NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pressley, Democratic Women’s Caucus, Mamas’ Caucus, Dads Caucus Sound Alarm on Secretary Kennedy Launching Baby Formula Review at a Gutted HHS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Lawmakers Demand FDA Halt “Operation Stork Speed” Until HHS Employees Are Rehired and Proper Guardrails in Place

    Text of Letter

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Co-Chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus (DWC) Reproductive Health Care Task Force, alongside DWC member Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Mamas’ Caucus Chair Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), and Dads Caucus Chair Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) led 21 Democratic Caucus members in sounding the alarm over the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) launch of Operation Stork Speed — an initiative the agency claims will evaluate the safety of nutrients and ingredients found in infant formula.

    In their letter to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the lawmakers raise concerns over the safety and feasibility of Operation Stork Speed while laying off tens of thousands of HHS employees — including 3,500 at the FDA, many of whom oversee infant formula and nutrition. They also demand the FDA halt this initiative until HHS employees are rehired and until there are proper guardrails to conduct a comprehensive, evidence-based review.  

    “The infant formula supply chain is fragile, and even a small disruption can have devastating consequences. No parent or guardian should struggle to feed their child due to failed safety standards, corporate greed or supply chain failures. Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible formula is a matter of public health, economic justice, and basic dignity for families—especially women who are often primary caregivers,” wrote the lawmakers.

    “From gutting staff responsible for scientific research to perpetuating anti-vaccine theories, you have repeatedly undermined scientific research. This, coupled with President Trump’s arbitrary mandate for federal agencies to repeal 10 regulations for every new rule, serves to further jeopardize the health and safety of families,” continued the lawmakers.

    The Members also call on the agency to ensure infant formula is safe, accessible and affordable for all women and babies who need it in the face of ongoing regulatory reversals and staff reduction. 

    “Ensuring safe, affordable, and accessible formula is a matter of public health, economic justice, and basic dignity for families—especially women who are often primary caregivers. We ask for your swift response to our questions regarding how you will ensure infant formula is safe, accessible and affordable for all women and babies who need it in the face of ongoing regulatory reversals and staff reduction,” concluded the lawmakers.

    In addition to letter leads Ayanna Pressley, Brittany Pettersen, Rashida Tlaib, and Jimmy Gomez, the letter was signed by Reps. Teresa Leger Fernandez, Deborah Ross, Nikema Williams, Jasmine Crockett, Andrea Salinas, LaMonica McIver, Pramila Jayapal, Nydia Velázquez, Julie Johnson, Kelly Morrison, Summer Lee, Dan Goldman, Eric Swalwell, April McClain Delaney, Betty McCollum, Delia Ramirez, Suzanne Bonamici, Laura Friedman, Veronica Escobar, Yvette Clarke, and Jan Schakowsky.

    Text of the letter can be found here.

    Rep. Pressley has long advocated for safe, accessible, and affordable baby formula.

    In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Congressman Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D. (NY-16) and Congresswomen Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and Grace Meng (NY-06), urged President Biden to use all applicable executive authorities to end the baby formula shortage.

    Through her efforts on the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, the Committee had previously requested information from the nation’s largest formula manufacturers on their efforts to address the shortage of infant formula that is impacting families across the United States.

    In May 2022, Rep. Pressley, along with Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03), Assistant Speaker Katherine Clark (MA-05) and the Massachusetts delegation, sent a letter to Abbott Laboratories Chairman and CEO Robert Ford requesting urgent information on the company’s plans to replenish its Similac baby formula in Massachusetts.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government continues to proactively follow up on water quality incidents at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government continues to proactively follow up on water quality incidents at Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court 
    So far, all water samples have complied with the Hong Kong Drinking Water Standards, including the Rapid Toxicity Test (light emitting bacteria) and Carcinogenic Benzo(a) pyrene for testing carcinogens. These two parameters were negative in all the results of the water samples tested. While ensuring that the water quality met standards, the WSD also conducted traceability work and passed 126 samples of materials collected from each block in the estates for the Government Laboratory’s testing on June 3. Preliminary test results indicated that most of the samples consist of bitumen mixed with resin.
     
    Bitumen was commonly used as a protective coating to prevent rust inside steel water pipes around the world in earlier years. It is an inert material and is insoluble in water. According to experts’ views, bitumen will not release materials harmful to human body after mixing with water. In other words, even if drinking water has come into contact with water pipes coated with bitumen, relevant water quality will still comply with the drinking water standards. However, after prolonged use of water pipes, bitumen coating is prone to spalling, which is not durable and affects the clarity of drinking water and the public’s perception. Therefore, bitumen coated steel pipes have been replaced with durable epoxy resin-coated steel pipes for water supply pipes laid after 2005.
     
    As to whether drinking water containing bitumen will affect health, the WSD commissioned an expert consultant in 2020 to conduct an experiment by boiling 10 grams of bitumen in three litres of hot water. The result confirmed that no toxic substances were released. Currently, the sediments (bitumen) in the water samples taken from Queen’s Hill Estate are three-thousandth of the amount used in that experiment (per litre), so members of the public need not worry even if they have consumed drinking water with bitumen.
     
    According to records, the relevant pipes in the Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court do not contain bitumen materials. Furthermore, following a similar water quality incident at Queen’s Hill Estate in 2022, the WSD installed screen filters outside the Queen’s Hill Estate in December 2022, which can block substances larger than 0.1 millimeters in diameter. Since then, the WSD has regularly inspected the condition of the filters on a weekly basis. After receiving a report on the water quality incident on May 30, the WSD checked the filters again and confirmed it remained intact, without any damage. Given that the sediments found within the estate exceed 0.1mm, they should not have entered the estate’s water supply system after the filters were installed (i.e. after December 2022). Upon reviewing the information, it was found that there is a section of steel water pipe upstream coated with bitumen on the inner wall. As such, the WSD reckoned that the sediments are likely residual bitumen materials that flowed into the pipes of the Queen’s Hill Estate from the aforementioned steel pipe before December 2022. As for the resin material, based on its color, appearance, and chemical composition, it is likely due to the flaking off of the protective layer of water valves.

    The WSD will continue the investigation based on the above assumptions, and as always, will submit the investigation report of this incident to the Drinking Water Safety Advisory Committee for review.
     
    Currently, the WSD will enhance the flushing of pipes to remove any residual bitumen materials, and strengthen water sampling. Sampling and testing will be conducted daily until no related sediments are found. The valves in the water supply system will also be checked. Any materials that have flaked off will be replaced if necessary. Understanding the public’s concerns regarding this incident, the WSD will continue to arrange temporary water supply through water tanks.
     
    To address the issue, maintenance teams of the HD have responded swiftly by installing additional nine screen filters with a density that can block impurities with a diameter of 0.1 millimetres or larger on the existing facilities in Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court. The HD also continued to install additional filtering facilities with the same density that can block impurities with a diameter of 0.1 millimetres or larger in Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court (seven and six respectively) today (June 5). The works will be completed today. Within a short period of time, the HD has tried its best to have 22 new filtering facilities installed, hoping that by quickly providing an effective, multi-layered protective filtration system, residents can feel more at ease when consuming the water.
     
    To further alleviate public concerns, the WSD will release the test results of water samples on its website every morning.
    Issued at HKT 23:36

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Home and Youth Affairs Bureau held training seminar for members of District Councils (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Home and Youth Affairs Bureau held training seminar for members of District Councils  
    ​Based on the needs of DC members, the HYAB has been arranging different training sessions and visits to assist DC members in discharging their duties, so as to improve the efficacy of district work and serve the people better. The training seminar today focused on how to enhance communications with the media, and to promote the good practices of building management.
     
    ​The Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung, attended the training seminar and delivered a speech. He said that under the improved district governance system, the DCs, the District Services and Community Care Teams (Care Teams) and other district organisations and groups worked hand-in-hand in serving the people. District work had to be done with the people at heart for it to be effective and efficient. The HYAB and the Home Affairs Department (HAD) had therefore continued to provide various training for DC members. For example, the HAD had arranged for DC members to attend mediation training in batches starting from May. Mr Leung hoped the relevant training could help DC members better discharge their duties, further improve the efficacy of district governance and thereby building a harmonious community together.
     
    ​​Today’s training seminar had two parts. In the first part, a guest speaker shared with DC members the latest media landscape and skills in engaging with the media. Through strengthening communications with the media, members of the public could better understand DC members’ work under the improved district governance system more effectively through the media, so that DC members could better serve as the bridge between the Government and the people, while telling good stories of the DCs.
     
    ​Before the second part of the training seminar, the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, addressed DC members, saying that the Government had always placed emphasis on district work. She quoted the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr Zhou Ji, that the DCs, “the three district committees” (the Area Committees, the District Fight Crime Committees and the District Fire Safety Committees) and Care Teams are the troika after improvements to district governance, and reminded DC members to strengthen collaboration with “the three district committees” and Care Teams, and address and resolve people’s conflicts at early stages. Miss Mak emphasised that building management was one of the key aspects of district work, and encouraged DC members to be familiar with relevant legislation, so as to provide support and assistance to owners and residents in need and facilitate the smooth operation of building management.
     
    ​Afterwards, in the second part, the guest speaker shared with DC members the relevant information on the Building Management (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (the Amendment Ordinance), which would come into effect on July 13. As early as December last year, HAD organised two briefing sessions for DC members. In view of the imminent commencement of the Amendment Ordinance, HAD provided training to DC members again on the content and requirements of the Amendment Ordinance, with a view to enabling DC members to provide effective assistance to owners and residents in dealing with building management issues when necessary. The key objectives of the Amendment Ordinance are to enhance the transparency and accountability of the operation of owners’ corporations (OCs), for example, in respect of large-scale maintenance works or high-value procurement, and to provide better protection for members of the management committees (MCs) of OCs. The Amendment Ordinance also includes new provisions relating to the keeping of documents relating to building management and the responsibilities of the MCs in keeping such documents.
    Issued at HKT 23:19

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Missing man in Sheung Shui located

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Missing man in Sheung Shui located 
    Wong Sum-wah, aged 77, went missing after he was last seen in a shopping mall on Choi Yuen Road in the afternoon on June 2. His family then made a report to Police.

    The man was located at the junction of Morrison Street and Des Voeux Road Central in Central tonight (June 5). He sustained no injuries and no suspicious circumstances were detected.
    Issued at HKT 23:18

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 369

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    SEL9

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 369
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM CDT Thu Jun 5 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Southeast Colorado
    Southwest Kansas

    * Effective this Thursday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM CDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A few tornadoes possible
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2.5
    inches in diameter likely
    Scattered damaging winds and isolated significant gusts to 75
    mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms developing in southeast Colorado will
    continue to intensify through the afternoon while spreading
    generally eastward into southwest Kansas. The more intense storms
    will be capable of producing a few tornadoes and very large hail up
    to 2.5 inches in diameter. Some clustering of storms is expected by
    this evening, with a gradual increasing in the threat for severe
    outflow gusts up to 75 mph.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 55 miles east northeast of Lamar CO to
    15 miles east of Elkhart KS. For a complete depiction of the watch
    see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU9).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 366…WW 367…WW 368…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 2.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 65 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 29020.

    …Thompson

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW9
    WW 369 TORNADO CO KS 051900Z – 060200Z
    AXIS..80 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    55ENE LAA/LAMAR CO/ – 15E EHA/ELKHART KS/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 70NM E/W /46ENE LAA – 32W LBL/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..65 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 29020.

    LAT…LON 38360027 36990018 36990308 38360322

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU9.

    Watch 369 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low (20%)

    Wind

    Probability of 10 or more severe wind events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more wind events > 65 knots

    Mod (40%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (60%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (60%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – World Food Safety Day: Prevent, detect and manage foodborne risks – 05-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    World Health Organization data reveal that unsafe food containing harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites or chemical substances can cause more than 200 different diseases, ranging from diarrhoea to cancers. In the EU, national authorities are responsible for conducting official controls along the agri-food chain, while the European Commission oversees the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation on food and feed safety.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – Updating the EU’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement – 05-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU needs to update its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement by September 2025. This extended deadline allows the United Nations climate secretariat enough time to assess the collective effect of all national climate plans, relative to the targets under the Paris Agreement, before the start of the COP30 climate change conference in Belém, Brazil, in November 2025. The EU’s NDC is formally adopted by the Council of the EU. The third NDC will have a time horizon of 2035, and is therefore linked with the EU climate target for 2040, which is to be adopted as an amendment to the European Climate Law under the Ordinary Legislative Procedure.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – PETI Fact-finding visit to Spain 26-28 May 2025 on labour rights of police officers in the EU – 05-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Petition No. 1407/2023, submitted by David Gutierrez Prieto on behalf of the Confederacion Espanola de Policia (CEP), led the PETI Committee to organise a fact-finding visit to Spain, in the towns of Algeciras and Barbate. The petition raises concerns about the fundamental and labour rights of police officers in Spain and in the EU and calls for police work to be recognised as a risk profession across Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: At a Glance – International carbon credits and EU climate targets – 05-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU fights global climate change through domestic action and international cooperation, and has an extensive toolbox to deliver on its domestic climate targets. In addition, the EU has signed the Paris Agreement, Article 6 of which includes tools for international cooperation. This note explains the historic and potential role of international carbon credits in the EU, in light of the recent debate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Balanced development clause for islands and mountain areas – E-002132/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002132/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Georgios Aftias (PPE)

    The European Union’s borders encompass 4 381 376 square kilometres, from the Aegean to Finland, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus, with 65 992 kilometres of coastline. Islands are Europe’s natural borders. Covering an enormous area, they need immediate and balanced development as they tackle the effects of climate change, the demographic and housing crisis and illegal migration with limited access to new technologies and means of transport. Decisions must be coordinated and targeted. This makes it essential that we act immediately with the regions to ensure the balanced development of islands and mountainous areas, given that needs are very high.

    In view of the above, can the Commission answer the following:

    • 1.Will there be a mandatory provision for islands and mountain areas in the next Multiannual Financial Framework?
    • 2.Will it act effectively to ensure that mountainous and island regions have adequate funding for goods and services?
    • 3.By means of which financial instruments is it helping to strengthen the economic activities of these regions?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Notification by the Netherlands of a ban on the use of electric livestock prods on animals in livestock farming – E-002138/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002138/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    On 4 February 2025, the Dutch Government notified the Commission of its intention to ban the use of electric livestock prods on animals in livestock farming (notification number 2025/0066/NL). Due to EU legislation, the ban cannot apply in slaughterhouses (Regulation (EC) 1099/2009), in international transport (Regulation (EC) 1/2005) or with regard to veterinary use. This creates an unlevel playing field and confusion.

    In accordance with the notification procedure under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, the Commission may block this proposed ban for a period of 12 to 18 months if harmonisation at EU level in the policy area concerned is planned or already under way. As the Animal Transport Regulation is currently being revised (2023/0488/COD), that is indeed the case.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to block the proposed ban on the ground that, since the Animal Transport Regulation is being revised, EU harmonisation in the same policy area is already under way?
    • 2.Does the Commission agree that, were this proposed ban to come into force, there would be significant distortion of the EU internal market?
    • 3.Is the Commission prepared to respond to the submissions made by various stakeholders in connection with the notification?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Lifting of sanctions against Syria – E-002135/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002135/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Sander Smit (PPE), Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    On 20 May 2025, the Council of the European Union[1] decided, surely enough, to lift the economic sanctions against Syria (under the new regime), even though mass-scale massacres by Islamist-affiliated units against the Alawite and Druze minorities have taken place in recent months.

    • 1.What specific criteria and conditions were used to decide to lift the economic sanctions against Syria, and how was it ensured that this decision was not taken prematurely, given the ongoing political and humanitarian challenges in the country?
    • 2.How does the lifting of these sanctions stand in relation to the Union’s broader strategic objectives in the region, in particular with regard to stability, human rights – including rights of minorities (such as Christians, Alawites and Druze) – and prevention of a new refugee crisis?
    • 3.To what extent have the Council and Commission consulted with international partners to ensure that this move does not lead to unwanted geopolitical tensions or a worsening of the humanitarian situation, including by monitoring the situation of historical minorities?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.consilium.europa.eu/nl/press/press-releases/2025/05/20/syria-council-statement-on-the-lifting-of-eu-economic-sanctions/
    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Recognition of expenses for demography as investment for budgetary balance – E-002128/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002128/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Paolo Inselvini (ECR), Romana Tomc (PPE), Vasile Dîncu (S&D), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Mario Mantovani (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Alessandro Ciriani (ECR), Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE), Nicolas Bay (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Mariateresa Vivaldini (ECR), Chiara Gemma (ECR), Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Şerban Dimitrie Sturdza (ECR), Branko Grims (PPE), Rihards Kols (ECR), Raúl de la Hoz Quintano (PPE), Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR), Matej Tonin (PPE), Piotr Müller (ECR), Aurelijus Veryga (ECR), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR), Kosma Złotowski (ECR), Waldemar Tomaszewski (ECR), Alberico Gambino (ECR), Fernand Kartheiser (ECR), Niels Geuking (PPE), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Nora Junco García (ECR), Diego Solier (ECR), Sunčana Glavak (PPE), Daniele Polato (ECR), Davor Ivo Stier (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Karlo Ressler (PPE), Gabriella Gerzsenyi (PPE), Elena Donazzan (ECR), Margarita de la Pisa Carrión (PfE), Andi Cristea (S&D), Loránt Vincze (PPE), Marion Maréchal (ECR)

    The demographic winter represents one of the most urgent challenges for Europe, with severe repercussions across multiple sectors of society: culture, economic growth, fiscal sustainability and pension systems. The Draghi Report predicts that, by 2040, the EU workforce will decrease by nearly 2 million people per year, highlighting the need for structural measures to boost European competitiveness.

    The EU cannot merely adapt passively to the ageing population but must act by placing future generations at the centre of its economic and social policies. Currently, Member States’ expenditures on demographic policies and birth rates are categorised as current expenses and are subject to budget constraints. However, their long-term positive impact on European growth is evident.

    Recognising such expenses as investment in human capital and economic development, also in the light of European fiscal rules, would allow Member States to implement their demographic policies with greater flexibility.

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to recognise Member States’ demographic expenses as investment within the framework of the Stability and Growth Pact?
    • 2.Does it plan to create a directorate-general or a specific unit to work on demographic policies?
    • 3.What initiatives could be considered to reward Member States that invest in structural demographic policies?

    Supporter[1]

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    • [1] This question is supported by a Member other than the authors: Stefano Cavedagna (ECR)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Israel’s intention to take full control of the Gaza strip and remove the Palestinian population from the area – EU’s actions and reactions – E-002127/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002127/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Brando Benifei (S&D), Li Andersson (The Left), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Giorgos Georgiou (The Left), Irena Joveva (Renew), Kateřina Konečná (NI), Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE), Cecilia Strada (S&D), Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Thomas Bajada (S&D), Carola Rackete (The Left), Hanna Gedin (The Left), Branislav Ondruš (NI), Jonas Sjöstedt (The Left), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Nikos Pappas (The Left), Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Maria Zacharia (NI), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Friedrich Pürner (NI), Alex Agius Saliba (S&D), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Rima Hassan (The Left), Isabel Serra Sánchez (The Left)

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to respond to the Israeli Government’s announcement regarding the Gaza strip, which involves forced population transfers prohibited under international law?
    • 2.Will the Commission propose new measures – such as sanctions on members of the Israeli Government, the suspension of the arms trade with Israel or the EU‐Israel Association Agreement, or support for the recognition of the State of Palestine – in response to Israel’s violations of international law?
    • 3.How will the Commission ensure that the EU upholds its commitment to human rights and international law in its response to the situation in Gaza?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Competitive impacts of Regulation EU 2023/1115 on European producers of latex balloons – E-002122/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002122/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Salvatore De Meo (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE), Giusi Princi (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Flavio Tosi (PPE), Stefan Köhler (PPE), Niels Geuking (PPE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Olivier Chastel (Renew), Malika Sorel (NI)

    Regulation (EU) 2023/1115[1] imposes traceability, registration and verification obligations on all operators placing on the market raw materials listed in Annex I, including natural rubber latex (customs code 4001), which is used by European producers of latex balloons.

    Although they contain the same raw material (customs code 9503), finished latex balloons are not included in Annex I and are not subject to the same obligations, thus favouring non-EU producers who export these items to Europe without bureaucratic burdens.

    This regulatory disparity distorts competition, placing European producers at a disadvantage, subject to higher costs and obligations, and incentivising the import of finished products from countries not subject to the same environmental standards.

    Article 34 of the Regulation provides for a revision of Annex I, with the possibility of including products made from relevant raw materials, in order to avoid market imbalances and ensure the effectiveness of the standard.

    We ask the Commission:

    • 1.when the impact assessment provided for in Article 34(3) of the Regulation will be available, and whether it will also include finished products, such as latex balloons (CN code 9503), among those subject to the obligations;
    • 2.whether it intends to adopt corrective measures, including through delegated acts, to ensure a level playing field between European and non-European producers?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206., ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1115/oj.
    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB’s advisory services to work with Bulgarian government on greening coal-powered Maritsa East Complex
    • Goal is to promote clean energy at site where open-pit mines operate
    • EIB assistance to extend to Bulgarian efforts to boost EU funding

    Bulgaria will receive advisory support from the European Investment Bank (EIB) for greening one of Europe’s largest sites for coal-fired electricity production – the Maritsa East Complex. Both sides today signed an agreement under which the EIB will advise the Bulgarian government as it pursues a plan to decarbonise the Maritsa East Complex, which generates up to 35% of the country’s electricity.

    EIB Advisory will work with the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy to ensure the timely development of priority projects promoting renewable energy at the Maritsa East Complex, which has among the largest open-pit coal mines operating in Europe. EIB Advisory will also help to strengthen the Ministry’s capacity to manage complex projects and expand European Union funding.

    “Fostering economic and social cohesion is at the heart of the EIB’s mission and we stand ready to support a just transition for the Bulgarian regions most affected by the shift away from mining and carbon-intensive energy production and industrial activities,” said EIB Vice-President Kyriacos Kakouris. “Our approach endeavours to ensure that no people or places are left behind in the transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy and society.”

    The burning of coal to produce electricity is major source of the greenhouse gases that cause climate change and cutting emissions at Maritsa East Complex is key for the clean-economy goals of Bulgaria and the EU as a whole.

    “Efforts to decarbonise the Maritsa East Complex are key to its sustainable development and to ensuring conditions for competitiveness and growth of the economy and the better well-being of Bulgarians,” said Bulgarian Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov. “We are happy that the government has the EIB as a partner in the process. It is an institution with many years of experience and proven expertise. I am confident that this cooperation will ensure the sustainable long-term operation of the Maritsa East Complex in line with the challenges of the green future.”

    The Ministry of Energy, supported by EIB Advisory under a technical assistance accord signed in early 2024, has made substantial progress in defining a strategic pathway for the transition of the Maritsa East Complex.

    The assistance included a comprehensive analysis of the state of the complex, an assessment of existing infrastructure and the development of an investor roadmap. These efforts clarified the scope of high-impact projects that can be implemented in the near term to drive Bulgaria’s decarbonisation strategy. Investment priorities by the companies operating in the Maritsa East Complex were also identified, refining the list of strategic projects contributing to the transition efforts.

    The EIB provides its advisory support under the European Commission’s InvestEU Advisory Hub to help Bulgaria’s coal-to-clean energy transition.

    Background information  

    About the EIB  

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

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

    In addition to financing, the EIB offers advisory services that help public and private partners develop and implement high-quality, investment-ready projects. In 2024 alone, EIB advisory teams helped mobilise over €200 billion of investments across Europe and beyond.

    About the InvestEU Advisory Hub

    The InvestEU programme provides the EU with long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It helps mobilise private investments for the EU’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible.

    The InvestEU Advisory Hub is the central entry point for project promoters and intermediaries seeking advisory support and technical assistance related to centrally managed EU investment funds. Managed by the European Commission and financed by the EU budget, the InvestEU Advisory Hub connects project promoters and intermediaries with advisory partners, who work directly together to help projects reach the financing stage.

    EIB Advisory provides technical and financial expertise to support the development of sustainable and bankable projects in various sectors. In Bulgaria, EIB experts are assisting public authorities and businesses in preparing infrastructure investments in energy, energy efficiency, healthcare, transport and the environment, improving project planning and enhancing access to funding through tailored services and capacity building.

    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    Bulgaria to receive EIB support for decarbonising major site for coal-fired power production
    ©EIB
    Download original

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Türkiye-gate – E-002081/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002081/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)

    The EU’s blatant disregard for Türkiye’s violations of international law and the country’s attacks on international peace remains inexplicable for all nations bordering Türkiye. Unfortunately, the methods employed by Türkiye – including by Diyanet, TİKA , TRT and Turkish banks within the EU – for ‘influencing’ EU policies need to be investigated.

    Türkiye has been accused on numerous occasions of attempts to exert influence by means of illegal funding and political corruption at international level. In the US, the most recent and blatant example involved the Mayor of New York, Eric Adams. There has been a federal investigation into whether his election campaign in 2021 was illegally financed through persons with ties to the Turkish Government, with the digital devices of his associates also being seized. Furthermore, Michael Flynn, the former national security advisor to the US President, admitted that he had accepted payments to represent Turkish interests, which he had failed to declare as he advocated the extradition of Fethullah Gülen.

    Türkiye has tried to exert influence through the unfair and illegal lobbying of diaspora organisations in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

    Can the Commission therefore answer the following:

    • 1.Does it consider that the above cases establish a framework of suspicious Turkish conduct at international level, or does it believe that the country has only attempted to influence the US and not the EU, for whatever reason?
    • 2.What steps has it taken and what steps is it planning to take to detect Turkish corruption in the Commission and its bodies and agencies?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Situation in Cambodia and Commission action to address it – E-001938/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001938/2025/rev.1
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Ilhan Kyuchyuk (Renew)

    Grave concerns from the EU, the UN and international non-governmental organisation reports led to a November 2024 Parliament resolution demanding action on Cambodia. The need for stronger EU policy is highlighted by Cambodia’s protection of suspects in the assassination of EU national, Lim Kimya, in Bangkok. It is also emphasised by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s finding, linking Huione Group, connected to the Prime Minister’s cousin Hun To, to cybercrime that impacts EU citizens. This trend contradicts EU principles and the everything but arms (EBA) trade scheme.

    • 1.What detailed action plan has the Commission developed to implement the demands of the 2024 Cambodia Resolution, and what mechanisms are in place to monitor and evaluate its impact?
    • 2.Given Cambodia’s continued failure to comply with its obligations under the EBA regulations, what concrete steps will the Commission propose to address these breaches and does the Commission still consider the EBA to be effective, and if not, what alternative regulatory frameworks will the Commission consider?
    • 3.Regarding Cambodia’s non-cooperation on the Lim Kimya extradition, what diplomatic and legal measures will the European External Action Service undertake and does the Commission believe that current EU legislation is sufficient to address instances of transnational repression emanating from or facilitated by Cambodia, or is new legislation deemed necessary to protect EU citizens?

    Submitted: 14.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Pfizer legal costs – E-002157/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002157/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

    Can the Commission state the cost incurred in defending Court of Justice of the European Union case T-36/23 (Stevi and The New York Times v Commission) in terms of both external legal advice and fees, and in-house work hours expended by Commission legal staff to date?

    Submitted: 28.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on supporting the United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters – B10-0273/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    B10‑0273/2025

    European Parliament resolution on supporting the United Kingdom accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters

    (2025/2709(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Article 218 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU),

    – having regard to Articles 24 and 29 of the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters[1] (‘Judgments Convention’),

    – having regard to the question to the Commission on the United Kingdom’s application to accede to the Lugano Convention on jurisdiction and the recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters[2] (O-000022/2021),

    – having regard to the question to the Commission on the non-objection mechanisms in international conventions to which the European Union is a party (O-000042/2023),

    – having regard to the question to the Commission concerning the United Kingdom’s accession to the Convention of 2 July 2019 on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial MattersO-000016/2025,

    – having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Legal Affairs,

    A. whereas the statutory purpose of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (‘Hague Conference’) is to work for the progressive unification of the rules of private international law;

    B. whereas the European Union became a party to the Hague Conference on 3 April 2007;

    C. whereas the Judgments Convention facilitates the effective international circulation of judgments in civil or commercial matters by providing legal certainty and predictability to parties involved in cross-border transactions and clarity as to whether and to what extent a judgment will be recognised and enforced in another jurisdiction; whereas by ensuring the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments, the Judgments Convention should enhance access to justice by reducing legal time frames, costs and risks in cross-border circumstances;

    D. whereas pursuant to Article 24 of the Judgments Convention, any non-EU state can accede to the Convention; whereas such accession creates treaty relations between two contracting parties only if neither of them has notified the depositary that the accession must not have the effect of establishing treaty relations with the other; whereas such a notification must be submitted within a period of 12 months after the date on which the accession was notified;

    E. whereas under the current practice, the Commission does not initiate a formal procedure in accordance with Article 218(6) TFEU for the conventions that contain a non-objection mechanism, but only informs the Council and Parliament of any third country’s request to accede to a given Hague instrument;

    F. whereas, according to well-established case-law, an international agreement cannot affect the allocation of powers fixed by the Treaties, thus when at international level a silence procedure has been adopted to facilitate accession by third states should be of no consequence for the EU’s internal decision-making process;

    G. whereas the European Union acceded to the Judgments Convention on 29 August 2022;

    H. whereas the United Kingdom deposited its instrument of ratification to the Judgments Convention on 27 June 2024;

    I. whereas if the Union accepts the United Kingdom’s accession to the Judgments Convention, it will enter into force on 1 July 2025 and be applicable between the two parties;

    1. Welcomes the positive assessments made by the Commission with the aim of establishing treaty relations with the United Kingdom in the framework of the Judgments Convention;

    2. Supports the accession of the United Kingdom to the Judgments Convention;

    3. Reiterates that this resolution is without prejudice to the procedure set out in Article 218(6) TFEU, which should be followed in matters concerning the establishment of the EU position regarding accession by third states to the Hague Conference Conventions;

    4. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Council.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive – E-002116/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002116/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    José Cepeda (S&D)

    The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive has raised concerns in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sector, as well as in several Member States. The sector argues that the directive has a disproportionate and discriminatory impact on the two industries. The application of extended producer responsibility raises doubts as to its alignment with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, due to questions of technical feasibility and a lack of proportionality.

    Organisations representing the sector argue that the Commission’s impact assessment lacks technical precision and key data, leading to unjustified costs and a loss of industrial competitiveness in the sectors.

    In light of this situation:

    • 1.Will the Commission update its impact assessment based on the 2022 JRC list and consider an approach based on substances rather than sectors?
    • 2.Is the Commission considering revising the directive within the next omnibus package to ensure proportionality and non-discrimination in the application of this directive?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Measures to reduce cancer risk in children and young people – E-002125/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002125/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Victor Negrescu (S&D)

    It is estimated that in 2022, over 9 000 children up to the age of 14 were diagnosed with cancer and over 1 600 died from cancer in Europe. Moreover, there is an estimated 20 % gap in childhood cancer survival rates, with eastern European countries facing significant challenges. Discrepancies between EU countries can be seen in access to essential cancer medicines and to clinical trials for children and adolescents, which poses a significant challenge at EU level.

    Given the ongoing need to drive change and continue reducing cancer risk in children and young people across the EU:

    • 1.What measures will be included in the multiannual financial framework 2028-2034 to strengthen a robust European Health Union where all children and young people with cancer have equal access to high-quality care, diagnosis and treatment, ensuring the same hope of survival regardless of where they live?
    • 2.Will the Commission maintain the spotlight on childhood cancer within Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan with regard to future EU actions in cancer research and innovation?

    Submitted: 27.5.2025

    Last updated: 5 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group takes part in International Social Housing Festival in Dublin

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    This week, a delegation from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group attended the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin to highlight our support for the housing sector.

    The EIB Group’s director for housing, Tanguy Desrousseaux, took part in a fireside chat alongside two housing providers in Ireland, the Housing Finance Association (HFA) and the Approved Housing Bodies (AHB).

    The fireside chat focused on the partnership between the HFA and EIB, which has been instrumental in scaling up housing delivery in Ireland, and delved into opportunities for new agreements between the two institutions. Over the past eight years, the EIB has lent €750 million to the HFA, enabling the construction of over 5 000 affordable homes and the energy-efficient renovation of 550 homes.

    The EIB Group’s managerial advisor for housing, Gerry Muscat, spoke at panels on “Ensuring Sustainability and Affordability – Challenges and Opportunities for the European Affordable Housing Plan.” and “Financing Affordable Housing in the EU – Opportunities and Challenges in the new European Context.” Meanwhile, Andrea Colantonio, a senior economist, represented the EIB Group in a jury at the European Responsible Housing Awards ceremony and participated in a panel event titled “Guiding Europe Home – The compass for a New Housing Paradigm.”

    The conference follows a number of EIB Group housing events confirming its commitment to supporting the housing sector across Europe.

    In July 2024, the EIB Group’s  newly established Housing Task Force organised a kick-off event in Luxembourg featuring around 300 public and private stakeholders to discuss scaling up financial support for affordable and sustainable housing throughout the EU. The event was followed by technical meetings in Brussels and Milan in the autumn with stakeholders to help shape a pan-European investment platform alongside the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Laredo area alien smuggling ring taken down

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Manuel Capetillo, 27, Poteet, and Michael Diaz, 31, Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 4 and March 4, respectively.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen has now imposed an 85-month-term of imprisonment for Capetillo, while Diaz received 70 months. Both men were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Diaz was further ordered to pay a $10,000 special assessment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the inhumane conditions in which the aliens were transported and that Capetillo and Diaz had made a business out of smuggling aliens. “You thought of these people as cattle,” he said. Judge Kazen also commented on Capetillo’s leadership role and that he was one of the highest-level players in the region he had seen. 

    Capetillo and Diaz are attributed with smuggling over 65 aliens, including adults and children as young as six, who came from multiple countries as far south as Guatemala and as close as Mexico. Both had received cash payments in excess of $50,000 during their operations.

    The investigation revealed both men operated stash houses in Laredo and that Capetillo also operated one in Poteet. Over several months, Capetillo recruited drivers, scouts and caretakers to bring aliens in from countries in Central America and transport them throughout the southern and central areas of Texas.

    Capetillo negotiated prices with Mexican smugglers on how much and to whom would be paid for aliens illegally crossing into the United States. He also negotiated with Mexican nationals to provide weapons for the wars taking place in Monterrey, Mexico, and importing drugs into the United States.  

    Diaz worked in close connection with Capetillo to rent a yard in Laredo and load aliens into inoperable vehicles, place them on top of tow trucks and smuggle them to Capetillo’s Poteet stash house in the Southern Texas heat. Capetillo paid Diaz for his role in the conspiracy.

    Previously released on bond, Capetillo was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Diaz has been and will remain in custody.

    Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Laredo and Poteet. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory Sailer prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal Alien Sentenced for Assaulting Law Enforcement

    Source: US FBI

    McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old El Salvadorian national has been sentenced for assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Oscar Adilio Sanchez-Rivera pleaded guilty March 4.

    U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Sanchez-Rivera to serve 36 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

    “The defendant here managed to turn a simple removal case to a multi-year federal sentence,” said Ganjei. “Let this case be an example to others who may wish harm on police or federal agents; assaulting law enforcement will not be tolerated.”

    On Nov. 1, 2024, authorities conducted a traffic stop in Rio Grande City when Sanchez-Rivera notified them of his alien status. As the BP agent attempted to place him in a vehicle, Sanchez-Rivera attempted to evade arrest. He punched the agent in the face and grabbed the agent’s finger, causing a fracture that required surgery.

    Sanchez-Rivera fled on foot but was soon apprehended.

    He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    BP and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Richmond Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced today to three years and four months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    According to court documents, in November 2020, FBI agents received information from KIK Messenger about username “boredani” sharing videos believed to be CSAM. On Dec. 8, 2021, agents searched the residence of Hasson Julian Roberts, 42. Agents seized several electronic devices belonging to Roberts, including an external hard drive. A forensic examination of the external hard drive revealed that it contained over 100 CSAM files, including a video file depicting a prepubescent minor engaged in various sexual acts.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Robert E. Payne.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Mansfield prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-137.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: World Oceans Day, Palestine, Ukraine & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (5 June 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Trip Announcement/Secretary-General
    World Oceans Day
    Secretary-General/Fallen Staff
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Ukraine
    Syria/Security Council
    International Days

    TRIP ANNOUNCEMENT/SECRETARY-GENERAL
    On Sunday, June 8, the Secretary-General will arrive in Nice, in France, to take part in the third UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
    On Monday, the Secretary-General will deliver remarks during the conference’s opening session. He will recall the progress achieved since the last Ocean Conference in Lisbon and call for investments to fully realize the sustainable development goal number 14, which is, as you know, life below water.
    The Secretary-General will also use this opportunity to urge all countries to ratify the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), and also to call on member states to agree this year on an ambitious and legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
    The BBNJ will enter into force 120 days after its 60th ratification, and to facilitate this process, our colleagues at the department of Legal Affairs are organizing a Treaty event during the Ocean conference. At that event, all Member States who have not yet done so will be able to formally deposit their ratification.
    While in Nice, the Secretary-General will have bilateral meetings with both co-hosts of the conference, President Emmanuel Macron, of France, as well as President Rodrigo Chaves Robles, of Costa Rica. He will also have a number of bilateral meetings with other delegation leaders and members of the civil society who will be at the conference.
    On Tuesday morning, the Secretary-General will conclude his programme in Nice with a press encounter, which will be shown live on UN WebTV.

    WORLD OCEANS DAY
    A day ahead of the UN Ocean Conference, the UN will mark World Oceans Day. In his message, the Secretary-General calls for the protection of marine biodiversity, the rejection of practices that inflict irreversible damage, and he calls for the delivery on the promises of the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement. &nbs

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/FALLEN STAFF
    This morning, the Secretary-General spoke at the annual memorial service for UN staff who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year, and he paid tribute to the 168 men and women who lost their lives in 2024.
    He told journalists this morning that the past year has been especially devastating in Gaza, with 126 of our colleagues killed there — 125 of those were serving with UNRWA.
    Mr. Guterres said that the sacrifice of all 168 of our fallen colleagues everywhere is a tragedy, adding that it is also a reminder of the responsibility carried by every United Nations staff member, every single day.
    He said that as we mourn those lost, we must also recognize the living — the thousands of UN personnel who serve around the world today, carrying out the missions entrusted to them by the countries that make up these United Nations.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=05%20June%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=80xGuK-Ku8Y

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Turning the Tide: The Mission to Save Senegal’s Ocean | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Environmental activist and entrepreneur Babacar Thiaw shares his inspiring journey from a Dakar surfer surrounded by plastic waste to a passionate environmental advocate.

    Babacar’s commitment to a cleaner environment led to him co-founding the Senegalese affiliate of the Surfrider Foundation, with a focus on monitoring the water quality of Senegal’s ocean and taking community action to create lasting environmental impact.
    Babacar Thiaw: https://www.instagram.com/babscopa/
    Surfrider Senegal: https://www.instagram.com/surfridersenegal/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9q7ks1e5C_4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Opening of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference | United Nations (Nice, France)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Our Ocean, Our Future, Our Responsibility

    – Cultural Event
    – Opening segment
    – Beginning of the general debate

    The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.

    The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The Conference aims to support further and urgent action to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development and identify further ways and means to support the implementation of SDG 14. It will build on existing instruments to form successful partnerships towards the swift conclusion and effective implementation of ongoing processes that contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.

    The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14. 

    The Conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York and by Portugal and Kenya in 2022 in Lisbon.

    2025 UN Ocean Conference website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025

    —

    Watch the opening of the 2025 UN Ocean Conference in other languages (AR, CH, EN, FR, RU, SP) on the UN Web TV website: https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1k/k1kj0sjklh

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWcCtCy8gDM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Moran Leads Effort to Secure Future of Red River Army Depot

    Source: Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01)

    Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) issued the following statement regarding the future operations of the Red River Army Depot (RRAD).

    Washington, D.C. ­— Today, Congressman Nathaniel Moran (R-TX-01) issued the following statement regarding the future operations of the Red River Army Depot (RRAD). Earlier this week, Congressman Moran led a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth detailing the critical role that RRAD plays in military preparedness and the need to continue supporting RRAD operations and personnel. This letter, which was co-signed by 11 other members of the Texas Congressional Delegation, stated in part:

    “As Congress works to help fulfill President Trump’s vision of peace through strength, it is critical that we place renewed emphasis on our nation’s maintenance and repair depots that directly support America’s soldiers, sailors, and airmen. For that reason, I strongly urge the Department of Defense to continue operations at Red River Army Depot at full operational capacity—and to actively pursue new mission-critical opportunities that expand its role in our national defense strategy.

    RRAD is not only a cornerstone of America’s military logistics capability, it is also a model of cost-efficiency. Unlike many government facilities, RRAD is funded entirely by the workload it receives from military branches and commercial partners—making it self-sufficient, accountable, and agile. It doesn’t waste taxpayer dollars. It maximizes them.

    We are actively pursuing conversations with the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, and Army Chief of Staff General Randy A. George. While we await a formal response to our letter, I remain committed to safeguarding RRAD’s mission and ensuring it remains a key pillar of our national defense infrastructure.

    We thank the Department of Defense for its continued dedication to national security and stand ready to work together to strengthen our industrial base, protect the jobs of thousands of skilled Texans, and fulfill our shared mission of peace through strength.”

    This week’s letter from Congressman Moran to Secretary Hegseth comes just ahead of the recent visit to Washington, D.C. by representatives from the Texarkana area, who are advocating directly on behalf of RRAD’s mission and future growth. Congressman Moran and his staff have worked closely with these local leaders to support their visit and ensure their voices are heard at the highest levels of the Department of Defense and the U.S. Army.

    “We are deeply grateful to Congressman Moran and our congressional delegation for their steadfast leadership and unwavering advocacy on behalf of Red River Army Depot,” said David Orr, Texarkana City Manager. “Their efforts highlight just how essential RRAD is—not only to the strength of our local economy, but to the readiness of our nation’s armed forces. I am proud to stand alongside them in urging continued investment in this world-class facility. Together, we are ensuring that Texarkana remains a vital partner in supporting the brave men and women who defend our freedom.”

    Robin Hickerson, President and CEO of the Texarkana USA Regional Chamber of Commerce, added: “Red River Army Depot is a critical part of both our local economy and our national defense. It provides quality jobs for families across the region and plays a key role in supporting our military readiness. Our Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee is honored to visit Washington, D.C., to advocate for the Depot, and we are beyond grateful to Congressman Moran for his unwavering commitment to RRAD and its mission.”

    The full letter can be read here.

    Background:

    Congressman Moran and his colleagues from the Texas Congressional Delegation recently submitted a unified letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other senior officials, stressing RRAD’s strategic value and calling for continued and expanded operations at the site.

    Located on 15,375 acres in Northeast Texas and housing over 1,400 buildings with more than 8 million square feet of industrial space, Red River Army Depot is a pivotal asset within the Army’s organic industrial base. As the designated Center of Industrial and Technical Excellence for Tactical Wheeled Vehicles, RRAD provides indispensable repair and remanufacturing support for critical military systems including the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

    Beyond the Army, RRAD also delivers support to the Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy—making it a vital hub of inter-service readiness. Its 3,500-member workforce is lean, experienced, and capable of rapidly scaling operations to meet the evolving needs of our warfighters—having done so during previous combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and now again as it provides assistance to U.S. allies in Israel and Ukraine.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –