deport under President Trump’s Project Homecoming initiative

    With these new additions, even more illegal aliens can take control of their departure, avoid detention, and manage their return with dignity and order

    “There is ZERO excuse for you to stay in the United States if you are an illegal alien

    The United States taxpayer is generously offering those in this country illegally $1,000 and a free flight home

    ” said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

    “These new languages make it easier than ever for illegal aliens to do the right thing and self deport with dignity and order

    Don’t make us come after you

    If we do, you will be arrested, fined, deported, and never allowed to return

    Download the CBP Home Mobile App and leave NOW


    Through Project Homecoming, illegal aliens who self-deport using the CBP Home Mobile App benefit from several incentives, including:

    Cost-free travel to their home country or another country where they have lawful status

    Forgiveness of civil fines for failure to depart after a final order or voluntary departure order

    A $1,000 exit bonus upon confirmed return, using the mobile app

    Preserve the potential opportunity to return to the United States the right, legal way

    CBP Home is available for free on any Apple or Android device via Apple’s App Store and Google Play, or directly from DHS

    gov

    For further information, visit DHS

    gov/CBPhome

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Mission Monitoring Air Quality from Space Extended 

    Source: NASA

    Since launching in 2023, NASA’s Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution mission, or TEMPO, has been measuring the quality of the air we breathe from 22,000 miles above the ground. June 19 marked the successful completion of TEMPO’s 20-month-long initial prime mission, and based on the quality of measurements to date, the mission has been extended through at least September 2026. The TEMPO mission is NASA’s first to use a spectrometer to gather hourly air quality data continuously over North America during daytime hours. It can see details down to just a few square miles, a significant advancement over previous satellites.
    “NASA satellites have a long history of missions lasting well beyond the primary mission timeline. While TEMPO has completed its primary mission, the life for TEMPO is far from over,” said Laura Judd, research physical scientist and TEMPO science team member at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. “It is a big jump going from once-daily images prior to this mission to hourly data. We are continually learning how to use this data to interpret how emissions change over time and how to track anomalous events, such as smoggy days in cities or the transport of wildfire smoke.” 

    When air quality is altered by smog, wildfire smoke, dust, or emissions from vehicle traffic and power plants, TEMPO detects the trace gases that come with those effects. These include nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and formaldehyde in the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth’s atmosphere.
    “A major breakthrough during the primary mission has been the successful test of data delivery in under three hours with the help of NASA’s Satellite Needs Working Group. This information empowers decision-makers and first responders to issue timely air quality warnings and help the public reduce outdoor exposure during times of higher pollution,” said Hazem Mahmoud, lead data scientist at NASA’s Atmospheric Science Data Center located at Langley Research Center.

    hazem mahmoud
    NASA Data Scientist

    TEMPO data is archived and distributed freely through the Atmospheric Science Data Center. “The TEMPO mission has set a groundbreaking record as the first mission to surpass two petabytes, or 2 million gigabytes, of data downloads within a single year,” said Mahmoud. “With over 800 unique users, the substantial demand for TEMPO’s data underscores its critical role and the immense value it provides to the scientific community and beyond.” Air quality forecasters, atmospheric scientists, and health researchers make up the bulk of the data users so far.

    The TEMPO mission is a collaboration between NASA and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, whose Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian oversees daily operations of the TEMPO instrument and produces data products through its Instrument Operations Center.
    Datasets from TEMPO will be expanded through collaborations with partner agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is deriving aerosol products that can distinguish between smoke and dust particles and offer insights into their altitude and concentration.

    “These datasets are being used to inform the public of rush-hour pollution, air quality alerts, and the movement of smoke from forest fires,” said Xiong Liu, TEMPO’s principal investigator at the Center for Astrophysics Harvard & Smithsonian. “The library will soon grow with the important addition of aerosol products. Users will be able to use these expanded TEMPO products for air quality monitoring, improving forecast models, deriving pollutant amounts in emissions and many other science applications.”

    “The TEMPO data validation has truly been a community effort with over 20 agencies at the federal and international level, as well as a community of over 200 scientists at research and academic institutions,” Judd added. “I look forward to seeing how TEMPO data will help close knowledge gaps about the timing, sources, and evolution of air pollution from this unprecedented space-based view.”
    An agency review will take place in the fall to assess TEMPO’s achievements and extended mission goals and identify lessons learned that can be applied to future missions.
    The TEMPO mission is part of NASA’s Earth Venture Instrument program, which includes small, targeted science investigations designed to complement NASA’s larger research missions. The instrument also forms part of a virtual constellation of air quality monitors for the Northern Hemisphere which includes South Korea’s Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer and ESA’s (European Space Agency) Sentinel-4 satellite. TEMPO was built by BAE Systems Inc., Space & Mission Systems (formerly Ball Aerospace). It flies onboard the Intelsat 40e satellite built by Maxar Technologies. The TEMPO Instrument Operations Center and the Science Data Processing Center are operated by the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, part of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian in Cambridge.
    For more information about the TEMPO instrument and mission, visit:

    TEMPO

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Finalizes Veto Decisions

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today finalized veto decisions and issued eight vetoes of the 20 bills on the Intent-to-Veto list. As of today, Governor Green has taken action on 304 of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature in the 2025 Session. Other bills signed into law today include the remaining bills on the Intent-to-Veto list, as well as five bills relating to stormwater management and kūpuna care. The remaining 16 of 320 bills passed by the Legislature will become law by July 9. These include bills relating to condominium insurance, Maui wildfire settlement, construction liability reform and support for local nonprofit organizations impacted by changes to federal funding.

    “I want to thank the Legislature for its work this past legislative session to bring forward these important bills signed into law,” said Governor Green. “So far, we have covered critical topics such as the climate impact fee, women’s court, biosecurity, free school meals, fireworks and public safety. Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke spearheaded efforts for broadband access and expanded Preschool Open Doors. These wins reflect what can be achieved when we work together for the good of our state,” said Governor Green.

    Regarding the late inclusion of SB 935 on the Intent-to-Veto list, Governor Green stated, “I want to thank the Legislature and Chief Justice for the thoughtful discussion on SB 935. The bill appropriates funds to analyze vesting changes and we are committed to working with the Legislature and the Judiciary to find meaningful recruitment and retention policies for public service.”

    Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald shared the following comments, “We had a very productive session this year, where a great deal was accomplished, including the establishment of several new courts and judicial initiatives. We are grateful that as part of the process, all sides have been able to express their views on SB 935 and we respect the Governor’s decision. I thank the Governor and legislative leadership for their openness to considering issues relating to recruitment of judges and other important matters going forward.”

    Bills Signed into law:

    Governor Green signed 12 bills into law from the Intent-to-Veto list:

    HB 302 (ACT 241): RELATING TO CANNABIS

    HB 496 (ACT 242): RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA

    HB 300 (ACT 250): RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET

    SB 589 (ACT 266): RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

    HB 126 (ACT 288): RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE

    HB 800 (ACT 289): RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

    SB 935 (ACT 290): RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

    SB 447 (ACT 291): RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM

    SB 104 (ACT 292): RELATING TO CORRECTIONS

    SB 15 (ACT 293): RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION

    SB 38 (ACT 294): RELATING TO HOUSING

    SB 66 (ACT 295): RELATING TO HOUSING

    Vetoes:

    Governor Green issued the following eight vetoes today:

    HB 235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY
    Veto rational: The Department of Transportation has developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

    HB 796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS
    Veto rational: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits across a variety of industries, including film and television, research, and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

    HB 958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION
    Veto rational: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt in the definition. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    HB 1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND
    Veto rational: The administration is committed to the transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and the quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility for efficient emergency response and recovery efforts. Placing additional administrative oversight over funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

    HB 1369: RELATING TO TAXATION
    Veto rational: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

    SB 31: RELATING TO PROPERTY
    Veto rational: By enabling any person, including those without any interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss due to inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

    SB 583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS
    Veto rational: Pursuant to section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill may only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and Convention Center from typical concession procurement procedures may violate section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

    SB 1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT
    Veto rational: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Further, due to the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the Fire Chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill may delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

    Bills signed by the Governor are tracked on the Legislature’s website, here.
    The Governor’s Messages relating to actions on legislation can be found here.
    Bills vetoed by the Governor will be uploaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom signs legislation 7.3.25

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 3, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – A day after announcing California has more than doubled its Film and Television Tax Credit Program, Governor Gavin Newsom today signed legislation to further strengthen the state’s commitment to film and television production:

    • AB 1138 by Assemblymember Zbur (D-Los Angeles) and Senator Allen (D-Santa Monica): Income and corporate taxes: tax credits: motion pictures.

    For full text of the bill, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    News What you need to know: As we approach the Fourth of July holiday and weekend, California is taking steps to keep communities safe during festivities by increasing outreach and highlighting resources. Sacramento, California — As Californians gear up to celebrate…

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement after House Republicans passed President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Betrayal: “This bill is a tragedy for the American people, and a complete moral failure. The President and his MAGA enablers are…

    News SACRAMENTO – Ahead of an expected record-breaking holiday weekend for travel, Californians are seeing the lowest July prices at the pump in years. This comes after Governor Gavin Newsom has taken repeated actions to increase transparency on Big Oil’s balance…

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Gov. Green Signs Bills to Enhance Water Safety and Kūpuna Care

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., signed four measures into law today to strengthen Hawai‘i’s public safety through the enactment of safety measures and protocols surrounding retention and detention ponds, as well as legislation that implements education and safeguards for pressing kūpuna issues. These bills reflect the state’s ongoing priorities to protect the most vulnerable in our communities by fostering awareness and launching educational initiatives to better understand and proactively address the impacts surrounding these concerns.

    “This is about the safety and well-being of our ‘ohana and setting a chain of positive intention to uplift those in our community,” said Governor Green. “These newly enacted laws will provide members of our communities with tools to secure housing, better understand Alzheimer’s disease, and prevent drowning incidents. I am grateful for the community leaders and advocates who identified critical needs and helped bring these quality of life measures to fruition.”

    SB 1221: RELATING TO STORMWATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
    Senate Bill 1221 (Act 281): Due to high drowning rates in the state and the cultural significance of water in the islands, improving water safety and education remains a priority for lawmakers and advocacy groups such as Hawai‘i Water Safety Coalition (HWSC). To make Hawai‘i a safer water state, Act 281 establishes safety measures and regulations for retention and detention ponds.

    Under the new law, counties will now regulate retention and detention ponds within county jurisdiction to require a permitting process for construction and proper maintenance and submission of maintenance plans to ensure compliance with safety regulations. In addition to permitting, safety measures will be mandatory, such as enclosed and secured fencing around pond perimeters, “no swimming” signage and accessible emergency buoys. While these regulations do not apply to retention and detention ponds on private property, managing entities must submit sufficient proof of safety compliance to counties. Lastly, a survey of the ponds will be conducted by counties to be submitted to the Legislature.

    “This is more than just a water safety bill. Act 281 is a legacy enactment in memory of Charlotte ‘Sharkey’ Schaefers, a brave 5-year-old hero who risked her life to save a friend stuck in a detention pond in 2004,” said Governor Green. “The life of such a young girl should have never been taken that day, and now we can hope that it will never happen again.”

    “SB 1221 represents a significant step forward in improving water safety and protecting Hawai‘i’s keiki and families from preventable drowning tragedies,” said Representative Jeanne Kapela (District 5 – Portions of Kea‘au and Kurtistown, Mountain View, Glenwood, Fern Forest, Volcano, Pāhala, Punalu‘u, Nā‘ālehu, Wai‘ōhinu, Hawaiian Ocean View, Ho‘okena). “By regulating retention and detention ponds and requiring clear safety protocols, we are creating safer environments and honoring the memory of Charlotte ‘Sharkey’ Schaefers. No family should have to experience such a loss, and this legislation brings us closer to a future where tragedies like this are prevented, allowing every ‘ohana to feel safer in their community.”

    “The HWSC thanks Governor Green and our legislators for recognizing the need to protect Hawai‘i residents, especially our children, from the hidden hazards of retention and detention ponds,” said Allison Schaefers, Charlotte’s mother. “We must never forget Sharkey’s act of heroism, and this law, which is her legacy, is going to save lives in our state. It’s my hope that Hawai‘i will become the model for a national detention and retention pond safety program.”

    Schaefers was the lead writer of the coalition’s Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan, “I Palekana Kākou Ka Wai: Let Us Be Safe in the Water,” released in February as a roadmap to diminishing Hawaiʻi’s drowning crisis by ensuring that everyone is safe on, in and around the water.

    Kalani Vierra, Chief of Kaua‘i Ocean Safety and president of the Hawaiian Lifeguard Association, which is the umbrella organization for the HWSC, said, “I’m truly speechless to witness the fruits of our dedicated collaboration over the past few years. The recent launch and publication of the Hawai‘i Water Safety Plan is a significant step forward, aiding our efforts to encourage Hawai‘i’s legislation to prioritize the health and safety of our communities, especially during heavy storms. The monitoring and inspection of detention and retention ponds play a crucial role in mitigating risks.”

    HB 703: RELATING TO KŪPUNA HOUSING
    House Bill 703 (Act 282) extends the sunset date for the state’s kūpuna rent supplement program. Under this program, kūpuna who are 62 years of age or older who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, can qualify for access to the rent supplement program. The program that originally was scheduled to sunset in 2026, will extend to 2028 to continue providing kūpuna support through rent supplement assistance, housing counseling and landlord assistance, in addition to mental health services and other support care services.

    SB 1252: RELATING TO DEMENTIA
    Senate Bill 1252 (Act 283): To better understand and coordinate care for kūpuna in our communities who are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, Act 283 appropriates funds for training and educational programs within the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine. Positions will be established within the University’s Department of Geriatric Medicine to develop and update the curriculum and carry out training to lay the foundation for comprehensive programs to pioneer dementia and Alzheimer’s-informed care. These initiatives will provide better support and nurturing for kūpuna across the state, while also strengthening the state’s workforce to better address these diseases. This bill appropriates $525,000 for both fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

    “The work of the Legislative Kūpuna Caucus has proven yet again the importance of caring for our aging community in Hawai‘i,” said Governor Green. “Housing is healthcare, and by extending the sunset date of the kūpuna housing program, we can continue to provide dignity and access to healthy living. Advancements in our state’s healthcare system to acknowledge Alzheimer’s provides critical care for our kūpuna, helping them get more specialized support so they can remain in the islands they call home.”

    “Hawaiʻi’s aging population is growing rapidly and we must prepare our healthcare workforce to meet its unique needs,” said Senator Stanley Chang (District 9 – Hawai‘i Kai, Kuli‘ou‘ou, Niu, ‘Āina Haina, Wai‘alae-Kāhala, Diamond Head, Kaimukī, Kapahulu). “Investing in JABSOM’s dementia education and training supports our kūpuna and strengthens the future of healthcare in our state. Act 283 helps build a local, informed workforce that can provide compassionate, expert care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. As someone whose father suffered from dementia, this bill is very personally meaningful to me.”

    “This program has been essential for our kūpuna, significantly helping them secure and maintain affordable housing,” said Representative Cory M. Chun (District 35 – Portions of Pearl City and Waipahu, Crestview). “Extending it means we can continue providing not only rent assistance but also the services and support necessary to keep them safe and healthy. As part of our Kūpuna Caucus legislative package, this bill reflects our shared commitment to caring for Hawai‘i’s aging population.”

    “Hawai‘i House Bill 703 and Senate Bill 1252 demonstrate the Legislature and the Governor’s commitment to caring for kūpuna. HB 703 ensures continued access to rent supplement assistance, helping older adults on fixed incomes avoid homelessness and maintain stable housing,” said AARP Hawaii Advocacy Associate Director Audrey Suga-Nakagawa. “SB 1252 strengthens our healthcare system by investing in dementia education and workforce development. AARP Hawaii commends the Governor and the Legislature for their efforts to ensure that kūpuna can choose how they live as they age.”

    The complete list of bills signed include the following. Click the link to see full details of the bill enacted into law.

    HB 320 (ACT 284) RELATING TO SUPPORTED DECISION-MAKING AGREEMENTS

    Video of the water safety bill signing can be seen here.
    Video of the kūpuna bill signing can be seen here.
    Photos of the bill signing ceremony, courtesy Office of the Governor, will be uploaded here.
    The slide deck presented at today’s water safety bill signing can be found here.
    The slide deck presented at today’s kūpuna bill signing can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fireworks, fun, and safety: California preps for the holiday weekend

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 3, 2025

    What you need to know: As we approach the Fourth of July holiday and weekend, California is taking steps to keep communities safe during festivities by increasing outreach and highlighting resources.

    Sacramento, California — As Californians gear up to celebrate the Fourth of July, Governor Gavin Newsom today highlighted how the state is rolling out safety measures — from wildfire enforcement and extra highway patrols to real-time heat alerts — to help keep the fun going and our communities safe.

    Entering peak wildfire season 

    In California, human activities account for about 95% of all wildfire starts, often starting from preventable actions like improperly extinguished campfires, malfunctioning equipment, and fireworks. With Fourth of July celebrations set to go off, Governor Newsom and state fire officials remind all Californians that the state has no tolerance for illegal fireworks. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized in 2025. The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the “Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane” seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail. For a fun and safe Fourth of July, know your local fireworks laws. Some California communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

    Hitting the road

    To keep Californians safe, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is implementing a Holiday Enforcement Period beginning at 6:01 p.m. on Thursday, July 3 and continuing through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 6 – keep an eye on distracted and dangerous drivers on the highways. Don’t forget – save the celebrations until you’ve reached your destination. During the 2024 Independence Day holiday period, 29 people were killed in crashes on California roads and CHP officers made 1,336 arrests for DUI — one arrest every 17 minutes. 

    Staying smart in the heat 

    California has launched CalHeatScore – a groundbreaking tool to help protect vulnerable populations from dangerous heatwaves. The state’s new tool provides localized warnings and resources for extreme heat events. 

    When high temperatures impact Californians, many regions can experience triple-digit weather. Residents should visit here for resources, including heat safety information and places to stay cool.

    Emergency preparedness

    Californians are encouraged to sign up for free emergency alerts at listoscalifornia.org/alerts. Emergency alerts are important messages you receive to help keep you safe during a disaster. The Disaster Ready Guide, available in multiple languages, includes other important information, such as packing a go-bag and making a plan.

    • Recreate responsibly with these helpful tips.
    • Carry extra food, water and clothing if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
    • Check the weather forecast before you leave.
    • Stay aware and alert near bodies of water. Wear a life jacket, supervise children and do not enter cold and/or swift-water areas.
    • Be mindful of insects and wildlife, take precautions including wearing long sleeve clothing and repellents.
    • Boat sober.

    Make an outdoor plan

    For those looking to engage with some of California’s natural beauty during the weekend with a visit to one of its 280 state parks, California’s State Parks encourages Californians to be conscientious of their impact on the land around them. Staying on trails, making sure to keep watch on and extinguish any campfires, picking up your trash, and planning ahead can keep you and your families safe, and the wilderness protected for those that come after you.

    Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just going outside for some relaxation, know the route you’ll be taking and how long you plan to be gone. Tell a responsible person about your plans and when you anticipate you’ll be home. 

    • Carry extra food, water and clothing if you plan to be outdoors for an extended period of time.
    • Check the weather forecast before you leave.
    • Stay aware and alert near bodies of water. Wear a life jacket, supervise children and do not enter cold and/or swift-water areas.
    • Be mindful of insects and wildlife, take precautions including wearing long sleeve clothing and repellents.

    Keep your little ones in mind

    As temperatures heat up, many people want to go outside and take their children and pets with them. While they love outdoor adventures, the heat can take a toll on them, too. Be sure to limit their outside exposure on hot days. With increased flows in waterways during the summer, don’t leave anyone unsupervised near streams or rivers. Most importantly, never leave your kids or pets alone in a hot vehicle.

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Western Balkans Criminal Justice Project holds the second edition of training on joint investigation teams for investigators and prosecutors

    Source: Eurojust

    The four-day specialised programme brought together 35 investigators and prosecutors from across the Western Balkans to strengthen cross-border cooperation in the fight against serious and organised crime.

    Designed to foster a collaborative learning environment, the training combined interactive workshops, plenary discussions, and role-playing simulations to address both the operational and legal aspects of JITs.

    Key topics included understanding the concept and benefit of JITs, the support mechanisms available through Eurojust, and the distinct roles of actors involved in a JIT. Under the guidance of expert trainers, participants engaged in hands-on exercises, such as drafting and amending JIT agreements based on real-life scenarios.

    The immersive sessions also featured simulations of Eurojust coordination meetings, target-setting exercises for operational action days, and role-plays replicating the work of a coordination centre during joint operations. This year’s edition placed particular emphasis on critical thematic areas, such as money laundering, asset recovery, and interregional cooperation with Latin American countries.

    Participants explored the full range of support available from the JITs Network Secretariat and the WBCJ project, gaining a clearer understanding of the resources that facilitate effective cross-border investigations.

    By the end of the programme, participants had developed a stronger grasp of JITs as a key instrument for international judicial and law enforcement cooperation, along with greater confidence in applying this knowledge within their own jurisdictions.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Central Bank of Bahrain Issues Framework for Regulating Stablecoin Issuance

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    Published on 4 July 2025

    Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, 4 July 2025 – The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) announced the introduction of a framework for licensing and regulating stablecoin issuers, aimed at ensuring the safe and sound integration of stablecoins into the financial system.

    Under the new stablecoin regulation, licensed stablecoin issuers are permitted to issue single currency stablecoins backed by Bahraini Dinar (BHD), United States Dollar (USD), or any other fiat currency acceptable by the CBB. Furthermore, the new regulation aims to mitigate the risks associated with the use of unregulated stablecoins, and ensure a safer and more secure ecosystem, fostering investor confidence and promoting sustainable growth within the sector.

    Commenting on the new regulations, Mr. Mohamed Al Sadek, Executive Director of Market Development at CBB said: “By encouraging the development and adoption of innovative financial technologies, the CBB aims to enhance Bahrain’s position as a leading financial hub in the MENA region. This milestone reflects the pioneering role the CBB continues to play in overseeing the crypto-asset market and ensuring that the Kingdom’s financial services landscape equipped for future developments.”

    Mr. Ali Haroon AlAamer, Director – Capital Markets Supervision Directorate, said: “This initiative underscores the CBB’s unwavering commitment to integrating crypto-related activities within its regulatory framework and ensuring they are subject to comprehensive oversight. It also highlights the CBB’s dedication to providing robust investor protection measures and maintaining a transparent crypto asset market.”

    The announcement was made during the FS Horizons: Doubling Down on Digital event, hosted in partnership with the Bahrain Economic Development Board, where industry leaders gathered to highlight Bahrain’s advancements in digital banking, payments infrastructure, and talent development.

    The new “Stablecoin Issuance and Offering (SIO) Module” can be found in Volume 6 (Capital Markets) of the CBB Rulebook on CBB’s website cbb.gov.bh.

     

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    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Inter-American Court sets milestone in the global fight for climate justice  

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In a historic moment, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights issued its Advisory Opinion clarifying the specific obligations of states to address the climate crisis through a human rights lens. The decision sets transnational standards that could shape legal jurisprudence in courts across the world. 

    Responding to the Advisory Opinion, Ana Piquer, Regional Director for the Americas at Amnesty International, stated: 
    “Each day of inaction means more suffering for the people and communities who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. Today, therefore, marks a moment of hope for millions of people in the Americas whose human rights are being devastated by this crisis. States now have clear guidance and can no longer claim ignorance of their human rights obligations. The roadmap is set — now is the time for immediate, concrete, and positive action to urgently tackle the climate crisis.” 

    Each day of inaction means more suffering for the people and communities who have contributed the least to the climate crisis. Today, therefore, marks a moment of hope for millions of people in the Americas whose human rights are being devastated by this crisis. 

    Ana Piquer, Regional Director for the Americas at Amnesty International

    The Court emphasized that the climate crisis does not affect all people equally. In the Americas and globally, Indigenous Peoples, Afro-descendant communities, rural and fishing populations, women, children, older persons, and socioeconomically marginalized groups face disproportionate impacts. The Court ruled on the specific duties of states to prevent harm and ensure protection for these groups, affirming that climate action is a human rights obligation — not a political choice. 

    In this context, Mandi Mudarikwa, Head of Strategic Litigation at Amnesty International, emphasized: “Today, the Inter-American Court affirmed and clarified the obligations of states to respect, ensure, prevent, and cooperate in order to realize human rights in the context of the climate crisis. Crucially, the Court recognized the autonomous right to a healthy climate for both individuals and communities, linked to the right to a healthy environment. The Court also underscored the obligation of states to protect cross-border climate-displaced persons, including through the issuance of humanitarian visas and protection from deportation.” 

    Today, the Inter-American Court affirmed and clarified the obligations of states to respect, ensure, prevent, and cooperate in order to realize human rights in the context of the climate crisis.

    Mandi Mudarikwa, Head of Strategic Litigation at Amnesty International

    This Advisory Opinion is a significant contribution to the ongoing development and clarification of states’ human rights obligations in the face of climate change. Amnesty International looks forward with great interest to future decisions resulting from advisory opinions to be issued by the International Court of Justice later this year, as well as from other regional courts, domestic courts, and quasi-judicial bodies. 

    MIL OSI NGO

  • MIL-OSI Video: Summer Davos Highlights

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    At the 16th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Tianjin, 1,700 leaders from business, government, academia, and civil society convened to address global challenges through innovation, partnership, and purpose-driven action.

    Hear directly from the World Economic Forum’s Managing Directors as they share key insights on decarbonization, artificial intelligence, and the evolution of multilateral cooperation in a rapidly changing world. The meeting highlighted a collective commitment to shaping a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future—driven by next-generation leadership and cross-sector collaboration.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vk01WbDwoyU

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI Video: Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong present the GCIS Budget Vote

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements)

    Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and Deputy Minister Kenny Morolong present the GCIS Budget Vote

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCF7ygq9E_Y

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Environment Agency completes £75m flood scheme in Essex

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Environment Agency completes £75m flood scheme in Essex

    The Environment Agency has completed a £75 million project to reduce the risk of flooding at Canvey Island in Essex.

    Much of Canvey Island lies below the daily high-water level in the Thames Estuary. The tidal defences play an essential role in reducing the risk of flooding to people, property and infrastructure on the island.

    Since 2022, a 3 kilometre stretch of the island’s revetment has been renewed on its southern shoreline between Thorney Bay and the Island Yacht Club.

    Revetment refers to the man-made material placed on the slope of the embankment. It is needed to break up and absorb the impact of waves hitting the slope and to protect the material making up the core of the embankment.

    Sections of the previous revetment had dated back to the 1930s and desperately needed replacing.

    With the work now completed, the island’s tidal defences will continue to provide protection for more than 6,000 properties on the island for another 50 years.

    Project ‘essential’ for managing flood risk

    James Mason, Operations Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

    We are delighted to have finished the work on the revetment at Canvey Island.

    This project is essential to managing the risk of flooding for thousands of people, homes and businesses.

    We are already seeing the effects of climate change in the UK. We’re working to better protect communities from this risk, with climate change projection built into the design of flood defences, such as here in Canvey Island, to ensure they are fit for the future.

    As well as refurbishing the existing tidal defences, additional enhancements have been made to the Canvey Island shoreline.

    As part of the project, new steps to the beach and project information boards were installed. The surface of the pathway along the landward side of the seawall between Thorney Bay and Chapman Sands was also improved.

    Flowering grass seed mixes were planted to improve biodiversity on the defence with rock pools also created to enhance habitats in locations along the foreshore.

    Everyone should know their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings by going to https://www.gov.uk/check-flood-risk or calling Floodline on 0345 988 1188. You can also follow @EnvAgencyAnglia on Twitter for the latest flood updates.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New plan to kickstart onshore wind revolution

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    New plan to kickstart onshore wind revolution

    Onshore wind strategy published as part of mission to become a clean energy superpower.

    • Government launches major onshore wind plan to reverse near decade of sector stagnation in England
    • Boost for mission to become a clean energy superpower and protect households from global gas price spikes
    • Measures to revitalise industry unlocking up to 45,000 jobs in onshore wind by 2030, through Plan for Change

    The amount of clean, homegrown energy from onshore wind is set to accelerate over the second half of the decade as the government launches the first ever onshore wind strategy.

    Thousands of new jobs for British people in onshore wind, such as engineering, construction, and operations maintenance, could be created by 2030 to build the onshore wind needed to deliver clean power for families and businesses.

    After facing a de-facto 9-year ban in England, today’s strategy sets out over 40 radical actions to get onshore wind building again across the UK. This includes:

    • unlocking up to 10 GW of onshore wind by resolving issues with how onshore wind turbines and aerospace civil and defence infrastructure co-exist
    • repowering of old turbines across the country, so we can maintain our current fleet and keep powering the country with clean, secure, homegrown power
    • equipping planners and developers with the tools needed for the first English projects since we lifted the de facto ban last year. This includes making sure planning decisions are based on up-to-date information and ensuring site surveying and assessments for projects are more efficient to speed up decision-making
    • exploring plans to expand the clean industry bonus for onshore wind, encouraging developers to invest in supply chains in the UK’s industrial heartlands, or in cleaner supply chains

    Today’s strategy bolsters the strong foundations the government has built since taking office to get the industry moving again, such as lifting the ban in England and reintroducing onshore wind into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects regime. These measures mean that onshore wind will be put on an equal footing to offshore wind and nuclear, meaning projects can get built quicker in the years to come.

    Delivering this strategy could more than double the current onshore wind workforce, supporting up to 45,000 skilled jobs across the country by 2030, as the government pursues its clean power ambition of 27-29 GW of onshore wind by 2030.

    Clean energy is the economic opportunity of the twenty-first century, and thanks to the government’s clean energy mission, investment is booming in the UK, with over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July.

    Onshore wind is one of the easiest and cheapest technologies to build and will supply British homes and businesses with clean, secure homegrown power that ends a reliance on unstable global gas markets – all part of the mission to get bills down for good.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: 

    Rolling out more onshore wind is a no-brainer – it’s one of our cheapest technologies, quick to build, supports thousands of skilled jobs and can provide clean energy directly to the communities hosting it. 

    After years of decline, we’re giving industry the tools to get building again, backing industrial renewal and secure, clean, homegrown energy through our Plan for Change.

    Matthieu Hue, co-chair of the Onshore Wind Taskforce and CEO of EDF Power Solutions UK and Ireland, said:

    This strategy is focusing on overcoming barriers and challenges we face across the industry in the deployment of onshore wind while capturing the major socio-economic benefits it can bring to the environment and to local economies.

    Together we are forging a path forward for onshore wind in Great Britain, and we are committed to ensuring a successful implementation through a new Onshore Wind Council, which will oversee the execution of the strategy. This is a critical part of making Britain a clean energy superpower and delivering energy security.

    Communities are set to benefit too with the voluntary community benefits guidance for onshore wind for England being updated to provide communities with £5,000 per megawatt per year for community initiatives, such as new football pitches or libraries, or even bill discount schemes. 

    By delivering the upper Clean Power 2030 ambition of 29 GW of onshore wind, it’s estimated that an additional £70 million of community funding will be unlocked for rural towns and villages every year. 

    Today’s measures come as the government has completed a process to de-risk offshore wind developments, led by the Marine Spatial Prioritisation Programme, thus unleashing the potential for offshore wind development in the English sea in the future. 

    This will help guide The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Routemap on strategic use of the seabed to unlock offshore wind in a way that considers all marine sectors including fisheries and protects the marine environment.  

    This should also reduce the planning consent risk for developers on future offshore wind sites before seabed rights are tendered – speeding up and de-risking future offshore wind projects.

    Stakeholders

    Sue Ferns, Senior Deputy General Secretary of Prospect, said:

    Onshore wind has an important role to play in a secure and decarbonised energy mix so it is welcome that the government is taking steps to support its rollout.

    However, the lost years resulting from the last government’s inexplicable ban have resulted in significant workforce and skills related challenges that urgently need to be addressed, which hopefully they will be in the forthcoming Clean Energy Workforce Plan.

    It is also important that renewables such as onshore wind generate good, unionised jobs – if the government wants the clean energy transition to be fair and to deliver the full economic potential, it must insist on this as a condition for the support it provides.

    James Robottom, Head of Onshore Wind Delivery, RenewableUK, said:

    Overturning the unpopular onshore wind ban, which deprived us of one of the quickest and cheapest technologies to build for a decade, was just the start. The hard work to make the most of this great opportunity to grow our economy and strengthen the UK’s energy security is now in full swing.

    This strategy sets an ambitious target to almost double the UK’s onshore wind capacity by the end of the decade as a key part of the government’s Clean Power by 2030 mission.

    The measures outlined will increase confidence among investors and developers, so that we can attract billions in private investment and create thousands of highly-skilled jobs and new supply chains all over the country. The strategy also sets out how people living near onshore wind farms will continue to see tailor-made community benefits through an updated Community Benefit Protocol for England, deciding for themselves the form that these benefits should take, to support and improve the lives of those in areas hosting onshore wind.

    Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said:

    Historic England constructively engages with major infrastructure delivery in a way that secures good outcomes for the heritage that people care about. We therefore welcome recognition of our role and the contribution of our advice in the Onshore Wind Taskforce strategy to delivery of the renewables agenda. In line with the strategy we will be updating our commercial renewables guidance.

    Claire Mack OBE, Chief Executive of Scottish Renewables, said:

    Scotland has a proud history in onshore wind and the bold strategy published today reaffirms how central the Scottish onshore wind sector will be to the UK’s clean power journey.

    Onshore wind is a cost-effective source of clean energy that can be deployed at pace, supporting skilled jobs and tangible community benefit. Making the most of our onshore wind resource will also strengthen our energy security in the years ahead.

    Scottish Renewables secured the landmark Scottish Onshore Wind Sector Deal in 2023 and the clear actions published today will build on this effort by tackling the issues that demand close working across the UK.

    Renewed commitments on planning efficiency, grid connections, radar and aviation in the strategy are all strong signals of intent by the UK and Scottish governments to boost onshore wind deployment. We will work closely with all stakeholders to deliver the strategy and determine the pathway beyond 2030 for the Scottish onshore wind sector.

    Lisa Christie, Head of UK Regulatory Affairs, Vattenfall, said:

    This government’s renewed focus on unlocking the potential of onshore wind is essential for the UK’s energy security, reducing bills, and economic growth. Proposals to resolve challenges around aviation infrastructure and to give local planning teams the tools and information they need to make faster, evidence-based decisions are especially important.

    The socio-economic contribution made by renewables developers means communities also benefit from significant benefit packages that reflect local priorities. This flexibility should be maintained for future developments. Further investment can also be encouraged by ruling out zonal pricing, which risks creating further imbalances in consumer bills.

    Christine McGregor, Managing Director at BayWa r.e. UK Ltd, said:

    We are delighted with the UK government’s leadership in convening the industry to develop the first ever onshore wind strategy. This marks a significant and timely step towards strengthening the onshore wind sector in Great Britain and advancing the ambitions of the Clean Power 2030 initiative.

    Eleri Davies, Head of Onshore Wind Development (England & Wales), RWE, said:

    The Clean Power Action plan sets an ambitious target to double onshore wind capacity by 2030, and today’s Strategy firmly establishes the clear actions required to achieve this. We look forward to the newly established Onshore Wind Council driving these actions forward.

    With over 2 decades of experience in developing and operating onshore wind in the UK, RWE knows firsthand the benefits that it can bring to host communities, with over £3.5 million awarded to local communities from onshore wind funds in the UK last year alone. Onshore wind is also one of the cheapest sources of electricity, therefore breaking down barriers to accelerate its deployment will help reduce bills for all consumers.

    Laura Fleming, Country Managing Director, Hitachi Energy UK & Ireland, said:

    We strongly welcome moves to grow the onshore wind industry and welcome with open arms the fast deployment of affordable renewable energy. Rapid deployment is critical to delivering Clean Power 2030 and we stand ready to work with government to deliver a grid that enables the growth of the onshore wind and wider renewables sector. As a member of the Onshore Wind Taskforce, we are fully committed to capturing this opportunity to deliver clean power and industrial growth in UK.

    Lucy Whitford, Managing Director UK&I Development & Construction, RES, said:

    The onshore wind strategy will unleash the true potential of this vital technology for the nation.

    The policy direction and practical support outlined, will strengthen our energy security and support £70 million per year of extra investment in local economies across length and breadth of the country.

    We’re prepared and ready to work alongside government, local authorities, industry partners and communities to implement this strategy.

    Gillian Noble, Managing Director, Onshore Origination & Development at ScottishPower Renewables said:

    The intent, direction, and focus of this strategy is exactly what’s needed to revitalise the onshore wind industry in England, whilst also aiming to resolve key blockers to onshore wind projects already in development in other areas of the UK.

    It’s been fantastic to be part of such a collaborative working group and we welcome the government’s approach in mobilising industry experts to advise and support to help push things forward. We’re excited about the potential to unlock gigawatts of onshore projects and thousands of new jobs as we contribute to the government’s Clean Power 2030 mission and beyond.

    Notes to editors

    See the full ‘Onshore wind strategy’.

    The methodology underpinning our estimate that onshore wind could support up to 45,000 direct and indirect jobs in Great Britain by 2030 is published here: Job estimates for wind generation by 2030: methodology note. It is based on achieving the upper end of the capacity range published in the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan. 

    The additional £70 million of community funding has been derived as the difference between the upper 29 GW ambition in 2030 and operational capacity in Great Britain as of December 2024 (15 GW), multiplied by £5,000 per MW.   

    The claim that onshore wind is amongst our cheapest technologies is based on a combination of sources, including the results of last year’s CfD auction (Allocation Round 6, where onshore wind cleared at a similar price to solar PV, the lowest price technology in the auction), and published evidence on electricity generation costs.  

    The ‘up to 10 GW impacted by aviation/radar’ is taken from the RenewableUK 2023 Survey of Onshore Wind Impacts on Aviation and Defence. This indicated that up to circa 10 GW of the future onshore wind pipeline is either currently or anticipated to be affected by objections on the grounds of interference with aviation and defence infrastructure. This figure has been rounded, and incorporates military and civil radar, and Eskdalemuir Seismic Array. 

    More detail on the over £40 billion of private investment in clean energy announced since July 2024 is available here: ‘Clean energy industries sector plan’.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: MHRA approves nogapendekin alfa inbakicept to treat adult patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer  

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    MHRA approves nogapendekin alfa inbakicept to treat adult patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer  

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 4 July 2025, approved nogapendekin alfa inbakicept (Anktiva) for adults with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, where the disease remains confined to the inner lining of the bladder and may include tumours. 

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 4 July 2025, approved nogapendekin alfa inbakicept (Anktiva) for adults with BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, where the disease remains confined to the inner lining of the bladder and may include tumours. 

    BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is a standard immunotherapy for early-stage bladder cancer, delivered directly into the bladder to stimulate an immune response. However, some patients do not respond to BCG, leaving limited treatment options.  

    This medicine has been approved through the International Recognition Procedure (IRP). The IRP allows the MHRA to consider the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients.    

    Nogapendekin alfa inbakicept mixed with BCG is administered via a liquid that is diluted and then delivered into the bladder through a catheter inserted into the urethra. 

    A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.    

    As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of nogapendekin alfa inbakicept under close review.    

    Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.     

    ENDS      

    Notes to editors        

    • The approval was granted on 4 July 2025 to Serum Life Science Europe GmbH 

    • This product was submitted and approved via the International Recognition Procedure.     

    • The MHRA conducts a targeted assessment of IRP applications and retains the authority to reject applications if the evidence provided is not considered sufficiently robust. 

    • More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.     

    • The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe.  All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.     

    • The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.     

    • For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.

    Updates to this page

    Published 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and ULMA Group sign €45 million loan to support innovation and sustainability in the construction value chain

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will boost investment by ULMA Group in new solutions to cut consumption and recycle materials, upgrade its facilities, and increase its energy efficiency.
    • It will also go towards building a new plant to develop advanced technologies for the production of materials.
    • The financing agreement supports the EIB’s strategic priorities for innovation and climate action, and its affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and ULMA Group have signed a €45 million loan to finance the company’s innovation and sustainability activities. ULMA Group is a Spanish industrial cooperative group based in the Basque Country, with a strong international presence. Among its nine business lines, the manufacture of equipment, innovative materials and other solutions for the construction sector stands out.

    The EIB loan will finance the Group’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies for its construction business line and polymer concrete architectural solutions. It will also help provide the investment needed for the construction of a plant to produce new, sustainable building materials. In addition, the EIB will support ULMA Group as it improves its energy efficiency, furthering its decarbonisation and sustainability strategy. The investments will be made in ULMA operations in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.

    Antonio Lorenzo, Head of Corporate Lending in the EIB for Spain and Portugal, said: “With this operation, the EIB is supporting the EU construction industry, contributing to its sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. Supporting this industry is also a key part of the Bank’s commitment to adopting innovative materials and technologies in construction, to increase access to affordable and sustainable housing for all Europeans.”

    The financing agreement supports innovation, climate action and environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure in the European Union, which are three of the eight core priorities set out in the EIB Group 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. Social infrastructure is being supported by the ULMA deal’s contribution to the EIB’s affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    General Manager of ULMA Group Iñaki Gabilondo said: “This agreement will allow us to pursue innovative sustainability projects in the construction sector, with a clear positive impact for people and the world we live in. It bolsters our strong commitment to creating a more efficient, responsible and forward-looking industrial model. In addition, having the support of a prestigious organisation like the EIB is clear recognition of the value and robustness of this social business endeavour.”

    Background information

    European Investment Bank

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. Operating around eight core priorities, it finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects that contribute directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed new financing worth €12.3 billion for over 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    ULMA Group

    ULMA Group is made up of nine industrial cooperatives that employ 5 747 people and operate across 81 countries. With a total sales volume of €1.15 billion in 2024, ULMA Group is an illustration of success in the Basque cooperative movement.

    Since it was founded, it has been able to continuously grow and diversify its business lines and activities, as a social business project that works for the betterment of its surroundings.

    The nine companies that make up ULMA are exemplary operators in diverse industrial sectors, providing solutions for construction, packaging machinery, smart warehousing, forging, prefabricated systems for drainage and architecture, rollers for conveyor belts, maintenance services, greenhouse manufacturing and embedded electronics. The latest innovation out of ULMA Group applies artificial intelligence in the healthcare field for early detection of certain diseases.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: EIB and ULMA Group sign €45 million loan to support innovation and sustainability in the construction value chain

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • The loan will boost investment by ULMA Group in new solutions to cut consumption and recycle materials, upgrade its facilities, and increase its energy efficiency.
    • It will also go towards building a new plant to develop advanced technologies for the production of materials.
    • The financing agreement supports the EIB’s strategic priorities for innovation and climate action, and its affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) and ULMA Group have signed a €45 million loan to finance the company’s innovation and sustainability activities. ULMA Group is a Spanish industrial cooperative group based in the Basque Country, with a strong international presence. Among its nine business lines, the manufacture of equipment, innovative materials and other solutions for the construction sector stands out.

    The EIB loan will finance the Group’s investments in advanced manufacturing technologies for its construction business line and polymer concrete architectural solutions. It will also help provide the investment needed for the construction of a plant to produce new, sustainable building materials. In addition, the EIB will support ULMA Group as it improves its energy efficiency, furthering its decarbonisation and sustainability strategy. The investments will be made in ULMA operations in the autonomous community of the Basque Country.

    Antonio Lorenzo, Head of Corporate Lending in the EIB for Spain and Portugal, said: “With this operation, the EIB is supporting the EU construction industry, contributing to its sustainability, innovation and competitiveness. Supporting this industry is also a key part of the Bank’s commitment to adopting innovative materials and technologies in construction, to increase access to affordable and sustainable housing for all Europeans.”

    The financing agreement supports innovation, climate action and environmental sustainability, and social infrastructure in the European Union, which are three of the eight core priorities set out in the EIB Group 2024-2027 Strategic Roadmap. Social infrastructure is being supported by the ULMA deal’s contribution to the EIB’s affordable and sustainable housing initiative.

    General Manager of ULMA Group Iñaki Gabilondo said: “This agreement will allow us to pursue innovative sustainability projects in the construction sector, with a clear positive impact for people and the world we live in. It bolsters our strong commitment to creating a more efficient, responsible and forward-looking industrial model. In addition, having the support of a prestigious organisation like the EIB is clear recognition of the value and robustness of this social business endeavour.”

    Background information

    European Investment Bank

    The EIB is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. Operating around eight core priorities, it finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world.

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Agreement, as pledged in its Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects that contribute directly to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and a healthier environment.

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed new financing worth €12.3 billion for over 100 high-impact projects in 2024, contributing to the country’s green and digital transition, economic growth, competitiveness and better services for its people.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    ULMA Group

    ULMA Group is made up of nine industrial cooperatives that employ 5 747 people and operate across 81 countries. With a total sales volume of €1.15 billion in 2024, ULMA Group is an illustration of success in the Basque cooperative movement.

    Since it was founded, it has been able to continuously grow and diversify its business lines and activities, as a social business project that works for the betterment of its surroundings.

    The nine companies that make up ULMA are exemplary operators in diverse industrial sectors, providing solutions for construction, packaging machinery, smart warehousing, forging, prefabricated systems for drainage and architecture, rollers for conveyor belts, maintenance services, greenhouse manufacturing and embedded electronics. The latest innovation out of ULMA Group applies artificial intelligence in the healthcare field for early detection of certain diseases.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions     – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 20:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 55 The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season
    Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 39 Temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399
    Assita Kanko (A10-0082/2025     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 30 EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement: Implementing Protocol 2025-2030 (Resolution)
    Emma Fourreau (A10-0103/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
    Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 44 Security of energy supply in the EU
    Beata Szydło (A10-0121/2025     – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
    Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
    Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
    Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Tuesday, 8 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions     – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 20:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 55 The role of gas storage for securing gas supplies ahead of the winter season
    Borys Budka (A10-0079/2025     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 39 Temporary derogation from certain provisions of Regulations (EU) 2017/2226 and (EU) 2016/399
    Assita Kanko (A10-0082/2025     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 30 EU-Greenland and Denmark Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement: Implementing Protocol 2025-2030 (Resolution)
    Emma Fourreau (A10-0103/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
    Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 44 Security of energy supply in the EU
    Beata Szydło (A10-0121/2025     – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
    Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
    Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
    Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Monday, 7 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    23 Financial activities of the European Investment Bank – annual report 2024
    Francisco Assis (A10-0112/2025
        – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00
    27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
    Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025
        – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00
        – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00
    Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00
    Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00
    Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00
    Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Thursday, 10 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 56 Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies
    Antonio Decaro (A10-0134/2025     – Amendments; rejection Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 37 Future of the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector: leveraging research, boosting innovation and enhancing competitiveness
    Hildegard Bentele (A10-0123/2025     – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 84 Tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions     – Motions for resolutions Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 20:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 16:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    88 Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add certain countries to the list of high-risk third countries, and to remove other countries from that list     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 83 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Deforestation Regulation – list of countries presenting a low or high risk     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 25 Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0070/2025     – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 48 Draft amending budget no 1/2025: entering the surplus of the financial year 2024
    Victor Negrescu (A10-0116/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 52 Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods that occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods that occurred in October 2024
    Andrzej Halicki (A10-0114/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 53 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Application EGF/2025/000 TA 2025 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
    Jean-Marc Germain (A10-0115/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
    Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025     – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
    Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
    Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
    Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025     – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 28 Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum
    Robert Biedroń, Nikolas Farantouris (A10-0125/2025     – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 60 The human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians     – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:00 80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – 7 July – 10 July: Plenary week

    Source: European Parliament

    In the week of 7 July, Members’ work is centred on Parliament’s plenary sitting, and Committees meet only in exceptional cases. During this week, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will vote on the own-initiative report on the future of agriculture and the post-2027 CAP. The report calls for a more competitive and resilient model, a competitive and sustainable agriculture, and for support for farmers facing rising production costs. Follow the link below to discover this week’s highlights.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies – A10-0134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Members present for the final vote

    Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 as regards obligations of economic operators concerning battery due diligence policies – A10-0134/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Members present for the final vote

    Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Pascal Arimont, Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Mohammed Chahim, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Andreas Glück, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Katri Kulmuni, Peter Liese, César Luena, Catarina Martins, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Oliver Schenk, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Flavio Tosi, Dimitris Tsiodras, Ana Vasconcelos, Aurelijus Veryga, Kristian Vigenin, Michal Wiezik, Anna Zalewska

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Li Andersson, Daniel Buda, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Margarita de la Pisa Carrión, Geadis Geadi, Nicolás González Casares, Nora Junco García, Billy Kelleher, Seán Kelly, Norbert Lins, Victor Negrescu, Valentina Palmisano, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Elena Sancho Murillo, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Laurence Trochu, Roberto Vannacci, Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Barry Cowen, Elisabeth Dieringer, Mélanie Disdier, Evin Incir, Liudas Mažylis, Aleksandar Nikolic, Volker Schnurrbusch, Petra Steger, Matej Tonin, Ivaylo Valchev, Lucia Yar

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Risks to media independence and pluralism from Commission funding of the Brussels media bubble – P-002674/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002674/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    A recent Euractiv article (‘Money for nothing’, 30 June 2025[1]) reports that the Commission allocates approximately EUR 35 million annually to media outlets – far more than officially acknowledged. While presented as support for ‘media pluralism’, this funding raises concerns about distortion, particularly when substantial and recurring subsidies are injected into a limited pool of outlets within the EU-focused ‘Brussels media bubble’, which is structurally distinct from broader, national media markets. Unlike broader, national media markets, it can be easily skewed by large, recurring public subsidies – especially when the media outlets report on the very institutions that fund them, endangering independence and competition.

    • 1.How does the Commission reconcile its claim of editorial independence for heavily subsidised media given that their viability, or even survival, depends on continued EU funding and does it acknowledge the risk of alignment with the funder’s priorities?
    • 2.Does the Commission recognise that the Brussels media bubble – a small, highly concentrated, and commercially fragile media market – is uniquely vulnerable to a crowding out effect, whereby EU subsidies distort competition, deter private investment and entrench financial dependence?
    • 3.How does the Commission justify its sustained involvement in the media sphere, particularly within the Brussels media bubble, when Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the right ‘to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority’?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/money-for-nothing-commission-pours-millions-into-struggling-eu-media/.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Risks to media independence and pluralism from Commission funding of the Brussels media bubble – P-002674/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002674/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    A recent Euractiv article (‘Money for nothing’, 30 June 2025[1]) reports that the Commission allocates approximately EUR 35 million annually to media outlets – far more than officially acknowledged. While presented as support for ‘media pluralism’, this funding raises concerns about distortion, particularly when substantial and recurring subsidies are injected into a limited pool of outlets within the EU-focused ‘Brussels media bubble’, which is structurally distinct from broader, national media markets. Unlike broader, national media markets, it can be easily skewed by large, recurring public subsidies – especially when the media outlets report on the very institutions that fund them, endangering independence and competition.

    • 1.How does the Commission reconcile its claim of editorial independence for heavily subsidised media given that their viability, or even survival, depends on continued EU funding and does it acknowledge the risk of alignment with the funder’s priorities?
    • 2.Does the Commission recognise that the Brussels media bubble – a small, highly concentrated, and commercially fragile media market – is uniquely vulnerable to a crowding out effect, whereby EU subsidies distort competition, deter private investment and entrench financial dependence?
    • 3.How does the Commission justify its sustained involvement in the media sphere, particularly within the Brussels media bubble, when Article 11 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights guarantees the right ‘to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority’?

    Submitted: 1.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/money-for-nothing-commission-pours-millions-into-struggling-eu-media/.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News