Category: Business

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the nomination of Ivana Maletić as a Member of the Court of Auditors – A10-0088/2025

Source: European Parliament

ANNEX 1: CURRICULUM VITÆ OF IVANA MALETIĆ

Ivana MALETIĆ

Education:

PhD candidate, Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka (Croatia)

2012

Master of Science in Accounting, Auditing and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

2004 – 2006

Certified Public Sector Accountant and Auditor (two-year course), CIPFA – Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (United Kingdom)

1992 – 1997

Master of Economics and Business, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

Professional experience:

July 2019 – present

Member, European Court of Auditors (Chamber IV), Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

July 2013 – June 2019

Member, European Parliament (ECON, REGI and BUDG Committee), Brussels (Belgium)

March 2012 – July 2013

President, TIM4PIN – Center for Public and Non-Profit Sector Development, Zagreb (Croatia)

February 2008 – December 2011

State Secretary, National Authorising Officer, Negotiator for Chapter 22 and Deputy Chief Negotiator, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

May 2005 – February 2008

Assistant Minister for Budget Execution and Deputy National Authorising Officer, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

September 2004 – May 2005

Head of National Fund Department, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

December 1998 – September 2004

Advisor, Department for Government Accounting and Financial Reporting, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

December 1997 – December 1998

Trainee, Department for Government Accounting and Financial Reporting, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

Work at the European Court of Auditors:

June 2024 – present

Member to the Audit Quality Control Committee (AQCC)

October 2019 – February 2022

President and Member of the Internal Audit Committee (IAC)

December 2019 – October 2021

Member of the Digital Steering Committee (DSC)

July 2019 – March 2020

Member of the Strategic Foresight and Advisory Committee

Published reports:

Review 05/2020: How the EU took account of lessons learned from the 2008-2012 financial and sovereign debt crises

Opinion No 6/20 concerning the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility (COM(2020) 408)

Special report 07/2022: SME internationalisation instruments: A large number of support actions but not fully coherent or coordinated

Special report 15/2022: Measures to widen participation in Horizon 2020 were well designed but sustainable change will mostly depend on efforts by national authorities

Special report 21/2022: The Commission’s assessment of national recovery and resilience plans: overall appropriate but implementation risks remain

Special report 23/2022: Synergies between Horizon 2020 and European Structural and Investment Funds: Not yet used to full potential

Special report 24/2022: e-Government actions targeting businesses Commission’s actions implemented, but availability of e-services still varies across the EU

Opinion 04/2022 concerning the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/241as regards REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, Directive 2003/87/EC and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 [2022/0164 (COD)]

Special report 26/2023: The Recovery and Resilience Facility’s performance monitoring framework: Measuring implementation progress but not sufficient to capture performance

Special report 13/2024: Absorption of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility: Progressing with delays and risks remain regarding the completion of measures and therefore the achievement of RRF objectives

Ongoing audits:

Labour market reforms in the national recovery and resilience plans. Some results, but not sufficient to address structural challenges.

Do the design and implementation of the business environment reforms in the national recovery and resilience plans address the main businesses’ needs?

RRF Review: Opportunities, challenges and risks

Have the Commission and member states put in place adequate arrangements to ensure an appropriate level of traceability and transparency of RRF funding?

Publications:

 Books:

1) Maletić, I., Galinec, D., Japunčić, T., Župan, S., Five years of the Republic of Croatia in the European semester, Office of MEP Ivana Maletić, Zagreb, 2019

2) Maletić, I., Jakir Bajo, I., Stepić, D., A Guide to Good Governance in the Public and Non-Profit Sector, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2018

3) Maletić, I., Kosor, K., Ivanković Knežević, K., et. al., My EU Project: A Manual for the Preparation and Implementation of EU Projects, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2018

4) Maletić, I., Kosor, K., Copić, M., et al., EU Projects – from Idea to Realization, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2016

5) Maletić, I., Bešlić, B., Copić, M., Kosor, K,., Kulakowski, N., Zrinušić, N., EU Project Management, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2014

6) Maletić, I., et. al., Fiscal Responsibility – Completing Questionnaires, Compiling Plans and Reports, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2013

7) Maletić, I., Stepić, D., Jakir Bajo, I., Knežević, M., Kozina, D., Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Management, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2012

8) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Zorić, A., Fiscal Responsibility, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2011

9) Maletić, I., Vašiček, D., Jakir-Bajo, I., et al., The Accounting of Budget and Budget Users, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2008

10) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Budgetary Planning and Accounting, Centre for Accounting and Finance, Zagreb, 2003

11) Maletić, I., Lončar-Galek, D., Mencer, J., et. al., Application of the Budget Accounting Plan 2003/2004, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2003

12) Maletić, I., Vašiček, V., Vašiček, D., Introduction to Budgetary Accounting 2002, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2002

13) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Budgetary Accounting, Informator, Zagreb, 2001

14) Maletić, I., Vašiček, D., Jakir-Bajo, I., et al., Budgetary system: Accounting, Finance, Audit, Taxes, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2000

 The author of over 250 articles published in domestic journals.

 A lecturer at numerous conferences, round tables and seminars in the Member States.

ANNEX 2: ANSWERS BY IVANA MALETIĆ TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE

Questionnaire for the renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors

Performance of duties: lessons learnt and future commitments

1. What are your main achievements as a member of the ECA? What were the biggest setbacks?

I consider all the audits and opinions I have worked on to be an important contribution to the work of the EU and the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of EU actions. In particular, I would like to highlight my work on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), where I was reporting Member of both opinions on the draft regulations as well as for several special reports, such as the reports on the Commission’s assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans, the performance monitoring framework, the absorption of RRF funds and the RRF labour market reforms. In all these opinions and reports, I emphasized the importance of good management of public funds, regardless of whether the financing is based on the reimbursement of costs or the fulfilment of set conditions. The rules of sound financial management, which imply legality and regularity of the underlying transactions as well as effectiveness and efficiency, must be at the core of every programme. In addition, transparency of public spending and accountability are the basis for building citizens’ trust in institutions not only at the EU level, but also in each member state. I am proud to have emphasized these values in the audits of the RRF and, together with my colleagues, I have never given up on insisting that the fundamental principles set out in the Financial Regulation should be respected.

One of the biggest obstacles regarding our work on the RRF was to ensure not only a coherent audit approach across audit teams and audit chambers within ECA but also consistency of our messages. In addition, the novelty of the RRF as such was a challenge, as it required everyone to get acquainted with a new and in parts still changing legal framework in a relatively short period of time. For some of our audits this resulted in the audit reports being published later than we initially planned. In addition, the limited access to information, specifically the limited access to FENIX, was an obstacle for our early RRF audits but we managed to overcome these limitations, at least to a certain degree.

In addition to my audit work I was also involved in different committees like the Internal Audit Committee or the Audit Quality Control Committee. One of my main contributions as chair of the Internal Audit Committee was for example the revision of the rules of procedure of the committee and the revision of the charter of the internal audit service. My role as Member of the Audit Quality Control Committee allows me to actively contribute to the quality of our audit reports as well as the methodology applied in our work.

2. What are the main lessons learnt in your field of competences / results achieved in your duties and audit tasks?

As stated above, the main focus of my audit work in ECA was related to the RRF. The RRF considerably differs in design and legal basis from other EU programmes and thus required us to reflect not only on our audit approach but also the way we work.

Auditing a “performance-based instrument” to some extent blurs the line between performance audits and audits on the legality and regularity of EU funding. One of my achievements was to significantly contribute to and thereby shape our work on this new instrument and ensure coherence across different tasks. In addition, from the very beginning, I had a very strategic view on the RRF audit work as it was and still is essential, that our audits, taken together, allow us to draw lessons not only for the RRF but also for future similar instruments. The performance audits that I proposed for the RRF after working on the opinion on the regulation enabled us to have a comprehensive overview of the design and functioning of this new instrument a year before the end of the program.

3. What added value could you bring to the ECA on your second term and/or particularly in the area you would be responsible for? Would you like to change your area of responsibility? What motivates you?

In my second term I would firstly like to finish my work on the RRF, in particular finalizing the ongoing and planned RRF audits, such as transparency and traceability of RRF funding, public administration, education as well as an audit related to the overall results and impact of the RRF. These audits would build on my experience in this field and would further contribute to improving the design of future similar programmes, and the link with the European Semester including the country specific recommendations.

In addition, I would like to enlarge my portfolio and get more involved in other policy areas and programs within Chamber IV, such as research and innovation, competitiveness or economic governance, strategic autonomy and economic security. This would allow me to build on the experience gained through my audits on “Synergies between Horizon 2020 and European Structural and Investment Funds” and “Measures to widen participation in Horizon 2020”.

In more general terms, I believe that, in line with ECA’s rotation policy for auditors and managers, rotation should also be considered for Members, in particular in the case of two terms of office. Consequently, I would not exclude moving to another Chamber.

4. How do you make sure to reach the planned audit objectives of an audit task? Have you ever been in the situation where you could not realize the audit task and for which reasons? How do you operate in such controversial situations?

Due to the good cooperation between the audit teams and my office, I was able to carry out all audits successfully and in line with the defined scope. Therefore, I have never been in a situation where we could not finalize an audit or not achieve the audit objectives. The only issue I did encounter was the delay of publication for some audits, due to factors outside our control like temporarily limited access to audit evidence, the complexity of the evidence provided or unavailability of key staff in member states or the Commission.

In case I ever encountered significant obstacles that would put the finalization of an audit at risk, I would try to overcome these obstacles through open and constructive communication that would allow us to find a solution together. I strongly believe that all of us, as auditors and auditees, have the same goal, which is to deliver work of high quality, and ultimately to ensure legality, effectiveness and efficiency of publicly funded programmes, including those funded by the EU. Therefore constructive communication, trying to understand different perspectives and patience are key elements for successfully resolving any controversial situation.

5. If you were reconfirmed for a second mandate and hypothetically, if you were elected Dean of a Chamber in the ECA, how would you steer the work to define its priorities? Could you give us two or three examples of areas to focus on in the future?

The Chamber is managed by all of us together – the Members of the Chamber and the director. To that extent, the role of the Dean is, with the help of the other Members of the Chamber, to take an active role in defining the priorities of our work and therefore the selection of audits.

In case I was elected as Dean of a Chamber, I would pay particular attention to an effective communication within the Chamber and Court as well as with our main stakeholders, like you, when defining audit priorities. In my view this would allow us to have a comprehensive view of the most relevant areas we should focus on in our work and to ensure that the timing or our audits maximises their added value. Furthermore, a comprehensive audit planning needs to be strategic, going beyond a short-term planning, but should also allow for flexibility, where needed.

Regarding areas to focus on (in Chamber IV) in future I would consider competitiveness, economic governance and, as a transversal topic, simplification as extremely relevant in the light of the challenges the EU is currently facing.

For competitiveness, our audits could focus on the areas of research and development and the functioning of the single market, with the aim of strengthening capacity, removing barriers and achieving synergies. This includes reflecting on possibilities for faster and simpler methods of financing research and scientific projects.

In the field of economic governance, it would be important to include audits specifically related to times of crisis, such as: transfer prices or whether the economic governance model is fit for purpose in this regard.

Furthermore, ECA’s work could potentially add considerable value in the simplification process, for example by assessing the different simplification procedures and how they could be improved.

6. If you had to manage the selection of audit tasks in view of the preparation of the ECA annual working programme, on which basis would you make your choice among the list of priorities received from the Parliament and/or the CONT committee?

What would you do if a political priority does not correspond to the ECA risk assessment of the Union’s activities?

The planning process within the ECA is very detailed and involves all auditors and managers, as well as all Members and their offices. When planning, we consider several different factors, e.g. policy risks, materiality, timing, audit coverage, the likely impact of an audit and stakeholder interest. These are also the main elements we consider when making our choice among the list of priorities received form the Parliament or CONT committee.

The selection of audit topics is primarily based on their potential added value, and therefore topics of important political and strategic interest are always taken into account, even though they may not be highest priority in terms of risk. Furthermore, I would like to note that “risk” has many dimensions and should not be reduced to materiality.

As you are well aware, the number of audit proposals is significantly higher than the number of audits we can carry out each year. Some proposals, while politically very relevant, may not come at an ideal time, e.g. as the implementation of the instrument is at an early stage. Others may not be entirely feasible due to the political or security situation in the audit area or even our audit mandate.

Maintaining our independence in defining our work programme is essential, and the limited resources inevitably mean that not all audit proposal can be considered or not be considered at that moment in time. However, input from our main stakeholders is extremely valuable to us and will always be considered. It is also important that we communicate very clearly to the stakeholders, especially the European Parliament, why some of the proposals were not included in the programme and whether or not they may be considered in the future.

Management of portfolio, working methods and deliverables

7. Producing high quality, robust and timely reports is key:

– How would you ensure that the data used in an audit are reliable and that the findings are not outdated?

– How would you improve the quality and pertinence of the recommendations?

To ensure that data used in audit are reliable it is important to know the sources and understand exactly how the data is collected, compiled and verified. While performing our audits, we always assess the accuracy and completeness of data and cross-reference it where needed, considering the source and nature of the data and the control systems in place.

I believe that the recommendations in our audit reports are in general of a high quality and pertinence. Any good recommendation is rooted in solid audit work while considering aspects of feasibility as well “value for money”. These aspects have and always will be the guiding principles for the recommendations included in my audit reports.

In general, a thorough planning, as well as timely and well targeted audits are the best way to ensure that our observations and recommendations come at the right time and have the maximum potential impact. In my view, more focussed and thereby quicker audits should therefore be considered wherever feasible.

8. The aim of the ECA’s reform is to establish a stronger accountability relationship between the audit team and the rapporteur member:

– Given your experience, do you think that the role of a member is to be more involved in the audit work?

– Would you change the way you work with an audit team? If yes, how?

I believe that the Member is ultimately responsible for the audit, its quality, relevance and objectivity. It is not possible to present the results of the audit work and advocate for the recommendations without a thorough understanding of the audited area and the observations. It is therefore essential that the Member works closely with the audit team and follows the audit work. Personally, I enjoy working with the teams, we always have constructive discussions from the selection and planning of the task to defining the audit scope and approach and finally the drafting of key messages and recommendations. I strongly believe that working together brings the best results and allows us to learn from each other.

As I have always worked closely with the audit teams, I do not intend to change this approach in the future.

9. What would be your suggestions to further improve, modernise the ECA functioning, programming and work (audit cycle)? After your first mandate, could you give us a positive aspect of the ECA working and a negative one?

In an ever faster changing environment, the duration of our audits is something we may have to reflect on. As mentioned above, shorter, more focussed audits should therefore be considered, if the audit topic allows for it.

Moreover, we should continue to encourage cooperation between audit chambers in particular on cross cutting issues such as the RRF, energy independence and security, or the now increasingly important priority defence. This cooperation across Chambers should include a flexible allocation of resources.

For me the most positive aspect of the ECA is its staff – they are highly qualified and motivated and work hard to deliver quality audit work and meaningful reports. In addition, the ECA is a very supportive environment that encourages continuous learning, improvement and progress. The fact that audits are carried out in teams, facilitates learning from each other and a culture of togetherness and collegiality.

10. Under the Treaty, the Court is required to assist Parliament in exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget in order to enhance both the public oversight of the general spending and its value for money:

– With the experience of your first term, how could the cooperation between the Court of Auditors and the European Parliament (Committee on Budgetary Control) on auditing the EU budget be further improved?

In my experience, the cooperation between the ECA and the European Parliament is already very good. We have established a continuous dialogue with the Parliament, including the Parliament contributing to the selection of audit tasks and ECA Members regularly being invited to present audit reports. This cooperation is key in ensuring that we maximize the added value of our audits, in particular in the context of the discharge procedure.

While the cooperation is already very positive, we could of course always intensify or explore new ways of cooperation like joint workshops or regular briefings for the MEPs in key areas of interest. In a way, communication is essential and should always go two-way: ECA should know of the challenges the Parliament is facing and the best way ECA can support it in its work whereas the Parliament should be aware of the possibilities as well as boundaries ECA has in its work.

– Similarly, how to strengthen relations between ECA and national audit institutions?

Cooperation with the EU SAIs takes place within the framework of the Contact Committee, with day-to-day contacts are maintained through liaison officers appointed by each institution.

National SAIs are informed about our audit visits and regularly participate in these visits as observer. In addition, the ECA organises five-month internships for auditors from the SAIs of Candidate Countries.

While the cooperation with SAIs is already very positive, coordinated audit work in key areas of common interest could be encouraged to further strengthen the cooperation and increase the potential impact of our work. Exchange of staff in form of temporary secondment should also be continued to facilitate a continuous exchange of views, and future cooperation.

11. How will you support the Parliament in the achievement of the shortening of the discharge procedure? What actions can be undertaken from your side?

Cooperation and commitment of all involved institutions are needed to accelerate the processes and avoid delays. On the ECA’s side we make an effort to give priority to the Statement of Assurance and ensure timely adoption of the documents through flexibility in terms of scheduling additional Court meetings when needed. As a result, we managed to publish our last two annual report more than one month before the legal deadline.

This is complemented by a similar effort for our performance audits. I always planned my performance audits in a way that we can, in terms of content as well as time, support the discharge procedure. It is however important to note that the timing of our reports depends on several factors, some of which are outside our control.

Independence and integrity

12. What guarantees of independence are you able to give the European Parliament, and how would you make sure that any past, current or future activities you carry out could not cast doubt on the performance of your duties at the ECA?

I think that the best guarantee I can give you is my work at the ECA in which I always advocated for the respect of the basic principles of legality, regularity and sound financial management, no matter the circumstances. I believe that as independent auditors, we must always fight for the transparent use of public funds and warn of any shortcomings that are an obstacle to respecting the basic principles of sound financial management.

In addition, I will continue to fully adhere to the Code of Conduct for ECA Members. I have no business interests or external activities that could raise any doubt concerning my independence and I would never even consider an activity that may compromise the performance of my duties as ECA Member.

13. How would you deal with a major irregularity or even fraud in EU funds and/or corruption case involving persons in your Member State of origin? Were you in this situation during your current mandate?

I can repeat my reply on the same question for nomination for the first ECA mandate, since I was and will remain committed to that: I advocate a zero-tolerance towards fraud and corruption because they are extremely dangerous for any society – they destroy competition and opportunities for growth and development. It is precisely by efficient identification and elimination of corruption that we can provide the best possible assistance to our member states. Rules must be abided by and legality and regularity in using public funds is the foundation from which we should never allow any deviation.

I did not encounter any cases of fraud, irregularity of corruption during my current mandate.

14. The existence of conflict of interests can trigger a reputation risk for the ECA. How would you manage any conflict of interest?

I absolutely agree that a conflict of interest poses reputational risks for the ECA. Avoiding these conflicts is at the core of my work and in line with our Code of Conduct, I avoid any situation that is liable to give rise to a conflict of interest, or that could objectively be perceived as such.

Should such a situation arise, I would communicate the potential conflict of interest in line with the ECA’s procedures and would not accept any tasks for which a personal interest could influence the independent performance of my duties. I have so far not been in any such situation.

15. Are you involved in any legal proceedings? if so, what kind?

No, I am not involved in any legal proceedings.

16. What specific commitments are you prepared to make in terms of enhanced transparency, increased cooperation and effective follow-up to Parliament’s positions and requests for audits?

For me, transparency in the performance of public affairs and the use of public money is a fundamental principle and one of my core values, and I fully support efforts that contribute to greater transparency. Your requirements are crucial in this regard, and I have been and always will be ready to listen to you and respond to any requests you may have regarding our audit work. We have a common goal, which is to deliver results and value for money in the implementation of EU policies and programmes, and it is important that we share our knowledge and experience. I look forward to every invitation from the Parliament to present our reports, or to participate in thematic discussions and any other form of cooperation.

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.

INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

Date adopted	14.5.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	22 2 4
Members present for the final vote	Georgios Aftias, Arno Bausemer, Gilles Boyer, José Cepeda, Olivier Chastel, Caterina Chinnici, Tamás Deutsch, Dick Erixon, Daniel Freund, Niclas Herbst, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek, Kinga Kollár, Giuseppe Lupo, Marit Maij, Jacek Protas, Julien Sanchez, Jonas Sjöstedt, Cristian Terheş
Substitutes present for the final vote	Maria Grapini, Erik Marquardt, Karlo Ressler, Bert-Jan Ruissen
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Pablo Arias Echeverría, Francisco Assis, Sunčana Glavak, Csaba Molnár, Michal Wiezik

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – A10-0087/2025

Source: European Parliament

DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

(COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

(Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0034),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0006/2025),

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

– having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 26 March 2025 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

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

– having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0087/2025),

1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

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.

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Since 2022 when Russia started its full-scale invasion and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions as well as increased trade tariffs to reduce trade with the aggressor. As a result, the imports into the EU from Russia have decreased by 85 % compared to pre-war levels.

However, there are still Russian products that flow into the EU market, consequently fuelling the Russian war machine. This has to be stopped and brought to complete standstill.

The EU imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia have significantly increased over the last years. The import levels were already worryingly high in 2023 (3.6 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.28 billion, representing more than 25 % of total EU imports), and have increased significantly in 2024 to 4.4 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.5 billion and with an import share of 30 %. Therefore, imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation currently reflect a situation of growing economic dependence on Russia.

The European Parliament have already called for a ban on importing Russian grain, potash and fertilisers in Resolution on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States.

The aim of this Regulation is to eliminate dependencies on imports from Russia and to prevent circumvention through Belarus. Such imports, particularly of fertilisers, make the EU vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus present a risk to EU food security. This Regulation proposes that the tariff increase on nitrogen-based fertilisers takes place gradually over a transition period of three years. Through increased import duties and prohibitive tariffs, the Russian share of fertiliser import into the EU will gradually be replaced by other sources. Some of the EU Member States have already decoupled from Russian nitrogen-based fertilisers, without seeing shortages of supply or market price increases.

The tariffs will support the growth of the EU’s domestic production of fertiliser, which suffered during the energy crisis and due to the influx of fertilisers from Russia. EU production reached only 14 million tonnes in 2023, down from an average of 18 million tonnes in the previous 5 years. Despite the closure of some production facilities following the increase in energy prices, the European industry has around 20 % spare capacity (ca 3 million tonnes), on top of 9.5 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilisers exported in 2024. If used, it is expected that this spare capacity could almost completely compensate the shortfall of reducing Russian imports into the EU.

The tariff measures will also allow for the further diversification of supply from third countries. There are many suppliers on the world market who can replace Russian exporters, including Egypt, Algeria, Norway, Morocco, Oman and the US. Indeed, there is room to strengthen the transatlantic cooperation. This will help ensure a steady fertiliser supply and foster market competitiveness.

It is vital that we ensure that Russia’s war economy is weakened. At the same time, we must ensure sure that there is a steady stream of quality fertiliser supply for agriculture in the European Union, and, importantly, ensure that fertilisers remain available for EU farmers at an affordable price. Therefore, the proposal includes monitoring provisions and if needed mitigating measures, should a substantial increase in fertiliser prices occur. The gradual phasing-in of applicable tariff measures will allow European farmers to adapt to the new conditions.

In order to prevent circumvention of these measures, the rapporteur welcomes the fact that the tariff measures will also apply to Belarus to prevent potential Russian imports to the EU being circumvented through Belarus. The rapporteur believes that potential increase of imports from other countries, which are not the traditional exporters have to be closely monitored to detect any possible circumvention.

Besides the import of fertilisers, the Regulation also targets the remaining 15 % of agricultural imports from Russia that had not yet been subject to increased tariffs. With this Regulation, all agricultural imports from Russia will be the subject of EU tariffs. The tariff level would be prohibitive, thus high enough to halt the importation of these goods. Continued imports of the agricultural products concerned could create an additional economic dependence on Russia, which could, if left unchecked, harm the EU’s food security.

The rapporteur welcomes that these combined measures will prevent Russia from benefiting financially from exports to the EU to fund its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is also a matter of EU’s security and strategic autonomy.

The regulation is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the EU.

The rapporteur welcomes Article 207 TFEU as a legal basis as it is a trade policy measure requiring EP co-decision in line with OLP.

The rapporteur hopes the Regulation will be adopted in its current form and in time for the entry into force by 1 July 2025, in order to ensure rapid implementation.

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

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

Entity and/or person

Yara, VP European Government Relations & External Communications, VP Corporate affairs and Industrial Relations

Zemnieku Saeima (Association Farmers’ Council), Foreign policy specialist

European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2, DG Trade Unit E3

Fertilizers Europe, Director General, Trade & Economic Senior Manager

Association of the Potash and Salt Industry / VKS – Verband der Kali- und Salzindustrie e.V, Managing Director, EU Office Brussels

Latvijas Lauksaimniecības kooperatīvu asociācija (Latvian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives), Director-General

Business & Science Poland, Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry, ANWIL

Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU, Counsellor (SCA Spokesperson, Common Agricultural Policy)

Council, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU, Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies, Vice-Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (7.5.2025)

for the Committee on International Trade

(COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

Rapporteur for opinion: Veronika Vrecionová

AMENDMENTS

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development submits the following to the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible:

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation were significant at 3.6 million tonnes in 2023 and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.	(1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation doubled between 2020/2021 and 2022/2023, followed by further growth in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the Union’s imports of those fertilisers were significant at 3,6 million tonnes, and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.	(2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which continues to hinder Union fertiliser production due to an unequal level playing field. The large volumes of fertilisers from the Russian Federation intended for export are gradually distorting supply diversification by eliminating both local and third-country suppliers. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(4a) Reduction of the Union’s dependence on fertilisers from the Russian Federation, avoiding the creation of new dependencies, ensuring the steady supply of cost-competitive fertilisers at affordable price levels for Union farmers in the short, medium and long term and increasing the Union’s strategic autonomy require the development of a long-term Union fertiliser strategy that should primarily focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the Union’s fertilisers production sector in order to secure a steady supply of fertilisers at affordable price levels. That strategy should focus on supporting innovation, attracting investments and developing new business models to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful import dependencies, as well as a trade diversification strategy promoting stable trade relations and securing alternative supply chains. In parallel, measures should also improve access to organic fertilisers and nutrients from recycled waste streams and increase the circularity of farming practices. It is noteworthy that, although the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding fertilisers, particularly through its resolutions of 24 March 2022 on the need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine1a, and of 16 February 2023 on the Commission communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers 1b, the Commission has not come forward with clear and sufficient measures to support domestic fertiliser production.
	_________________
	1a OJ C 361, 20.9.2022, p. 2.
	1b OJ C 283, 11.8.2023, p. 51.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5a) The production and cost of mineral fertilisers largely depend on the availability and affordability of natural gas.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 5 b (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(5b) Changes are needed to truly address the Union industry and agriculture structural problems, such as access to energy and raw materials at high prices, the European Green Deal, and excessive regulation.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 7


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries.	(7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries while securing the Union´s market stability, and food security and affordability.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(8a) At the same time, it is important to consider the Union’s high dependence on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. Therefore, this Regulation should be accompanied by the development of a mechanism for balancing fertiliser prices and possible subsidies for farmers if the new tariffs results in an excessive increase in the price of fertilisers and thus in reduced profitability of agricultural production. Revenues generated from higher customs duties should be a part of that mechanism.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 9


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.	(9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. However, monitoring transit will be critical to prevent any sort of intentional dumping by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(10) At the same time, fertilisers play a significant role for the food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers, which should in turn contribute to the stabilisation of agricultural markets. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. To this end, the Commission should monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices on the Union market. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge.	(10) At the same time, fertilisers play an essential role for food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. The Commission shall address the difficult situation of the fertiliser industry in the Union, which has been under strain over the last four years due to high-energy prices, production costs, and challenges posed by existing regulations. The Commission should therefore implement measures to alleviate the high costs burdening the Union industry, which directly impact the entire supply chain, particularly farmers. The Commission should also monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices at the Member State and Union levels. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should take all appropriate actions in a timely manner to remedy such a surge.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10a) Ensuring farmers’ access to affordable and sufficient quantities of fertilisers is essential for safeguarding food security across the Union. Therefore, the Commission should urgently explore and propose appropriate support mechanisms to guarantee the availability of fertilisers at competitive prices for farmers in the Union and introduce targeted measures to support the farmers impacted.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 b (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10b) The Commission must ensure that the introduction of additional tariffs on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus does not generate above-average purchase prices, thereby undermining farmers’ access to essential inputs. Given the significant volumes currently imported and the limited short-term flexibility to shift suppliers without incurring additional costs, such measures should not result in the reduction of fertilised agricultural areas and sub-optimal application rates. The Commission must ensure that those measures do not lead to lower yields, diminish profitability, and have potentially negative consequences for food security and farmers’ livelihoods. Therefore, a mandatory monthly monitoring, including at Member State level, of the prices of products listed in Annex II should be established to ensure timely responses and safeguard the viability of the Union farming sector. The price indicators should be published monthly in order to increase transparency. Furthermore, the role of the EU Fertilisers Market Observatory should be increased. Moreover, the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) should hold regular exchanges on the availability and price affordability of fertilisers, ensuring an active dialogue with the actors of the food supply chain, including farmers, and provide high-level advice to the Commission on this strategic matter.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10 c (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(10c) To accelerate the reduction of imports of agricultural goods and fertilisers from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, the Commission should assess the possibility of developing alternative sources of supply from the Union and other international partners and to authorise alternative measures, such as the use of manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, as a sustainable alternative which reduces CO2 emissions by decreasing the need for fertiliser imports, aligns with circular economy principles, and strengthens the Union’s agricultural resilience. The Commission should establish a legal and financial framework that makes manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, a viable alternative. That framework should provide regulatory flexibility, beyond the limits currently established by the Council Directive 91/676/EEC1a, while upholding environmental protection and the principles of efficiency and safety, and include financial incentives to keep it affordable for the farmers in the Union.
	__________________
	1a Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1).

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 11


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine.	(11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine. If the Union fails to impose the envisaged tariffs, it would indirectly contribute to financing the war efforts of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and risk supporting other autocratic regimes, as sanctioned gas from the Russian Federation would be utilised for the production and export of cheap fertilisers to the Union.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(14a) Given that fertilisers are widely traded commodities with a substantial risk of circumvention, Member States and their customs authorities should strictly verify and validate the true origin of fertilisers imported into the Union market. That verification process should include thorough scrutiny of shipment documentation and proactive monitoring to prevent any re-export schemes designed to circumvent the tariff-increases. Where circumvention of the measures in force takes place, the imposed tariffs could be extended to goods from other third countries concerned.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
(d) The Commission may adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.	(d) The Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	(da) The Commission shall, without undue delay, propose a legal and financial framework to scale up the use of manure and processed animal manure, including Renure, as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers.

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
1. The Commission shall monitor prices applicable in the Union of the goods listed in Annex II during four years from the application of this Regulation.	1. From the date of application of this Regulation, the Commission shall, on a monthly basis, monitor prices applicable in the Member States and the Union of the goods listed in Annex II. The Commission shall publish in a transparent way the results of such monitoring.

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	1a. The Commission and national customs authorities shall closely monitor imports of the goods listed in Article 1.

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.	2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall take all appropriate actions within 14 days to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, the following actions:
	(a) proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;
	(b) making financial support available to farmers if a substantial increase in fertiliser prices noticeably reduces the profitability of agricultural production.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2a. If appropriate, the Commission shall propose the temporary suspension of tariffs for goods concerned listed in Annex II and imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

Amendment 21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2 b (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2b. If it is determined that circumvention practices of the import of products listed in Annexes I and II originating in the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus through a third country to the Union have occurred, the Commission shall initiate an anti-circumvention investigation. In order to prevent circumvention practices, the Commission shall examine the possibility of using a licensing system for imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

Amendment 22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – paragraph 2 c (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	2c. The Commission shall monitor and assess this Regulation every year in terms of food security and sovereignty and, if necessary, propose that it be repealed.

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Annex I – table – rows 59 a, 59 b and 59 c (new)


Text proposed by the Commission	Amendment
	– Of rape or colza seeds:
	2306 41 –Of low erucic acid rape or colza seeds
	2306 49 –Other

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

Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for the opinion received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion:

Entity and/or person

COPA-COGECA, Secretary General

European Commission, DG AGRI Unit E.1

European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2

Fertilizers Europe, Director General,

LAT Nitrogen, Head of Public Affairs Europe

Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Fertilizantes (ANFFE) (Spanish National Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers)Secretary General

Asociación Agraria – Jóvenes Agricultores ASAJA- (Association of young farmers). President, EU Office Brussels

Cooperativas Agrolimentarias de España, (Sapnish Association of Agricultural Cooperatives) EU Office Brussels

Unión de Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA) (Association of small farmers) EU Office Brussels

The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for the opinion declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

Title	Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
References	COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD)
Committee(s) responsible	INTA
Opinion by Date announced in plenary	AGRI 10.3.2025
Rapporteur for the opinion Date appointed	Mireia Borrás Pabón 27.2.2025
Discussed in committee	19.3.2025
Date adopted	5.5.2025
Result of final vote	+: –: 0:	25 5 14
Members present for the final vote	Sergio Berlato, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Asger Christensen, Barry Cowen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ivan David, Valérie Deloge, Salvatore De Meo, Csaba Dömötör, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Herbert Dorfmann, Sebastian Everding, Carlo Fidanza, Maria Grapini, Cristina Guarda, Martin Häusling, Krzysztof Hetman, Céline Imart, Elsi Katainen, Stefan Köhler, Tomáš Kubín, Norbert Lins, Cristina Maestre, Maria Noichl, Gilles Pennelle, André Rodrigues, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Christine Singer, Pekka Toveri, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Veronika Vrecionová, Thomas Waitz, Maria Walsh
Substitutes present for the final vote	Peter Agius, Wouter Beke, Benoit Cassart, David Cormand, Claire Fita, Esther Herranz García, Anna Zalewska
Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote	Giuseppe Lupo, Jana Nagyová

MIL OSI Europe News –

May 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Guaranteeing the continuation of UNRWA’s work in Palestinian territories illegally occupied by Israel – E-000432/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
The EU has condemned any attempt by Israel to abrogate the 1967 agreement between Israel and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) or to otherwise attempt to obstruct its capacity to operate its mandate[1]. The EU has stressed the essential role of UNRWA, which provides crucial support to the civilian population in both Gaza and the wider region and committed to continuing its support to the Agency [2].

In 2024, following the fulfilment by UNRWA of all the conditions agreed for the 2024 EU funding, the Commission disbursed a total of EUR 92 million to the Agency[3]. This came in addition to the EUR 48.5 million of EU humanitarian funding in 2024. In 2025, the EU is committed to continuing its support for the Agency, and as a part of its multiannual and comprehensive programme for Palestine[4] 2025-27[5]. The Commission is willing to propose to allocate EUR 82 million per year to provide services to Palestine refugees via UNRWA, both in the occupied Palestinian territory and the wider region. This will enable UNRWA to continue ensuring its crucial role both as a humanitarian and a development actor.

The EU has been consistently clear that political engagement and open dialogue are the most effective ways to convey concerns, including to the Israeli government. The current EU-Israel Association Agreement[6] is the legal basis for the ongoing dialogue and cooperation with Israel and it provides a useful mechanism to discuss and advance the EU stance. In this regard, the Association Council meeting that took place in February 2025[7] was an opportunity to pass clear messages with regard to the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. The Commission keeps under constant review all EU agreements with third countries, and the principles and values upon which they are based.

The EU is extremely concerned by reports on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, which suggest that food supplies brought in during the ceasefire are running out. Under international humanitarian law, humanitarian aid must reach civilians in need. The EU has repeatedly called on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to start flowing at scale into and throughout the strip[8].

[1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/2pebccz2/20241017-euco-conclusions-en.pdf https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf .

[2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf.

[3] https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/commission-disburses-additional-eu10-million-payment-unrwa-2024-12-20_en.

[4] This designation shall not be construed as recognition of a State of Palestine and is without prejudice to the individuals positions of the Member States on this issue.

[5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1055.

[6] https://eeas.europa.eu/archives/delegations/israel/documents/eu_israel/asso_agree_en.pdf.

[7] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6511-2025-INIT/en/pdf.

[8] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_1052.
Last updated: 16 May 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ukraine: New surgical unit opens in Zhytomyr hospital under EU-backed recovery programme
Source: European Investment Bank
- A surgical unit at Pavlusenko Hospital in Zhytomyr has been rebuilt to serve nearly two million residents in the oblast.
- It is now equipped with modern medical systems and upgraded infrastructure, doubling the hospital’s capacity to treat patients.
- The project to rebuild the surgical unit was implemented under the EIB’s Ukraine Recovery Programme, which supports local communities across the country by helping to restore essential social infrastructure.
A surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No.2 in Zhytomyr opened today following a comprehensive reconstruction project supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As an important healthcare provider in the region, the hospital plays a vital role in delivering specialised surgical care to residents of Zhytomyr and to internally displaced people now living in the oblast. Thanks to EU support, over 6 000 patients will now benefit from timely, high-quality treatment every year in an improved and more efficient setting.

The reconstruction project involved upgrading the surgical unit’s internal infrastructure, creating a safer and more functional space for surgical care. The work covered essential systems, such as heating, ventilation and cooling systems, internal water supply and wastewater systems, electrical equipment and lighting, medical gas supply, the fire alarm and wired internet network – all critical for the smooth operation of a medical facility. The surgical unit also received essential medical support systems, including a vacuum station, a compressor unit and a modular chiller, along with new hospital furniture to equip the facility for daily use.

The total investment of €511 000 was provided under the Ukraine Recovery Programme – a joint initiative of the European Union and its bank, the EIB, implemented in partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry of Finance and the local authorities of Zhytomyr Oblast and the city of Zhytomyr. Technical assistance for the programme was provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.

In total, 13 projects under EIB-financed recovery programmes – with a total value of nearly €20 million – have either been completed or are in progress in Zhytomyr Oblast. These include projects to rehabilitate healthcare and education facilities and an administrative building, as well as key water and sanitation infrastructure – all essential to maintain public services and improve living conditions amid the ongoing war.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who is responsible for the Bank’s operations in Ukraine, said: “I am pleased to see another reconstructed facility delivered quickly and according to the highest standards – this time, the surgical unit at Zhytomyr Hospital. Through our recovery programmes, the EIB is helping to rebuild vital social infrastructure across Ukraine – hospitals, schools, kindergartens, social housing and water facilities – ensuring that all communities have access to quality services and dignified living conditions.”

Rémi Duflot, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said: “In the face of ongoing destruction and daily attacks by Russia, the European Union stands steadfast in its commitment to help Ukraine rebuild itself. Each completed project – such as this surgical unit at Zhytomyr Hospital No. 2 – is a powerful symbol of solidarity and cooperation. These efforts are not only about restoring what has been lost, but also about rebuilding a stronger, better future for Ukraine. We are proud to be working alongside the European Investment Bank, the local community, and UNDP to help enhance healthcare services for all.

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba said: “The restoration of access to social and healthcare services remains a strategic priority for the Ministry. These efforts are fundamental to the sustainable recovery of communities and to the support of internally displaced persons. We deeply thank the European Union and the European Investment Bank for their continued support in restoring critical social infrastructure, particularly in the healthcare sector. Your contribution plays an essential role in enhancing Ukraine’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.”

Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko said: “The EU’s support for Ukraine is not only about emergency aid, it’s about investing in the infrastructure that keeps society functioning and enables economic recovery. Rebuilding facilities like this surgical unit in Zhytomyr helps restore essential services, strengthen resilience, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.”

Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration Vitalii Bunechko said: “The upgraded surgical unit strengthens our region’s healthcare system, bringing modern, high-quality care closer to thousands of residents. Despite the war, the hospital team and local contractors worked tirelessly to finish the project on time. Their dedication shows how committed Ukrainians are to moving forward, even under fire. It’s one of 13 projects supported by the EIB in Zhytomyr Oblast, and we are sincerely grateful to the European Union for its support.”

First Deputy Mayor of Zhytomyr Svitlana Olshanska said: “The major reconstruction of the surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No.2 was urgently needed, it has turned it into a modern, fully equipped space where patients can receive high-quality care in safe and comfortable conditions. This is a vital improvement for our city, and we are continuing this progress with the ongoing capital repairs of the hospital’s emergency department, also supported by the EIB.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said: “UNDP is proud to support Ukrainian communities on the ground by helping turn recovery plans into reality. Thanks to EIB financing and national leadership, we are ensuring that EU-backed projects like this surgical unit in Zhytomyr deliver real impact where it’s needed most.”

Background information

The EIB in Ukraine

The EIB Group has supported Ukraine’s resilience, economy and recovery efforts since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with €2.2 billion already disbursed since 2022. The EIB continues to focus on securing Ukraine’s energy supply, restoring damaged infrastructure and maintaining essential public services across the country. Under a guarantee agreement signed with the European Commission, the EIB is set to invest at least €2 billion more in urgent recovery and reconstruction. This funding is part of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027 and is fully aligned with the priorities of the Ukrainian government.

EIB recovery programmes in Ukraine

The war has inflicted severe damage on Ukraine’s healthcare system. According to the Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), the health sector has suffered substantial losses since February 2022. Direct damage to healthcare facilities is a major concern, with RDNA4 finding that 1 603 facilities (16.2%) have been destroyed or damaged. The war has also disrupted access to care and strained resources, putting immense pressure on medical personnel. The reconstruction of the surgical unit in Zhytomyr is a critical part of the effort to rebuild and strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that residents can receive necessary medical care amidst these challenges.

The reconstruction of the surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No. 2 in Zhytomyr was carried out under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, one of three recovery programmes supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As of May 2025, the EIB has provided €740 million across these programmes to support Ukraine’s recovery. The funding helps the government to restore essential services in communities across the country – including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, housing, heating and water systems. These EIB-backed programmes are further supported by €15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation. The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, coordinates and oversees programme implementation, while local authorities and self-governments are responsible for managing recovery sub-projects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine provides technical assistance to local communities, supporting project implementation and ensuring independent monitoring for transparency and accountability. More information about the programmes is available here.
MIL OSI Europe News –
May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to Congress: California Must Retain its Ability to Protect Californians, Respond to Emerging AI Technology

Source: US State of California

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 40 attorneys general in sending a letter to Congressional leaders opposing a proposed 10-year ban on states enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems. The ban was included in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s changes to the budget reconciliation bill. In the letter, the attorneys general note that the ban, particularly when combined with the lack of any movement toward a federal regulatory framework, would leave this fast-moving area of law and technology completely void of regulation — wiping away any state-level frameworks already in place and effectively depriving consumers of reasonable protections.

“As the fourth largest economy in the world — built in large part on technological innovation and a commitment to protecting our residents — California knows that consumer protections and innovation go hand in hand. Allowing states to be responsive to AI and adopt new protections while still nurturing innovation serves both industry and consumers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I strongly oppose any effort to block states from developing and enforcing common-sense regulation; states must be able to protect their residents by responding to emerging and evolving AI technology.”

BACKGROUND

AI systems affect nearly all aspects of everyday life. Businesses use AI systems to evaluate consumers’ credit risk and guide loan decisions, screen tenants for rentals, and target consumers with ads and offers. AI systems are used in the workplace to guide employment decisions, in educational settings to provide new learning systems, and are widespread in health care settings where they’re used to guide medical diagnosis and treatment, healthcare provider operations, and insurance coverage decisions.

The promise of AI raises exciting and important possibilities. But, like any emerging technology, there are risks to adoption without responsible, appropriate, and thoughtful oversight. AI systems are novel and complex, and their inner workings are often not understood even by developers and entities that use AI, resulting in situations where AI tools have generated false information or biased and discriminatory results.

In the absence of federal action to install this oversight, states have considered and passed legislation to protect their residents and address a wide range of harms associated with AI and automated decision-making.

In California, this includes laws to prohibit deep-fakes designed to mislead voters and consumers, require basic disclosures when consumers are interacting with specific kinds of AI, and ensure that doctors supervise AI tools used to make decisions about healthcare services and insurance claims. In January, Attorney General Bonta issued two legal advisories reminding consumers of their rights and advising businesses and healthcare entities who develop, sell, or use AI about their obligations under California law. Although AI technology is developing rapidly, entities must comply with existing California laws, as well as new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025.

In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Vermont, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the letter can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio, Moore, Cloud Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Invest in American Military Depots

Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, Congressmembers Chris Deluzio (D-PA-17), Blake Moore (R-UT-01), and Michael Cloud (R-TX-27) introduced the Depot Investment Reform Act to help military depots across the United States respond to rapidly changing national security needs around the world by making federal investments more responsive.

“America’s military needs to be ready and prepared for whatever comes our way,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “This is a top priority in my work on the House Armed Services Committee, and I am proud to join my House colleagues and Senators to help improve our military depots and boost our military readiness.”

“I am immensely proud to represent the hardworking civilian engineers and technicians of the Ogden Air Logistics Complex at Hill Air Force Base in Congress. Known as the nation’s fighter depot center of excellence, the outstanding work happening at HAFB to maintain fourth and fifth generation air power generates deterrence against U.S. adversaries, such as China and Russia. I led this bill with Congressman Deluzio, Congressman Cloud, Senator Fetterman, and Senator Cotton to address longstanding investment shortfalls in our nation’s depots, which are required to operate during times when it is not profitable for private industry to do so. This bill ensures that annual DoD investments into our depots are more closely tied to future workload and readiness needs and will help our depots better plan, staff, and manage during emergency situations.” – Congressman Blake Moore.

“The Depot Investment Reform Act is a key step toward advancing America’s military readiness—not just here at home, but around the world. Reforming the investment formula ensures timely support for the men and women who keep our forces sharp, ready, and dominant on the world stage.” – Congressman Michael Cloud.

The Depot Investment Reform Act would improve military depot responsiveness by updating the formula used to determine federal investments in these depots. Currently, funding levels are determined based on the average workload of the previous three fiscal years. The Depot Investment Reform Act would change this formula to consider the workload average of the previous fiscal year, current fiscal year, and estimate for the next fiscal year to determine investments. By allowing future estimates to be included in investment calculations, this change would help military depots respond to rapidly changing needs. During periods of increased revenue, the investment formula set by the Depot Investment Reform Act would likely generate a higher minimum investment than the current formula, allowing the depots to receive adequate funding to meet demand. By considering both past and future workloads, this method may create a more stable investment amount in both times of increasing and decreasing revenue, allowing depots across the nation to plan for the future with confidence.

Military depots are essential to maintaining military readiness by ensuring critical weapons systems are being repaired and returned for use in training and operations. Tobyhanna Army Depot and Letterkenny Army Depot, both located in Pennsylvania, have played essential roles in arming U.S. servicemembers with reliable weapons, technology, and platforms throughout U.S. military history.

Last week, Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced a companion bill in the Senate.

The full bill text of the House version is available here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Stefanik Recognizes Small Business Pink Paddock at 20th Anniversary Celebration

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik Recognizes Small Business Pink Paddock at 20th Anniversary Celebration | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Embassy Bancorp, Inc. Announces Results of Operations as of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 14, 2025, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: EMYB) (the “Company”) filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, a copy of which can be found at https://investors.embassybank.com/sec-filings/documents/default.aspx.

Highlights of the filing, which includes consolidated financial information of the Company and Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley (the “Bank”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, include:
- Cash and cash equivalents on hand of $97.9 million at March 31, 2025, or 5.6% of total assets.
- Deposits of $1.61 billion at March 31, 2025, an increase of $59.0 million from $1.55 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company does not have any brokered deposits.
- Short term borrowings of $15.6 million at December 31, 2024 were repaid in full on January 2, 2025 and there were no new borrowings required during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
- Bank net interest margin (FTE) increased to 2.34% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, up from 2.28% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and up from 2.20% for the prior year quarter ended March 31, 2024
- Bank cost of funds of 1.80% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, down from 1.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This is compared to a Pennsylvania peer group (stock banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with assets between $100 million and $5 billion) cost of funds of 2.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
- Bank assets per employee of $15.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group assets per employee of $8.0 million.
- Bank noncurrent loans to total loans of only 0.04% as of March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group total of 0.46%.
- Net income of $2.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, up from $2.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the prior year three months ended March 31, 2024.
About Embassy Bancorp, Inc.

With over $1.7 billion in assets, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley, a full-service community bank operating ten branch locations throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

Embassy Bank was recently named “Best Bank & Mortgage Company” in the 2025 Who’s Who in Business survey, as featured in Lehigh Valley Style magazine—marking the fourth consecutive year it has earned this distinguished honor. The Bank was also voted the 2024 Morning Call Readers’ Choice “Best Bank,” underscoring its ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and community-focused banking.

According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Summary of Deposits as of June 30, 2024, Embassy Bank ranks fourth in total deposit market share across Lehigh and Northampton Counties combined—further solidifying its role as a leading financial institution in the region.

For more information, visit www.embassybank.com.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This document may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: ineffectiveness of the company’s business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; the effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; interest rate movements; changes in credit quality; difficulties in integrating distinct business operations, including information technology difficulties; volatilities in the securities markets; and deteriorating economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Embassy Bancorp, Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statements are valid only as of the date hereof and Embassy Bancorp, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update this information.

Contact:
David M. Lobach, Jr.
Chairman, President and CEO
(610) 882-8800

The MIL Network –
May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: FDA Clears First Blood Test Used in Diagnosing Alzheimer’s Disease

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

For Immediate Release:
May 16, 2025

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today cleared for marketing the first in vitro diagnostic device that tests blood to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is for the early detection of amyloid plaques associated with Alzheimer’s disease in adult patients, aged 55 years and older, exhibiting signs and symptoms of the disease.
“Alzheimer’s disease impacts too many people, more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined,” said FDA Commissioner Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “Knowing that 10% of people aged 65 and older have Alzheimer’s, and that by 2050 that number is expected to double, I am hopeful that new medical products such as this one will help patients.”
Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder known to slowly destroy memory and thinking skills, and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks, is progressive, meaning that the disease gets worse over time. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, clinical symptoms first appear later in life. Amyloid plaques in a patient’s brain are a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s disease. While amyloid plaques can occur in other diseases, being able to detect the presence of plaque, along with other evaluations, helps the doctor determine the probable cause of the patient’s symptoms and findings. These plaques can be detected and visualized using amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) brain scans, often years before clinical symptom onset, to aid in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. PET scans, however, are a costly and time-consuming option and expose patients to radiation.
The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio measures two proteins, pTau217 and β-amyloid 1-42, found in human plasma, a component of blood, and calculates the numerical ratio of the levels of the two proteins. This ratio is correlated to the presence or absence of amyloid plaques in the patient’s brain, reducing the need for a PET scan. Similar FDA-authorized/cleared tests, one from the same company as this new test, are used with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, which are collected through an invasive lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. This new Lumipulse test only requires a simple blood draw, making it less invasive and much easier for patients to access.
“Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million,” said Center for Devices and Radiological Health Director Michelle Tarver, M.D., Ph.D. “Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”
During review of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio, the FDA evaluated data from a multi-center clinical study of 499 individual plasma samples from adults who were cognitively impaired. The samples were tested by the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio and compared with amyloid PET scan or CSF test results.
In this clinical study, 91.7% of individuals with Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio positive results had the presence of amyloid plaques by PET scan or CSF test result, and 97.3 % of individuals with negative results had a negative amyloid PET scan or CSF test result. Less than 20% of the 499 patients tested received an indeterminate Lumipulse G pTau217/β-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio result.
These findings indicate that the new blood test can reliably predict the presence or absence of amyloid pathology associated with Alzheimer’s disease at the time of the test in patients who are cognitively impaired. The test is intended for patients presenting at a specialized care setting with signs and symptoms of cognitive decline. The results must be interpreted in conjunction with other patient clinical information.
The risks associated with the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio are mainly the possibility of false positive and false negative test results.
False positive results, in conjunction with other clinical information, could lead to an inappropriate diagnosis of, and unnecessary treatment for, Alzheimer’s disease. This could lead to psychological distress, delay in receiving a correct diagnosis as well as expense and the risk for side effects from unnecessary treatment.
False negative results could result in additional unnecessary diagnostic tests and potential delay in effective treatment. Importantly, the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is not intended as a screening or stand-alone diagnostic test and other clinical evaluations or additional tests should be used for determining treatment options.
The FDA reviewed the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio through the 510(k) premarket notification pathway. A 510(k) notification is a premarket submission made to the FDA to demonstrate that a new device is substantially equivalent to a legally marketed predicate device. The FDA found that the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio is substantially equivalent to the Lumipulse G β-amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40), which is the previously authorized test that uses CSF samples.
The Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio was granted Breakthrough Device designation, a process designed to expedite the development and review of devices that provide for more effective treatment or diagnosis of life-threatening or irreversibly debilitating diseases or conditions.
The FDA issued clearance of the Lumipulse G pTau217/ß-Amyloid 1-42 Plasma Ratio to Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.

Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

###

Boilerplate

The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces 39 Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions

Source: US State of Georgia

Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced 39 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities and commissions.

Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

Donald Dowless currently serves as President of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, a role he has held for over a decade. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his presidency, Dowless teaches Christian studies and has instructed more than 10 different courses. His academic experience includes teaching at North Carolina State University, Campbell University, Southeastern Seminary, and Emmanuel University of Oradea. He has also completed missionary work in Romania and West Virginia. Dowless and his wife are active members of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek, Georgia.

Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers

Yusuf Jamal Ali was reappointed.

Jeffrey Hopp serves as Director of Sports Medicine at Marietta City Schools and has led the Blue Devils’ athletic training program for over 20 years. He oversees student athletic trainers and has organized international trips for them to countries including Costa Rica, Ireland, and France. Prior to this, Hopp provided athletic training to Cobb and Cherokee County schools through Resurgens Orthopedics and was head athletic trainer for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe. He has worked with the Minnesota Vikings, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and the 2007 U.S. National Paralympic Track and Field Championships. He was a founding member and chairman of the Georgia Concussion Coalition, contributing to the passage of the GA Return to Play Act. Hopp holds a B.S. in athletic training from Minnesota State University and resides in Dallas, Georgia, with his wife, Julie.

Georgia Board of Landscape Architects

Chad Baker, Jon Calabria, and Rebecca Kirk were reappointed.

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

Stan Stalnaker is a member of the Tift County Board of Commissioners, currently serving his third term. He is a certified county commissioner through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and holds a specialty track certification in public safety. Stalnaker is a 29-year veteran of the Georgia State Patrol, holds the rank of Captain, and currently serves as the Director of GSP’s Aviation Division. He holds a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University, is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #261, in Quantico, Virginia. Stalnaker and his wife Keisha reside in Tifton, where they attend Liberty Baptist Church. They have one son who attends Georgia Southern University.

Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

Melissa Cantrell and Anne K. Smith were reappointed.

Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council

Mary McCartin Wearn is the President of Georgia Humanities. She formerly served as founding dean of the School of Arts and Letters at Middle Georgia State University, where she led regional partnerships and public-facing arts and culture programs. She holds a Ph.D. in english from UGA, a B.A. in english from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Ibrahim Dabo, Paula Harmon, Anne McQuade, and Allison Morrison were reappointed.

State Board of Workers Compensation

Benjamin Vinson was reappointed as Chairman.

Frank McKay was reappointed.

State Charter School Commission

Scott Sweeney is a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, a business law firm recognized as a 2019 Small Business ROCK STAR by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. He has served on numerous national, state, and local boards, including as past president of the Georgia Education Committee, a legislative affairs committee member for the Georgia School Boards Association, and a member of both the CTAE Business & Advisory Committee and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Sweeney spent eight years on the Cobb County Board of Education, holding leadership roles including chair, vice-chair, budget liaison, and Facilities and Technology Committee liaison. He later served on the Georgia State Board of Education from 2019 to 2025, representing the 6th and later the 11th Congressional Districts. During his tenure, he served as chairman and chaired the District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee. Sweeney holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA and resides in East Cobb with his wife, Sandy, and their two sons.

State Board of Certification of Librarians

Kathryn R. Epps was reappointed.

Catherine M. Lewis serves as Associate Vice Provost of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books at the University Libraries and as Professor of History at Kennesaw State University. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and leads a staff of nearly 100 professionals. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in english and history from Emory University, as well as a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in american studies from the University of Iowa. She has curated more than 40 exhibits for institutions across the country, including the Atlanta History Center, the Brennan Museum, Delta Airlines, Augusta National Golf Club, and United Way. She has co-authored and co-edited over 15 books, regularly presents at national and international conferences, and has helped secure major grants for Kennesaw State from organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the American Association of Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

Shawn Fellows, Mills Flemming, Natalie Jones and Chandra B. Yadav were reappointed.

Georgia Child Support Commission

Chuck Efstration, Houston Gaines, Emanuel Jones and Brian Strickland were reappointed.

Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board

Marlon L. Day is a Senior Director at Quest Valuation & Advisors, where he performs appraisals across a wide range of property types and markets. He is an accomplished research and financial analyst and a certified general appraiser with more than 22 years of experience in preparing and presenting valuation analyses. His project experience includes multi-family residential, office, retail, warehouse, industrial, mixed-use, infrastructure, special-use properties, expert witness testimony, and diminution in value. His practical business expertise is supported by a Master of Business Administration in finance. Day and his wife have three children.

Board of Natural Resources

Steven Hufstetler and Brent Layton were reappointed.

State Board of Registration for Foresters

James Harley Langdale was reappointed.

Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board

Robert Balkcom serves as the South Adjutant of the Georgia State Patrol, overseeing the operations of Troops F, G, H, I, J, and K, as well as the South Nighthawks DUI Task Force, the Recruiting Unit, the Implied Consent Unit (ICU), the Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), the State of Georgia SWAT Team, and four Communication Centers. Prior to assuming this role in 2020, Balkcom served as Troop F Commander. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department in 1992 and joined the Georgia State Patrol as a Trooper Cadet at Post 42 – Savannah in 1994. After graduating from the 71st Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in 1995, he was assigned to Post 42 – Savannah. Balkcom was promoted to Corporal at Post 45 – Statesboro in 2006. In 2009, he was selected as Commander of the newly formed Nighthawks South DUI Task Force and promoted to Sergeant in 2011. He advanced to Sergeant First Class at Post 11 – Hinesville in 2013, Lieutenant in Troop I in 2018, and Captain in Troop F in March 2020. Balkcom graduated from Reidsville High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University in 1991. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and holds a master’s degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University. He and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Reidsville for the past 40 years.

North Georgia Mountains Authority

Jeff Andrews currently serves as the Fourth Congressional District Representative on the Board of Natural Resources. He began his career in the long-term care industry in 1981 as marketing director for a continuing care retirement community in Birmingham, Alabama. He was later promoted to executive director and then southeast regional vice president. In 1988, Andrews became senior vice president of corporate development, where he led the addition of 17 properties to the management portfolio, helping establish the company as the largest for-profit, third-party manager of retirement housing in the United States. By 1990, Andrews co-founded Retirement Management Corporation and served as its president until its acquisition by Sun Healthcare in 1998. In 1999, he founded Wellington HealthCare Services, LLC, which grew to 11 owned facilities before being sold in 2007. He retained a significant ownership stake and helped the company meet key operational goals. He continues to lead Wellington, which currently manages 17 facilities.

North Georgia Mountains Authority- Chair

Patrick Denney is a graduate of West Georgia College with a BBA in marketing and a lifelong resident of Carroll County. He owns and operates SLM Recycling, SLM Steel and Fabrication, and Heavy Equipment Repair. An avid outdoorsman, Denney manages farm, timber, and hunting land in both Carroll and Heard Counties. He was appointed to the Board of Natural Resources in 2020 and has served on the North Georgia Mountains Authority since 2021. He and his wife, Lynne, have four children and reside in Bowdon.

State Properties Commission

Yi Jeng “Jay” Lin was reappointed.

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

Gregory Keith Moffatt was reappointed.

State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

Jack L. Kittle, Jr. is a retired water and environmental resource manager with Aqua Terra Consultants. With over 40 years of experience, Kittle worked with major clients such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Geological Survey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975. An active member of the Decatur community, Kittle helped charter and establish the Decatur Parks and Recreation Pedestrian Committee in 2013 and served on the committee for over 10 years.

Veterans Service Board

Darius “Pete” Peterson was reappointed.

Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies

Timothy Williams was reappointed.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025

MIL-OSI: Valeura Announces Voting Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (the “Corporation” or “Valeura“), the upstream oil and gas company with assets in the Gulf of Thailand and the Thrace Basin of Türkiye, is pleased to provide the voting results from its annual general meeting of shareholders held on May 14, 2025.

Shareholders voted on and approved the following proposals: (1) the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP (Singapore) as the auditors of the Corporation; and (2) the election of the directors of the Corporation.

The voting results for the election of directors are as follows:

	Total Votes			% of Votes Cast
Nominee	For	Withheld	Total	For	Withheld
Dr. W. Sean Guest	54,931,122	1,177	54,932,299	100.00	0.00
Dr. Timothy R. Marchant	54,415,326	516,973	54,932,299	99.06	0.94
James D. McFarland	39,288,880	15,643,419	54,932,299	71.52	28.48
Russell J. Hiscock	54,905,008	27,291	54,932,299	99.95	0.05
Timothy N. Chapman	54,931,127	1,172	54,932,299	100.00	0.00
Lina Lee	54,904,571	27,728	54,932,299	99.95	0.05
Anna Green	54,905,564	26,735	54,932,299	99.95	0.05
Chalermchai Mahagitsiri	43,040,694	11,891,605	54,932,299	78.35	21.65

About the Company

Valeura is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Corporation is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries) +65 6373 6940
Sean Guest, President and CEO
Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
Contact@valeuraenergy.com

Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries) +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
IR@valeuraenergy.com

Contact details for the Corporation’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Corporation’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

This announcement does not contain inside information.

This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This announcement is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

The MIL Network –

May 17, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: As Trump Racks Up Corrupt Deals, Kaine & Colleagues File Joint Resolutions of Disapproval to Block $3.5 Billion in Arms Sales to Qatar and the UAE

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Brian Schatz (D-HI), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) filed four joint resolutions of disapproval (JRD) to block a $1.9 billion arms sale to Qatar and three arms sales—totaling $1.6 billion—to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as President Donald Trump racks up corrupt deals with those countries. The Senate is required to vote on JRDs.
The introductions come after Qatar offered to gift President Trump a $400 million luxury Boeing 747 jumbo jet; an investment firm backed by the Emiratis announced that it would use a stablecoin issued by a crypto company directly backed by the Trump family to facilitate a $2 billion investment in the Binance cryptocurrency exchange; and after the Trump Organization signed a $5.5 billion golf course and real estate deal with Dar Global and Qatari Diar, a firm established by Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund.
“Everywhere I go in Virginia, I hear about how worried folks are about price hikes because of President Trump’s tariffs and the massive cuts he’s trying to implement on basic government services, including Medicaid. Meanwhile, he’s hatching secret plans with corrupt foreign governments to enrich himself with crypto deals, golf courses, and a luxury plane?” said Kaine. “I’m glad to be working with my colleagues to force votes on legislation challenging arms sales to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to make it clear that bribing an American president is one of the fastest ways to poison your relationship with the United States. Countries around the world should take notice.”
The JRDs would block the following sales:
A $1.9 billion arm sale to Qatar, which would include:
Eight MQ-9B Armed Drones and associated equipment, including 200 JDAM tail kits, 300 500-lb bombs, and 110 Hellfire II missiles.

Three separate arms sales totaling $1.6 billion to the UAE, which would include the sales of:
Six CH-47F Block II Chinook helicopters and associated equipment, valued at $1.32 billion;
F-16 aircraft components, accessories, and defense services, valued at $130 million;
Spare and repair parts to support the UAE’s fleet of AH-64 Apache, UH-60 Black Hawk, and CH-47 Chinook aircraft, and other logistics and program support, valued at $150 million.

Full text of the Qatar JRD is available here.
Full text of the UAE JRDs are available here (Chinook helicopters), here (aircraft equipment), and here (helicopter equipment).

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined 15 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in condemning and demanding the reversal of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent decision to list certain immigrants as “dead” in the master files.
The Senators highlighted the departure from previous uses of SSA master files, noting that they normally share the files with federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, or other financial institutions to prevent them from mistakenly paying deceased individuals or fraudsters trying to impersonate them. These files prevent over $50 million in improper payments per month. The death master files are now being weaponized against noncitizens, however, in a malicious attempt to keep them from participating in the U.S. economy.
“These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security,” wrote the Senators.
“These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars,” continued the Senators. “But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them ‘dead’ in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.”
The Senators continued by highlighting incorrect designations of living, legal immigrants as “dead” without a chance to appeal, calling out the Department of Homeland Security for labeling these noncitizens as “criminals” or “suspected criminals” without sufficient investigations, as demonstrated by the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens who were declared “dead” had lawfully received their SSNs and had lawful authorization to be in the country. The Senators further emphasized that SSA lacks the authority to make these false categorizations for living noncitizens.
“Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as ‘dead’ in the death master files without justification,” added the Senators. “It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.”
The Senators concluded by denouncing misinformation spread by President Trump regarding Social Security, criticizing his baseless claim that people over 300 years old were receiving Social Security benefits. They urged SSA to immediately reverse their cruel, fraudulent mislabeling scheme.
The letter was led by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
Senator Padilla has fought against the Trump Administration’s weaponization of migrants’ personal information and files. Senator Padilla, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Senator Warren recently urged the acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate several reports that the Trump Administration is potentially violating strict taxpayer privacy laws by providing highly sensitive and legally protected taxpayer data to DHS and personnel affiliated with Elon Musk across various federal agencies. Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Wyden previously condemned the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) plan to provide sensitive taxpayer information to DHS to locate suspected undocumented immigrants and led a letter to IRS and DHS leadership raising the alarm on reports that DHS and the Department of Government Efficiency had illegally requested this information.
Full text of the letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here and below:
Dear Commissioner Bisignano: We write to strongly object to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) apparent decision to list living noncitizens as “dead” in the agency’s master files. These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security.
SSA collects death records from families, financial institutions, and government agencies and compiles them into death master files, which the agency then shares with certain federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, and other financial institutions to prevent improper payments to people who have died or those fraudulently seeking to impersonate someone who is deceased. In fact, the death master files help to prevent more than $50 million in improper payments each month. However, it appears that SSA is now using the death master files for another purpose: a weapon against living noncitizens.
In April, the New York Times reported SSA maliciously has listed living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars. But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them “dead” in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.
According to an internal memo, DHS claims that these noncitizens are “criminals” and “suspected terrorists.” But the proper procedure if a noncitizen is a criminal or a suspected terrorist is to initiate proceedings against them in immigration court, not for the SSA to arbitrarily declare them “dead” without any proof. In addition, DHS, not the SSA, makes determinations as to whether or not a noncitizen is eligible to work and whether to terminate or revoke work authorization. Finally, SSA has procedures the agency follows when it is determined that an individual no longer has work authorization or has lost status, and they do not involve declaring an individual dead. For example, a noncitizen’s Social Security card may state “Valid for work only with DHS authorization” or “Not valid for employment.”
Yet, according to press reports, most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens declared “dead” were lawfully authorized by DHS to be in the United States and lawfully obtained SSNs. They were thoroughly vetted and underwent mandatory security checks before receiving authorization to travel to United States airports, where they then were individually screened by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers before being cleared to enter. The New York Times report indicated SSA has listed several minors, including a 13-year-old, as “dead” in the death master files, while the Washington Post reported that SSA workers “found no evidence of crimes or law enforcement interactions” for others. Further, SSA has no authority to erroneously categorize living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as “dead” in the death master files without justification. It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.
In his Joint Address to Congress in March, President Trump claimed there were people over the age of 300 receiving Social Security benefits, simply because some of the death master files lacked a recorded death date. His assertion was not true, and SSA’s actions now are turning this tool to prevent fraud into one that instead facilitates it. We urge SSA not to use the death master files in this manner and to remove noncitizens falsely listed as “dead” from the files.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: The CEO’s guide to building a Frontier Firm

Source: Microsoft

Headline: The CEO’s guide to building a Frontier Firm

Illustration by Alex Robbins

Imagine stepping onto a steamship along the Hudson River in 1900, setting off on a transatlantic journey that will take a full week. You turn to a fellow passenger and say, “In just a few decades, this same trip will take seven hours—and we’ll do it in the sky.” You’d likely be met with polite disbelief, maybe even a chuckle. The idea would sound more like fantasy than foresight. And yet, that’s exactly what happened. What once seemed impossible quickly became the new normal.

And that’s about to happen with AI and business, but with once unimaginable progress compressed into a few years instead of decades. Many organizations are in the initial phase of AI transformation, with humans tapping AI as an assistant. Some have already reached the second phase, forming teams of humans and agents working together toward common goals.

But phase three, the Frontier Firm, where humans empower AI to become the operational engine of business—and agents become the primary producers of work—is harder to envision. It’s “imagining the impossible” territory. And the main barrier to getting there is not the limits of technology; it’s the challenge of imagining a totally new way to work and structure organizations, then figuring out how to execute that transformation.

The three phases of AI transformation

As we said last month in the 2025 Work Trend Index Annual Report, we see organizations moving through three phases on their way to becoming entirely new businesses, powered by intelligence on demand. Knowledge workers will no longer handle all knowledge work, with agents executing more and more of it. Human roles will refocus around vision, strategy, relationship building, and managing agents.

At Microsoft, we’re not just talking about this transformation—we’re living it. Our sales organization is actively navigating all three phases at once. By testing and scaling new tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Sales Chat, and our autonomous Sales Agent, we’re learning what works, where the friction points are, and how to evolve both our technology and our ways of working. These internal experiences are helping us refine the path forward—not just for ourselves, but for every organization on this journey.

“The core of what makes a good seller hasn’t changed,” says Pam Maynard, our Chief AI Transformation Officer for Microsoft Commercial. “They deeply understand the customer’s context, priorities, and pain points, and then map our solutions to those needs.” Increasingly, that will come from hybrid teams of humans + agents.

Phase 1: Human with assistant
Every employee uses AI as a personal assistant to work better and faster—writing, analyzing data, generating code. This is about productivity on a personal level rather than team or organizational. At scale, the impact means organizations working in the same way, using the same processes but more efficiently. In phase one, humans still drive the work.

For our sales organization, this step has focused on high-volume tasks: the administrative work that sellers often repeat dozens of times a day, like updating CRM records or taking meeting notes. “Copilot tackles the administrative minutiae so sellers can spend more time connecting with customers,” Maynard says.

The results? One sales team of nearly 700 people has already reported 9.4% higher revenue per person and 20% more deals closed compared to their peers with lower Copilot usage¹—concrete gains that show how AI is driving real business outcomes.

Phase 2: Human-agent teams
Agents join the team as digital colleagues, taking on specific tasks at human direction—triaging support tickets, handling project management, facilitating meetings, contributing to brainstorming sessions. Agents boost efficiency and productivity at the team level, augment employees with new skills, and free them up to take on new, more valuable tasks.

At Microsoft, this shift is embodied in Sales Chat, an extension of Copilot that brings rich CRM and sales context directly into the seller’s workflow. Instead of toggling between dozens of tools to prepare for a customer meeting, sellers can now get instant access to detailed account and opportunity information, including licensing details, renewal timelines, and key decision-makers. It also surfaces high-level account summaries and revenue breakdowns, gives real-time coaching, and provides predictive insights to forecast deal outcomes and suggest next steps. “Before Sales Chat, sellers had to swivel between 20 different tools just to get the full picture,” Maynard says. “Now they can simply ask, ‘What do I need to know before my meeting with this customer?’ and get everything in one place. It points them straight to the highest-value action they can take.”

Phase 3: Human-led, agent-operated
Humans define strategy and assign goals to agents. These agents work mostly with other agents to perform complex operations, escalating issues to humans for guidance when necessary. Agents will design workflows and even evaluate one another. Humans will monitor their progress through dashboards that summarize agentic activities, intervening only for critical decisions. We’ll see the emergence of a new career opportunity for humans in the AI age: agent manager, charged with building, delegating to, and supervising digital colleagues.

Progress through these phases won’t necessarily be linear—many companies will find themselves in more than one at the same time—and there will be a “jagged frontier” of AI transformation as you roll out phase three approaches across projects and teams. That’s part of progress, after all—people crossed the Atlantic via steamship well beyond the dawn of the aviation age.

The phase 3 frontier

Letting go of a more hands-on human role in day-to-day operations will feel daunting—especially in these early days. And being the first mover will always feel risky, but granting machines such unprecedented autonomy requires a new level of trust in our tools, and an understanding of what they can and cannot do well.

But with a little imagination you can move forward boldly and with manageable risk by taking a step-by-step approach: experimenting on low-stakes projects, verifying that they’re working well, documenting your learnings, and then scaling them.

For example, many companies hire sales development representatives to do the necessary but repetitive work of prospecting potential customers. An agent can take on that entry-level job in a territory where you weren’t planning to hire a human anyway. It’s the difference between hiring a digital worker—and finding value in an otherwise uncovered market—or no worker at all.

Our sales team uses our new Sales Agent to handle exactly that type of work. It can research leads, set up meetings, and email customers. A human seller takes over when it’s time to close the deal, just like they would with any early-in-career sales development rep. (Eventually, the agent will be able to close the deal itself.)

We’ve started in our small-to-medium business segment, where the scale of opportunity far exceeds what human sellers can cover. “There is absolutely zero chance we could effectively cover that opportunity with humans,” Maynard says. “It’s not about replacing sellers—it’s about unlocking value that was previously out of reach.” Many of these customers are already using Microsoft products but haven’t had a direct relationship with a seller. Sales Agent changes that, proactively identifying needs, offering tailored solutions, and improving the customer experience in a way that’s both scalable and cost-effective. In just the past three months, the agent has reached out to 36,000 prospects to generate sales leads, converting 10.4% into sales opportunities.²

Phase three is still early days for us. Even so, the shift is already giving rise to a new concept: the AI territory. “In a traditional territory, you assign a seller. In an AI territory, you assign an agent that can operate independently and deliver value,” Maynard says. “It’s a new business model for scale.”

A new perspective on AI and trust

It’s well established that we readily accept the risks that come with human mistakes while holding machines to a much higher standard (self-driving cars, for example). In the context of business, we worry AI might say or do the wrong thing, though we tolerate these same flaws in people every day. This asymmetric risk tolerance deserves examination, especially since AI systems can already do much more than we let them.

Consider how OpenAI o3’s ability to reason has brought breathtaking progress on key intelligence benchmarks. With AI developing so rapidly, is it more of a risk to take a leap or to keep waiting? Remember: companies have countless systems in place to mitigate risk caused by humans, and they can and will develop them for AI as well.

What’s more, no company is traveling the path to becoming a Frontier Firm for its own sake. Phase three–style transformation won’t just impact organizational structures; it will also drive growth. As you progress through this journey, the cost of human labor will decrease while digital labor costs rise, albeit marginally. Over time, new revenue streams will emerge, leading to an overall increase in profit margins.

Phase three means moving from directing people to designing systems. Leadership, meanwhile, shifts beyond managing people to orchestrating performance. To get started, test a new approach: choose one process in an area of low risk and strong potential, and try making it agent-led.

Worrying about the unknown is understandable. But the real risk here is inaction. The groundbreaking Frontier Firms that will reimagine knowledge work and dominate their industries in the coming decade are already pulling ahead.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $500,000 EPA Brownfields Grant to Pulaski

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded the Town of Pulaski, Virginia, a $500,000 Brownfield Assessment grant. The funding supports a community-wide assessment of local brownfields. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The EPA’s Brownfields Program has the power to transform and revitalize communities, including those in Southwest Virginia.

“This EPA Brownfield Assessment grant for $500,000 helps the Town of Pulaski conduct an assessment of hazardous or polluted sites that can be potentially redeveloped for economic and social gain in Southwest Virginia.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

In March of 2025, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. Scott County Native and LENOWISCO Executive Director Duane Miller testified to the panel and discussed the Program’s importance to Southwest Virginia communities.

The Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields.

A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

Brownfield Assessment grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach.

Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on the Program can be found here.

Chairman Griffith will hold a hearing next week with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Announces $1.2 Million EPA Brownfields Grant to LENOWISCO Planning District Commission, $276,563 Grant to Pennington Gap

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has awarded Brownfields grants to LENOWISCO Planning District Commission and the Town of Pennington Gap.

LENOWISCO Planning District Commission received a $1,200,000 Brownfield Assessment grant. The funding supports a community-wide assessment of local brownfields.

Further, the Town of Pennington Gap received a $276,563 Brownfield Cleanup grant. This funding supports brownfields cleanup activities.

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

“The EPA’s Brownfields Program has the power to transform and revitalize communities, including those in Southwest Virginia.

“This EPA Brownfield Assessment grant for $1.2 million helps LENOWISCO Planning District Commission conduct an assessment of hazardous or polluted sites that can be potentially redeveloped for economic and social gain in deep Southwest Virginia.

“Moreover, this EPA Brownfield Cleanup grant for $276,563 supports Pennington Gap in its activities cleaning local brownfield sites.”

BACKGROUND

Congressman Griffith is chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment.

In March of 2025, Congressman Griffith chaired a hearing on the EPA’s Brownfields Program. Scott County Native and LENOWISCO Planning District Commission Executive Director Duane Miller testified to the panel and discussed the Program’s importance to Southwest Virginia communities.

LENOWISCO Planning District Commission serves the Counties of Lee, Wise and Scott and the City of Norton.

The Brownfields Program empowers states, communities and other stakeholders to work together to prevent, assess, safely clean up and sustainably reuse brownfields.

A brownfield site is real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant or contaminant.

Brownfield Assessment grants provide funding for brownfield inventories, planning, environmental assessments and community outreach.

Congressman Griffith’s e-newsletter on the Program can be found here.

Chairman Griffith will hold a hearing next week with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to discuss the agency’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: US military medical personnel arrive in Morocco for joint medical mission at African Lion 2025

Source: United States Army

1 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Utah National Guard and joint forces arrive in Anzi, Morocco, May 11, 2025, for the humanitarian civic assistance portion of African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

2 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Eric Mack, 129th Medical Group (MDG), California Air National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Joel Farmer, 124th MDG, Idaho Air National Guard, conduct a dental exam on a patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Marie Denson) (Photo Credit: Maj. Marie Denson) VIEW ORIGINAL

3 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Sansom, 151st Medical Group (MDG), Utah Air National Guard, and Tech. Sgt. Fatimata Diop, 932nd Medical Squadron base in Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, perform a tooth extraction on a Moroccan patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

4 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Maj. Kyle Sansom, 151st Medical Group (MDG), Utah Air National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Sophia Hunt, 102nd MDG, Massachusetts Air National Guard, perform a tooth extraction on a Moroccan patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

5 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Capt. Benjamin Norton, assigned to the Womack Army Medical Center based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, performs a surgical removal of cancerous tissue on a Moroccan patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

6 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Members of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces examine an x-ray of a patient’s lungs at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Shaundra Andress, 151st Wing, Utah Air National Guard, looks after children in the social tent while their parents are being treated at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. This photo was altered for patient privacy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

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U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)

ANZI, Morocco – U.S. and Moroccan military medical teams launched the annual joint humanitarian medical mission in Anzi, Morocco, May 11–23, as part of African Lion 2025 (AL25), marking the beginning of a multi-week effort to deliver essential care to local communities.

The operation is led by the 151st Medical Group (151 MDG), 151st Air Wing, Utah Air National Guard, working in partnership with the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco and supported by local Moroccan healthcare professionals. The mission falls under the framework of humanitarian civic assistance (HCA)—a component of AL25 that emphasizes both medical readiness and multinational cooperation.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Summer Seibold, assigned to 151st Medical Group, Utah Air National Guard, puts together dental kits to hand out to patients at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Marie Denson) (Photo Credit: Maj. Marie Denson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“We came here with a shared purpose and immediately began working as one team,” said U.S. Air Force Capt. Lydia Christensen, a 151 MDG medical planner. “From setup to patient care, our coordination with the Royal Armed Forces has been seamless and mission-focused.”

The temporary field hospital is now operational and providing services such as general medicine, dental care, pediatrics, cardiology, radiology and laboratory diagnostics. The facility is staffed by a joint team of American and Moroccan military medical personnel, supported by Moroccan civilian translators and logistical staff.

Commandant Salaheddine Bouabbadi with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces performs an eye exam on a patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Marie Denson) (Photo Credit: Maj. Marie Denson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Many of the families we’ve seen have real medical needs,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Micah Smith, 151 MDG commander. “By working together, we are able to reach these individuals and provide immediate, meaningful care.”

The HCA portion of AL25 demonstrates the Utah National Guard and joint force dedication to positively impacting the health and well-being of local Moroccan communities. Operating the HCA Field Hospital strengthens partnerships alongside Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces.

Members of the U.S. Air Force and Royal Moroccan Armed Forces work in the social tent looking after children while their parents are being treated at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. This photo was altered for patient privacy. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) (Photo Credit: Master Sgt. Nicholas Perez) VIEW ORIGINAL

AL25 is U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual military exercise in Africa. It takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia.

Over the span of 18 days, U.S. joint forces, together with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, will treat thousands of local Moroccans, providing healthcare service at no cost to the individual.

“Our mission goes beyond healthcare. We diligently strive to strengthen our relationships with our Moroccan counterparts, build trust and enhance interoperability so that, heaven forbid, there is a disaster or other event, we can work effectively together.” said Smith. “All that we do here reflects what’s possible when our nations work together.”

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kirk Drennan, 151st Medical Group, Utah Air National Guard, and a translator with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces conduct an eye exam for a patient at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Marie Denson) (Photo Credit: Maj. Marie Denson) VIEW ORIGINAL

Morocco is one of the U.S.’s closest and oldest allies, with the partnership dating back to the founding of the U.S. Every day, the depth and strength of that relationship grows.

With patients arriving from across the region, some walking hours to reach the site, the need for organized and efficient care is clear. In the first days of operation, thousands of individuals were seen by the team, and thousands more are expected as the mission continues.

A member of the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces hands out medication to local Moroccans at the Humanitarian Civic Assistance event in Anzi, Morocco, during African Lion 2025 (AL25) May 12, 2025. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by U.S. Africa Command with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Maj. Marie Denson) (Photo Credit: Maj. Marie Denson) VIEW ORIGINAL

“Our logistics teams—both American and Moroccan—have done an excellent job keeping the operation running smoothly,” said Christensen. “Each medical specialty, including the pharmacy and support areas, are operating at full capacity.”

This effort marks a continuation of Utah’s long-standing relationship with Morocco through the National Guard State Partnership Program, which began in 2003. The partnership has facilitated years of joint training, knowledge exchange and humanitarian missions.

About African Lion

AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.

For all photos, videos and article throughout the exercise, visit the African Lion feature page on DVIDS.

About the State Partnership Program

The Defense Department’s State Partnership Program links a state’s National Guard with a partner nation’s military, security forces, and disaster response organizations in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationships. Learn more at Building Partnerships Around the Globe.

About SETAF-AF

U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.

Follow SETAF-AF on:

Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn & DVIDS

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Promoted to Major General

Source: US State of Missouri

MAY 16, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, during a ceremony at the Missouri State Capitol, Missouri National Guard Adjutant General Charles D. Hausman was promoted to the rank of Major General.

“This promotion is a testament to Major General Hausman’s remarkable leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our state and nation,” said Governor Kehoe. “In the months since General Hausman assumed command, he has led Missouri’s soldiers and airmen at home and abroad through both day-to-day trainings and missions to their vital assistance with multiple rounds of winter storms and flooding across the state. On behalf of all Missourians, congratulations to General Hausman and the Hausman family on this well-deserved promotion.”

Governor Kehoe selected Major General Hausman as the next Adjutant General of the Missouri National Guard on January 8, 2025, and he took command on February 1. With over 36 years of service in the Missouri National Guard, the General has an extensive military career with a high level of expertise in operational leadership, military strategy, and interagency coordination.

“It is an honor and privilege to be entrusted with this responsibility,” General Hausman said. “Leading the exceptional soldiers and airmen of the Missouri National Guard as we carry out our mission of serving the people of Missouri and this great nation is the honor of a lifetime.”

General Hausman enlisted in the Army Reserve in 1988, joined the Missouri National Guard in 1989, and transferred to Aviation in 1993. He has commanded at every level from company to brigade and held key staff positions such as Executive Officer of the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Deputy Director of Manpower and Personnel of Joint Force Headquarters, Deputy Commander of 70th Troop Command, and Director of Aviation and Safety of Joint Force Headquarters.

In addition to his assignments within the United States and Missouri, General Hausman has had several assignments abroad including in Iraq, Kuwait, and Afghanistan.

A seasoned aviation officer and combat veteran, he has earned multiple military awards including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with bronze oak leaf cluster, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Medal with Numeral Two, and the Master Army Aviator Badge. He is qualified in the TH-67, UH-1 Huey, AH-1 Cobra, AH-64D Apache, and is qualified as an instructor pilot in the OH-58A/C and AH-64A Apache.

The General received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Technology from the University of Central Missouri in 1991 and a Master of Science degree in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri in 1993. He completed a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies through the United States Naval War College in 2015.

General Hausman is a native of Saint Joseph, Missouri, and currently resides in Jefferson City with his wife, Julie, and has two adult children, Alex and Libby.

Pictures of the promotion ceremony will be available on Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Security Bancorp, Inc. Announces Annual Cash Dividend

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MCMINNVILLE, Tenn., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Security Bancorp, Inc. (OTCBB:SCYT.OB) announced that the Corporation’s Board of Directors has declared an annual cash dividend of $1.00 per share on the Corporation’s outstanding common stock. The cash dividend will be payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 2, 2025.

Security Bancorp, Inc. is the holding company for Security Federal Savings Bank of McMinnville, TN a Tennessee state-chartered financial institution headquartered in McMinnville, Tennessee. At March 31, 2025, the Corporation had total assets of $391.8 million and stockholders’ equity of $37.1 million.

Contact:

Michael D. Griffith
President and Chief Executive Officer
(931) 473-4483

The MIL Network –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Peters Tours Walker Tool & Die in Grand Rapids to Discuss Impact of Trump’s Tariffs with West Michigan Manufacturers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited Walker Tool & Die in Grand Rapids to discuss the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on West Michigan manufacturers. During a listening session, Peters heard directly from manufacturers and workers in the region about how Michigan companies are navigating the current tariff policies and what policies would better foster economic success.
“President Trump’s tariffs have caused chaos and instability in our economy, and it’s critical to my job to hear directly from folks on the ground about how it is impacting their business,” said Senator Peters. “It was great to meet with local manufacturers and workers to hear their feedback and discuss how our trade policy can better support Michigan companies while creating good-paying jobs.”
Following the listening session, Peters toured the plant with Walker Tool & Die President Jeff Umlor. Walker Tool & Die produces high-precision metal stamping dies and tooling systems used to produce components of automobiles, appliances, office furniture, aerospace assets, and more.
“I appreciate Senator Peters taking time to visit Walker Tool and Die today to discuss how the changing tariff policy, low-cost country tooling, and labor shortages, among other topics, are impacting our industries,” said Jeff Umlor, President of Walker Tool and Die. “Today’s event brought together a diverse group of manufacturers from across the region to share meaningful insight on the current challenges we face, so Senator Peters can continue to effectively advocate on behalf of the business community here in our state.”
To download photos from Peters’ event at Walker Tool & Die, click here.
In April, Peters took to the Senate floor to speak out against the latest tariffs, calling them a “national sales tax” and highlighting how they fall short of a needed strategy to boost American manufacturing.
Peters, a lifelong advocate for Michigan workers and manufacturing, has also worked to support American innovation and help Michigan businesses compete in a global market. In an effort to outcompete our adversaries like China, Peters recently helped introduce the American Innovation and Jobs Act, bipartisan legislation that would expand and strengthen research and development incentives for American small businesses and startups. Peters also recently introduced the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) Reauthorization Act of 2025 to support workers in Michigan and across the country who have lost their jobs due to harmful trade policies.
Peters also helped craft and pass into law the CHIPS and Science Act, which invested $170 billion in research and development for cutting-edge scientific advancements. This law also invested heavily in strengthening our domestic supply chains for critical semiconductor technologies to create good-paying American jobs and keep the U.S. competitive on the world stage. Peters additionally helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which will strengthen domestic manufacturing, onshore our supply chains, and create millions of American jobs.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Wyden, Gillibrand Press Social Security Head on Plans to Strip Employees of Civil Service Protections, Pave Way for Mass Firings

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
May 16, 2025
Lawmakers sound alarm on plans to recategorize thousands of SSA workers as Schedule F “policy-making” employees — making it easier to replace them with DOGE lackeys
“Converting these SSA employees’ status is a deliberate maneuver to make it easier to get rid of critical SSA staff, endangering the program and the benefits earned by millions of Americans.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Ranking Member on the Senate Aging Committee, pressed new Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Frank Bisignano on reported plans to recategorize thousands of workers as Schedule F “policy-making” employees.
The move, which is set to impact frontline employees who work directly with Americans to provide services, will endanger the agency by stripping employees of their civil service protections, making it easier for Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to replace nonpolitical federal workers with political lackeys and to accelerate its mass layoff across the administration.
“Converting these SSA employees’ status is a deliberate maneuver to make it easier to get rid of critical SSA staff, endangering the program and the benefits earned by millions of Americans,” wrote the lawmakers.
Last month, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed “Schedule F” as a new category of government employee that have “important policy-determining, policy-making, policy-advocating, or confidential duties.” Schedule F workers are employed at-will, meaning they can be fired at any point, and do not have the same rights that protect federal government employees from termination absent “misconduct, neglect of duty, (and) malfeasance.” Additionally, it is not clear that Schedule F employees are included in collective bargaining units or eligible for union representation.
SSA leadership has interpreted the “important policy-determining” language in President Trump’s executive order to apply to a large swath of SSA employees. SSA has reclassified tens of thousands of employees — including those who ensure recipients get their monthly benefits — as high-level decision-making “Schedule F” employees. In practice, this reclassification enables the Trump administration to replace anyone who refuses DOGE’s potentially illegal orders — making senior Social Security staffers rank-and-file employees at will and ultimately politicizing Social Security.
“SSA’s broad reclassification of employees under seemingly false pretenses appears to be a deliberate effort to allow DOGE to purge SSA of the employees who work dutifully to make sure Americans receive their earned benefits. Since President Trump’s inauguration, the administration, led by Elon Musk, has been hellbent on dismantling SSA — which he has called a ‘Ponzi scheme,’” wrote the lawmakers.
The reclassification does not just apply to senior leadership and policy-makers. The former Acting Commissioner for the SSA, Leland Dudek — who has remained at the agency as a senior advisor — announced that SSA would reclassify broad swaths of the workforce as Schedule F, including frontline workers making as little as $40,000 and handling the day-to-day responsibilities of servicing Americans directly.
“This means that — in addition to replacing long-serving employees with your DOGE acolytes — you can cut large swaths of the SSA workforce to effectuate DOGE’s goal of slashing the agency,” wrote the lawmakers. “This broad reclassification will enable you — at DOGE’s behest — to slash the SSA workforce while stripping protections that typically apply to federal workers.”
This is the latest in DOGE’s efforts to cut Social Security and SSI benefits or prevent seniors and people with disabilities from obtaining their earned benefits. Under the Trump administration, Americans have struggled to access their Social Security benefits, faced hours-long lines at SSA offices, endured extended wait times on phone lines, and dealt with repeated SSA.gov website crashes. Some Americans have even been wrongly cut off from benefits, threatening their ability to pay their bills.
“Converting SSA employees to Schedule F will enable President Trump, Elon Musk, and DOGE to stack the SSA with lackeys willing to implement policies aimed at restricting Americans’ access to their benefits, while firing the hardworking frontline workers who make sure recipients get their monthly check. In other words, this will enable DOGE and the Trump administration to continue its crusade to cut Social Security benefits,” concluded the lawmakers.
Senators Warren and Wyden recently led the launch of Senate Dems’ Social Security War Room, a coordinated effort to fight back against the Trump administration’s attack on Americans’ Social Security. The War Room coordinates messaging across the Senate Democratic Caucus and external stakeholders; encourages grassroots engagement by providing opportunities for Americans to share what Social Security means to them; and educates Senate staff, the American public, and stakeholders about Republicans’ agenda and their continued cuts to Americans’ Social Security services and benefits.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: TikTok influencer’s killing on camera highlights the femicide crisis in Latin America

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University

Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez was shot dead during a TikTok livestream. @V___marquez / Instagram

Valeria Marquez, a beauty influencer, was shot dead by a man on May 14 while live streaming on TikTok at her beauty salon in the Mexican city of Guadalajara. The authorities are investigating the case as a suspected femicide, where women or girls are killed on account of their gender.

The killing of Marquez is part of a gender-based violence epidemic that has gripped Latin America for decades. The threat of such violence there is so severe that in 2020, as the world battled COVID, the UN secretary-general, António Guterres, called it a “shadow pandemic”.

The situation in Mexico is especially alarming. A 2021 report by Amnesty International found that at least ten women or girls are murdered in the country every day. The report added that the authorities have largely proved unwilling to take action to stop the killing.

On the surface, Mexico has made significant strides in improving gender equality. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo became the first woman to be elected as Mexico’s president in 2024. There are also several female governors heading powerful Mexican provinces, and female political leadership can be found in great numbers in regional and municipal bodies.

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But despite the visible presence of women in public life, parts of Mexican society remain deeply sexist. Researchers see the prevalence of machismo, a culture that encourages an extreme sense of masculine pride, as having facilitated male dominance over women.

Femicide in Mexico became particularly rife in the 1990s. The introduction of the North American free trade agreement saw many factories producing goods for export set up near Mexico’s border with the US. These factories are known as maquiladoras.

The emergence of maquiladoras created low-skilled job opportunities. And a generation of women sought economic freedom by working in the factories. By 2006, more than half of the workers at maquiladoras were women, largely the result of their comparatively low wage demands.

While this culture shift allowed women greater economic autonomy, it also created deep resentment from some men. A spate of murders were carried out in the Mexican border city Ciudad Juárez in the 1990s, which claimed the lives of roughly 400 women.

Research has established a connection between female employment in the maquiladoras and the consequent rise in femicide in Mexican border towns. Many of the women killed in Ciudad Juárez worked in the maquiladoras.

Some people also point to the fact that the culture of male chauvinism in Mexico – and throughout Latin America more broadly – is pervasive.

When the Mexican government in 2020 established a hotline to report issues of domestic abuse and violence against women in the country, it was flooded by tens of thousands of reports. But when journalists asked the then president, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, about this figure he brushed it aside: “90% of those calls that you’re referring to are fake.”

Culture of impunity

Gender-based violence in Mexico and in large parts of Latin America does not exist solely because of the culture of extreme masculinity. It also thrives because of institutional failure to bring the perpetrators to justice.

There are robust laws and regulations to protect women against abuse in Latin America. The inter-American convention on the prevention, punishment and eradication of violence against women, signed in the Brazilian city of Belém in 1994, is a good example.

It was adopted by all countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, formalising violence against women as a violation of their human rights. However, despite the presence of this legal framework, there has not been a corresponding decline in rates of femicide.

Criminal impunity is one of the greatest hindrances to addressing the issue of femicide throughout the region. In Mexico, for example, more than 90% of all crimes go unsolved. And in Brazil, many cases of violence against women go unreported.

When they are reported, the victims and their families often face obstacles in the judicial system. Despite a 39% increase in the number of femicide cases in Brazil from 2019 to 2020, the sentencing for this crime only increased by 24%.

According to a World Bank report from 2023, there is an institutional complicity in perpetrating violence against women in Honduras. The report alleges that the country’s national police force “turn a blind eye to the soaring number of femicides”.

Similarly, according to Diana Portal, of the ombudsman’s office in Peru, femicide in the country is spiralling out of control because the negligent state machinery is incapable of addressing the issue. Consequently, criminals feel they can “rape, disappear or kill a woman without consequence”.

Latin America and the Caribbean has never had a dearth of female public figures. The region has had more than a dozen female leaders as of 2025. Argentina, Brazil and Chile have recently had female heads of state, while Peru, Honduras, Nicaragua and Mexico currently have female presidents. Mexico’s patron saint, Virgen de Guadalupe, is also a woman.

However, the presence of these high-profile figures in public life has not deterred sections of society from targeting women with violence.

Incensed by the culture of impunity and male chauvinism that perpetuates femicide in Latin America, the late Pope Francis denounced the practice. In a visit to Peru in 2018, he said violence against women cannot be treated as “normal”. “It is not right for us to look the other way and let the dignity of so many women, especially young women, be trampled upon.”

Unfortunately, despite the moral homily contained in his message, Latin America has been utterly incapable of addressing this subculture of gender violence.

Amalendu Misra is a recipient of Nuffield Foundation and British Academy fellowships.

– ref. TikTok influencer’s killing on camera highlights the femicide crisis in Latin America – https://theconversation.com/tiktok-influencers-killing-on-camera-highlights-the-femicide-crisis-in-latin-america-256821

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Imax technology is a big part of Sinners’ success – what this tells you about the state of cinema

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Cassie Brummitt, Assistant Professor in Film and Television Studies, University of Nottingham

Sinners, a blues-soaked horror film set in 1930s Mississippi, was preemptively tagged by many film industry insiders as an inevitable flop. But it became a word-of-mouth sleeper hit that continues to draw huge audiences globally, weeks after its release.

On its opening weekend, premium screening formats such as in Imax cinemas accounted for 45% of the film’s ticket sales. Indeed, Imax technology has been central to the marketing of Sinners.

Trailers declared that the film was “shot with Imax cameras” and its cast and crew have discussed their experiences working with this technology in interviews. Director Ryan Coogler even takes us to film school in a ten-minute video where he talks about his love of physical film reels, explaining the differences between seeing Sinners in different aspect ratios – particularly Imax.

Imax is both a filmmaking format and a viewing technology. Imax cameras use large physical film reels and are very unwieldy due to their size, so they’re a rare filmmaking method and are usually only associated with big-budget directors such as Christopher Nolan.

This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.

Sinners was shot using Imax cameras as well as an Ultra Panavision 70 camera. These cameras shoot in a completely different aspect ratio to normal films. The result is a much shallower depth of field and greater image resolution that allowed Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw to best “tell the story with the flat horizon of the Mississippi landscape.”

Imax cinema screens are specially designed to display this immersive, high-quality format. But what many people don’t know is that there are different kinds of Imax.

“True” Imax requires massive screens that use a specific aspect ratio (1:43:1) and special film projectors capable of playing the extra-large film reels. There are only two auditoriums in the UK that fit this description – the British Film Institute’s Imax in Waterloo and the Ronson Theatre Imax screen in the Science Museum – and both are in London.

The kind of Imax you’re likely to have experienced in your local cinema uses digital projectors, and often the screens will vary in size – though they are still bigger than average.

Regardless, the ongoing popularity of high-quality formats like Imax is a result of audiences increasingly seeking out the cinema for immersive, “premium” screening experiences.

The draw of Imax in offering a spectacular, high-intensity experience is a big part of why it was central to Sinners’ marketing campaign. Media academic Leora Hadas, in her book Authorship as Promotional Discourse in the Screen Industries, claims today’s movie marketing is largely about giving a film a distinct identity that makes it feel different among the overwhelming number of entertainment options we can choose from.

It makes total sense to play on Imax’s reputation for quality and spectacle in promoting a prestige film like Sinners. But I think it’s also trying to tell us something even more significant about the value of the cinema space for watching films.

The rise of streaming services has led to many changes in audience viewing habits. We can now access a wide range of content for a monthly subscription equal to the cost of a single cinema ticket.

The traditional model the film industry is built on – where a film’s success is judged by how much money it makes in cinemas – is increasingly precarious. This has caused much anxiety for film studios and cinemas alike, as more and more films are released straight to streaming platforms. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos even said recently that making films for the cinema is an “outdated concept”.

Crucially, Imax is a technology that can only be experienced in cinemas. After Sinners opened to an explosive US$58 million (£43 million) at the box office globally, Coogler penned an open letter thanking cinema audiences, saying it was “always a film that we wanted to make for audiences in theaters … to entertain you, and move you in the way only cinema can”.

This letter makes his stance on the value of cinema very clear: “I believe in cinema. I believe in the theatrical experience. I believe it is a necessary pillar of society.”

Coogler’s efforts to promote the “theatrical experience” can encourage us all to celebrate the cinema as a space for entertainment, immersion and art. Clearly, his message has resonated: the BFI Imax screen in London has brought Sinners back due to popular demand.

But the film’s marketing strategy also reveals the underlying vulnerability of an industry fighting to survive in an era of competition from streaming services. Imax technology contributes to Sinners’ identity as a prestige film, but it also creates a narrative around the value of preserving the cinema.

Cassie Brummitt does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Imax technology is a big part of Sinners’ success – what this tells you about the state of cinema – https://theconversation.com/imax-technology-is-a-big-part-of-sinners-success-what-this-tells-you-about-the-state-of-cinema-256717

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why your migraine might be making you crave a large Coke and fries

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amanda Ellison, Professor of Neuroscience, Durham University

A viral social media post suggested a large fries and large coke was an effective migraine treatment Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

Whether it’s one or two coffees to get us going in the morning or a bar of chocolate after a stressful day, many of us self-medicate when we’re tired, stressed or sad. But when we have a headache, most of us head straight for the painkillers.

Lately, though, a viral hack has been making the rounds: that a large Coca-Cola and fries can stop a migraine in its tracks.

And oddly enough, it’s not total nonsense.

The caffeine in Coca-Cola acts as a vasoconstrictor, meaning it narrows blood vessels. This helps counteract the dilation of blood vessels that occurs during a migraine – a key trigger for pain.

Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

When vessels widen, they can press on and activate nearby pain-sensitive nerves, especially those of the trigeminal system, which carries sensory information about touch, pain and temperature from the head and face to the brain, leading to that familiar throbbing headache. That’s why caffeine is often included in over-the-counter headache medications.

Meanwhile, the sugar and salt in Coke and fries may help restore balance to blood sugar and electrolytes, both of which can be disrupted during a migraine attack.

But to really understand why this combo might work, we need to unpack what’s actually happening during a migraine.

The four stages of migraine

Migraines can be sparked by a wide range of factors: hormonal shifts, stress, skipped meals, certain foods, even changes in the weather or visual overstimulation. But, once one begins, it follows a specific pathway that makes it distinct from other types of headaches.

A migraine is no ordinary headache. It’s a full-body experience with four distinct stages – two of which occur before the pain even hits. That means there’s a window in which to stop the episode in its tracks, and many migraineurs (people who suffer from migraines) already self-medicate by doing just that.

Prodrome

Prodrome is the first stage, which can begin hours or even days before the headache. You might feel tired, irritable, or unusually low in mood. Most people who get migraines are surprisingly bad at spotting this phase, even though it’s the best time to intervene.

During prodrome, people often crave certain things. Many migraineurs report yawning more, which helps regulate dopamine, or seeking out hugs and affection, which boost serotonin. Others might drink ice water to calm their autonomic nervous system. Others still might reach for the large Coke and fries.

These responses aren’t random. All of these are unconscious attempts to rebalance the neurological systems that go haywire during a migraine. Irregular serotonin, dopamine and nervous system function are all known contributors to migraines.

And that brings us to arguably the ultimate migraine hack: chocolate. While it’s sometimes blamed as a trigger, chocolate is rich in compounds that help raise serotonin levels.

Because low serotonin is a known factor in migraine onset, a craving for chocolate might be your brain’s way of correcting a chemical imbalance. For some people, a bit of chocolate in the early stages may help ward off an attack.

Aura

Aura comes after the prodrome phase, and it’s when some people experience visual disturbances like flashing lights, or odd sensations like pins and needles. About 80% of migraine sufferers don’t experience the aura phase, but the same wave-like changes happen inside their brains.

These symptoms come from a burst of electrical activity in the brain that is subsequently suppressed, which alters blood flow and causes the constriction of blood vessels. Whether a person notices these effects depends on the structure and sensitivity of their cerebral cortex.

The brain relies on a stable supply of blood for nutrients and oxygen — but direct contact with blood is toxic to brain tissue. That’s why we have the blood-brain barrier, a filter that protects brain cells.

Read more:
Headaches: three tips from a neuroscientist on how to get rid of them

Pain

The pain comes next. The body takes vascular changes in the brain seriously and headache pain is one way it warns us that something could be wrong. Any disruption to blood flow – too little or too much – is potentially dangerous. A blocked vessel can lead to ischemic stroke, while a ruptured vessel causes hemorrhagic stroke.

The pain phase begins when earlier blood vessel constriction gives way to a rebound dilation. This sudden widening of vessels activates pain receptors — and voilà: the familiar, throbbing pain of migraine – and it can be debilitating.

For many people who suffer from migraines, once the pain hits, food is the last thing on their mind. That’s why many turn to triptan medications instead of fast food, which rebalance serotonin and histamine (another regulator of blood flow) once the migraine is underway.

Postdrome

Postdrome kicks in after the worst of the head pain subsides. This migraine hangover is more than just feeling worn out, though – it’s a distinct phase of a migraine attack. Known medically as the postdrome phase, it follows up to 80% of migraine attacks and can bring symptoms strikingly similar to a traditional hangover: nausea, fatigue, dehydration, body aches and mental fog.

For many people, this lingering phase can be just as disruptive as the migraine itself, making recovery a drawn-out and exhausting process. It can take days or even weeks to transition through all four phases of a migraine.

Read more:
Eight ways to reduce your stroke risk – no matter what age you are

Knowledge is prevention

Still, prevention is better than cure and recognising the early signs of a migraine, then responding in ways that support the brain’s neurobiology, can make a huge difference.

Migraines are complex, personal and frustratingly unpredictable. But knowledge is power. And while no single solution works for everyone, recognising the prodrome phase and supporting your nervous system before pain sets in may be your best shot at heading off an attack.

Whether it’s recognising the craving for chocolate as a biological warning sign, sipping iced water, getting a hug, or yes – even reaching for a Coke and fries – these small interventions have roots in brain science. They reflect our body’s efforts to protect itself. Developing your personal treatments based on how your brain responds can help you stay one step ahead of the pain.

Amanda Ellison does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why your migraine might be making you crave a large Coke and fries – https://theconversation.com/why-your-migraine-might-be-making-you-crave-a-large-coke-and-fries-256309

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How lichens are bringing stone to life and reconnecting us with the natural world

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nicholas Carter, Lecturer in Physical Geography, University of Oxford

Lichens at Blenheim Palace. Ian Wallman , CC BY-SA

Lichens on stone, those “still explosions” as the great American poet Elizabeth Bishop named them, remain unseen to most, which is remarkable when you consider how commonplace they are. It seems these ecologically and culturally significant whatever-they-ares unfairly fall victim to something akin to plant blindness, a known phenomenon and tendency of people to overlook plants, which many of us – when we first encounter lichens – identify them as, even though that’s not what they are at all.

Part of the problem is that they’re not studied in schools because they’re awkward outsiders and are not perceived to fit in with the objectives of the science curriculum. So I was surprised to see lichens leap into the public imagination following the Just Stop Oil protest at Stonehenge at the summer solstice in June, 2024.

Just Stop Oil protesters spray an orange substance onto Stonehenge stones.
Just Stop Oil

Much of the outrage seemed to be in reaction to a quote from one of the protesters about the stones being inert: “It’s time for us to think about what our civilisation will leave behind – what is our legacy? Standing inert for generations works well for stones – not climate policy.” Inert? “Well, what about the rare lichens growing on them?”, was the response from some people, seeing them as separate from the stone, and for others more important even.

English Heritage, the current custodians of Stonehenge, talked about the stones as being “testament to the desire of people – from prehistoric times to today – to connect with nature, the Earth, the Sun and the Moon, as well as crucially, each other”. And this very publication printed a response suggesting we should care more about the effects of climate change on our cultural heritage rather than the inconsequential actions of the Just Stop Oil protesters.

What’s more, a senior druid said he sympathised with the group’s message but was critical of their actions at the sacred site, warning against additional measures to protect the stones, given the summer solstice is the only day in the year that people can “connect with the stones and have a proper relationship”.

Relationship – a word that is often only reserved for connections between people, or people and animals, or animals and other animals, not people and what would otherwise be something seen – in western eyes at least – as abiotic, or non-living, lifeless, inert stones. Or are they?

For a lichenologist specialising in saxicolous (or stone) lichens, what’s particularly interesting to me is what lichens have to say about stone and its inertness, its lifelessness, the sweeping “abiotic” label that western thinking assigns to it.

This is because lichens are transforming our understanding of stone in both ecological and cultural contexts, and this could have major implications not only for the conservation of our cultural heritage, but also the broader field of conservation and how we understand and relate to the natural world.

The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.

What exactly is a lichen?

To start with, how we see lichens themselves is changing. Trying to agree on a definition of lichens that pushes them into one of science’s neat little cubby holes has proved as difficult as trying to distinguish stone from rock. A symbiotic association between a fungus (a mycobiont) and a photosynthetic partner, usually an alga or a cyanobacterium (a photobiont), is where we’d got to. And to accommodate our Linnaean classification system of living things we’ve treated them as we would a single species, naming them after the fungus.

But the reality is, whereas all those other living things are assigned a single species name to sit at the end of a single branch of Darwin’s tree of life, lichens recline over several, perhaps many branches, giving us the side-eye. They simply don’t fit. This has led some researchers to consider alternative ways of seeing them, including recently defining them as complex ecosystems due to the presence of additional microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria. This sea change has been challenged, however, and the debate about “lichenhood” looks like it will go on as it has done since the mid-1860s.

More than their biology

The notion that lichens are ecosystems, or perhaps become ecosystems, really appeals to my geographer sensibilities. It frees the lichen from species-scale thinking yet doesn’t overshadow the symbiosis that also defines certain relationships involved. What we see and define as a lichen, can in fact become more complex over time.

One of the arguments against the idea that they are ecosystems is that it would require us to include the mineral, soil or plant substratum that the lichen grows on. As scientist William Sanders writes, “For most biologists, a lichen removed from its substratum is still a lichen.”

I spend a lot of time looking at stone-dwelling lichens through a lens and under a microscope, and to me the co-habitational interplay between the stone, the lichen’s hyphae (or thread-like anchors) and its thallus (or main body) are intimate and dynamic, and ultimately a relationship that defines the lichen itself.

Lichens become more than their biology, mainly because they are in situ for such an extensive length of time and even often incorporate their substrate into their main body. Depending on the environment, individuals can colonise rock and stone for decades, centuries, thousands of years even; it’s been proposed that some of the oldest found in northern Alaska are in the range of 10-11,500 years old. And so, they blur the boundary between the biotic (living) and the abiotic (non-living), which occur on a continuum when you escape a species-scale view.

Verrucaria baldensis is an endolithic lichen that embeds in stone. At the surface of the stone, it can leave pits where its fruiting bodies detach. I call it the Moon Lichen because that’s exactly what it looks like up close; the surface of the Moon, the pits becoming craters. But when you look at it from above, or even in cross-section to see how it embeds in the stone, you’d be forgiven for thinking it had vanished, or was actually mainly stone. The relationship between the biology and the geology becomes so close that there seems good reason to consider the two together when observing it.

Verrucaria baldensis, a lichen that submerges in stone and is reminiscent of the Moon’s surface.
Nicholas Carter, CC BY

The moment stone is quarried or exposed in some other way, colonisation of its surface begins, by cyanobacteria, algae and so on. This means that when that stone finds its way into a wall, a building, a monument or sculpture somewhere it has already started transforming, metamorphosing into something that acts alive. And so, at the surface, the stone is taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and replacing it with oxygen, contributing to our net zero aspirations.

And when a lichen forms on it, in time, that stone becomes part of the lichen, and so contributing to the biodiversity of the site. We don’t see it, or think about it even, but it’s happening. We just need to start seeing stone differently, dynamically, more than the mineral. For a Unesco World Heritage Site like Blenheim Palace, where I’ve been conducting lichen surveys and whose vision is partly to enhance the ecological value of the site, seeing stone in this way is highly beneficial.

Arguably, much of how we define something depends on our relationship with it and how we choose to see it. How we value the living in relation to the non-living plays out in how we define lichens; we need to acknowledge the importance and value of both. In doing so, we are altering our perception of stone and our relationship with it. For there to be effective conservation, we need to value stone and other non-living entities because of the close relationships involved.

The reverse situation also occurs. In the field of heritage conservation, stone, the abiotic, relocated by humans, is often valued over and above the biotic, for example lichens, which can be found colonising and occupying it. We tend to want to preserve rather than conserve stone when it comes to cultural monuments and structures, so huge sums of money are spent on cleaning historic buildings and sculptures, including on the use of biocides, many of which can be dangerous for human health and the environment.

Metaphors for resistance and resilience

It’s when we start to understand the cultural contributions as well as the ecological and conservation benefits of lichens to heritage that we start to lean towards and come up with more effective nature-based solutions in relation to the deterioration of stonework.

After all, lichens occur in our folklore, and have stories to tell, and so bring a flavour of intangible cultural heritage, as well as sometimes protecting stone surfaces from other deteriorative agents. What’s interesting here is that heritage scientists have often talked about stone in human terms, when diagnosing decay for example. So stone forms blisters and has a memory even, storing past traumas related to environmental pollution.

And lichens are also influencing a cultural and artistic re-evaluation of stone, such that contemporary artists and writers are exploring the symbiotic relationships lichens have with stone, viewing them as metaphors for resistance, resilience and interconnection. In this way, lichens highlight stone’s living narrative, bridging biology and geology in relation to the human condition.

There’s an interesting parallel to draw here in terms of life defined by relationships. A developing theme in anthropology focuses on the intra-actions among humans and the mineral world. In her article on this, Nadia Breda’s ethnography discovers a European form of animism that “attributed subjectivity, intentionality, ability and agency to non-humans, revealing an interspecies network of relationships hidden by the western naturalistic worldview”.

In the company of the Piave, an Italian river where water and stones were described by old gatherers as living beings, Breda signposts an anthropology of life where “stones are living in this moving world of humans, stones and water” in a world where “life is not an intrinsic property of objects but a condition of being dependent on the context, and vitality is not a property of isolated individuals, but of the total field or relationships in which they are interacting.”

Read more:
Great Mysteries of Physics 5: will we ever have a fundamental theory of life and consciousness?

By observing lichens and listening to voices outside of a western perspective, we see stone as something more than lifeless, a way of reconnecting with the natural world – which we desperately need.

We form relationships and emotional attachments to the biological world with relative ease, but we need to nurture these connections with physical elements too, and not just when they hold cultural or symbolic significance. As such, we need to advocate for soil integrity, for example, as much as for saving endangered species. Ethical debates such as rights and conservation should not just focus on the biological, and what we see as the physical must be spoken about in terms of moral obligations.

Stone is significant to lichens as well as many human cultures, representing more than inert matter, carrying meaning, history and spiritual significance. Focusing too rigidly on a binary distinction obscures the integrated nature of ecosystems and diminishes these broader environmental and human connections, which can offer valuable insights into sustainability and environmental stewardship. This is less about making distinctions, but building more connections.

This article was a runner up in The Conversation Prize for writers, run in partnership with Faber and Curtis Brown.

Nicholas Carter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How lichens are bringing stone to life and reconnecting us with the natural world – https://theconversation.com/how-lichens-are-bringing-stone-to-life-and-reconnecting-us-with-the-natural-world-250944

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 05/16/2025 Blackburn, Hickenlooper Music Tourism Bill Passes Senate Unanimously
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) released the following statements after the Senate passed their American Music Tourism Act to support and increase music tourism for both domestic and international visitors:

“The Volunteer State is home to so many iconic musical landmarks for tourists to experience – from Graceland in Memphis to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville to Dollywood in Pigeon Forge,” said Senator Blackburn. “Music tourism has such a positive impact on Tennessee’s economy, and we need to ensure that fans from all over the world can continue to celebrate our state’s rich history of music for generations to come. The Senate’s passage of the American Music Tourism Act gets us closer to that by promoting and supporting the fast-growing music tourism industry.”

“Colorado’s vibrant music scene attracts artists and fans from around the world,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Our bipartisan bill will help our local music venues thrive and expand.”

BACKGROUND
- Music tourism – both the act of visiting sites important to the history of American music culture and the act of traveling for current concerts and music festivals – is a vital industry for American culture and an economic driver for our communities.
- Music tourism has emerged as a top travel trend, with the market forecasted to reach $11.3 billion in revenue by 2032.
- The United States, which boasts one of world’s largest music industries that generates over $43 billion in revenue each year, is one of the main beneficiaries of this international interest in music tourism.
- The Commerce Department’s Assistant Secretary for Travel and Tourism is uniquely positioned to identify and promote sites of musical significance.
THE AMERICAN MUSIC TOURISM ACT
- The American Music Tourism Act would leverage the existing framework within the Department of Commerce to highlight and promote music tourism in the United States.
- Specifically, this bill would require:
ENDORSEMENTS
- The American Music Tourism Act is endorsed by the Recording Academy, Recording Industry Association of America, Nashville Songwriters Association International, American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, National Music Publishers Association, Society of Composers and Lyricists, Live Nation Entertainment, National Independent Venue Association, Broadcast Music Inc., American Alliance of Museums, Airbnb, Overton Park Shell, Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism, Tennessee Entertainment Commission, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Memphis Tourism, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, and Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
CO-SPONORS
- The American Music Tourism Act is co-sponsored by Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn,), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and Ted Budd (R-N.C.).
RELATED

Click here for bill text.
MIL OSI USA News –
May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Heads to Poland on Nuclear Energy Mission

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on May 16, 2025

Minister of Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) and Minister Responsible for SaskPower Jeremy Harrison will be leading a delegation to Poland to attend the World Nuclear Supply Chain Conference. The mission will deepen Saskatchewan’s ties with international nuclear industry stakeholders and showcase the province’s advantages in enhancing energy security around the world.

“This world-class conference is an incredible opportunity for Saskatchewan to collaborate with international governments, industries and suppliers, particularly those involved in nuclear reactor development,” Harrison said. “As a greenfield jurisdiction, our province needs to engage with experienced partners to learn about best practices, so we can improve efficiencies and lower costs in our nuclear journey.”

While in Poland, the Minister will speak at the conference to highlight the significant role Saskatchewan will play in the expanding global outlook for nuclear energy. The delegation will also meet with government officials, utility companies, energy suppliers, manufacturers and new industry entrants, to explore potential opportunities for collaboration and profile Saskatchewan’s strengths.

“With the world’s highest grade uranium deposits, a robust mining sector, world-class research institutions and suppliers, Saskatchewan has what the world needs to fuel a growing global nuclear reactor fleet today and for decades to come,” Harrison said. “We need to promote our Saskatchewan advantages on the global stage to gain partnerships and attract future value-added investment. Saskatchewan will play an essential role in delivering on the global declaration to triple nuclear energy worldwide by 2050.”

Northern Saskatchewan is home to the world’s largest high-grade uranium deposits. The province produces 100 per cent of Canada’s uranium and is the second largest uranium producer in the world. In 2024, Saskatchewan hit record production and export sales of uranium, valued at $2.6 billion.

Cameco, Saskatchewan’s largest uranium producer, is recognized as a leading Indigenous employer in Canada, reinforcing the industry’s inclusive approach and boosting confidence in the long-term potential of Saskatchewan’s nuclear sector. Cameco’s acquisition of Westinghouse puts the province among major players supporting global growth for nuclear power.

The Government of Saskatchewan continues to invest in building a nuclear workforce, suppliers and research capacities. It is working closely with the Saskatchewan Industrial and Mining Suppliers Association on a supply chain readiness project to prepare local suppliers and identify targeted opportunities to participate in nuclear supply chain development at home and around the world.

In 2022, SaskPower announced the selection of the GE-Hitachi BWRX-300 reactor as the preferred technology for potential deployment in Saskatchewan. Since then, SaskPower has identified two high-potential hosting sites in the province, and is working through its newly established subsidiary, SaskNuclear, on licensing to deploy the SMR in Saskatchewan.

The mission will run from May 18 to 22, 2025.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Capito, Rosen, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Maintain Centralized, Online Hub for Small Business Startups

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) introduced a bill to protect a centralized, online hub for small businesses. Their bipartisan One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act would require the Small Business Administration (SBA) to maintain its website that contains centralized information for licensing and business permit information and materials for small businesses.
“West Virginia’s small businesses are the backbone of our communities and local economies, making up more than 98% of businesses in our state, but too often, entrepreneurs face unnecessary red tape when trying to get off the ground,” Senator Capito said. “The One Stop Shop for Small Business Licensing Act cuts through that bureaucracy by streamlining the federal licensing process, making it easier for small businesses to thrive from day one.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Nasdaq Resumes Trading in Damon Inc.

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Nasdaq Stock Market^® (Nasdaq: NDAQ) announced that trading will resume in Damon Inc. (Nasdaq: DMN) at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time on May 19, 2025. Trading in the company’s stock was halted on April 29, 2025 at 2:01:07 p.m. Eastern Time.

For news and additional information about the company, please contact the company directly or check under the company’s symbol using InfoQuotes^SM on the Nasdaq^® Web site.

For more information about The Nasdaq Stock Market, visit the Nasdaq Web site at http://www.nasdaq.com.

NDAQO

Nasdaq Media Contact:
Sophia Weiss
Sophia.Weiss@nasdaq.com

The MIL Network –

May 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burnt out

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Addyman, Associate Professor in Project Management, UCL

Kittirat Roekburi/Shutterstock

The pressure of decarbonising industrial sectors is weighing on workers.

The UK’s Labour government seeks a low-carbon and homegrown energy supply by 2030. The scale and pace of this transformation is unprecedented in the country’s power sector, and will involve building twice as much transmission infrastructure (pylons, cables, substations) in the next five years as was built over the last decade.

Much of the workforce will be drawn from the construction sector, which employs 2.3 million people. Construction forms the dominant supply chain to the 17 major infrastructure projects involved in an overhaul of the electricity grid that will connect new wind farms in the North Sea and northern Scotland to homes and businesses across Great Britain.

The workers “on the tools” who will carry out much of this transformation are struggling. The latest analysis from the Office for National Statistics suggests that the suicide risk of construction workers is three times higher than the male national average. Scholars of construction project management have identified a toxic workplace culture in the industry, citing aggressive market competition and demanding performance metrics.

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This is a problem that is largely being ignored. When planners at the National Energy System Operator assessed the UK’s capacity to build a clean power sector by 2030, they considered the absolute number of workers needed, the skills required and how employment is changing in the sector.

Their assessment failed to consider the broader implications for workforce mental health and wellbeing of such a quick and comprehensive upgrade – but it is people who are going through a rapid transition, not just infrastructure.

Expect more of these in years to come.
J R Patterson/Shutterstock

Going green, feeling blue

Construction workers already endure long hours and stress due to tight deadlines. A rapid transition to green power will substantially increase their workload, unless managed carefully.

Our report, published July 2024, looked into wellbeing and suicide in the construction industry. We concluded that the UK government, major infrastructure owners such as National Grid and their supply chain partners who provide specialist design and construction services, must work together to solve this problem.

Major infrastructure owners offer mental health services, such as confidential counselling, legal advice and financial guidance, to help their own employees manage personal or work-related issues. But most workers on the tools are not directly employed by these owners. Most are self-employed, or hired by construction firms, of which 99% are small- and medium-sized enterprises.

More than 96% of construction firms have fewer than 15 employees. Smaller suppliers of specialist trade skills, like electrical and mechanical installation, have fewer employment protections and more compressed schedules, and are even less likely to have the capacity to provide these services.

Some infrastructure owners and big construction companies extend their health and wellbeing services to these smaller suppliers. However, in an industry that is dominated by competitive tendering, which favours suppliers that keep costs low, it is no surprise that uptake has been low.

Owners of infrastructure assets like electricity pylons and substations can drive workplace improvements by adopting procurement models that prioritise suppliers that are offering measures to improve worker wellbeing.

Research from one of us (Jing Xu) and fellow project management expert Yanga Wu, has shown that the top-down prescriptive approach traditionally applied to health and safety in construction does not work for wellbeing. This requires a bottom-up approach, that makes it easy for workers to tell managers what they are struggling with and what they think would help.

The construction sector also faces a shortage of workers and skills required for the green transition. The industry training board forecasts that the industry must attract the equivalent of 50,300 extra workers a year to meet expected levels of work over the next five years.

The UK is not training enough workers to achieve net zero.
Paya Mona/Shutterstock

In the power sector, however, there is the additional complication of an ageing workforce, as well as differences in employment conditions between permanent and contract staff. Key expertise is at risk of being lost with retirements. Older workers often face additional pressure, not only to meet performance targets but also to compensate for gaps in expertise, and all within a fast-paced environment.

To improve mental health and wellbeing among a diverse workforce requires engaging with workers directly and ensuring their voices are heard. This involves more than upgrading technical skills. Research to better understand how organisations can care for their workforce in the context of increasing pressures due to achieving net zero is also vital.

Further research and collaboration with infrastructure owners and major construction contractors could help manage the risks and provide valuable insights for other sectors that will need to follow suit, such as heating, transport and agriculture.

It is imperative to consider what a transition means: the technical transition of replacing outmoded technology, as well as the social transition, which prioritises not only skills but workplace mental health. Without a focus on both policy and people, clean power will not be delivered.

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Simon Addyman receives funding from University College London.

Jing Xu receives funding from University College London.

– ref. Britain’s net zero construction workforce is already at risk of burnt out – https://theconversation.com/britains-net-zero-construction-workforce-is-already-at-risk-of-burnt-out-249328

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 17, 2025

Category: Business

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OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (7.5.2025)

Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers

Georgia Board of Landscape Architects

Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council

Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

State Board of Workers Compensation

State Charter School Commission

State Board of Certification of Librarians

Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

Georgia Child Support Commission

Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board

Board of Natural Resources

State Board of Registration for Foresters

Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board

North Georgia Mountains Authority

North Georgia Mountains Authority- Chair

State Properties Commission

Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

Veterans Service Board

Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies

Culture of impunity

The four stages of migraine

Prodrome

Aura

Pain

Postdrome

Knowledge is prevention

What exactly is a lichen?

More than their biology

Metaphors for resistance and resilience

Going green, feeling blue