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  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – RC-B10-0324/2025/REV1

    Source: European Parliament

    Hildegard Bentele
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Kathleen Van Brempt
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Beata Szydło, Mariusz Kamiński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bart Groothuis, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Christophe Grudler, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Mariusz Kamiński

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on China,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit planned for 24 and 25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020[1], also known as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA),

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2](Net-Zero Industry Act),

    – having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the clean trade and investment partnerships being negotiated by the EU, and to the EU’s critical raw material partnerships,

    – having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020), and to the speeches about de-risking given by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and in Parliament on 18 April 2023,

    – having regard to the 13th EU-China Strategic Dialogue, held between the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Brussels on 2 July 2025,

    – having regard to the statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada from 16 to 17 June 2025,

    – having regard to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and of transparency regarding export restrictions,

    – having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

    – having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China started to enact export restrictions on 7 of the 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and on permanent magnets produced from these, introducing a system for non-automatic licences, and cited dual-use and security considerations as justification; whereas the list of items covered by the restrictions includes medium and heavy REEs (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium);

    B. whereas critical raw materials are essential inputs for a wide array of industrial products and processes, including in critical sectors such as clean technologies, digital technologies, healthcare and defence; whereas a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is fundamental to achieving the Union’s climate, digital, competitiveness and defence objectives;

    C. whereas export volumes have reportedly decreased by as much as 80 %, having a heavy impact on a wide range of sectors, including electronics and consumer tech, green energy and renewables, the automotive industry, aerospace and healthcare;

    D. whereas the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high; whereas the global REE supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which has control of around 75 % of mining output and of 85 % of processing capacity, reaching more than 95 % in the case of some REEs such as terbium, yttrium and dysprosium; whereas the EU remains overly reliant on non-EU countries for the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) and is almost entirely dependent on China for the supply of heavy REEs; whereas the EU covers 98% of its demand for permanent magnets, and 92 % of its demand for NdFeB magnets, with imports from China;

    E. whereas China has significantly expanded its dominance in the global mining, processing and refining of CRMs and intermediate products, creating strategic dependences along key value chains, , which have, at times, been deliberately leveraged through restrictive trade measures; whereas China first restricted the export of REEs in 2010 over a territorial dispute with Japan, and this restriction was declared incompatible with WTO rules by the Appellate Body; whereas China has also applied extensive restrictions on the export of raw minerals classified as strategic and/or critical by the EU, including gallium and germanium since 1 August 2023, graphite since December 2023, antimony products since 15 September 2024, tungsten and bismuth since 4 February 2025, and scandium since 17 April 2025;

    F. whereas the implementation of these export restrictions has already started to cause severe disruptions to industry in the EU, including the automotive industry, with as many as 17 assembly lines experiencing temporary shutdowns in May 2025; whereas a wide array of sectors could face disruption, such as healthcare, space and defence – including fighter jets, frigates, drones and precision-guided weapons systems – wind turbines and batteries, as could the green and digital transitions more generally;

    G. whereas China’s licensing procedure requires applicants to disclose sensitive information to the Chinese authorities, which breaches economic secrecy; whereas China’s updated export control framework of December 2024 gives greater discretionary powers to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to subject items not formally listed as dual-use goods to export controls; whereas these new regulations include measures with extraterritorial applications;

    H. whereas the EU applies export controls to certain types of critical and advanced materials, but these controls are clearly focused on material types, with precise technical parameters relating to their use in specific military applications, do not affect trade in commercial non-sensitive products and account for only a small share of total exports of the materials in question;

    I. whereas China has deliberately pursued a strategy of undercutting global market prices while keeping its domestic market closed, generally to the benefit of state-owned enterprises, and couples this with huge subsidy schemes, leading to significant distortions in global competition and jeopardising recent efforts by the EU and the Member States to keep the EU’s remaining mining sectors afloat;

    J. whereas the EU adopted the CRMA in April 2024 as the starting point of efforts towards improving the resilience and autonomy of the EU’s supply of CRMs and strategic raw materials (SRMs); whereas the CRMA addresses both the supply side and the demand side, including through production targets, through resource efficiency aimed at moderating consumption, and through the substitution of SRMs; whereas circularity is at the core of the CRMA, which aims to cover 25 % of the Union’s SRM needs through recycling by 2030 and has the objective of recycling substantially larger amounts of each SRM from waste, including for permanent magnets;

    K. whereas the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity to engage in dialogue while continuing to stand strong against coercion;

    L. whereas China still has sanctions in place against a former MEP, members of Member State parliaments and European think tanks;

    1. Strongly condemns China’s decision to enact REE export restrictions, which has halted exports and significantly disrupted supply chains vital for the automotive industry, defence manufacturers, semiconductor companies, green technologies, healthcare applications and many other sectors in the EU and across the world; considers that China’s action is unjustified and has a coercive intent, building on the enormous leverage its quasi-monopolistic position on the global market provides;

    2. Believes that China is using these export restrictions to strengthen its negotiating position; stresses that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by China to use these restrictions to force concessions on other ongoing trade irritants, and believes that any concessions to China in this respect would harm the EU’s ability to protect itself from current and future coercion;

    3. Underlines the importance of expressing concern regarding China’s export restrictions on REEs and the broader implications of these restrictions for global supply chains at the upcoming EU-China summit; is convinced that export controls should be part of a multilateral approach designed to protect international security and ensure a global level playing field, insists that unilateral controls must be limited to those made strictly necessary by national security considerations, with transparent and clearly defined rules, and therefore stresses that making China’s actions run counter to multilateral rules and practices, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance, engage with China to find a structural solution and continue dialogue with China in this regard;

    4. Urges the Chinese authorities to follow up tangibly on their proposal and fully lift the export restrictions; takes note, in the meantime, of the recent proposal by the Chinese authorities to establish so-called ‘green lanes’ aimed at simplifying procedures for European companies;

    5. Stresses the urgent need for the EU to enhance its strategic leverage and indispensability by identifying, operationalising and strengthening areas in which it holds critical advantages over China in essential goods and technologies, with the objective of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, or by limiting access to the EU internal market for high-risk Chinese vendors in accordance with EU and international trade law;

    6. Considers China’s measures to be an unjustified weaponisation of its CRM supply lines, rendering it an untrustworthy source of input for critical sectors and a threat to the Union’s economic and essential security interests;

    7. Expresses deep concern over the requirements, imposed by Chinese authorities, that applicants must disclose sensitive data when applying for export permits, and over the considerable risk of technology leaks associated with this as regards the defence industrial base value chain and national security secrets, stressing that this may be used for future coercion; considers it essential for the Commission and the Member States to assess and mitigate the security implications of such data transfers, in line with the European economic security strategy;

    8. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA; stresses the important role of the European Raw Materials Board and its sub-groups for the rapid and efficient implementation of the CRMA; recalls the clear and ambitious targets set to reinforce EU capacities to extract, process and recycle SRMs domestically by 2030; highlights the selection of the first 60 strategic projects under the CRMA;

    9. Regrets the fact that the CRMA was not accompanied by a dedicated EU budget, despite the lack of funding being the main bottleneck; stresses the urgent need to secure investments in the strategic projects approved under the CRMA and in other projects to boost extraction, refining, processing and recycling that contribute to de-risking from China and to achieving the CRMA benchmarks; urges the Commission to dedicate further EU-level support to the diversification of the REE and CRM supply, and to guarantee that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework will include a budget line to foster investment in extraction, processing, circularity, research and innovation, including for the substitution of CRMs;

    10. Underlines the need for the EU to mine domestically and re-establish processing capacity; underlines that increasing the efficiency of resource use through technological innovation is one of the objectives of the CRMA; emphasises the potential of recycling and urban mining to alleviate supply constraints in the short term and asks the Commission to take immediate measures to improve the collection and retention of REEs in the internal market;

    11. Underlines the need to ensure the long-term business case for and the viability of investments in CRM value chains, including through financial support such as price floors, offtake support and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Member States to request that large companies producing technologies in strategic sectors duly and regularly carry out risk-preparedness activities and measures to mitigate supply shortages, including via stockpiling;

    12. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to assess the minimum level for the EU of strategic stocks of REEs listed as SRMs (neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium and cerium) and the corresponding end-use applications, including those linked to the defence industry;

    13. Calls, furthermore, for stronger engagement to conclude clean trade and investment partnerships (CTIPs) and bilateral strategic partnerships on raw materials that are based on true win-win partnerships and meet high sustainability and human rights standards; insists on the need to move towards binding agreements on CRMs to ensure the long-term security of the EU’s supplies, guarantee more transparency and ensure that Parliament has scrutiny powers; underlines the importance of free trade agreements and the Global Gateway initiative in enhancing access to CRMs;

    14. Encourages the use of preference clauses for sourcing REEs from EU suppliers and trusted partners in relevant procurement legislation; calls for greater coordination with like-minded international partners, particularly within the G7 and NATO frameworks and with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, in order to improve knowledge transfer, align supply chain security, joint investments and stockpiling strategies, and develop trusted-source standards for strategic sectors and projects;

    15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – RC-B10-0324/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Hildegard Bentele
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Kathleen Van Brempt
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Beata Szydło
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bart Groothuis, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Christophe Grudler, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Mariusz Kamiński

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on China,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit planned for 24 and 25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020[1], also known as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA),

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2](Net-Zero Industry Act),

    – having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the clean trade and investment partnerships being negotiated by the EU, and to the EU’s critical raw material partnerships,

    – having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020), and to the speeches about de-risking given by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and in Parliament on 18 April 2023,

    – having regard to the 13th EU-China Strategic Dialogue, held between the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Brussels on 2 July 2025,

    – having regard to the statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada from 16 to 17 June 2025,

    – having regard to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and of transparency regarding export restrictions,

    – having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

    – having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China started to enact export restrictions on 7 of the 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and on permanent magnets produced from these, introducing a system for non-automatic licences, and cited dual-use and security considerations as justification; whereas the list of items covered by the restrictions includes medium and heavy REEs (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium);

    B. whereas critical raw materials are essential inputs for a wide array of industrial products and processes, including in critical sectors such as clean technologies, digital technologies, healthcare and defence; whereas a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is fundamental to achieving the Union’s climate, digital, competitiveness and defence objectives;

    C. whereas export volumes have reportedly decreased by as much as 80 %, having a heavy impact on a wide range of sectors, including electronics and consumer tech, green energy and renewables, the automotive industry, aerospace and healthcare;

    D. whereas the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high; whereas the global REE supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which has control of around 75 % of mining output and of 85 % of processing capacity, reaching more than 95 % in the case of some REEs such as terbium, yttrium and dysprosium; whereas the EU remains overly reliant on non-EU countries for the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) and is almost entirely dependent on China for the supply of heavy REEs; whereas the EU covers 98% of its demand for permanent magnets, and 92 % of its demand for NdFeB magnets, with imports from China;

    E. whereas China has significantly expanded its dominance in the global mining, processing and refining of CRMs and intermediate products, creating strategic dependences along key value chains, , which have, at times, been deliberately leveraged through restrictive trade measures; whereas China first restricted the export of REEs in 2010 over a territorial dispute with Japan, and this restriction was declared incompatible with WTO rules by the Appellate Body; whereas China has also applied extensive restrictions on the export of raw minerals classified as strategic and/or critical by the EU, including gallium and germanium since 1 August 2023, graphite since December 2023, antimony products since 15 September 2024, tungsten and bismuth since 4 February 2025, and scandium since 17 April 2025;

    F. whereas the implementation of these export restrictions has already started to cause severe disruptions to industry in the EU, including the automotive industry, with as many as 17 assembly lines experiencing temporary shutdowns in May 2025; whereas a wide array of sectors could face disruption, such as healthcare, space and defence – including fighter jets, frigates, drones and precision-guided weapons systems – wind turbines and batteries, as could the green and digital transitions more generally;

    G. whereas China’s licensing procedure requires applicants to disclose sensitive information to the Chinese authorities, which breaches economic secrecy; whereas China’s updated export control framework of December 2024 gives greater discretionary powers to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to subject items not formally listed as dual-use goods to export controls; whereas these new regulations include measures with extraterritorial applications;

    H. whereas the EU applies export controls to certain types of critical and advanced materials, but these controls are clearly focused on material types, with precise technical parameters relating to their use in specific military applications, do not affect trade in commercial non-sensitive products and account for only a small share of total exports of the materials in question;

    I. whereas China has deliberately pursued a strategy of undercutting global market prices while keeping its domestic market closed, generally to the benefit of state-owned enterprises, and couples this with huge subsidy schemes, leading to significant distortions in global competition and jeopardising recent efforts by the EU and the Member States to keep the EU’s remaining mining sectors afloat;

    J. whereas the EU adopted the CRMA in April 2024 as the starting point of efforts towards improving the resilience and autonomy of the EU’s supply of CRMs and strategic raw materials (SRMs); whereas the CRMA addresses both the supply side and the demand side, including through production targets, through resource efficiency aimed at moderating consumption, and through the substitution of SRMs; whereas circularity is at the core of the CRMA, which aims to cover 25 % of the Union’s SRM needs through recycling by 2030 and has the objective of recycling substantially larger amounts of each SRM from waste, including for permanent magnets;

    K. whereas the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity to engage in dialogue while continuing to stand strong against coercion;

    L. whereas China still has sanctions in place against a former MEP, members of Member State parliaments and European think tanks;

    1. Strongly condemns China’s decision to enact REE export restrictions, which has halted exports and significantly disrupted supply chains vital for the automotive industry, defence manufacturers, semiconductor companies, green technologies, healthcare applications and many other sectors in the EU and across the world; considers that China’s action is unjustified and has a coercive intent, building on the enormous leverage its quasi-monopolistic position on the global market provides;

    2. Believes that China is using these export restrictions to strengthen its negotiating position; stresses that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by China to use these restrictions to force concessions on other ongoing trade irritants, and believes that any concessions to China in this respect would harm the EU’s ability to protect itself from current and future coercion;

    3. Underlines the importance of expressing concern regarding China’s export restrictions on REEs and the broader implications of these restrictions for global supply chains at the upcoming EU-China summit; is convinced that export controls should be part of a multilateral approach designed to protect international security and ensure a global level playing field, insists that unilateral controls must be limited to those made strictly necessary by national security considerations, with transparent and clearly defined rules, and therefore stresses that making China’s actions run counter to multilateral rules and practices, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance, engage with China to find a structural solution and continue dialogue with China in this regard;

    4. Urges the Chinese authorities to follow up tangibly on their proposal and fully lift the export restrictions; takes note, in the meantime, of the recent proposal by the Chinese authorities to establish so-called ‘green lanes’ aimed at simplifying procedures for European companies;

    5. Stresses the urgent need for the EU to enhance its strategic leverage and indispensability by identifying, operationalising and strengthening areas in which it holds critical advantages over China in essential goods and technologies, with the objective of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, or by limiting access to the EU internal market for high-risk Chinese vendors in accordance with EU and international trade law;

    6. Considers China’s measures to be an unjustified weaponisation of its CRM supply lines, rendering it an untrustworthy source of input for critical sectors and a threat to the Union’s economic and essential security interests;

    7. Expresses deep concern over the requirements, imposed by Chinese authorities, that applicants must disclose sensitive data when applying for export permits, and over the considerable risk of technology leaks associated with this as regards the defence industrial base value chain and national security secrets, stressing that this may be used for future coercion; considers it essential for the Commission and the Member States to assess and mitigate the security implications of such data transfers, in line with the European economic security strategy;

    8. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA; stresses the important role of the European Raw Materials Board and its sub-groups for the rapid and efficient implementation of the CRMA; recalls the clear and ambitious targets set to reinforce EU capacities to extract, process and recycle SRMs domestically by 2030; highlights the selection of the first 60 strategic projects under the CRMA;

    9. Regrets the fact that the CRMA was not accompanied by a dedicated EU budget, despite the lack of funding being the main bottleneck; stresses the urgent need to secure investments in the strategic projects approved under the CRMA and in other projects to boost extraction, refining, processing and recycling that contribute to de-risking from China and to achieving the CRMA benchmarks; urges the Commission to dedicate further EU-level support to the diversification of the REE and CRM supply, and to guarantee that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework will include a budget line to foster investment in extraction, processing, circularity, research and innovation, including for the substitution of CRMs;

    10. Underlines the need for the EU to mine domestically and re-establish processing capacity; underlines that increasing the efficiency of resource use through technological innovation is one of the objectives of the CRMA; emphasises the potential of recycling and urban mining to alleviate supply constraints in the short term and asks the Commission to take immediate measures to improve the collection and retention of REEs in the internal market;

    11. Underlines the need to ensure the long-term business case for and the viability of investments in CRM value chains, including through financial support such as price floors, offtake support and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Member States to request that large companies producing technologies in strategic sectors duly and regularly carry out risk-preparedness activities and measures to mitigate supply shortages, including via stockpiling;

    12. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to assess the minimum level for the EU of strategic stocks of REEs listed as SRMs (neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium and cerium) and the corresponding end-use applications, including those linked to the defence industry;

    13. Calls, furthermore, for stronger engagement to conclude clean trade and investment partnerships (CTIPs) and bilateral strategic partnerships on raw materials that are based on true win-win partnerships and meet high sustainability and human rights standards; insists on the need to move towards binding agreements on CRMs to ensure the long-term security of the EU’s supplies, guarantee more transparency and ensure that Parliament has scrutiny powers; underlines the importance of free trade agreements and the Global Gateway initiative in enhancing access to CRMs;

    14. Encourages the use of preference clauses for sourcing REEs from EU suppliers and trusted partners in relevant procurement legislation; calls for greater coordination with like-minded international partners, particularly within the G7 and NATO frameworks and with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, in order to improve knowledge transfer, align supply chain security, joint investments and stockpiling strategies, and develop trusted-source standards for strategic sectors and projects;

    15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States and the Government and Parliament of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The bill on regulating the platform economy was adopted by the State Duma in the first reading

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The State Duma deputies adopted the draft federal law “On Certain Issues of Regulating the Platform Economy in the Russian Federation” in the first reading, as well as a package of amendments to industry legislation required in connection with the new regulation. These measures are designed to ensure transparency and stability of the market, protect the interests of consumers and entrepreneurs, and create conditions for the further growth of the platform economy.

    The new regulation was developed on the instructions of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Mikhail Mishustin and under the supervision of the Deputy Chairman and Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko.

    “The President has instructed to speed up the adoption of the law on the platform economy, and together with the deputies we have already begun to implement this task. Last week we submitted an initiative to the State Duma, and today the draft law was adopted in the first reading. Such efficiency proves that we and the deputies see the goal of regulation in the same way. This is the protection of the rights and interests of our citizens: buyers, sellers, owners of order pick-up points and, in general, all participants in the platform economy,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of Staff of the Government of Russia Dmitry Grigorenko.

    The main focus of the developed regulation is on intermediary digital platforms that combine information about goods and services, allow transactions and payments, noted Maxim Reshetnikov, Minister of Economic Development of Russia, in a report to the lower house of parliament. A unified conceptual apparatus is also introduced, the rights and obligations of platform operators, sellers, buyers and service providers are clearly defined.

    “Over the past four years, online sales have quadrupled, and their share in retail trade has reached 15%. About 80% of Internet users access platforms every month – 6 billion orders were placed in 2024. Business is actively moving online: today, more than a million sellers work on platforms, and 80% of them are representatives of small and medium businesses,” Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized.

    The new regulation will increase trust in the platform economy. Every day, more than half of the country’s population becomes buyers, sellers, and orders various services through platforms – from grocery delivery to taxi rides, the minister emphasized.

    A number of measures are aimed at increasing the responsibility of platforms to buyers. Now operators are required to check data on sellers through the public services portal and official registers. Product cards without safety confirmation (labeling, certification or declaration of conformity) will not be published. Additionally, requirements for the storage of goods are established, including compliance with sanitary standards.

    Agreements between operators and sellers must include clear grounds for sanctions, changes in the position of the product card in search results, the procedure for changing prices and calculating the operator’s remuneration for providing services. Platform operators, in turn, are required to notify partners of changes in essential conditions at least 45 days in advance. Fines and blocking are possible only after a reasonable notice of three days. The use of discounts at the expense of the seller is allowed only with his consent, which can be revoked at any time. Also, platforms are required to provide reconciliation statements of mutual settlements upon request within seven days and update them monthly.

    “Such detailing will make it easier for businesses to defend their rights. Moreover, it will be possible to resolve disputes with platforms not only through the courts, but also out of court. For this purpose, a special system will become mandatory on platforms, through which a compromise can be found with the operator,” Maxim Reshetnikov emphasized, adding that initiatives of State Duma deputies, as well as proposals from businesses, industry associations and experts, were taken into account when developing the bills. This made it possible to create a balanced regulatory system that will contribute to the sustainable development of the platform economy.

    Digital platforms are a fast-growing segment of the economy, and its regulation requires a serious, balanced approach, says Denis Kravchenko, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy.

    “Today, the State Duma supported the bill on the platform economy in the first reading. We have been working on this bill together with the government for over a year. During its preparation, the text of the law underwent significant changes taking into account the position of market players, the expert community and deputies. Yesterday, the bill was unanimously supported by deputies of the Committee on Economic Policy. Today, during the discussion, consolidated support was also born. This is very important for us. This is a new sector of the economy, which will be defined in the near future. It is growing rapidly, so it requires serious legislative regulation. We will finalize the text for the second reading,” Denis Kravchenko commented.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Package travel and linked travel arrangements: Improving protection for travellers – 09-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    On 29 November 2023, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a directive amending Directive (EU) 2015/2302 on package travel and linked travel arrangements, to improve protection for travellers and simplify and clarify certain aspects of the current directive. The Commission announced in a 2020 communication on a new consumer agenda that it would look into revising the directive following the turmoil caused by the mass cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal is the result of two years of stakeholder consultations and a reassessment of the current rules. The main changes focus on securing travellers’ rights and improving insolvency protection. Other key changes include extending the directive’s scope to lay down rules on contracts between package organisers and service providers. In the European Parliament, the file was referred to the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO). The Council adopted its negotiating mandate on 18 December 2024. IMCO adopted its report on 26 June 2025. Following a vote on the negotiating mandate in plenary, trilogue negotiations can begin. Third edition. The ‘EU Legislation in Progress’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing on the role of customs authorities – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    CONT public hearing: The role of customs authorities in protecting the financial interests of the Union © Image used under the license from Adobe Stock

    On 15 July 2025, the Committees on Budgetary Control (CONT) and on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) will hold a public hearing on “The role of customs authorities in protecting the financial interests of the Union – ensuring the complete collection of traditional own resources”.

    Customs authorities in the Member States play a central role in protecting the financial interests of the Union. In the area of traditional own resources (TOR), they contribute to EU revenue through the collection of customs duties. As a result of customs duties at risk of either not being declared or being declared incorrectly to national authorities by importers, the actual amount collected is lower than it should be, leading to a “customs gap”. In its Annual Report 2023, the European Court of Auditors noted weaknesses in EU action to reduce the customs gap and to mitigate the risk that TOR are incomplete.
    The aim of the public hearing would therefore be to hear the European Commission, Member States’ customs authorities and other stakeholders on best practices in detecting financial risks in customs and on the effective application of customs controls, with a view to identifying actions for improving the level of TOR paid to the EU and the functioning of the Customs Union overall.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Presentation of the Danish Presidency Priorities on 15 July – Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection

    Source: European Parliament

    Danish Council Presidency © European Union (2025)

    IMCO Members are preparing for an exchange of views with Ministers Morten Bødskov (Industry, Business and Financial Affairs) and Caroline Stage Olsen (Digital Affairs) to explore how the Presidency’s priorities align with the IMCO agenda. The discussion will center on the Presidency’s plans to strengthen the Single Market, particularly by reducing barriers to cross-border services, simplifying regulatory frameworks with a focus on SMEs.

    Members will also seek clarity on the Presidency’s approach to key legislative files, including reforms to the Customs Union, consumer protection and fair practices in the digital and green economy, follow-up to major digital initiatives such as the AI Act and the EU Data Strategy and new circularity requirements for vehicle design. The Presidency’s views on improving the resilience of the Customs Union to e-commerce challenges–especially strengthening controls over imports and ensuring compliance with EU standards–as well as the modernisation of cross-border digital tools, will also feature prominently in the exchange.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Continued Growth at Truxton Wealth Leads to Advisor Promotions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Truxton is pleased to announce that Buck Patton, CFP®, CPWA® has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor and Brandt Warner, JD, CFP® has been elevated to the role of Vice President, Wealth Advisor.

    Since joining Truxton in 2018, Mr. Patton has served in a range of key roles including Portfolio Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Associate Wealth Advisor. His well-rounded experience, working with individual clients, families, non-profit boards, and partnerships, has made a significant impact on both Truxton’s clients and business. He has played a critical role in refining processes, leading complex client initiatives, and coordinating seamlessly with other advisors to deliver comprehensive wealth strategies. Buck continues to elevate his work for the benefit of Truxton’s clients and team, earning certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® practitioner.

    “Buck has made a lasting impact since joining Truxton in 2018,” said Drew Mallory, Senior Managing Director and Chief Fiduciary Officer. “He’s a true team player, a lifelong learner, and a trusted advisor whose clients genuinely enjoy working with him.”

    Mr. Warner joined Truxton Wealth in 2024 as an Assistant Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and has quickly become a key contributor. Known for his strategic thinking, technical expertise, and client-first mindset, Brandt has enhanced internal operations, tackled complexity with ease, and quickly built trust among clients and colleagues. A licensed attorney and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Brandt earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in Business Transactions.

    “Brandt quickly became a major contributor to the Truxton Wealth team,” said Drew Mallory. “He has improved core processes and brings a strategic mindset to helping high-net-worth families move forward on important initiatives. We’re excited to see his continued growth at Truxton.”

    About Truxton
    Truxton is a premier provider of wealth, banking, and family office services for wealthy individuals, their families, and their business interests. Serving clients across the world, Truxton’s vastly experienced team of professionals provides customized solutions to its clients’ complex financial needs. Founded in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, Truxton upholds its original guiding principle: do the right thing. Truxton Trust Company is a subsidiary of financial holding company, Truxton Corporation (OTCID: TRUX). For more information, visit truxtontrust.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Continued Growth at Truxton Wealth Leads to Advisor Promotions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Truxton is pleased to announce that Buck Patton, CFP®, CPWA® has been promoted to the role of Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor and Brandt Warner, JD, CFP® has been elevated to the role of Vice President, Wealth Advisor.

    Since joining Truxton in 2018, Mr. Patton has served in a range of key roles including Portfolio Analyst, Financial Advisor, and Associate Wealth Advisor. His well-rounded experience, working with individual clients, families, non-profit boards, and partnerships, has made a significant impact on both Truxton’s clients and business. He has played a critical role in refining processes, leading complex client initiatives, and coordinating seamlessly with other advisors to deliver comprehensive wealth strategies. Buck continues to elevate his work for the benefit of Truxton’s clients and team, earning certifications as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and Certified Private Wealth Advisor® practitioner.

    “Buck has made a lasting impact since joining Truxton in 2018,” said Drew Mallory, Senior Managing Director and Chief Fiduciary Officer. “He’s a true team player, a lifelong learner, and a trusted advisor whose clients genuinely enjoy working with him.”

    Mr. Warner joined Truxton Wealth in 2024 as an Assistant Vice President, Wealth Advisor, and has quickly become a key contributor. Known for his strategic thinking, technical expertise, and client-first mindset, Brandt has enhanced internal operations, tackled complexity with ease, and quickly built trust among clients and colleagues. A licensed attorney and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Brandt earned his J.D. cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law with a concentration in Business Transactions.

    “Brandt quickly became a major contributor to the Truxton Wealth team,” said Drew Mallory. “He has improved core processes and brings a strategic mindset to helping high-net-worth families move forward on important initiatives. We’re excited to see his continued growth at Truxton.”

    About Truxton
    Truxton is a premier provider of wealth, banking, and family office services for wealthy individuals, their families, and their business interests. Serving clients across the world, Truxton’s vastly experienced team of professionals provides customized solutions to its clients’ complex financial needs. Founded in 2004 in Nashville, Tennessee, Truxton upholds its original guiding principle: do the right thing. Truxton Trust Company is a subsidiary of financial holding company, Truxton Corporation (OTCID: TRUX). For more information, visit truxtontrust.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to New Jersey Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Drought and Excessive Heat

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in New Jersey of the Aug. 11 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by drought and excessive heat occurring June 25, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the New Jersey counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Union, and Warren as well as county of Bucks in Pennsylvania.

    Under this declaration SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the small business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”  

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The deadline to return economic injury applications is Aug. 11, 2025.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján
    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”
    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.
    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  
    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”
    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”
    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.
    Dear President Trump,  
    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 
    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 
    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.
    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  
    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.
    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 
    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Congressional Delegation Calls on President Trump to Grant State’s Major Disaster Declaration Request in Response to Severe Flooding

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    N.M. Delegation: “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss”

    RUIDOSO, N.M. — As families mourn the loss of the three lives taken in severe flash flooding, and as many New Mexicans are being forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) are calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

    In a letter to President Trump, New Mexico’s Congressional delegation wrote, “We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions.

    “Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts.  

    “The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.”

    A Major Disaster Declaration would open up access to Public Assistance and Individual Assistance funds from FEMA. Public Assistance supports the restoration and reconstruction of public infrastructure and lands. Individual Assistance supports families from losses suffered due to the flash flooding.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.

    The lawmakers added, “It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss.”

    Read the full text of the letter below or by clicking here.

    Dear President Trump,  

    We respectfully request that you take immediate action on the recent request for a major disaster declaration from the State of New Mexico in response to the severe weather system that produced unprecedented monsoonal rain statewide, causing severe thunderstorms and devastating flash flooding across multiple jurisdictions. 

    Yesterday and throughout the night, we watched Ruidoso leaders and staff, National Weather Service-Albuquerque staff, utility crews, first responders, medical providers, and rescue teams rally to save lives and help New Mexicans affected by the devastating flash flooding. We are immensely grateful for their heroic efforts. 

    The scale of this disaster demands an immediate and robust response. Lives, homes, and critical infrastructure have been upended by this devastation, and New Mexico should not have to face it alone. We urge you to act without delay and approve the State of New Mexico’s request for a major disaster declaration.

    The State is requesting Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan. We ask that you expeditiously grant the declaration and make this federal assistance available as soon as possible for the State to have all the resources they need to mitigate and recover from the devastation of this weather system.  

    Beginning on June 23, 2025, a weather system swept across New Mexico, producing monsoonal rain patterns and causing overwhelming damage across the state. Exacerbated by the severe to exceptional drought conditions across much of the state, as well as the number of interacting burn scars in much of the impacted area, the heavy rains and thunderstorms led to devastating flash flooding. Since this weather system started, it has impacted approximately 675 homes, with hundreds more under immediate threat of ongoing flooding in burn scars, and tragically caused at least three fatalities. Additionally, 70 distinct pieces of critical infrastructure have been damaged, including roads and bridges having been blown out by the floods and debris flow and drainage systems, water control facilities, and at least eight public buildings being destroyed or receiving severe damage. Many New Mexicans have been forced to evacuate their homes and businesses, often with livestock and pets.

    It is imperative that the federal government provides full support needed for New Mexico communities to respond and recover. Anything less would leave families vulnerable and prolong the suffering of those already facing unimaginable loss. 

    Thank you for your consideration of this important request. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Warren Demand Answers About Trump Administration Cuts to Agencies That Protect Seniors From Frauds And Scams

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Americans lost more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024
    This week, Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Elizabeth Warren, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, demanded answers from the Trump administration on the impact of federal cuts to agencies that protect seniors from financial frauds and scams. The senators’ letter follows the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing the need to enhance protections against frauds and scams through coordination among federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
    Even after the release of GAO’s report, the Trump administration has continued efforts to gut these agencies. For example, in April, the administration fired about 1,500 CFPB employees—or almost 90% of the agency’s staff. The so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has also attempted to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs, decreasing personnel at the very agencies that GAO agrees are needed to protect older adults.
    “GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out-of-touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults,” the senators wrote. “We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.”
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024. Older Americans alone lost a record $4.8 billion to scammers last year, according to the FBI.
    The full text of the letter can be found here or below.
    Dear Mr. Dodaro,
    We write today to request that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) follow up on its report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams (GAO-25-107088). GAO’s report detailed the need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, including through better coordination among federal agencies. Despite that need, President Trump allowed an out of touch billionaire to slash the very agencies that protect Americans from scams, including millions of older adults. We ask GAO to examine the impact of these severe cuts on the ability of the federal government to address frauds and scams, and to carry out the recommendations in GAO’s report.
    American consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud in 2024, and scams can have a particularly devastating impact on the mental and financial health of older adults. Older adults are more likely to have accumulated savings and housing wealth, making them targets for scammers who “steal everything,” and leave the older adults “emotionally and financially ruined.” One older adult testified about a scam that cost her late husband his job, his self-confidence, and forced him to ration his medications – setbacks that contributed to his declining health. Another older adult testified that she could not repair her home, afford air conditioning, and had to turn off her refrigerator and stove after losing $39,000 in a scam. Even as elder scams are devastating, they are also difficult to investigate because of their global nature. Frequently, such scams combine the efforts of overseas criminal organizations with operatives in the United States.
    In April 2025, GAO released a report, Consumer Protection: Actions Needed to Improve Complaint Reporting, Consumer Education, and Federal Coordination to Counter Scams, that highlighted the scope of scams and the weaknesses in the federal government’s efforts to combat them. The report included several recommendations for the federal government, such as the need for the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) to lead an effort to develop a national strategy to counter scams. Many of the recommendations made it clear that agencies such as FBI, the Department of Treasury, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will need to work together to find solutions. The interagency cooperation envisioned by GAO’s report will require federal agencies that are well resourced and staffed with the proper expertise.
    Although there is a need to enhance our nation’s response to scams, President Trump has empowered efforts to decimate the very agencies leading the response. On January 20, 2025, President Trump established the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE). The initial head of the DOGE, Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, does not need to worry about his basic needs and lives a life of unfettered influence and power. Yet, Mr. Musk and his cronies at the DOGE set a goal of cutting $1 trillion from agencies that serve working class Americans, older adults, and people with disabilities. Efforts by the DOGE include attempts to harass public servants throughout the federal government into leaving their jobs. DOGE efforts also include drastic cuts at agencies with a role in addressing scams, such as the CFPB, which has been subjected to mass firings. Consequently, we seek GAO’s assistance in understanding how DOGE’s actions affect key agencies’ efforts to address frauds and scams in general and implement GAO’s report recommendations in particular.
    We understand that the DOGE’s efforts are ongoing and its efforts at the FBI, FTC, CFPB, the Department of Treasury, and the Federal Reserve may not be completed for many months. We also understand that GAO may receive some insight into the impact of DOGE’s actions at the five agencies when the agencies submit an action plan to Congress and GAO as part of the formal “180-day Letter” process that is in place for GAO recommendations to federal agencies. Therefore, we ask that GAO defer any work until it receives and initially analyzes the action plans from agencies that were targeted by the recommendations.
    Once the agency action plans have been received and analyzed by GAO, and the DOGE’s efforts are sufficiently completed, we request that GAO examine and report on the following issues:
    1. In its April 2025 report, GAO identified five key agencies that play a role in addressing frauds and scams. Since January 20, 2025, how has the ability of the five agencies to address frauds and scams been impacted by firings, resignations, buyouts, agency restructurings, and other actions undertaken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE?
    a. What changes have occurred at the five agencies a year or less following the actions taken by the Trump Administration and the DOGE, and what, if any, observable impact have those changes had on efforts to address frauds and scams?
    b. What impacts may the changes have over multiple years on the five agencies and their efforts to address frauds and scams?
    2. GAO’s April 2025 report included 16 recommendations for the federal government to improve its response to frauds and scams. How have the changes implemented by the Trump Administration and DOGE impacted the ability of the five agencies identified in the April 2025 report to implement GAO’s recommendations? Further, if efforts are made to reverse the changes at any of the five agencies, please describe the success of those efforts. Please include any barriers the agencies have faced to restaffing and restoring efforts to combat frauds and scams.
    We appreciate your attention to this request. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ranking Member Gillibrand’s staff with the Senate Special Committee on Aging or Ranking Member Warren’s staff with the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Easterseals New Jersey and Opening Bell Ventures Launch Innovative Data Platform, Advancing Disability Services Through Digital Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX , July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Easterseals New Jersey (ENJ), a nonprofit leader in empowering individuals with disabilities and special needs, has partnered with Opening Bell Ventures (OBV) to launch a cutting-edge data and analytics platform that is redefining how the organization delivers services, measures impact, and engages its community.

    ESNJ Logo

    With an annual revenue exceeding $105 million, ENJ is committed to helping individuals live, learn, work, and thrive with dignity. As part of its strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and deepen donor engagement, ENJ identified a powerful opportunity: to harness the full potential of its data.

    By modernizing its data infrastructure, ENJ aimed to unify insights across departments, streamline reporting, and unlock new levels of transparency and efficiency. This forward-thinking initiative led to the creation of “Carehouse”—a cloud-based data Lakehouse developed in partnership with OBV.

    “Our newly built Data Lakehouse has been a game-changer for us. This efficiency allows us to focus more on our mission of enriching lives,” said Aleisha Hart, Chief Operating Officer at ENJ.

    Key achievements of the collaboration include:

    • Accelerated Reporting: The Quarterly Consumer Metrics Report (QCMR) now takes just 20 minutes to compile—down from two weeks—freeing up staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
    • Unified Insights: Over 20 Power BI dashboards provide real-time, department-specific analytics, enabling smarter decisions across services, finance, operations, and IT.
    • Strong Data Governance: With Microsoft Purview, ENJ has implemented a robust data catalog, quality rules, and weekly integrity checks to ensure ongoing data accuracy.
    • Scalable Innovation: The platform lays the groundwork for predictive analytics and AI, positioning ENJ for continued growth and innovation.

    “This initiative reflects our belief that data is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for mission-driven impact,” said a spokesperson from Opening Bell Ventures.

    The success of this transformation highlights the power of strategic partnerships and digital innovation in the nonprofit sector. ENJ’s journey demonstrates how organizations can turn operational complexity into opportunity, using technology to amplify their mission and better serve their communities.

    About Easterseals New Jersey
    Easterseals New Jersey is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs through community-based services and support.

    About Opening Bell Ventures
    Opening Bell Ventures is a professional services firm specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions that accelerate digital transformation for Fortune 500 and mission-driven organizations.

    Media Contact:
    Corinne Lowenstein
    Chief Operating Officer
    Corinne.Lowenstein@openingbellventures.com
    (646) 942-4522
    www.openingbellventures.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Easterseals New Jersey and Opening Bell Ventures Launch Innovative Data Platform, Advancing Disability Services Through Digital Transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Austin, TX , July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Easterseals New Jersey (ENJ), a nonprofit leader in empowering individuals with disabilities and special needs, has partnered with Opening Bell Ventures (OBV) to launch a cutting-edge data and analytics platform that is redefining how the organization delivers services, measures impact, and engages its community.

    ESNJ Logo

    With an annual revenue exceeding $105 million, ENJ is committed to helping individuals live, learn, work, and thrive with dignity. As part of its strategic vision to enhance operational excellence and deepen donor engagement, ENJ identified a powerful opportunity: to harness the full potential of its data.

    By modernizing its data infrastructure, ENJ aimed to unify insights across departments, streamline reporting, and unlock new levels of transparency and efficiency. This forward-thinking initiative led to the creation of “Carehouse”—a cloud-based data Lakehouse developed in partnership with OBV.

    “Our newly built Data Lakehouse has been a game-changer for us. This efficiency allows us to focus more on our mission of enriching lives,” said Aleisha Hart, Chief Operating Officer at ENJ.

    Key achievements of the collaboration include:

    • Accelerated Reporting: The Quarterly Consumer Metrics Report (QCMR) now takes just 20 minutes to compile—down from two weeks—freeing up staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
    • Unified Insights: Over 20 Power BI dashboards provide real-time, department-specific analytics, enabling smarter decisions across services, finance, operations, and IT.
    • Strong Data Governance: With Microsoft Purview, ENJ has implemented a robust data catalog, quality rules, and weekly integrity checks to ensure ongoing data accuracy.
    • Scalable Innovation: The platform lays the groundwork for predictive analytics and AI, positioning ENJ for continued growth and innovation.

    “This initiative reflects our belief that data is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for mission-driven impact,” said a spokesperson from Opening Bell Ventures.

    The success of this transformation highlights the power of strategic partnerships and digital innovation in the nonprofit sector. ENJ’s journey demonstrates how organizations can turn operational complexity into opportunity, using technology to amplify their mission and better serve their communities.

    About Easterseals New Jersey
    Easterseals New Jersey is a nonprofit organization committed to enriching the lives of individuals with disabilities and special needs through community-based services and support.

    About Opening Bell Ventures
    Opening Bell Ventures is a professional services firm specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions that accelerate digital transformation for Fortune 500 and mission-driven organizations.

    Media Contact:
    Corinne Lowenstein
    Chief Operating Officer
    Corinne.Lowenstein@openingbellventures.com
    (646) 942-4522
    www.openingbellventures.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: From Kabul to the catwalk – the surprising global history behind fashion’s fur revival

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Magnus Marsden, Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Sussex

    The winter season of 2024-25 marked a resurgence of fur clothing – both faux and real – in fashion across Europe and North America. Shearling jackets and embroidered “Penny Lane coats” featured widely in reports on the latest fashion trends. Vintage fur coats are also back in vogue.

    To many, the resurgence came as a surprise. The anti-fur movement, especially influential in the 1980s, continues to shape perceptions of fur. In the 2010s, cities including New York and Los Angeles banned the use of fur to make clothes. The UK meanwhile banned the farming of fur-bearing animals, and, alongside the EU, has committed itself to legislating against all fur imports.

    Just last year the town of Worthing, in England, debated whether their mayor should wear ceremonial robes trimmed with fur or not. Despite these trends, many young people have embraced the renewed trend of wearing real fur.

    Some clothes made from animal skins became popular during the counter-cultural movement of the 1960s, but historically, fur has mostly marked status, wealth and luxury. Today, many critics interpret fur’s return to fashion as a cultural expression of rightwing politics.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Fur is prominent in the “boom boom” fashion trend, which emphasises excess and “male-coded values”. It has been described by fashion journalists as “over-the-top and unashamed about its own greed and lack of wokeness”.

    Fur clothing is a reminder of the moral tensions between need and desire, and luxury and excess. In addition to being inter-generational, these debates are also about gender. For much of the 20th century, fur coats symbolised femininity, erotic power and class position in the west. But by the 1980s, advertising campaigns depicted women who wore fur as either stupid and unthinking or thinking and unspeakably cruel, leading many to jettison it.

    Anti-fur protests were held across the US in 1994.

    Fur’s return to fashion has injected old debates with new significance. Some young people are willing to wear faux fur because it does not involve killing animals. But others argue that, because it is made from synthetic material, faux fur is actually more environmentally damaging and prefer to wear the real thing. They claim that wearing vintage fur is a form of “sustainable consumption” but are challenged by those who argue that this fashion trend ultimately justifies killing animals to make clothes.

    The boom boom trend is said to embody a contemporary expression of 1980s “conspicuous consumerism”, but in an era of economic austerity the adoption of fur by young people suggests the clothes they wear identify their desires rather than their financial reality.

    A global history of fur

    Today, as in the 1980s, the perspectives, interests and experiences of non-Europeans are often unheard in debates around fur. A decline of fur-bearing animal populations in North America and Siberia from the early 19th century, led to a global expansion in fur farming.



    Read more:
    How central Asian Jews and Muslims worked together in London’s 20th-century fur and carpet trade

    From the 1850s, for example, Central Asia supplied furs to Europe and North America. Local artisans cured the pelts of karakul lambs – a native breed – to yield a rich and glossy fur. In central and south Asia, men of high status wore karakul hats; in Europe and America, they were mostly used to make women’s coats.

    After the Russian revolution of 1917, many nomadic and semi-nomadic pastoralists, who raised sheep and other animals, left central Asia and moved with their flocks to neighbouring Afghanistan. The trade in karakul fur grew in the country, and foreign currency reserves came to depend on lambskins sold at auctions in London and New York.

    In the 1960s, sheepskin coats made in Afghanistan – known as “Afghans” – became popular in the west, being worn by stars including Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones. The 1969 British edition of Vogue featured an interview with an icon of “oriental chic”, the “beautiful, dashing, intelligent, adventurous” Afghan socialite, Safia Tarzi, who lived in Paris, and ran a boutique clothing shop in Kabul.

    The Afghan coat enjoyed a resurgence in 2000 having been worn by the character Penny Lane (Kate Hudson) in the film Almost Famous.



    Read more:
    Friday essay: how ‘Afghan’ coats left Kabul for the fashion world and became a hippie must-have

    In the 1980s, the anti-fur campaign contributed to a declining market for karakul. For decades, rumours of Central Asian shepherds extracting lambs from the wombs of sheep to ensure a steady yield of delicate pelts had circulated. Moral opposition to the practice was not confined to the west.

    During my research on globally dispersed activists, intellectuals and merchants from Afghanistan, a man from Afghanistan, now based in London, told me that his father banned his family from wearing karakul hats because sheep and their lambs were treated cruelly.

    In the 1990s, civil war destroyed much of the infrastructure of the karakul industry in Afghanistan, but a trickle of pelts reached auction houses located in Frankfurt, Copenhagen and Helsinki.

    In the 2000s, international development organisations attempted to revive the trade, though sales never returned to anyway near the levels of the 1970s. By the 2010s, families in northern Afghanistan struggling economically opted to send sons to travel illegally to Turkey to find work as shepherds for commercially oriented Turkish farmers.

    Promotional videos of fashion houses occasionally touch on the Penny Lane coat’s ties to Afghanistan, but media coverage of fur fashions rarely address its historical connections to central Asia.

    Magnus Marsden received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council including for the research upon which this article is based.

    – ref. From Kabul to the catwalk – the surprising global history behind fashion’s fur revival – https://theconversation.com/from-kabul-to-the-catwalk-the-surprising-global-history-behind-fashions-fur-revival-256382

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How M&S responds to its cyber-attack could have a serious impact on its future – and its customers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aybars Tuncdogan, Reader in Digital Innovation and Information Security, King’s College London

    raymond orton/Shutterstock

    The cyber-attack on Marks & Spencer will lead to an estimated £300 million hit to the company’s profits this year. It now aims to have online shopping at the store back to normal by August, more than three months after IT systems were compromised.

    Fans of M&S clothing and food will be relieved after all of the uncertainty. But that level of uncertainty, as well as the huge cost, is surely a sign that big retailers, which millions of people rely on, need to change how they think about – and invest in – cybersecurity.

    It has to be an absolute priority. After all, few marketing strategies or HR initiatives can save a company £300 million in just six weeks. But perhaps a more sophisticated cybersecurity department could have done just that.

    To be fair, M&S faced a relatively rare, high-impact ordeal. Most cyber-attacks of this nature don’t affect customers so directly, and much of the recovery typically happens behind the scenes.

    But M&S shoppers saw online orders collapse, contactless payments fail and refunds, gift cards and loyalty points not functioning. Disruption in stock-management and warehousing led to empty shelves and food waste.

    On June 27, M&S issued a public apology and a £5 digital gift card to affected customers. But research suggests that the most important element of keeping customers onside is the quality of the recovery process, and whether normal service is eventually resumed.

    To get back to normal service, it is possible that a ransom was paid to the cyber attackers, but M&S has refused to confirm or deny this. (One survey found that many organisations hit by cyber attacks agreed to pay a ransom – and then suffered a subsequent breach, often from the very same culprits.)

    But even when normal service returns, when hackers steal customer data, as they did with M&S, research suggests that this information is often reused by criminals in identity theft and phishing. A study even found that victims of data breaches are more likely to have mortgage applications denied.

    From what we know about the breach at M&S, it seems that the cyber-attackers simply used a phishing technique to get the support desk of a third-party contractor to reset the password of an admin-level account. That said, although in this case the main vulnerability was human, the lesson to be learnt here is that sometimes just one vulnerability can shake the whole system to its core.

    This is why business owners need to think of cybersecurity not just as a tedious and inconvenient IT issue, but as a core function of the business. Otherwise, as the M&S case illustrates, it is simply not possible for the rest of the corporate structure to operate.

    Testing times

    So cybersecurity targets must be incorporated into every department to ensure collective defence. And organisations also need to stress-test the different aspects of their systems.

    That could be checking on human responses, but it should also include technology (like a vulnerability in the web server), physical barriers (a poorly secured server room door) and HR procedures (failure to revoke ex-employee access).

    Lock down your laptop.
    Thapana_Studio/Shutterstock

    These lines of defence have to be stress-tested regularly and from multiple angles, rather than being considered an annual checkbox activity for compliance.

    Scenario-based tests – essentially a cyber fire-drill — such as internal threat simulations and response exercises, can provide useful insights into an organisation’s readiness to detect, respond to and recover from cyber-attacks.

    It’s also important that organisations learn to communicate clearly once a breach occurs. Research into responses to data breaches suggests that any backlash is sharper when the company seems to be trying to hide the breach, which may later be publicised by the criminals instead.

    Consumers should also remember that they are not powerless. We may not be able to prevent a data breach, but all of us can help to stop attackers from infiltrating our online worlds by something as simple as not re-using the same passwords.

    By remaining sceptical, we can prevent attackers from using the information they stole to phish us later. And by thinking carefully about what personal data we share with companies, we can reduce the impact of future breaches.

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

    – ref. How M&S responds to its cyber-attack could have a serious impact on its future – and its customers – https://theconversation.com/how-mands-responds-to-its-cyber-attack-could-have-a-serious-impact-on-its-future-and-its-customers-260429

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How M&S responds to its cyber-attack could have a serious impact on its future – and its customers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Aybars Tuncdogan, Reader in Digital Innovation and Information Security, King’s College London

    raymond orton/Shutterstock

    The cyber-attack on Marks & Spencer will lead to an estimated £300 million hit to the company’s profits this year. It now aims to have online shopping at the store back to normal by August, more than three months after IT systems were compromised.

    Fans of M&S clothing and food will be relieved after all of the uncertainty. But that level of uncertainty, as well as the huge cost, is surely a sign that big retailers, which millions of people rely on, need to change how they think about – and invest in – cybersecurity.

    It has to be an absolute priority. After all, few marketing strategies or HR initiatives can save a company £300 million in just six weeks. But perhaps a more sophisticated cybersecurity department could have done just that.

    To be fair, M&S faced a relatively rare, high-impact ordeal. Most cyber-attacks of this nature don’t affect customers so directly, and much of the recovery typically happens behind the scenes.

    But M&S shoppers saw online orders collapse, contactless payments fail and refunds, gift cards and loyalty points not functioning. Disruption in stock-management and warehousing led to empty shelves and food waste.

    On June 27, M&S issued a public apology and a £5 digital gift card to affected customers. But research suggests that the most important element of keeping customers onside is the quality of the recovery process, and whether normal service is eventually resumed.

    To get back to normal service, it is possible that a ransom was paid to the cyber attackers, but M&S has refused to confirm or deny this. (One survey found that many organisations hit by cyber attacks agreed to pay a ransom – and then suffered a subsequent breach, often from the very same culprits.)

    But even when normal service returns, when hackers steal customer data, as they did with M&S, research suggests that this information is often reused by criminals in identity theft and phishing. A study even found that victims of data breaches are more likely to have mortgage applications denied.

    From what we know about the breach at M&S, it seems that the cyber-attackers simply used a phishing technique to get the support desk of a third-party contractor to reset the password of an admin-level account. That said, although in this case the main vulnerability was human, the lesson to be learnt here is that sometimes just one vulnerability can shake the whole system to its core.

    This is why business owners need to think of cybersecurity not just as a tedious and inconvenient IT issue, but as a core function of the business. Otherwise, as the M&S case illustrates, it is simply not possible for the rest of the corporate structure to operate.

    Testing times

    So cybersecurity targets must be incorporated into every department to ensure collective defence. And organisations also need to stress-test the different aspects of their systems.

    That could be checking on human responses, but it should also include technology (like a vulnerability in the web server), physical barriers (a poorly secured server room door) and HR procedures (failure to revoke ex-employee access).

    Lock down your laptop.
    Thapana_Studio/Shutterstock

    These lines of defence have to be stress-tested regularly and from multiple angles, rather than being considered an annual checkbox activity for compliance.

    Scenario-based tests – essentially a cyber fire-drill — such as internal threat simulations and response exercises, can provide useful insights into an organisation’s readiness to detect, respond to and recover from cyber-attacks.

    It’s also important that organisations learn to communicate clearly once a breach occurs. Research into responses to data breaches suggests that any backlash is sharper when the company seems to be trying to hide the breach, which may later be publicised by the criminals instead.

    Consumers should also remember that they are not powerless. We may not be able to prevent a data breach, but all of us can help to stop attackers from infiltrating our online worlds by something as simple as not re-using the same passwords.

    By remaining sceptical, we can prevent attackers from using the information they stole to phish us later. And by thinking carefully about what personal data we share with companies, we can reduce the impact of future breaches.

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

    – ref. How M&S responds to its cyber-attack could have a serious impact on its future – and its customers – https://theconversation.com/how-mands-responds-to-its-cyber-attack-could-have-a-serious-impact-on-its-future-and-its-customers-260429

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Parental leave in the UK isn’t working – here’s what needs to change

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, Senior Lecturer at York Business School, York St John University

    pikselstock/Shutterstock

    The recent launch of a government review into parental leave and pay in the UK is a hugely welcome development. In order to bring about meaningful change, it must challenge the fundamental issue at the heart of current parental leave laws. They are strongly influenced by, and so perpetuate, gender norms that see women as caregivers and fathers as breadwinners.

    Parents in the UK can take maternity leave, paternity leave and shared parental leave in the first year of their child’s life. While these allowances provide parents with support, the support is disproportionate in how it is split between mothers and fathers. Although gender roles have evolved significantly, UK policies lag behind.

    Mothers and fathers are equal parents and have equal parenting responsibilities. However, mothers are allowed up to 52 weeks of maternity leave, while fathers are only entitled to two weeks of statutory paternity leave.

    The introduction of shared parental leave in 2015 was welcomed as a positive step towards gender equality – but it has failed in this aim.

    There are significant barriers stopping fathers from benefiting fully from the legislation. Parents can share up to 50 weeks of leave between them. But because mothers are entitled to a year of leave, the policy requires mothers to act as gatekeepers. The mother determines if the father can share the leave and how long she is willing to give up for the father.

    Consequently, fathers have no autonomy or independence to take parental leave at a time that is important to them and their babies – and they may be reluctant to deprive the mother of leave she is entitled to.

    What’s more, while maternity and paternity leave is well known and the process relatively straightforward, shared parental leave has been criticised for its complexity. Parents that have explored shared parental leave have found the policy and process incredibly complex because some employers still don’t understand how it works and so are unable to support parents.

    The problems with the policy have affected its uptake. Only 5% of fathers take any shared parental leave.

    Financial implications

    Another problem that affects all three policies is the pay. While the UK has a generous maternity leave allowance of 52 weeks, this is not accompanied by a decent financial allowance.

    Although employers can set more generous terms, the law requires only the first six weeks of maternity leave to be paid at 90% of the mother’s salary. This is followed by 33 weeks at statutory pay of £187.18 and 13 weeks of no pay. The two weeks of paternity leave are paid at the statutory rate of £187.18, or 90% of the father’s average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

    Taking parental leave can bring financial and career worries.
    christinarosepix/Shutterstock

    And while shared parental leave allows the mother to split 50 weeks of leave with her partner, a significant period of this is unpaid. Out of these 50 weeks, parents can share 37 weeks of pay at statutory rate and the rest of the leave would be unpaid.

    Mothers have returned to work early because financially they cannot afford to stay longer on maternity leave – a problem compounded by the rising cost of living. Fathers sometimes opt to take annual leave rather than paternity leave because of the low pay.

    The same reason applies to shared parental leave because parents cannot afford to both be off at the same time or different times on the statutory rate. While the policies are well intended, there is no financial incentive for parents to take it.

    Finances have a significant impact on parental leave choices. The government review should enhance parental leave pay to encourage and support parents, particularly fathers.

    Impact on careers

    The implications for parents’ careers also need to be considered. While parental leave should not affect the career aspirations or progressions of the parents, my research demonstrates otherwise. Mothers have been bullied, refused opportunities, and have felt forced to leave their jobs.

    Research also shows that fathers have concerns about their careers when considering parental leave. While it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against a parent for taking parental leave, this remains an area of concern.

    My research has demonstrated that some fathers consider shared parental leave as a “luxury” they cannot afford. They feel they need to work hard to demonstrate their commitment to their job. Equal parenting policies would support women’s careers and encourage fathers to take up more family responsibilities without fear of repercussions.

    The last point to consider – and one that often goes overlooked – is that how parents choose to feed their baby may have an effect on their decisions to take parental leave. Babies can be breastfed, formula fed or a mixture of both breast and formula feeding. If the parents make the decision to breastfeed – a choice recommended by the World Health Organisation – this may affect the mother’s decision on how much leave she takes.

    Employers have legal obligations to carry out risk assessments for breastfeeding mothers and make reasonable adjustments on specific health and safety guidelines. However, a general policy that covers the wider needs of breastfeeding mothers and offers them more support at work should be implemented.

    My research shows that mothers may prefer to take more maternity leave to enable them to breastfeed.

    The parental leave review shouldn’t miss the opportunity to introduce breastfeeding policies that ensure mothers are properly supported in the workplace – as well as making sure that both mothers and fathers have the opportunity to prioritise caring and their careers.

    Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi 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. Parental leave in the UK isn’t working – here’s what needs to change – https://theconversation.com/parental-leave-in-the-uk-isnt-working-heres-what-needs-to-change-209661

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville to ICE Agents Being Violently Attacked: “If you need to defend yourself, shoot back.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) joined Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss the Radical Democrats who are violently attacking ICE agents.
    Excerpts from Sens. Tuberville and Scott’s interview can be found below or on YouTube or Rumble.
    KUDLOW: “I want to get down to the point. You’ve got people shooting at ICE agents and Border Patrol agents, right? And cops in general. And according to the Daily Caller and according to Axios and some other sources now, the Democratic Party—the people at the bottom and the constituencies and so forth at the grassroots—are urging their leaders to urge this kind of violence. In fact, they’re telling their leaders to take a shot in order to show their resistance to Trump. This is insanity. In America, we don’t shoot cops, Senator Tuberville. What you have to say about this?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, first of all, it was a disaster what the Biden administration did for four years—open borders, it was insane. Senator Scott and I went down several times. You can’t put a number on what it is number one, gonna cost the American taxpayers over the next years to get all these illegals back out of the country. But the law and order in this country—and Rick will talk about this too—is vital. You can be educated, you can have money, you can have everything you want as an American citizen—if you don’t have safe streets and neighborhoods, you don’t have anything. And so, we have to take our country back. The Democrats did this on purpose. It was all by design. They want to run over our law and order. They want social justice people running our police departments. That’s not gonna happen. I’m all for ICE. If you need to defend yourself, shoot back. Do not take this from these people. Do not take it from the Democrats. We have to take our country and neighborhoods back.”
    KUDLOW: “Yeah. If you need to defend yourself, shoot back. That has to happen, Senator Scott. And you know, we had Tom Homan on just at the top of the show. A terrific man, really. A great patriot doing the job. We can’t let up. They’re crazy—they’re crazy people shooting now. They’re crazy people who illegally walked into this country. And they’re murderers. And they’re rapists, sex traffickers, drug traffickers. That battle’s not over yet, Senator Scott. We’ve got a lot of work to do. You all just put $175 billion dollars for it into the One Big Beautiful Bill. This has got to change.”
    SCOTT: “But, it’s like who do these Democrats represent? They’re insane. I mean, they represent actual criminals. People that are selling drugs to our kids to kill them. People that have murdered and raped people—[the Democrats are] out trying to make sure they don’t go to jail. And then the people that are trying to put them in jail, they wanna kill them, these ICE agents and Border Patrol. These Democrats have gone crazy, but this is—as Coach Tuberville said—this is all designed by the Democrats. They wanted to change this country by opening up the border to criminals and drug traffickers and terrorists, and they’ve done it. Donald Trump has got his work cut out for him, but he’s gonna do it. We’re gonna clean up this country.”
    KUDLOW: “You know, Senator Tuberville, I got a guy up here in New York. Trump calls him ‘Mamdani the Commi.’ This guy wants the city to run grocery stores. He wants to defund the police, and he’s a tremendous antisemite. Hates Jewish people. He claims he’s not gonna let ICE into his sanctuary city. I mean, he’s a Democrat. Okay? This is insanity. Utter insanity. The Democrats have been the stupid party. This makes them even stupider.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, you know, he’s showing his stripes. And I don’t think this will fly, even with the people in New York. You never know. But at the end of the day, the guy is truly a communist. He believes in the government taking care of everybody, and that doesn’t work in the greatest country ever. You can just go to Venezuela, some of the other countries. If he does win, you can sack the bats in New York, Larry. We will take you in Alabama in a heartbeat. We’ll put you a TV studio up, and we’ll let you preach the gospel from the State of Alabama.”
    KUDLOW: “You know I love the gospel, Senator. You got me there. Senator Scott, you know it too. Gentlemen, you’re both terrific. Thank you so much for coming on. Appreciate it very much.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: The toxic management handbook: six guaranteed ways to make your best employees flee

    Source: The Conversation – France – By George Kassar, Full-time Faculty, Research Associate, Performance Analyst, Ascencia Business School

    If performance management is not implemented properly, it can demotivate and drive out employees. PeopleImages.comYuri A/Shutterstock

    Who said that an organization’s main resource and true competitive advantage lies in its employees, their talent or their motivation? After all, maybe your real goal is to empty out your offices, permanently discourage your staff and methodically sabotage your human capital.

    If that’s the case, research in performance management offers everything you need.

    Originally rooted in early 20th-century rationalization methods, performance management has become a cornerstone of modern management. It has evolved to adapt to contemporary HR needs, focusing more on employee development, engagement and strategic alignment. In theory, it should help guide team efforts, clarify expectations and support individual development. But if poorly implemented, it can become a powerful tool to demotivate, exhaust and push out your most valuable employees.

    Here’s how to scare off your best talent. Although the following guidelines are meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, they remain active in the daily work of some managers.

    Management by ‘vague’ objectives

    Start by setting vague, unrealistic or contradictory goals. Above all, avoid giving goals meaning, linking them to a clear strategy or backing them with appropriate resources. In short, embrace the “real” SMART goals: stressful, arbitrary, ambiguous, repetitive, and totally disconnected from the field!

    According to research in organizational psychology, this approach guarantees anxiety, confusion and disengagement among your teams, significantly increasing their intention to leave the company.

    Silence Is Golden

    Avoid all forms of dialogue and communication. Never give feedback. And if you absolutely must, do it rarely and irregularly, make sure it’s disconnected from actual work, and preferably in the form of personal criticism. The absence of regular, task-focused and actionable feedback leaves employees in uncertainty, catches them off-guard during evaluations and gradually undermines their engagement.

    How your employees interpret your intentions and feedback matters most. Be careful though: if feedback is perceived as constructive, it may actually boost motivation and learning engagement. But if the same feedback is seen as driven by a manager’s personal agenda (or, ego-based attribution), it backfires, leading to demotivation, withdrawal and exit.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Performance evaluation ‘trials’

    Hold annual performance review meetings in which you focus solely on mistakes and completely ignore successes or invisible efforts. Be rigid, critical and concentrate only on weaknesses. Make sure to take full credit when the team succeeds; after all, without you, nothing would have been possible. On the other hand, when results fall short, don’t hesitate to highlight errors, assign individual blame and remind them that “you did warn them!”

    This kind of performance evaluation, better described as a punitive trial, ensures deep demotivation and accelerates team turnover.

    Internal competition, maxed out

    Promote a culture of rivalry among colleagues: circulate internal rankings regularly, reward only the top performers, systematically eliminate the lowest ranked without even thinking of helping them improve, devalue the importance of cooperation and let internal competition do the rest. After all, these are the core features of the “famous” method popularized by the late Jack Welch at General Electric.

    If you notice a short-term boost of motivation, don’t worry. The long-term effects of Welch’s “vitality curve” will be far more harmful than beneficial. Fierce internal competition is a great tool for destroying trust among teammates and creating a persistently toxic atmosphere, leading to an increase in the number of voluntary departures.

    Ignore wellbeing and do not listen, no matter what

    We’ve already established that feedback and dialogue should be avoided. But if, by misfortune, they do occur, make sure not to listen to complaints or warning signs related to stress or exhaustion. Offer no support or assistance, and of course, completely ignore the right to disconnect.

    By neglecting mental health and refusing to help your employees find meaning in their work – especially when they perform tasks seen as meaningless, repetitive or emotionally draining – you directly increase the risk of burnout and chronic absenteeism.

    In addition, always favour highly variable and poorly designed performance bonuses: this will heighten income instability and kill off whatever engagement remains.



    À lire aussi :
    Meditation and mindfulness at work are welcome, but do they help avoid accountability for toxic culture?

    The subtle art of wearing people down

    Want to take your talent-repelling skills even further? Draw inspiration from what research identifies as practices and experiences belonging to the three major forms of workplace violence. These include micromanagement, constant pressure, lack of recognition, social isolation and others that generate long-term suffering. Though often invisible, their reoccurence gradually wears employees down mentally, then physically, until they finally break.

    Obviously, these tips are meant to be taken ironically.

    Yet, unfortunately, these toxic practices are all too real in the daily routines of certain managers. If the goal is truly to retain talent and ensure lasting business success, it is essential to centre performance management practices around meaning, fairness and the genuine development of human potential.

    George Kassar ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. The toxic management handbook: six guaranteed ways to make your best employees flee – https://theconversation.com/the-toxic-management-handbook-six-guaranteed-ways-to-make-your-best-employees-flee-260733

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: The toxic management handbook: six guaranteed ways to make your best employees flee

    Source: The Conversation – France – By George Kassar, Full-time Faculty, Research Associate, Performance Analyst, Ascencia Business School

    If performance management is not implemented properly, it can demotivate and drive out employees. PeopleImages.comYuri A/Shutterstock

    Who said that an organization’s main resource and true competitive advantage lies in its employees, their talent or their motivation? After all, maybe your real goal is to empty out your offices, permanently discourage your staff and methodically sabotage your human capital.

    If that’s the case, research in performance management offers everything you need.

    Originally rooted in early 20th-century rationalization methods, performance management has become a cornerstone of modern management. It has evolved to adapt to contemporary HR needs, focusing more on employee development, engagement and strategic alignment. In theory, it should help guide team efforts, clarify expectations and support individual development. But if poorly implemented, it can become a powerful tool to demotivate, exhaust and push out your most valuable employees.

    Here’s how to scare off your best talent. Although the following guidelines are meant to be taken tongue-in-cheek, they remain active in the daily work of some managers.

    Management by ‘vague’ objectives

    Start by setting vague, unrealistic or contradictory goals. Above all, avoid giving goals meaning, linking them to a clear strategy or backing them with appropriate resources. In short, embrace the “real” SMART goals: stressful, arbitrary, ambiguous, repetitive, and totally disconnected from the field!

    According to research in organizational psychology, this approach guarantees anxiety, confusion and disengagement among your teams, significantly increasing their intention to leave the company.

    Silence Is Golden

    Avoid all forms of dialogue and communication. Never give feedback. And if you absolutely must, do it rarely and irregularly, make sure it’s disconnected from actual work, and preferably in the form of personal criticism. The absence of regular, task-focused and actionable feedback leaves employees in uncertainty, catches them off-guard during evaluations and gradually undermines their engagement.

    How your employees interpret your intentions and feedback matters most. Be careful though: if feedback is perceived as constructive, it may actually boost motivation and learning engagement. But if the same feedback is seen as driven by a manager’s personal agenda (or, ego-based attribution), it backfires, leading to demotivation, withdrawal and exit.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    Performance evaluation ‘trials’

    Hold annual performance review meetings in which you focus solely on mistakes and completely ignore successes or invisible efforts. Be rigid, critical and concentrate only on weaknesses. Make sure to take full credit when the team succeeds; after all, without you, nothing would have been possible. On the other hand, when results fall short, don’t hesitate to highlight errors, assign individual blame and remind them that “you did warn them!”

    This kind of performance evaluation, better described as a punitive trial, ensures deep demotivation and accelerates team turnover.

    Internal competition, maxed out

    Promote a culture of rivalry among colleagues: circulate internal rankings regularly, reward only the top performers, systematically eliminate the lowest ranked without even thinking of helping them improve, devalue the importance of cooperation and let internal competition do the rest. After all, these are the core features of the “famous” method popularized by the late Jack Welch at General Electric.

    If you notice a short-term boost of motivation, don’t worry. The long-term effects of Welch’s “vitality curve” will be far more harmful than beneficial. Fierce internal competition is a great tool for destroying trust among teammates and creating a persistently toxic atmosphere, leading to an increase in the number of voluntary departures.

    Ignore wellbeing and do not listen, no matter what

    We’ve already established that feedback and dialogue should be avoided. But if, by misfortune, they do occur, make sure not to listen to complaints or warning signs related to stress or exhaustion. Offer no support or assistance, and of course, completely ignore the right to disconnect.

    By neglecting mental health and refusing to help your employees find meaning in their work – especially when they perform tasks seen as meaningless, repetitive or emotionally draining – you directly increase the risk of burnout and chronic absenteeism.

    In addition, always favour highly variable and poorly designed performance bonuses: this will heighten income instability and kill off whatever engagement remains.



    À lire aussi :
    Meditation and mindfulness at work are welcome, but do they help avoid accountability for toxic culture?

    The subtle art of wearing people down

    Want to take your talent-repelling skills even further? Draw inspiration from what research identifies as practices and experiences belonging to the three major forms of workplace violence. These include micromanagement, constant pressure, lack of recognition, social isolation and others that generate long-term suffering. Though often invisible, their reoccurence gradually wears employees down mentally, then physically, until they finally break.

    Obviously, these tips are meant to be taken ironically.

    Yet, unfortunately, these toxic practices are all too real in the daily routines of certain managers. If the goal is truly to retain talent and ensure lasting business success, it is essential to centre performance management practices around meaning, fairness and the genuine development of human potential.

    George Kassar ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. The toxic management handbook: six guaranteed ways to make your best employees flee – https://theconversation.com/the-toxic-management-handbook-six-guaranteed-ways-to-make-your-best-employees-flee-260733

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Huntress Announces Collaboration with Microsoft to Strengthen Cybersecurity for Businesses of All Sizes

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBIA, Md., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated every day, with hackers targeting businesses that lack the time, resources, and expertise to defend themselves. Today, Huntress announced a collaboration with Microsoft to address these challenges and empower businesses of all sizes to combat modern threats while maximizing their Huntress and Microsoft security investments.

    Across the globe, more than 300 million organizations depend on Microsoft’s ecosystem, yet don’t always have the resources to tap into the full potential of Microsoft security tools available through Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Defender for Business and Defender AV, Microsoft 365 Business Premium, E3, and E5 licensing. Limited in-house cybersecurity expertise and resource constraints often leave powerful tools underutilized. With seamless integration into Microsoft environments, Huntress’ purpose-built cybersecurity solutions unlock protection for endpoints, identities, and employees. Huntress’ comprehensive suite, featuring Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR), Identity Threat Detection and Response (ITDR), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Security Awareness Training (SAT), is continuously reinforced by 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), effectively combating the latest cyber threats.

    “Huntress was founded to make enterprise-grade security accessible to all businesses,” said Chris Bisnett, CTO at Huntress. “Businesses worldwide trust Microsoft’s ecosystem, but often don’t fully use its potential due to limited resources or expertise. We deliver the technology and integrations needed to unlock the full value of Microsoft’s security solutions, empowering businesses of all sizes to operate securely and confidently in an evolving threat landscape.”

    “With cyberattacks growing in both volume and complexity, businesses face mounting pressure to protect their environments with limited resources,” said Steve Dispensa, Corporate Vice President of Security, Microsoft. “Huntress’ integrations with Microsoft 365 Business Premium and Microsoft Defender for Endpoint empower organizations to not only strengthen their security posture but also fully benefit from their Microsoft security investments. Together, we’re equipping businesses worldwide to prioritize growth and innovation without compromising on security.”

    Additional resources:

    About Huntress
    Huntress is the enterprise-grade, people-powered cybersecurity solution for all businesses, not just the 1%. With fully owned technology developed by and for its industry-defining team of security analysts, engineers, and researchers, Huntress elevates underresourced tech teams whether they work within outsourced IT environments or in-house IT and security teams.

    The 24/7 industry-leading Huntress Security Operations Center (SOC) covers cyber threats for outsourced IT and in-house teams through remediation with a false-positive rate of less than 1%. With a mission to break down barriers to enterprise-level security and always give back more than it takes, Huntress is often the first to respond to major hacks and threats while protecting its partners and shares tradecraft analysis and threat advisories with the community as they happen.

    As long as hackers keep hacking, Huntress keeps hunting. Join the hunt at www.huntress.com and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

    Huntress Contact:
    press@huntresslabs.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Scott County Cattle Farmer Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LEXINGTON, Ky.— A Georgetown, Ky., man, Robert Conley, 71, has pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to providing a criminally false claim in order to obtain COVID relief funds. 

    In 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, established many programs that were funded primarily by the federal government and administered by state workforce agencies. One of the programs provided support to farmers and ranchers through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provided financial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities with financial assistance for sales losses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The USDA’s Farm Service Agency administered the program. CFAP applicants electronically certified that the information provided was accurate and were warned that any false statement or misrepresentation to the USDA or any misapplication of loan proceeds could result in sanctions, including criminal penalties.

    Conley is a buyer and seller of cattle in Georgetown and is also part owner of Paris Stockyards in Paris, Ky. According to Conley’s plea agreement, on May 26, 2020 and on September 29, 2020, he filed two CFAP applications. In additional to the two legitimate applications, Conley directed and caused four individuals to unwittingly submit false CFAP applications claiming they owned 20% of Conley’s cattle. At Conley’s direction, the four individuals received a total of $1,206,539.80 in CFAP funds, which they remitted back to Conley.   

    Additionally, Conley caused the submission of three false applications under the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), claiming three of the individuals had payroll expenses associated with Conley’s cattle operation.  As a result of those false PPP applications, another $72,660 was fraudulently obtained.

    Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Janet M. Sorensen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Division, jointly announced the guilty plea.

    The investigation was conducted by the USDA-OIG and IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kate Smith is prosecuting the matter on behalf of the United States.

    Conley is scheduled to appear for sentencing on October 9, 2025.  He faces a maximum of 5 years in prison. However, the Court must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the applicable federal sentencing statutes before imposing its sentence.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud.  The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts.  For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    — END —

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: UPDATE – Introducing Aptean Fresh Produce ERP: The Next Generation of Produce Pro Software

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Unifying Decades of Fresh Produce Expertise with Cutting-Edge Technology in a Powerful, Cloud-Based ERP Solution

    ALPHARETTA, Ga., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aptean, a global leader in mission-critical enterprise software solutions, announces the launch of Aptean Fresh Produce ERP, the evolution of its industry-leading Produce Pro Software. Designed to tackle the unique challenges of the fresh produce industry, this powerful solution combines decades of deep industry expertise with Aptean’s global innovation and cutting-edge technologies, ushering in a new era of productivity, intelligence and adaptability for companies.

    For over 30 years, Produce Pro Software has been a trusted ERP platform for fresh produce distributors, wholesalers, foodservice providers, growers, packers, shippers, processors, and terminal markets across North America. Renowned for setting the gold standard in operational efficiency, traceability and compliance, Produce Pro transformed how the fresh industry leverages technology to compete and grow. That legacy continues, strengthened by Aptean’s powerful technology ecosystem, delivering next-generation solutions that drive innovation, efficiency and growth for fresh produce businesses.

    Built on the robust Microsoft Business Central platform, Aptean Fresh Produce ERP delivers a secure, scalable, cloud-native solution designed for modern produce operations. AI-powered capabilities transform complex data into real-time, actionable insights, empowering teams to make better decisions faster. With seamless Microsoft integration and a sleek, user-friendly interface, daily operations have become more efficient, intelligent, and more connected than ever.

    “Aptean Fresh Produce ERP isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the future of fresh produce technology,” said Marc Hatfield, Regional Account Director for Fresh Produce at Aptean. “We have taken everything customers love about Produce Pro and supercharged it with Aptean’s advanced technology and cloud-native architecture. Designed for a fast-moving, high-stakes market, this next- ERP empowers produce operations stay ahead.”

    Aptean Fresh Produce ERP offers:

    • Proven Legacy: Over 30 years of produce-specific innovation, now elevated.
    • Cloud-Powered Performance: Secure, scalable and continuously optimized with Microsoft Cloud.
    • AI-Driven Insights: Transforming complex data into real-time intelligence for sharper decision making.
    • User-Friendly Design: A sleek, modern interface built for seamless team adoption and enhanced productivity.
    • Seamless Integration: Native compatibility with Microsoft 365 and Aptean’s complementary suite, including TMS, EDI, Ecommerce and BI.
    • Future-Ready Adaptability: Designed to evolve with your business and keep pace with demands.

    “Aptean Fresh Produce ERP is a smarter way forward—intuitive, intelligent and built to grow with your business,” said Hatfield. “It unites the proven functionality of Produce Pro Software with the power of the cloud, offering greater scalability, accessibility and ongoing innovation. Backed by Aptean’s deep software expertise and a suite of integrated technologies like TMS, EDI, Ecommerce, BI and more—fresh produce businesses evolve and thrive with solutions made specifically for them.”

    To learn more, visit: aptean.com

    About Aptean
    Aptean is a global provider of industry-specific software that helps manufacturers and distributors effectively run and grow their businesses. Aptean’s solutions and services help businesses of all sizes to be Ready for What’s Next, Now®. Aptean is headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia and has offices in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. To learn more about Aptean and the markets we serve, visit www.aptean.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Turn Every Challenge into a Breakthrough – PRIZ Guru Unveils Change Flow Thinking Tool for Engineers and Innovators

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WILMINGTON, Del., July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PRIZ Guru, the provider of an all-in-one Engineering Thinking platform, has launched Change Flow Thinking (CFT) – a game-changing tool that transforms how companies tackle complex engineering challenges. Billed as the ultimate “stubborn challenge to celebrated win” machine, CFT guides teams through a systematic yet creative problem-solving journey, from pinpointing root causes to implementing innovative fixes.

    The result? Resilient, high-quality solutions delivered with scientific precision, turning every tough problem into an opportunity for measurable impact. PRIZ Guru’s latest offering underscores its mission: to elevate engineering teams from reactive troubleshooting to proactive innovation, ensuring organizations can generate the innovative solutions that they need to stay competitive and profitable.

    The CFT Difference

    What sets Change Flow Thinking apart is its unique ability to merge change and risk management with systematic innovation tools into one visual workflow. In practice, CFT acts as a central command center for improvement projects: engineers map each step of a proposed change, flag potential risks or roadblocks, and collaborate on solutions in real time.

    Using CFT, a team can chart an entire production line upgrade on a single screen – linking every task to responsible owners, expected costs, and risk levels. If a step is marked “problematic” or “blocking,” the team can instantly run a root-cause analysis (like 5 Whys or Cause-and-Effect Chain) within the same platform.

    “Change is inevitable; CFT makes it manageable by illuminating the entire path from idea to implementation,” said the product manager at PRIZ Guru.

    By combining all facets of problem-solving into one flow, CFT ensures teams are fully equipped to convert even the toughest problems into innovative solutions that keep businesses ahead of the competition.

    Strategic Business Impact

    PRIZ Guru emphasizes that CFT isn’t just an engineering tool – it’s a strategic business enabler. Every problem solved systematically is a competitive edge gained. By using CFT, companies can prevent costly failures and seize opportunities that would otherwise be missed. Hidden factory issues that once drained resources now become fuel for innovation.

    With clearer visibility and quantifiable risk, managers make faster, smarter decisions – accelerating time-to-market. Early users have reported dramatic reductions in unplanned downtime and scrap thanks to CFT’s early identification and mitigation of potential blockers.

    “PRIZ empowers you to flex your critical-thinking muscle and deliver high-quality solutions with systematic precision – from uncovering root causes to driving continuous innovation,” said a PRIZ spokesperson.

    Key Features & Benefits

    • Holistic Change Mapping: Complete visibility from concept to completion; all stakeholders stay aligned.
    • Proactive Risk Management: Status and risk levels built into every step; no surprises, fewer overruns.
    • Faster Buy-In & Approvals: Clear visualizations and analysis help leadership understand plans at a glance.
    • Repeatable, Scalable Process: Apply the CFT framework across any project or team for consistent results.
    • Enhanced Team Empowerment: CFT democratizes innovation, inviting input from all levels and fostering a culture of problem-solving.

    Leadership Quote

    “Our goal with CFT was to create the ultimate problem-solving workflow – one that turns stubborn engineering puzzles into celebrated breakthroughs,” said Alex Agulyansky, CEO of PRIZ Guru.

    “We’ve essentially closed the gap between identifying a root cause and implementing the solution. Now, an engineer can map out a complex change, analyze every risk, generate innovative solutions, and get management buy-in – all in one place. This means faster solutions, smarter use of resources, and teams that win accolades for overcoming challenges that once seemed impossible.”

    A New Way of Thinking

    To support adoption, PRIZ Guru provides robust onboarding, training, and facilitation. From interactive workshops to one-on-one guidance, PRIZ helps engineering teams master systematic innovation. Managers also receive training to instill a culture of continuous improvement and measure ROI.

    “It’s not magic – it’s method,” the team emphasized. “We’ve seen reactive teams become proactive innovators by embracing this structured way of thinking.”

    About us:

    Change Flow Thinking is now available as part of the PRIZ Guru platform. Teams can try CFT in the PRIZ Playground for free by visiting https://www.priz.guru.

    Interested teams are also invited to a live demo webinar on July 16, 2025, where the PRIZ team will showcase CFT using real-world examples and answer questions on integrating the tool into existing workflows.

    Reserve Your Spot

    With CFT’s launch, PRIZ Guru delivers a clear message: every problem is a potential breakthrough – with the right tools, every team can innovate with confidence and clarity.

    Contact:
    Alex Agulyansky
    support@priz.guru

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by PRIZ Guru. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or business advice. All investments carry inherent risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any inaccuracies, misrepresentations, or financial losses resulting from the use or reliance on the information in this press release. Speculate only with funds you can afford to lose. In the event of any legal claims or concerns regarding this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained herein. Any complaints, copyright issues, or inquiries regarding this article should be directed to the content provider listed above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9a07601e-9d17-49e6-9a14-ad6b70529bfa

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d71f0a17-9276-4ffe-9205-02934e2dac14

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d5d760a-b103-40ad-8760-ec51f3aa3834

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresh action in London’s town centres to build on crime reductions achieved in capital

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    London’s town centres, high streets and communities will see an enhanced police and local authority presence this summer as part of partnership work to build on reductions in theft, burglary, robbery, ASB and retail crime achieved in the capital so far this year.

    The Met Police have identified the top 32 town centres and high street locations3 across London that have the biggest challenge with anti-social behaviour, theft and street crime and they will be the focus for enhanced partnership action with local authorities, businesses and communities to tackle crime.

    Every single borough will see increased police and partner activity in the hotspot areas including Stratford, Woolwich Town Centre, Finsbury Park, Croydon Town Centre, Shepherds Bush Green, Elephant and Castle, Seven Sisters and London’s West End.

    London is a global destination, particularly over the summer months with five million additional visitors expected over the peak tourism season and with school summer holidays beginning soon, our town centres will be very busy. At a time of high demand for policing, the Mayor of London, Met police, local authorities and partners are strengthening their joint work to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour impacting our town centres and high streets.

    The top twenty town centre and high streets being focused on by police, MOPAC, local authorities and community partners as part of Safer Summer Streets make up only a small percentage of London overall, but account for almost 10 per of knife crime, 24 per cent of theft person offences and 6 per cent of all ASB calls.*

    There will be increased police patrols, intelligence-led plain-clothed operations in hotspot areas, and officers will relentlessly target wanted and prolific offenders who commit multiple offences, particularly shoplifting and ASB, seeking long sentences and Criminal Behaviour Orders.

    These summer plans are based on strong partnership working, with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), the Met, local authorities, businesses, community organisations sharing information using a new approach so issues can be identified and acted upon quickly. Local solutions will include the designing out of offences through local authority powers related to licensing, parking, waste management and trading standards.

    Thanks to the hard work of the police, London’s Violence Reduction Unit, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC), local authorities and partners, the first six weeks of this financial year have seen promising reductions in a number of crime types compared to the same period last year.

    • Knife crime – down by 18.1 per cent
    • Residential burglary – down by 17.7 per cent
    • Theft from the person – down by 15.6 per cent
    • Personal robbery – down by 12.8 per cent.
    • Shoplifting – the Met have solved 163 per cent more cases this year than in the same period as last year.

    These reductions are in addition to the latest Office for National Statistics Crime stats which show that overall, the violent crime with injury rate is lower in London than in the rest of England and Wales1. Gun crime with lethal barrel discharges, knife crime with injury for those aged under 25 and homicides in the capital have all fallen since 2016.2

    Through more precise targeting of the most dangerous offenders and greater focus on the issues that matter most to Londoners, the Met are arresting more than 1,000 more criminals each month.

    Whilst there have been significant reductions in some crime types since the start of the financial year and since 2016, it’s clear that more needs to be done to ensure everyone in the capital is safe and feels safe.

    The intensified action to tackle anti-social behaviour and theft is part of ongoing work by the Met and Mayor of London to boost local neighbourhood teams and put high visibility policing at the heart of fighting crime and rebuild community confidence. It is backed with record funding from City Hall which has helped to London’s Safer Neighbourhood teams. Over the last two years the Met has put an additional 500 Met officers and staff ranging from Superintendent to PCSOs into neighbourhood teams and continue to increase officers in these teams, working closer than ever with communities to understand and deal with local priorities.

    It also forms part of the Home Office’s national Safer Streets Summer Initiative running from 30 June until the end of September 2025, which will see officers in London focusing on reducing town centre criminality including shop theft, street crime and anti-social behaviour.

    On Wednesday morning, London’s Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Kaya Comer-Schwartz will join Deputy Commissioner Matt Jukes, Enfield Council Leader Cllr Elgin Erbil and neighbourhood officers in Enfield to see the ‘Safer Streets Summer’ in action.

    Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, said: “The safety of our town centres is more than just policing – it’s about building stronger, more connected communities where everyone feels secure.

    “That’s why I was really pleased to meet with local partners and community groups today – along with the police – to strengthen our collaborative work to tackle shoplifting, theft and anti-social behaviour in all its forms.

    “We have seen this in action today in Enfield, with officers speaking with local people and business owners addressing their concerns. Across our city there will be partnership led operations to tackle shoplifting and clear, visible neighbourhood officers out on patrol, keeping our communities safe and working to build safer town centres and a safer London for everyone.”

    Deputy Commissioner for the Metropolitan Police, Matt Jukes, said: “Our intelligence and data-led approach to tackle the crimes that matter most to Londoners – such as shoplifting, robbery and anti-social behaviour – is already working.

    “We’re arresting 1,000 more criminals each month, neighbourhood crime is down 19 per cent and we’ve solved 163 per cent more shoplifting cases this year.

    “In 32 of the hardest hit areas, we’re working with the community, councils, businesses and partners, to focus our resources and bear down on prolific offenders and gangs who blight too many neighbourhoods across the capital.”

    Cllr Ergin Erbil, Leader of Enfield Council, said: “Creating a safer Enfield is our priority. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighbourhood and community, and here in Enfield we’re proud to be working closely with the Met Police, the Mayor of London and our partners to make that a reality. Safer Streets Summer is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we come together to cut crime and antisocial behaviour.

    “Alongside improved policing, Enfield Council is spending time and money towards making our streets safer for those who live and work in Enfield. For example, our dedicated summer parks patrols, launched last month, are helping to stop and prevent antisocial behaviour by providing a visible presence and reassurance. Police officers and our council teams are patrolling our parks and town centres side by side.

    “Likewise, our partnership with local policing teams and other partners in Upper Edmonton and Edmonton Green has meant we are tackling serious organised crime and the causes of crime through three steps called Clear Hold Build. Our residents on the most affected estates are telling us they feel safer and better protected. Consequently, they are working with us to combat crime and improve our neighbourhoods.

    “We’re committed to building safer, stronger town centres where residents, businesses and visitors can feel safer and can thrive.”

    Hannah Wadey, CEO, Safer Business Network said: “Businesses across London have a crucial role to play in keeping our public spaces safe, and Safer Streets Summer is a great example of what we can achieve when we all work together. From preventing crime and anti-social behaviour to creating welcoming environments, this work is vital for our communities and businesses are proud to play their part. When people feel safe, our town centres thrive.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM District 837 Launches Economic Contract Talks with Boeing Defense in St. Louis

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM District 837 has officially opened the economic portion of high-stakes contract negotiations with Boeing Defense. The IAM Union represents more than 3,200 highly skilled members at facilities in St. Louis, St. Charles, Mo., and Mascoutah, Ill.

    IAM Union members are the driving force behind Boeing’s military production, assembling and maintaining advanced aircraft and weapons systems, including the F-15, F/A-18, and cutting-edge missile and defense technologies. Their work plays a vital role in safeguarding national security and supporting U.S. and allied defense operations.

    “Boeing’s success in defense depends on our members,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “These negotiations are about securing the future, for the workforce, for our families, and for American manufacturing.”

    “We’re here to fight for the wages, healthcare, retirement, and job security our members have earned,” said IAM District 837 Directing Business Representative Tom Boelling. “This is about protecting families, jobs, and ensuring the people who build America’s defense are treated with the respect they deserve.”

    IAM District 837 members’ priorities in this round of bargaining are focused on securing a contract that truly reflects the value of their labor and addresses critical workplace concerns:

    • General Wage Increases: Ensure Boeing jobs are seen as long-term careers, not just stepping stones.
    • Faster Pay Progression: Reduce the time it takes to reach top pay rates within labor grades.
    • More Paid Time Off: Increase vacation and sick leave to combat fatigue and support better work-life balance.
    • Stronger Retirement Benefits: Secure long-term retirement stability for our members and their families.
    • Improved Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): Strengthen the formula so members aren’t left behind by rising inflation.

    “The IAM will stand shoulder to shoulder with our members at Boeing Defense,” said IAM Union Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “They’ve earned the right to a strong contract, and we will back them every step of the way.”

    “Our members are the hands behind the mission, the people who make sure every system works, every bolt is tight, and every jet is ready,” said IAM Union Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett. “It’s time Boeing shows us the same precision and respect in this contract.”

    The 2025 negotiations come at a crucial moment. Boeing Defense continues to face intense global competition, program delays, and a tight labor market, making IAM members’ experience, expertise, and dedication more crucial than ever.

    With the current contract set to expire on July 27, 2025, IAM District 837 members are standing united, ready to fight for a fair agreement that honors their contributions and secures their future.

    The post IAM District 837 Launches Economic Contract Talks with Boeing Defense in St. Louis appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Paul Chan promotes HK in Seoul

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Financial Secretary Paul Chan attended a seminar on the development of capital markets in Hong Kong and Korea as well as a business luncheon on the second day of his visit in Seoul, Korea.

     

    At the Hong Kong-Korea Capital Markets Conference, Mr Chan highlighted that Hong Kong’s financial market has shown strong resilience over the past two years, with continued capital inflows, a robust stock market and a significant increase in bank deposits.

     

    He added that amid profound changes in the global political and economic environment, Hong Kong is regarded as a safe harbour for global capital, characterised by transparent, stable and predictable policies, and its efficient connectivity with China and other Asian markets.

     

    He also shared information with the conference participants about Hong Kong’s strategies and initiatives in developing digital assets, including licensing regimes for digital asset platforms and stablecoins.

     

    At the Korea–Hong Kong Business Luncheon, with the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Tokyo) as the cohost, Mr Chan noted that in the first half of this year alone, Hong Kong welcomed over half a million Korean visitors, a year-on-year growth of 25%.

     

    Additionally, he stated that the number of foreign and Mainland companies reached a record high in 2024, with the number of Korean companies growing by 9% in particular.

     

    “For Korean enterprises, Hong Kong’s unique advantage of connecting with both the Mainland and the world can create new opportunities in finance, innovation and technology, digital economy, film and entertainment, and more.”

     

    After meeting Financial Services Commission Chairman Kim Byung-hwan, the Financial Secretary held discussions with representatives from the Korea Venture Capital Association and the private equity sector.

     

    During such discussions, Mr Chan learnt about Korea’s industry ecosystem and asset allocation strategies, while introducing them to the investment opportunities in Hong Kong across the stock market and the innovation and technology landscape.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Partners With UNTOLD Festival, Where Web3 Takes The Main Stage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bitget headlines the global stage as UNTOLD’s exclusive Web3 partner

    CLUJ-NAPOCA, Romania, July 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has collaborated with UNTOLD – one of the top three music festivals in the world to sync pop culture with Web3. With this, Bitget is now the official sponsor of UNTOLD X this August, with the partnership continuing at UNTOLD Dubai later this year. Over 400,000 music lovers will be attending the music festival, taking Bitget’s message to the mainstage and inviting the world to—Feel the ₿eat.

    This partnership marks Bitget’s boldest move yet into the world of music and youth culture. Following headline-grabbing deals with LALIGA and MotoGP, the UNTOLD collaboration proves that Bitget isn’t just showing up; it’s stealing the spotlight. The goal? Bring Web3 to the front row, backstage, and every bass drop in between.

    “We’ve partnered with athletes, champions, and now rockstars,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “UNTOLD speaks the language of the next generation. And so do we. Whether you’re vibing in the crowd or trading on the go, Bitget is there to make every moment count. We’re here to connect, to move with the rhythm of pop culture, and to show that Web3 is the gateway to broadening horizons.”

    Ranked #3 globally in DJ Mag’s Top 100 Festivals, UNTOLD has become a cultural landmark. It hosts live acts like Imagine Dragons, Lenny Kravitz, Bebe Rexha, Major Lazer, Charlie XCX, and Jason Derulo. Electronic giants like Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Armin van Buuren, Solomun, and Amelie Lens will also entertain the audience.

    “We’re excited to welcome Bitget as a global partner of UNTOLD. This collaboration goes beyond sponsorship; it’s about building bridges between the world of music, culture, and the future of finance,” said Bogdan Rădulescu, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer of UNTOLD Universe. “Together, we’ll create experiences that redefine how communities connect and celebrate across continents.”

    The 10th anniversary edition promises to be legendary, with Post Malone, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and Martin Garrix leading the lineup. Bitget will be there every step (and step count) of the way, from immersive events to exclusive VIP experiences.

    With front-row seats at UNTOLD, Bitget is turning up the volume on what it means to be a VIP. Think backstage access, ultra-exclusive lounges, and unforgettable moments, all reserved for those who live louder and demand the best.

    The partnership kicks off at UNTOLD’s 10th anniversary in Cluj-Napoca. It will carry through to UNTOLD Dubai, where Bitget will once again bring the energy of emerging Web3 to one of the world’s most dynamic cultural stages.

    As UNTOLD celebrates a decade of unforgettable music moments, Bitget steps into the spotlight to amplify what’s next. This partnership is about resonance. From Cluj to Dubai, Bitget is reimagining how a new generation connects with finance, culture, and each other.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions. It also offers real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices.

    Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist), and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    About UNTOLD

    UNTOLD Festival is one of the world’s largest music festivals, celebrating a decade this summer. Born in the heart of Transylvania, Romania, UNTOLD now ranks 3rd in the Top 100 Festivals by DJ Mag. In 2015, UNTOLD Festival won the award for the Best Major Festival in Europe, a premiere for a festival to receive this recognition after the first edition.

    In 2025, UNTOLD celebrates 10 years with Post Malone, Metro Boomin, Anyma, Armin van Buuren, Martin Garrix with UNTOLD Special Set, FISHER, Tiësto Extended Set, Don Diablo Extended Set, Dom Dolla, Adriatique, and more. Over 430,000 fans worldwide are expected in Cluj-Napoca, from August 7 – 10, for the 10th anniversary of UNTOLD.

    About UNTOLD Universe

    UNTOLD Universe is one of the leading entertainment and live events groups in the world. Its portfolio includes UNTOLD Festival (ranked #3 in the Top 100 Festivals by DJ Mag), Neversea (#21), UNTOLD Dubai (#40), and Massif, a winter music experience in the Romanian mountains. Beyond festivals, UNTOLD Universe also creates cultural events, including Christmas markets, international partnerships, brand activations, communication, and movies.

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/45253b75-d3b8-4f34-ae98-50aaef502438

    The MIL Network –