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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Period poverty in the EU: actions by the Commission – E-001082/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    More than one fifth of the EU population lives at risk of poverty or social exclusion with women at higher risk. EU initiatives, such as the Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion address the challenge and the upcoming EU Anti-Poverty Strategy will aim at facilitating people’s access to the essential protections and services, along with addressing the root causes of poverty.

    In the Roadmap for Women’s Rights[1], the Commission lists combating women’s poverty and facilitating access to affordable menstrual hygiene products as key policy objectives to uphold and advance the principle of ‘equal pay and economic empowerment’ and ‘the highest standards of health’, respectively.

    The inability of women and girls to access menstrual products could make them miss school or work and negatively impact their health. Member States are free to apply a reduced rate or exempt menstrual products of value added tax[2] although this may not necessarily result in a reduction in price.

    Through the Mutual Learning Programme in Gender Equality, the Commission will invite Member States to organise an exchange of good practices on women’s poverty, including period poverty.

    The communication on a comprehensive approach to mental health[3] supports vulnerable groups, including children and women in vulnerable situations, through its 20 flagship initiatives and around EUR 1.2 million in funding opportunities.

    Initiatives include the identification of best and promising practices to support knowledge sharing, such as the Neunerhaus mental health practice[4] targeting women experiencing poverty.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/news/eu-roadmap-womens-rights-renewed-push-gender-equality-2025-03-07_en.
    • [2] According to Annex III, point (3), of Council Directive 2006/112/EC of 28 November 2006 on the common system of value added tax, OJ L 347, 11.12.2006, p. 1, as amended by Council Directive (EU) 2022/542.
    • [3] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/comprehensive-approach-mental-health_en.
    • [4] https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/dyna/bp-portal/submission/search?call=Mental%20Health.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – A cloud to call our own! – E-001198/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission aims to support an enhanced availability and uptake of European cloud solutions across the EU through the upcoming Cloud and Artificial intelligence Development Act[1].

    The main objective is to at least triple the EU’s overall data centre capacity within the next five to seven years[2] and ensure that highly critical use cases in the EU are served by highly secure EU-based cloud capacity[3].

    The Act will be complemented by a single EU-wide cloud policy for public administrations and public procurement[4].

    Moreover, the Commission has approved the ongoing implementation of the Important Project of Common European Interest on Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services[5].

    Also, through the co-financing under the Digital Europe Programme, the Commission also supports the deployment of an EU marketplace for federated cloud services[6] to facilitate the provision and the procurement of cloud services across the EU by EU cloud service providers[7].

    The Commission’s adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework[8] is based on the key safeguards included in Executive Order 14086 (EO 14086) adopted by the President of the United States[9].

    In particular, EO 14086 introduced safeguards to ensure that the collection and use of personal data of Europeans by United States intelligence agencies is limited to what is necessary and proportionate in pursuit of defined national security objectives.

    Moreover, EO 14086 established the Data Protection Review Court, providing EU citizens with a redress mechanism with binding investigatory and remedial powers.

    EO 14086 continues to be in place, providing key safeguards to data transferred from the EU[10], and addressing all the points raised by the Court of Justice in its Schrems II judgment[11].

    • [1] Mission letter from the President of the European Commission to the Executive Vice-President-designate for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/3b537594-9264-4249-a912-5b102b7b49a3_en?filename=Mission%20letter%20-%20VIRKKUNEN.pdf.
    • [2] This will be achieved by streamlining the permitting procedures and improving access to suitable sites, energy and funding for data centres that meet ambitious resource efficiency requirements. This is an important opportunity for European data centre operators and cloud service providers will have an important role to play in meeting this objective.
    • [3] Such highly critical uses cares in the EU are characterised by high sovereignty and operational autonomy requirements.
    • [4] The aim will be to assist the Act’s implementation in the public sector, guide public authorities in their cloud procurement decisions and empower them to leverage their purchasing power more strategically.
    • [5] IPCEI CIS/8ra Europe’s Next Generation Cloud Infrastructure and Services — 8ra: https://www.8ra.com/ Seven Member States will provide up to EUR 1.2 billion in public funding, expected to unlock an additional EUR 1.4 billion.
    • [6]  Project DOME DOME Mark etplace: https://dome-marketplace.eu/dashboard.
    • [7]  Such providers offer highly trustworthy, curated cloud services that serve the interests of crucial sectors dealing with sensitive data, such as the public sector.
    • [8]  Commission Implementing Decision EU 2023/1795 of 10 July 2023 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the adequate level of protection of personal data under the EU-US Data Privacy Framework (notified under document C(2023)4745) (Text with EEA relevance) C/2023/4745 OJ L 231, 20.9.2023, p. 118-229 https://commission.europa.eu/document/fa09cbad-dd7d-4684-ae60-be03fcb0fddf_en.
    • [9]  Executive Order 14086 on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’.
    • [10]  Its requirements and safeguards have also been recently assessed in the Commission’s report of 9 October 2024 to the European Parliament and the Council on the first periodic review of the functioning of the adequacy decision on the EU-US Data Privacy Framework COM(2024) 451 final: https://commission.europa.eu/document/25695177-8073-4ce3-bf81-eb816dc6b468_en.
    • [11]  C-311/18, Data Protection Commissioner v Facebook Ireland Limited and Maximillian Schrems (‘Schrems II’), 16 July 2020, ECLI:EU:C:2020:559.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Accountability for delays to the first flights of the day (first wave and knock-on effects) – E-001487/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The regulatory framework governing air traffic management in the EU includes performance and charging schemes for air navigation services and network functions.

    As part of those schemes, air traffic service providers are bound to implement binding national performance targets for air traffic control capacity, which is aimed at limiting the number of delays caused by air traffic control in Europe.

    Member States must also set out incentives of financial nature for the achievement of those performance targets by the service providers in the key performance area of capacity in an effective and proportional manner, both for services to overflights and for services at and around airports.

    The Commission will revise soon the detailed rules governing the performance and charging schemes for the next reference period of the Single European Sky performance and charging scheme starting in 2030 in order to implement the changes introduced by the regulation on the implementation of the Single European Sky (Regulation (EU) 2024/2803[1]).

    At this occasion, the Commission will review the relevance of the indicators used for the setting of performance targets, which may include the need to address specifically services to first-wave flights. The detailed rules governing the setting up of incentive schemes may also be further assessed.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/2803/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Funding and prioritising of the Rail Baltica project – E-000924/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission considers the Rail Baltica project one of the flagship projects on the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) because it would finally allow to connect the Baltic states to the single European railway area. This is crucial for the regions’ economic growth, cohesion and now more than ever, its security and defence. For the Commission, Rail Baltica is the most urgent transport infrastructure project in the Baltic States to be implemented.

    2. In the Baltic states, the Rail Baltica project is managed by RB Rail joint venture and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania authorities. The Baltic states cooperate closely, including through the RB Rail, to ensure the success of Rail Baltica. The project partners monitor the costs and expected benefits. They are also responsible for the respective railway market and ensuring that rail traffic can start as soon as the line is operational. The Commission follows the project implementation and has always encouraged the organisations involved in the implementation to use the most cost-efficient solutions. There are frequent audits, and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency and the European Coordinator for the North Sea Baltic corridor monitor the project.

    3. The c o-legislators identified the infrastructure priorities of the trans-European transport network (TEN-T) until 2050 in TEN-T Regulation[1] to ensure consistency and predictability. They identified Rail Baltica as a major cross-border missing link[2]. The applicable regulation also considers financial constraints and the fiscal rules of the EU to safeguard the financial stability and resilience of Member States apply.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L_202401679.
    • [2] Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Regulation: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1153/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Aromatic and medicinal plants from Greek producers – E-001584/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), through the Strategic Plans Regulation[1], includes a range of tools that allow farmers and Member States to develop production (including of aromatic and medicinal plants) ensuring the viability and competitiveness of farms.

    In the Greek CAP Strategic Plan (CSP)[2], a Basic Income Support with a total amount of EUR 4 274 574 890.is paid to all eligible farmers.

    The unit amount, per eligible hectare in the agricultural area of arable crops, is set to EUR 215. An increased support for small/medium farms and young farmers with bigger income support needs with a total amount of EUR 913 297 896 is also programmed under the CSP.

    Farmers may participate on a voluntary basis in the eco-schemes relevant to medicinal and aromatic plants with different support rates (e.g. organic farming: EUR 1 295/hectare/year, use of resistant and adapted species and varieties: EUR 824/hectare/year).

    Furthermore, under the rural development interventions, investment support is available to modernize or improve production, aiming to improve economic efficiency, and competitiveness of agricultural holdings to quickly adapt to market needs and to increase their market orientation.

    In addition, support is programmed for investments in the processing/marketing and/or development of several agricultural products, including medicinal and aromatic plants, aiming to produce quality products, increasing their added value, as well as helping to enter new markets.

    Finally, the CSP provides support for interventions for producer organisations (EUR 31 million), quality schemes (EUR 41 million), training (EUR 108 million) and advisory services to farmers (EUR 63 million).

    • [1]  Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 (OJ L 435, 6.12.2021, p. 1).
    • [2] CAP strategic plan of Greece: https://www.agrotikianaptixi.gr/category/sskap-2023-2027/sskap-egkrisi-tropopoiiseis/.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – French intelligence services allegedly call on Telegram to censor conservative voices in Romania – E-002218/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002218/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging platform, has stated publicly that in spring 2025 Nicolas Lerner, the head of France’s foreign intelligence service (DGSE), asked him to suppress conservative Romanian voices on Telegram in the run-up to the presidential elections in Romania[1]. Durov maintains that he rejected the request. The French authorities have firmly rejected the allegations and described them as unfounded.

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of any attempts by the French authorities or intelligence services to influence content on platforms such as Telegram in connection with the presidential elections in Romania, and how does the Commission assess such allegations with regard to upholding fundamental rights in the EU, in particular the freedom of speech and the freedom of information?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to ensure that Member States do not exert undue influence on digital platforms, especially in the context of elections in other Member States?
    • 3.Is the Commission planning to look into these allegations and, if necessary, take action to protect the integrity of elections and the independence of digital communication platforms in the EU?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] https://t.me/durov/232
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commissioners’ expenditure on personal services – follow-up to question P-001177/2023 – E-002216/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002216/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    During a meeting at the German Bundestag, the new Commissioner for Budget Piotr Serafin stated that he pays for personal services such as hairdressers’ visits out of his own pocket and does not charge such costs to the EU budget. In the light of this welcome clarification relating to him personally, and of the previous priority question for written answer P-001177/2023[1] asking about the Commission’s expenditure on photographers, hairdressers and make-up artists, some follow-up questions arise.

    • 1.Since the beginning of the current mandate, which Members of the Commission – including the President of the Commission – have charged costs for photographers, hairdressers, make-up artists or similar personal services to the EU budget?
    • 2.Since the beginning of the current mandate, what is the total cost of the services mentioned in the priority question for written answer P-001177/2023 such as photography, hairdressing and make-up?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan, in the interests of budgetary discipline, to disclose such expenditure on its website in future, including on an individual basis, or to provide an annual breakdown?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-9-2023-001177_EN.html
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU funding of the Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte through intermediary organisations – E-002215/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002215/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christine Anderson (ESN)

    The Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte (GFF – Society for Civil Rights) is a German non-governmental organization that engages in strategic legal action on fundamental rights issues within Germany and takes clear political positions – among other things, it is working to have the AfD banned as a political party. According to its own information, the GFF receives funding from various foundations, including the European AI & Society Fund. The GFF also received financial backing from the Digital Freedom Fund, which supports strategic lawsuits in the area of digital rights in Europe and receives project funding from the EU’s Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values programme.

    • 1.Have EU funds been channelled – directly or indirectly – to the GFF, in particular through support structures such as the European AI & Society Fund or the Digital Freedom Fund?
    • 2.If so, how does the Commission ensure that this funding is in line with the EU’s political neutrality, in particular where funded organisations influence the political discourse in a Member State through their activities?
    • 3.Does the Commission consider it appropriate that EU funds are used to support organisations that engage in legal action relating to national political disputes and what safeguards are in place to prevent possible political interference in Member States?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Self-sufficiency in plasma: a European necessity – E-002294/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002294/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Hilde Vautmans (Renew)

    The availability of human plasma is essential for the treatment of thousands of European patients suffering from rare or chronic diseases. At present, however, the EU is highly dependent on plasma imports from countries outside Europe, notably the United States. This dependence poses a strategic risk, especially in light of increasing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. During the COVID-19 crisis, this vulnerability became painfully visible when patients in Europe faced shortages.

    Some Member States, including Belgium and Denmark, have already demonstrated that a model based on voluntary, unpaid donations is not only effective and scalable, but also ethical, safe and crisis resistant. This model offers a viable alternative to commercial systems and deserves recognition and support from Europe.

    • 1.Does the Commission recognise that human plasma is a strategic resource for public health in the EU?
    • 2.What steps is the Commission taking to develop a coordinated European strategy to ensure plasma self-sufficiency?
    • 3.How will the Commission actively support the model of voluntary, unpaid plasma donations within this strategic framework?

    Submitted: 6.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Ensuring fair and quality access to on-demand transport services for passengers and drivers in the EU – E-002252/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002252/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rosa Serrano Sierra (S&D)

    In its Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy, the Commission promised to look into ways to make on-demand passenger transport services (taxis and private hire vehicles) more sustainable and efficient, while ensuring the smooth functioning of the single market and addressing social and safety concerns.

    However, the existing local and national rules are obsolete, fragmented and often disproportionate. On many occasions, this results in travel requests not being fulfilled and creates barriers for drivers. It also limits passenger mobility and hinders the smooth development of a single market for digital and cross-border transport services.

    The Single Market Strategy 2025 acknowledges these challenges and states that the Commission will ‘envisage actions for applying EU single market rules and principles to the taxi and private hired vehicles sector’.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What specific measures will the Commission adopt to achieve harmonised, fair, safe and sustainable access to these mobility services in all Member States, and to ensure legal certainty for drivers, passengers and platforms?
    • 2.How does it intend to avoid further fragmentation of the sector in the EU?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Authorisation and regulation of trade in brown bear meat in Slovakia and its impact on the conservation of the species – E-002224/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002224/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    César Luena (S&D)

    The Slovak Government has recently announced that restaurants will be authorised to serve meat from brown bears culled under a law that is legally questionable. The brown bear (Ursus arctos) is a threatened species in Europe and is strictly protected. Before the meat is put on the market, companies will have to obtain a certificate of derogation attesting to the ‘legality’ of the cull and the safety of the meat. The decision has led to concerns about its impact on the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of this species.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s official position on the authorisation to sell meat from brown bears, which are protected in the EU, and Slovakia’s criteria for granting certificates of derogation for this trade?
    • 2.What mechanisms and controls are in place at EU level for the marketing of meat from a species that is strictly protected by the Habitats Directive?
    • 3.What are the Commission’s recommendations for managing the brown bear population where it poses a threat to humans, taking into account non-lethal alternatives and protection of the bears’ natural habitat?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Compliance with the rule of law in Spain amid the wave of legal proceedings regarding corruption – E-002213/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002213/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dolors Montserrat (PPE)

    There are an increasing number of legal proceedings involving those closest to the Prime Minister of Spain: his wife, his brother, the organisational secretary of the ruling party, and several former high-ranking government officials are all implicated in alleged cases of corruption, influence peddling, misappropriation of public funds and irregularities related to public procurement.

    The most egregious examples include:

    – the charges brought against the Prosecutor General of Spain for politically-motivated leaks of confidential information;

    – the initiation of legal proceedings against the Prime Minister’s brother for misconduct and influence peddling;

    – suspected circumvention of the law to obtain special immunity for regional leaders facing charges;

    – the involvement of former ministerial officials in allegedly rigged public contracts;

    – and the possible use of institutional influence to favour those associated with the ruling party who are close to Sánchez.

    The principles of the rule of law, the separation of powers and accountability are under threat.

    • 1.Does the Commission plan to include an explicit warning in its Rule of Law Report about these signs of structural corruption connected to the Spanish Government, as well as a warning about possible political interference in the legal proceedings currently under way?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Plan for preventing unfair competition – E-002222/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002222/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Maria Grapini (S&D)

    The previous Commission proposed a reindustrialisation programme.

    Sadly, European industry is being seriously affected by competition from third countries, which are selling products from all sectors onto the EU market at dumping prices.

    One example is the ceramics industry. Ceramics production is in peril in my country, Romania, as well as in other Member States, after companies invested hundreds of millions of euro in modernisation because of the different conditions imposed on European producers as compared to those in Asia (who do not have to pay to meet CO2 certification or water purification requirements, and where workers do not enjoy working conditions based on social standards, etc.).

    My question is: Does the Commission have a plan for preventing unfair competition, to save the ceramics industry?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission roadmap for marine protected areas before the 2025 UN Ocean Conference – E-002263/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002263/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emma Fourreau (The Left), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left), Anja Hazekamp (The Left)

    Under the EU action plan ‘Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries’[1], Member States were invited to submit roadmaps by March 2024 detailing measures enabling them to meet the targets of the EU 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. Such documents are key to ensuring the health of marine ecosystems and a just transition towards fair and regenerative low-impact fisheries, in a context where scientific reports show that much more action is needed to protect the ocean.

    As reported by Oceana, Seas At Risk, and ClientEarth[2], 13 Member States have not yet submitted their roadmaps or are refusing to make them public. Although some Member States have made efforts within some marine protected areas (MPAs), none have committed to phasing out bottom trawling in MPAs.

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that all Member States submit their national roadmaps?
    • 2.What action has the Commission taken to support a fair and just transition under the ‘Marine Action Plan’, while improving the level of protection and co-management of MPAs?
    • 3.How will the upcoming Ocean Pact contribute to improving the implementation and follow-up of the measures of the ‘Marine Action Plan’ within the context of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference?

    Submitted: 4.6.2025

    • [1] https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/policy/common-fisheries-policy-cfp/action-plan-protecting-and-restoring-marine-ecosystems-sustainable-and-resilient-fisheries_en.
    • [2] https://europe.oceana.org/press-releases/multiple-eu-countries-are-failing-to-stop-destructive-fishing-in-protected-areas-analysis-finds-as-several-face-legal-action/.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Continuing lack of clarity relating to the working document on stoves – E-002220/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002220/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR), Charlie Weimers (ECR), Dick Erixon (ECR)

    In response to question E-001045/2025, the Commission stated that it would ensure that any changes made in connection with its review of the rules on solid fuel local space heaters would not have any negative effects.[1] The Commission also stated that it would ensure that any technical solutions would be compatible with manual operation of the appliance.

    The working document forming the background to the previously answered written question puts forward requirements for automatic combustion control systems. According to industry organisations, there is currently no scenario that would allow such a system to exist alongside manual operation of an appliance.

    With the above in mind:

    • 1.How will the Commission ensure that an automatic combustion control system is compatible with manual operation of appliances and, if manual operation proves impossible to reconcile with the proposed requirement for an automatic combustion control system, will it waive the requirement for such a system?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that the regulatory framework does not compel manufacturers to scale back the functionality of stoves?
    • 3.In view of the undertaking given in the answer to the question, will the Commission waive or modify other requirements set out in the working document, in particular as regards the limit value for carbon monoxide emissions?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] Changes to ecodesign requirements for stoves, E-001045/2025, https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-001045_EN.html.
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Consequences of the EU’s Waste Directive – E-002217/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002217/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Beatrice Timgren (ECR)

    Under Directive (EU) 2018/851, Member States are required to set up separate collections for textiles. The aim is to promote a more circular way of managing textile waste. In Sweden, the implementation of this requirement has already resulted in second-hand organisations being inundated with textiles. This is a problem because they do not have the storage space or the resources to deal with the volumes concerned. The organisations are warning that they are now receiving large quantities of clothes that are damaged or unusable.[1] Thanks to EU rules, shops are now forced to spend time and money on sorting large quantities of textiles and sending them for recycling.

    At the same time, local councils are warning that the textiles containers at recycling points are full to bursting. One council has now been forced to remove the containers because the collection firm cannot cope with the volumes.[2]

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What guidance are the Member States given on dealing with the practical challenges arising from municipal infrastructure being overwhelmed as a result of the Waste Directive?
    • 2.Has the Commission assessed the risk of second-hand organisations being overwhelmed with products that they cannot sell on, which is pushing costs up?
    • 3.What steps is the Commission taking to ward off the risk of second-hand organisations turning into waste-sorting centres, rather than operators that focus on re-use?

    Submitted: 3.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.sverigesradio.se/artikel/mer-skrap-till-second-hand-efter-nya-lagen-jattetrakigt
    • [2] https://www.tranastidning.se/2025-04-30/overfulla-behallare-efter-nya-lagen-nu-plockas-de-bort/
    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lifting of economic sanctions against Syria – E-002149/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002149/2025/rev.1
    to the Council
    Rule 144
    Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE)

    On 20 May 2025, the European Union announced that it would be lifting its economic sanctions against Syria, while maintaining the sanctions against those related to the Assad regime. The objective given is to help the country rebuild after the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. However, the new Syrian President, Ahmed al-Charaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Joulani, is a former jihadist leader. He led the al-Nusra Front, Syria’s branch of Al-Qaeda, and then Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), considered a terrorist organisation by several countries. Despite this, Brussels has chosen to relax its position, raising questions about the coherence of EU policy, including on human rights and the fight against terrorism.

    • 1.How does the Council justify lifting economic sanctions against a government dominated by an organisation that the EU still classifies as a terrorist organisation?
    • 2.What guarantees can it provide to ensure that EU funds are not diverted to groups involved in human rights violations?
    • 3.Has it assessed the risk of the lifting of these sanctions strengthening actors hostile to European interests and undermining regional stability?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 13 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mfume Statement on Israel Strikes Against Iranian Nuclear and Military Targets

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07)

    BALTIMORE, MD – Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) issued the following statement regarding Israel’s strikes in Iran: 

    “In a region of the Middle East that has seen so much bloodshed, I urge President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio to work with great dispatch to prevent any further escalation between Israel and the un-Democratic regime in Iran which must not be allowed to develop nuclear capability,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume. “The United States must continue to work with all Democratic allies in the Middle East to forge a path towards stability—and to protect the lives of American servicemembers, diplomats, and innocent civilians who are the victims of war,” he concluded.  

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Texas Border Security Reimbursement Provision Included in Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate Committee on the Judiciary and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs released their legislative text for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which includes provisions he authored that would provide $13.5 billion in funding to reimburse states like Texas for stepping up and trying to secure the southern border during the Biden-Harris administration:

    “No state did more to protect and defend the southern border during the disastrous Biden-Harris open border crisis than Texas, and I am proud that my provision to reimburse Texas taxpayers for the more than $11 billion spent on border security has been included in the Senate’s One Big Beautiful Bill,” said Sen. Cornyn. “This is a win for Governor Abbott and the Texas Republican congressional delegation, who I worked with closely to ensure this reimbursement was made a priority and did not leave the people of Texas on the hook for the costs of Biden’s failed border policies. I was proud to lead this push in the Senate, and I look forward to voting for the One Big Beautiful Bill with this border security reimbursement for Texas included in the coming weeks.”

    Background:

    Senator Cornyn has led the fight in Washington to secure federal reimbursement for Texas by:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ninth edition of “Genesis and Spirit” exhibition and demonstration series opens and showcases highlights of Jiangxi ICH (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Ninth edition of “Genesis and Spirit” exhibition and demonstration series opens and showcases highlights of Jiangxi ICH  
         Addressing the opening ceremony today (June 13), the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, said that the “Genesis and Spirit” exhibition and demonstration series has reached its ninth edition and has consistently been a key collaboration project for the preservation of ICH in the country and Hong Kong. Jiangxi Province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area have close ties in terms of geographical proximity and social interactions with deep historical connections and shared a cultural foundation. The Hakka community is characterised by its simplicity and warmth, drawing from nature to nurture world ICH such as Gannan Hakka Pounded Tea Making Technique. Through exploration of nature and dedicated craftsmanship, they also inherited national ICH such as Gannan Hakka Clothes. This exhibition provides a chance for Hong Kong people to understand and experience Jiangxi’s Hakka culture and traditional craftsmanship, and resonate with the shared heritage and common roots of Jiangxi and Hong Kong.
     
         Other officiating guests included the Director of the Asia Tourism Exchange Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Mr Zhang Dong; the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Li Shuguang; member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Mayor of the Ganzhou Municipal People’s Government, Jiangxi, Mr Zou Zhiyu; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; the Chairperson of the ICH Advisory Committee, Professor Ricardo Mak; member of the Party Leadership Group and Deputy Director of the Ganzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media and Tourism, Jiangxi, Ms Xia Hanhan; the Deputy Director of the Xiangdong Culture, Media and Tourism Bureau of the Pingxiang Municipality, Mr Chen Shugang; and the Head of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Office (ICHO), Ms Judith Ng.
     
         The exhibition is divided into four sections, including “Elegance of Hakka Culture”, introducing traditional techniques integrated into Hakka everyday lives; “Heavenly Creations”, displaying crafts with unique artistic styles; “Fragrant Tea of Jiangxi”, which showcases traditional Chinese tea making techniques inscribed onto UNESCO’s Representative List of the ICH of Humanity; as well as “Scent of Calligraphy and Ink”, with traditional skills of making “The Four Treasures of the Study”.
     
         Visitors can also appreciate three world ICH items in Jiangxi at a glance, namely Wuyuan Green Tea Making Technique, Ning Black Tea Making Technique and Gannan Hakka Pounded Tea Making Technique, as well as 10 representative items of the national ICH, including Shicheng Lantern Festival, Gannan Hakka Clothes, Pingxiang Xiangdong Nuo Masks, Jingdezhen Porcelain Making Technique, Ruichang Bamboo Weaving, Ramie Embroidery, Jialu Paper Umbrella Making Technique, Yanshan Liansi Paper Making Technique, Wengang Chinese Brush Making Technique and Shicheng Inkstone Making Technique.
     
         Over 100 sessions of performances, demonstrations, talks and interactive experiential activities during the exhibition period will be organised. Nearly 70 representative bearers of ICH and performers from Jiangxi, including Representative Bearers of the National ICH, National Class One Performer and renowned art groups will give demonstrations of various craftsmanship on-site. Members of the public can also participate in experiential activities including Longnan Hakka Patterned Band Weaving Technique, Gannan Hakka Paper Cutting, Hakka Bamboo Carving Technique in Zhanggong District.
     
         It is also the first time that the exhibition will extend beyond the exhibition venue to the community and schools through mobile displays and experiential activities, to enable the public and students to experience the profound Hakka culture in depth.
     
         The exhibition is supported by the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, organised by the Jiangxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, curated by the Ganzhou Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media and Tourism, the Pingxiang Municipal Bureau of Culture, Media and Tourism and the ICHO.
     
         This exhibition is one of the programmes of Hong Kong ICH Month 2025, Chinese Culture Festival 2025 and the Chinese Culture Promotion Series. For more details, please visit the ICHO’s website at www.icho.hk/en/web/icho/genesis_and_spirit_2025.htmlIssued at HKT 20:20

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limitThe Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 13) that a sample of locally manufactured pistachio-flavoured ice-cream was found to contain coliform bacteria and its count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the incident. A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a licensed frozen confection factory in Sha Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained 260 coliform bacteria per gram, exceeding the legal limit.” “The CFS has informed the frozen confection factory concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling and to dispose all the affected icecream immediately. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the staff of the frozen confection factory, who have also been requested to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises,” the spokesman said. Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months’ imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning. 13/06/2025, 19:40 Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/13/P2025061301075p.htm#:~:text=The test result showed that,the affected ice-cream immediately. 1/2 The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing. Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025

    Issued at HKT 22:34

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival 2025 opens today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Culture Festival 2025 opens today

    The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), opened today (June 13) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 events to be held from June to September.

    In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the Government will fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle to promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture globally and ride on Hong Kong’s international network in telling good stories of China to the world. Mr Lee pointed out that an important strategic direction featured in the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, published by the Government last year, is on the promotion of the profound traditional Chinese culture. He is confident that the Chinese Culture Festival will become an annual signature cultural event in Hong Kong, presenting the rich and vibrant Chinese culture to audiences through innovative approaches. He said that the Government will continue to promote the essence of Chinese culture to citizens of Hong Kong and visitors from overseas and the Mainland, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism” and fostering the integration and mutual reinforcement of culture and tourism.

    Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Wang Songmiao; the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Mr Li Shuguang; the Chairperson of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.

    The opening programme of this year’s CCF staged tonight is a contemporary dance performance “Dongpo: Life in Poems”, which is sponsored by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch and performed by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. Directed by internationally acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei, the production is inspired by the poetry and life of Su Dongpo, a literary master in the Song dynasty. It revolves 12 of Su’s poems that epitomise the poet’s life philosophy, while reinterpreting Su’s multifaceted legacy through contemporary dance. The production deeply integrates various fine traditional Chinese culture elements, such as poetry writing, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving, guqin, Chinese opera and martial arts. By merging “cognitive essence” and “aesthetic realm”, this approach is designed to transcend linguistic barriers, allowing audiences to explore Su’s spiritual world through a contemporary lens. The audience gave rounds of warm applause for the splendid performance by main cast performers Su Peng and Liu Jie, outstanding young dancers from the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe and the Meishan Song and Dance Theatre, as well as for guqin virtuoso and Professor of the Central Conservatory of Music Zhao Xiaoxia.

    The programme also featured an open rehearsal under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” this afternoon at the Grand Theatre of the HKCC. Close to 400 primary and secondary school students and teachers as well as members of the community were invited to attend, free of charge. This session enabled them to appreciate the humanistic emotions conveyed in Su’s poetry and embark on an artistic journey where “poetry embodies dance and dance incorporates poetry” in appreciating the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.

    The thematic exhibition on “Dongpo: Life in Poems” is currently being held at the Foyer of the HKCC. Apart from introducing the concept and structure of the production, the exhibition also presents Shen’s research notes and design sketches created during the creative process through photographs. Three paintings by Shen that were displayed on stage during the performance are featured in the exhibition. The exhibition will run until tomorrow (June 14). Admission is free and members of the public are welcome to visit.

    The CCF aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 is held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, as well as community and school activities and more, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

    Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025
    Issued at HKT 22:20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Georgia Tax Preparer for Fabricating Expenses and Credits

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View complaint here.

    The Justice Department filed a complaint today to permanently bar tax preparer Tanja D. Hollis, of Griffin, Georgia, and her business, Tanja Tax Preparations LLC, from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    The complaint, filed in a federal court in Newnan, Georgia, alleges that Hollis prepared and filed false federal tax returns through Tanja Tax Preparations that understated her customers’ tax liabilities by reporting false or exaggerated business expenses and claiming tax credits for false education expenses.

    According to the complaint, despite knowing them to be false, Hollis prepared returns claiming business expenses for customers who did not own or operate a business and education expenses for customers who were not enrolled as students. The IRS interviewed Tanja Tax Preparations customers who said they did not give Hollis any reason to believe that the items reported on their returns were legitimate.

    The complaint alleges that, by repeatedly understating her customers’ tax liabilities, Hollis caused the United States to lose substantial tax revenue.

    In addition to a permanent injunction, the complaint asks the court to order Hollis to turn over the ill-gotten tax preparation fees she earned while preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams, and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer, launched a free directory of federal tax preparers, and offers information on how to avoid “ghost” tax preparers whose refusal to sign a return should be a red flag to taxpayers. The IRS also has a checklist of things to remember when filing income tax returns. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found here. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Türkiye’s renewable power capacity to reach 38.2GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Türkiye’s renewable power capacity to reach 38.2GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Power

    Türkiye boasts one of the world’s most rapidly expanding energy markets, driven by its robust economic growth. However, the country relies heavily on fossil and electricity imports to meet its domestic power demand. To reduce this dependency, the country is looking to expand is renewable capacity. In October 2024, Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy unveiled its 2035 roadmap for renewable energy. Against this backdrop, the country’s renewable power capacity is forecast to reach 38.2GW in 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% during 2024-35, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Turkey Power Market Outlook to 2035, Update 2025 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape,” reveals that annual power generation in Türkiye is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.6% during 2024-35 to reach 213.5TWh.

    Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Türkiye aims to quadruple its wind and solar capacity, targeting a goal of 120GW by 2035. To achieve this, the country plans to install between 7.5 and 8GW of renewable energy capacity annually, with an investment of $80 billion. The strategy includes the addition of at least 2GW of wind capacity each year through YEKA auctions, which  included 1.2GW of wind and 800MW of solar in the YEKA 2024 auction. Furthermore, the development of 5GW of offshore wind is targeted. These targets are expected to augment renewable power development.”

    Saibasan adds: “Türkiye’s increasing demand for power has been driven by the nation’s expanding GDP and population growth, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. As the primary source of power generation in Türkiye, thermal power—predominantly derived from natural gas, followed by hard coal and lignite—plays a crucial role.”

    However, Türkiye’s domestic fossil fuel resources are limited, necessitating a heavy reliance on imported fuels to satisfy its energy needs, including those for power generation. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye, approximately 74% of Turkey’s energy requirements are met through imports. The country sources natural gas from Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Nigeria, while its crude oil imports primarily come from Iraq, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria.

    Saibasan concludes: “To overcome the challenge, the country has placed focus on nuclear and renewable power. Within the renewable power segment, solar PV constituted nearly 51.3% of the total renewable power capacity followed by onshore wind, accounting for 32.9% in 2024. The country is looking to add offshore wind into its capacity mix by 2032. In the Offshore Wind Roadmap, Türkiye has established a goal of achieving 5GW of installed capacity for offshore wind power by 2035.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Retail icon to £1 bargain: Poundland’s sale exposes cracks in value retailer, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Retail icon to £1 bargain: Poundland’s sale exposes cracks in value retailer, says GlobalData

    Posted in Retail

    Following the news that Poundland has been sold for £1 to turnaround firm Gordon Brothers with up to 100 stores set for closure;

    Emily Scott, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

    “Poundland’s sale comes amid mounting losses and declining revenue, as it has faced intense competition and the distraction of the failed introduction of its Pepco clothing and general merchandise range. Poundland’s appeal was rooted in its straightforward approach to value with a single price point. However, in recent years, the retailer has strayed far from this. The introduction of multiple price points has confused customers, while still not enabling shoppers to trade up within its ranges as it lacks the additional choice of mid to premium products. Poundland has lost out as consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking a better balance between quality and value for money, driving them to trade up. The British variety store chain has also faced increasing competition from the grocers, particularly as Tesco has leveraged its Clubcard loyalty scheme to offer customers exclusive discounts and enhanced value.

    “GlobalData estimates that Home Bargains, B&M and The Range’s market shares in the UK discount market have increased by 7.2ppts, 6.2ppts and 1.3ppts, respectively, between 2019 and 2024, while Poundland’s share has fallen 2.3ppts. Poundland’s weak variety of branded goods at low prices has meant it has struggled to keep pace, damaging its brand perception amongst brand- and budget-conscious shoppers.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    NVIDIA Corp (NVIDIA) has announced a significant partnership with French startup Mistral AI to build “Mistral Compute,” a powerful new AI cloud infrastructure. While influencers have universally praised the scale of the initiative, which will deploy tens of thousands of GPUs, influencers see it as a monumental win for both European AI sovereignty and the US-led open-source movement, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Smitarani Tripathy, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers lauded the partnership for creating an integrated AI stack that will massively increase AI compute capacity. However, a clear divergence emerged in their analysis. Some framed the deal as a game-changer for European tech, emphasizing the creation of a ‘Sovereign AI infrastructure.’ Also, a few others saw it as a ‘massive win for America,’ suggesting that open models running on US chips could become the global template.”

    Below are a few popular influencers opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Ray Wang, Technologist:

    “1) One of the key partnerships announced is between Nvidia and French startup Mistral, which will build an “AI cloud” that will deploy 18,000 Nvidia Grace Blackwell chips. This will allow businesses to develop and use AI through Mistral’s models, Nvidia said. 2) In Germany, Nvidia said it is building what it has dubbed as an “industrial cloud” that will feature 10,000 GPUs and will be specifically designed to provide services for European manufacturers.”

    1. Paul Murphy, Partner at Lightspeed:

    “Our @lightspeedvp  portfolio company @MistralAI ‘s next big move – Mistral Compute 18,000 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell chips, 10x increase in EU AI compute capacity over 2 years. Sovereign AI infrastructure, game changing for European tech! ”

    1. Beth Kindig, Lead Tech Analyst at I/O Fund :

    “Mistral and Nvidia $NVDA are partnering to create Mistral Compute, offering customers a private and integrated AI stack spanning GPUs, orchestration, APIs, products and services, with “tens of thousands” of GPUs available..”

    1. Anjney Midha, General Partner @ a16z:

    “”Today we’re announcing we’re going to build an AI cloud together with @MistralAI”  Jensen @nvidia GTC today unveiling Mistral Compute This is a massive win for America and for open source Open models on US chips wil be the template for AI infrastructure buildouts globally.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Danone Bebelac ads highlight nutritional innovation, child well-being, and parental trust, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Danone Bebelac ads highlight nutritional innovation, child well-being, and parental trust, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    French food giant Danone’s YouTube advertisements of growing-up milk brand Bebelac from December 2024 to May 2025 emphasize key values such as child health, parental involvement, and evidence-based nutrition, appealing to caregivers who seek optimal choices for their children. They aim to foster a sense of community among parents, facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights related to child nutrition and development, reveals Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Sagar Kishor, Ads Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Bebelac’s advertising strategy skilfully addresses the concerns of modern parents by prioritizing the essential nutritional needs of their children. The brand’s emphasis on promoting cognitive and social development, along with its engaging and playful approach, establishes Bebelac’s presence in the child nutrition sector. Furthermore, the integration of recognizable characters and interactive promotions enhances the brand’s visibility and resonance with families, creating a stronger bond with consumers.”

    Below are the key focus areas of Bebelac’s advertisements, revealed by GlobalData’s Global Ads Platform:

    Nutritional innovation: Bebelac’s advertising highlights its commitment to child nutritional innovation through unique product formulations, including Bebelac Gold, Soya, and the prebiotics blend fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which is beneficial for gut health.

    Child well-being and comfort: The baby formula brand’s advertisements focus on ensuring the well-being of children by promoting products such as Bebelac Gold, which supports digestive health and minimizes fussiness. This messaging provides reassurance to parents, allowing them to feel confident that their children can enjoy nutritious options free from added sugars.

    Holistic development: The advertisement “Rahasia Don Hebat” for product “Bebelac 3” emphasizes both cognitive and social skills and illustrates how the formula supports problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence, reinforcing the idea that nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s overall development.

    Trust and transparency: The advertising strategy emphasizes trust and transparency by showcasing authentic testimonials and clearly disclosing ingredient information. This approach builds credibility with parents, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition while nurturing brand loyalty and confidence.

    Kishor concludes: “By addressing both the rational and emotional needs of caregivers, the brand effectively positions itself as a trusted partner in a child’s growth journey. This dual-pronged approach not only enhances brand equity but also strengthens consumer engagement in a competitive and highly sensitive market segment.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government must retain and retrain Alexander Dennis workers

    Source: Scottish Greens

    13 Jun 2025 Economy Transport

    The workers whose jobs are at risk must be protected by our governments

    More in Economy

    The Scottish and UK governments must take immediate actions to retain the highly skilled workforce from Alexander Dennis if their factories in Falkirk and Lambert close, the Scottish Greens have said.

    Writing to the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Mark Ruskell MSP said that the closure put 400 direct jobs at risk, and up to 1,600 more indirectly in the wider Falkirk and Grangemouth area. 

    Speaking after sending the letter, Mr Ruskell said:

    “The factories in Falkirk and Lambert are putting electric buses on roads across Europe. Their closure would be a devastating blow to local communities at a time when our green economy should be booming.

    “Manufacturing could continue here profitably for years to come, and the Government must leave no stone unturned to keep them working. But if their owners are determined to move, then Ministers need to recognise the importance that retaining a skilled workforce has for Scotland’s future.

    “We recognised this at Grangemouth, and when the refinery closed Forth Valley College received funding to offer support and training. This helped keep these essential skills in our communities and economy.

    “The First Minister has said he’ll do “everything he can” to support the workers. But we must now see those words transform into action with a proper plan, community and trade union involvement, and significant investment. To do anything else would be a betrayal of Scotland’s future.”

    Text of letter sent to DFM Kate Forbes by Mark Ruskell

    Dear Deputy First Minister,  

    I write to you following the news that bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, which has 
    factories in Falkirk and Larbert, announced that it was considering moving 
    manufacturing to a site in Scarborough.

    This decision is a further devastating blow to hundreds of workers and to a community 
    that already feels like it has been abandoned following job losses at the nearby INEOS 
    site in Grangemouth. 

    From conversations with Unite the Union representatives there is understandable worry 
    around the uncertainty and many of their members want answers and action from their 
    elected representatives.

    The workers from ALD, similarly to those from Grangemouth, could have a crucial role to 
    play in our green future. But warm words alone about a just transition won’t pay the 
    bills, it needs investment, and it needs a proper plan. To achieve our climate targets, we 
    must retain the workers, and urgently upscale their knowledge and skills needed to 
    deliver them. 

    I believe that there is life in the current Falkirk and Larbert sites, and that manufacturing 
    in Scotland can continue for many years to come. However, if the Canadian owned firm 
    have their sights set on England, then I would hope that the Scottish and UK 
    Governments would support workers at risk of redundancy with skills and training.

    These workers are highly skilled and have an important contribution to make locally and 
    nationally. 
     
    Forth Valley College has received funding from the Scottish and UK Governments to 
    support the Grangemouth workers and this should be no different for those employed 
    by Alexander Dennis. For every job in bus manufacturing, it is estimated that there is a 
    multiplier of three to four jobs in the wider supply chain and support services. The 
    closure announcement on this basis put up to 1,600 jobs at risk in the wider Falkirk and 
    Grangemouth area. 

    I hope that Ministers will work with the trade unions to retain jobs and skills in the 
    community and to ensure that it is workers and local people who are leading the 
    process.  

    Could I ask when the Government is planning to meet with workers and trade unions? It 
    would be beneficial to get all parties round the table, including the current employers, 
    to explore the next steps. 

    Kind regards, 

    Mark Ruskell MSP 
    MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada attends the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 13, 2025

    Nice, France – Canada’s oceans are facing increasing impacts from climate change, including species decline, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, harm from aquatic invasive species, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the effects from waste and other pollutants. In response to these challenges, Canada is collaborating internationally with maritime nations across the globe to better protect our oceans for present and future generations.

    From June 9-13, Fisheries and Oceans Canada led the Canadian delegation at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which took place in Nice, France. During the Conference, Canada led on a series of events including:

    • An Ocean Action Panel co-chaired with Palau, leading thoughtful discussions on advancing sustainable ocean governance, conservation and responsible use of marine resources for our shared global oceans.
    • An Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA) event to reinforce the importance of transparency while improving efforts to govern, enforce and work with international partners to combat IUU fishing. As the current chair of the IUU Fishing Action Alliance, Canada recognizes the challenges of IUU fishing and its devastating impacts on fish stocks, ecosystems and economies around the world. 
    • The launch of a High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, co-led alongside Panama, which was endorsed by 35 other countries. This Coalition marks a significant global commitment to reduce ocean noise, a key threat to ecosystem health and marine biodiversity around the world.

    Canada also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom to strengthen our long history of cooperation on the sustainable use of marine resources, ocean protection and preservation, and ocean science.

    By continuing to collaborate with international partners to better understand the environmental changes we are seeing in the global ocean and create more economic opportunities for coastal and inland communities, Canada can help contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous blue economy for all.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge celebrates the winning narratives of innovative research

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    FREDERICTON, NB, June 13, 2025 – The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is delighted to announce the winners of its 12thStorytellers Challenge, a national competition that asks postsecondary students to demonstrate—in up to three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. The Challenge is designed to highlight the powerful stories—told by students—emerging from research in Canadian social sciences and humanities disciplines.

    After a rigorous selection process, these exceptional Storytellers have demonstrated outstanding creativity and insight in sharing their research journeys and discoveries with the broader public. The announcement was made at the SSHRC Storytellers Showcase, held at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

    The 2025 Storytellers Challenge winners are:

    • Sarah Abouali, from University of Calgary, who shared a story about Canadian Muslim youth identity challenges, mental health and well-being.
    • Maddie Brockbank, from McMaster University, who told us about co-designing a gender-based and sexual violence prevention framework to address ongoing concerns related to the prevalence of gender-based sexual violence and men’s disengagement from existing anti-violence work.
    • Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux, from Bishop’s University, who explained the impacts of raising trauma awareness to build community resilience.
    • Jaweria Qaiser, from University of Toronto, who described why it is important to be able to empathize in a group setting, especially when tensions are high.
    • Micheal P. Taylor, from Memorial University, who shared their story about probation, parole and correctional work through practitioners’ perspectives.

    Each winner receives $1,000 in addition to the $3,000 they received as finalists, national recognition and a platform to amplify their work, helping to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the vital role of social sciences and humanities research in Canada. Join us in congratulating this talented group of Storytellers.

    MIL OSI Canada News –