NewzIntel.com

Category: Balkans

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Concerns about public demonstrations of fascist sympathies in Croatia – E-002786/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002786/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Pina Picierno (S&D)

    Last weekend, Croatian singer Marko Perković – whose stage name is ‘Thompson’ – held a concert in Zagreb before an audience of some 500 000 people. The artist is known for his ultra-nationalist rhetoric and his frequent references to the Ustasha regime, a Croatian fascist movement active during the Second World War and responsible for grave crimes against humanity.

    During the event, numerous highly concerning incidents were documented. These included the repeated use of the salute ‘Za dom spremni’ (‘For the homeland – ready!’) the official motto of the Ustasha regime, which is now banned under Croatian law because of its link to the extermination of hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews, Roma and political opponents in the Jasenovac concentration camp[1].

    Such demonstrations cannot be deemed to constitute artistic or cultural expression, but rather pose a genuine threat to the democratic cohesion and founding principles of the Union.

    Can the Commission therefore say:

    • 1.Whether it intends to propose, as part of the EU strategy to combat extremism and racism, more binding measures to limit the spread of symbols and slogans associated with totalitarian regimes?
    • 2.Whether it plans it plan to step up monitoring and coordinated-response measures, including through its relevant agencies, to combat the spread of neo-fascist ideologies in Member States?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/07/07/croatian-right-wing-singer-marko-perkovic-and-fans-make-pro-nazi-salutes-at-record-breakin.
    Last updated: 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: The golden oyster mushroom craze unleashed an invasive species – and a worrying new study shows it’s harming native fungi

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Aishwarya Veerabahu, Ph.D. Candidate in Botany, University of Wisconsin-Madison

    Golden oyster mushrooms can be cultivated, but they can also escape into the wild. DDukang/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Golden oyster mushrooms, with their sunny yellow caps and nutty flavor, have become wildly popular for being healthy, delicious and easy to grow at home from mushroom kits.

    But this food craze has also unleashed an invasive species into the wild, and new research shows it’s pushing out native fungi.

    In a study we believe is the first of its kind, fellow mycologists and I demonstrate that an invasive fungus can cause environmental harm, just as invasive plants and animals can when they take over ecosystems.

    A scientist documents golden oyster mushrooms growing wild in a Wisconsin forest, where these invasive fungi don’t belong. DNA tests showed the species had pushed out other native fungi.
    Aishwarya Veerabahu

    Native mushrooms and other fungi are important for the health of many ecosystems. They break down dead wood and other plant material, helping it decay. They cycle nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen from the dead tissues of plants and animals, turning it into usable forms that enter the soil, atmosphere or their own bodies. Fungi also play a role in managing climate change by sequestering carbon in soil and mediating carbon emissions from soil and wood.

    Their symbiotic relationships with other organisms also help other organisms thrive. Mycorrhizal fungi on roots, for example, help plants absorb water and nutrients. And wood decay fungi help create wooded habitats for birds, mammals and plant seedlings.

    However, we found that invasive golden oyster mushrooms, a wood decay fungus, can threaten forests’ fungal biodiversity and harm the health of ecosystems that are already vulnerable to climate change and habitat destruction.

    The dark side of the mushroom trade

    Golden oyster mushrooms, native to Asia, were brought to North America around the early 2000s. They’re part of an international mushroom culinary craze that has been feeding into one of the world’s leading drivers of biodiversity loss: invasive species.

    As fungi are moved around the world in global trade, either intentionally as products, such as kits people buy for growing mushrooms at home, or unintentionally as microbial stowaways along with soil, plants, timber and even shipping pallets, they can establish themselves in new environments.

    Where golden oyster mushrooms, an invasive species in North America, have been reported in the wild, including in forests, parks and neighborhoods. Red dots indicate new reports each year. States in yellow have had a report at some point. Aishwarya Veerabahu

    Many mushroom species have been cultivated in North America for decades without becoming invasive species threats. However, golden oyster mushrooms have been different.

    No one knows exactly how golden oyster mushrooms escaped into the wild, whether from a grow kit, a commercial mushroom farm or outdoor logs inoculated with golden oysters – a home-cultivation technique where mushroom mycelium is placed into logs to colonize the wood and produce mushrooms.

    As grow kits increased in popularity, many people began buying golden oyster kits and watching them blossom into beautiful yellow mushrooms in their backyards. Their spores or composted kits could have spread into nearby forests.

    Evidence from a pioneering study by Andrea Reisdorf (née Bruce) suggests golden oyster mushrooms were introduced into the wild in multiple U.S. states around the early 2010s.

    Species the golden oysters pushed out

    In our study, designed by Michelle Jusino and Mark Banik, research scientists with the U.S. Forest Service, our team went into forests around Madison, Wisconsin, and drilled into dead trees to collect wood shavings containing the natural fungal community within each tree. Some of the trees had golden oyster mushrooms on them, and some did not.

    We then extracted DNA to identify and compare which fungi, and how many fungi, were in trees that had been invaded by golden oyster mushrooms compared with those that had not been.

    We were startled to find that trees with golden oyster mushrooms housed only half as many fungal species as trees without golden oyster mushrooms, sometimes even less. We also found that the composition of fungi in trees with golden oyster mushrooms was different from trees without golden oyster mushrooms.

    For example, the gentle green “mossy maze polypore” and the “elm oyster” mushroom were pushed out of trees invaded by golden oyster mushrooms.

    Mossy maze polypore growing on a stump. This is one of the native species that disappeared from trees when the golden oyster mushroom moved in.
    mauriziobiso/iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Another ousted fungus, Nemania serpens, is known for producing diverse arrays of chemicals that differ even between individuals of the same species. Fungi are sources of revolutionary medicines, including antibiotics like penicillin, cholesterol medication and organ transplant stabilizers. The value of undiscovered, potentially useful chemicals can be lost when invasive species push others out.

    The invasive species problem includes fungi

    Given what my colleagues and I discovered, we believe it is time to include invasive fungi in the global conversation about invasive species and examine their role as a cause of biodiversity loss.

    That conversation includes the idea of fungal “endemism” – that each place has a native fungal community that can be thrown out of balance. Native fungal communities tend to be diverse, having evolved together over thousands of years to coexist. Our research shows how invasive species can change the makeup of fungal communities by outcompeting native species, thus changing the fungal processes that have shaped native ecosystems.

    There are many other invasive fungi. For example, the deadly poisonous “death cap” Amanita phalloides and the “orange ping-pong bat” Favolaschia calocera are invasive in North America. The classic red and white “fly agaric” Amanita muscaria is native to North America but invasive elsewhere.

    The orange ping-pong bat mushroom is invasive in North America. These were photographed in New Zealand.
    Bernard Spragg. NZ/Flickr Creative Commons

    The golden oyster mushrooms’ invasion of North America should serve as a bright yellow warning that nonnative fungi are capable of rapid invasion and should be cultivated with caution, if at all.

    Golden oyster mushrooms are now recognized as invasive in Switzerland and can be found in forests in Italy, Hungary, Serbia and Germany. I have been hearing about people attempting to cultivate them around the world, including in Turkey, India, Ecuador, Kenya, Italy and Portugal. It’s possible that golden oyster mushrooms may not be able to establish invasive populations in some regions. Continued research will help us understand the full scope of impacts invasive fungi can have.

    What you can do to help

    Mushroom growers, businesses and foragers around the world may be asking themselves, “What can we do about it?”

    For the time being, I recommend that people consider refraining from using golden oyster mushroom grow kits to prevent any new introductions. For people who make a living selling these mushrooms, consider adding a note that this species is invasive and should be cultivated indoors and not composted.

    If you enjoy growing mushrooms at home, try cultivating safe, native species that you have collected in your region.

    Most mushrooms you see in the grocery store are grown indoors.

    There is no single right answer. In some places, golden oyster mushrooms are being cultivated as a food source for impoverished communities, for income, or to process agricultural waste and produce food at the same time. Positives like these will have to be considered alongside the mushrooms’ negative impacts when developing management plans or legislation.

    In the future, some ideas for solutions could involve sporeless strains of golden oysters for home kits that can’t spread, or a targeted mycovirus that could control the population. Increased awareness about responsible cultivation practices is important, because when invasive species move in and disrupt the native biodiversity, we all stand to lose the beautiful, colorful, weird fungi we see on walks in the forest.

    Aishwarya Veerabahu receives funding from UW-Madison Dept. of Botany, the UW Arboretum, the Society of Ecological Restoration, and the Garden Club of America. Aishwarya Veerabahu was an employee of the USDA Forest Service.

    – ref. The golden oyster mushroom craze unleashed an invasive species – and a worrying new study shows it’s harming native fungi – https://theconversation.com/the-golden-oyster-mushroom-craze-unleashed-an-invasive-species-and-a-worrying-new-study-shows-its-harming-native-fungi-259006

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for bids: Building peaceful interethnic relations in Mostar

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Call for bids: Building peaceful interethnic relations in Mostar

    British Embassy Sarajevo is inviting bids by 6 August 2025 for a project to strengthen peaceful interethnic relations in Mostar and surrounding areas.

    Old Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Introduction

    A stable and less divided Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) is a top priority of the UK government. Recent scoping and engagement across the country has identified that ethnic tensions remain high, often localised and in some instances, communities are severely divided.

    Mostar, the largest city in the Herzegovina region, is a stark example of this division with communities living in de facto segregation. For this reason, the UK has invested in peace and reconciliation efforts in Mostar – including a flagship project to support the rejuvenation of public spaces between 2022 and 2024.

    The project achieved significant engagement from the public, and ‘increased interpersonal connections through establishing a participatory process to identify which and how public spaces should be rejuvenated. (This was the most cited reason for why citizens believed that relations between citizens was better than they were a year ago in the end of line survey).

    Building on this success, we are now commissioning for a short-term follow-on project (until 31 March 2026) that uses public spaces to bring individuals together, across ethnic divisions through activities that directly support peaceful interethnic relation, community cohesion and societal resilience.

    Activities should deliver for Mostar but can additionally work with neighbouring areas (for example Stolac) if it supports the project objective. Proposals must focus on one or several of the following goals and clearly identify which ones they are seeking to address:

    • using sport as a method to bring people, including women and girls, together from all backgrounds, particularly those more resistant to inter-ethnic engagement, and promote common values and undermine divisive narratives
    • using music as a method to bring people together from all backgrounds, particularly those more resistant to inter-ethnic engagement, and promote common values and undermine divisive narratives
    • addressing and countering inter-ethnic tensions in Mostar related to football hooliganism
    • enabling inter-religious cooperation in promoting interfaith and interethnic cooperation and collaboration to reduce tensions and divided living

    Detailed information

    Only not-for-profit organisations are invited to bid. This includes international organisations (IOs), international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) and local civil society organisations (CSOs), who can also apply in a consortium of CSOs.

    Successful projects should have sustainable outcomes and should clearly identify their intended impact. They may also build on projects by other organisations, complementing their efforts. All bids should make clear how they complement existing activities in Mostar supported by other donors and international partners.

    The minimum indicative funding for projects is £120,000 and maximum £250,000. This may be in addition to co-funding and self-funding contributions. Co-funded projects will be regarded favourably.

    Projects must be completed by the 31 March 2026. Where appropriate, bidders are encouraged to describe how their project could be further scaled up if additional funding became available.

    All project management, project administration, and overhead costs should be detailed and not to exceed 12% of total budget. Budgeting overheads as a flat percentage is not supported, and any such costs should be fully detailed in the budget.

    We are unable to fund academic courses or English language courses. The purchase of IT and other equipment over £500 per item will require prior approval of the embassy, but such procurement should not constitute a significant part of the overall project budget.

    The British Embassy Sarajevo will carry out due diligence of potential grantees, including seeking references, as part of the selection process.

    Bidding is competitive and only selected project/s will receive funding. The embassy reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids without incurring any obligation to inform the affected applicant(s) of the grounds of such acceptance or rejection. Due to the volume of bids expected we will not be able to provide feedback on unsuccessful bids.

    Bidding process

    Bidders should fill in a standard project proposal form (Annex A) and include a breakdown of project costs in the activity-based budget (ABB) (Annex B).

    Annex A: Project Proposal Form

    ODT, 29.2 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Annex B: Activity-Based Budget (ABB)

    ODS, 12.5 KB

    This file is in an OpenDocument format

    Budgets must be Activity Based Budgets (ABB), all costs should be indicative, in GBP. Successful implementers should be able to receive project funding in either BAM or GBP.

    Successful bids must have a clear Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) objective explicit in the project documentation and an explanation of a positive impact of the project on advancing gender equality and social inclusion.

    All projects or activities must align with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change and assess climate and environmental impact and risks, taking steps to ensure that no environmental harm is done and, where relevant, support adaptation.

    An information session will be held at at 10am (BiH time) on 23 July 2025. Email meliha.muherina@fcdo.gov.uk to receive the meeting invitation.

    Proposals should be emailed to emma.fowler@fcdo.gov.uk by 5pm (BiH time) on 6 August 2025. Include the name of the bidder in the email subject line.

    Successful bids are expected to start on 1 September 2025 and conclude on 31 March 2026. Successful shortlisted bidders will be informed by mid-August.

    Evaluation criteria

    • the proposal should clearly state which of the listed goals it is seeking to address and how it will measure whether the activity is contributing to the goal
    • quality of project: how well defined and relevant the outcome is and how outputs will deliver this change; ability to leverage bigger funding would be an advantage
    • value for money: the value of the expected project outcomes, the level of funding requested and institutional contribution
    • local knowledge and previous experience: evidence of the project team’s understanding the context, socio-political challenges, previous experience of implementing similar activities/related fields with evidenced results, ability to manage and deliver a successful project. Evidence of how the project will learn from tested experiences, respond to opportunities and changing political circumstances
    • fluent understanding of the local language
    • gender-sensitive approach
    • alignment with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
    • demonstrated experience of working with conflict affected communities
    • ability for the project to engage and leverage relationships with all societal tracks (including but not limited to local authorities, civil society actors, academia, law enforcement agencies, the private sector and media)

    Background information

    The UK’s commitment

    The successful project will be funded via British Embassy Sarajevo, from the Western Balkans Freedom and Resilience Programme (FRP). The FRP has 2 outcomes.

    • improved reconciliation and peacebuilding outcomes for conflict-affected communities, with a focus on building connections across conflict divides and strengthening access to transitional justice processes
    • empowerment of women and girls through tackling CRSV, GBV and promoting women’s meaningful participation in decision-making processes

    The embassy in BiH commits to delivering for these outcomes by supporting initiatives which put BiH on a positive pathway to achieve long term and inclusive peace for all citizens. It acknowledges this can only be achieved by locally owned activities that ultimately contribute to conflict prevention, reconciliation and peacebuilding.

    Thematic background

    The demographic of BiH was fundamentally changed by the war in the 1990s, with many communities now ethnically homogenous. Mostar remains one of the few genuinely multi-ethnic cities.

    Yet true peace and reconciliation has not been achieved, memories and traumas of the conflict endure, with deeply held engrained views of accepting a divided reality. Assessment shows the divided school system is fostering further societal division, together with external influences stoking tensions within the city.

    To reverse the trend of division, group activities like football or music have an opportunity to facilitate interethnic engagement. Moreover, whilst there are activities for young people, groups engaged with are not including the hardest to reach factions. Participants in cross community activities are predominantly those who have public will for a multi-ethnic way of life, failing to reach the truly divided and problematic elements within the community.

    Activities of hooligan groups can be major trigger points for destabilisation in general, but in BiH this is exacerbated by an unresolved conflict. In Mostar, the two football clubs have long had distinct ethnic links, playing into tribalism and identity politics. There is a live risk of individuals being manipulated to extend behaviour to violence and political extremism. This is then multiplied with social media through the spreading of hate speech and extremist behaviours and ideologies.

    Religion is woven within ethnic divides in BiH. Despite this, religious leaders in Mostar have pioneered their own initiatives and demonstrate positive engagement both as a group and as a unifying voice with key decision makers. This has supported progress in supporting minority voices and facilitating increased dialogue across ethnicities.

    Building on success

    The project should build on the success of ‘Project Mostar’ which worked with local communities to rebuild public spaces and which addressed shared civic, social, and economic needs. Project sites include various open public spaces, such as Bunica and Trimuša park, as well as numerous indoor spaces, such as museums, cultural centres, puppet theatres etc.

    The project contributed to integration of marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities and women and girls, into mainstream cultural and social life, breaking down barriers and normalising their participation. While evidence of cross-community engagement in cultural spaces is still emerging, the project did demonstrate other impacts such as job creation through women’s empowerment, improved work conditions in cultural institutions and care centres, and potential boosts to tourism.

    The initial ‘project Mostar’ focused on providing spaces and using a participatory process to ensure increased community ownership of public spaces. This call for bids seeks to reinforce the success of the previous project by supporting activity in public spaces which facilitates interethnic interaction and understanding of shared principles.

    Successful projects will have time bound and realistic outputs that focus on engaging communities across the divide through activity whilst being underpinned by a clear understanding of how activity is contributing to the relevant outcome. Implementers are required to apply conflict sensitivity to all elements of project design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B – A10-0127/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B

    (COM(2025/0040) – C10‑0009/2025 – 2025/0023(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025/0040)),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 81(2), points (a), (c) and (f)  of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0009/2025),

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on Legal Affairs (A10-0127/2025),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

    Amendment  1

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (2) In July 2022, Slovakia notified the Commission of recent changes of its domestic insolvency law introducing a new preventive restructuring procedure and a new type of insolvency practitioner. That notification was followed by notifications from Estonia, Spain, Malta and Italy in September 2022, from Belgium in July 2023 and from Luxembourg in January 2024, all relating to recent changes to their domestic law that introduce new types of insolvency proceedings or insolvency practitioners. Those new types of insolvency proceedings and insolvency practitioners comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2015/848 and make it necessary to amend Annexes A and B to that Regulation.

    (2) In July 2022, Slovakia notified the Commission of recent changes of its domestic insolvency law introducing a new preventive restructuring procedure and a new type of insolvency practitioner. That notification was followed by notifications from Estonia, Spain and Italy in September 2022, from Belgium in July 2023, from Malta in September 2023 and from Luxembourg in January 2024, all relating to recent changes to their domestic law that introduce new types of insolvency proceedings or insolvency practitioners. Those new types of insolvency proceedings and insolvency practitioners comply with the requirements set out in Regulation (EU) 2015/848 and make it necessary to amend Annexes A and B to that Regulation.

    Amendment  2

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 2 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (2a) After the Commission presented its proposal, further notifications were received from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and France relating to recent changes to their domestic law that introduce new types of insolvency proceedings or insolvency practitioners.

    Amendment  3

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 3

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (3) In accordance with [Articles 1 and 2] [in case of non-participation] [Article 3] [in case of participation]and Article 4a(1) of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, [Ireland has notified [, by letter of …,] its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Regulation]/[without prejudice to Article 4 of that Protocol, Ireland is not taking part in the adoption of this Regulation and is not be bound by it or subject to its application].

    (3) In accordance with Article 3 and Article 4a(1) of Protocol No 21 on the position of the United Kingdom and Ireland in respect of the area of freedom, security and justice, annexed to the Treaty on European Union and to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Ireland has notified, by letter of 12 May 2025, its wish to take part in the adoption and application of this Regulation.

    Amendment  4

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 11 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Производство по несъстоятелност на предприемача,

    Amendment  5

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 11 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Производство по погасяване на задължения,

    Amendment  6

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 11 c (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Производство по стабилизация на предприемача,

    Amendment  7

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 14 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Veřejná preventivní restrukturalizace,

    Amendment  8

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 40

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    – Planes de reestructuración,

    – Planes de reestructuración (con publicidad registral),

    Amendment  9

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 44

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    – Sauvegarde financière accélérée,

    deleted

    Amendment  10

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex A – indent 96

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    – Proċedura bażika ta’ ristrutturar preventive,

    – Proċedura bażika ta’ ristrutturar preventiv,

    Amendment  11

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex B – indent 17 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Restrukturalizační správce,

     

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

     

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Amendment of Regulation (EU) 2015/848 on insolvency proceedings to replace its Annexes A and B

    References

    COM(2025)0040 – C10-0009/2025 – 2025/0023(COD)

    Date submitted to Parliament

    12.2.2025

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

     Date announced in plenary

    JURI

    10.3.2025

     

     

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Ilhan Kyuchyuk

    18.2.2025

     

     

     

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    18.2.2025

    Discussed in committee

    4.6.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    24.6.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    23

    0

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Maravillas Abadía Jover, José Cepeda, Ton Diepeveen, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Sergey Lagodinsky, Mario Mantovani, Kira Marie Peter-Hansen, Pascale Piera, Emil Radev, René Repasi, Krzysztof Śmiszek, Adrián Vázquez Lázara, Dainius Žalimas

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Henrik Dahl, Laurence Farreng, Angelika Niebler, Gheorghe Piperea, Julie Rechagneux, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Marcin Sypniewski, Jana Toom

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

    Lara Wolters

    Date tabled

    9.7.2025

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Cohesion funding: deal on mid-term update responding to new challenges

    Source: European Parliament

    Parliament and Council teams have reached an agreement on new priorities for and modifications to the current cycle of EU cohesion funding.

    Negotiators from Parliament and the Danish Council Presidency have agreed provisionally on a mid-term update to the EU’s current cycle of cohesion policy funding, which aims to reduce regional inequalities through the European Regional Development Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the Just Transition Fund.

    The changes will offer member states and regions more flexibility to channel funds into new objectives, namely defence industrial capabilities and military mobility, water resilience, affordable housing, decarbonisation, strategic technologies, and energy infrastructure. The reform also allows for extra support for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, highlighting their special needs in a tense geopolitical environment.

    To inject liquidity quickly into the new priorities, it was agreed that this spending can benefit from i.a. co-financing rates 10 percentage points higher than normal and of 20% one-off pre-financing for amounts re-allocated in 2026.


    Investment in civil preparedness and dual-use infrastructure

    MEPs secured several adjustments to the new priorities. According to the agreement, civil preparedness investments will be eligible for support, and dual-use infrastructure (suitable for both civilian and military use) will be prioritised when funding the defence industry and military mobility. When it comes to affordable housing, sustainability of the housing stock will be taken into account, and water resilience priorities will be aligned with the European water resilience strategy, including investments in irrigation and desalination.

    To ensure that cohesion policy maintains its focus on small and medium-sized enterprises and less favoured regions, it was agreed that the strategic technology investments of large companies can only be supported in EU areas with lower-than-average gross domestic product per capita.

    The agreement also includes language on rule of law conditionality, ensuring that funds frozen because of breaches of EU values cannot be reallocated to the new priorities.


    Quote

    After the vote, rapporteur and Committee Chair Dragoș Benea (S&D, Romania) said: “We currently face several uncertainties, and this reform is part of our European response, strengthening our industrial base, technology sector, and sustainable and affordable housing stock. It will also help regions manage their water resources, preventing and responding to floods and droughts, and continue the process of decarbonisation. Today’s agreement ensures that while we adjust cohesion policy to meet the challenges of the moment, it also remains a cornerstone of European integration and solidarity, bridging differences and delivering for all citizens – no matter which region they live in.”


    Background

    In parallel, the Employment and Social Affairs Committee is discussing similar proposals in the context of the European Social Fund +.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Croatian Foreign Minister to Visit China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 16 (Xinhua) — Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman will visit China from July 20 to 22 at the invitation of Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Second Quarter Report 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    April – June 2025 Serstech Group

    • Net sales amounted to KSEK 4 563 (21 369).
    • EBITDA amounted to KSEK – 8 875 (5 595).
    • EBIT amounted to KSEK -10 992 (3 715).
    • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to KSEK -11 631 (-1 112).
    • Earnings per share amounted to SEK -0.04(0.02).
    • Earnings per average number of shares amounted to SEK -0.04 (0.02).

    January – June 2025 Serstech Group

    • Net sales amounted to KSEK 24 455 (35 543).
    • EBITDA amounted to KSEK – 8 204 (6 963).
    • EBIT amounted to KSEK -12 329 (3 194).
    • Cash flow from operating activities amounted to KSEK -14 772 (515).
    • Earnings per share amounted to SEK -0.05 (0.01).
    • Earnings per average number of shares amounted to SEK -0.05 (0.01).

    Message from the CEO

    The second quarter of 2025 showed lower sales, amounting to approximately 4.5 MSEK (21.4 MSEK). The lower sales in Q2 are in line with the broader market, as several companies in our sector have reported a slow quarter, largely due to geopolitical uncertainty and delayed procurement processes — particularly in the US, where several planned purchases have been put on hold. We have also seen limited customer participation at key US industry exhibitions, reflecting a cautious market sentiment.

    Despite the short-term challenges, we have continued to execute on our strategic plan. Our expanded sales team is now largely in place, with the final addition for this year starting in September. Compared to the beginning of the year, we have doubled the size of the sales team, which now consists of six dedicated sales professionals. This expanded capacity is a critical enabler for our growth ambitions, and we are already seeing positive effects in terms of opportunity pipeline development.

    In parallel, we have made strong progress on cost efficiency. Our transition to in-house production is proceeding according to plan, with pilot production starting in late summer and volume production expected to begin in Q4. All systems, suppliers, and processes are in place. This shift will reduce our cost of goods sold (COGS) significantly — well timed given the intensified price pressure we now see in the market. We have recently lost a few minor tenders on price, which reinforces the importance of our ongoing cost reduction initiatives.

    Having a production site in-house, in addition to the third-party one, will increase production capacity and resilience, and strengthen the collaboration between R&D and production. We have already made several improvements to both the product design and production process to improve quality and yield, while reducing COGS significantly.

    Our opportunity pipeline for the second half of the year remains strong. With the new sales team in place, we expect pipeline growth to accelerate further. Until now, our limited sales capacity has been the main bottleneck, requiring me to focus almost exclusively on field sales and international travel to support customer engagements.

    We successfully closed our Romanian office during the quarter and completed key recruitments in Lund. Consolidating the team under one roof will not only reduce overall costs but also improve collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. We are already seeing the benefits, with several new patent applications scheduled to be filed in the near term.

    With a stronger team, a more competitive cost structure, and a growing market need, we are well positioned for a strong second half of the year.

    Stefan Sandor, CEO
    April 2025

    For further information, please contact:
    Stefan Sandor,
    CEO, Serstech AB Phone: +46 739 606 067
    Email: ss@serstech.com

    or

    Thomas Pileby,
    Chairman of the Board, Serstech AB Phone: +46 702 072 643
    Email: tp@serstech.com
    or visit: www.serstech.com

    This is information that Serstech AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above at 08:45 CET on July 16, 2025.

    Certified advisor to Serstech is Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB (SKMG).

    About Serstech

    Serstech delivers solutions for chemical identification and has customers around the world, mainly in the safety and security industry. Typical customers are customs, police authorities, security organizations and first responders. The solutions and technology are however not limited to security applications and potentially any industry using chemicals of some kind could be addressed by Serstech’s solution. Serstech’s head office is in Sweden and design, development and production are done in Sweden.

    Serstech is traded at Nasdaq First North Growth Market and more information about the company can be found at www.serstech.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth appointed new Chief of the Air Staff

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025.

    The Defence Secretary John Healey has confirmed that His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the new Chief of the Air Staff.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth will succeed Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton in August 2025. He joined the RAF in 1991 as a direct entrant and then spent 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor having flown hundreds of operational missions over Bosnia, Kosovo, Serbia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

    Since his promotion to Air Commodore in 2015, Air Marshal Smyth has held a range of command positions and is currently the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff for Military Strategy and Operations.

    The appointment comes at a transformative time for the RAF as it moves to warfighting readiness following the publication of the Strategic Defence Review, including the recent announcement that the UK will purchase 12 F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s nuclear mission as the government delivers greater security for working people through its Plan for Change.

    The Chief of the Air Staff is responsible for the strategic planning and delivery of all Royal Air Force operations, people and capability. The position is accountable to the Secretary of State for Defence for the fighting effectiveness, efficiency and morale as well as the development and sustainment of the RAF.

    Defence Secretary John Healey MP, said:

    I warmly congratulate Air Marshal Harv Smyth on his appointment as Chief of the Air Staff. He has outstanding credentials to lead the RAF in a crucial period of transformation for the force.

    Air Marshal Smyth has led a distinguished career to date. From spending 15 years as a frontline Harrier pilot and weapons instructor, to flying hundreds of operational missions from both land bases and aircraft carriers, to holding numerous vital command positions, he has served our nation loyally.

    I would also like to recognise Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton’s superb leadership of the RAF over the last two years. I know he and Air Marshal Smyth will work together to deliver a landmark shift in our deterrence and defence.

    The RAF is always globally deployed and ready to defend the nation. RAF pilots and aircrew are currently deployed on Operation SHADER to combat Daesh terrorists in Iraq and Syria, in Qatar as part of our joint Typhoon squadron, and in Eastern Europe as part of the NATO Enhanced Air Policing mission to deter Russia.

    Incoming Chief of the Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton, said:

    I am absolutely delighted that Air Marshal Harv Smyth has been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff, and I have every confidence that he will lead the Royal Air Force brilliantly and make sure we are ready to fly and fight. 

    As I hand over to Air Marshal Smyth, I know that under his command the Royal Air Force will go from strength to strength to ensure that we are always ready to protect and promote our national interests on the world stage. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him in leadership of our Armed Forces.

    This announcement comes following Sir Rich Knighton’s promotion to Chief of the Defence Staff, a role he will take up in September.

    Air Marshal Harv Smyth, said:

    I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the next Chief of the Air Staff at such an important time for the Royal Air Force. The Strategic Defence Review makes clear the need for us to rapidly evolve and modernise to meet current and future threats and I am enormously proud to lead the Service at such a crucial point in our history. 

    I take over from Sir Rich Knighton, who has achieved so much over the past two years, preparing the Royal Air Force for the challenges that we currently face and developing the operational mindset that we need, should we transition to conflict. I share in his unwavering support for our people and am delighted to have this opportunity to lead our Whole Force as we deliver outstanding Air and Space Power for the UK and NATO.

    Updates to this page

    Published 16 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sergei Sobyanin: Moscow is the largest center for the development of creative industries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Moscow is the largest center for the development of creative industries in the country. Cinema, music, video games, publishing, design, theater and advertising not only make the lives of city residents brighter, but have also established themselves as the most important sector of the capital’s economy. Its share in the total volume of gross regional product in 2023 reached 10.1 percent, which is 3.3 trillion rubles. Sergei Sobyanin spoke about the development of creative industries in his blog.

    “Over the past five years, the number of organizations and individual entrepreneurs in this area has grown by 11.7 percent and has already exceeded 113 thousand. Accordingly, more and more Muscovites find themselves in creative professions. The revenue of companies is also growing steadily: last year, the creative industries sector earned 103.8 percent more than in 2019 — 6.7 trillion rubles,” the Moscow Mayor wrote.

    Movie

    Despite sanctions and other challenges of recent years, the capital’s film industry is on the rise. More than 80 percent of Russian films and TV series are shot in Moscow.

    Last year, about 120 projects were filmed on the sites of the Moscow film cluster, which is 2.5 times more than in 2023. Among them are the leaders of the distribution and film platforms of 2024-2025: “Not on the Lists”, “Kholop-2”, “The Master and Margarita”, “Led-3”, “Baba Yaga Saves the New Year”, “The Last Knight. Legacy”, “One Hundred Years Ago”, “The Flying Ship”, “The Word of a Boy. Blood on the Asphalt” and others.

    The Moscow Film Cluster, created on the initiative of the Moscow Government, currently unites several sites. Among them is the legendary Gorky Film Studio, where large-scale work on modernizing the historical territory on Sergei Eisenstein Street and the site in Valdaisky Proyezd will be completed by the end of the year. The modern full-cycle film factory Moskino on Ryazansky Prospekt has also become part of the film cluster. In addition, a super-modern complex has been created – the Moskino film park in TiNAO. Its construction is ongoing, now there are 24 natural sites in the film park, and by 2030 there will be 70. Any ideas of film crews can be realized here.

    In addition, the cluster includes a film platform. “Moschino”— a convenient service for professionals, where in a couple of clicks you can rent a location for filming not only at a film studio, but also in the city, as well as learn about grants, rent costumes, props and much more. Over the past year, the platform has been used 1.7 million times.

    In the new season of the project “Summer in Moscow” Anyone can get to know the films, the process of their creation, and learn more about the history of cinema. Guests are invited to the Moskino Cinema Park, the Gorky Film Studio, and many themed areas on the capital’s boulevards.

    The Moskino cinema park organizes exciting events for city residents and guests of the capital as part of the Cinema Weekend project. These are dozens of master classes, staged filming based on favorite Soviet and Russian films, creative evenings and lectures by film industry professionals, performances by musicians, plays and film screenings in the cinema of the same name.

    During tours of the oldest Gorky Film Studio, you can see authentic 20th century film cameras, more than 100 rare photographs from film sets, stills from your favorite films, unique costumes and props.

    IT and video games

    There are over 33,000 organizations involved in the capital’s IT and video game industry. Their total annual revenue last year exceeded 3.9 trillion rubles.

    “The industry is developing rapidly. And as usually happens, in such periods the main problem is a huge shortage of personnel. In one of the previous posts I already said that Moscow colleges offer new

    specialties, including a developer of computer games, augmented and virtual reality. At the same time, we provide support to professionals. The Agency for Creative Industries implemented 125 projects in 2024, including the accelerator for indie developers “Video Game Factory,” said Sergei Sobyanin.

    “Video Game Factory” provides full support for developers – from the idea to finding investors. The accelerator holds educational lectures and webinars, Q&A sessions, and works with curators. Currently, 60 pilot versions of games in different genres have been created. Among them are a detective story based on the works of Mikhail Bulgakov, an adventure quest based on the fairy tales of Alexander Pushkin, and a puzzle in the interiors of a spaceship.

    Moscow game developers have long needed their own space, so in 2025, the first video game and animation cluster in Russia will open in the Skolkovo Innovation Center. Its residents will be leading Russian development companies and animation studios. Uniting under one roof, they will be able to create video games of any type and complexity. The cluster will unite all stages of content production and promotion – from training specialists to support in promotion in foreign markets.

    Residents will have access to offices, meeting rooms, server rooms, a motion capture studio, a space for sound recording, a lecture hall, a conference hall, an exhibition area and much more.

    Publishing

    There are about 12 thousand organizations engaged in publishing activities in Moscow – this is 10.6 percent of all companies in the creative industries. Total revenue last year amounted to about 349.1 billion rubles.

    This industry also does not remain without city support. The Agency for Creative Industries is implementing the project “Publishing Seasons”: at the largest International Fair of Intellectual Literature Non/fiction, Moscow publishers and illustrators can present their products free of charge.

    Last year, the Moscow International Publishing Week was held for the first time in the capital. Over the course of four days, more than 45 publishers from 13 countries took part in it – Argentina, Brazil, China, Serbia and others. During this time, over 200 meetings of representatives of the book market took place, 34 export contracts were concluded for the publication of books with a total circulation of 55 thousand copies.

    Since 2023, under the auspices of the Moscow Agency for Creative Industries, a business mission of Moscow publishing houses to China has been carried out annually at the Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair.

    And now, as part of the project “Summer in Moscow” You can buy books in pavilions on Moscow boulevards.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More international doctors to be fast-tracked

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has welcomed the announcement by the Medical Council of New Zealand that will see doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia added to the Comparable Health System pathway, which will streamline the registration process and help strengthen New Zealand’s frontline health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

    “This is a practical step that will help us get more doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country more quickly,” Mr Brown says.

    “New Zealand is in an international contest to train, attract, and retain skilled medical professionals. The addition of Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia to the list of Comparable Health Systems will make it easier for qualified doctors from these countries to live and work in New Zealand.”

    The Comparable Health System pathway enables international medical graduates from certain countries to fast-track their registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, provided their qualifications and training meet recognised standards. With this latest decision, there are now 29 countries on the list, following the inclusion of Japan and South Korea earlier this year in February.

    “New Zealand has long benefited from the skills and expertise of international medical professionals. They play a vital role in supporting our domestically trained workforce and ensuring patients can access timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.

    “This builds on other initiatives the Government has to boost New Zealand’s health workforce. Earlier this year I announced a two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors into New Zealand’s primary care workforce.

    “Over 180 expressions of interest were received for this programme, exceeding the number of places available. This strong response shows that there is untapped potential in New Zealand. Overseas trained doctors are eager to work where they are most needed, and this Government is opening the door for them to do so.

    “Through our record $16.68 billion investment across three Budgets, we are making sure our health system is properly resourced to meet the growing demands placed on it. That funding is already delivering results, with record funding for general practice to increase capacity, upgraded urgent care services across the country, and a new 24/7 digital health service. This is how we are putting patients first. 

    “The Medical Council’s announcement adds to the body of work the Government is undertaking to rebuild our health system around the needs of patients, so that all New Zealanders can receive the timely, quality healthcare they need.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU accession negotiations with Albania – P-000165/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its 2024 Albania report[1], the Commission positively noted the continued implementation of justice reform and the vetting, leading to significant improvements in the functioning of the judiciary, including strengthening its independence.

    The Commission also recommended that Albania ensures further improvements in accountability, quality and efficiency, addressing identified shortcomings[2].

    EURALIUS[3], was an EU funded project with over EUR 20 million allocated for the period 2005-2022, implemented by consortia involving authorities from several Member States, that played an important role in supporting the roll out and implementation of justice reform.

    The Commission has taken note of the decision of the Albanian government to impose a ban on TikTok, following concerns over risks to users’ well-being.

    As a candidate country, Albania is expected to progressively align its legislation with the EU digital acquis. The introduction of a temporary ban is a sovereign decision by Albania.

    The Commission will continue to assist Albania in its EU alignment to ensure that any measure is compatible with EU acquis and European standards.

    EU enlargement is a merit-based process. Based on the revised enlargement methodology[4], negotiations on Cluster 1: Fundamentals are opened first and closed last.

    Related progress, including on the functioning of the judiciary, public administration reform, fight against corruption and organised crime, determine the overall pace of negotiations.

    On 11 October 2024, the EU adopted its Common Position for negotiations on this cluster[5], based on the progress made, which sets out benchmarks Albania has to meet in these areas.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/albania-report-2024_en.
    • [2] Id., p. 5.
    • [3] https://www.euralius.eu/index.php/en/about-us2.
    • [4] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-02/enlargement-methodology_en.pdf.
    • [5] EU Common Position on Cluster 1: Fundamentals Albania: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece – aid needed for affected livestock farmers – E-002766/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002766/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left)

    There has been a particularly strong re-emergence of sheep pox and goat pox in Greece, mainly in Thessaly, Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, Chalkidiki and Fokida. As a result of this crisis, tens of thousands of animals have been killed, extensive areas have been placed under quarantine, animal movements have been prohibited, slaughterhouse operations have been suspended and livestock farmers, especially pastoral farmers, have seen their incomes plummet.

    This all takes place in a broader context of lack of prevention, inadequate checks on imports from non-EU countries (in particular the Balkans) and understaffing of veterinary services. This new combination of factors comes on top of a series of natural disasters (Cyclone Ianos, storms Daniel and Elias), which have already placed considerable strain on livestock farming in the Greek region, which is now under threat of total collapse, with wider consequences for the agri-food sector, landscape conservation, the local economy and national livestock production.

    In view of the seriousness of the situation, will the Commission say:

    • 1.Does it intend to activate European mechanisms for affected Greek farmers?
    • 2.Does it intend to strengthen monitoring, checks and veterinary care, particularly in border regions, through animal health protection programmes?
    • 3.Does it consider that pastoral livestock farming – as a form of sustainable and extensive farming – requires specific support under the new CAP and the EU’s mountain and rural policies?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) to host Third Basketball Without Borders Women’s Camp at AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025 in Indianapolis

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (www.NBA.com) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) today announced the 40 top high-school-age female prospects from outside the U.S. who will travel to Indianapolis, Ind., for the third Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Global women’s camp, which will be held Thursday, July 17 – Saturday, July 19 at Nicoson Hall on the University of Indianapolis campus as part of AT&T WNBA All-Star 2025.

    The campers will be coached by several current and former WNBA and FIBA players and coaches, including 2025 No. 6 overall pick Georgia Amoore (Washington Mystics; Australia), 1999 WNBA All-Star and two-time NCAA champion Tonya Edwards (U.S.), two-time NCAA champion Kelly Faris (U.S.) and two-time Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Player of the Year Andrea Gardner-Williams.  2004 WNBA All-Star and current Vice President of Team Operations & Organizational Growth for the Boston Celtics Allison Feaster will serve as the camp director.

    The players and coaches will lead the campers through a variety of activities, including movement efficiency drills, offensive and defensive skill stations, three-point contests, 5-on-5 games, and life-skills and leadership development sessions.  The camp will once again be open to WNBA scouts and NCAA coaches following last year’s event where 34 of the campers received NCAA Division I scholarship offers.  The campers will also attend the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19.  

    The event will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear.

    BWB, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program, has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents.  Fifteen former BWB campers have advanced to the WNBA, including Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm; Australia; BWB Asia 2016), Jade Melbourne (Mystics; Australia; BWB Global 2020), Aaliyah Edwards (Mystics; Canada; BWB Global 2019), Domonique Malonga (Storm; BWB Europe 2022), Nika Muhl (Storm; Croatia; BWB Europe 2018; BWB Global 2019) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago Sky; Brazil; BWB Global 2019).  The NBA and FIBA have held 80 BWB camps in 53 cities across 33 countries on six continents.

    Follow the camp using the hashtag #BWBGlobal on Facebook, Instagram and X.  Find out more about BWB at BasketballWithoutBorders.com (https://BWB.NBA.com/), on YouTube (Basketball Without Borders: https://apo-opa.co/46csTll) and on Instagram (@ basketballwithoutborders: https://apo-opa.co/44O1jZs).

    The following is a complete list of players participating in the third BWB Global women’s camp at WNBA All-Star (roster subject to change):

    Name
    Sanja Aksam
    Maria Madalena Martinho Amaro
    Karina Capellán
    Emma D’este
    Fatou Kine Diop
    Misheel Elbegbayar
    Haya El-Halawany
    Rica Enriquez-Paea
    Melissa Guillet
    Amanda Guineo
    Janelle Gyampo
    Ayla Habbal
    Wiktoria Haegenbarth
    Keriana Hippolite
    Hyeonjeong Hwang
    Serena Ishiwatari
    Ya Ida Juwara Skold
    Anna Liepina
    Yu Han Lin
    Eiza Louveton
    Erika Mace
    Kartika Mahanani
    Sarah Aaliyah Mellouk
    Valeria Montero Piña
    Lucy Nchamba
    Nicole Ogun
    Chen Chia Shan Pan
    Maria Perez
    Jasmine Perry
    Maewenn Poilve
    Mika Sakaguchi
    Sena Sert
    Binta Seye
    Manon Simplot
    Maxine Maria Sutisna
    Tiia Talonen
    Nicole Torresani
    Tjasa Turnsek
    Maja Uranker
    Lea Vukic

    – on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

    Contact:
    Kevin Alonzo
    NBA
    kalonzo@NBA.com
    (212) 407-8158

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Washington Field Office Releases Seeking Information Posters for Senior Iranian Intelligence Officers Involved in the Abduction of Robert A. Levinson

    Source: US FBI

    The FBI Washington Field Office today released seeking information posters featuring three senior Iranian intelligence officers who were involved in the abduction of retired FBI Special Agent Robert A. “Bob” Levinson from Kish Island, Iran, on March 9, 2007. The release of the posters is part of the FBI’s ongoing investigation into Iranian officials who allegedly played roles in Bob’s abduction and Iran’s attempt to obfuscate its responsibility.

    Reza Amiri Moghadam, also known as Ahmad Amirinia, is the current Iranian ambassador to Pakistan. He previously led the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and Security’s operations unit. When Moghadam held this role, MOIS agents in Europe reported to him in Tehran.

    Taghi Daneshvar, also known as Sayyed Taghi Ghaemi and Sayeed Taghi Gha’emi, is a high-ranking MOIS officer involved in counterespionage activities. He oversaw the work of Sanai, also known as Mohammad Baseri, during the timeframe when Bob disappeared.

    Gholamhossein Mohammadnia is a senior MOIS deputy who was the Iranian ambassador to Albania in 2016. He was expelled from Albania in December 2018 for “damaging its national security.” He led an effort to blame Bob’s disappearance on a terrorist group in Pakistan’s Baluchistan region to shift blame away from the Iranian government.

    “These three intelligence officers were among those who allegedly facilitated Bob’s 2007 abduction and the subsequent cover-up by the Iranian government. Bob likely later perished in captivity far away from his family, friends, and colleagues,” said FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Steven Jensen. “The FBI will continue its relentless pursuit to hold anyone involved in his abduction to account for their reprehensible actions.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 500,000 spectators visited Teatralny Boulevard in 1.5 months

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    More than 500 thousand spectators visited the International Open Festival “Theater Boulevard – 2025” during the first half of the project.

    “The festival started with a full house, and even now empty seats at the venues remain a rarity. In total, more than 500 thousand spectators visited it during the first half of the project, and about 1.6 thousand hours of the program have already been held on the five main stages. Thanks to the festival, the theater season in Moscow actually lasts the entire year, without a break for the summer holidays, and an equally rich program awaits guests ahead: performances by foreign artists and high-profile productions on the festival stages,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Culture

    Alexey Fursin.

    The festival includes classical dramatic productions, musical performances, circus shows, and experimental formats such as the theatre of taste and plastic theatre. There are also special programmes dedicated to memorable dates – Russia Day, A.S. Pushkin’s birthday, the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, and Youth Day.

    This year, Theatre Boulevard is attended by groups from 40 regions of Russia, from the Kaliningrad Region to the Altai Territory, including the State Drama Theatre on Vasilievsky Island (St. Petersburg), the Perm Academic Theatre-Theatre (Perm), and the F. Volkov Drama Theatre (Yaroslavl).

    Andrey Merzlikin and Darya Moroz, Kristina Babushkina, Anton Shagin, Yulia Peresild, Konstantin Raikin, Igor Mirkurbanov, Alexandra Rebenok, Anna Chipovskaya performed their projects at the festival venues. The parade of stars will continue in the second half of the festival.

    Particular attention is paid to children’s and family events. Now they are held on the main stages of the festival. Thus, in July, the “Family Conversations” section was opened, where the stories of theatrical dynasties were presented in a unique format. Among the heroes are Konstantin and Polina Raikin, Yulia and Anna Peresild, Igor and Grigory Vernik.

    The second half of the festival will be more diverse. High-profile premieres, immersive productions and master classes by leading directors are planned, as well as performances by artists from Serbia, Uruguay, Argentina, Iran, China, Italy and other countries.

    The Theatre Boulevard Festival is organized by the capital’s Department of Culture as part of Sergei Sobyanin’s Summer in Moscow project. https://leto.mos.ru/ It will last a record 92 days. More than 600 performances will be shown at 14 venues across the city, and three thousand artists from Russia and other countries will perform. In addition to theatrical productions, each venue will host creative workshops, patriotic programs with favorite actors, and interactive zones, including for children.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports programs are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia: Alexandra Cole

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia: Alexandra Cole

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole

    Year Role
    2024 to present Pre-posting training
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA
    2020 to 2023 Doha, Deputy Head of Mission
    2018 to 2020 Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2018 UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Policy Unit
    2008 to 2010 Cairo, Consular Regional Director
    2006 to 2008 FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group
    2004 to 2006 Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights
    2002 to 2004 Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political
    2001 to 2002 Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training)
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Personnel Management Unit
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1994 to 1995 FCO, Trade Union Side
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1992 to 1994 FCO, Finance Department
    1990 to 1992 FCO, Migration and Visa Department
    1990 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Societe Generale signs an agreement with the State of Cameroon to sell its subsidiary Société Générale Cameroun

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SOCIETE GENERALE SIGNS AN AGREEMENT WITH THE STATE OF CAMEROON TO SELL ITS SUBSIDIARY SOCIÉTÉ GÉNÉRALE CAMEROUN

    Press release
    Paris, 15 July 2025

    Societe Generale has signed an agreement with the State of Cameroon which provides for the total sale of the group’s shares (58.08%) in Société Générale Cameroun. The State of Cameroon, already a shareholder, would thus hold 83.68% of the shares of Société Générale Cameroun. According to the commitments made, the State of Cameroon would take over all the activities operated by this subsidiary, as well as all the client portfolios and all the employees of this entity.

    This transaction would have a positive impact of around 6 basis points on the Group’s CET1 ratio, on the expected completion date which could take place by the end of 2025. (1)

    This divestment project is subject to the usual conditions precedent and the validation of the relevant financial and regulatory authorities.

    (1)Unaudited figures

    Press contacts:
    Jean-Baptiste Froville_+33 1 58 98 68 00 _ jean-baptiste.froville@socgen.com  
    Amandine Grison_+33 1 41 45 92 40_ amandine.grison@socgen.com

    Societe Generale

    Societe Generale is a top tier European Bank with around 119,000 employees serving more than 26 million clients in 62 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.

    The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:

    • French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
    • Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
    • Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.

    Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).

    For more information, you can follow us on Twitter/X @societegenerale or visit our website societegenerale.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia

    Ms Alexandra Coles has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole

    Year Role
    2024 to present Pre-posting training
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA
    2020 to 2023 Doha, Deputy Head of Mission
    2018 to 2020 Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2018 UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Policy Unit
    2008 to 2010 Cairo, Consular Regional Director
    2006 to 2008 FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group
    2004 to 2006 Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights
    2002 to 2004 Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political
    2001 to 2002 Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training)
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Personnel Management Unit
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1994 to 1995 FCO, Trade Union Side
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1992 to 1994 FCO, Finance Department
    1990 to 1992 FCO, Migration and Visa Department
    1990 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Overcrowded housing – E-002826/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002826/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    17 % of EU citizens live in overcrowded housing, according to Eurostat data. In Romania, that percentage is 40 %, which is the second highest overcrowding rate in the EU, after Latvia.

    At the same time, between 2015 and 2023, housing prices in the EU increased by an average of 48 %, which was also the case in Romania.

    I welcome the affordable and sustainable housing plan announced by the Commission, but would also like to know whether it specifically envisages targeted actions in countries with high levels of overcrowding, in order to improve this situation.

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Interconnectivity funding – E-002824/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002824/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The Commission has selected 94 transport projects to which it is allocating EUR 2.8 billion in EU grants under the Connecting Europe Facility. This is an encouraging signal for connectivity, mobility and competitiveness in the EU. I welcome the focus on strategic and solidarity investments, such as the improvement of rail connectivity and border crossing points between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.

    So far, 95 % of the Connecting Europe Facility budget (EUR 25.8 billion for 2021-2027) has already been allocated to the projects selected.

    Given the clear value of investing in interconnectivity, and its strategic nature, how much does the Commission envisage allocating to it in the next Multiannual Financial Framework?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Meets Ambassador of Bulgaria

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, July 15, 2025

    HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met on Tuesday with HE Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the State of Qatar Plamen Stankov Delev.

    During the meeting, they reviewed bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNECE Workshop on Modernizing Statistical Legislation

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    09 – 10 September 2025

    Belgrade Serbia

    Register now

    Programme

    The server is temporarily unable to service your request due to maintenance downtime or capacity problems. Please try again later.

    Web Server at unngin.fifthestate.nz

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Foreign Affairs visits Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 10–11 July to attend a memorial ceremony marking the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica. Thirty years have passed since the genocide and the subsequent conclusion of the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which brought the war to an end.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Sea Breeze 25-2 Concludes Showcasing Unified Mine Warfare Capabilities off UK Coast

    Source: United States Navy

    PORTLAND PORT, England – Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025.

    Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 officially concluded following two weeks of multinational mine countermeasure operations in the waters off the United Kingdom’s southern coast July 11, 2025. Naval forces from 14 nations, including NATO allies and partners, demonstrated coordination and enhanced interoperability in a dynamic maritime environment.

    From June 30 to July 11, participating forces from Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Latvia, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States conducted joint mine hunting operations, dive and salvage missions, explosive ordnance disposal, and the deployment of cutting-edge robotic and autonomous systems (RAS).

    The culminating demonstration showcased a unified application of these capabilities, reinforcing the collective strength and cohesion of participating nations in high-intensity, multi-domain scenarios.

    “The U.S. Navy’s mission is to keep the seas open. Mines restrict that. Our MCM force is small, so we rely heavily on partners and allies. These exercises ensure we can interoperate and conduct mine countermeasure operations together,” said Capt. William Williams, the commodore of Mine Countermeasures Group 6.

    At the center of the exercise was a fully integrated, combined headquarters that executed advanced staff planning, targeting operations, and command-and-control across a coalition force. The inclusion of RAS, electronic warfare integration, and real-time situational awareness significantly expanded the participating nations’ capacity to operate across domains.

    This year, Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 occurred in two iterations, Sea Breeze 25-1 and 25-2. The first iteration, Sea Breeze 25-1, was hosted by the Romanian Armed Forces at Smardan Range, Romania, June 1-20, 2025.

    Since 1997, Exercise Sea Breeze has brought together Black Sea nations, NATO Allies and partners together to train and operate with NATO members in the pursuit of building increased capabilities. Exercise Sea Breeze 2025 is an annual multinational maritime exercise, involving sea, land, and air components co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine to enhance interoperability and capability among participating forces.

    Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allies, international partners, and other U.S. government departments and agencies to advance U.S. national interests, security, and stability in Europe and Africa.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Illegal trafficking of pesticides – E-001736/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU Agri-Food Fraud Network (FFN)[1] works with law enforcement through the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), guided by the EU Serious and Organised Crime Threat Assessment Report.

    EMPACT connects Member States, EU bodies, and international partners to combat serious organised crime. For illegal pesticides, the FFN co-leads with Europol the Operational Action Plan ‘Environmental Crime’ and supports Europol’s Operation SILVER AXE, targeting intellectual property rights protected non-compliant products.

    Participants share related information via the Secure Information Exchange Network Application (SIENA), for secure exchange. The FFN contributes by data sharing, statistical analysis, and trend evaluation.

    The Commission audits Member States to assess controls on marketing and use of plant protection products, including detecting fraud.

    The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) actively detects dangerous goods, as pesticides, and works closely with customs authorities to support cross- border investigations. OLAF has coordinated a joint customs operation on dangerous substances, including pesticides, in the context of the Asia-Europe Meeting[2].

    Moreover, OLAF provided support and specialised intelligence for operations leading to the interception of a significant consignments of illegal pesticides in Bulgaria and Romania[3][4].

    The Commission works with partner countries at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development fighting illegal trade in pesticides and remains committed mitigating negative impacts of illegal pesticides on environment, thus ensuring the protection of European consumers .

    • [1] https://food.ec.europa.eu/safety/agri-food-fraud/eu-food-fraud-network_en.
    • [2] https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu/media-corner/news/operation-noxia-olaf-leads-operation-against-dangerous-substances-2023-10-16_en.
    • [3] https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu/media-corner/news/11-tonnes-pesticides-seized-thanks-olaf-and-bulgarian-authorities-2023-03-31_en.
    • [4] https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu/media-corner/news/romanian-authorities-seize-1000-litres-counterfeit-pesticides-valued-over-eu600-000-thanks-olafs-2024-10-03_en.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU support for students’ mental health and living conditions – E-002783/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002783/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    According to the study ‘Living Situations of Higher Ed Students’ (2023), conducted on 1 670 students from 22 university cities in Romania, students’ mental health and housing problems have increased alarmingly.

    78.4 % of students reported an increase in stress and anxiety, while 9.8 % said they had contemplated suicide in the past year. Around one third had difficulties paying their rent and for utility services, while 37.3 % lived in heavily built-up areas. Around a half had been mentally affected by rising energy costs and many had to cope with verbal abuse, online bullying and harassment.

    These problems directly affect the the quality of life, access to education and chances of social integration of young Europeans. These concerns need to be urgently reflected in EU policies and in the dialogue with Member States.

    Given these circumstances:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission have for supporting the creation of integrated programmes combining affordable housing and mental health services that can meet students’ needs?
    • 2.How will these priorities be reflected in future EU recommendations and funding programmes dedicated to youth and higher education?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU support for students’ mental health and living conditions – E-002783/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002783/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    According to the study ‘Living Situations of Higher Ed Students’ (2023), conducted on 1 670 students from 22 university cities in Romania, students’ mental health and housing problems have increased alarmingly.

    78.4 % of students reported an increase in stress and anxiety, while 9.8 % said they had contemplated suicide in the past year. Around one third had difficulties paying their rent and for utility services, while 37.3 % lived in heavily built-up areas. Around a half had been mentally affected by rising energy costs and many had to cope with verbal abuse, online bullying and harassment.

    These problems directly affect the the quality of life, access to education and chances of social integration of young Europeans. These concerns need to be urgently reflected in EU policies and in the dialogue with Member States.

    Given these circumstances:

    • 1.What measures does the Commission have for supporting the creation of integrated programmes combining affordable housing and mental health services that can meet students’ needs?
    • 2.How will these priorities be reflected in future EU recommendations and funding programmes dedicated to youth and higher education?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Watering-down of anti-corruption reforms laid down in Bulgaria’s NRRP – E-002775/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002775/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikola Minchev (Renew), Radan Kanev (PPE)

    Upholding the primacy of law by establishing guarantees on the political independence of the Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (CPC) is one of the basic reforms under the NRRP. The NRRP provides that the members of the CPC be elected by a two-thirds majority of the members of the Bulgarian National Assembly, with a nomination committee consisting of representatives of the institutions, so as to guarantee maximum independence of the process from political influence.

    The Constitutional Court has ruled that the requirement of a two-thirds qualified majority in the National Assembly is contrary to the Bulgarian Constitution, which lays down a different approach to ensuring the independence of the CPC.

    In the meantime, the majority in the Bulgarian National Assembly has adopted at first reading a draft law significantly watering down the role of the nomination committee by providing that it can also meet in a select committee format. This change will result in even the greater party-political dependence of the CPC on the ruling parties and the parliamentary majority, and is liable to jeopardise the NRRP as an instrument for reform.

    We would like to put the following questions:

    • 1.What mechanisms is the Commission considering to compensate for the fact that election of the members of the CPC by qualified majority is no longer a requirement?
    • 2.What view does the Commission take of the scaled-down role of the nomination committee in selecting the CPC and the possibility of it sitting and adopting decisions in a select committee format?
    • 3.Is there a risk that Bulgaria will forfeit funding under the NRRP owing to the desire of those in power to exercise party control over the CPC?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 14 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese and Serbian armies to conduct joint training in Northern China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — The ground forces of China and Serbia will hold joint training, codenamed “Guardians of Peace 2025”, in Hebei Province (north China) in mid- to late July, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin said on Monday.

    This will be the first joint training of Chinese and Serbian armed forces, Jiang Bin noted.

    The training is expected to help strengthen the combat capabilities of the participating troops and deepen cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries, he added. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Third Asia+ Festival convenes stellar line-up of artists showcasing artistic gems around world

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Asia+ Festival, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is held annually from September to November with an aim to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange. Now in its third edition, the Asia+ Festival will feature over 100 performances and activities, with an encouraging growth in the number of participating countries and regions to more than 30 – an increase of nearly 50 per cent from its first edition. While focusing on Asia, the Festival also connects with Belt and Road countries and regions in Europe, Africa and the Americas, showcasing traditional and contemporary artistic gems and giving the public and tourists a taste of the diverse and vibrant cultures.

         â€‹This year’s Asia+ Festival offers an extraordinary line-up, from theatre production casting Korean stars and captivating dance and music performances by world-class artists, to a carnival highlighting distinctive cultural traditions. Some of the festival programmes include:

    Opening Programme: Theatre production “The Cherry Orchard” starring a stellar Korean cast
    ——————————————————————————————————–
         Directed by the internationally renowned director Simon Stone and starring Cannes Best Actress Jeon Do-yeon and globally recognised actor Haesoo Park from “Squid Game”, “The Cherry Orchard” brings striking originality to Russian master dramatist Anton Chekhov’s classic. Transposed from old Russia to modern-day Korea, the production captures the laughter and tears of a chaebol family swept up in the tides of change. The show saw all 30 performances of its Seoul premiere sold out amid soaring demand. The original cast is now on a world tour with Hong Kong as the first stop – an unmissable theatrical event.

    Diverse Stage: Taiko drumming, tango, cross-disciplinary contemporary dance
    —————————————————————————————-
         The legendary taiko ensemble YAMATO: The Drummers of Japan returns with its world-touring production “Hinotori – The Wings of Phoenix”, featuring 40 taiko and colourful stage design and costume that will rock the stage with thunderous rhythms and pulsating energy.

         International tango superstar and world champion Germán Cornejo, together with his dance troupe and a live band, will present “Tango After Dark” that captures the soulful allure of Buenos Aires nights.

         Another dance production “We wear our wheels with pride”, created by South African Olivier Award-winning choreographer Robyn Orlin and performed by Dancers of Moving Into Dance Mophatong and a South African electronic duo, will pay a high-energy and colourful tribute to the Zulu rickshaw drivers of the past.

         The Festival also presents the world premiere of “Strangely Familiar”, a collaboration between Singapore’s leading The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Company and artists from Hong Kong and Macao, to explore the connection and existence of technology and human beings.

    Great Music: Concert by world-class musicians
    —————————————————–
         This year the festival offers a sumptuous line-‍up of concerts by world-class musicians for classical music lovers, including piano recitals by Nikolai Lugansky from Russia and Dang Thai Son from Vietnam, and a duo recital by Latvian cellist Mischa Maisky and his daughter pianist Lily Maisky.

         In addition, Macedonian pianist Simon TrpÄ�eski with his fellow Macedonian musicians will present a folk concert “Makedonissimo”, in which local pop composer Johnny Yim, huqin player Chan Pik-sum and suona player Ma Wai-him will also join the ensemble for an East-meets-West musical crossover.

    Cultural Celebration for All: Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+
    ————————————————————————
         The popular Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ outdoor carnival returns with the support of Consulates General in Hong Kong. It showcases the cultural diversity of nearly 30 Belt and Road countries and regions, featuring ethnic music and dance, along with booths and workshops that offer handicrafts, ethnic costumes and snacks. The “Vibrant Dance – National Costume Exhibition”, themed around traditional dance costumes, displays the unique beauty and rich traditions of different cultures.

         Other exciting programmes of the Festival include a puppetry musical “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Theater Company Hikosen from Japan; “Jongmyo Jeryeak, Ritual Music for Royal Ancestors” by National Gugak Center of Korea; musical “Let Me Fly” by PRO’S LAB; an el-Tanoura performance in “Borderless Stage” series by Egyptian master Raed Abdelghany; Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra’s “Silken Notes of the Pipa” and “2025 Hong Kong Drum Festival: Majestic Drums” concerts; Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Swire Proudly Sponsors: Belt and Road | Long Yu & Behzod Abduraimov” and “Kyohei Sorita Plays Tchaikovsky” concerts; Hong Kong Sinfonietta’s “Great Piano Concertos: Denis Kozhukhin Plays Rachmaninov No 3” and “Great Piano Concertos: Alexander Gadjiev Plays Rachmaninov No 2” concerts; and Hong Kong Dance Company’s grand dance drama “Kung Fu Artistry – Bruce Lee’s No Way as Way”.

         The Asia+ Festival will also feature an exhibition “Rhythms of Childhood: Melodies of Time” and a series of workshops, a backstage tour, masterclasses, talks, and outreach performances, offering an all-round experience and appreciation of the diversity of art and cultures.

         Tickets of most of the programmes will be available from July 23 (Wednesday) at URBTIX counters, self-service ticketing kiosks, the Internet (www.urbtix.hk), the mobile ticketing app URBTIX, and telephone booking (hotline: 3166 1288). Early bird discounts of up to 30 percent discount are available until August 5 (Tuesday). For programme enquiries and other discount schemes, please call 2370 1044 or visit www.asiaplus.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –