Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott, Grassley, Durbin, and Colleagues Unanimously Pass Resolution Recognizing National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and 79 bipartisan senators welcomed the Senate’s unanimous passage of their resolution designating May 11 through 17 as National Police Week. The National Police Week resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States. 
    “Every day, law enforcement officers encounter the most dangerous elements of society,”said Senator Scott. “Their dedication to the safety of their communities often comes at great personal sacrifice. We must be unwavering in our support of those who wear the badge.”
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety,” Senator Grassley said. “As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers.” 
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” Senator Durbin said. 
    Grassley and Durbin are joined by Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Angus King (I-Maine), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Christopher Coons (D-Del.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Thomas Tillis (R-N.C.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and John Boozman (R-Ark.).
    Read the full resolution HERE. 
    Background: 
    Every year, for more than six decades, Congress has passed a resolution in honor of law enforcement officers. During National Police Week, Americans pay special tribute to the service and sacrifice of courageous officers and their families, especially our nation’s fallen heroes.  

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Finance Committee Advances HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–The U.S. Senate Finance Committee today advanced the nominations of James O’Neill to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by a vote of 14-13 and Gary Andres to be an Assistant Secretary of HHS by a vote of 19-8.  Following the vote, Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) issued the statement below:
    “Each of the nominees advanced by the Committee today will bring vital experience to HHS.  Having previously served at HHS, Mr. O’Neill understands the multifaceted nature of the Department and can effectively navigate ways to make our health care system more proactive.  As a veteran of Capitol Hill, Mr. Andres understands how to implement a successful legislative agenda and will be a valuable asset as we seek input on legislation and updates on departmental actions.  I look forward to working with each of them once confirmed by the full Senate.”
    Executive session information can be found here.
    Read Chairman Crapo’s full statement at the nomination hearing here, and his statement at the executive session here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider HHS Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of James O’Neill to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Gary Andres to be an Assistant Secretary of HHS.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of Jim O’Neill, who is nominated to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and Gary Andres, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Legislation at HHS.
    “The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to make remarks on the nominees.  We will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote. 
    “During his hearing, Mr. O’Neill discussed his plan to work closely with Secretary Kennedy to improve America’s health care system.  Given his previous service at the Department and depth of management experience in the private sector, he is uniquely qualified to enact positive change at HHS.  If confirmed as Deputy Secretary, Mr. O’Neill will have the opportunity to implement reforms in each division of the Department. 
    “As a veteran of Capitol Hill, Mr. Andres knows how to implement a successful legislative agenda and will be a valuable partner to Congress at HHS.  I was also encouraged to hear Mr. Andres’ commitment to prioritizing timeliness in responding to questions from members. 
    “I will be voting in favor of both nominations and I encourage all of my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Security: South Florida Tax Preparer, Two Others Charged with Conspiring to Defraud Covid-19 Relief Program

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    MIAMI –The last of three defendants made his initial appearance in Miami federal court yesterday to face an indictment charging the men with conspiracy to commit wire fraud while scheming to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

    PPP loans were intended to provide economic relief to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the allegations in the indictment, between May 2020 and March 2021, Guillermo Lopez Carrazana, Christian Mendoza, and Max Alberto Mera Ulloa, all residents of Miami-Dade County, conspired to submit over 165 false and fraudulent PPP loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which administered the emergency relief program under the CARES Act. The PPP was designed to help businesses maintain payroll and cover essential expenses during the pandemic. It is alleged that the defendants received $6.5 million in COVID relief money through the fraud.  

    It is alleged that Carrazana, Mendoza (a tax preparer) and Ulloa owned and operated various businesses, including G LUX LLC, Global Tax & Accounting Group Corp, CM Logistics Systems LLC and Max Mera Corporation. Along with others, the defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent loan applications that misrepresented payroll and employee information to obtain large sums of money under false pretenses.

    The indictment further alleges that the defendants engaged in a kickback scheme, offering and receiving payments in exchange for referring additional individuals to participate in the fraudulent loan applications. It is also alleged that the defendants and the other fraudsters did not use the proceeds of the PPP loans for their intended purpose, instead they used the funds to enrich themselves.

    U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office made the announcement.

    FBI Miami and IRS-CI, Miami Field Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz is prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-20178.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Video: ‘One Europe for 600 Million Citizens’ Commission President von der Leyen at the EPC Summit, Albania

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    On 16 May 2025, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivers a speech at the European Political Community (EPC) Meeting in Tirana, Albania.

    ‘New Europe in a new world: unity – cooperation – joint action’ is the key theme of the event. Leaders will first meet in a plenary session dedicated to security and a shared vision for the future of Europe.

    Three high-level roundtables will then take place around the following topics:
    – Europe’s security and democratic resilience, including Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine
    – competitiveness and economic security
    – mobility challenges and youth empowerment

    Follow live events and access media content here:
    https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/

    Stay updated — follow us on X: https://x.com/EC_AVService

    Watch on the Audiovisual Portal of the European Commission:
    https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/

    Follow us on:
    -X: https://twitter.com/EU_Commission
    -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeancommission/
    -Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EuropeanCommission
    -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/european-commission/
    -Medium: https://medium.com/@EuropeanCommission

    Check our website: http://ec.europa.eu/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyBdHnb7b1Y

    MIL OSI Video

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Go.Compare

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    GoCompare.com Limited, trading as Go.Compare is a Welsh financial services comparison company based in Cardiff, Wales.

    Its website provides comparison details for financial products including car insurance, home and pet insurance and breakdown cover. Since 2021 it has been owned by Future plc.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Second Owner of Local Real Estate Investment Company Pleads Guilty for Role in Fraud Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Ore.—The owner of a local real estate investment company pleaded guilty today for his role in an $18 million fraud scheme, joining his business partner and co-owner of the company who pleaded guilty in March 2025.

    Robert D. Christensen, 55, of Sherwood, Oregon, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.

    Previously, on March 11, 2025, Christensen’s partner and co-owner of the investment company, Anthony M. Matic, 55, of Damascus, Oregon, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    According to court documents, from approximately January 2019 through June 2023, Christensen and Matic devised and carried out a scheme wherein they convinced individual investors to fund the purchase and renovation of undervalued residential real estate properties. After renovating the properties, Christensen and Matic claimed they would rent the properties to generate income and then refinance them to extract their increased value from the renovations. The pair further misled investors into believing they would be repaid their full principal investment along with interest as high as eight to fifteen percent and a large lump sum payout, all within periods as short as 30 to 90 days.

    Christensen and Matic’s scheme failed to generate the promised returns almost immediately and they began using new investments to repay earlier investors to keep their business afloat. When they were unable to raise enough money from new investors, Christensen and Matic devised a separate scheme to defraud commercial lenders. By December 2020, the pair began submitting loan applications with false financial information to different commercial lenders and, based on their misrepresentations, received millions of dollars in loans.

    In total, Christensen and Matic’s two schemes defrauded individual investors out of more than $11 million and commercial lenders out of more than $7 million.

    Conspiracy to commit wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Money laundering in punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. Both charges may also result in fines of up to $250,000 or twice the gross gains or losses resulting from the offense.

    Christensen and Matic will both be sentenced on October 14, 2025.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Sword Group: Notification of Threshold Crossing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    By letter received on May 13, 2025, the simplified joint-stock company Indépendance AM (20 avenue Franklin D. Roosevelt, 75008 Paris), acting on behalf of funds under its management, declared that on May 8, 2025, it had crossed upwards the thresholds of 5% of the share capital and voting rights of Sword Group. It stated that it holds, on behalf of the aforementioned funds, 512,929 Sword Group shares, representing the same number of voting rights, i.e., 5.37% of the company’s share capital and voting rights (i).

    This threshold crossing results from the acquisition of Sword Group shares on the market.

    (i) Based on a share capital consisting of 9,544,965 shares representing the same number of voting rights, in accordance with the second paragraph of Article 223-11 of the General Regulation.

    Agenda
    24/07/25 Publication of Q2 2025 Revenue
    10/09/25 H1 2025 Financial Meeting | 10:00 am

    About Sword Group
    Sword has 3,500+ IT/Digital specialists active in 50+ countries to accompany you in the growth of your organisation in the digital age.
    As a leader in technological and digital transformation, Sword has a solid reputation in complex IT & business project management.
    Sword optimises your processes and enhances your data.

    Contact: investorrelations@sword-group.lu

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Verizon’s Red Hot Deal Days are back with the season’s biggest sale: phones, watches, tablets and more, on us

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Verizon’s Red Hot Deal Days are back with the season’s biggest sale: phones, watches, tablets and more, on us

    NEW YORK – Verizon just announced its hottest deals of the season with “Red Hot Deal Days,” from May 15 through May 28. As the first and only provider in the industry offering all new and existing myPlan and myHome customers a three-year price lock guarantee, Verizon is committed to providing its customers peace of mind and big savings.

    “We’re providing our best deals and value as a thank you for our customers,” said Sowmyanaran Sampath, Verizon Consumer CEO. “Price, value and savings are top of mind for people today – every dollar counts. That’s why we’re proud to offer these deals as an added benefit alongside our three year price lock. We’re not just meeting expectations; we’re setting a new standard for what customers should expect from their mobile and home internet provider.”

    This year for Red Hot Deal Days, new and existing mobile customers can score a smartphone, watch, and tablet with ANY myPlan, on us, plus Ray Ban Meta glasses with select Unlimited plans. So, whether you want the iPhone 16 Pro, the Samsung Galaxy S25+ or the Google Pixel 9 Pro – there’s a deal for you, ALL ON US!  AND new home internet customers can get a $400 credit on select Samsung home tech at Best Buy and more. This special event has something for everyone, featuring incredible deals on the latest tech accessories, from Father’s Day gifts to graduation gifts, to travel essentials for vacation and more. It’s the perfect lead-up to summer! 

    Savings on the hottest tech for Mobile and Home customers

    Verizon mobile customers who upgrade or add a line on ANY myPlan can enjoy one of three mobile bundles with select phone trade-in and service plan for watch and tablet, plus Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Up to $299, for those who add a new line on Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plans):

    • Apple: Get the iPhone 16 Pro, Watch Series 10 and iPad (A16), on us.
    • Google: Get the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel Watch 3 and Tab S10 FE, on us.
    • Samsung: Get the Galaxy S25+, Galaxy Watch Ultra and Tab S10 FE, on us.

    New Verizon Home Internet customers who sign up for select plans can enjoy:

    • Price-lock guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on plan
    • $400 off select Samsung home tech at Best Buy
    • The YouTube Premium Perk for 6 months (then $10/mo after)
    • and Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Up to $299), all on us.

    For families looking for wearable tech:

    • StreamTV Soundbar: Get the latest StreamTV Soundbar for only $149.99 (Save $250)
    • StreamTV: Get the Verizon StreamTV device for only $19.99 (Save $50)

    And for a limited time, save even more by getting 25% cash back as a statement credit when you use your Verizon Visa® Card on eligible electronic and accessory purchases at Verizon.

    Stay up to date and explore all the latest deals from Verizon by visiting your local Verizon retail store or verizon.com/deals/.


    Samsung Home Tech: Offer valid thru 5.28.25 for a $400 credit via promo code to be used toward the single item purchase of select Samsung home tech (eligible TVs, appliances, laptops, tablets, monitors, and speakers) with a minimum retail price of $800. Product selection may vary. Offer not valid on Samsung smartphones. For new home internet customers who install eligible Verizon Home Internet services and redeem w/in 30 days thereafter, or by no later than 7.27.25, whichever is first. Promo code must be redeemed online at bestbuy.com/verizonsamsungpromotion. Verizon reserves the right to charge back the value of the Samsung credit if eligible service is canceled w/in 180 days. One offer per eligible Verizon account, while supplies last. Samsung and related trademarks are owned by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Verizon is not affiliated with Best Buy. Purchase, delivery, installation, and other charges are the subject to Best Buy’s terms & conditions.

    Ray-Ban Meta Glasses: Mobile: Offer valid through 5.28.25 for select Ray-Ban Meta glasses, with retail value up to $299, w/ purchase of eligible smartphone on device payment w/new smartphone line on postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate plan. Must maintain eligible services for 30 days and redeem offer w/in 60 days thereafter, or by no later than 09.25.25, whichever is first. Glasses redeemed on Meta.com. Verizon reserves the right to charge back the value of the Ray-Ban Meta promotional device(s) if eligible service is canceled w/in 180 days or eligibility req’s are no longer met. Limit 1 offer per Verizon account. While supplies last. Home: Offer valid through 5.28.25 for select Ray-Ban Meta glasses, with retail value up to $299. For new home internet customers who activate/install and maintain eligible 5G Home Plus, LTE Home Plus, Fios 2 Gig or Fios 1 Gig internet services in good standing for 65 days and redeem offer w/in 60 days thereafter, or by no later than 10.30.25, whichever is first. Glasses redeemed on Meta.com. Verizon reserves the right to charge back the value of the Ray-Ban Meta promotional device(s) if eligible service is canceled w/in 180 days. Limit 1 offer per Verizon account. While supplies last.

    (Apple) Phone: $999.99 (128 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,000 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google, Motorola or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later. Apple Watch/iPad: Up to $499.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d per Apple Watch/iPad. Less up to $500 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for iPhone/Apple Watch/iPad offers end if eligibility req’s per device are no longer met.

    (Google) Phone: $999.99 (128 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,000 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Google, Apple, Motorola or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Tablet/Watch: Up to $599.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d per Tablet/Watch. Less up to $600 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for Phone/Watch/Tablet offers end if eligibility req’s per device are no longer met.

    (Samsung) Phone: $999.99 (256 GB only) device payment purchase w/new or upgrade smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $1,000 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; 0% APR. For upgrades, trade-in phone must be active on account for 60 days prior to new device purchase. Trade-in must be from Samsung, Apple, Google or Motorola; trade-in terms apply. Tablet/Watch: Up to $649.99 device payment purchase w/new line on eligible plan (min. $20/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d per Tablet/Watch. Less up to $650 promo credit per device applied over 36 mos; 0% APR. All promo credits for Phone/Watch/Tablet offers end if eligibility req’s per device are no longer met.

    Price Guarantee: myPlan: Applies to the then-current base monthly rate charged by Verizon for your talk, text, and data; excludes taxes, fees, surcharges, additional plan discounts or promotions, and third-party services. Price guarantee is void if any of the lines are canceled or moved to an ineligible plan. Plan perks, taxes, fees, and surcharges are subject to change.

    myHome: Price guarantee for 3-5 years, depending on internet plan, for new and existing myHome customers. Applies only to the then-current base monthly rate exclusive of any other setup and additional equipment charges, discounts or promotions, plan perk and any other third-party services.

    YouTube Premium: Offer valid thru 5.28.25. Requires an eligible Verizon Home Internet (“VHI”) plan. $10/mo perk credit ends after 6 mos or if perk is canceled or line is moved to an ineligible plan during the 6-mo promo period. After 6 mos, perk bills as $10/mo unless perk is canceled or unregistered. Must be 18 years of age or older to enroll. After enrolling in the YouTube Premium perk, you will need to complete account setup to use the service. Enrolling in the YouTube Premium perk may affect existing subscriptions to YouTube Premium. Managing subscriptions may be required to avoid multiple subscriptions and corresponding charges. One offer per eligible VHI account. Subject to YouTube Terms of Service & YouTube Premium and Music Premium Terms of Use.

    Gizmo Watch: $149.99 purchase on service plan req’d. Less $75 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR.

    Verizon Visa Card: Purchases subject to credit approval. Offer available 5/15/25 at 3 AM ET – 5/29/25 at 3 AM ET.  Excludes phones, smartwatches, tablets, laptops and gift cards. Offer is based on purchase price, excluding taxes and shipping and other fees. Offer is not combinable with the Accessories Financing Offer. Maximum purchase total of $1,000 on eligible accessories & electronics purchases at Verizon. $250 maximum statement credit during offer period. Statement credit will be applied to your Verizon Visa Card account within 1-2 billing cycles from offer end date. Verizon Visa Card account needs to be in good standing at time statement credit is applied to qualify. Statement credit cannot be used to satisfy the required monthly payment on your credit card account and may not be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. The Verizon Visa Signature® Card is issued by Synchrony Bank, pursuant to a license from VISA USA Inc.

    MIL OSI Economics

  • MIL-OSI Global: India and Pakistan have agreed a precarious peace – but will it last?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Alex Waterman, Lecturer in Peace Studies and International Development, University of Bradford

    India and Pakistan stepped back from the brink of catastrophe on May 10 after a US-brokered ceasefire brought rapidly escalating hostilities between the two countries to an end. But tensions are still running high.

    The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, said on May 12 that India has only “paused” its military action against Pakistan and would “retaliate on its own terms” to any attacks.

    The latest episode in the long-running conflict between these nuclear powers was triggered on April 22. Militants from a group known as the Resistance Front, which India says is a proxy for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist group, killed 26 tourists in the picturesque resort town of Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir. India alleges Pakistan’s involvement, which it denies.

    The fact that India and Pakistan were able to agree to a ceasefire as escalations spiralled is reason for optimism. It shows that internal calculations and international pressure can pull the two parties back from the brink. However, the ceasefire represents an incredibly precarious peace. Can it be sustained?


    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.


    Recent experience shows that sustained ceasefires are possible between the two states. In February 2021, India and Pakistan’s militaries signed a ceasefire to end four months of cross-border skirmishes. The agreement was a reaffirmation of an original ceasefire understanding from 2003.

    Only two violations were recorded across the line of control separating Indian- and Pakistani-administered Kashmir for the rest of the year, dropping to one in 2022. This compared to 4,645 such incidents in 2020.

    The reduction led to optimism that armed rebellion in Kashmir, which both India and Pakistan claim in full, was in persistent decline. In March 2025, just one month before the deadly Pahalgam attack, security sources in India estimated that there were only 77 active militants operating on the Indian side of the border.

    The drop in violence was a result of combined international and domestic pressure on Pakistan. The Financial Action Task Force, an organisation that monitors countries’ efforts to tackle terrorist financing and recommends financial sanctions against non-compliant states, added Pakistan to its “grey list” in 2018.

    This listing forced Pakistan to introduce a string of policy measures to curb terrorism financing. Pakistan was removed from the list in 2022 due to significant improvements in its counter-terrorism framework.

    But, as the Kashmir conundrum is at the heart of Pakistani national identity, it has often been employed as a political strategy to shore up domestic support. And in recent years, as Pakistan’s powerful army has grappled with overlapping economic and political crises, this strategy has been rolled out again.

    The popularity of Pakistan’s army, for example, diminished significantly following the arrest of Pakistan’s leader, Imran Khan, in 2023. This has prompted army chief Asim Munir to use tensions with India to deflect attention.

    Munir has called Kashmir “our jugular vein”, and has promised not to “leave our Kashmiri brothers in their historical struggle”. These comments followed an increase in the number and frequency of insurgent attempts to cross the border into India after India’s May 2024 general elections were held peacefully in Kashmir, a rare occurrence since the separatist insurgency began in 1987.

    These cross-border operations are allegedly carried out by Pakistan’s so-called Border Action Teams, comprised of Pakistani special forces and militants from insurgent groups. Pakistan has never acknowledged the existence of such teams.

    By April 1, tit-for-tat firing across the line of control had also already surpassed the total number of incidents in 2023 and 2024 combined.

    Fragile peace

    The latest ceasefire was agreed in the context of hostilities escalating beyond previous levels. Military strikes were launched outside Kashmir itself at military bases deep in Pakistani territory and in north-western India.

    Certain actions by Islamabad were also widely interpreted as attempts to signal the country’s nuclear capabilities. These included the decision to convene the National Command Authority, the body responsible for control and use of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.

    The move may not have been a genuine alert. But the possible willingness to resort to nuclear threats is particularly concerning as, unlike India, Pakistan does not have a “no-first use” nuclear weapons policy.

    India, as an aspiring political and economic power, has clear interests in preserving the ceasefire. New Delhi wants to project itself as rational and responsible, worthy of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

    At the same time, some of the decisions taken by India after the Pahalgam attack may compel further support for the insurgency in Kashmir. This brings with it the risk of further escalation between India and Pakistan in the future.

    India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, which governs the use of water from the Indus River. Pakistan lies downstream from India and is heavily dependent on the river for irrigation and public consumption.




    Read more:
    India-Pakistan conflict over water reflects a region increasingly vulnerable to climate change


    Intervention from global powers such as the US may again be able to prevent future hostility from spiralling out of control. However, substantive talks are unlikely.

    The US, which is in advanced negotiations with New Delhi over reducing tariffs on Indian imports, has offered to act as a mediator. This has been welcomed by Pakistan. But India maintains that, on the question of Kashmir, it would prefer bilateral talks rather than involving a third party.

    While the Trump administration initially signalled a hands-off approach to relations between India and Pakistan, deeming it “none of our business”, it is now clear how rapidly matters can escalate between them.

    The US and other interested parties like China will probably continue in their efforts to regulate and manage the conflict, openly or covertly, even if deeper resolution appears unlikely.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. India and Pakistan have agreed a precarious peace – but will it last? – https://theconversation.com/india-and-pakistan-have-agreed-a-precarious-peace-but-will-it-last-256618

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birthright citizenship case at Supreme Court reveals deeper questions about judicial authority to halt unlawful policies

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cassandra Burke Robertson, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics, Case Western Reserve University

    The U.S. Supreme Court is considering whether a single federal judge should have the power to temporarily halt presidential policies across the entire country. Rudy Sulgan, The Image Bank/Getty Images

    When one judge blocks a president’s policies nationwide, alarm bells ring. Should a single judge wield this much power? Can they halt policies across the entire country after just a quick first look at whether they might be illegal? The Supreme Court now faces these critical questions.

    In a lively session on May 15, 2025, filled with justices’ questions that at times interrupted the attorneys appearing before them, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a case stemming from President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, the provision in the Constitution’s 14th Amendment that says all children born in the United States are granted citizenship.

    While the underlying lawsuit involves birthright citizenship, the immediate question before the court was about a legal tool called a “nationwide preliminary injunction.” This allows a single federal judge to temporarily halt presidential policies across the entire country – even before fully considering whether those policies are constitutional.

    Three judges had stopped the president’s attempt to deny birthright citizenship to babies born to mothers who lack legal permanent residency in the United States. It was the Trump administration’s appeal of those injunctions that was argued before the justices on May 15, with the administration asserting that “universal injunctions compromise the Executive Branch’s ability to carry out its functions,” and that it’s unconstitutional for federal judges to issue them.

    The justices also grappled with a key question: How much should judges consider whether a policy is likely constitutional when deciding whether to issue these temporary blocks? The National Immigration Law Center, which supports the use of nationwide injunctions, wrote in its filing with the court that granting the administration’s request to bar such injunctions would “tie the hands of the judicial branch in the face of unlawful executive action.”

    What exactly are these injunctions, and why do they matter to everyday Americans?

    Immediate, irreparable harm

    When presidents try to make big changes through executive orders, they often hit a roadblock: A single federal judge, whether located in Seattle or Miami or anywhere in between, can stop these policies across the entire country.

    These court orders have increasingly become a political battleground, increasingly sought by both Republicans and Democrats to fight presidential policies they oppose.

    And while the Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to limit judges’ power to issue nationwide preliminary injunctions, Congress has also held hearings on curtailing judges’ ability to issue the injunctions.

    When the government creates a policy that might violate the Constitution or federal law, affected people can sue in federal court to stop it. While these lawsuits work their way through the courts – a process that often takes years – judges can issue what are called “preliminary injunctions” to temporarily pause the policy if they determine it might cause immediate, irreparable harm.

    A “nationwide” injunction – sometimes called a “universal” injunction – goes further by stopping the policy for everyone across the country, not just for the people who filed the lawsuit.

    Importantly, these injunctions are designed to be temporary. They merely preserve the status quo until courts can fully examine the case’s merits. But in practice, litigation proceeds so slowly that executive actions blocked by the courts often expire when successor administrations abandon the policies.

    Legislation introduced by GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley would ban judges from issuing most nationwide injunctions.
    Sen. Chuck Grassley office

    More executive orders, more injunctions

    Nationwide injunctions aren’t new, but several things have made them more contentious recently.

    First, since a closely divided and polarized Congress rarely passes major legislation anymore, presidents rely more on executive orders to get substantive things done. This creates more opportunities to challenge presidential actions in court.

    Second, lawyers who want to challenge these orders have gotten better at “judge shopping” – filing cases in districts where they’re likely to get judges who agree with their client’s views.

    Third, with growing political division, both parties aim to use these injunctions more aggressively whenever the other party controls the White House.

    Affecting real people

    These legal fights have tangible consequences for millions of Americans.

    Take DACA, the common name for the program formally called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which protects about 500,000 young immigrants from deportation. For more than 10 years, these young immigrants, known as “Dreamers,” have faced constant uncertainty.

    That’s because, when President Barack Obama created DACA in 2012 and sought to expand it via executive order in 2015, a Texas judge blocked the expansion with a nationwide injunction. When Trump tried to end DACA, judges in California, New York and Washington, D.C. blocked that move. The program, and the legal challenges to it, continued under President Joe Biden. Now, the second Trump administration faces continued legal challenges over the constitutionality of the DACA program.

    More recently, judges have used nationwide injunctions to block several Donald Trump policies.

    While much of the current debate focuses on presidential policies, nationwide injunctions have also blocked congressional legislation.

    The Corporate Transparency Act, passed in 2021 and originally scheduled to go into effect in 2024, combats financial crimes by requiring businesses to disclose their true owners to the government. A Texas judge blocked this law in 2024 after gun stores challenged it.

    In early 2025, the Supreme Court allowed the law to take effect, but the Trump administration announced it simply wouldn’t enforce it – showing how these legal battles can become political power struggles.

    A polarized Congress rarely passes major legislation anymore, so presidents – including Donald Trump – have relied on executive orders to get things done.
    Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

    Too much power or necessary protection?

    Some critics say nationwide injunctions give too much power to a single judge. If lawyers can pick which judges hear their cases, this raises serious questions about fairness.

    Supporters argue that these injunctions protect important rights. For example, without nationwide injunctions in the citizenship cases, babies born to mothers without legal permanent residency would be American citizens in some states but not others – an impossible situation.

    Congress is considering legislation to limit judges’ ability to grant nationwide injunctions.

    The Trump administration has also tried to make it expensive and difficult to challenge its policies in court. In March 2025, Trump ordered government lawyers to demand large cash deposits – called “security bonds” – from anyone seeking an injunction. Though these bonds are already part of existing court rules, judges usually set them at just a few hundred dollars or waive them entirely when people raise constitutional concerns.

    Under the new policy, critics worry that “plaintiffs who sue the government could be forced to put up enormous sums of money in order to proceed with their cases.”

    Another way to address the concerns about a single judge blocking government action would be to require a three-judge panel to hear cases involving nationwide injunctions, requiring at least two of them to agree. This is similar to how courts handled major civil rights cases in the 1950s and 1960s.

    My research on this topic suggests that three judges working together would be less likely to make partisan decisions, while still being able to protect constitutional rights when necessary. Today’s technology also makes it easier for judges in different locations to work together than it was decades ago.

    As the Supreme Court weighs in on this debate, the outcome will affect how presidents can implement policies and how much power individual judges have to stop them. Though it might seem like a technical legal issue, it will shape how government works for years to come – as well as the lives of those who live in the U.S.

    This is an updated version of a story originally published on April 3, 2025.

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

    ref. Birthright citizenship case at Supreme Court reveals deeper questions about judicial authority to halt unlawful policies – https://theconversation.com/birthright-citizenship-case-at-supreme-court-reveals-deeper-questions-about-judicial-authority-to-halt-unlawful-policies-256726

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley, Shaheen Introduce Legislation to End Taxpayer-Funded Pharma Ads

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Thursday, May 15, 2025

    Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) introduced the No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act, which would end federal subsidies for pharmaceutical company advertising. Current law allows pharmaceutical companies to claim business deductions on direct-to-consumer advertising, subsidizing their publicity at taxpayers’ expense. Direct-to-consumer advertising contributes to increased healthcare costs and encourages patients to request specific brand-name drugs that may be substantially more expensive than more effective alternatives, including lifestyle changes. The Senators’ legislation would close this loophole. “For too long, Big Pharma has used our tax dollars to fund ads that push their products directly on patients. That needs to end,” Senator Hawley said. “HHS Secretary RFK, Jr. has made it clear that he wants to ban prescription drug commercials, and I’m proud to introduce legislation to do just that. Making America Healthy Again starts by ending handouts to these corporations and empowering consumers to make the health decision that is truly in their best interest.”
    “It’s flat-out wrong that drug companies receive huge tax breaks for running ads directly to consumers, especially as taxpayers in my state pay more and more for life-saving drugs,” said Senator Shaheen. “It’s well past time for Congress to step in to end these tax breaks, lower costs for everyday Americans and hold pharmaceutical companies accountable. My bipartisan bill with Senator Hawley offers a practical solution to do just that.” The No Handouts for Drug Advertisements Act would:
    Amend the Internal Revenue Code to disallow tax deductions for expenses related to direct-to-consumer advertising of both prescription drugs and compounded medications.
    Define “direct-to-consumer advertising” as advertisements primarily targeted to the general public through television, radio, direct mail, billboards, internet, social media, and other digital platforms.
    Read the full bill text here.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Schmitt Renew Bipartisan Fight for More Competition in Pentagon’s AI and Cloud Contracting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 15, 2025

    Bicameral bill aligns with new White House guidelines on AI contracting for government agencies

    Text of Bill (PDF) | Text of One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act to ensure that the Department of Defense (DoD)’s contracting for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing tools prioritizes resiliency and competition. The bill reins in Big Tech monopolies and prevents them from cutting out competitors in the AI and cloud computing markets.

    Representatives Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pat Fallon (R-Texas), and Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives. 

    The reintroduction comes as the White House has released new guidelines on AI procurement that encourage federal agencies to avoid vendor lock-in and to ensure that government data is protected and not used to train commercial AI models. 

    The AI and cloud computing industries are highly concentrated, and a few Silicon Valley companies control the markets the DoD relies on for cloud infrastructure, foundation models, and data infrastructure. DoD has already awarded $9 billion in contracts to Google, Oracle, Microsoft, and Amazon to build its cloud computing network, and requested an additional $1.8 billion for AI programs for Fiscal Year 2025. The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act would ensure that DoD’s new contracts protect competition in the AI and cloud computing markets, instead of giving an unfair advantage to a few big players. The bill also encourages DoD to consider cloud computing services from multiple providers so the agency isn’t locked in by a single tech company.

    Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Require DoD — when contracting with AI and cloud computing companies that make $50 million or more with DoD annually — to hold a competitive award process, ensure that the government maintains exclusive rights to access and use of all government data, mitigate barriers to entry faced by small businesses and nontraditional contractors, and consider multi-cloud technology unless doing so is infeasible or presents a danger to national security. 
    • Require DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) to ensure that government data provided for the purpose of development and operation of AI products to DoD will not be disclosed or used without DoD authorization, and such government data, if stored on vendor systems, has appropriate protections.
    • Require DoD to publish a report every four years on competition, innovation, barriers to entry, and market power concentration in the AI sector, with recommendations for legislative and administrative action.

    Senators Warren and Schmitt first introduced the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act in December 2024. 

    “It’s a mistake to let Silicon Valley monopolize our AI and cloud computing tools because it doesn’t just stifle innovation, it increases costs and threatens our national security,” said Senator Warren. “Our bill will make sure the military can access cutting-edge tools and will keep our markets strong and our information secure.”

    “The Department of Defense’s procurement system must encourage competition instead of allowing a select group of companies to dominate the awards process. We must move away from policies that create risk concentration, and stifle innovation to instead adopt policies that create opportunities for emerging A.I. defense companies. I am proud to be leading this bill that promotes this smart policy, as well as encourage innovation so the U.S. can continue to lead A.I.,” said Senator Eric Schmitt.

    “Competition always pushes the limits of creativity, innovation, and excellence – whether in AI or any other field. That’s why the Department of Defense needs to prioritize competition in its AI and cloud computing contracts to ensure we deploy the best technologies to protect and strengthen our national security. I’m proud to help lead this bicameral legislation that will make our country safer, stronger, and more competitive on the global stage,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs

    “The Department of Defense needs to shape up its federal tech procurement process to protect data and public money from the failures of concentrated power and a lack of competition,” said Congressman Chris Deluzio. “Policies like the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act will promote real competition in the defense technology sector to help keep our military strong, fortified, and ready for anything.”

    “By relying on free market principles, the Department of Defense can help ensure competition and innovation when it comes to the bidding process for government AI and cloud contracts,” said Congressman Pat Fallon. “It’s our duty to ensure the DOD is picking the winners now and, in the future, to keep ahead of our competitors. Due to the varied cyber threats facing our nation today, we must also ensure that AI and cloud related data is secure when it is held exclusively by the federal government. For these reasons, the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act is the next step forward Congress must take in the interest of US national security.”

    The Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act is endorsed by Economic Securities Project Action and the Open Markets Institute.

    Senator Warren has been a leader in the fight to rein in Big Tech and boost competition in the tech and defense sectors: 

    • In May 2025, Secretary of the Army, Daniel P. Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right-to-repair provisions are included in future Army contracts, after pressure from Senator Warren. 
    • In April 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from Mr. Michael Cadenazzi, nominee to be the next Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, to support AI competition and innovation in defense contracting.
    • In April 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) wrote to cloud service providers Google and Microsoft with concerns that their respective partnerships with AI developers Anthropic and OpenAI may violate antitrust laws, leading to fewer choices and higher prices for businesses and consumers using AI tools.
    • In January 2025, at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, a Palantir Executive agreed with Senator Elizabeth Warren that legal loopholes should not enable companies to  price-gouge the military.
    • In September 2024, Senator Warren wrote to Assistant Attorney General of the Antitrust Division at the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) Jonathan Kanter in support of the DOJ’s ongoing probe into Nvidia’s potentially anticompetitive behavior.
    • In February 2024, Senator Warren delivered the keynote address at RemedyFest, where she called out Big Tech for their anti-competitive tactics that have led to market consolidation and record profits.
    • In January 2024, at a hearing of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Senator Warren questioned Emily Kilcrease, Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics, and Security Program at the Center for a New American Security, on the national security risks posed by digital trade rules that allow tech companies to collect, sell, and store Americans’ data wherever is cheapest, including China.
    • In December 2023, Senators Warren, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), along with U.S. Representatives Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), Lori Trahan (D-Mass.), and Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to continue to reject any trade or policy proposals from Big Tech that would deem the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) to be discriminatory or an illegal trade barrier, in order to protect the administration’s shared pro-competition priorities with its European allies. 
    • In November 2023, Senator Warren and U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), led 10 lawmakers in a letter to President Joe Biden, commending his administration’s actions countering Big Tech’s influence in trade negotiations, and asking him to replace “digital trade” provisions lobbied for by Big Tech in Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) negotiations with new language to ensure regulatory agencies and Congress are able to counter Big Tech abuses and develop a new model for digital rules in trade agreements that promotes competition and protects workers, consumers, and small businesses. 
    • In July 2023, Senators Warren and Graham introduced the Bipartisan Digital Consumer Protection Commission Act which would  rein in Big Tech by establishing a new commission to regulate online platforms. The commission would have concurrent jurisdiction with FTC and DOJ, and would be responsible for enforcing the new statutory provisions in the bill and implementing rules to promote competition, protect privacy, protect consumers, and strengthen our national security.
    • In May 2023, Senator Warren released a 22-page investigative report: Big Tech’s Big Con: Rigging Digital Trade Rules to Block Antitrust Regulation. The investigation, based on a review of previously undisclosed emails, reveals that Big Tech is using its revolving door hires to gain backdoor access to key United States Trade Representative and Commerce Department officials, undermining the Biden Administration’s promises to end rigged trade deals and protect workers, consumers, and the environment. 
    • In October 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary Raimondo underscoring the dangers of Big Tech’s digital trade agenda, following up on a letter the lawmakers sent to Secretary Raimondo in July 2022 requesting additional information about the revolving door between Commerce and Big Tech and its potential impact on global digital trade rules.
    • In July 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Jayapal sent a letter to Secretary Raimondo raising questions about the revolving door between the Department of Commerce and Big Tech companies, and its potential impact on global digital trade rules.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Mandatory targets for corporate fleets – E-001328/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is determined to make road transport across the EU more sustainable and resilient, while boosting the competitiveness of our industry and operators. In March 2025, the Commission published the Automotive Action Plan[1] and the communication on Decarbonising Corporate Fleets[2]. In addition, in the mission letter from the President of the Commission, the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism has been called upon to prepare a legislative proposal for clean corporate fleets.

    Based on these commitments, the Commission is preparing a legislative proposal and will explore options and measures in an impact assessment on how to support the uptake of zero-emission vehicles by corporate buyers, without putting unnecessary burden on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and considering criteria on sustainability and resilience. Requirements on companies are only one of the options that will be explored, and all options will scrutinise costs and administrative burden for all parts of the value chain.

    The Commission held an open public consultation in 2024, where more than 250 stakeholders, ranging from businesses and their associations to Member States and non-governmental organisations, put forward their positions on all aspects of corporate fleets. Additionally, the Commission will perform an additional open public consultation focused on options for the legislative proposal. The Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism will hold a Strategic Dialogue specifically on corporate fleets in the course of 2025.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0095
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0096
    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Welcoming US scientists and researchers to Europe after Trump administration budget cuts – E-001093/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU is a safe and attractive place for global researchers, and the Commission is working to further enhance the attractiveness of the EU as a place to conduct cutting-edge research. For example, by supporting the implementation of the new European framework for research careers[1], including the new European Charter for Researchers[2], with a view to retaining EU talents and attracting international ones, including from the US[3].

    Several initiatives are in the pipeline to further attract international talents. This includes a new ‘Choose Europe for Science’ Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action (MSCA)[4] already in 2025 to provide excellent researchers coming to Europe with pathways to stable employment[5], increasing the funding for European Research Council (ERC)[6] grantees who move to Europe from abroad, as well as a visa strategy.

    At the same time, EURAXESS[7] continues to provide personalised support to incoming researchers, covering topics such as visas, relocation, career development, pensions, and family integration.

    Furthermore, the European Research Area (ERA) Talent Platform[8] as a one-stop-shop for researchers ensures the visibility of the attractive environment of European careers, and a Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO)[9] will provide as of mid-2025 data from EU Member States and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ( OECD) countries on research careers to support additional evidence-based policies. Targeted communication activities are currently being assessed.

    A proposal for a legislative ‘ERA Act’ is expected in the 3rd quarter of 2026, which will include measures to further strengthen researchers’ careers and mobility, including the freedom of scientific research, thereby enhancing Europe’s attractiveness for researchers.

    The upcoming advanced digital skills academies under the Digital Europe Programme will include the possibility of establishing fellowship schemes, allowing PhD students and young professionals to work in EU-based companies.

    • [1] Council Recommendation of 18 December 2023 on a European framework to attract and retain research, innovation and entrepreneurial talents in Europe, OJ C C2023/1640, 29/12/2023.
    • [2] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward/european-charter-researchers .
    • [3] Measures include for example a Mutual Learning Exercise ( https://projects.research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/en/statistics/policy-support-facility/psf-challenge/mutual-learning-exercise-research-careers ) under the Horizon Europe Policy Support Facility supporting the exchange of good practices by Member States, a Horizon Europe Talent Ecosystems pilot call https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02-03?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094503,31094502&frameworkProgramme=43108390&callIdentifier=HORIZON-WIDERA-2024-ERA-02&order=ASC&pageNumber=1&pageSize=50&sortBy=identifie supporting attractive careers for early-career researchers, the HR Excellence in Research award https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/hrexcellenceaward to improve working conditions in organisations employing researchers, based on the principles of the European Charter for Researchers, and the enhancement of the RESAVER https://www.resaver.eu/ complementary pension scheme for researchers.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_657 .
    • [5] The MSCA also provide a wide range of training, mobility and career development opportunities that are already available and open to researchers of all nationalities, including US researchers. See https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/.
    • [6] https://erc.europa.eu/about-erc/erc-glance.
    • [7] https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/ .
    • [8] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/ .
    • [9] https://ec.europa.eu/era-talent-platform/reico/ , developed in partnership with the OECD with Horizon Europe support.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Humanitarian aid for Gaza – E-000799/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In 2024, the Commission allocated EUR 237 million in humanitarian aid to address the needs of vulnerable Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank[1]. EU humanitarian aid is delivered according to the humanitarian principles of humanity, independence, impartiality and neutrality[2]. These funds were allocated by the Commission to certified non-governmental partners and international organisations, including United Nations organisations[3].

    Humanitarian non-governmental partners are thoroughly assessed by the Commission on their capacity to observe basic principles and obligations, including respect of the relevant EU, international and national law, as well as compliance with transparency, accountability and internal controls, including risk management mechanisms[4].

    Furthermore, humanitarian partners have taken measures to secure aid delivery, such as securing warehouses, ensuring presence during distributions, and coordinating routes used for movement with Israeli security forces through the Humanitarian Notification System. The Commission is in regular contact with its partners on the ground. Despite the dramatic situation, they are doing their utmost to ensure due diligence, monitoring the situation and their activities.

    Reconstruction goes beyond humanitarian aid and requires a long-term ceasefire as well as other conditions, such as governance and security arrangements, to fall in place. With the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hamas during 2024, the EU was not able to finance any reconstruction activities in Gaza in 2024.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/middle-east-and-northern-africa/palestine_en#how-are-we-helping .
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/who/humanitarian-principles_en.
    • [3] Funded partners operating in Palestine in 2024 were the United Nations Children’s Fund (United States), the World Food Programme (Italy), United Nations Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (Palestine), Norwegian Refugee Council (Norway), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Switzerland), International Committee of the Red Cross (Switzerland), World Health Organisation, War Child (Netherlands), International Rescue Committee (Denmark), Relief International (France), Humanity and Inclusion (France), Action Against Hunger (Spain), Care International (Austria), Médecins du Monde (France), World Vision (Denmark), United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Switzerland), and International NGO Safety Organisation (Netherlands).
    • [4] https://www.dgecho-partners-helpdesk.eu/ngo/humanitarian-partnership-2021-2027/eu-humanitarian-partnership-certificate-2021-2027 .
    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Slovenia to get expressway upgrade with €120 million EIB loan to motorway operator DARS

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • EIB lends Slovenian motorway company DARS €120 million to finance a bypass project near southeastern city of Novo Mesto.
    • Planned Novo Mesto eastern bypass is to improve traffic flow, road safety and air quality in area close to Croatian border.
    • Project includes more than six kilometres of cycling paths as well as bike and pedestrian bridge across river Krka.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is lending €120 million to the Slovenian national motorway company DARS to build a bypass near the southeastern city of Novo Mesto. The planned Novo Mesto eastern bypass is a 9.8-kilometre expressway that will improve traffic flow, road safety and air quality in the region, which is near the border with Croatia.

    The project is expected to boost economic growth in the area by connecting to the A2 motorway, which traverses Slovenia from north to south.

    In line with the EIB’s Climate Bank Roadmap commitments, it continues to invest in road projects such as the one in Novo Mesto, which includes the creation of more than six kilometres of dedicated cycling paths as well as a bike and pedestrian bridge across the river Krka, bolstering actions to promote clean forms of transport and fight climate change.

    “This project reflects our support for sustainable infrastructure development in Slovenia,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “It is part of our broader effort to help improve mobility and quality of life for residents in Novo Mesto and the wider region.”

    The Novo Mesto Eastern Bypass is  part of Slovenia’s plan for sustainable urban mobility and aligns with the European Union’s priorities for infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.

    “We welcome the EIB’s decision to grant DARS the credit facilities to implement this key infrastructure project. We are convinced that it will significantly contribute to the development of the municipality and the wider region, while at the same time improving road safety and traffic flow for all users,” said the President of the Board of DARS, mag. Andrej Ribi.

    The EIB’s advisory services, including technical assistance from JASPERS, helped in the project preparation by being involved in feasibility studies and environmental-impact assessments. 

    Background information

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

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

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in the organisation’s Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate-change mitigation, adaptation and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the EU is directed towards cohesion regions, where per-capita income is lower than the EU average. 

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

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU ETS for maritime transport – P-001895/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001895/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Asger Christensen (Renew)

    • 1.The current regulatory regime for the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) for maritime transport only covers ships above 5000 gross tonnage. Does the Commission agree that exempting all ships below 5000 gross tonnage significantly distorts competition in the internal market, and is it prepared to rectify what is unfair competition by including all ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage within the EU ETS for maritime transport from 1 January 2027?
    • 2.The current regulatory regime for the EU ETS for maritime transport only covers ships above 5000 gross tonnage. Does the Commission take the view that exempting ships below 5000 gross tonnage incentivises owners of smaller ships to replace their fleets with modern, highly energy-efficient vessels with low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission ratings? If not, is the Commission prepared to rectify what is unfair competition by including all ships between 400 and 5000 gross tonnage within the EU ETS for maritime transport from 1 January 2027?
    • 3.Does the Commission agree that the Innovation Fund, which allocates funding from the EU ETS, could usefully be extended to subsidise the retrofitting of low energy efficiency vessels that have high GHG emission ratings?

    Submitted: 13.5.2025

    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Calviño: EIB Group to provide €70 billion for tech firms and innovators

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB Group President Nadia Calviño explains how Europe can benefit from the Trump chaos, with the tech sector set to receive a massive financial boost.


    Interview by Carsten Volkery (published by Handelsblatt)

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group is launching a new initiative to close Europe’s investment gap with the United States, aiming to provide €70 billion in startup funding by 2027. This will encourage private investors to get on board with projects, unlocking as much as €250 billion in investment for the European tech sector.

    “This is the largest ever programme to exclusively support European innovation and technological leadership,” EIB Group President Nadia Calviño told Handelsblatt. The goal, she explained, is to finance research projects and companies “from idea to IPO.”

    This also includes supporting the exit of company founders and venture capital investors – who often sell their stakes to US investors, who can afford to buy them. In the future, the EIB could help EU firms to acquire promising startups to prevent technologies from being sold out of Europe.

    TechEU platform to launch this year

    Set to launch later this year, the EIB’s TechEU platform is designed to provide researchers and companies with a one-stop shop for all their financing needs. Calviño says that EU support will become “larger, faster and simpler.” The EIB will work closely with the European Commission, and national promotional banks such as Germany’s KfW may also participate.

    The plan still needs to be approved by the Bank’s Board of Governors, which is made up of the finance ministers of the 27 EU Member States. The EIB Group President gave her perspective to a meeting of the finance ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, and hopes for a positive decision in June.

    She also sees an opportunity in US President Donald Trump’s erratic economic policy and the uncertainty it has caused. “The current situation in the United States creates an opportunity for Europe to attract talent, to attract investment, to attract capital,” she said. “We see strong interest in Europe from international investors.”

    Brain drain warning from US researchers

    In recent weeks and months, the US administration has massively cut research funding for institutions such as the elite Harvard and Columbia universities. US researchers are already warning of brain drain as leading scientists leave the country.

    Former President of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Leo Rafael Reif wrote in Foreign Affairs magazine that the Trump administration seems intent on destroying one of the United States’ greatest strengths. The recent cuts to university funding, he writes, risk “draining a crucial source of new ideas for industry and the military.”

    Calviño emphasised that Europe is a “beacon of stability, clarity and confidence” in the current geopolitical environment. This is what investors are looking for. The EIB is also the only multilateral development bank whose shareholders are the EU Member States. “We are not confronted with the same sort of uncertainties that other multilateral development banks are going through,” she says. This enhances the international role of the EIB.

    The EIB’s goal is to back EU policy objectives. It catalyses private investment by offering only partial financing for projects, thereby mobilising public and private sector co-investors. It lent €89 billion last year, and plans to provide €95 billion this year.

    Europe’s largest venture capital financier

    Beyond guarantees and loans, the EIB also takes equity stakes in companies. It is Europe’s largest venture capital financier and its biggest venture debt provider. The various EU funding programmes for researchers and startups will be linked together on the new TechEU platform, meaning that each project will only need to be appraised once.

    The EIB’s prominent role in venture capital financing shows just how underdeveloped Europe’s private capital markets really are. Calviño says that this new initiative aims to nurture the private venture capital ecosystem in Europe. The hope is that, in time, European startups will no longer be obliged to go to the United States to meet their growth phase capital needs.

    However, critics accuse the EIB of being too conservative in its investment approach. In his report on EU competitiveness published last year, EU Special Advisor Mario Draghi called on the Bank to take on more risk to foster breakthrough innovation.

    EIB to take on more risk

    Calviño says that the EIB has already become more willing to take risks. It intends to continue on that track with the TechEU programme, supporting an extra 1 000 EU champions and innovators every year. At the same time, the EIB must ensure it preserves its AAA credit rating, which enables it to raise funds cheaply on the capital markets. It can then pass these funds on to companies.

    Calviño also promises to cut red tape, aiming to return decisions on venture capital financing applications within six months. “This would be a gamechanger.”

    The tech sector often complains that response times are too long. In the past, the EIB has always framed its thorough appraisal process as a hallmark of quality, as it keeps loan default rates very low. But it now seems to have been understood that speed is also a critical factor.

    Another innovation driver could be the defence sector. The EIB has recently made defence one of its core strategic priorities and now also finances purely military projects. “Security and defence investments can certainly help the technology agenda,” said Calviño.

    The Bank already has a pipeline of 22 projects in this sector, supporting drone manufacturers and space companies, for example, as well as several defence-focused venture capital funds.

    According to Calviño, Europe already has almost everything it needs to close the technology gap with the United States. “Europe has a very large market, 450 million citizens, excellent universities, excellent research centres and companies, and brilliant startup ecosystems. With deeper and larger capital markets, we can ensure that technologies and startups born in the European Union can be financed and scale up in Europe.”

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Bridgestone’s restructuring plan for its plants in the Basque Country and Cantabria – E-001853/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001853/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Idoia Mendia (S&D), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Gabriele Bischoff (S&D), Jonás Fernández (S&D), Elena Sancho Murillo (S&D), Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D)

    Bridgestone Spain Manufacturing, one of Spain’s leading tyre producers, has announced a restructuring plan that will lead to 546 workers being laid off at its plants in the Basque Country and Cantabria.

    The company justifies this measure by changes on the European market, citing inflation, rising costs, regulatory pressure and international competition as the reasons behind the move. Unions are demanding that a stop be brought to these redundancies, and are calling for real negotiations and a credible industrial plan to ensure the future of these plants.

    The Commission has presented the Clean Industry Deal and is preparing a specific plan for the automotive sector with the aim of strengthening European industry.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the situation announced by Bridgestone in Spain and does it intend to respond in any way to these mass redundancies, which are seriously affecting industrial employment in regions which are already feeling the strain?
    • 2.At a key moment for the reindustrialisation of the European Union, which is essential for strengthening the Union’s strategic autonomy, what mechanisms does the Commission intend to activate to protect industrial employment and prevent such situations – to which other Member States are no stangers either – from recurring time and time again, with devastating consequences for thousands of workers and their families?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Social situation at ArcelorMittal France and the future of steelmaking in Europe – P-001882/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001882/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anthony Smith (The Left), Manon Aubry (The Left), Marina Mesure (The Left), Damien Carême (The Left), Emma Fourreau (The Left), Leila Chaibi (The Left), Arash Saeidi (The Left)

    On 23 April 2025, the ArcelorMittal France group announced the closure of 636 jobs at seven sites in France, a few months after having already cut 135 jobs at Denain and Reims. This decision comes after the suspension of its European decarbonisation projects, including the flagship hydrogen furnace project in Dunkirk, despite EUR 850 million being promised in grants and the allocation of EUR 622 million by the state since 2013. In addition, the company chose to invest almost a billion dollars in a new plant in the United States, rather than in Europe.

    Given the strategic importance of the steel sector for European industry and sovereignty, as well as the company’s evident willingness to offshore its activities and leave Europe, does the Commission intend to:

    • 1.Support the decarbonisation of the European steel industry by granting public aid under strict environmental and social criteria, as proposed in the Clean Industrial Deal, in particular as regards a ban on redundancies when a company that received support is making a profit?
    • 2.Require European companies to use European-made steel?
    • 3.Encourage state intervention, through nationalisation, in companies in strategic sectors, such as the steel industry?

    Submitted: 12.5.2025

    Last updated: 15 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism – A10-0085/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety
    Rapporteur: Antonio Decaro
    (Simplified procedure – Rule 52(2) of the Rules of Procedure)

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    (COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0087),

     having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10-0035/2025),

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

     having regard to the budgetary assessment by the Committee on Budgets,

     having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee of 29 April 2025[1],

     after consulting the Committee of the Regions,

     having regard to Rules 60 and 58 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the opinions of he Committee on International Trade and the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (A10-0085/2025),

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

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

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

     

    Amendment  1

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 25 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (25a) The CBAM applies to importation of electricity, but it should not apply to electricity generated entirely in the exclusive economic zone of an EEA Member State and imported directly into the customs territory of the Union ;

    Amendment  2

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 1 – paragraph 1 – point 1 – point b a (new)

    Regulation (EU) 2023/956

    Article 2 – paragraph 3 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (ba) the following paragraph 3b is inserted:

     

    3b. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, this Regulation shall not apply to electricity generated entirely in the exclusive economic zone of an EEA Member State and imported directly into the customs territory of the Union.

    Amendment  3

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex I – paragraph 1 – point 1 a (new)

    Regulation (EU) 2023/956

    Annex IV – point 3 – paragraph 1 – subparagraph 5

     

    Present text

    Amendment

     

    (1a) In point 3, in the notes explaining the formula for SEEg in the first paragraph, the note for EEImpMat is replaced by the following:

    EEInpMat

    EEInpMat

    are the embedded emissions of the input materials (precursors) consumed in the production process. Only input materials (precursors) listed as relevant to the system boundaries of the production process as specified in the implementing act adopted pursuant to Article 7(7) are to be considered. The relevant EEInpMat are calculated as follows:

    are the embedded emissions of the input materials (precursors) consumed in the production process. Only input materials (precursors) listed in Annex I and originating in third countries and territories that are not exempted pursuant to Annex III, Section 1 are to be considered. The relevant EEInpMat are calculated as follows:

    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.

     

     

    28.4.2025BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGETS

    for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    (COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment: Sandra Gómez López 

    The Committee on Budgets has carried out a budgetary assessment of the proposal under Rule 58 of the Rules of Procedure and has reached the following conclusions:

    A. whereas the proposal by the Commission to simplify the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism(CBAM) aims at achieving significant savings in terms of administrative costs for EU importers of CBAM goods;

    B. whereas the proceeds of the CBAM are to become an EU own resource according to the amended Commission proposal of 23 June 2023 for a Council decision amending Decision (EU, Euratom) 2020/2053 on the system of own resources of the European Union (COM(2023)0331); whereas Parliament approved this proposal in its legislative resolution of 9 November 2023[2];

    C. whereas the Council has failed to implement the steps set out in the legally binding roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources laid down in the Interinstitutional Agreement (IIA), the objectives of this roadmap being to introduce sufficient new own resources to at least cover the repayment of NextGenerationEU (NGEU) debt;

    D. whereas the estimated revenue from the CBAM would diminish in proportion to the CO2 emissions captured in the scope of the simplified regulation; whereas this impact would remain modest, presumably within one per cent of the overall estimated revenue;

    E. whereas the Commission proposal entails additional operational expenditure in Heading 3 to be financed by means of redeployment from a budget line in Heading 4 and administrative expenditure for human resources in Heading 7 to be financed by redeployment within Heading 7;

    F. whereas the penalties for CBAM declarants in breach of the regulation are, in principle, to be aligned with excess emission penalties under the Emissions Trading System (ETS); whereas the national competent authorities remain in charge of establishing and enforcing such measures based on implementing acts;

    1. Takes note of the proposal to simplify the CBAM regulation in the context of an overall initiative to improve the EU’s competitiveness;

    2. Recalls that Parliament has repeatedly endorsed a new own resource based on the CBAM and is keenly aware that this own resource is one of the few candidates that also enjoy tangible support from the Member States in the Council; regrets, therefore, that the embedded emissions covered under the reduced scope of the CBAM would lead to proportionately lower own resources revenue from the CBAM; acknowledges, however, that the amounts (in the order of EUR 20 million per year) and share (1 %) concerned are modest compared to the overall figures that the CBAM is expected to produce in terms of revenue;

    3. Confirms that the amending regulation remains compatible with Parliament’s consultative opinion of 9 November 2023, which approves the Commission’s proposal for an amended Council decision on the system of own resources, including a new own resource based on the CBAM;

    4. Considers that there are no provisions in the amending regulation that would fall under Rule 58(4), i.e. covering exclusively budgetary aspects which the committee responsible for the subject matter would not be allowed to amend; considers, furthermore, that no legislative amendments in this regard are necessary at this stage;

    5. Recalls that the amendments or compromises in the course of the negotiations must not lead to any provisions contradicting Parliament’s established position on the use of CBAM revenue as an own resource; considers it necessary, therefore, to take part in the further negotiations, including the trilogues, in order to monitor the consistency with Parliament’s position on own resources and other pertinent budget-related provisions, and to ensure that the final agreement is compatible with the current MFF;

    6. Observes certain flaws and errors in the Legislative Financial and Digital Statement (LFS) that should be rectified in the course of the further process, in a revised version of the Statement; questions, in this respect, the annual amounts listed in the table under Section 3.3 and, in particular, whether there will already be any revenue collected in 2026; also considers that the budget line (which is from the expenditure title) mentioned in this section is incorrect; recalls that in order to be consistent with present practice and the proposed own resources legislation, amounts indicated in this section should be shown ‘net’ of the 25 % collection costs to be retained by Member States and converted into current prices;

    7. Acknowledges that the level of revenue foregone, in the order of EUR 21 million as of 2030, is non-material compared to the cost savings for companies, especially SMEs, and acceptable in view of the overall revenue expected from the CBAM;

    8. Takes note of the necessary additional operational and administrative appropriations as indicated in the LFS; reiterates its long-standing position that new tasks and responsibilities should, in principle, be financed by fresh resources; deplores the limited margins available in the MFF and acknowledges that they could justify a certain level of reallocation; warns that the additional operational amounts will use a sizeable share of the remaining margin under Heading 3; also recognises that the redeployment from the instrument for financial support for customs control equipment (CCEI) implies the creation of some additional margin in Heading 4; determines that the amounts mentioned under points 3.2.1, 3.2.3 and 3.2.6 in the LFS are compatible with the MFF ceilings in Headings 3, 4 and 7, but will require adjustments in the financial programming; questions, nonetheless, whether such redeployment operations are in line with the ring-fencing logic of the MFF headings;

    9. Questions why a reduction of the scope, by an alleged 90 %, of companies to be registered as authorised CBAM declarants does not lead to a lower level of administrative needs under Heading 7;

    10. Acknowledges that any substantive changes in the governance of the implementation and enforcement of the CBAM, such as those related to the penalties for non-compliance, would be beyond the scope of this simplification initiative; considers, however, in light of the planned revision of the CBAM regulation, that the proceeds of the penalties could eventually be considered as general revenue for the EU budget;

    11. Notes that the simplification initiative is also presented as a key enabler for a potential future extension of the scope of the CBAM; expects that such an extension would have significant budgetary implications, including for revenue flows;

    12. Recalls that the Union’s budget is under strain and stresses the need for additional sustainable and resilient revenue; points to the legally binding roadmap towards the introduction of new own resources laid down in the IIA, in which Parliament, the Council and the Commission undertook to introduce sufficient new own resources to at least cover the repayment of NGEU debt; recalls its support for the amended Commission proposal on the system of own resources; is deeply concerned by the complete absence of progress on the system of own resources in the Council; calls on the Council to adopt this proposal as a matter of urgency and urges the Commission to spare no effort in supporting the adoption process; calls, furthermore, on the Commission to continue efforts to identify additional genuine new own resources beyond those specified in the IIA.

    As part of its budgetary assessment, the Committee on Budgets also submits the following amendments to the proposal:

    Amendment  1

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital [10] a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    ([10]a). This Regulation has implications for the Union budget. Accordingly, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets adopted a budgetary assessment, which forms an integral part of Parliament’s mandate for negotiations.

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

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

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

    Title

    Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    References

    COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)

    Committee(s) responsible

    ENVI

     

     

     

     Date announced in plenary

    BUDG

    31.3.2025

    Rapporteur for budgetary assessment

     Date appointed

    Sandra Gómez López

    26.3.2025

    Discussed in committee

    31.3.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    23.4.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    23

    9

    1

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Rasmus Andresen, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Olivier Chastel, Thomas Geisel, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Monika Hohlmeier, Alexander Jungbluth, Fabienne Keller, Giuseppe Lupo, Siegfried Mureşan, Matjaž Nemec, Danuše Nerudová, João Oliveira, Ruggero Razza, Karlo Ressler, Bogdan Rzońca, Julien Sanchez, Hélder Sousa Silva, Nicolae Ştefănuță, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs, Lucia Yar, Auke Zijlstra

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Stine Bosse, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Protas

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

    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Tobias Cremer, Marieke Ehlers, Julien Leonardelli, Philippe Olivier

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
    IN COMMITTEE ASKED FOR BUDGETARY ASSESSMENT

    23

    +

    NI

    Thomas Geisel

    PPE

    Georgios Aftias, Isabel Benjumea Benjumea, Monika Hohlmeier, Siegfried Mureşan, Danuše Nerudová, Jacek Protas, Karlo Ressler, Hélder Sousa Silva

    Renew

    Stine Bosse, Olivier Chastel, Fabienne Keller, Lucia Yar

    S&D

    Tobias Cremer, Jean-Marc Germain, Sandra Gómez López, Giuseppe Lupo, Matjaž Nemec, Carla Tavares, Nils Ušakovs

    Verts/ALE

    Rasmus Andresen, Rasmus Nordqvist, Nicolae Ştefănuță

     

    9

    ECR

    Bogdan Rzońca

    ESN

    Alexander Jungbluth

    PfE

    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Marieke Ehlers, Julien Leonardelli, Philippe Olivier, Julien Sanchez, Auke Zijlstra

    The Left

    João Oliveira

     

    1

    0

    ECR

    Ruggero Razza

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

     : against

    0 : abstention

     

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE (24.4.2025)

    for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    (COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Karin Karlsbro

     

     

    The Committee on International Trade calls on the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament adopt its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal.

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

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

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    Title

    Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    References

    COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)

    Committee(s) responsible

    ENVI

     

     

     

    Opinion by

     Date announced in plenary

    INTA

    31.3.2025

    Rapporteur for the opinion

     Date appointed

    Karin Karlsbro

    19.3.2025

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    7.4.2025

    Discussed in committee

    7.4.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    23.4.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    36

    2

    0

    Members present for the final vote

    Manon Aubry, Christophe Bay, Udo Bullmann, Andi Cristea, Raphaël Glucksmann, Markéta Gregorová, Svenja Hahn, Taner Kabilov, Karin Karlsbro, Rihards Kols, Sebastian Kruis, Bernd Lange, Ilia Lazarov, Miriam Lexmann, Thierry Mariani, Gabriel Mato, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Daniele Polato, Kathleen Van Brempt, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne, Catarina Vieira, Jörgen Warborn, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Petras Auštrevičius, Nicolas Bay, Saskia Bricmont, Markus Buchheit, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Fabio De Masi, Jean-Marc Germain, Hana Jalloul Muro, Sandra Kalniete, David McAllister, Jessika Van Leeuwen

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

    Alexander Bernhuber, Daniel Buda, Fabrice Leggeri

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
    BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    36

    +

    ECR

    Nicolas Bay, Rihards Kols, Daniele Polato

    NI

    Fabio De Masi, Taner Kabilov

    PPE

    Alexander Bernhuber, Daniel Buda, Sandra Kalniete, Ilia Lazarov, Miriam Lexmann, David McAllister, Gabriel Mato, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Jörgen Warborn, Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski, Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez

    PfE

    Christophe Bay, Sebastian Kruis, Fabrice Leggeri, Thierry Mariani

    Renew

    Petras Auštrevičius, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Marie-Pierre Vedrenne

    S&D

    Udo Bullmann, Andi Cristea, Jean-Marc Germain, Raphaël Glucksmann, Hana Jalloul Muro, Bernd Lange, Javier Moreno Sánchez, Kathleen Van Brempt

    Verts/ALE

    Saskia Bricmont, Markéta Gregorová, Catarina Vieira

     

    2

    ESN

    Markus Buchheit

    The Left

    Manon Aubry

     

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

     : against

    0 : abstention

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRY, RESEARCH AND ENERGY (23.4.2025)

    for the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism.

    (COM(2025)0087 – C10‑0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Filip Turek

    (Simplified procedure – Rule 52(2) and (3) of the Rules of Procedure)

     

    SHORT JUSTIFICATION

    The European Commission’ proposals aims at simplifying the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) obligations for small importers—primarily SMEs and individuals—by introducing a new de minimis exemption for imports below 50 tonnes mass. These importers bring in minor volumes of CBAM goods, resulting in negligible levels of embedded emissions entering the EU from third countries. Despite this exemption, approximately 99% of total embedded emissions would remain covered under CBAM, while around 90% of importers would be relieved from its obligations. For those importers who continue to fall within the CBAM scope, the proposal also includes a series of simplifications aimed at easing compliance. These measures involve streamlining the authorisation process for declarants, simplifying emission calculation procedures and improving the management of CBAM-related financial liabilities.

    The initiative takes a more pragmatic approach for improving the overall functioning of CBAM, particularly by easing the obligations placed on smaller economic actors. Thus, the proposed exemption marks a necessary and welcome simplification. This, along with the accompanying set of procedural facilitations, represents a step forward in ensuring that the CBAM can be administratively manageable.

    Within the Omnibus framework, it is appropriate to concentrate on the elements explicitly opened by the Commission, while awaiting the upcoming comprehensive review, which will provide a more suitable occasion to consider structural and far-reaching revisions, including concerns on the effectiveness of CBAM.

    In its current design, CBAM disproportionately affects certain energy-intensive sectors and risks being an ineffective tool to ensure a level playing field for EU industries and to prevent carbon leakage. In fact, it could undermine the EU competitiveness by increasing the production costs and the administrative burdens for EU companies.

    The structural revision is therefore urgent to address the risks of resource reshuffling and circumvention. Equally pressing is the postponement (or the deletion) of the phase out from the ETS free allowances, as well as the need to implement effective solutions for EU exporters. Moreover, the possible extension of CBAM to downstream products should be preceded by a thorough and comprehensive impact assessment. 

    While the ITRE Committee will refrain from tabling amendments to the proposal, the threshold could have merited more in-depth consideration. The de minimis exemption may in fact be too low to reflect meaningfully the reality of many SMEs and micro-enterprises. Data indicates that several businesses, including those officially categorized as “micro,” regularly exceed the threshold of 50 tonnes. Hence, a balanced solution could be raising it to at least 110 tons. This adjustment would strike a more realistic and equitable balance, enhancing the administrative feasibility of the CBAM, while continuing to capture the vast majority of emissions within the scope of the Mechanism (according to Commission estimates, still over 98%). The exemption of more importers from CBAM obligations would also generate additional cost savings, without significantly undermining the ratio of the proposal.

    In conclusion, waiting for the upcoming comprehensive review, which will provide a timely opportunity to address the outstanding issues, the Rapporteur notes the willingness of the ITRE Committee to not table amendments and supports the Commission’s initiative.

     

    *******

    The Committee on Industry, Research and Energy calls on the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, as the committee responsible, to propose that Parliament adopt its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal.

     

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

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

    Entity and/or person

    Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic

    ČEZ Group

    Emerson International

    Italian Confederation of Craft Trades and Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

    European Express Association

    Round Table on Climate Change and Sustainable Transition

    Office of the Government of the Czech Republic

    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 he 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

    Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    References

    COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)

    Committee(s) responsible

    ENVI

     

     

     

    Opinion by

     Date announced in plenary

    ITRE

    31.3.2025

    Rapporteur for the opinion

     Date appointed

    Filip Turek

    25.3.2025

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    18.3.2025

    Date adopted

    24.4.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    73

    5

    6

    Members present for the final vote

    Wouter Beke, Tom Berendsen, Michael Bloss, Barbara Bonte, Paolo Borchia, Markus Buchheit, Borys Budka, João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Elena Donazzan, Matthias Ecke, Sofie Eriksson, Jan Farský, Niels Fuglsang, Bruno Gonçalves, Nicolás González Casares, Giorgio Gori, Niels Flemming Hansen, Eero Heinäluoma, Ivars Ijabs, Fernand Kartheiser, Seán Kelly, Rudi Kennes, Ondřej Krutílek, Eszter Lakos, Isabella Lövin, Yannis Maniatis, Sara Matthieu, Marina Mesure, Angelika Niebler, Ville Niinistö, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Tsvetelina Penkova, Pascale Piera, Jüri Ratas, Aura Salla, Elena Sancho Murillo, Jussi Saramo, Paulius Saudargas, Diego Solier, Marcin Sypniewski, Beata Szydło, Dario Tamburrano, Bruno Tobback, Matej Tonin, Yvan Verougstraete, Mariateresa Vivaldini, Andrea Wechsler, Elena Yoncheva, Auke Zijlstra, Nicola Zingaretti

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Christophe Bay, Adam Bielan, Marc Botenga, Andi Cristea, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Chiara Gemma, Andreas Glück, Michalis Hadjipantela, Martin Hojsík, Radan Kanev, Katri Kulmuni, Sergey Lagodinsky, András László, Marion Maréchal, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Pierre-Romain Thionnet, Francesco Torselli, Marie Toussaint

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

    Magdalena Adamowicz, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Krzysztof Brejza, Jaroslav Bžoch, José Cepeda, Vivien Costanzo, Ton Diepeveen, Siegbert Frank Droese, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Svenja Hahn, Andrzej Halicki, Ilia Lazarov, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Axel Voss

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL
    BY THE COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    73

    +

    ECR

    Adam Bielan, Elena Donazzan, Chiara Gemma, Fernand Kartheiser, Ondřej Krutílek, Marion Maréchal, Diego Solier, Beata Szydło, Francesco Torselli, Mariateresa Vivaldini

    NI

    Elena Yoncheva

    PPE

    Magdalena Adamowicz, Wouter Beke, Tom Berendsen, Krzysztof Brejza, Raúl de la Hoz Quintano, Jan Farský, Kamila Gasiuk-Pihowicz, Michalis Hadjipantela, Andrzej Halicki, Niels Flemming Hansen, Radan Kanev, Seán Kelly, Eszter Lakos, Ilia Lazarov, Angelika Niebler, Jüri Ratas, Aura Salla, Paulius Saudargas, Matej Tonin, Axel Voss, Andrea Wechsler

    PfE

    Christophe Bay, Paolo Borchia, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Jaroslav Bžoch, Anne-Sophie Frigout, András László, Pascale Piera, Pierre-Romain Thionnet

    Renew

    João Cotrim De Figueiredo, Andreas Glück, Svenja Hahn, Martin Hojsík, Ivars Ijabs, Katri Kulmuni, Jan-Christoph Oetjen, Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Vlad Vasile-Voiculescu, Yvan Verougstraete

    S&D

    José Cepeda, Vivien Costanzo, Andi Cristea, Matthias Ecke, Sofie Eriksson, Niels Fuglsang, Bruno Gonçalves, Nicolás González Casares, Giorgio Gori, Eero Heinäluoma, Yannis Maniatis, Thomas Pellerin-Carlin, Tsvetelina Penkova, Elena Sancho Murillo, Bruno Tobback, Nicola Zingaretti

    Verts/ALE

    Michael Bloss, Sergey Lagodinsky, Isabella Lövin, Sara Matthieu, Ville Niinistö, Virginijus Sinkevičius, Marie Toussaint

     

    5

    The Left

    Marc Botenga, Rudi Kennes, Marina Mesure, Jussi Saramo, Dario Tamburrano

     

    6

    0

    ESN

    Markus Buchheit, Siegbert Frank Droese, Marcin Sypniewski

    PfE

    Barbara Bonte, Ton Diepeveen, Auke Zijlstra

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

     : against

    0 : abstention

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Title

    Amending Regulation (EU) 2023/956 as regards simplifying and strengthening the carbon border adjustment mechanism

    References

    COM(2025)0087 – C10-0035/2025 – 2025/0039(COD)

    Date submitted to Parliament

    27.2.2025

     

     

     

    Committee(s) responsible

    ENVI

     

     

     

    Committees asked for opinions

     Date announced in plenary

    BUDG

    23.4.2025

    INTA

    31.3.2025

    ITRE

    31.3.2025

     

    Rapporteurs

     Date appointed

    Antonio Decaro

    10.3.2025

     

     

     

    Simplified procedure – date of decision

    10.3.2025

    Discussed in committee

    18.3.2025

     

     

     

    Budgetary assessment

     Date of budgetary assessment

    BUDG

    23.4.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    13.5.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    85

    1

    1

    Members present for the final vote

    Bartosz Arłukowicz, Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Anja Arndt, Thomas Bajada, Barbara Bonte, Stine Bosse, Lynn Boylan, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Pascal Canfin, Laurent Castillo, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Ivan David, Antonio Decaro, Ondřej Dostál, Viktória Ferenc, Pietro Fiocchi, Emma Fourreau, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Heléne Fritzon, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Esther Herranz García, Martin Hojsík, Pär Holmgren, Romana Jerković, Marc Jongen, Ondřej Knotek, Stefan Köhler, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Peter Liese, Javi López, César Luena, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Tilly Metz, Dolors Montserrat, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jana Nagyová, Rasmus Nordqvist, Jacek Ozdoba, Jutta Paulus, Michele Picaro, Jessica Polfjärd, Carola Rackete, Massimiliano Salini, Lena Schilling, Christine Schneider, Günther Sidl, Jonas Sjöstedt, Sander Smit, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Beatrice Timgren, Dimitris Tsiodras, Alexandr Vondra, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik, Tiemo Wölken, Anna Zalewska

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Biljana Borzan, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Stefano Cavedagna, Susanna Ceccardi, Sebastian Everding, Michalis Hadjipantela, Paolo Inselvini, Adam Jarubas, Nora Junco García, Karin Karlsbro, Billy Kelleher, Norbert Lins, Letizia Moratti, Maria Ohisalo, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Manuela Ripa, André Rodrigues, Elena Sancho Murillo, Christine Singer, Liesbet Sommen, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Anna Stürgkh, Bruno Tobback, Raffaele Topo

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

    Javier Moreno Sánchez, Séverine Werbrouck

    Date tabled

    14.5.2025

     

    FINAL VOTE BY ROLL CALL BY THE COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    85

    +

    ECR

    Stefano Cavedagna, Pietro Fiocchi, Paolo Inselvini, Nora Junco García, Jacek Ozdoba, Michele Picaro, Claudiu-Richard Târziu, Beatrice Timgren, Alexandr Vondra, Anna Zalewska

    ESN

    Anja Arndt, Ivan David, Marc Jongen

    NI

    Ondřej Dostál

    PPE

    Bartosz Arłukowicz, Laurent Castillo, Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, Michalis Hadjipantela, Esther Herranz García, Adam Jarubas, Stefan Köhler, Ewa Kopacz, András Tivadar Kulja, Peter Liese, Norbert Lins, Elżbieta Katarzyna Łukacijewska, Dolors Montserrat, Letizia Moratti, Dan-Ştefan Motreanu, Jessica Polfjärd, Virgil-Daniel Popescu, Manuela Ripa, Massimiliano Salini, Christine Schneider, Sander Smit, Liesbet Sommen, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Dimitris Tsiodras

    PfE

    Barbara Bonte, Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain, Jorge Buxadé Villalba, Viktória Ferenc, Anne-Sophie Frigout, Ondřej Knotek, Jana Nagyová, Sebastiaan Stöteler, Séverine Werbrouck

    Renew

    Stine Bosse, Pascal Canfin, Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, Martin Hojsík, Karin Karlsbro, Billy Kelleher, Christine Singer, Anna Stürgkh, Emma Wiesner, Michal Wiezik

    S&D

    Sakis Arnaoutoglou, Thomas Bajada, Biljana Borzan, Christophe Clergeau, Annalisa Corrado, Antonio Decaro, Heléne Fritzon, Romana Jerković, Javi López, César Luena, Javier Moreno Sánchez, André Rodrigues, Elena Sancho Murillo, Günther Sidl, Bruno Tobback, Raffaele Topo, Tiemo Wölken

    The Left

    Lynn Boylan, Sebastian Everding, Carola Rackete, Jonas Sjöstedt

    Verts/ALE

    Pär Holmgren, Ignazio Roberto Marino, Tilly Metz, Rasmus Nordqvist, Maria Ohisalo, Jutta Paulus, Lena Schilling

     

    1

    The Left

    Emma Fourreau

     

    1

    0

    PfE

    Susanna Ceccardi

     

    Key to symbols:

    + : in favour

     : against

    0 : abstention

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI: Best Payday Loans Online: Fast $255 Payday Loans Near Me With Heart Paydays Loans And No Credit Check, Bad Credit

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROMFORD, United Kingdom, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Life happens quickly, and sometimes it throws us unexpected financial challenges. Whether it’s a car repair, an urgent medical bill, or just the need to make it to payday, these emergencies often require fast access to money. Unfortunately, not everyone has the savings to cover these sudden costs.

    This is where payday loans come in. Payday loans are short-term loans designed to help people bridge the gap between paychecks. They offer a quick solution when you need money fast. But with so many payday lenders available online, it can be tough to know where to turn.

    Need fast cash for emergencies? Click here to get started with Heart Paydays Loans and apply for payday loans online today!

    In this article, we will discuss the best payday loans online, focusing on Heart Paydays Loans as a top provider for quick, flexible, and trustworthy payday loans. Whether you’re looking for payday loans near me, payday loan bad credit, or quick payday loans no credit check, we’ll explore how Heart Paydays Loans stands out as a reliable option for urgent financial needs.

    Why Payday Loans Are a Great Option for Emergencies

    Emergencies can hit at any time, and often, they don’t come with a lot of warning. You may find yourself needing money for a car repair, hospital visit, or unexpected travel expenses. Traditional loan options can be slow, require lots of paperwork, and be out of reach for people with poor credit. That’s where payday loans come in as a lifeline.

    1. Quick and Easy Access to Funds

    When you need money fast, payday loans near me can be a great option. Online payday loans, especially through Heart Paydays Loans, are fast, with many people receiving their funds in as little as 1 hour. Whether it’s an emergency or a small unexpected cost, payday loans provide the speed you need.

    2. Accessible Even for Those with Bad Credit

    Not everyone has a perfect credit score, and some people may be dealing with payday loan bad credit situations. With traditional loans, a low credit score could mean an automatic rejection. But payday lenders like Heart Paydays Loans don’t just rely on credit scores. They look at your income and ability to repay the loan, making it easier for individuals with poor credit to get the money they need. Many lenders like Heart Paydays Loans offer best payday loans for bad credit, which is great news for those needing immediate funds.

    Worried about your credit score? Click here to check your credit score online for free and see where you stand!

    3. Simple Application Process

    Applying for a payday loan is often easier than applying for traditional bank loans. The application process is usually done online and can be completed in just a few minutes. Heart Paydays Loans offers a streamlined online application, meaning you can apply and get approved without leaving your house.

    4. Flexible Loan Terms

    Another benefit of payday loans is flexibility. You can choose the loan amount you need and select repayment terms that work for your budget. Whether you’re looking for a small loan or a larger one, payday loans offer flexibility to fit your needs.

    Looking for payday loans near you? Click here to find a Heart Paydays Loans location or apply online now!

    What to Look for in the Best Payday Loans Online

    When searching for the best payday loans online, it’s crucial to consider certain factors that can help you avoid excessive debt and ensure you’re getting the best deal for your financial situation. Here are some key features to look for:

    1. Low Interest Rates

    One of the most important aspects to consider when applying for payday loans is the interest rate. Many payday lenders charge high interest rates, which can make it difficult to repay the loan and avoid falling into a cycle of debt.

    Look for loans that offer reasonable Annual Percentage Rates (APR)—ideally, below 36%—to avoid sky-high rates that could leave you paying far more than you initially borrowed. Some online lenders, like Heart Paydays Loans, are known for offering competitive and transparent rates, making them a good option for those who need funds quickly without breaking the bank.

    2. Clear Terms and Transparency

    A reputable payday loan provider will offer clear terms with no hidden fees or surprises. Before agreeing to any loan, make sure you understand the full terms of repayment, including the APR, the total amount to be repaid, and any associated fees. Good payday loan providers will be transparent about the costs, ensuring that you know exactly what to expect from the start.

    For example, Heart Paydays Loans provides detailed loan terms up front, so borrowers don’t have to worry about hidden fees or unclear conditions. You’ll know how much you’re borrowing, what the interest rate is, and how much you’ll pay back at the end of the loan.

    3. Fast Disbursement

    When you need emergency funds, quick funding is essential. Look for payday loans that are approved and funded within hours, ideally within one business day or less. Many payday loan providers, like Heart Paydays Loans, offer fast approval and disbursement of funds, often as quickly as within 1 hour of approval. This is especially important when you’re dealing with an urgent financial situation, like medical bills or car repairs, where timing is critical.

    4. Flexible Repayment Terms

    Repayment terms that fit your budget are key to successfully managing a payday loan. The best payday loans offer flexible repayment schedules, allowing you to choose a plan that suits your pay frequency. For example, you may prefer weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly repayment options depending on how often you’re paid.

    Many payday lenders, like Heart Paydays Loans, offer repayment terms that are tailored to your needs. This flexibility helps you avoid falling behind on payments and makes it easier to manage the loan without straining your finances.

    5. Avoiding Predatory Lenders

    Unfortunately, some payday lenders engage in predatory lending practices by charging excessive fees and high interest rates that can trap borrowers in a cycle of debt. It’s important to avoid lenders who offer loans with extreme terms, such as 1-hour payday loans no credit check with hidden fees or quick payday loans no credit check that come with unreasonable interest rates.

    Reputable lenders like Heart Paydays Loans prioritize fair lending practices and transparent terms, helping you get the funds you need without getting stuck in a debt trap. Always read the fine print, and if something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to look for another lender.

    Compare rates and get the best payday loans for bad credit today. Click here to apply with Heart Paydays Loans and find the perfect loan for your needs!

    Heart Paydays Loans: The Best Payday Loans Online

    When it comes to finding best payday loans online, Heart Paydays Loans stands out as a top choice. With a wide range of loan options and a focus on providing fast and reliable service, Heart Paydays Loans is ideal for those in need of quick cash.

    1. Fast Approval and Funding

    One of the standout features of Heart Paydays Loans is how quickly they process applications. Once you apply, the approval process is fast, often taking only minutes. If you are approved, funds can be transferred directly into your bank account in as little as 1 hour payday loans no credit check—giving you quick access to the money you need without unnecessary delays.

    2. No Credit Check or Bad Credit Accepted

    If you’re worried about your credit score, don’t be. Heart Paydays Loans provides quick payday loans no credit check. They understand that credit scores don’t always reflect your ability to repay a loan. As long as you have a steady income and are able to repay the loan, you can still qualify for the loan you need—even if your credit score is less than perfect. So, for anyone struggling with payday loan bad credit, Heart Paydays Loans offers a chance to get back on track.

    3. Flexible Loan Amounts and Terms

    With Heart Paydays Loans, you can borrow anywhere from $100 to $5,000, depending on your financial needs. Whether it’s a small emergency or a larger unexpected expense, they offer a range of loan options to suit different budgets. Repayment terms are typically flexible, with options ranging from a few weeks to several months, allowing you to select a plan that works best for you.

    4. No Hidden Fees

    One of the common complaints about payday loans is the hidden fees and high-interest rates. With Heart Paydays Loans, transparency is key. They outline all fees and rates upfront, so you can make an informed decision about your loan. There are no surprise charges, and you’ll know exactly what to expect before you sign any agreement.

    How to Apply for Payday Loans Online

    Getting a payday loan through Heart Paydays Loans is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

    1. Visit the Website

    Start by visiting the Heart Paydays Loans website. Their platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it simple to find the loan option that fits your needs. Whether you’re looking for payday loans near me or an online loan, Heart Paydays Loans provides a convenient solution.

    2. Fill Out the Application Form

    The application process is quick and straightforward. You’ll need to provide some basic personal details, such as your name, address, phone number, and employment information. You’ll also need to enter details about your income and bank account, so they can deposit the loan funds directly into your account.

    3. Review the Loan Terms

    Before submitting your application, you’ll be given the chance to review your loan offer. You’ll see the loan amount, the repayment terms, and any interest rates or fees. This is your opportunity to make sure the loan terms are right for you.

    4. Submit Your Application and Get Approved

    Once you’ve reviewed the terms, submit your application. Heart Paydays Loans will quickly review your information and give you an answer. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your loan funds within a very short time frame.

    Ready to apply? Click here to fill out your application with Heart Paydays Loans and get your payday loan funds in no time!

    The Advantages of Heart Paydays Loans

    Here are some key benefits of choosing Heart Paydays Loans for your payday loan needs:

    1. Speed and Convenience

    Need a payday loan quickly? Heart Paydays Loans is one of the best options for 1 hour payday loans no credit check. Their fast approval process and rapid funding mean you won’t have to wait long to get the cash you need.

    2. No Credit Checks or Cosigner Requirements

    Heart Paydays Loans doesn’t require a cosigner, and they don’t rely on credit scores alone to approve your application. This makes it a great option for individuals dealing with payday loan bad credit.

    3. Flexibility

    Heart Paydays Loans offers flexibility in both loan amounts and repayment terms, allowing you to tailor the loan to your specific needs.

    4. Safe and Secure

    Your personal and financial information is protected with top-notch encryption. Heart Paydays Loans is committed to keeping your data safe.

    5. Transparent Terms

    With clear and upfront terms, Heart Paydays Loans ensures that there are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting before you agree to the loan.

    What to Look for When Choosing Payday Loans Online

    When searching for best payday loans online, it’s important to consider a few key factors to ensure you’re getting the best deal:

    1. Interest Rates and Fees

    Make sure the payday loan provider offers competitive interest rates. While payday loans generally have higher interest rates than traditional loans, you can still find reasonable options. Always check the fees and make sure you understand what you’ll be paying.

    2. Loan Terms

    Look for payday loans with flexible terms that match your financial situation. Some lenders offer short repayment periods, while others may give you up to a year to repay the loan.

    3. Speed of Funding

    If you need money quickly, look for payday lenders who offer fast funding, such as 1 hour payday loans no credit check.

    4. Lender Reputation

    Choose a lender with a good reputation. Heart Paydays Loans is known for its transparent practices, fast service, and customer satisfaction.

    If you have bad credit, click here to see how Heart Paydays Loans can help you get approved for payday loans even with less-than-perfect credit!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q: What are payday loans?

    Payday loans are short-term loans designed to cover emergencies or unexpected expenses until your next paycheck. They are usually small loans that are paid back in full on your next payday or over a few months.

    Q: Can I get a payday loan with bad credit?

    Yes, Heart Paydays Loans offers payday loans bad credit options, meaning that even if you have a low credit score, you may still qualify for a loan.

    Q: How fast can I get my payday loan?

    Heart Paydays Loans offers fast approval and disbursement. In many cases, you can receive your loan within one hour after approval.

    Q: Is it possible to get payday loans with no credit check?

    Yes, Heart Paydays Loans offers quick payday loans no credit check, which means your credit score will not be the main deciding factor for approval.

    Q: How much can I borrow with Heart Paydays Loans?

    Heart Paydays Loans offers payday loans ranging from $100 to $5000, depending on your financial needs and eligibility.

    Conclusion

    When searching for best payday loans online, it’s crucial to prioritize lenders offering low interest rates, clear repayment terms, and fast disbursement. By focusing on these factors, you can ensure that the loan meets your immediate financial needs without becoming a long-term burden. Heart Paydays Loans offers fast and flexible loan options, including 1-hour payday loans no credit check, making it a great choice for those in urgent need of funds.

    If you have bad credit, don’t worry—there are still options available. Many online lenders specialize in providing payday loans for bad credit, helping you secure the funds you need without the high fees or stringent requirements of traditional lenders. However, it’s important to avoid predatory lenders with excessive rates or unclear terms that could leave you trapped in debt.

    Ultimately, choosing the best payday loans online is about finding a lender who offers reasonable terms, transparent fees, and quick funding. By researching and applying to trusted providers like Heart Paydays Loans, you can get the financial help you need while maintaining control of your budget. Apply now to see your loan options and get the support you need today!

    Don’t wait! Click here to apply for the best payday loans online with Heart Paydays Loans and get the funds you need today!

    Project name: Heart Paydays

    Email – support@heartpaydays.com

    Full Company address:Floor 2, 1-5 High Street, Romford, RM1 1JU, United Kingdom

    Company website: heartpaydays.com

    Contact person : Chloe Simon

    email : chloe@heartpaydays.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Payday loans, including those offered through Heart Paydays Loans, may carry high-interest rates and fees, which can vary based on your location and the terms of the loan. It’s important to understand the full terms, fees, and repayment schedule before applying. Borrowers should only consider payday loans for short-term financial needs and ensure they are able to repay the loan on time to avoid further financial difficulties. Heart Paydays Loans is not responsible for any financial consequences resulting from the use of payday loans. We encourage you to explore all options, including traditional loans or financial counseling, before proceeding with payday loans. Always read the fine print and consult with a financial advisor if necessary.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff1ca3b-e405-4107-8793-a65390cae147

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b7dca294-2850-494d-b258-c6ee433e869b

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: XRP News: XRP Price Gears Up For New Highs, Is A Ripple IPO On Cards? ‘XRP 2.0’ Remittix Passes $15M In ICO

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the XRP price breaks past $2.50 and momentum surges across the XRP Ledger ecosystem, attention is turning towards Ripple’s initial public offering. Crypto observers closely watch how market participants react to Ripple’s going public amid the emergence of a new alternative: Remittix.

    Since making its grand entrance in the global payment sector, Remittix inflows have toppled records, surging above $15 million within weeks. This analysis breaks down the XRP news regarding the Ripple IPO and Remittix’s impressive momentum.

    XRP news: XRP price targets $5 move amid Ripple’s IPO launch

    Source: CoinMarketCap

    The XRP price has surged over 55% since its April low of $1.61, buoyed by a broader crypto market resurgence. This upswing is fueled by a temporary U.S.-China tariff deal and April’s unexpectedly low inflation data, which indicated a 2.3% year-over-year increase, its slowest pace since February 2021.

    Amid this price performance, the XRP news of its initial public offering is bringing attention to Ripple. This market buzz started after CEO Brad Garlinghouse said a Ripple IPO is possible but not a priority. While no official date has been announced, speculations by year-end are highly entertained, given the slow momentum towards this project.

    Meanwhile, the block data indicates that the XRP ETF has recorded inflows for five consecutive weeks, bringing its total assets to more than $99.1 million. This highlights the rising demand for XRP products.

    Source: Captain Fabik on X

    The momentum and positive developments had analysts double down on their bullish XRP price prediction. X analyst Captain Faibik spotted a falling wedge pattern. The chart pattern indicates a period of consolidation before signalling a reversal with a probable upside move in the XRP price. If the bullish pattern is confirmed, the price target is $5.

    Remittix ICO breaks $15 million barrier with raw PayFi utility.
    Raising $15 million in an initial coin offering (ICO) is no small accomplishment. This milestone shows the growing interest in the PayFi sector and investors’ trust in Remittix. The new crypto’s distinctive focus on transforming international remittances has resonated with its target audience.

    This impressive performance shows that Remittix has the potential to be a ground-breaking project even for Ripple investors. The reason? Remittix simplifies international money transfers at a lower cost than conventional systems. It offers flexibility and accessibility with over 40 crypto options and 30 fiat currencies.

    Remittix’s innovation has spread its popularity beyond niche investors, especially as normal people adopt digital assets without experiencing technical issues. Its ongoing presale has raked in over $15 million in inflows, which has led industry experts to dub it the XRP 2.0 to ride the next wave of growing adoption in the global remittance sector.

    Conclusion
    While the latest XRP price prediction is not far-fetched, especially with its institutional growth, Remittix’s focus on user accessibility and transparent fee structures for businesses positions it as a compelling alternative. Despite the choppy market conditions, Remittix’s ICO has powered through the $15 million milestone while selling millions of tokens at around $0.0757.

    Early adopters have earned four-digit percentage returns, and analysts believe Remittix can do much more.

    Discover the future of PayFi with Remittix by checking out their presale here:
    Website:https://remittix.io/
    Socials: https://linktr.ee/remittix

    Media details:
    Company: Remittix
    Website: https://remittix.io/
    Contact Person: Bowen Higgins
    Email Id: B_Higgins@remittix.io
    Address:22 Washington Square N, New York, NY 10011, USA

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Steel Reef Announces Election of Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, ALBERTA, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Steel Reef Infrastructure Corp. (“Steel Reef” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the director election results from its 2025 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders held on May 15, 2025. 

    All nine nominees recommended by management for election were elected and will hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or until their successors are elected or appointed.

    The following directors have been re-elected to Steel Reef’s Board of Directors (“Board”): Sarah Borg-Olivier, Rob Duguid, Steve Magus, Gregory J. Smith, Laryssa Topolnytsky and Greg Pollard, who shall continue as Chair. Steel Reef would also like to welcome newly elected directors Matt McDonald, Stephen Simpson and George So to the Board.

    These individuals bring a broad range of cross-border and inter-disciplinary expertise in the areas of finance, energy, equity markets, acquisitions, governance, compensation, people, organizational culture, communications, infrastructure and engineering to Steel Reef. The Board remains committed to providing strong guidance and support for the management’s team strategic direction and future growth.

    For more information on Steel Reef’s Board, please view their biographies on the Company’s website: www.steelreef.ca.

    About Steel Reef

    Steel Reef is a Canadian company that gathers and redistributes wasted emissions, delivering energy to support growing demand. From Saskatchewan roots, the Company provides long-term value to its stakeholders and has grown into a dominant player in energy transition, powering homes, communities and industries. Steel Reef is steadfast in its commitment to safely deliver even more impact tomorrow than it does today, by reducing emissions and powering potential. Learn more at www.steelreef.ca.

    Contact

    Communications Department
    info@steelreef.ca
    ‎(403) 263-8333

    Forward-Looking Information

    Certain statements contained in this release are forward-looking in nature, including with respect to the election of directors and management appointments and the anticipated benefit to the Company, including expectations regarding the Company’s ability to capitalize on potential investments and increase value for investors. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, or future events or are not statements of historical fact should be viewed as “forward-looking statements”. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Steel Reef to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could vary or differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this release. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made, and Steel Reef undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Withdrawal of Joint Staff Statement on Broker-Dealer Custody of Digital Asset Securities

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Division of Trading and Markets, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission[1]

    Office of General Counsel, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc.

    On July 8, 2019, the staffs of the Division of Trading and Markets (“Division”) and the Office of General Counsel of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) issued a joint statement regarding broker-dealer custody of digital asset securities.[2]  The staffs of the Division and the FINRA are withdrawing, effective immediately, the Joint Staff Statement.

    To contact Commission staff for assistance, please visit the Commission’s Crypto Task Force webpage or contact Michael Macchiaroli, Associate Director, at (202) 551-5525, or Raymond Lombardo, Assistant Director, at (202) 551-5755.  To contact FINRA staff for assistance, please visit FINRA’s Crypto Assets webpage or contact Tom Kimbrell, Associate General Counsel, at (202) 728-6926.


    [1] This statement represents the views of the staff of the Division of Trading and Markets. It is not a rule, regulation, or statement of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission” or “SEC”), and the Commission has neither approved nor disapproved its content. This statement, like all staff statements, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person. 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Italy affirms Partnership with African Development Bank under the Mattei Plan

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, May 15, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Italy has reaffirmed its partnership with the African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and expressed keenness to explore mutual growth opportunities in Africa under the Mattei Plan. 

    Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (FAIC) and Lorenzo Ortona, Head of the Mattei Plan Task Force led a delegation to the Bank’s Abidjan headquarters on Thursday 8 May. The delegation comprised representatives of institutions charged with implementing the Mattei plan for Africa, such as Cassa Depositi e Prestiti(CDP), the Ministry of Finance, as well as important representatives of the business and private sector and civil society organisations. 

    Under the Mattei Plan for Africa, Italy aims to foster economic and strategic partnerships with African nations and institutions. Its Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has stated that the African Development Bank Group would be (https://apo-opa.co/3FkcLD8) its main strategic financial partner for implementation of the plan on the continent. 

    The delegation was hosted by African Development Bank Senior Vice President Marie-Laure Akin-Olugbade, who was joined by three vice presidents –Nnenna Nwabufo, Beth Dunford and Kevin Kariuki, as well as several directors from the energy, resource mobilization and finance departments, among others. 

    Participants in the meeting exchanged on ways to strengthen public-private sector collaboration with Italy in reducing hunger and boosting agriculture in Africa. The conversation also discussed the importance of the African Development Fund, the Bank’s concessional lending arm in addressing the challenges of the continent’s most disadvantaged countries. 

    Akin-Olugbade expressed satisfaction at the progress made since the announcement of the Plan in July 2024, in particular, the Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF), a multi-donor Special Fund aimed at supporting climate aligned sovereign infrastructure projects that help to address the root causes of migration. The RPFF with contributions from Italy and the UAE amounting to over $170 million, is now operational.  

    The senior vice president commended Italy for demonstrating its commitment and thanked the government for its choice of The African Development Bank as partner. “We appreciate, of course, the choice of the African Development Bank to accompany you in your strategy, very ambitious strategy for the continent. We are really very happy to hear that Italy, indeed, is still strongly committed to the continent, and of course, to working with the African Development Fund.” 

    Other instruments under the Plan with the African Development Bank include the Growth and Resilience Platform for Africa (Graf), and a bilateral co-financing facility. Under Graf, CDP and the African Development Bank intend to invest up to EUR 400 million over five years in private equity funds to accelerate private sector development in Africa. 

    “We are grateful for the outstanding job that the bank has done. We really appreciate it,” Ortan said. “We really believe that in order to enhance the Mattei plan in Africa and the visibility of it, we need partners like you.”  

    Concluding the discussions, Akin-Olugbade said the Mattei plan has emerged as a template for future cooperation between Italy and other developed countries and Africa. 

    She said: “I believe that Italy has seen the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund as trusted partners. I believe we have a good track record of providing and achieving results. There’s a leveraging effect that multilateral development banks have that sometime bilateral resources do not have. And we need to take advantage of this.” 

    Italy has been a strong partner to the African Development Fund and pledged EUR 298.88 million to its sixteenth replenishment. Italy has been a partner in Mission 300, as well as advocating for strengthening private sector engagement, especially for youth entrepreneurship.  

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI Global: Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mireille Rebeiz, Chair of Middle East Studies and Associate Professor of Francophone and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Dickinson College

    Slain Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah looms large in Lebanon. Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images

    Within a span of two weeks from late April to early May 2025, Israel launched two aerial attacks ostensibly targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon: The first, on April 27, struck a building in Beirut’s southern suburbs; the second, an assault in southern Lebanon, left one person dead and eight others injured.

    While the attacks may not be an aberration in the long history of Israel’s military action in Lebanon, the latest episodes were notable given the context: Israel and Hezbollah have been nominally locked in a truce for five months.

    As an expert on Lebanese history and culture, I believe the latest violations clearly show the fragility of that ceasefire. But more importantly, they complicate the Lebanese government’s mission of disarming Hezbollah, the paramilitary group that remains a powerful force in the country despite a series of Israeli targeted killings of its senior members. That task forms the backbone of a nearly 20-year-old United Nations resolution meant to bring lasting peace to Lebanon.

    The long road to a ceasefire

    In the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hezbollah vowed solidarity with the Palestinian movement, resulting in a running series of tit-for-tat attacks with Israel that escalated into a full-blown war in the fall of 2024.

    On Oct. 1, 2024, Israel invaded Lebanon – the sixth time since 1978 – in order to directly confront Hezbollah. That operation led to the killing of an estimated 3,800 Lebanese people and the displacement of over 1 million civilians. The damage to Lebanon’s economy is estimated at US$14 billion, according to the World Bank.

    Hezbollah lost a lot of its fighters, arsenal and popular support as a result. More importantly, these losses discredited Hezbollah’s claim that it alone can guarantee Lebanon’s territorial integrity against Israel’s invasion.

    The United States and France brokered a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel on Nov. 27, 2024. The agreement was based in part on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 to end that year’s 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution had as a central tenet the disarmament of armed militias, including Hezbollah, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

    The 2024 ceasefire built on that resolution. It required Hezbollah’s retreat beyond the Litani River, which at its closest point is about 20 miles from northern Israel. In return, and by February 2025, Israel was to gradually withdraw from Lebanese territories in order to allow the Lebanese army to take control of areas in the south and to confiscate all unauthorized weapons – a nod to Hezbollah’s arsenal.

    Yet, Israel maintained the occupation of several posts in southern Lebanon after that deadline and continued to launch attacks on Lebanese soil, the most recent being on May 8, 2025.

    The challenge of disarming Hezbollah

    Despite these violations, large-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah has not resumed. But the next step, a lasting peace based on the laying down of Hezbollah arms, is complicated by a series of factors, not least the sectarian nature of Lebanese politics.

    Since its inception in 1920, Lebanon’s governance has been defined by a polarized and formally sectarian political system, which seeded the roots of a decades-long civil conflict that began in 1975. A series of invasions by Israel in response to attacks from Lebanese-based Palestinian groups exacerbated sectarianism and instability.

    From this mix, Hezbollah emerged and became a powerful force during the late 1980s.

    The Taif Agreement, ending Lebanon’s civil war in 1989, formally recognized the state’s right to resist the Israeli occupation of Lebanese territories – and with it Hezbollah’s presence as a force of resistance. An uneasy coexistence between the government and Hezbollah emerged, which often spilled over into violence, including assassinations of important public figures.

    More recently, Hezbollah was responsible for a two-year political vacuum as it mobilized members to repeatedly block opposition candidates for the vacant presidency in the hopes of installing a leader that would support its agenda.

    A view from the southern Lebanese district of Marjeyoun shows smoke billowing from the site of Israeli airstrikes on May 8, 2025.
    Rabih Daher/AFP via Getty Images

    In January 2025 that standoff ended when Lebanon’s parliament elected army chief Joseph Aoun, a Maronite Christian, as president.

    The acquiescence of Hezbollah and its allies was in part a sign of how much the power of the Shiite militia had been diminished by Israel during the conflict.

    But it is also the result of a widespread general understanding in Lebanon of the need to end the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s war. The new president has brought much-needed hope to a battered country – one that has been plagued by numerous crises, including a collapsed economy that by 2019 had pushed 80% of the population into poverty.

    But Aoun’s presidency signals the changing political environment in another key way; unlike his predecessors, Aoun has not endorsed Hezbollah as a legitimate resistance movement.

    Further, Aoun has announced his intentions to disarm the group
    and to fully implement resolution 1701.

    To this end, Aoun has made impressive gains. According to state officials, the Lebanese army had by the end of April 2025 dismantled over 90% of Hezbollah’s infrastructure south of the Litani River and taken control over these sites.

    Yet Hezbollah’s chief, Naim Kassem, doggedly rejects calls to disarm and integrate the group’s fighters into the Lebanese armed forces.

    Even in Hezbollah’s weakened position, Kassem believes only his movement, and not the Lebanese state, can guarantee Lebanon’s safety against Israel. And Israel violations of the ceasefire only play into this narrative.

    “We will not allow anyone to remove Hezbollah’s weapons,” Kassem said after one recent airstrike, vowing that the group would hand over weapons only when Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon and ended it’s air incursions.

    Can Lebanon’s new president, Joseph Aoun, untangle the Gordian knot of Lebanese politics?
    Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images

    The challenge going forward

    Yet countries including the United States and Qatar – not to mention Israel – consider Hezbollah’s disarmament a prerequisite to both peace and much-needed international assistance.

    And this makes the task ahead for Aoun difficult. He will be well aware that international aid is desperately needed. But pressing too hard to accommodate either Israel’s or Hezbollah’s interests risks, respectively, exacerbating either domestic political pressures or jeopardizing future foreign investment.

    To complicate matters further, the situation in Lebanon is hardly helped by developments in neighboring Syria.

    The fall of Syrian President Bashar Assad in December 2024 has added another element of regional uncertainty and the fear in Lebanon of further sectarian violence. Although Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has vowed to protect all religious groups, he was not able to prevent the massacre of Alawite civilians in several coastal towns – an attack that triggered a fresh wave of refugees heading toward Lebanon.

    The removal of Assad was another blow for Hezbollah, a strong Assad ally that benefited from years of Syrian interference in Lebanon.

    The challenge of international relations

    For now, a return to full-scale war in Lebanon does not appear to be on the table.

    But what comes next for Lebanon and Hezbollah depends on many factors, not least the state of Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza and any spillover into Lebanon. But the actions of other regional actors, notably Saudi Arabia and Iran, matter too. Should Saudi Arabia be encouraged down the path of normalizing relations with Israel – a process interrupted by the Oct. 7 attack – then it would impact Lebanon in many ways.

    Any deal would, from the Saudi perspective, likely have to include a solution to the question of Palestinian statehood, taking away one of Hezbollah’s main grievances. It would also likely put pressure on Lebanon and Israel to find a solution to its long-standing border dispute.

    Meanwhile, Iran, too, is seemingly turning to diplomatic means to address some of its regional issues, with nascent moves to both improve ties with Saudi Arabia and forge forward with a new nuclear deal with the U.S. This could see Tehran turn away from a policy of trying to impose its influence throughout the region by arming groups aligned with Tehran – first among them, Hezbollah.

    Mireille Rebeiz is affiliated with the American Red Cross.

    ref. Disarming Hezbollah is key to Lebanon’s recovery − but task is complicated by regional shifts, ceasefire violations – https://theconversation.com/disarming-hezbollah-is-key-to-lebanons-recovery-but-task-is-complicated-by-regional-shifts-ceasefire-violations-255671

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘And Just Like That…’ gives middle-aged women something media rarely does — a portrayal of their sexual lives

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Marie-Agnes Parmentier, Professor of Marketing, HEC Montréal

    Cynthia Nixon and Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘And Just Like That…’ Season 3. (Craig Blankenhorn/Max)

    Warning: This article contains spoilers about ‘And Just Like That…‘

    Middle-aged women don’t have sex — or that’s what popular media might have us believe. But And Just Like That…, the HBO Max sequel to the seminal series Sex and the City, offers a markedly different portrayal.

    The show presents a perspective of middle-aged women’s lives and identities that aligns more closely with studies demonstrating that 73 per cent of women in midlife are sexually active.

    Premiering in late 2021, And Just Like That… resumes the story of Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) and Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) 11 years after the second Sex and the City feature. Now in their 50s, the characters confront the realities of friendship and aging.

    The series explores their evolving identities and relationships, highlighting the challenges and successes of midlife. With Season 3 set to release on May 29, And Just Like That… continues to provide a platform for the representation of middle-aged women as multifaceted individuals who assert their sexual agency.

    ‘And Just Like That…’ Season 3 trailer from HBO Max.

    Representation still lags behind

    While And Just Like That… breaks new ground by shining a light on the lives and experiences of middle-aged women, the industry as a whole has a long way to go.

    Research from the Geena Davis Institute examining representation over a 10-year period found that in top-grossing films and popular television shows, less than 25 per cent of characters were over the age of 50.

    Those who did appear were often depicted using elderly tropes. They were less likely to be featured in romantic story lines, show affection or be shown in intimate contexts. They were also more likely to be men.

    In fact, two-thirds of characters aged 50 and older in streaming television, and four out of five in film, were men. Taken as a whole, with some recent notable exceptions, women over 50 are rendered largely invisible in media. In stories about romance and sex, they rarely take centre stage.

    This lack of representation not only impacts societal perceptions about what it means to be a woman over 50, but also presents missed opportunities for businesses, advertisers and filmmakers to showcase authentic and relatable stories that resonate with audiences.

    Challenging stereotypes about older women

    As consumer researchers and gender scholars, we were interested in understanding whether And Just Like That… challenges or reinforces expectations about middle-aged women in consumer culture.

    In our previous research on Sex and the City, we found that consumption practices played heavily into character identity development, particularly in resolving and creating tensions around sexuality, domesticity and authenticity.

    The original series drew audiences in with its portrayal of four young single women navigating sex and relationships in New York City. But to understand the sexual scripts for these characters as they are reprised years later, we turned to feminist gerontology, which highlights the ways social norms and structures around age and gender influence the aging experience.

    Our content analysis of And Just Like That…‘s first season identified themes that reflect significant tensions around identity, liminality and sexual behaviours in middle age.

    Sarah Jessica Parker and John Corbett in Season 2 of ‘And Just Like That….’
    (Craig Blankenhorn/Max)

    Carrie, as a central figure, provides a good example. Her journey highlights tensions between societal expectations and aging identity. Her fashion choices, once celebrated, now face scrutiny, reflecting ageist attitudes towards what is deemed appropriate for older women.

    In one episode, Carrie wears a floor length white tulle tutu, reminiscent of her younger days. While fans might see this as a nostalgic nod to her past, the stares of onlookers suggest they regard this attire as age-inappropriate. Writing in the New York Times, English professor Rhonda Garelick notes that this tutu looks “off” on her, highlighting societal pressure on aging women to conform to certain standards.

    Middle-aged, single and seen

    In the pilot episode of And Just Like That…, Carrie’s husband, John “Big” Preston, dies in her arms of a heart attack in their apartment. In the aftermath, Carrie hires realtor Seema Patel (Sarita Choudhury) to sell the home and returns to her iconic Sex and the City apartment and her quest for love.

    Over drinks, Carrie calls Seema “brave” for “still” looking for love at age 53. Seema replies that although she has yet to meet the love of her life, that fact isn’t tragic — and neither is Carrie’s loss, because she had many good years with Big.

    Sarita Choudhury and Sarah Jessica Parker in ‘And Just Like That…’ Season 1.
    (Craig Blankenhorn/HBO Max)

    Seema challenges the stigma of women’s singledom in middle age with her entitlement to sexual pleasure, personal growth and a belief that love is always possible. By addressing these themes, And Just Like That… contributes to discourse on aging and the right of women to be visible at any age.

    Media in contemporary society not only reflects culture, but also affects it. Through representation and storytelling, media has the transformative power to showcase the full lives and identities of individuals, giving legitimacy to the full range of possibilities for people.

    Since sexuality — the capacity for sexual thoughts — is an important influence on sexual well-being, women over 50 should not be erased from realistic narratives. They deserve to be seen and recognized as living vibrant, multi-dimensional lives.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. ‘And Just Like That…’ gives middle-aged women something media rarely does — a portrayal of their sexual lives – https://theconversation.com/and-just-like-that-gives-middle-aged-women-something-media-rarely-does-a-portrayal-of-their-sexual-lives-256058

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we’ve fallen out of love with dating apps

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anh Luong, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    pathdoc/Shutterstock

    Dating apps have transformed how people meet romantic partners. But they seem to be falling out of favour.

    Data shows that last year, four of the biggest dating apps in the UK lost over a million users between them. And research my colleague and I worked on suggested that this is because people have become frustrated and bored with digital matchmaking.

    The frustration is usually the result of inconsiderate behaviour from other app users. And the boredom appears to stem from a growing belief that the AI used by these apps seems to prioritise short-term engagement metrics over meaningful connections.

    This marks a significant shift from earlier online dating websites, which were notably more transparent about how they tried to establish authentic connections. Often this was through detailed answers to compatibility quizzes or personality assessments.


    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.


    For example, OkCupid.com (founded 2004) asked users a wide range of multiple-choice questions. It then went further by also asking them to specify the responses to those same questions they wanted to see from prospective partners.

    In contrast, today’s dating apps increasingly rely on less transparent AI which seems to be based on simplistic engagement metrics (number of swipes, frequency of texts, time spent on the app) rather than a path to genuine compatibility.

    The result is often a selection of vague, fleeting connections that do not amount to meaningful relationships. And the business model of today’s dating apps – selling increased visibility and access to matches – creates a challenging environment for many users to find the matches they want.

    Because of this, many users experience a sense of dissatisfaction which manifests itself in four stages.

    It begins with what I call a “boredom cycle”. General boredom prompts many daters to use the app in the first place, but resulting conversations often turn into uninspired and lacklustre exchanges. This adds to the boredom, which then spreads and grows throughout the entire dating app network.

    After that is a general sense of disappointment, as users become jaded from regular “ghosting” (cutting off communication without notice), “flaking” (cancelling dates at the last minute), and mundane message exchanges which don’t lead to actual dates.

    This all leads to a third stage of “algorithmic cynicism”. At this point, users become increasingly sceptical of dating app algorithms, suspecting that their primary function is to encourage the purchase of certain features rather than to establish authentic connections.

    Finally, communication fatigue kicks in. Users go through the motions of swiping and texting with a sense that there are no better alternatives. It all becomes a somewhat hollow experience which ultimately drives many away from the platforms completely.

    Swipe on, swipe off

    Research has also shown that the initial rise of online dating usage among millennials coincided with early enthusiasm about social media. But this enthusiasm has diminished.

    Social media users are now increasingly suspicious (and vigilant) about the risks of misinformation, scams, and offensive content.

    ‘And how’s the algorithm working out for you guys so far?’
    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    Despite all of this, people still seek connections through dating platforms – whether for casual or long-term partnerships. So perhaps the issue is not with digital dating itself, but with how the industry uses AI. And an alternative is possible.

    In related research on human-AI joint decision-making, my colleagues and I found that when people interact with an imperfect AI system, but also receive clear feedback about the their own behaviour patterns and how the AI responds, they can help to correct errors.

    That research focused on financial decisions, but dating apps could do a similar thing by openly providing daters with personalised insights about how AI algorithms are responding to their activity. This is something that no dating app currently does.

    Instead, they let users adjust certain filters, such as age, location and ethnicity. But then they use AI to create “revealed preferences” based on people’s patterns of engagement with the app, like swiping and messaging. These “revealed preferences” seem to greatly influence the kinds of profiles that the dating apps’ AI recommends.

    For example, even if someone says they are keen to date people across a wide age range, the app may still end up recommending profiles of a narrower age group, because the user has tended to swipe right on those in the past. Because of this, users have expressed concerns that the AI could be adding unwanted limitations to their potential dating pool.

    In the AI of the beholder

    Indeed, our research shows that a cynical view of dating app algorithms is a key reason why something as potentially exciting as finding a romantic partner can become so dreadfully boring.

    Addressing this issue, by simply explaining to daters how AI interprets their use of the app (the swipes, the matches, and actual dates) could be a valuable selling point. Giving users freedom to adjust other filters besides demographics, such as those related to their values and interests, could further increase interest.

    This would represent a return to the more transparent match-making principles of earlier dating websites, but with the benefits of the latest technology.

    Our research suggests that as dating app users grow ever more discerning, they will demand greater transparency and an improved overall dating app experience. The industry’s future may ultimately depend on whether companies can shift focus from impersonal engagement metrics to fostering authentic connections.

    And platforms which embrace transparency and empower users could make many fall in love with dating apps all over again.

    Anh Luong 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 we’ve fallen out of love with dating apps – https://theconversation.com/why-weve-fallen-out-of-love-with-dating-apps-249333

    MIL OSI – Global Reports