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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trade Policy Review: Cabo Verde

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Trade Policy Review: Cabo Verde

    The following documents are available:
    Secretariat report
    A detailed report written independently by the WTO Secretariat.

    Government report
    A policy statement by the government of the member under review.

    From the meeting
    The Secretariat and Government reports are discussed by the WTO’s full membership in the Trade Policy Review Body (TPRB).
    Concluding remarks

    Background
    Trade Policy Reviews are an exercise, mandated in the WTO agreements, in which member countries’ trade and related policies are examined and evaluated at regular intervals. Significant developments that may have an impact on the global trading system are also monitored. All WTO members are subject to review, with the frequency of review depending on the country’s size.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Trade and Gender Group discusses new work programme, potential MC14 outcomes

    The co-Chairs of the Informal Working Group (IWG), Ambassador Clara Delgado of Cabo Verde, Ambassador Patricia Benedetti of El Salvador and Ambassador Simon Manley of the United Kingdom, reported on the consultations held with members to shape the Group’s priorities ahead of MC14. They highlighted the importance of agreeing on the Work Plan for 2025-26, which will help identify practical ways to move the substantive work of the IWG forward.
    Key themes raised by members included gender-disaggregated trade data, digitalization as a tool for women’s empowerment, support for women entrepreneurs, and mainstreaming gender issues across WTO bodies. Members also called for continued collaboration with other international organizations. A draft work plan will be finalized in the coming weeks.
    International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade
    The WTO launched the second edition of the International Prize for Gender Equality in Trade, which recognizes impactful gender-responsive trade policies. The deadline for applications has been extended to 15 May, with eight submissions received so far. Winners will be announced in June 2025, with further details on the award ceremony to follow. The Prize, first introduced to mark International Women’s Day in 2024, will now be awarded annually, following a decision made by the IWG in November 2024.
    WEIDE Fund
    The WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Centre (ITC) provided an update on the implementation of the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund. Launched at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference in February 2024, the Fund has raised USD 22 million in donations and pledges, aiming to bridge resource and skills gaps for women-led businesses in the digital economy.
    The Fund targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and offers grants of up to USD 30,000, alongside technical support, to enhance digital competence and market access. The Fund aims to foster growth in digital skills and financial readiness, with a focus on empowering women entrepreneurs globally.
    With applications now open for women entrepreneurs, the initiative has already selected four business support organizations (BSOs), following a competitive call for proposals, to help administer grants in four countries: Dominican Republic, Jordan, Mongolia and Nigeria. Over 2,000 applications have been received from all four countries following a call launched on 22 April 2025.
    Presentations
    The Dominican Republic presented progress and lessons learned from its gender-responsive programme ProDominicana, supporting women exporters since 2020. Key initiatives include a national plan for export promotion, gender equality policies, and the development of a platform to track women-led export businesses.
    ProDominicana organizes annual events, such as Women in Export meetings, fostering partnerships and expanding business-to-business (B2B) opportunities. It has also launched a comprehensive institutional strategy to strengthen women’s participation in exports, with collaboration from government bodies, women’s associations and international partners. Additionally, ProDominicana provides training programmes with a focus on export and trade development, which have benefitted hundreds of women.
    These initiatives reflect the Dominican Republic’s commitment to promoting gender equality and enhancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs. For this purpose, ProDominicana has been working with ITC on various projects including the SheTrades Hub and the WEIDE Fund.
    The Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA) updated members about its work on data on women involved in trade in Central America, noting the importance of women’s participation in economic activities. Central America has made strides in integrating gender into trade agreements, with policies promoting gender equality and specific measures supporting women in e-commerce and access to financing.
    The region’s population is predominantly female, and efforts are focused on reducing gender gaps, particularly in leadership roles within businesses and political participation. The need for better gender-disaggregated data and more support for women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields was underlined. The region’s gender equality policy emphasizes democratic security, economic integration, and the need for continued efforts to ensure women’s participation in decision-making processes.
    The WTO Secretariat informed the IWG that due to budgetary constraints, the length of the second edition of the World Trade Congress on Gender has been adjusted. In this regard, there will be a one-day symposium organized back-to-back with the next IWG meeting in July. A programme will be communicated in due course.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander Gillespie, Professor of Law, University of Waikato

    The New Zealand Wars memorial in new Plymouth. Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Anzac Day has come and gone again. But – lest we forget – war and its consequences are not confined to single days in the calendar. Nor do we only remember those who fought at Gallipoli more than a century ago.

    This gradual expansion of the scope and meaning of April 25 is now about to grow further, with the Anzac Day Amendment Bill currently before parliament. Its goal is to make the commemoration “broader and more inclusive than it currently is”.

    Remembrance will soon include “other conflicts and persons who have served New Zealand in time of war or in warlike conflicts in the past and in the future that are not currently covered”.

    New Zealand personnel who served in United Nations missions, and who fought or died in training, will be recognised, as will civilians who served in war or warlike conflicts. Without doubt, it is an excellent initiative.

    The question is, does it go far enough? The obvious omission, if the new law is intended to be “broader” and include past wars, is the conflict that helped shape (and still shapes) the country we are today: the New Zealand Wars.

    Of course, including this pivotal period from 1843 to 1872 plays into the politics of today, given the land confiscations and other injustices the New Zealand Wars also represent. The question is whether their inclusion can avoid becoming a culture war in the process.

    How Anzac Day has grown

    The case for explicitly including the New Zealand Wars is strong. It is thought about 500 British and colonial troops, 250 of their Māori allies (sometimes known as kūpapa), and 2,000 Māori fighting against the Crown died in these conflicts.

    It was also during these wars that Australian and New Zealand military cooperation (the earliest form of Anzacs, in a sense) actually began. Around 2,500 Australian men enlisted for irregular New Zealand militia units, many encouraged by the offer of land grants in return for serving.

    Furthermore, Anzac Day has gradually grown over time to include wars and military conflicts beyond the tragedy in Turkey, first observed in 1916 when the government gazetted a half-day holiday (later made into a full public holiday in 1921) .

    The government again changed the law governing Anzac Day in 1949 to include World War II and the 11,500 New Zealand citizens who died in it. Significantly, it also added the South African/Boer War (which killed 59 New Zealanders), setting a precedent for bringing pre-first world war events into the frame.

    In 1966, Anzac Day’s scope grew again to recognise those “who at any time have given their lives for New Zealand and the British Empire or Commonwealth of Nations”. This allowed commemorations to cover the Cold War period, during which New Zealanders were killed in the Malayan Emergency (15), Korea (38) and Vietnam (37).

    Remembering without prejudice

    The counterargument to including the New Zealand Wars in an expanded Anzac Day might be that we already have a dedicated day of observance: Te Pūtake o te Riri on October 28, the date the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand (precursor to the Treaty of Waitangi) was signed in 1835.

    First observed in 2018, the commemorations take place in different locations each year. And perhaps one day, young New Zealanders will talk about the events at Rangiriri, Gate Pā, Matawhero and Ngātapa in the same way they now talk about Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Crete and Monte Cassino.

    But the problem is that a two-tier system seems to have been created. Te Pūtake o te Riri was not made an official holiday and has struggled for wider recognition. While there is some public funding available, it is not on the scale of Anzac Day.

    Te Pūtake o te Riri can and will continue to evolve, and it’s focus on the causes and injustices of these conflicts should not be diminished.

    But an expanded and more inclusive Anzac Day, which recognises those who fought and died, would add another layer of meaning to a date long enshrined in the national calendar, similar to the way National Memorial Day in the United States encompasses their Civil War.

    We are now at a point in history when the injustices of the early colonial government have at least been acknowledged through the Treaty settlement process. It would make sense for the New Zealand Wars to be folded into the Anzac Day Amendment Bill.

    The words “lest we forget” should also apply to those who fell in the nation’s third most costly military conflict. That way we can remember all of the fallen, without prejudice.

    Public submissions on the Anzac Day Amendment Bill close on Thursday May 22.

    Alexander Gillespie 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. A law change will expand who we remember on Anzac Day – the New Zealand Wars should be included too – https://theconversation.com/a-law-change-will-expand-who-we-remember-on-anzac-day-the-new-zealand-wars-should-be-included-too-256682

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Ukraine: Establishment of the special tribunal for the crime of aggression must ensure victims-centered justice

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists (the ICJ) and the undersigned organizations are encouraged by steps taken towards the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine by the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, although regrettably final details on the mechanism’s legal framework, including its Statute, have not been made public. In this regard, the organizations call on the Council of Europe to urgently publish the draft Statute of the Tribunal to ensure the transparent and inclusive participation of civil society, especially victims and survivors, as the Tribunal is established and, certainly, in its proceedings.

    The initiative to establish a Special Tribunal has been precipitated by Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, and the creation of the Special Tribunal is a significant step towards holding those responsible, up to the highest levels, for the crime of aggression. In its annual meeting held on 14 May in Luxembourg, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe invited the Organisation’s Secretary General to lead the process for the establishment of the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine, to be created on the basis of an agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine.

    “The Tribunal is an important breakthrough for the international justice community and especially for the millions of Ukrainians who have been harmed by the Russian aggression”, said Oleksandra Matviichuk, FIDH Vice-President and Head of the Center for Civil Liberties. “For the court to be truly effective however, it must not become a remote and hollow entity that does not engage with the Ukrainian victims or give them access to proceedings.”

    Until the draft Statute of the Tribunal is published, it is not possible to specifically comment on its contents. However, based on a recent explainer published by the Council of Europe regarding the proposed Tribunal, a number of observations can be made.

    As a key preliminary observation, the organizations expect the Tribunal to be able to investigate and prosecute senior government and military leaders responsible for the crime of aggression, up to and including heads of state. In this regard, the organizations deeply regret the availability of “personal immunities”, which, according to the Council of Europe explainer, will be granted to the members of the Troika (Head of State, Head of Government and Minister for Foreign Affairs). The organizations firmly oppose the reported availability of personal immunities within the Tribunal’s legal framework. Immunity has no bearing on a person’s potential individual responsibility and the mechanism cannot allow such immunities to lead to impunity by enabling those who likely bear the most responsibility for the crime of aggression to escape prosecution. The organizations call on all stakeholders, in particular the Council of Europe and Ukraine to urgently amend the draft Statute for the Tribunal to remove the availability of personal immunities, which are not recognized by international criminal tribunals and for which there is a growing body of law and practice excluding them.

    Veronika Velch, Director of Amnesty International Ukraine said: “The creation of the Special Tribunal is a step towards addressing some of the far too many accountability gaps confronting the delivery of justice for Ukrainians. It should ensure that the crime of aggression is thoroughly investigated. However, immunity goes hand in hand with impunity. In Amnesty International’s view, pursuing accountability at the highest level of Russia’s and other states’ political and military leadership must be a paramount objective of the Tribunal. Consequently, any immunity provisions which are currently in the Tribunal’s draft legal framework must be urgently removed or risk compromising future justice for victims of aggression. The Tribunal must not shy away from seeking indictments against all those who ordered, planned and implemented the crime of aggression against the people of Ukraine, including those most responsible.”

    The possibility of holding trials in absentia (without the presence of the accused) also marks a regressive development from previously established international criminal tribunals. Although the Special Tribunal’s draft Statute is reported to ensure that an accused person has the right to request the reopening of proceedings if they had not previously waived their right to appear or accepted the initial judgment, the Tribunal will need to ensure any trials held in absentia respect the fair trial rights of the accused, including by effective representation by counsel even where they do not appear. In particular, trials in absentia may affect perceptions of objectivity and impartiality of trials where an accused person is not present to defend themselves. For these reasons, such trials should be avoided by the Tribunal. 

    We also emphasise the importance, and perception, of impartiality and independence in all investigations, prosecutions and adjudications, in line with international law and applicable European Convention on Human Rights’ standards.

    “The Tribunal has to ensure complete compliance with international standards to maintain credibility,” said Kate Vigneswaran, Director of the Global Accountability Initiative at the ICJ. “Cases of aggression should normally be investigated and adjudicated by the ICC, and Rome Statute States Parties should ratify the Kampala amendment on the crime of aggression to ensure the Court’s capacity to do so.”

    FIDH, Amnesty International, the ICJ and the undersigned organizations call on the international community, especially on all Council of Europe member and observer States, members of the Core Group, and international organizations, to pursue all avenues to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine. To this end, cooperation by all stakeholders will be critical for effective investigations.

    The organizations also underline that effective cooperation must be established between the Tribunal, the Council of Europe’s Register of Damage and the Claims Commission once established, as well as with the International Centre for the Prosecution of the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine (ICPA) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). The organizations also call on States to ratify the Ljubljana-The Hague Convention on International Cooperation in the Investigation and Prosecution of the Crime of Genocide, Crimes against Humanity, War Crimes and other International Crimes as a basis of cooperation with the Tribunal, as well as international cooperation between states.

    The Special Tribunal should be able in legal and capacity terms to investigate and prosecute the crime of aggression against Ukraine. However, while the Tribunal is an important step, at the present juncture the need for comprehensive accountability for the crime of aggression requires the United Nations and the international community to continue to work towards a global and international justice response for the crime of aggression against Ukraine and other countries. Such an international mechanism should also exclude, if established under the auspices of the United Nations, the possibility of any immunity for those alleged to have committed the crime of aggression.

    Victims of Russia’s aggression deserve justice now – peace must be accompanied by justice. All victims must be heard, and their rights to truth, justice and reparations must be central to all discussions and actions taken as the establishment of the Special Tribunal moves forward.

    Background

    Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which resulted in widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for six Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, for war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, the ICC currently lacks jurisdiction to prosecute the crime of aggression in Ukraine.

    The agreement establishing the Special Tribunal is expected to be signed by the Secretary General of the Council of Europe following the decision of the Committee of Ministers adopted on 14 May 2025. Ukraine officially requested the Council of Europe to establish a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression on 14 May 2025.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Russia: Sentencing of election observer Grigory Melkonyants a brazen attack on peaceful activism

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the sentencing of Russian civil society activist and prisoner of conscience Grigory Melkonyants to five years in prison, Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director, said:

    “The Russian authorities instigated this criminal case in order to silence one of the country’s most respected election observers. Grigory Melkonyants has committed no crime – his only ‘offence’ was defending the right to free and fair elections in Russia. This is nothing more than a brazen and politically motivated clampdown on peaceful activism.

    Grigory Melkonyants has committed no crime – his only ‘offence’ was defending the right to free and fair elections in Russia

    Marie Struthers, Amnesty International’s Eastern Europe and Central Asia Director

    “Grigory Melkonyants must be released unconditionally and his conviction quashed. The legislation that was used to target him must be repealed. The international community cannot remain silent – neither on this appalling verdict nor on the outrageous assault on civic space that is taking place in Russia.”

    Background

    The Basmanny District Court of Moscow also imposed a 9-year ban on Grigory Melkonyants, co-chair of the independent election watchdog Golos, participating in any civic activity. He was charged with purportedly organizing the activities of an “undesirable organization” – a nebulous term arbitrarily used by the Russian authorities to ban any organization they regard as a threat and to criminalize any association with said organizations.

    The charges stem from Grigory Melkonyants’s alleged links to the European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO), which was declared “undesirable” in Russia in 2021. Melkonyants and Golos have consistently denied any institutional connection to ENEMO.

    Grigory Melkonyants was arrested in August 2023. Amnesty International considers him a prisoner of conscience, prosecuted and imprisoned solely for his peaceful activism.

    Throughout its 25-year history, Golos and its activists have faced harassment and persecution by the authorities. In 2013, it became the first organization in Russia to be labelled a “foreign agent” and was dissolved in 2016. Following the “foreign agent” designation, a movement under the same name was founded, which also engaged in election monitoring. In 2021, the movement and 20 of its activists and coordinators were declared “foreign agents.” 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: South Sudan: UN Security Council must renew and enforce arms embargo to protect civilians

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Ugandan military presence in clear breach of embargo terms
    • Satellite images of South Sudanese military helicopters suggest ongoing embargo violations
    • Arms embargo, in place since 2018, due to expire on 31 May

    The deployment of armed Ugandan soldiers and military equipment to South Sudan since 11 March 2025 flagrantly violates the arms embargo, Amnesty International said today, ahead of this month’s UN Security Council vote on the embargo’s renewal.

    The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), which was sent to South Sudan amid escalating violence in Upper Nile State, has given conflicting accounts of the purpose of its mission. Media reports quote UPDF officials saying that they were deployed at South Sudan’s request to secure the capital Juba and that they are “not there for peacekeeping.” However, the UPDF states on its website that the objective of the deployment is to “maintain peace and security in the country.”

    The human rights organization also documented evidence of the ongoing use of attack helicopters by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF), strongly suggesting that the supply of spare parts – an arms embargo violation previously documented by Amnesty International – continues. On 4 May, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that two helicopter gunships bombed their pharmacy in Old Fangak the day before and fired at the town, killing seven and injuring 20 others. A deliberate attack targeting a hospital performing its humanitarian function would violate international humanitarian law and constitute a war crime. Just days later media cite eyewitnesses alleging that SSPDF helicopter gunships killed six civilians in Mayom County, Unity State.

    We urge the Security Council to renew the embargo, enforce it and protect civilian lives

    Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa

    “While the UN arms embargo has not been a panacea, the human rights situation would almost certainly be worse without it. Now is not the time to lift the embargo and add more weapons into the fray. We urge the Security Council to renew the embargo, enforce it and protect civilian lives,” said Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: The Amazon can wait no longer

    Source: Amnesty International –

    By Warriors for the Amazon (Guerreras por la Amazonía)

    Throughout our lives, we have witnessed the suffering and devastation wrought on the Amazon region by oil extraction. We, the young women who today call ourselves “Warriors for the Amazon“, are part of a movement that, together with the Union of People Affected by Texaco’s Oil Operations (UDAPT), the “Eliminen los Mecheros, Enciendan la Vida” (Remove the flares, Ignite life) collective and our communities and families, is fighting for the present and future of the Amazon and against oil pollution.

    We grew up alongside the gas flares, those fire monsters used for oil extraction that pollute our air and our water. Every single flame from the monsters represents more pollution, more suffering and more sickness for our people, as well as more destruction for the home we share with thousands of species. We watch every day as insects and animals are burned in the flames. Pollution is killing our loved ones: our mothers, fathers, grandparents, neighbours and friends, who are falling prone to diseases such as cancer. Many of them face long journeys to Quito or other cities to seek specialist medical care. Some do not survive this unjust reality.

    The flares are also time bombs, releasing methane and other pollutants that heat our atmosphere and contribute to climate disasters that disproportionately affect those of us already suffering from pollution.

    Despite all this, the Ecuadorian state continues to allow these flares to operate and multiply unchecked. Together with UDAPT, other collectives, our families and our communities, since 2020 we have been bringing legal action calling for the flares to be eliminated. After a long and exhausting battle, in July 2021 the courts ruled in our favour. And yet the state has ignored us for more than three years now. The number of flares has increased, from 447 in 2019 to 486 in 2023. This situation is unsustainable and constitutes a violation of our human rights.

    We are not asking for the flares to be turned off. Rather, as ordered by the court, we are demanding the removal of all the flares that affect our lives, nature and other communities. The Ecuadorian state, and all other countries in which flares are used, must undertake not only to remove them, but also to repair the damage already done. We cannot allow oil extraction to continue destroying lives.

    We call upon Ecuador’s president-elect, Daniel Noboa, to acknowledge that he has a duty not only to govern, but also to protect life, health and nature. During 50 years of oil exploitation, no president has taken meaningful action on human rights and environmental justice because these issues have not been a priority for them. In regions such as the Amazon or Esmeraldas, which were recently hit by a devastating oil spill caused by negligence on the part of Petroecuador, the Ecuadorian state continues to extract oil wealth at the expense of people’s land and rights. For those of us who live in these sacrifice zones, all that remains is pollution and death. Our fight is not only against the flares, but also to bring to an end the violation of our rights and the rights of those affected by the oil industry and climate change.

    We cannot allow the Ecuadorian government to continue to ignore the harsh reality facing communities in the country’s Amazon region or those affected by oil extraction. It must stop putting money before health or life. In the context of the climate crisis, urgent action can no longer be put off. Our struggle, which should be shared by the entire country, is a struggle for a future in which our families can live in peace, breathe clean air and drink water that is not polluted.

    This is not a message of despair, but rather one of hope for change. We know we are not alone. Every day, more and more people join our cause from both within and outside Ecuador, recognizing that our struggle is a fight for life itself. At this critical juncture, we urge presidential candidates to avoid empty rhetoric and take concrete action instead. The time has come to build a true common home for us and for those who will come after us.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Andor showcases the power of music to oppose tyranny – an homage to the French Resistance

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Clare V. Church, Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    Warning: this article contains spoilers for Andor season two, up to episode nine.

    This week, many fans are diving into the final episodes of Andor season two on Disney+. Meanwhile, others are still reeling from last week’s powerful episode.

    Episodes seven through nine of the Star Wars spin-off show depicted the tragedy of the fictional Ghorman massacre and its political fallout. Set chronologically two years before Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, the episodes present the peaks of the Galactic Empire’s oppressive rule over the planet Ghorman, which culminates in a mass slaughter of peaceful Ghor protesters in the capital city’s main plaza.

    Episode eight, Who Are You?, is a poignant portrayal of propaganda, collective resistance and military force.

    A particularly emotive scene comes when Lezine (Thierry Godard) – a member of a local rebel group called the Ghorman Front – begins to sing in the midst of the Ghor’s demonstration. Soon, all members of the peaceful protest join Lezine’s chorus in an act that signals not aggression, but community.

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    The moment echoes the French Resistance’s use of music to defy Nazi rule throughout the second world war. The French Resistance was a movement of civilians and combatants who opposed the German occupation of France.

    While the episode’s parallels to Earth-side conflicts throughout historical and modern eras do not start and stop with the French Resistance, it is worth unpacking these similarities further. Doing so reveals insights into the power of art — and specifically music – in fighting tyranny.

    The political parallels between Star Wars and Andor

    The Star Wars franchise has long been analysed for its political storytelling. The original trilogy, for instance, makes connections to the French Revolution, the second world war and the Vietnam war. There are overarching themes of colonialism, fascist dictatorship and guerrilla warfare.

    Andor is no exception. Showrunner Tony Gilroy uses two 12-episode seasons to narrate the birth of a rebellion and subsequent revolution. Critics and Star Wars pundits alike have commented on the show’s parallels to historical and contemporary conflicts, with think-pieces and social-media threads comparing season two’s plot points to the America’s 2003 invasion of Iraq, the Russo-Ukrainian war and even the conflict in Gaza.

    The Ghor sing their anthem as an act of defiance in Andor season two, episode eight.

    The Ghorman massacre has become an especially explosive talking point given its significance to the overall series. At the start of season two, it becomes clear that the Galactic empire requires a mineral – kalkite – that is unique to Ghorman to supply its “energy initiative” (the Death Star).

    The empire subsequently launches a devastating propaganda campaign to turn the galaxy against the Ghor. This is done in anticipation of eventually carrying out a genocide against the planet’s people to clear the path for unimpeded mineral extraction. In turn, it is the Ghorman massacre that prompts Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O’Reilly) to publicly declare her opposition to the “monstrous” Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and lead the Rebel Alliance – as seen in the films Rogue One (2016) and Episode IV – A New Hope (1977).

    In the lead-up to the Ghorman massacre, some of the Ghor initiate an underground resistance against the empire’s forces – often haphazard and disjointed, but resilient all the same. Several storytelling devices are used to evoke the spirit of the French Resistance.

    For one, Gilroy casts French actors to play many of the Ghorman Front leaders, including Ewens Abid, Thierry Godard and Caroline Vanier. Second, the Ghor language is based on a combination of French phonetics and Italian grammar. Combined with the accents of the Ghor actors, it conjures the feeling of the French language, without directly using its vocabulary.

    The costuming of the Ghor is also suggestive of second world war France, as they don trench coats and berets.

    Music as a tool against tyranny

    In the episode, the protesters sing the Ghor national anthem: We Are The Ghor! Its lyrics yield imagery of the “valley” and “highland”, as well as call upon its nationals to “raise your eyes to homeland skies”, “call your kin to come and sing”, and “tight the weave and roll the sleeve”.

    Describing the creation of the anthem, composer Nicholas Britell remarked that his and Gilroy’s goal was to “create something that felt timeless and authentic, but which could also feel like an emotional rallying cry”.

    The French national anthem, La Marseillaise, has served a similar mandate since its adoption in 1795. It was used as a political tool of resistance throughout the second world war.

    French soldiers are shown singing La Marseillaise in a scene from Casablanca (1942).

    Upon Germany’s defeat of France in 1940, the Nazi occupiers swiftly banned French citizens from singing La Marseillaise. In November 1940, however, thousands of French students and civilians marched around the Arc de Triomphe while chanting the anthem in a show of defiance. To end the display of unity, occupying forces violently dispersed the demonstration, injuring and arresting many.

    Members of the French Resistance also gained a second anthem throughout the war, titled Le Chant des Partisans, which was composed and performed by Anna Marly. Like We Are The Ghor!, the tune evokes rural landscapes, hard workers and kin, as well as issues demands to its listeners-in-arms to “sing” as one.

    There are many accounts of Le Chant being used to oppose Nazi rule. It was played, for instance, over the radio to signal an incoming message for the French Resistance. It was also reportedly hummed between members of the Maquis during sabotage operations. One account even relays the story of French fighters who whistled the song while they were forced by the Germans to dig their own graves.

    The trailer for season two of Andor.

    These examples from history and fantasy demonstrate the power of music to oppose tyranny. While in itself an act of nonviolence, singing in a group is a tool of community building – an indispensable component of overcoming authoritarianism. Tellingly, in an interview with DECIDER, Andor creator Gilroy explained that authoritarianism is always “about the destruction of community”.

    When you sing along with the crowd at a beloved artist’s concert or belt the anthem ahead of a heated sports match, it is the joy of community that is felt – a feeling of oneness among a swath of strangers. It is therefore in this musical moment – reminiscent of not just the French Resistance but of all movements that have deployed music in defiance – that the fictional realm of Andor’s Who Are You? tragically tells the truth.

    For fans, it aptly brings to bear the unshakeable capacity of singing to combat oppression, be it here on Earth, or in a galaxy, far, far away.

    Clare V. Church 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. Andor showcases the power of music to oppose tyranny – an homage to the French Resistance – https://theconversation.com/andor-showcases-the-power-of-music-to-oppose-tyranny-an-homage-to-the-french-resistance-256522

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton to Lutnick: Chinese Networking Equipment Risks National Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
     
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353May 14, 2025
    Cotton to Lutnick: Chinese Networking Equipment Risks National Security
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick urging the department to prohibit TP-Link equipment sales. This state-sponsored networking equipment company has deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party and poses a clear present danger to American national security.
    Additional signers of the bicameral letter are Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), James Risch (R-Idaho), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). In the House, the letter was led by Congressman Riley Moore (West Virginia-02) and the signatories are Congressmen Gus Bilirakis (Florida-12), Abraham Hamadeh (Arizona-08), and John Rose (Tennessee-06).
    In part, Senator Cotton wrote: 
    “TP-Link’s pricing practices have triggered a Department of Justice criminal antitrust probe. TP-Link’s predatory pricing, coupled with its circumvention of tariffs, imminently threatens U.S. competition in a market critical to our national security. TP-Link has rapidly captured nearly 60 percent of the U.S. retail router and Wi-Fi system market while expanding the CCP’s cyber arsenal. The CCP uses SOHO equipment for ongoing espionage and targeting of critical infrastructure to pre-position itself for destructive attacks on Americans and communication channels with our allies.  
    For these reasons, Commerce should immediately prohibit future sales of TP-Link SOHO networking equipment in the United States. Each day we fail to act, the CCP wins while American competitors suffer, and American security remains at risk.”Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 
    The Honorable Howard LutnickSecretaryDepartment of Commerce1401 Constitution Avenue, NWWashington, D.C. 20230
    Dear Secretary Lutnick,
    We write in support of the Commerce Department’s investigation of TP-Link, a state-sponsored networking equipment company, and urge you to take swift action to prohibit further sales of TP-Link networking products in the United States. TP-Link’s deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), use of predatory pricing to eliminate trusted U.S. alternatives, and role in embedding foreign surveillance and destructive capabilities into our networks render it a clear and present danger.
    Chinese state actors have exploited TP-Link small and home office (SOHO) networking devices — including Wi-Fi routers, cellular gateways, and mobile hotspots — to wage cyber-attacks in the United States. CCP agents commonly exploit SOHO routers because those systems have ideal bandwidth and computing power for sustained cyber activities but lack additional layers of security common in enterprise networks. TP-Link is also subject to China’s National Security Law, giving the CCP access to U.S. systems before American authorities know a vulnerability exists. In fact, TP-Link is the only router company that refuses to engage in industry efforts to remediate Chinese state-sponsored botnets. 
    TP-Link’s pricing practices have triggered a Department of Justice criminal antitrust probe. TP-Link’s predatory pricing, coupled with its circumvention of tariffs, imminently threatens U.S. competition in a market critical to our national security. TP-Link has rapidly captured nearly 60 percent of the U.S. retail router and Wi-Fi system market while expanding the CCP’s cyber arsenal. The CCP uses SOHO equipment for ongoing espionage and targeting of critical infrastructure to pre-position itself for destructive attacks on Americans and communication channels with our allies.  
    For these reasons, Commerce should immediately prohibit future sales of TP-Link SOHO networking equipment in the United States. Each day we fail to act, the CCP wins while American competitors suffer, and American security remains at risk.
    We thank you for your ongoing work to secure and safeguard America’s Information and Communications Technology and Services supply chain. This work is critical to our national security, and we commend President Trump’s Executive Order 13873 to allow the Commerce Department to prohibit transactions in our country that pose unacceptable risk to American national security.     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Looking for mental health or wellness advice in a book? Check the author’s credentials first

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Joanna Pozzulo, Chancellor’s Professor, Psychology, Carleton University

    Not all the suggestions provided in self-help books are evidence-based or written by professionals with advanced training in psychology or have a medical degree. (Shutterstock)

    Self-help books are a mainstay of the non-fiction market. According to a 2022 study by BookNet Canada, self-help titles account for 17 per cent of non-fiction book sales.

    Some of these books can go on to sell millions of copies, but popularity doesn’t always equal credibility. Achieving bestseller status can reflect effective marketing campaigns, a large social media following or the appeal of personal storytelling rather than academic or clinical credentials.

    To better understand the current self-help landscape, my graduate student and I are reviewing New York Times bestsellers under the “Advice, How-To & Miscellaneous” category, which includes self-help books.

    Our preliminary analysis for April 2025 identified 22 relevant books, with only three written by authors with advanced training in psychology or medicine:

    This isn’t a new issue. A 2008 study examining 50 top-selling books directed at anxiety, depression and trauma found that more than half contained strategies that were not supported by evidence.

    Can self-help books help? It depends

    The effectiveness of a self-help book depends largely on the quality of its content and how it is used by readers.

    Books that draw on peer-reviewed research are more likely to offer reliable, evidence-based strategies for improving well-being.

    Peer review is a process in academic publishing where experts in a given field vet a research study’s quality before it’s published. This process helps ensure the research is of high quality and adheres to the standards of the discipline.



    Read more:
    Explainer: what is peer review?

    Evidence-based books are ones that rely on peer-reviewed research to support their claims and suggestions for improved well-being. Having psychological science make its way to the general public via self-help books can provide a useful resource to support well-being and self-improvement.

    In contrast, books that are based on someone’s opinion or their lived experiences have not had their ideas tested or verified. Although these books can contain useful information that were helpful to the author, they can also be problematic, as the ideas have not been empirically examined.

    Risks of non-evidence-based self-help books

    Relying on untested self-help strategies can delay people from seeking appropriate support for the challenges they face. When they turn to self-help books instead of seeking professional care, it can lead to worsening symptoms and missed opportunities for effective treatment.

    This can have serious consequences, particularly for those dealing with complex mental health challenges like anxiety, depression or trauma.

    Relying on untested self-help strategies can delay individuals from seeking appropriate support for the challenges they face.
    (Shutterstock)

    In addition, exposure to misinformation or disinformation can make matters worse. When such content circulates widely, like through best-selling books, it can reinforce harmful stereotypes or downplay the seriousness of psychological distress.

    This can perpetuate stigma and make people feel ashamed or reluctant to seek therapy, medical treatment or other professional help.



    Read more:
    Why do we fall for wellness scams? Our cultural biases and myths are often to blame

    At the same time, the booming global wellness industry has created new risks for consumers. In 2023, the wellness industry was valued at an estimated US$6.3 trillion.

    The size and growth of the industry has created fertile ground for wellness grifters to financially exploit people’s desire for better health and happiness.

    Community for science-based self-help readers

    If you’re interested in more evidence-based books for well-being and self-improvement, consider joining my Reading for Well-Being Community Book Club.

    Each month, members receive a newsletter announcing “Professor Pozzulo’s Pick” — an evidence-based book chosen by me that is focused on some dimension of well-being or self-improvement.

    The newsletter also provides access to a digital platform where my review will be posted, along with a discussion board where club members can share their thoughts about the book.

    Membership is free and sign-up is located here. You can also hear directly from the authors of the selected books through the Reading for Well-Being Podcast, which provides deeper insight into the evidence and ideas behind each book.

    Summer reading recommendations

    For readers seeking self-help books supported by research, here are four accessible and evidence-based suggestions:

    The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity by Psychologist Catherine A. Sanderson (2019, Published by BenBella Books).

    ‘The Positive Shift: Mastering Mindset to Improve Happiness, Health, and Longevity’ by Catherine A. Sanderson.
    (BenBella Books)

    Sanderson explains that our level of happiness, physical health and even our longevity is connected to how “we think about ourselves and our world around us.” In other words, our mindset.

    By making small changes, Sanderson shows how we can improve our happiness and physical and mental health. The book is full of straightforward, science-backed strategies to “shift your mindset.”

    One study Sanderson highlights found that people who read for more than 3.5 hours per week tended to live longer.

    Chatter: The Voice in our Head, Why it Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross (2021, Published by Crown Publishing Group).

    ‘Chatter: The Voice in Our Head’ by Ethan Kross.
    (Crown Publishing Group)

    Anyone who has found themselves lying awake in the middle of the night with endless thoughts of potential doom can likely relate to this book. In Chatter, psychologist Ethan Kross examines this inner voice.

    According to Kross, by changing the dialogue we have with ourselves, we can potentially change our lives and ultimately improve our health and well-being.

    The last section of the book, titled “The Tools,” includes several evidence-based strategies to reduce the negative loops that can run in our minds.

    Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most by Cassie Holmes (2022, published by Gallery Books).

    ‘Happier Hour: How to Beat Distraction, Expand Your Time, and Focus on What Matters Most’ by Cassie Holmes.
    (Gallery Books)

    Do you ever feel like you never have the time for the things you want or need to do? Management professor Cassie Holmes writes that people who are “time poor” can “feel less happy and less satisfied with life.”

    Several studies have found that when people make time to do the things they want, they feel they have more time to do the things they need.

    Holmes encourages readers to reflect on how they spend their time. Although we can’t change the amount of time we have, we can re-prioritize how we spend it, and by doing so, improve our sense of well-being and life satisfaction.

    How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be by Katy Milkman (2021, published by Portfolio).

    ‘How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be’ by Katy Milkman.
    (Portfolio)

    If you feel like you need a change or find it hard to make a change last, you might be using an ineffective strategy or approach.

    Economist Katy Milkman reviews the science of how to make behaviour change last with several evidence-based strategies to help you reach your goals.

    Each chapter examines an internal obstacle that stands between people and their goals. By the end of the book, you’ll learn how to recognize these obstacles and what you can do to overcome them.

    Joanna Pozzulo receives funding from the Social Sciences and Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Looking for mental health or wellness advice in a book? Check the author’s credentials first – https://theconversation.com/looking-for-mental-health-or-wellness-advice-in-a-book-check-the-authors-credentials-first-256082

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Boozman Honors Arkansas Law Enforcement Amid National Police Week

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman
    WASHINGTON––The U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution backed by Senators John Boozman (R-AR), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Dick Durbin (D-IL) and 78 of their colleagues designating May 11-17 as National Police Week. The National Police Week resolution reiterates the Senate’s unwavering support for law enforcement officers across the United States.
    “Arkansans are eternally grateful to the men and women in blue who willingly put their lives on the line to protect us and our loved ones. We must always display our deep admiration and appreciation to these heroes who run towards danger to keep us safe and uphold law and order. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and show our support for law enforcement officers across our country,” Boozman said.
    “Law enforcement officers in Iowa and across the nation work tirelessly to protect and serve our communities. This week, and every week, we should give our thanks to the brave men and women in blue, who have sacrificed so much to ensure our safety. As always, I’m proud to back the blue and will continue my efforts in Congress to protect and support our courageous officers,” Grassley said. 
    “Every day, our country’s law enforcement officers put their lives at risk to keep us safe. Officers and their families make great sacrifices in the name of service, including the tragic cases of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. We’re grateful for their heroism, and we must make sure that officers serving with dignity and integrity have the support and resources they need to do their jobs,” Durbin said.
    Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Angus King (I-ME), Ashley Moody (R-FL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Susan Collins (R-ME), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Kennedy (R-LA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tim Scott (R-SC), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Jim Risch (R-ID), Peter Welch (D-VT), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rand Paul (R-KY), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Fetterman (D-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), John Barrasso (R-WY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Banks (R-IN), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Ted Budd (R-NC), Gary Peters (D-MI), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Mark Warner (D-VA), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-KS), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Steve Daines (R-MT), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Lee (R-UT), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jon Husted (R-OH), James Lankford (R-OK), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Todd Young (R-IN), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) joined Boozman, Grassley and Durbin as cosponsors of the resolution.
    The resolution names the 234 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty during 2024, including Stone County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Smith. Boozman and Cotton paid tribute to the fallen lawman on the Senate floor in January 2024.
    Earlier this year, Boozman joined nearly a dozen colleagues in introducing the Thin Blue Line Act to increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. The measure is supported by multiple law enforcement groups including the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, National Sheriffs’ Association and Fraternal Order of Police.
    Read the full resolution here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Chairs Hearing That Exposes Insurance Fraud by Major Corporations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    During a disaster management subcommittee hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) highlighted victims of recent natural disasters and the insurance companies that defrauded them.  
    “This isn’t charity that we’re talking about. [Americans] turn to their insurance companies because they pay premiums to those insurance companies. It’s a contract,” said Senator Hawley. “And unfortunately, time after time they find when disaster strikes–in their moment of utmost need–the insurance companies come back to them and they delay, and they deny, and they offer excuses, and they send out two adjusters and three adjusters and 15 adjusters and 25 adjusters, and they constantly change the estimates. And at the end of the day, they just won’t pay what is due. What is required. What is just.”
    The hearing featured homeowners whose property was severely damaged by recent storms, insurance adjuster whistleblowers who were pressured by companies to doctor reports to cut payouts, and the executive director of the American Policyholder Association, a consumer advocacy group that investigates fraud by insurance companies. 
    “When we needed Allstate the most, they failed us,” one disaster victim noted.
    “This is no longer about just a roof,” said another. “It’s about the failure of a system that leaves families vulnerable after catastrophic events.”
    Senator Hawley concurred.
    “It’s not like it’s happened to just one family,” he said. “It is a deliberate strategy to maximize profits.” 
    Senator Hawley also called out Allstate and State Farm for defrauding their policyholders and intimidating whistleblowers.
    “We’ve just heard testimony here–sworn testimony from multiple adjusters–that your company ordered them to delete or alter damage estimates to reduce payouts and to make you profits,” Senator Hawley said. “It sounds to me like you’re running a system of institutionalized fraud.”
    Senator Hawley has been drawing attention to insurance company victims since President Trump shed light on the issue during his January visit to North Carolina where he met with those impacted by Hurricane Helene. 
    Watch the full subcommittee hearing here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Skewers Trump’s Trade Policy in Senate Finance Committee Hearing 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today skewered the Trump Administration’s misguided trade policy, which has slowed economic growth, interrupted supply chains, and threatened access to markets for Vermont businesses, farms, and manufacturers. 
    “We’re getting hammered. Dairy is our big product, but we have a lot of vegetable growers. Our farmers get a lot of fertilizer from Canada and it’s going to go up like 25%. And I don’t care what the politics are of the farmer, whether they voted for Trump or voted for Harris—that’s a real hit, right?” asked Senator Welch. “Some of the issues, or the justification for tariffs, is to get the supply chain back here and I have some appreciation for that. But it’s not like, ‘the more we grow here, the better,’ right? We’re already doing that. We get higher costs, and that will make the markets more vulnerable. More farms will go out of business.”  
    Watch more here: 
    The Senate Finance Committee’s hearing featured testimony from representatives of the American Soybean Association, the Center for Strategic International Studies, the Semiconductor Industry Association, and AdvaMed. 
    This week, President Trump announced a new trade agreement with China that will temporarily reduce tariffs from 145% to 30%, while retaining several other newly imposed tariff categories. Even with this temporary reprieve, Americans still face an overall effective tariff rate of 17.8% —the highest since 1934.    
    Senator Welch has blasted Trump’s tariffs and trade war and shared stories from constituents about how President Trump’s economic policies have impacted their businesses, farms, and communities. Senator Welch has hosted roundtables in Stowe, Newport, St. Albans, and virtually, where he heard concerns and first-hand stories from Vermont and Canadian business leaders impacted by the trade war. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Urges Defense Health Agency Not to Downgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s Community Hospital

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Yesterday, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Acting Director of the Defense Health Agency Dr. David J. Smith urging him not to downgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s newly built hospital, citing readiness and training issues.
    Senator Hawley wrote, “I write with great concern over reports that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is considering downgrading the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital to a clinic. I urge you to reconsider this and ensure that Fort Leonard Wood keeps its newly built hospital.”
    He continued, “As you are no doubt aware, the DHA also moved to downgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s hospital under the previous Administration. I demanded Secretary Austin reverse course then, and have continued to remain engaged on the issue. Downgrading this hospital would seriously harm soldiers, their families, and the broader community. It would jeopardize Fort Leonard Wood’s critical role as a major Army training center, including for Basic Combat Training and numerous advanced specialties.”
    Senator Hawley concluded, “The DHA has previously considered downgrading this hospital as a cost savings measure, but in point of fact such a move would represent the abandonment of over $400 million in recent investments to upgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s medical facilities. It would also impose additional costs on servicemembers assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, who would have to travel long distances to receive anything more than outpatient services. A downgrade of this facility should not happen. I urge you to reconsider and reverse any determinations that have been made to do so. You must act to protect a hospital that is critical to servicemembers and constituents in my state.”
    Read the full letter here or below. 
    Dr. David J. SmithActing Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and Acting Director, Defense Health Agency7700 Arlington Blvd., Suite 5101Falls Church, VA 22042
    Dear Dr. Smith,
    I write with great concern over reports that the Defense Health Agency (DHA) is considering downgrading the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital to a clinic. I urge you to reconsider this and ensure that Fort Leonard Wood keeps its newly built hospital.
    As you are no doubt aware, the DHA also moved to downgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s hospital under the previous Administration. I demanded Secretary Austin reverse course then, and have continued to remain engaged on the issue.
    Downgrading this hospital would seriously harm soldiers, their families, and the broader community. It would jeopardize Fort Leonard Wood’s critical role as a major Army training center, including for Basic Combat Training and numerous advanced specialties.
    The DHA has previously considered downgrading this hospital as a cost savings measure, but in point of fact such a move would represent the abandonment of over $400 million in recent investments to upgrade Fort Leonard Wood’s medical facilities. It would also impose additional costs on servicemembers assigned to Fort Leonard Wood, who would have to travel long distances to receive anything more than outpatient services.
    A downgrade of this facility should not happen. I urge you to reconsider and reverse any determinations that have been made to do so. You must act to protect a hospital that is critical to servicemembers and constituents in my state.
    Sincerely,
    Josh HawleyU.S. Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Takes Fight to Protect Georgia’s Clean Energy Jobs to Savannah

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Takes Fight to Protect Georgia’s Clean Energy Jobs to Savannah

    Senator Reverend Warnock returned to his hometown to continue his public pressure campaign urging Congressional Republicans to protect clean energy tax credits fueling an expected 42,000 Georgia clean energy jobs
    Senator Warnock released a comprehensive report on how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits

    Senator Warnock was instrumental in securing these clean energy tax credits which supercharged the clean energy economy and is expected to create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in Georgia

    Since the tax credits were put into place, 51 clean energy projects worth over $28 billion have come to Georgia, largely centered in rural communities
    These jobs and investments are under threat from a Republican-controlled Washington

    Uncertainty over the IRA’s future and its incentives could lead to billions of lost investments and thousands of lost jobs, hurting Georgia’s workers, families, and economy

    ICYMI from Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah

    Above: Senator Reverend Warnock uplifts his new report on Georgia’s clean energy economy during a press conference in Savannah
    Photo credit: Richard Burkhart, Savannah Morning News
    Savannah, GA – This week, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) brought the fight to protect up to 42,000 good-paying Georgia jobs to his hometown of Savannah, Georgia. The Senator continued to speak out against Congressional Republicans’ attempts to claw back clean energy tax credits, which would put thousands of jobs and billions in investments at risk.
    Senator Warnock held a press conference at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters to uplift his new report that details how Georgia risks losing up to 42,000 good-paying jobs if Washington Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) Clean Energy Tax Credits. The report found Georgia’s clean energy economy has led the nation following the 2022 passage of these tax credits while also providing a stark warning on the risks posed to Georgia’s clean energy jobs and project investments amid the economic uncertainty being fueled by the reckless actions and threats of the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans.
    The report and Savannah press conference comes as House Republicans laid out plans on Monday to phase out clean energy tax credits, slash spending on electric vehicles and renewable energy, and claw back other climate-related funds as part of the Washington Republicans’ attempt to pass a broad tax bill that would cut federal investments in our nation’s clean energy economy, alongside other cuts across the federal government, in order to offset a tax cut for the wealthiest earners in America. 
    Senator Warnock’s leadership was critical in crafting and passing the landmark climate legislation in 2022. Since these tax credits were signed into law, clean energy jobs and investments exploded across the country, but nowhere was that growth more potent than in Georgia. In less than three years, clean energy businesses have announced 51 new projects worth over $28 billion in Georgia. Investment in clean energy manufacturing, including batteries, solar panels, and electric vehicles has increased by a factor of ten. All these gains are at risk if Washington Republicans repeal the Clean Energy Tax Credits.
    Coverage of Senator Warnock’s Savannah press conference can be found below:
    Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock takes fight for clean energy tax credits to Savannah
    U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock took his fight to save clean energy tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act to Savannah on Monday, holding a press conference touting the impacts of IRA credits to Georgia’s economy.
    Warnock’s office released a report last week that claimed the state is at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut. The senator’s push comes as the U.S. Congress works through its budget reconciliation process, where some tax credits may face repeal.
    During the press conference Monday, which was held at the Georgia Ports Authority headquarters, Warnock put the onus on Georgia’s federal Republicans to fight for the credits.
    “Now it’s up to Georgia’s congressional Republicans to protect these clean energy credits,” Warnock said. “Let’s choose the people over politics. Let’s choose jobs over the games that so often get played in Washington, D.C. Let’s protect these jobs and protect these investments.”
    Select House Republicans sent a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee leadership in early March advocating for “targeted and pragmatic” changes to energy-related tax code. Rep. Buddy Carter, who represents Georgia’s coast and recently announced a bid for the U.S. Senate, signed onto the letter.
    Warnock said Monday that he is fighting to retain all of the IRA’s credits, citing statistics from his office’s report that every $1 in federal investment from the IRA yields another $4.50 in private investment. “We ought to keep all of them,” Warnock said. “Who are we compromising with, ourselves?”
    Savannah Morning News: U.S. Senator Warnock’s report says manufacturing jobs at risk if IRA is repealed
    Sen. Raphael Warnock wants the entire U.S. to know that Georgia has shown that “the future is green, the future is clean.”
    Unless, that is, the U.S. republican-led Congress decides to cut clean energy tax credits created by the President Joe Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Congress is set to go through its budget reconciliation process in coming months and Warnock has sounded the alarm with a report issued last week stating Georgia could be at risk of losing as many as 42,000 jobs and nearly $28 billion in investment if IRA credits were cut.
    Warnock believes Georgia has shown his republican colleagues that the U.S. does not have to “decide between the economy and the environment, that you can work on both of those things.”
    Warnock feels that his office’s report clearly outlines the consequences if the tax credits were to go away, especially for Georgia, which he called “the big winner” from the IRA. 
    A statement from his office’s report reads, “Overall post-IRA business investment in Georgia clean energy manufacturing has totaled nearly $16.4 billion, which is over 10 times greater than clean energy manufacturing investment in the previous two years.”
    WTOC: Senator Warnock pushes back against proposed repeal of clean energy tax credit 
    Congressional Republicans are considering repealing Clean Energy tax credits as a part of their proposed budget package. According to a new report by Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock, nearly 42,000 jobs could be lost statewide if this happens.
    “I‘m here in my hometown of Savannah, Georgia to speak out about efforts to eliminate up to 42,000 good-paying jobs right here in Georgia. That includes 7,400 jobs right here…,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. The Senator said that without them, Georgia workers, families, and the economy would all take a hit.
    “It’s a job killer. It’s pure and simple. And, you know, I just hope we will center the people rather than the politics because the economics is clear,” said Senator Warnock. 
    Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. It was meant to create and expand clean energy programs statewide.
    According to the senator’s report, Georgia has been the top beneficiary of the IRA’s clean energy incentives. He’s calling out his republican colleagues in Congress, who are looking to repeal these tax credits.
    “Georgia Republicans have a choice to make. These credits have benefited their districts more than blue districts. And I think the people of Georgia are waiting to see if they are going to stand up for them,” said Senator Warnock. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    ICYMI: Senator Reverend Warnock Delivers Commencement Address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta

    On Sunday, Senator Reverend Warnock delivered the keynote commencement speech to Paine College’s Class of 2025 in Augusta, Georgia
    Senator Warnock encouraged the Class of 2025 to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan, give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves
    Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) in Georgia; Senator Reverend Warnock is a 1991 graduate of Morehouse College and is the only sitting U.S. Senators to graduate from an HBCU
    Senator Warnock has secured $664 million for Georgia’s HBCUs to date, part of $17 billion in federal investments championed by the Senator since 2021

    Above: Senator Warnock addresses the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia
    Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
    Augusta, Georgia – On Sunday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) delivered the commencement address for the Class of 2025 at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Paine College is one of ten Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) across Georgia. The Senator commended Paine College for its rich history, academic excellence, and commitment to fostering Black leadership across industries. 
    During the college’s 143rd commencement ceremony, Senator Warnock, an alum of Atlanta’s Morehouse College and the only sitting U.S. Senator to graduate from an HBCU, urged the graduates to make their life’s project longer and larger than their lifespan and give themselves over to a mission that is larger than themselves. In a moment in which there are those in power trying to silence the voices of young people, Senator Warnock charged the graduates to not allow them to silence their voices or squash the activist spirit that fuels peaceful protest in pursuit of social change. 
    In recognition of his lifelong commitment to service, moral leadership, and the pursuit of social justice, Paine College awarded Senator Warnock the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters during the ceremony, as well as a plaque of appreciation for delivering the keynote address.

    Above: Senator Warnock and Paine College President Dr. Lester McCorn
    Photo credit: Rob Davis, Augusta Chronicle
    Additionally, the Senator highlighted the important role of HBCUs in helping shape the next generation of changemakers, as well as his work to successfully secure $664 million in federal funding for Georgia’s HBCUs, part of $17 billion in investments the federal government has delivered to HBCU campuses throughout the nation since the Senator came to the Senate. 
    Over the weekend, Senator Warnock also addressed the Class of 2025 at Virginia Union University, an HBCU in Richmond, Virginia. 
    Watch video of Senator Reverend Warnock’s address to Paine College’s Class of 2025 HERE.
    Key excerpts from media coverage of Senator Warnock’s commencement address can be found below:
    FOX 54: Sen. Warnock joins Paine College’s 2025 graduation ceremony
    The campus of Paine College was filled with cheers and tears Sunday as graduates turned over their tassels. […] The commencement had prominent speakers, from alumni Michael Thurmond to Senator Raphael Warnock.
    The senator was the lead commencement speaker, and emphasized the need for more funding in college education, specifically HBCUs.
    “Let’s face it, these kids are coming out of school at a difficult time in our nation, we’ve got to invest in higher education, invest in Technical and Community Schools. I’m an HBCU graduate, and what you get in these schools is a commitment to bringing head and heart to the work of community service, social change,” said Senator Warnock.
    The Augusta Press: Sen. Raphael Warnock speaks at Paine College convocation ceremony 
    Paine College’s HEAL Complex welcomed hundreds of visitors, Sunday morning, mostly the families of students, as it celebrated its 143rd Commencement Convocation.
    Sen. Warnock, a close friend of McCorn’s and a fellow Morehouse alumnus, would have normally been speaking from the pulpit in Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church on Sunday. His exhortations to graduating students during his address were delivered with comparable enthusiasm.
    “As an HBCU (historically Black college/university) graduate, I know the unique history of places like Paine College. I know what you represent, I know the sacrifice that it took to get you here,” Warnock said.
    The senator referred to his own personal history in encouraging grads to persevere amid what he called “a difficult time in our nation.”
    “I wanted to recognize that it is difficult. Many of them had to work really hard, had to push against financial and other restraints just to get this far,” he said, alluding to his own work in Washington, including his membership in the Senate’s Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. “But I hope that my own story might be an example, a model, of how you keep pushing even when you don’t have the answers, and when you’re working and doing the work very often, help comes in unexpected places, and I’m trying to do that work every single day in the United States Senate.”
    WRDW: Sen. Warnock gives keynote speech at Paine College graduation
    Despite the rainy day, Paine College still celebrated its graduates Sunday. Hundreds of students walked across the stage today to celebrate their academic achievements, and on Mother’s Day, nonetheless. Senator Raphael Warnock was the keynote speaker at commencement.
    “America is great because of its diversity, and here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to fight for that kid who was me growing up in public housing down in Savannah, GA. But I’m also going to fight for the poor, white rural kid who’s growing up in communities that have been too long forgotten about and overlooked,” said Warnock. 
    He also talked about what he has done to help schools like Paine College thrive.
    Interested media can view photos of Paine College’s commencement ceremony in the Augusta Chronicle HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor cites Georgia stone product manufacturer for exposing workers to respirable crystalline silica

    Source: US Department of Labor

    ATLANTA – A U.S. Department of Labor follow-up inspection found that Art Stone-Granite & Marble Inc., a stone product manufacturer in Marietta, had failed to administer hearing conservation and respiratory protection programs identified previously on an April 2024 safety and health inspection.

    Five months after the initial inspection, the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the company with two repeat violations and 13 serious violations for not providing workplace protections for employees exposed to hazards such as silica dust and occupational related noise. The company will pay $120,000 in penalties, take action to correct the hazardous conditions, and put steps in place to prevent recurrence.

    For information on silica hazards, read OSHA’s fact sheet on respirable crystalline silica standard for general industry. OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Respirable Crystalline Silica addresses the agency’s efforts to reduce worker exposures to silica. Employers can contact the agency for free compliance assistance and resources.

    The citation will be provided upon request.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards $1M for disaster-relief jobs, training for West Virginia residents affected by February Storms

    Source: US Department of Labor

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $1 million in grant funding to support disaster-relief jobs and employment and training services for West Virginia residents suffering from the aftermath of February severe storms. 

    Beginning Feb. 15, 2025, severe storms caused floods, landslides, and mudslides, resulting in widespread damage across south and central West Virginia.  Homes, businesses, roadways, parks, and other public areas were impacted, with flood-deposited debris blocking culverts and obstructing public areas making many of them unusable and unsafe.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a major disaster declaration, enabling West Virginia to request federal assistance for recovery efforts in Greenbrier, Lincoln, Logan, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming counties.

    This Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grant allows the Workforce West Virginia to provide people with temporary jobs focused on cleanup and recovery efforts, as well as offer employment and training services to eligible participants in affected communities. 

    Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, National Dislocated Worker Grants provide a state or local board with funding for direct services and assistance in areas experiencing a major economic dislocation event that leads to workforce needs exceeding available resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION INITIATES INQUIRY ON THE FUTURE OF NATURAL GAS AND STATE DECARBONIZATION GOALS

    Source: US State of Maine

    Commission seeks input on aligning natural gas utility planning with Maine’s climate commitments

    May 14, 2025

    Hallowell, Maine– The Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC) has initiated an inquiry to explore the implications of the state’s decarbonization goals for natural gas utilities and their customers, and to solicit information from interested stakeholders. The proceeding seeks to develop a consistent framework for incorporating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions impacts into the Commissions decision-making around gas infrastructure investments and contractual commitments, evaluate the consistency of these investments with state climate goals, and assess the broader future of natural gas in Maine.

    Under Maine law, the Commission is charged with ensuring safe, reasonable, and adequate utility service; minimizing the cost of energy for consumers; ensuring that regulated rates are just and reasonable; and facilitating the states progress toward required GHG emissions reductions. Maines statutory climate commitments require the state to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045, reduce GHG emissions by 45% by 2030, and achieve an 80% reduction by 2050 from 1990 levels.

    “This inquiry builds on a number of prior orders issued by the Commission and a great deal of thoughtful, diligent work by our staff,” said Commission Chair Philip L. Bartlett II. It sets the stage for a successful and constructive proceeding to help align utility planning with Maines climate commitments.

    The Commission has issued an initial set of questions and invites interested parties to submit comments by June 10, 2025. Topics include:

    -What new information or analyses are needed to inform the Commissions ongoing decisions with respect to natural gas in Maine?

    -What frameworks exist in other states?

    -How should the Commission approach gas utility expansion given the States GHG reduction and climate goals and the Commissions statutory authority with respect to gas utilities?

    -How are or how should Maines gas utilities consider and prepare for potential reductions in the number of gas utility customers and declines in overall usage attributable to factors related to the States climate policies?

    -What potential changes are or should gas utilities consider to their business models?

    Participant funding may be available to qualifying individuals or organizations in accordance with MPUC Rules, Chapter 840. More information on intervener funding is available at: www.maine.gov/mpuc/about/intervener-funding.

    The Commission encourages robust stakeholder participation in this proceeding, which will help shape how Maine balances energy affordability, safety, and system reliability while meeting its climate obligations. More information on this case may be found at https://mpuc-cms.maine.gov/CQM.Public.WebUI/Common/CaseMaster.aspx?CaseNumber=2025-00145

    About the Commission

    The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers while also helping achieve reductions in state greenhouse gas emissions. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, and safety programs. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carolyn Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

    Learn more about the Commission at https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/.

    CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/mpuc/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Jason Anavitarte Issues Statement on the Passing of John Dean

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 14, 2025) — Today, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) issued a statement on the passing of John Dean:

    “Today, Jennifer and I are saddened by the passing of John Dean, a beloved member of our Paulding County community who did so much for our churches, schools, kids and countless citizens. John and I were elected to the Paulding County School Board together in 2018 as outsiders, to fight for kids and teachers across our county. One thing about John Dean is that he always put people first, and in his heart, he did what was best for our community without wavering one day. John was a U.S. Marine and lived those ideals daily as a war veteran who saw the best of America. He always shared those values with my family and countless others across West Georgia. On behalf of Jennifer and I, the Georgia Senate, and the Paulding County Legislative Delegation, we will be praying for his wife Sandra and the entire Dean family in the days to come. God bless.”

    # # # #

    Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $86M in Capital Funding for Non-profit Arts and Cultural

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $86 million has been awarded through the New York State Council on the Arts’ Capital Projects Fund to support 134 projects in every region of the state. This investment in non-profit arts and cultural organizations across New York supports crucial building renovations, accessibility improvements and new spaces for creative and cultural work. Organizations outside of New York City received 75 percent of the awards, while 75 percent of the awards went to organizations with budgets under $3 million.

    “Our arts and culture sector is a powerhouse, inspiring the world with innovation and creativity,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing in our museums, our theaters and our arts centers, we enrich our communities, strengthen local economies and improve tourism all over the State.”

    NYSCA’s Capital Projects for Arts and Culture are strategic investments that empower organizations to better serve and engage their communities. They enable arts and cultural venues to become more physically accessible and sustainable, enhancing organizations’ abilities to connect with their audiences and become essential destinations for residents and visitors alike. Strong projects combine excellence in design with informed decisions that will serve and strengthen New York’s arts and cultural sector, stimulate local economies, catalyze investment in our communities, and help to ensure the vibrancy of our cultural organizations.

    NYSCA awards announced today include three grant categories: Small and Midsized Capital Improvement Grants, which range from $10,000-$2,000,000; Large Capital Improvement Grants, which range from $2 million-$10 million and focus on large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking; and Capital Design Grants, a new opportunity that supports the development of mid-stage and advanced design documents to advance capital projects for arts and cultural nonprofits with awards of $50,000-$500,000. This year, NYSCA also increased the cap on no-match midsize grants to $99,000, greatly expanding access to these critical state dollars.

    NYSCA funding will support a variety of projects, including:

    Small Capital Improvement Grants

    Upper Jay Art Center (North Country)

    The Upper Jay Arts Center will replace its outdated and aging lighting system with a more energy efficient and flexible system, enabling the organization to improve safety and sustainability and better execute its artistic mission.

    New York State Old Tyme Fiddler’s Association, Inc. (Central New York)

    The project will replace the roof and make improvements to the door panels in the organization’s pavilion and drill a new well to provide a reliable source of potable water for the facility. The project will allow visitors and guests to enjoy an attractive, accessible, and safe venue to revel in the presentation of historical music.

    Stitch Buffalo (Western New York)

    This project will include essential site enhancements including soundproofing and improved security measures

    Mid-Sized Capital Improvement Grants

    Gateway Playhouse/Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County (Long Island)

    The Gateway Playhouse will add a 3,525 square-foot addition to its lobby, including a new grand entrance foyer with incorporated patron drop access, a large, multi-purpose gathering room with an updated bar and concession area, a box office and management office space, and a basement below the addition. A LULA elevator will improve access throughout the facility. The project also includes an expansion and renovation of Gateway’s parking facilities, and improvements to patron walkways.

    Klinkhart Hall Arts Center, Inc. (Mohawk Valley)

    This project will complete the first-floor theater, which will feature a stage extension, orchestra pit, restored original seating, new lighting and sound, floor stabilization, and mechanicals, as well as the completion of the basement classrooms.

    The Thomas Poole and Charles Scott Griesa Center Foundation – Veterans Repertory Theater (Mid-Hudson)

    The project will transform a historic bank building and former church into a professional mainstage theater specifically for performances that amplify the voices of military veterans in the American performing arts.

    Large Capital Improvement Grants

    Afro-Latin Jazz Alliance of NY (New York City)

    Inspired by the East Harlem Neighborhood Plan and the Community Visioning Report, the project will create an arts and cultural center that offers youth music education, celebrates local artists, and attracts tourists; provides workforce development opportunities to youth and community; supports small businesses and promotes the local economy; and activates Park Avenue with commercial and community facility uses that serve the neighborhood.

    Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (Finger Lakes)

    The GO Barn! Arts & Cultural Center is a new construction project designed to serve as a dynamic hub for arts, culture, and community engagement in Orleans County, including: a multipurpose arts and cultural center inspired by the historic Wells Barn design; a dedicated space for fiber arts, workshops, and artisan programming; and a greenhouse, designed to grow plants for fabric dyeing and art creation.

    Goodwill Theatre, Inc. (Southern Tier)

    The project will completely renovate the basement, 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the 1899 Firehouse to adapt the structure into a 2-stage performance facility, increasing occupancy by 400% and drawing an additional estimated 45,000 patrons annually to the Village Johnson City’s Central Business District.

    Capital Design Grants

    Prattsville Art Project (Capital Region)

    The grant will support the completion of the design process for the transformation of the flood-damaged, unused barn on the Prattsville Art Center property into an open-air studio for the arts.

    Roberson Museum and Science Center (Southern Tier)

    The grant will support the completion of the design process for the Roberson Museum’s future renovation project, which seeks to enhance sustainability, modernize facilities, and optimize the care of exhibits and collections.

    A complete list of grantees is available online.

    New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, “These transformative projects will improve their communities, increase tourism, expand accessibility, create jobs and strengthen New York’s position as the global epicenter of arts and culture. Thanks to the Governor and the Legislature’s continued support of this critical program, we are building a thriving future for our renowned creative sector, as they continue to deliver the measurable benefits of arts and culture all across the state.”

    State Senator Jose Serrano said, “The arts and cultural sector is vitally important for the spirit and economy of New York State and contributes greatly to job creation, cultural enrichment, and economic development in communities. I am happy that Governor Hochul and my colleagues in government are making this critical investment, and I congratulate NYSCA on today’s announcement and its continued commitment to supporting the arts in New York State.”

    Assemblymember Ron Kim said, “Capital projects are critical investments in our health and prosperity: creating jobs, enriching our communities and creating a stronger New York for our residents and visitors. Congratulations to all the grantees: we look forward to seeing these projects grow and expand all over our great state.”

    Since the NYSCA Capital Projects Fund began in 2018, the agency has awarded 607 capital grants, totaling $300 million, across all 10 state regions through the support of the Governor and Legislature. These projects increase employment capacity and advance cultural venues as tourism destinations, strengthening New York’s hospitality, food and beverage, and retail sectors. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $62 million in non-capital grants to nearly 1500 arts organizations and more than 500 individual artists for FY 2025.

    Governor Hochul continues to make record investments to grow New York’s national-leading arts and cultural sector. The FY 2026 Enacted Budget includes over $81 million for NYSCA general operating support to non-profit organizations and individual artists, and another $80 million in capital funding to allow NYSCA to offer an additional round of grants for projects of all sizes, ranging from $10,000 to $10 million.

    About the New York State Council on the Arts
    The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture, and creativity for all. To support the ongoing recovery of the arts across New York State, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million in FY 2026, serving hundreds of arts organizations and artists across all 10 state regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit www.arts.ny.gov, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags In Observance Of Peace Officers Memorial Day

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — Flag Order — Gov. Green Lowers Flags In Observance Of Peace Officers Memorial Day

    Posted on May 14, 2025 in Flag Orders, Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 


    GOVERNOR GREEN LOWERS FLAGS IN OBSERVANCE OF PEACE OFFICERS MEMORIAL DAY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 14, 2025

    HONOLULU – At the direction of the President of the United States, Governor Josh Green, M.D., has ordered that the United States flag and the Hawaiʻi state flag be flown at half-staff at the Hawaiʻi State Capitol and at all state offices and agencies as well as the Hawaiʻi National Guard in the state of Hawaiʻi, effective from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, May 15. The Governor is taking this action to recognize “Peace Officers Memorial Day” and the week in which it falls, “Police Week.”

    This action aims to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who have tragically lost their lives in the line of duty while serving and protecting others.

    “Today we remember the fallen heroes who gave everything to protect our communities,” said Governor Green. “Their sacrifice reflects an unmatched dedication to keeping us safe and their bravery will always be honored. We are forever thankful for their service, as well as for all of the law enforcement officers who continue to keep us safe.”

    ###


    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Despite Trump Slump, Governor Newsom’s revised budget delivers on housing, education, water, and jobs

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    Tax cut for military retirees
    Universal pre-kindergarten for all 
    Expanded before school, after school, & summer school
    Free school meals for all kids 
    Boosting literacy & reading
    Building more housing, ASAP
    More water for Californians
    Lowering drug costs
    Expanding medication abortion access with CalRx
    Historic firefighting & public safety investments

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today released his May Revision proposal for the 2025–26 state budget, putting forward a balanced plan that strengthens California’s future — despite economic disruptions caused by federal instability. While adjusting for a projected $11.95 billion shortfall driven by a “Trump Slump” — tariffs disruption, market volatility, and a decline in international tourism that have directly resulted in a staggering $16 billion estimated hit to the state’s revenues — and health care cost pressures, the Governor’s proposal remains focused on forward-looking investments in housing, education, and infrastructure, while curtailing unsustainable spending.

    “California’s fundamental values don’t change just because the federal winds have shifted. Even as the Trump Slump slows the economy and hits our revenues, we’re delivering bold proposals to build more housing, lower costs for working families, and invest in our kids.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    More housing, faster

    As part of his revised budget, the Governor is proposing a sweeping legislative package to slash red tape, align permitting timelines, and unlock faster, smarter housing development. The proposal streamlines Coastal Commission approvals to match the timelines of other permitting agencies, prioritizes infill and transit-oriented development to reduce toxic pollution and vehicle miles traveled, and support for incorporating pending legislation that would reform CEQA for infill housing and other development projects, along with a housing and infrastructure bond to build more homes, faster.

    Lower drug costs and reproductive freedom

    California is shining a light on the middlemen who inflate prescription drug prices, while protecting access to essential medications, including abortion pills. The Governor’s revised budget leads efforts to license and regulate Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) for the first time, increasing transparency and accountability in the pharmacy supply chain. It also expands CalRx’s authority to procure brand-name drugs and respond to politically motivated supply disruptions, helping shield access to critical medications like mifepristone.

    Securing water for all of California

    With climate extremes intensifying, the Governor is fast-tracking modernization of the State Water Project through the Delta Conveyance Project. His proposal streamlines permits and reduces litigation delays to accelerate construction, while protecting water access for 27 million Californians and preparing for a future marked by more severe droughts, floods, and climate volatility.

    Students and families

    The Governor’s revised budget continues transformational investments that make education more accessible. Universal transitional kindergarten is now fully funded for all four-year-olds. Free school meals remain available to every student, and expanded before school, after school, and summer programming will benefit children across the state. The budget also invests $545 million in literacy programs to boost reading outcomes, with a strong focus on supporting multilingual learners.

    Public safety and veterans

    The Governor’s revised budget also includes historic funding in firefighting and emergency response to match escalating wildfire risks, and a tax cut for military retirees, recognizing their service and supporting their financial security.

    Smart government, Cap-and-Invest

    The budget reflects the Governor’s push for a more effective government — including a new state agency to better coordinate housing and homelessness programs, and continued progress on California’s Cap-and-Invest program to fund major climate projects like high-speed rail and a utility credit that will put up to $60 billion back into the pockets of Californians through 2045. 

    Additional details on the May Revise proposal can be found at ebudget.ca.gov.  

    Para leer este comunicado en español, haga clic aquí.

    Press releases, Recent news

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    May 14, 2025

    News “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”   What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom’s budget calls for fast-track of critical water infrastructure project

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.  

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood. 

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.  

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape. 

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.  

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects. 
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

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    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    May 14, 2025

    “We’re done with barriers. Let’s get this built.”

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom today, as part of the May Revise, is announcing a significant proposal to fast-track infrastructure improvements to the State Water Project — saving the state billions of dollars and years of delay, and helping deliver critical water to users throughout the state.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Newsom today announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.

    “For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers  — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    A project Californians depend on

    No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.

    In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.

    Preparing California’s water infrastructure 

    Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood.

    Most major water systems — including the State Water Project  — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change.

    Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.

    Protecting California’s water supply 

    California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent.  Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts.

    The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape.

    The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 million people’s yearly usage.

    Removing unnecessary red tape

    Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The Governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. Today, the Governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.

    The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.

    The Governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:

    • Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
    • Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
    • Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects.
    • Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.

    Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: The consolidation of the Tombstone water system location in California’s Central Valley will benefit residents who rely on domestic wells. Since Governor Newsom took office, the number of Californians who don’t have access to clean drinking…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom will take action tomorrow to lower drug prices, increase transparency for PBMs, and expand authority for the state to acquire medication abortion. Sacramento, California – As part of the 2025-26 May Revision, Governor Gavin…

    May 13, 2025

    News What you need to know: California today filed a request for a preliminary injunction to immediately stop President Trump’s unlawful tariffs while the state’s lawsuit proceeds. Tariffs are not only expected to impact trade, but the upcoming state revenues and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Addressing loneliness as a public health issue in Europe – E-001828/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001828/2025
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    A recent study by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) titled ‘Loneliness in Europe – Determinants, Risks and Interventions’, reveals that 13 % of Europeans feel lonely very often or all the time, with 36 % reporting occasional loneliness. The study emphasises that loneliness affects not only the elderly but also younger generations, particularly ‘Generation Z’ (15-30 years old), whose heavy presence on social media contributes to this growing trend.

    The study highlights significant socio-economic disparities, with people living in isolation being at a higher risk of experiencing health issues. Loneliness is identified as a public health concern, as isolated individuals are 22 % more likely to develop chronic diseases.

    The JRC encourages public authorities and non-governmental organisations to become more actively involved, as isolated individuals often rely more on local and national authorities for support than on their social networks.

    Given the increasing prevalence of loneliness across various demographics, what measures does the Commission intend to take to promote social inclusion and improve mental health support across Europe?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – US-Ukraine agreement – E-001842/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001842/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Sebastião Bugalho (PPE)

    On 30 April 2025, the United States and Ukraine concluded an agreement establishing an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

    Set to last 10 years, the fund is designed to boost Ukraine’s economic development and attract investment to support the country’s reconstruction. The agreement will give the US preferential access to new projects to extract natural resources in Ukraine – such as rare-earth elements, titanium and lithium – while Ukraine will retain full ownership and control thereof.

    The fund will be managed with equal voting rights for the US and Ukraine, and future revenue will also be distributed equally.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission willing to consider EU participation in the fund created by this agreement?
    • 2.To what extent will conclusion of the agreement affect the Ukraine Facility?
    • 3.Will US involvement in the exploitation of Ukrainian resources affect Ukraine’s EU accession process? If so, to what extent?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Frontloading elements of the EU asylum and migration package on the basis of a completely inadequate EU list of safe countries of origin – E-001852/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001852/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)

    On 16 April 2025, the Commission announced the frontloading of elements of the asylum and migration package adopted in 2024, which was originally not due to come into force until June 2026. The announcement does not represent systemic change, however; rather, it is merely a pusillanimous attempt to appease the EU’s increasingly incensed population. For one thing, the planned accelerated procedures at external borders are utterly toothless, as they are restricted to countries of origin for which the cross-EU recognition rate is below 20%; and, for another, the published EU list of safe countries of origin is alarmingly incomplete and ignores changed geopolitical realities. Large countries that export asylum seekers and crime, such as Syria or Afghanistan, will therefore remain completely unaffected by the measures. In addition, the involvement of questionable non-governmental organisations in the assessment procedure for classifying safe countries of origin does not suggest that there will be an end any time soon to illegal mass migration to Europe.

    • 1.What tangible effects does the Commission expect from the frontloading of elements of the EU asylum and migration package if those elements do not affect the largest migrant groups at all?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to prevent illegal migrants from countries that are not affected by accelerated procedures or the list of safe countries of origin from continuing to profit from protracted procedures and from ultimately remaining in the EU permanently?
    • 3.Which non-governmental organisations are specifically involved in the assessment procedure for classifying safe countries of origin?

    Submitted: 7.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strengthening support for renewable hydrogen to meet EU energy and climate targets – E-001831/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001831/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)

    The Commission has announced that the second auction of the European Hydrogen Bank attracted 61 project applications from 11 European Economic Area countries, requesting over EUR 4.8 billion in subsidies – four times the EUR 1.2 billion currently available under the EU’s Innovation Fund. The proposed projects represent an electrolyser capacity of 6.3 gigawatts and aim to produce 7.3 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen over ten years, corresponding to 7 % of the EU’s REPowerEU target for 2030.

    This strong interest highlights the growing momentum in the clean hydrogen sector and the urgent need for increased funding to bridge the gap between production costs and market prices. Contributions from Spain, Lithuania and Austria under the ‘auctions-as-a-service’ model further demonstrate the potential for complementary national support.

    However, with demand for subsidies significantly exceeding the available budget, there is a risk that many viable projects essential for achieving the EU’s decarbonisation and energy security goals will not be supported.

    In this context, what additional measures does the Commission intend to propose to strengthen financial support for renewable hydrogen, scale up production capacities and ensure the achievement of the EU’s 2030 clean energy targets?

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    Last updated: 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission simplifies Common Agricultural Policy to support farmers and enhance competitiveness

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 14 May 2025 To simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and boost farmers’ competitiveness, the European Commission is presenting today a large package of measures targeting the administrative burden, controls, implementation, crisis response and investment needs of the sector.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Adoption of targeted sanctions against military individuals responsible for lethal attacks on civilians and other serious human rights violations in Sudan – E-001817/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001817/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Francisco Assis (S&D), Nikos Papandreou (S&D), Mimmo Lucano (The Left), Carla Tavares (S&D), Sandra Gómez López (S&D), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), André Rodrigues (S&D), Ana Catarina Mendes (S&D), Marco Tarquinio (S&D), Catarina Vieira (Verts/ALE), Jan-Christoph Oetjen (Renew), Marta Temido (S&D), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Hilde Vautmans (Renew), Murielle Laurent (S&D), Elio Di Rupo (S&D), Erik Marquardt (Verts/ALE), Sérgio Gonçalves (S&D), Giorgio Gori (S&D), Hana Jalloul Muro (S&D)

    The large-scale atrocities perpetrated by military and paramilitary forces against civilians in Sudan are widely documented. They show a pattern of indiscriminate bombings, systematic use of rape and aid restrictions as weapons of war. With 11 million displaced people, Sudan is in a dire humanitarian situation. Two years on, the EU has failed to: provide sufficient leadership towards a ceasefire, take meaningful action to protect civilians’ lives, and hold accountable those responsible for crimes against humanity. In January, the United States decided to sanction military leaders and foreign entities responsible for the flow of arms into Sudan. In March, Parliament adopted a resolution[1] urging the EU to implement similar sanctions.

    In the light of this situation:

    Will the VP/HR propose to the Council that the EU also adopt targeted sanctions on those responsible for the cycle of violence in Sudan? These include: the leader of the Sudanese Armed Forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan; the leaders of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo ‘Hemedti’ and deputy commander Abdel Rahim Hamdan Dagal; other officials and militia leaders responsible for lethal attacks on civilians, and entities and individuals involved in the supplying and procurement of weapons on behalf of the warring parties.

    Submitted: 6.5.2025

    • [1] European Parliament resolution of 13 March 2025 on the severe political, humanitarian and human rights crisis in Sudan, in particular the sexual violence and child rape (texts adopted, P10_TA(2025)0037).

    MIL OSI Europe News –