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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Merchandise trade posts strong growth in Q1 ahead of tariff hikes

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Merchandise trade posts strong growth in Q1 ahead of tariff hikes

    The new tariffs announced by the United States on 2 April at the start of the second quarter were widely anticipated, allowing importers to move purchases forward to avoid paying higher duties at a later date. Trade volume growth in the first quarter was above projections issued in the WTO’s Global Trade Outlook and Statistics report on 16 April, both for the Secretariat’s baseline forecast of 2.7% for 2025, which assumed a continuation of policies in place at the start of the year, and the adjusted forecast of ‑0.2% assuming policies in place on 16 April.
    Since then, a variety of trade agreements and trade measures have nudged the adjusted forecast up and down slightly, but as of mid-June merchandise trade growth for the year was still expected to be basically flat at 0.1%.
    Chart 1: World merchandise trade volume and value, 2019Q1-2025Q1Indices, 2019=100

    Sources: WTO and UNCTAD for merchandise trade volume, WTO for merchandise trade value.Note: Merchandise trade volume refers to the average of exports and imports, while merchandise trade value refers to exports in current US dollar terms.  SA indicates a seasonally-adjusted data series while NSA denotes non-seasonally-adjusted data.
    Meanwhile, the US dollar value of world merchandise trade — as measured by non-seasonally-adjusted exports — was up 4% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting strong growth in volume terms and declining prices (Chart 1). The value of trade in the first quarter was down compared to the previous quarter due to regular seasonal variation, but seasonally-adjusted figures continued to rise.
    There were significant disparities across regions in merchandise trade volume growth in the first quarter, especially on the import side (Chart 2). North America recorded the strongest quarter-on-quarter import growth of any region by far at 13.4%, followed by Africa at 5.1%, South and Central America and the Caribbean at 3.6%, the Middle East at 3.0%, Europe at 1.3%, and Asia at 1.1%. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including certain associate and former member states, was the only region to record a decline in the first quarter at -0.5%.  On the export side, the Middle East recorded the strongest quarter-on-quarter growth at 6.3%, followed by Asia at 5.6%, South America at 3.2%, Africa at 2.5%, Europe at 1.9% and North America at 1.8%. The CIS region also registered an export decline of -1.0% in the first quarter.
    Chart 2: Merchandise export and import volumes by region, 2019Q1 – 2025Q1Seasonally-adjusted indices, 2019=100

    a     Refers to South and Central America and the Caribbean.b     Refers to Commonwealth of Independent States, including certain associate and former member states.Source: WTO and UNCTAD estimates.
    Merchandise trade developments in value terms during the first quarter of 2025
    Chart 3 shows year-on-year growth in the US dollar value of world merchandise trade by broad product category in the first quarter.1 The strongest performance was in office and telecom equipment (+16% year-on-year), followed by chemicals (+12%) and clothing (+7%). Among the product categories shown, only automotive products (-4%), fuels and mining products (-4%; of which: fuels -7%) and iron and steel (-3%) decreased in value terms. While fuel prices changed little compared with the same quarter in the previous year, prices for metals and minerals (excluding gold & silver) were 8% higher.
    Chart 3: Year-on-year merchandise trade growth by product in the first quarter of 2025% change in US$ values

    a Includes electrical machinery, non-electrical machinery and power generating equipment.Source: WTO for total merchandise exports, WTO Secretariat estimates for products.
    Africa had the strongest merchandise export growth of any region in value terms in the first quarter, up 9% year-on-year (Chart 4). The increase was led by gold, ores, cocoa, and copper, while fuel shipments declined. It was followed by Asia (up 5%, led by precious metals and machinery) and South and Central America (up 4%, with increases in precious metals, ores and coffee/tea, and declines in fuels, oil seeds, and cereals). Among WTO regions, only the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)2 saw its exports decline (-6%).
    Chart 4: Merchandise trade growth by regions in the first quarter of 2025% change in US$ values

    a  Refers to South and Central America and the Caribbean.b Refers to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including certain associate and former member states.Source: WTO.
    On the import side, strong year-on-year increases were observed in North America (+19%) and South America (+12%). Regarding North America, imports of machinery, precious metals and pharmaceuticals showed marked increases, while vehicle imports dropped slightly. South America saw particularly strong imports of machinery, articles of iron and steel, and vehicles, while imports of fuel fell. Asia’s first quarter merchandise imports increased the least amongst the regions (1%), apart from the 0.1% decline in the CIS region. Asia saw strong import growth for gold and iron ore while imports of vehicles fell. In line with the world trend, Asian imports of fuels also declined year-on-year, while imports of integrated circuits rose.
    Monthly merchandise trade developments
    Monthly merchandise trade statistics in value terms are available for many countries into the second quarter of 2025.  These data show evidence of import demand starting to slow after the first quarter surge. This is illustrated by Chart 5, which shows year-on-year growth in the US dollar value of merchandise exports and imports in 2025 for selected economies in the first quarter, plus partial data for the second quarter (April-May or the latest available month).
    For example, imports of the United States were up 25% in the first quarter but only 1% in the first two months of the second quarter.  For the year to date (Jan-May), US imports were up 15%.  On the export side, shipments from China were up 6% year-on-year in both Q1 and Q2, but other Asian economies saw export growth accelerate (e.g. India, down 4% year-on-year in Q1 but up 9% in April).
    These latest quarterly and monthly merchandise trade statistics and other data can be downloaded from the WTO’s online database at stats.wto.org.
    Chart 5: Merchandise export and import growth of selected economies, Jan.-May 2025year-on-year % change in US$ values

    a  April-June.b  April.Source: National customs statistics accessed through Trade Data Monitor (TDM).

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Home Depot Co-Founder Now “Sold on Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Ken Langone, co-founder of The Home Depot, says he has “never been more excited about the future of America” than he is under President Donald J. Trump. In an interview on CNBC, Langone praised President Trump’s economic policies, leadership, and return of the American spirit.
    Here’s what you missed:
    On optimism: “If I told you how bullish I was, you wouldn’t believe it. I have never been more excited about the future of America than I am right now, right this minute, for a lot of reasons. Number one, like it or not, this guy is getting things done … He’s acting presidential. I’m impressed with the people he’s got around him.”
    On his past reluctance: “I am sold on Trump … I think he’s got a good shot at going down in history as one of our best presidents ever … What I’m seeing happening is absolutely nothing short of a great thing. People are walking with more bounce in their [step] — it’s all around … When you made a mistake, admit it.”
    On tariffs: “Initially, my concern was I don’t like tariffs; I like free trade. However, I think — damn it, give Trump credit. His instincts are good. Some of these things need to be fixed.”
    On the One Big Beautiful Bill: “I was worried about inflation and I was worried about the deficit. I think there’s a lot of merit to the notion that it’s going to trigger such significant economic growth that we might see tax revenues going up through the profitability bracket.”
    On foreign policy: “The world is a mess, but I think it’s coming more in our direction than it was. I think that strike in Iran had significant symbolic meaning for the world that America is here and when our interests are at risk, we’re going to do something about it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into real benefits for people and the planet is a global endeavour, and I am grateful to Zambia, as a landlocked country, for stepping up and doing its part. With Zambia’s ratification, we are now closer than ever to adding the Agreement to the WTO rulebook and only six ratifications away from breaking new ground in protecting livelihoods, food security and restoring marine fish stocks.”
    Ambassador Luambia said: “Zambia is very pleased to be part of the first 105 signatories and part of the 111 ratifications that will bring the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. As a landlocked country, Zambia understands the importance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in sustaining marine fish stocks and promoting fair trade to support livelihoods, particularly for those in small scale fishing. Zambia believes that the entry into force of this Agreement will further strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at the centre.”
    Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the Agreement to enter into force — representing 111 members. The list of the 105 WTO members which have deposited their instruments of acceptance with the WTO is available here.
    At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted by consensus the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.
    Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the Agreement to implement the new obligations.
    The Fish Fund launched a Call for Proposals on 6 June, inviting developing economies and LDCs that have ratified the Agreement to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. The WTO Fish Fund portal can be found here.
    WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues. The objective is to find consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Venezuela: Enforced disappearances amount to crimes against humanity

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Venezuelan authorities commit enforced disappearances as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, particularly those they consider dissidents, which amount to crimes against humanity. 
    • Out of the 15 cases of people forcibly disappeared that Amnesty International has documented since July 2024, 11 remain subjected to enforced disappearance, including Venezuelans and citizens of the United States, France, Spain, Ukraine, Colombia and Uruguay.
    • The International Criminal Court and national courts exercising universal jurisdiction should investigate and – where sufficient evidence exists – prosecute those allegedly responsible, up to the highest authorities.

    The Venezuelan authorities have committed, and continue to commit, enforced disappearances as part of their policy of repression of dissidents and those they perceive as such, Amnesty International said in its report Detentions without a trace: The crime of enforced disappearance in Venezuela, which analyses the situation of 15 individuals forcibly disappeared between the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and 15 June 2025.

    Based on this new report and the organization’s body of research over the past decade, Amnesty International concludes that these serious human rights violations and crimes under international law are committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in Venezuela.

    “Once again, the Venezuelan authorities are demonstrating that their cruelty knows no bounds. Enforced disappearance means not knowing where your family member is, what condition they are in, or even if they are alive or dead. It is a crime that puts the life and integrity of the forcibly disappeared person at grave risk and subjects their family to constant suffering, marked by the uncertainty, anguish and daily torment of being left to wonder their loved one’s whereabouts,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    “The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action. As an international crime, it not only entails the responsibility of the state, but also the criminal responsibility of the individual officials who commit it.”

    The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    Amnesty research is grounded on international human rights law, according to which three elements must be cumulatively present for an enforced disappearance to be established: (1) the detention of a person; (2) by agents of the State, or persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State; (3) the official denial of the detention or the concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the detained person.

    The time frame of the report begins with the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and covers the repression that followed the disputed result announced by Nicolás Maduro’s government. The government’s strategies to suppress expressions in favor of political change followed a familiar and recurring pattern, although on a previously unseen scale: 25 people lost their lives, at least 2,200 people were arbitrarily and unlawfully deprived of their liberty, and possibly hundreds of them were subjected to enforced disappearance with their detention denied or their fate or whereabouts concealed. In the case of the 15 people whose enforced disappearance was investigated by Amnesty International, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM, in Spanish), the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN, in Spanish) and the Bolivarian National Guard stand out as the main state agencies responsible for such arbitrary detentions.

    The whereabouts of 11 of the 15 forcibly disappeared persons, whose cases were investigated by Amnesty International, remain unknown. They are Andrés Martínez, Damián Rojas, Danner Barajas, Dennis Lepaje, Eudi Andrade, Fabián Buglione, Jorgen Guanares, Jose María Basoa, Lucas Hunter, Rory Branker and Yevhenii Petrovish Trush. Only the whereabouts of four people were established: Alfredo Díaz, who was subjected to enforced disappearance for four days; Eduardo Torres, who was forcibly disappeared for eight days; and Rosa Chirinos and Raymar Pérez, who were forcibly disappeared for four months.

    At the time this report was finalised, at least 46 people were possibly forcibly disappeared, according to information collected by the organization Foro Penal.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance Association (GEER)

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    Mission

    The Geotechnical Extreme Events Reconnaissance (GEER) Association is a volunteer organisation of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and earth scientists from academia, industry, government organisations, and non-profit organisations. GEER responds to geotechnical extreme events, conducting detailed reconnaissance and documenting its observations, to obtain valuable perishable information that can be used to advance research and improve engineering practice.

    GEER was formed as an outgrowth of grassroots efforts to investigate and document the geotechnical impacts of the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake, 1994 Northridge Earthquake, and 1995 Kobe Earthquake.

    Following these earthquakes, members of the geotechnical earthquake engineering community responded with ad hoc reconnaissance teams that relied on past personal and professional relationships. The National Science Foundation awarded a grant to GEER to help formalise post-disaster geotechnical engineering reconnaissance efforts.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces new public outreach campaign with LA Rises and launch of new AI permitting tool

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    What you need to know: The LA Rises public outreach campaign will connect and support Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires with resources for long-term recovery and rebuilding.

    LOS ANGELES – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the launch of a new public outreach campaign with LA Rises that will connect and support impacted Angelenos with key resources and share stories of community efforts to recover and rebuild for the long-term in the aftermath of the Eaton and Palisades fires.

    As the Altadena and Palisades communities move from immediate recovery to long-term rebuilding, LA Rises is a central place where Angelenos can find resources, learn about the status of recovery and rebuilding across sectors, and get reliable information from government sources, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders who are working in partnership to support the recovery of their shared hometown.

    Through partnerships with trusted community leaders and voices—like community organizers, local media, and faith leaders—this campaign will reach residents where they are, with information that is clear, timely, and rooted in care. The campaign will also spotlight individuals and community groups driving recovery on the ground.

    “Recovery isn’t just about physical rebuilding—it’s about trust, belonging, and community. The LA Rises outreach campaign is more than a short-term recovery effort; it’s a movement to build a future that supports everyone who calls Los Angeles home.” 

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    AI permitting tool Archistar launches for early adopters

    Today also marks the beta launch of a new AI permitting tool made possible by a partnership between the state and philanthropic partners including LA Rises. The tool aims to fast track the approval process for rebuilding permits to help Angelenos get back into their homes following the Eaton and Palisades fires. The software, developed by Archistar, has the ability to check building designs for code compliance before submission and help property owners prevalidate plans, significantly reducing permit review timelines. 

    Residents who own a single-family home impacted by the Eaton Fire or the Palisades Fire are invited to sign up for the tool as an early adopter. Sign up here with Los Angeles city, and here with Los Angeles county.

    Looking ahead to long-term recovery

    In January, Governor Newsom announced the launch of LA Rises, a unified recovery initiative that brings together public and private sector leaders to support rebuilding efforts.   

    In addition to communications and community outreach facilitated by the public outreach campaign, LA Rises will support long-term rebuilding by funding efforts across key priorities, including small business support, rebuilding and resilience, and mental health services — with a focus on partnering with the private and philanthropic sectors to unlock additional capital and find new and innovative tools to help communities build back faster and stronger. In addition to partnering with Archistar to fund the AI permitting tool, the philanthropic arm of LA Rises has contributed to the LA County small business relief grants program to help impacted business owners get back on their feet. 

    In the coming months, the LA Rises public outreach campaign will highlight progress and share trusted information related to the top rebuilding priorities as outlined by the LA County Forward BluePrint for Recovery; Helping families and businesses access financial support to return home, fast-tracking permitting and rebuilding, and bringing back everyday services and public assets to make neighborhoods livable again.

    To learn more about the campaign, visit www.larises.org and follow @larisestogether on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 15, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Despite a concerted misinformation campaign driven by Republicans – from the President to state lawmakers – to create confusion around gas prices in California, prices actually remain lower now than they were one week ago, one month ago and one year…

    Jul 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact: Trump lied — again. California gas prices remain lower than a week ago, month ago, and a year ago

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    SACRAMENTO – Despite a concerted misinformation campaign driven by Republicans – from the President to state lawmakers – to create confusion around gas prices in California, prices actually remain lower now than they were one week ago, one month ago and one year ago. 

    🤥 Trump’s bogus claim about California’s gas prices: “You’re at $6-$7 [a gallon]”

    As of Tuesday morning, AAA reported the statewide average price of a gallon of gasoline to be $4.51. This is four cents lower than a week ago, 14 cents lower than a month ago and 24 cents lower than a year ago. 

    Press releases, Recent news

    Recent news

    Jul 15, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed a tribal-state gaming compact with the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria.A copy of the Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria compact can be found…

    Jul 14, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed the following bills:AB 78 by Assemblymember Phillip Chen (R-Yorba Linda) – Attorney’s fees: book accounts.AB 223 by Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Downey) – Jury selection: acknowledgment and…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Strengthening risk-informed humanitarian shelter through DRR and environment integration: UNDRR–Global Shelter Cluster collaboration in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    As disasters grow more frequent and severe, humanitarian shelter assistance must go beyond crisis response. Climate-related hazards are increasingly impacting vulnerable populations, whether in stable and strong governmental engagement with the international community like Madagascar, or in fragile and conflict-affected contexts such as Yemen and Nigeria, while funding remains insufficient.

    In these different settings, shelter assistance remains life saving and critical but is too often reactive, with a short-term vision which results in the same communities to be exposed to repeated risks. Shelter is not just a roof overhead; it is the frontline of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), where choices about location, materials and design directly influence safety, dignity and survival. Rebuilding the same shelter after each hazard is inefficient, costly and undignified. As emphasized by the 2030 Global Shelter Cluster Strategy, the Shelter and Settlement sector must shift from reactive response to anticipatory action, with DRR as a fundamental enabler of that shift.

    Since 2023, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and the Global Shelter Cluster have been working together to help break this cycle by strengthening the integration of DRR and environmental considerations in humanitarian shelter and settlements coordination and response. Key outputs include:

    • Global guidance on entry points for DRR in conflict and non-conflict shelter operations, including ecosystem-based DRR;
    • Environment and climate tip sheets for the 2025 Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC), to support needs assessment and response planning phases;
    • Technical support to shelter responses in Madagascar, Yemen and Nigeria.

    Madagascar: Operationalizing DRR strategy for shelter

    In Madagascar, where communities face recurring cyclone impacts, the national Shelter Cluster, with UNDRR support, established a national DRR Technical Working Group (DRR/TWIG) in 2024. This group was tasked with the development of a national DRR strategy for shelter, including:

    In early 2025, the SOP for response was pilot-tested in Atsimo Andrefana and Androy regions by Action Against Hunger (ACF), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI). The pilots confirmed the SOP value for structuring response and enhancing coordination, while also identifying needs for further adaptation (e.g. local language translation and community sensitization).

    Yemen: Localised action to reduce flood risk

    In Yemen, over 4 million people remain displaced, many living in informal sites on flood-prone terrain. In 2024 alone, flash-floods affected more than 100,000 households across 22 governorates, with 571 IDP sites facing high risk of flooding.

    Working with UNHCR and Yemen Shelter/CCCM Cluster, and supported by UNDRR, Yemen Al-Khair for Relief and Development (YARD) led a set of community-driven flood mitigation initiatives, including:

    • Flood risk assessments in Sana’a, Ibb, Hajjah, Al-Jawf and Sa’ada;
    • Construction of a 2.5 km flood diversion channel, reinforced with bems, in Al-Mahzam Al-Sharqi (Al-Hazm District);
    • Installation of eco-DRR measures such as erosion-resistant barriers using local materials to protect shelters and redirect runoff;
    • Transitional shelter upgrades, hazard mapping and drainage maintenance;
    • Formation of community-based DRR committees for early warning and infrastructure maintenance.

    This cost-efficient intervention directly reduce exposure for 2,800 displaced and host community members, combining technical design with strong local ownership. A second phase of support is continuing in 2025, expanding DRR integration and capacity building across additional high-risk sites.

    Crucially, these interventions were locally led. In Yemen, women-led community groups designed flood protection that saved entire neighbourhoods. Local leadership not only reduces costs, it delivers faster, more durable results.

    A simple drainage system or a protective wall can mean the difference between devastation and safety.

    Yemen is facing a climate crisis, with floods, droughts, heatwaves and rising seas making life even harder for communities already affected by conflict

    Nigeria: Building capacity for shelter resilience

    In Nigeria, conflict and climate-related displacement continues to escalate, yet many humanitarian actors are forced to close or reduce operations due to funding cuts. In June 2025, UNDRR and the Global Shelter Cluster co-hosted a DRR Workshop to build national capacity for DRR in humanitarian shelter.

    The event brought together 30 participants from the government, humanitarian and environmental sectors. It aimed to:

    This engagement represents a first step toward a contextualized roadmap for risk-informed shelter interventions in Nigeria’s conflict- and climate-affected areas.

    Looking ahead: From reactive to resilient

    The UNDRR-Global Shelter Cluster partnership is leading a shift in humanitarian shelter practice: from reactive responses to risk-informed, forward-looking approaches. Preparedness and risk reduction are not optional – they are essential pillars of effective humanitarian shelter. Risk-informed shelter design is one of the most direct, immediate tools we have to reduce hazard impacts and protect communities in crisis.

    By equipping national actors with tools, technical guidance and targeted in-country support, the initiative is helping shape shelter and settlement approaches that are safer, more inclusive and more sustainable. This reflects a broader shift across the sector: DRR is not an afterthought and must be integrated from the start of humanitarian responses.

    Learn more about the UNDRR-GSC collaboration.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom advances government effectiveness and efficiency with new executive order, launches task force with tech industry leaders

    Source: US State of California 2

    Jul 15, 2025

    What you need to know: Governor Newsom is advancing California’s efficiency strategy by connecting state agencies with tech executives to identify new opportunities for efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness throughout the state government to improve services for Californians. 

    SACRAMENTO – Continuing his strategy to make California government more efficient, engaged, and effective, Governor Gavin Newsom today is announcing a new initiative — the California Breakthrough Project — which brings together innovators and leaders from the Golden State’s top tech companies to help guide this work.

    The group will work closely with leaders and front-line employees from state agencies to identify opportunities to further streamline and improve government operations, building on the Governor’s announcement earlier this year. In addition to this effort, the Governor signed an executive order today directing every state agency to implement efficiency measures and create new initiatives to help direct and engage the entire state workforce in these efforts.

    “The Golden State continues to lead in efficiency, strategically implementing technologies and practices that make Californians’ lives better. As the birthplace of modern tech, our state is uniquely positioned to bring the best and the brightest together to advance our work. We will not shy away from progress, but embrace it for the benefit of all Californians, including our state workforce.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Artificial intelligence is already changing the world, and California will play a pivotal role in defining that future. Home to Silicon Valley and the birthplace of the tech industry, California continues to dominate as the leader in AI. The state is home to 32 of the 50 top AI companies worldwide.

    California Breakthrough Project 

    Utilizing the best and the brightest of California’s tech industry, Governor Newsom today announced that he convened tech executives and innovators to kick off the California Breakthrough Project, a group that will help advise and advance government efficiency and collaboration. The group, which first met on June 6 at the Ripple headquarters, includes leaders from companies including AME Cloud Ventures, Anduril, Coinbase, Instacart, Moonpay, Scopely, Snap Inc., Asheesh Birla (Investor), Ron Conway (Founder, SV Angel), Chris Larsen (Executive Chair, Ripple), Jeff Lawson (Co-founder and former CEO, Twilio), Jen Pahlka (author of Recording America), and Jason Wheeler (former CFO of Tesla), and will:

    • Foster collaboration between state decision-makers and experts from tech, business, and innovation sectors.
    • Bring innovation and new ideas to identify and address systemic inefficiencies in government processes, services, and technology.
    • Generate new California challenge-based efforts to catalyze modern solutions within public services.
    • Maintain public transparency, labor and civil society consultation, and ethical safeguards throughout the innovation process.

    This project continues the Governor’s work to include the voices of experts in public policy and the management of AI. In May 2024, Governor Newsom co-hosted a GenAI summit with leaders across academia, industry, civil society, and government to discuss how the state can best use this transformative technology on behalf of Californians.

    Meeting at Ripple headquarters on June 6. (Photo credit: Governor’s Office)

    Leading in government efficiency 

    Governor Newsom has made efficiency a top priority since the start of his Administration. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians. 

    Prioritizing efficiency and innovation — with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties — Governor Newsom has:

    • Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
    • Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to predict where wildfires might occur, deployment of drones, and improved incident reporting.
    • Issued an executive order directing state agencies to implement GenAI into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees.
    • Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments. Through this expedited process, California has already announced three important contracts, using GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve traffic safety, and enhance customer service.
       

    Efficiency for the benefit of Californians

    Today, the Governor is issuing a new executive order to help further integrate efficiency, engagement, and effectiveness into state operations — working with the state workforce to create new tools to improve government work.  The order will help achieve Governor Newsom’s vision of transforming state government, by ending slow and complicated bureaucratic processes and moving to an efficient, collaborative, and more productive model that effectively delivers real outcomes and value for all Californians

    The order directs the state agencies to further modernize processes around hiring, procurement, contracts, and strive for faster and better public-facing service deliveries to Californians. To increase engagement with the state workforce, the Governor is announcing that the state will begin providing California’s innovative deliberative democracy platform, Engaged California, to help the state workforce generate new ideas to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and engagement across state agencies. Last, the order creates a new Innovative Fellows Program comprising state staff with a mission of collaborating to address unique statewide challenges through innovative ideas. 

    Leading in engagement

    Governor Newsom has implemented new technologies through the Office of Data and Innovation, including the groundbreaking Engaged California project. This first-in-the-nation digital democracy platform is currently being used as part of a pilot project to listen to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. The pilot is entering its final recruitment phase this week after getting early ideas and feedback from Angelenos about what is most important during the rebuilding process

    Leading in innovation

    In August 2024, the state partnered with NVIDIA to launch a first-of-its-kind AI collaboration. The initiative, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom and NVIDIA founder & CEO Jensen Huang, aims to train students, educators and workers; support job creation and promote innovation; and use AI to solve challenges that can improve the lives of Californians

    Staying ahead of threats 

    Last year, Governor Newsom also signed a series of bills to crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers’ digital likenesses, and combat deepfake election content. 

    Recent news

    Jul 14, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Zambia formally accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

    DG Okonjo-Iweala said: “Turning the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into real benefits for people and the planet is a global endeavour, and I am grateful to Zambia, as a landlocked country, for stepping up and doing its part. With Zambia’s ratification, we are now closer than ever to adding the Agreement to the WTO rulebook and only six ratifications away from breaking new ground in protecting livelihoods, food security and restoring marine fish stocks.”
    Ambassador Luambia said: “Zambia is very pleased to be part of the first 105 signatories and part of the 111 ratifications that will bring the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies into force. As a landlocked country, Zambia understands the importance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in sustaining marine fish stocks and promoting fair trade to support livelihoods, particularly for those in small scale fishing. Zambia believes that the entry into force of this Agreement will further strengthen the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at the centre.”
    Formal acceptances from two-thirds of WTO members are required for the Agreement to enter into force — representing 111 members. The list of the 105 WTO members which have deposited their instruments of acceptance with the WTO is available here.
    At the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) held in Geneva in June 2022, ministers adopted by consensus the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, setting new, binding, multilateral rules to curb harmful fisheries subsidies. The Agreement prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, for fishing overfished stocks, and for fishing on the unregulated high seas.
    Ministers also recognized the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity-building to help governments that have formally accepted the Agreement to implement the new obligations.
    The Fish Fund launched a Call for Proposals on 6 June, inviting developing economies and LDCs that have ratified the Agreement to submit requests for project grants aimed at helping them implement the Agreement. The WTO Fish Fund portal can be found here.
    WTO members also agreed at MC12 to continue negotiating on remaining fisheries subsidies issues. The objective is to find consensus on additional provisions to further strengthen the disciplines on fisheries subsidies.
    Information for members on how to accept the Protocol of Amendment is available here.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to QNA: Qatar Follows Developments in Southern Syria with Deep Concern, Calls for Accountability and Promoting Civil Peace

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to QNA: Qatar Follows Developments in Southern Syria with Deep Concern, Calls for Accountability and Promoting Civil Peace

    Doha, July 15 ,2025

    HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi affirmed that the State of Qatar is following with deep concern the developments in the city of As-Suwayda in southern Syria, out of the firm belief that Syria’s security is an integral part of the region’s stability.

    In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), His Excellency called for all necessary measures to ensure such crimes are not repeated, including holding accountable all parties responsible for the shedding of civilian blood and the terrorizing of innocent, unarmed individuals, especially children, women, and the elderly, and ensuring that those who committed these heinous crimes do not escape punishment.

    His Excellency further emphasized the importance of intensifying efforts to strengthen civil peace through dialogue and peaceful means.

    His Excellency expressed the State of Qatar’s condemnation of the Israeli attacks on the city of As-Suwayda, describing them as blatant violations of Syria’s sovereignty, international law, and the United Nations Charter, and a serious threat to regional security.

    His Excellency also reaffirmed the State of Qatar’s full support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the aspirations of its brotherly people for a dignified life.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Releases Statement on Lelo Juarez Choosing to Self-Deport

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Larsen Releases Statement on Lelo Juarez Choosing to Self-Deport

    Washington, D.C., July 15, 2025

    Today, Representative Rick Larsen released the following statement:

    “In arrests across the country, the Trump administration and ICE have claimed that they are going after “the worst of the worst.” But like so many others who have been detained, Lelo Juarez does not represent the worst of the worst. He is an activist, a union leader and a beloved family member. It is a tragedy he will not be able to return to his home and loved ones in Skagit County.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Kenel Man Convicted by Federal Jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

    Source: US FBI

    ABERDEEN – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Jesse Norman White Bull, age 45, of Kenel, South Dakota, was found guilty on July 10, 2025, of two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor following a three-day federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

    Each charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. 

    White Bull was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024.

    At trial, the evidence established White Bull sexually abused a 13-year-old girl on multiple occasions between June 2023 and July 2023 at a residence in Kenel, a community within the  Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

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

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

    A presentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date of September 29, 2025, was set. White Bull was released on bond pending sentencing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650 Million Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam

    Source: US FBI

    An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging two men for their alleged roles in operating and promoting OmegaPro, an international investment scheme that defrauded victim investors of over $650 million.

    According to court documents, Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, was a founder, strategic consultant, and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, led OmegaPro’s operations in Latin America and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico.

    “As alleged, the defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting these bad actors and pursuing justice for their many victims. Thanks to the dedicated work of our multiagency and international law enforcement partners, we are leading efforts to combat these complex and insidious digital asset investor scams.” 

    “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants operated a global fraud scheme through OmegaPro that deceived investors with false promises of extraordinary returns, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of victim funds,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to dismantling international financial schemes that target U.S. victims — including here in Puerto Rico — and to recovering illicit proceeds through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.”

    “The FBI will not stand by while the American public is defrauded,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Through coordination with our partners, these individuals will have to defend their actions in a court of law.”

    “This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,” said Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin – stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency. These weren’t just scams; they were precision-engineered betrayals. Our job is to stand up for those who’ve been exploited and continue our cross-agency collaboration until those responsible are brought to justice.”

    “This case highlights the critical role international partnerships play in dismantling transnational financial fraud schemes that exploit global markets and victimize unsuspecting investors,” said International Operations Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains committed to working with our partners worldwide to disrupt criminal networks that weaponize emerging technologies to conceal illicit profits and defraud the public.”

    Sims and co-conspirators established OmegaPro in or about January 2019, and Reynoso joined a few months later, in or about April 2019. As alleged, the defendants and others operated and promoted OmegaPro as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme for investors to purchase “investment packages,” which the defendants and others falsely promised would generate 300% returns over 16 months through foreign exchange (forex) trading by elite traders. Investors were instructed to purchase these investment packages using virtual currency.

    According to court documents, Sims allegedly misled victims by vouching for OmegaPro’s trading performance and the skills of the hired traders and by falsely advertising the safety of investment in OmegaPro. Reynoso allegedly falsely and misleadingly represented that OmegaPro was operating pursuant to a legitimate license and, at other times, that OmegaPro was not subject to any country’s legal rules. The indictment alleges that Sims and Reynoso, together with co-conspirators, hosted lavish OmegaPro promotional events and trainings all over the world including, for example, projecting the OmegaPro logo onto the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at an event in Dubai. The objective of these promotional events allegedly was to convince existing and prospective investors that OmegaPro was a legitimate enterprise that offered a path to wealth and a luxurious lifestyle.

    Further, Sims, Reynoso, and their co-conspirators used social media to display their expensive vacations and cars, as well as their designer clothes and watches. The indictment alleges that through the defendants’ and others’ misrepresentations, OmegaPro raised over $650 million in virtual currency from thousands of investors. After OmegaPro announced that it had suffered a network hack, Reynoso and others told victims in or about January 2023 that their investments were secure and that OmegaPro was transferring their investments to another platform called Broker Group. Despite these representations, victims were unable to withdraw money from either their OmegaPro accounts or their accounts at Broker Group, resulting in millions in victim losses.

    The more than $650 million in funds raised from victims allegedly was first sent to virtual currency wallet addresses controlled by OmegaPro executives and then allegedly transferred to OmegaPro insiders and high-ranking promoters to disperse the funds and obscure their origins. As alleged, Sims and Reynoso both profited millions from this scheme.

    Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, HSI Bangkok, HSI Bogota, HSI Frankfurt, HSI Istanbul, HSI London, HSI Miami, HSI New Delhi, HSI The Hague, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), an alliance between the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the U.K., and IRS-CI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried for the District of Puerto Rico and on detail to the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.

    If you believe you were potentially victimized by OmegaPro or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit the FBI’s Victim Witness website at forms.fbi.gov/victims/omegaprovictims or contact OmegaProVictims@fbi.gov.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Massie Introduces PREP Repeal Act to End “Medical Malpractice Martial Law”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Thomas Massie (4th District of Kentucky)

    For Immediate Release
    Contact: massie.press@mail.house.gov
    Contact #: 202-225-3465

    Washington, D.C.- Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces introduction of the PREP Repeal Act (HR 4388) to repeal sections 319F–3 and 319F–4 of the Public Health Service Act. These targeted sections are commonly referred to as the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act and currently provide sweeping liability protections to pharmaceutical companies for pandemic-related products. 

    “The PREP Act is medical malpractice martial law,” said Rep. Massie. “The 2005 PREP Act prevents people from holding corporations accountable for the pain and suffering they cause during Presidentially declared emergencies. Americans deserve the right to seek justice when injured by government-mandated products. The PREP Repeal Act will restore that right.”

    Rep. Massie’s legislation:

    • Fully repeals the liability shields and compensation fund provisions under the PREP Act.
    • Restores civil remedy rights under federal and state law for those harmed by pandemic products.
    • Ensures applicability to current and future lawsuits, including pending appeals.
    • Rescinds unused federal funds set aside for PREP Act-related injury claims.

    Rep. Paul Gosar (R-AZ) is an original cosponsor of the legislation.

    The text of Rep. Massie’s PREP Repeal Act can be found at this link. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rican Man Sentenced for Role in Trafficking 25 Kilograms of Cocaine on Jet Skis

    Source: US FBI

    St. Thomas, USVI – Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that Emanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, 34, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 7, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy to 121 months imprisonment and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 25 kilograms of cocaine.
     

    According to court documents, on December 11, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) air patrol detected four jet skis traveling from Culebra, PR towards St. Thomas, USVI. AMO air patrol watched the jet skis, each operated by a sole occupant, as they approached the west side of St. Thomas. Air patrol watched as the jet skis made way to the beach at Mermaid’s Chair where they were met by four individuals waiting on the beach. AMO agents saw duffle bags being loaded on to the skis, and the skis quickly leaving towards Culebra, PR. AMO agents also noticed that a red Jeep Wrangler was the only vehicle parked in the parking area above the beach while the skis were being loaded with the duffle bags.
     

    AMO law enforcement vessels pursued the four jet skis towards Culebra, PR. One driver drove his ski on to a Culebra, PR beach and fled on foot. A duffle bag was recovered near the abandoned ski. Inside the duffle bag, officers recovered 26 packages containing cocaine. Three other operators were apprehended.
     

    Meanwhile, DEA, CBP, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents responded to the Botany Bay Preserve community to investigate the red Jeep Wrangler seen by AMO air agents. As the Jeep was approaching the gated exit of the community, agents stopped it. Rodriguez-Rodriguez and five other individuals. were detained. A Glock pistol was seen in plain view inside the rear pocket of the driver’s seat where Vazquez Lopez was seated. Another Glock pistol without a serial number was in the center console.
     

    The investigation was conducted by CBP-AMO, Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
     

    This effort was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten
    the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor announces new Summer Streets al fresco dining hotspots to boost capital’s hospitality industry this summer

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End are the first beneficiaries of the Mayor’s Summer Streets Fund and will introduce al fresco dining and later opening hours this summer thanks to funding from the Mayor
    • Sadiq’s £300,000 fund puts al fresco dining back on the menu, giving Londoners and tourists new areas to enjoy dinner and drinks throughout the summer
    • Action comes ahead of the Mayor being granted new licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital’s nightlife
    • The Mayor says he wants more al fresco dining across the whole of the capital, saying these schemes are ‘just the beginning’

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced new al fresco dining and drinking hotspots that will allow Londoners and visitors to make of the most of the capital’s summer months.

    Lambeth, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Westminster boroughs will see streets transformed into open-air dining areas, thanks to funding from the Mayor to boost the capital’s hospitality industry.

    Sadiq’s £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will enable areas across the capital to open-up this summer and reflects the Mayor’s commitment to outdoor dining and longer opening hours ahead of being granted new licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital’s nightlife. The Mayor is keen to build on this early expansion across London in the years ahead, putting al fresco dining on the menu for all Londoners and offering more choice and more time for Londoners to enjoy the best the capital has to offer.

    The first wave of successful schemes are:

    • Westminster – After a widely popular al fresco programme during the pandemic, pubs, bars and restaurants on St Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End will be able to provide open air dining and drinking once again. The iconic street will be car-free from 11am-11pm and al fresco licences available for up to 34 businesses. Plans will be brought forward to make this permanent in the coming months.
    • Shoreditch – For the first time ever independent bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street will be able to offer outdoor dining and drinking until midnight. Both streets will be car free on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer and businesses will be able to apply for free licences for the first three months.
    • Brixton – More Car Free Days on Atlantic Road on select weekends through to October, extending into the evening to support local dining and entertainment to benefit businesses and residents alike. From August to September, Brixton’s first “Brixton Summer Zone” will be available on Saturday evenings, offering open-access outdoor seating where people can relax with food, enhanced by live performances, workshops, and Brixton’s market traders.
    • Leyton – Francis Road will extend its car free hours, making it a hub for street trading and a cultural meeting point with seating, outdoor games, late events and a weekend market. There will be further outdoor dining in the Leyton Midland Road as part of a summer event.   

    London’s hospitality, leisure and tourism are critical to the success of the capital and growth nationally, generating more than £46 billion every year* and accounting for one in 10 jobs in London. As temperatures rise and with more than five million tourists expected to visit this summer alone, the Mayor is committed to doing all he can to support these industries and in the last year the number of late night hospitality sites in London has grown faster than anywhere else in the country**.

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted to announce the first of many new al fresco hotspots across the capital to help Londoners and visitors make the most of our summer this year. With new car-free, al fresco dining in Westminster, Shoreditch, Brixton, Leyton there will be new and fantastic spaces to bring people together. 

    “The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we’re looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead. 

    “London’s food, drink and nightlife scenes are world-class and I’m determined to do all I can to help them thrive. With new licensing powers granted by Government being developed, I’m looking forward to doing even more – working with boroughs, businesses and the police to drive forward more initiatives like these. We saw what a success it was during the pandemic, and I want to expand al fresco dining further in the years to come, all part of building a better London for everyone. 

    Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “There’s no place like London in the summer and today’s announcement will provide a fantastic opportunity for people to enjoy our incredible restaurants, pubs and bars. These new outdoor dining hotspots will bring our streets to life, creating new hubs for people to enjoy a drink or meal outside. It’s just the start of what’s to come!” 

    Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “The launch of al fresco dining in key areas like Brixton, Shoreditch, Leyton and the West End marks the beginning of an important initiative that supports the recovery and long-term growth of London’s nightlife and hospitality sector. Creating vibrant, accessible outdoor spaces for food, drink and culture is a powerful way to bring communities together and boost local economies. We see this as a strong foundation — and hope it will grow into a city-wide movement that helps reshape and revitalise London’s nightlife for years to come.”

    Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UK Hospitality, said: “I’m delighted that there has been such significant interest from London boroughs in the Summer Streets Fund and that we’re seeing swift decisions on successful schemes. 

    “These initiatives can provide a real boost for hospitality businesses, Londoners and visitors to the capital. I’m looking forward to seeing the impact of this investment and even more Boroughs getting involved.”

    Councillor Max Sullivan, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Streets, said: “We’re proud to support the return of al fresco dining in St Martin’s Lane in the heart of the West End. By making space for people to enjoy food and drink outdoors, we’re helping local businesses thrive and creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. 

    “We are looking forward to developing a permanent scheme which builds on this Summer Street to bring people together and support our outstanding hospitality industry.”

    Councillor Marcia Cameron, Cabinet Member for Economic Inclusion at Lambeth Council, said: “Brixton thrives in the summer, and by expanding our evening dining and entertainment options, we’re creating more vibrant, welcoming spaces for the community to enjoy during those wonderful months. These initiatives will not only enhance the local experience but also provide a vital boost to our hospitality sector and wider local economy.”

    Councillor Ahsan Khan, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration for Waltham Forest, said: “I’m really pleased that Waltham Forest is one of the first four boroughs to benefit from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets fund. The money will be used for several fantastic projects in Leyton, including a new street market in Francis Road where residents will have opportunities to support great local traders, and this year’s Leyton Mas carnival in mid-July.

    “Like the Mayor, I want to see a vibrant and bustling local economy that prioritises sustainable growth. Giving small local businesses more freedom to open longer will help them thrive as we create an economy that works for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Criminal liability of the President of the European Commission and the European Commissioners – P-002848/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002848/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jacek Ozdoba (ECR)

    • 1.Which country has jurisdiction to bring criminal proceedings against the Commission President and the Commissioners in connection with the performance of their duties and for decisions taken in their capacity as Commissioners?
    • 2.Who pays the costs of defending Commissioners if criminal proceedings are brought against them?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Arrangements for the review of the Digital Services Act – P-002681/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002681/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI)

    In her answer to priority question P-001672/2025[1] on the review of the Digital Services Act in November 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen discusses a number of points that raise questions as to how the assessment will be conducted. Those questions require clarification.

    • 1.What is ‘the ongoing work of the Simplification Package’, what exactly does that work entail and what methodology will be used for the review process?
    • 2.What are the ‘variety of stakeholders’ (civil society organisations, companies and regulatory authorities) and the ‘other relevant analysis’ on which it intends to base its evaluation report?
    • 3.Can the Commission specify the amount and budget years during which the ‘stakeholders’ referred to in paragraph 2 received funding? What ‘other relevant analysis’ has also received Commission funding?

    Submitted: 2.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2025-001672-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London statement following Government Spending Review

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’ve been determined to stand up for London and it’s good news that we have won extra resources for transport and housing. I have been campaigning for years for a multi-year deal for City Hall and for Transport for London and I welcome this agreement.

    “However, I remain concerned that this Spending Review could result in insufficient funding for the Met and fewer police officers. It’s also disappointing that there is no commitment today from the Treasury to invest in the new infrastructure London needs. Projects such as extending the Docklands Light Railway not only deliver economic growth across the country, but also tens of thousands of new affordable homes and jobs for Londoners. Unless the government invests in infrastructure like this in our capital, we will not be able to build the numbers of new affordable homes Londoners need. 

    “As Mayor, I’ll continue to make the case to the government that we must work together for the benefit of our capital and the whole country. The way to level up other regions will never be to level down London. I’ll continue to fight for the investment we need so that we can continue building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Augmented foresight: The transformative power of generative AI for anticipatory governance – 15-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing explores the potential of generative AI in supporting foresight analysis and strategic decision-making. Recent technological developments promise an increased role for large language models (LLMs) in policy research and analysis. From identifying trends and weak signals to fleshing out rich scenario narratives and bringing them to life in experiential and immersive ways, generative AI is empowering foresight analysts in their endeavour to anticipate uncertainties and support policymakers in preparing better for the future. As generative agents powered by LLMs become more adept at mimicking human behaviour, they could offer foresight practitioners and policy analysts new ways to gain additional insights at greater speed and scale, supporting their work. However, to effectively integrate generative AI and LLMs into foresight practice, it is crucial to critically evaluate their limitations and biases. Human oversight and expertise are essential for ensuring the reliability and validity of AI-generated outputs, as well as the need for transparency, accountability, and other ethical considerations. It is important to note that, while generative AI can augment human capabilities, it should not be seen as a replacement for human involvement and judgment. By combining human expertise with generative AI capabilities, foresight analysts can uncover new opportunities to enhance strategic planning in policymaking. A proactive and informed approach to adopting generative AI in foresight analysis may lead to more informed, nuanced, and effective strategies when dealing with complex futures.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor and LTA partner to open tennis up to thousands more Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New £500,000 investment from Mayor and LTA will open up the sport to at least 5,500 Londoners in areas with limited opportunities to play
    • Three-year collaboration on Rally Together London will help grow and diversify tennis workforce by training 250 young people to help deliver the sport, over 50% of whom will be women
    • Sadiq has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, as women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club for first time in over 50 years

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a new partnership with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) that will open up the sport to more people across London.

    The new three-year collaboration will see a £500,000 investment from the Mayor and the LTA into Rally Together London, a programme which will train 250 people from under-represented backgrounds to join the tennis workforce and facilitate sessions for local communities, with a minimum of 50% to be female.

    The programme will help at least 5,500 more young people to play the sport, who may never otherwise have played. This capitalises on the return this year of women’s tennis to the Queen’s Club as part of the HSBC Championships, and will help open up access to the sport across the whole city.

    Rally Together London will recruit, train and deploy 200 tennis activators to deliver the sport.[1] These activators will help grow the LTA’s Barclays Free Park Tennis programme [2] which offers free, weekly sessions with equipment provided on public park courts, and LTA SERVES[3] which takes tennis to the heart of local communities for young people who may never otherwise have played.

    Through the partnership, a cohort of 50 new tennis coaches will be supported to achieve their LTA Assistant (Level 1) and Instructor (Level 2) qualifications[5] to help grow participation in parks and community venues, and create employment opportunities, again with a particular focus on growing the number of female coaches in the sport.

    The wider partnership will see the Mayor and LTA work together on various initiatives and campaigns to promote women’s tennis and women’s sport across the capital, such as the recent launch of the HSBC Championships with a pop-up tennis court on the city’s iconic Trafalgar Square. The announcement comes as a women’s tennis tournament returned this week to the iconic Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the HSBC Championships 2025 [4] running through to 15 June.

    Many of the world’s best women’s tennis players are competing in West London, including Britain’s own 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and British No.1 Katie Boulter.

    They are joined by global stars including reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys and Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Qinwen Zheng. The line up also features former Wimbledon champions in Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina.

    The Mayor has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 [6]. In addition to the HSBC Championships, the capital is also set to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham Stadium, which will have a world-record attendance for a standalone women’s rugby XV’s event, as well as football, basketball, rugby league, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics and triathlon.

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with the LTA to introduce tennis to thousands of Londoners who otherwise might not have had the opportunity.

    “The really exciting aspect of this partnership is that we will be reaching young people across the capital and specifically young women, as we create new opportunities for them to play tennis, train as coaches and get jobs in the industry.

    “I am thrilled we are announcing this new partnership as women’s tennis returns to the renowned Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the world’s best players competing in our city at the HSBC Championships.

    “London is the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 and I am determined to bring even more sporting events to our city as we continue working to build a better, healthier, more prosperous London for everyone.”

    LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, said: “As women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club, this partnership with the Mayor of London will make a significant difference in opening access to our sport for communities across the whole of London.

    “We know that London is a tennis city, with iconic events like the HSBC Championships engaging and inspiring the next generation to pick up a racket and play on accessible community facilities, including park courts in every London Borough.

    “This partnership will help open up tennis and its benefits to even more people, by growing the number of LTA activators and coaches and ensure that the tennis workforce is reflective of the diversity of the capital.

    “In particular, we are excited by the opportunity to grow the female tennis workforce, which will in turn help provide opportunities for more women and girls to pick up a racket and play.”

    Naomi, an LTA SERVES Activator from Badu Sports based in East London, said” “Tennis is an amazing sport, and I’ve seen the impact that it can deliver for young people in London first-hand, helping them get active, developing skills and confidence.

    “It’s great that this new partnership between the LTA and Mayor of London will help give more young people across the city access to the sport — particularly as tennis has historically not been fully inclusive or accessible to underrepresented groups.”

    “Not only is tennis a great sport to play, but it can also help young people to develop their skills as a volunteer or coach, and even be an opportunity for paid employment.

    “I hope that as a result of this new partnership we will see more women and girls getting into tennis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: protecting local industry, ensuring a level regulatory playing field and tackling unfair competition in the overseas regions – E-002784/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002784/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)

    Economic actors in Réunion are greatly concerned about the revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

    Between 2022 and 2025, local taxation increased by 20 %, while the dock dues rate reached 70 %, making Réunion the most taxed region of France in relation to its revenue.

    Some of the measures mentioned in the report on the application of Directive 2014/40/EU[1] could further increase costs for local producers, who are already struggling, while also encouraging smuggling.

    • 1.Can the Commission ensure that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive will take into account the economic realities of the outermost regions, in accordance with the EU’s strategy[2], by introducing appropriate exemptions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to publish the evaluation study that is currently being carried out[3]?
    • 3.Will the Commission undertake to include a territorial impact assessment[4] and to strengthen controls on imported products in order to both ensure the directive is applied fairly, and tackle unfair competition?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] COM(2021) 249 final.
    • [2] COM(2022) 198 final.
    • [3] Study commissioned by the Commission as part of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.
    • [4] Tool #34 – the ‘better regulation’ toolbox, 2023.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 – E-002805/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002805/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Kobosko (Renew)

    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 introduces a 96-hour time limit for the processing of fishery products at temperatures below 0°C. Although seemingly technologically neutral, these rules have an impact on processing plants that use stiffening technology as an integral part of their production process.

    The largest plants of this type are located in Poland, including in Ustka and Słupsk. They employ thousands of people in a region with limited opportunities for economic development. The fish processing industry, which is a pillar of the local labour market, has been forced to undergo a costly reorganisation of its production. I have received information that producers from other Member States have not implemented the same rules. These rules have a direct impact on jobs, investment and the socio-economic stability of less industrialised areas.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission carried out an analysis of the impact of Regulation 2024/1141 on employment and the economic situation in EU regions where fish processing is a key local industry?
    • 2.Did the Commission take into account in its impact assessment that the new rules will almost exclusively affect specific plants located in less industrialised regions, and does the Commission intend to adopt compensatory or support measures for local communities affected by this regulation?
    • 3.Has the Commission carried out an assessment of the implementation of this regulation throughout the EU? If so, which countries were included in the detailed assessment and what methodology was used?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Schlakman, Senior Program Director, The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, Florida State University

    Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis leads a tour of the new Alligator Alcatraz immigration detention facility for President Donald Trump and U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Andrew Cabellero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    The state of Florida has opened a migrant detention center in the Everglades. Its official name is Alligator Alcatraz, a reference to the former maximum security federal penitentiary in San Francisco Bay.

    While touring Alligator Alcatraz on July 1, 2025, President Donald Trump said, “This facility will house some of the menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” But new reporting from the Miami Herald/Tampa Bay Times reveals that of more than 700 detainees, only a third have criminal convictions.

    To find out more about the state of Florida’s involvement in immigration enforcement and who can be detained at Alligator Alcatraz, The Conversation spoke with Mark Schlakman. Schlakman is a lawyer and senior program director for The Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. He also served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles, working as a liaison of sorts with the federal government during the mid-1990s when tens of thousands of Haitians and Cubans fled their island nations on makeshift boats, hoping to reach safe haven in Florida.

    U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has characterized the migrants being detained in facilities like Alligator Alcatraz as “murderers and rapists and traffickers and drug dealers.” Do we know if the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have been convicted of these sorts of crimes?

    The Times/Herald published a list of 747 current detainees as of Sunday, July 13, 2025. Their reporters found that about a third of the detainees have criminal convictions, including attempted murder, illegal reentry to the U.S., which is a federal crime, and traffic violations. Apparently hundreds more have charges pending, though neither the federal nor state government have made public what those charges are.

    There are also more than 250 detainees with no criminal history, just immigration violations.

    Is it a crime for someone to be in the U.S. without legal status? In other words, is an immigration violation a crime?

    No, not necessarily. It’s well established as a matter of law that physical presence in the U.S. without proper authorization is a civil violation, not a criminal offense.

    However, if the federal government previously deported someone, they can be subject to federal criminal prosecution if they attempt to return without permission. That appears to be the case with some of the detainees at Alligator Alcatraz.

    What usually happens if a noncitizen commits a crime in the U.S.?

    Normally, if a foreign national is accused of committing a crime, they are prosecuted in a state court just like anyone else. If found guilty and sentenced to incarceration, they complete their sentence in a state prison. Once they’ve served their time, state officials can hand them over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. They are subject to deportation, but a federal immigration judge can hear any grounds for relief.

    DHS has clarified that it “has not implemented, authorized, directed or funded” Alligator Alcatraz, but rather the state of Florida is providing startup funds and running this facility. What is Florida’s interest in this? Are these mostly migrants who have been scooped up by ICE in Florida?

    It’s still unclear where most of these detainees were apprehended. But based on a list of six detainees released by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier’s office, it is clear that at least some were apprehended outside of Florida, and others simply may have been transferred to Alligator Alcatraz from federal custody elsewhere.

    This calls to mind the time in 2022 when Gov. Ron DeSantis flew approximately 50 migrants from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts at Florida taxpayer expense. Those migrants also had no discernible presence in Florida.

    To establish Alligator Alcatraz, DeSantis leveraged an immigration emergency declaration, which has been ongoing since Jan. 6, 2023. A state of emergency allows a governor to exercise extraordinary executive authority. This is how he avoided requirements such as environmental impact analysis in the Everglades and concerns expressed by tribal governance surrounding that area.

    For now, the governor’s declaration remains unchallenged by the Florida Legislature. Environmental advocates have filed a lawsuit over Alligator Alcatraz, and the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a decision by a federal judge temporarily barring Florida from enforcing its new immigration laws, which DeSantis had championed. But no court has yet intervened to contest this prolonged state of emergency.

    This presents a stark contrast to Gov. Lawton Chiles’ declaration of an immigration emergency during the mid-1990s. At that time, tens of thousands of Cubans and Haitians attempted to reach Florida shores in virtually anything that would float. Chiles’ actions as governor were informed by his experience as a U.S. senator during the Mariel boatlift in 1980, when 125,000 Cubans made landfall in Florida over the course of just six months.

    Chiles sued the Clinton administration for failing to adequately enforce U.S. immigration law. But Chiles also entered into unprecedented agreements with the federal government, such as the 1996 Florida Immigration Initiative with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno. His intent was to protect Florida taxpayers while enhancing federal enforcement capacity, without dehumanizing people fleeing desperate circumstances.

    During my tenure on Chiles’ staff, the governor generally opposed state legislation involving immigration. In the U.S.’s federalist system of government, immigration falls under the purview of the federal government, not the states. Chiles’ primary concern was that Floridians wouldn’t be saddled with what ought to be federal costs and responsibilities.

    Chiles was open to state and local officials supporting federal immigration enforcement. But he was mindful this required finesse to avoid undermining community policing, public health priorities and the economic health of key Florida businesses and industries. To this day, the International Association of Chiefs of Police’s position reflects Chiles’ concerns about such cooperation with the federal government.

    Gov. Ron DeSantis outlines his plans for Alligator Alcatraz to the media on July 1, 2025.
    Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

    Now, in 2025, DeSantis has taken a decidedly different tack by using Florida taxpayer dollars to establish Alligator Alcatraz. The state of Florida has fronted the US$450 million to pay for this facility. DeSantis reportedly intends to seek reimbursement from FEMA’s Shelter and Services Program. Ultimately, congressional action may be necessary to obtain reimbursement. Florida is essentially lending the federal government half a billion dollars and providing other assistance to help support the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement agenda.

    Florida is also establishing another migrant detention facility at Camp Blanding Joint Training Center near Jacksonville. A third apparently is being contemplated for the Panhandle.

    ICE claims that the ultimate decision of whom to detain at these facilities belongs to the state of Florida, through the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Members of Congress who visited Alligator Alcatraz earlier this week have disputed ICE’s claim that Florida is in charge.

    You advised Florida Division of Emergency Management leadership directly for several years during the administrations of Gov. Charlie Crist and Gov. Rick Scott. Does running a detention facility like Alligator Alcatraz fall within its typical mission?

    The division is tasked with preparing for and responding to both natural and human-caused disasters. In Florida, that generally means hurricanes. While the division may engage to facilitate shelter, I don’t recall any policies or procedures contemplating anything even remotely similar to Alligator Alcatraz.

    DeSantis could conceivably argue that this is consistent with a 287(g) agreement authorizing state and local support for federal immigration enforcement. But such agreements typically require federal supervision of state and local activities, not the other way around.

    Mark Schlakman served as special counsel to Florida Gov. Lawton Chiles and as a consultant to Emilio Gonzalez at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during his tenure as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director during the George W. Bush administration.

    – ref. Florida is fronting the $450M cost of Alligator Alcatraz – a legal scholar explains what we still don’t know about the detainees – https://theconversation.com/florida-is-fronting-the-450m-cost-of-alligator-alcatraz-a-legal-scholar-explains-what-we-still-dont-know-about-the-detainees-260665

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU accession negotiations with Albania – P-000165/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its 2024 Albania report[1], the Commission positively noted the continued implementation of justice reform and the vetting, leading to significant improvements in the functioning of the judiciary, including strengthening its independence.

    The Commission also recommended that Albania ensures further improvements in accountability, quality and efficiency, addressing identified shortcomings[2].

    EURALIUS[3], was an EU funded project with over EUR 20 million allocated for the period 2005-2022, implemented by consortia involving authorities from several Member States, that played an important role in supporting the roll out and implementation of justice reform.

    The Commission has taken note of the decision of the Albanian government to impose a ban on TikTok, following concerns over risks to users’ well-being.

    As a candidate country, Albania is expected to progressively align its legislation with the EU digital acquis. The introduction of a temporary ban is a sovereign decision by Albania.

    The Commission will continue to assist Albania in its EU alignment to ensure that any measure is compatible with EU acquis and European standards.

    EU enlargement is a merit-based process. Based on the revised enlargement methodology[4], negotiations on Cluster 1: Fundamentals are opened first and closed last.

    Related progress, including on the functioning of the judiciary, public administration reform, fight against corruption and organised crime, determine the overall pace of negotiations.

    On 11 October 2024, the EU adopted its Common Position for negotiations on this cluster[5], based on the progress made, which sets out benchmarks Albania has to meet in these areas.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/albania-report-2024_en.
    • [2] Id., p. 5.
    • [3] https://www.euralius.eu/index.php/en/about-us2.
    • [4] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-02/enlargement-methodology_en.pdf.
    • [5] EU Common Position on Cluster 1: Fundamentals Albania: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘No kids’ ideology, European population decline and an increasing reliance on immigration: is this the civilisational strategy we have adopted? – E-002762/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002762/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR)

    Europe’s demographic winter poses fundamental questions for the future of our societies, on both the economic and civilisational fronts. The Draghi report predicts an annual decline of almost two million people of working age between now and 2040, which European politicians want to offset with immigration.

    At the same time, some campaigns that have been supported or shared promote ‘childfree’ or ‘no kids’ lifestyles, touting them as emancipating, or even morally superior.

    While freedom of choice in family life is of course guaranteed in the EU, it is legitimate to question the potential contradictions between such cultural representations and several Member States’ population targets.

    • 1.Can the Commission specify which birthrate and parenthood initiatives and projects it funds and indicate whether follow-up is carried out to prevent antinatalist lifestyles being implicitly promoted in the cultural and educational content it supports?
    • 2.Does it recognise that the changing demographics cannot be solved by immigration alone?
    • 3.Does it intend to promote, in the spirit of European cultural sovereignty, a policy to boost birth rates that focuses on the family and passing on values and heritage from one generation to the next?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish law that allows the killing of roaming dogs and cats – E-001682/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The welfare and management of stray dogs are not regulated at EU level.

    The Commission provides financial support to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for the implementation of the platform on animal welfare for Europe[1] and its fourth action plan (2024-2026), which aims to improve animal welfare, through priority topics, including stray dog population control.

    Türkiye, as a member of WOAH and of the platform, participates in training and capacity-building activities related to dog population management, all of which are supported by the Commission. The goal of the platform is to help member countries progressively comply with WOAH standards on animal welfare.

    The Commission also supports WOAH’s work to adopt and revise the existing standards, such as those related to dog population management.

    As a WOAH member, Türkiye should implement international animal welfare standards, including those on stray dog population management[2].

    • [1] https://rr-europe.woah.org/en/Projects/animal-welfare-platform-europe/.
    • [2] i.e. Chapter 7.7: Dog population management of WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unilateral termination of cooperation with Israeli universities – E-002761/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002761/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    Recently, reports surfaced in the media that Dutch universities are terminating cooperation with universities in Israel, often on the grounds of ‘defence aspects’. Much of this cooperation takes place under the umbrella of Horizon Europe and is partly funded by this EU programme. Israel has a legitimate association agreement with the EU. That being so, I should like to ask:

    • 1.The decision to end participation in a consortium funded by Horizon Europe can be taken only on the basis of Article 32(2) of the model grant agreement, and the partner(s) should be heard. A decision is then taken on the basis of the consortium agreement. Can the Commission confirm that unilateral termination of a consortium by Dutch universities is not in line with Horizon Europe requirements?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm that university research in the field of defence is allowed within the context of Horizon Europe, in accordance with Article 22(1) of the relevant regulation: ‘Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment and including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, may participate in actions under the Programme, provided that the conditions laid down in this Regulation have been met together with any conditions laid down in the work programme or call for proposals’?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible softening of EU digital rules as part of an agreement with the USA – P-002815/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002815/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)

    According to an exclusive report in the Wall Street Journal on 20 June 2025, the United States and the European Union are apparently on the verge of an agreement on several points of discord[1]. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) are likely to soften the very EU digital laws that the Commission recently praised as the cornerstones of the digital decade[2]. The German Handelsblatt also reports that a joint committee has been set up to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules in future[3]. In particular, the abolition or at least substantial mitigation of the DSA, which is misused as an ideologically motivated censorship tool to suppress unwelcome opinions in the digital space under the guise of the fight against disinformation, is long overdue. If US President Trump were to succeed in rolling back this attack on freedom of expression which the DSA represents, he would also be successfully defending free speech in Europe, which is the Achilles’ heel of any genuine democracy.

    • 1.Has the Commission negotiated with the US Government to abolish or water down the DMA or DSA?
    • 2.Is the Commission planning to set up a joint committee to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules?
    • 3.What specific DSA provisions are up for discussion and what reductions in staff numbers does the Commission anticipate as a result of a possible reduction in regulatory intervention?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/u-s-eu-near-deal-on-non-tariff-trade-irritants-455c42f1
    • [2] https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000275377/eu-kommission-will-trump-besaenftigen-und-setzt-die-digitalregeln-aus
    • [3] https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/handelsstreit-eu-will-es-us-tech-konzernen-ploetzlich-leichter-machen/100137164.html
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –