NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fires Rage in Arizona  

    Source: NASA

    Lightning ignited two wildland fires on the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon in July 2025 that grew to become large and disruptive. The blazes led to the closure of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, the destruction of dozens of structures, and staff and visitor evacuations from Grand Canyon National Park.
    The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of smoke spreading from the fires on July 12, 2025. The blaze closer to the Grand Canyon, the Dragon Bravo fire, ignited on July 4, 2025, and flared up on July 11 amid extreme heat and northwest winds that gusted to 40 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. The photograph above, taken from the South Rim by National Park Service staff, shows smoke rising over the North Rim on July 11, 2025.
    According to the National Park Service, the fire destroyed a water treatment facility on the North Rim, which released chlorine gas and hampered firefighting efforts. Other structures lost to the fire included a visitor center, gas station, park service employee housing, and the Grand Canyon Lodge. The historic lodge, built in 1928, was the only lodging available to visitors inside the park on the North Rim.

    Authorities first received reports of smoke from a second fire about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of the Dragon Bravo fire on July 9. NASA satellites began to detect a fire early on July 10, and the White Sage fire spread rapidly over the next three days in hot, dry, and windy conditions. Standing dead trees left after the 2020 Magnum fire contributed to the blaze’s rapid spread, according to firefighting and forest management teams in the region.
    The OLI (Operational Land Imager) and OLI-2 on Landsat 8 and 9, respectively, captured images showing the fire’s progression on July 12 (above left) and July 13 (above right). Burned area is evident in these false-color images, which show shortwave infrared, near infrared, and visible light (bands 7-5-4). This band combination makes it easier to identify unburned vegetated areas (green) and the recently burned landscape (brown). Bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires.
    NASA fire tracking tools such as the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), Worldview, and Fire Events Explorer also show the fire’s rapid spread. By July 14, the fire had charred more than 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) and was 0 percent contained. By that date, Coconino County had issued evacuation orders for communities along State Route 67 between North Rim and Jacob Lake.

    The Bureau of Land Management reported that aircraft, including Very Large Air Tankers, dropped nearly 180,000 gallons of fire retardant along the southern and northern perimeters, helping slow the fire’s spread. Lines of flame retardant appear bright green in the false-color images. (In natural-color versions of the images, those same lines appear red.) The National Park Service photograph above, taken from the South Rim, shows an air tanker dropping flame retardant on July 11, 2025.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison and Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey and MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Dragon Bravo fire photo by M. Quinn and courtesy of the National Park Service. Airtanker photo by a BLM firefighter and courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fires Rage in Arizona  

    Source: NASA

    Lightning ignited two wildland fires on the Colorado Plateau near the Grand Canyon in July 2025 that grew to become large and disruptive. The blazes led to the closure of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, the destruction of dozens of structures, and staff and visitor evacuations from Grand Canyon National Park.
    The MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) on NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired this image of smoke spreading from the fires on July 12, 2025. The blaze closer to the Grand Canyon, the Dragon Bravo fire, ignited on July 4, 2025, and flared up on July 11 amid extreme heat and northwest winds that gusted to 40 miles (60 kilometers) per hour. The photograph above, taken from the South Rim by National Park Service staff, shows smoke rising over the North Rim on July 11, 2025.
    According to the National Park Service, the fire destroyed a water treatment facility on the North Rim, which released chlorine gas and hampered firefighting efforts. Other structures lost to the fire included a visitor center, gas station, park service employee housing, and the Grand Canyon Lodge. The historic lodge, built in 1928, was the only lodging available to visitors inside the park on the North Rim.

    Authorities first received reports of smoke from a second fire about 35 miles (55 kilometers) north of the Dragon Bravo fire on July 9. NASA satellites began to detect a fire early on July 10, and the White Sage fire spread rapidly over the next three days in hot, dry, and windy conditions. Standing dead trees left after the 2020 Magnum fire contributed to the blaze’s rapid spread, according to firefighting and forest management teams in the region.
    The OLI (Operational Land Imager) and OLI-2 on Landsat 8 and 9, respectively, captured images showing the fire’s progression on July 12 (above left) and July 13 (above right). Burned area is evident in these false-color images, which show shortwave infrared, near infrared, and visible light (bands 7-5-4). This band combination makes it easier to identify unburned vegetated areas (green) and the recently burned landscape (brown). Bright orange indicates the infrared signature of actively burning fires.
    NASA fire tracking tools such as the Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS), Worldview, and Fire Events Explorer also show the fire’s rapid spread. By July 14, the fire had charred more than 50,000 acres (20,000 hectares) and was 0 percent contained. By that date, Coconino County had issued evacuation orders for communities along State Route 67 between North Rim and Jacob Lake.

    The Bureau of Land Management reported that aircraft, including Very Large Air Tankers, dropped nearly 180,000 gallons of fire retardant along the southern and northern perimeters, helping slow the fire’s spread. Lines of flame retardant appear bright green in the false-color images. (In natural-color versions of the images, those same lines appear red.) The National Park Service photograph above, taken from the South Rim, shows an air tanker dropping flame retardant on July 11, 2025.
    NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison and Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey and MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Dragon Bravo fire photo by M. Quinn and courtesy of the National Park Service. Airtanker photo by a BLM firefighter and courtesy of the Bureau of Land Management. Story by Adam Voiland.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    lass=”text-align-center”>All detainees receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in accordance with recommended nutrition guidelines
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is setting the record straight on NBC’s false claims that illegal aliens who are held at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities are receiving inadequate amounts of food

     
    “Any claim that there is a lack of food or subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false

    All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Meals are certified by dieticians

    Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE

    Why does the media continue to push the lies of criminal illegal aliens in detention and villainize ICE law enforcement?”

    CLAIM: Detainees say meals are now half the size they were last year, and they don’t receive dinner until midnight

     
    FALSE: Allegations that there are chronic food shortages are unequivocally false

    Each ICE facility’s Food Service Operations Director conducts a review of food portions, and detainees are being fed the portions as prescribed by the nutritionist, based on a daily 2400 to 2600 caloric intake

    CLAIM: A health department report from Tacoma, Washington responded to 57 cases of suspected foodborne illness and determined the illness came from reheated collard greens

     
    FALSE: While the Health Department was notified, the on-site medical team concluded that there was no evidence linking the illness to a specific food item, as claimed by the detainees

    CLAIM: In Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, a Russian immigrant said he has lost weight due to small portions since being detained

    False: The facility has no food complaints from any Russian detainees

     The Detention Standard Compliance Officer has not observed any food issues or complaints while conducting site visits

     
    CLAIM: A detainee says there is too little food at El Paso Service Processing Center

    False: The dietician-approved meal plan from the El Paso Service Processing Center was recently reviewed and indicates the total caloric intake for ICE detainees at the facility is 3,436 per day—which exceeds the average daily recommended minimums

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: FACT CHECK: ICE Provides Multiple Meals Per Day to Criminal Illegal Aliens Held at Detention Facilities

    lass=”text-align-center”>All detainees receive breakfast, lunch, and dinner in accordance with recommended nutrition guidelines
    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is setting the record straight on NBC’s false claims that illegal aliens who are held at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facilities are receiving inadequate amounts of food

     
    “Any claim that there is a lack of food or subprime conditions at ICE detention centers are categorically false

    All detainees are provided with proper meals, medical treatment and have opportunities to communicate with their family members and lawyers,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin

     “Meals are certified by dieticians

    Ensuring the safety, security, and well-being of individuals in our custody is a top priority at ICE

    Why does the media continue to push the lies of criminal illegal aliens in detention and villainize ICE law enforcement?”

    CLAIM: Detainees say meals are now half the size they were last year, and they don’t receive dinner until midnight

     
    FALSE: Allegations that there are chronic food shortages are unequivocally false

    Each ICE facility’s Food Service Operations Director conducts a review of food portions, and detainees are being fed the portions as prescribed by the nutritionist, based on a daily 2400 to 2600 caloric intake

    CLAIM: A health department report from Tacoma, Washington responded to 57 cases of suspected foodborne illness and determined the illness came from reheated collard greens

     
    FALSE: While the Health Department was notified, the on-site medical team concluded that there was no evidence linking the illness to a specific food item, as claimed by the detainees

    CLAIM: In Winn Correctional Center in Louisiana, a Russian immigrant said he has lost weight due to small portions since being detained

    False: The facility has no food complaints from any Russian detainees

     The Detention Standard Compliance Officer has not observed any food issues or complaints while conducting site visits

     
    CLAIM: A detainee says there is too little food at El Paso Service Processing Center

    False: The dietician-approved meal plan from the El Paso Service Processing Center was recently reviewed and indicates the total caloric intake for ICE detainees at the facility is 3,436 per day—which exceeds the average daily recommended minimums

     
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Updated Release: Hartford Bakery, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf”

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared hazelnuts

    Company Name:
    Hartford Bakery, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Lewis Bake Shop

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf

    Company Announcement
    “A previous version of this press release was issued on 7/10/25. This press release was updated to include six additional lots.”
    EVANSVILLE, IN – July 11, 2025 — Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
    Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the twelve effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected.
    The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information:

    Lot code T10 174 010206, T10 174 010306, T10 174 010406, T10 174 020206, T10 174 020306, T10 174 020406, TH10 174 010206, TH10 174 010306, TH10 174 010406, TH10 174 020206, TH10 174 020306, and TH10 174 020406 found on the front panel of packaging.
    Net Weight 12OZ (340G), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging.
    An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging.

    The recall was initiated after discovering that approximately 883 loaves of bread from six production lots contained visible hazelnuts and were distributed in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” packaging. While the packaging states “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it does not state that it “Contains Hazelnuts.” An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product.
    While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after consumption. Hartford Bakery also received consumer complaints from those who saw the nuts before consuming the product.
    Consumers who purchased the implicated products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 Monday through Friday, except for holidays, from 8:00am-3:00pm CST.
    ContactsTracy Wingo1-812-425-4642
    *This updated release corrects the previously reported lot codes.
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Hartford Bakery, Tracy Wingo
    1-812-425-4642

    Content current as of:
    07/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Updated Release: Hartford Bakery, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Hazelnuts in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style ½ Loaf”

    Source: US Food and Drug Administration

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    July 11, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    July 14, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared hazelnuts

    Company Name:
    Hartford Bakery, Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Lewis Bake Shop

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf

    Company Announcement
    “A previous version of this press release was issued on 7/10/25. This press release was updated to include six additional lots.”
    EVANSVILLE, IN – July 11, 2025 — Hartford Bakery, Inc. is voluntarily recalling six lots of its “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” as this product may contain undeclared hazelnuts. People with a nut allergy or severe sensitivity to hazelnuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products.
    Out of an abundance of caution, Hartford Bakery, Inc. is removing all units of product included in the twelve effected lot codes noted below. Hartford Bakery, Inc has determined that no other lot codes were affected.
    The recalled “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” products were distributed in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, and Mississippi retailers, including Kroger and Walmart. The product comes in a flexible plastic bag marked with the following information:

    Lot code T10 174 010206, T10 174 010306, T10 174 010406, T10 174 020206, T10 174 020306, T10 174 020406, TH10 174 010206, TH10 174 010306, TH10 174 010406, TH10 174 020206, TH10 174 020306, and TH10 174 020406 found on the front panel of packaging.
    Net Weight 12OZ (340G), UPC 24126018152 found on the bottom of packaging.
    An expiration date of 07/13/2025 found on the front panel of packaging.

    The recall was initiated after discovering that approximately 883 loaves of bread from six production lots contained visible hazelnuts and were distributed in “Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf” packaging. While the packaging states “May Contain Tree Nuts,” it does not state that it “Contains Hazelnuts.” An investigation revealed an error in change of packaging for a hazelnut-containing bread to the implicated white bread product.
    While there have been no major reports of injury or illness to date, Hartford Bakery is aware of one customer who experienced digestive discomfort after consumption. Hartford Bakery also received consumer complaints from those who saw the nuts before consuming the product.
    Consumers who purchased the implicated products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact Hartford Bakery at 1-812-425-4642 Monday through Friday, except for holidays, from 8:00am-3:00pm CST.
    ContactsTracy Wingo1-812-425-4642
    *This updated release corrects the previously reported lot codes.
    Link to Original Press Release

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Hartford Bakery, Tracy Wingo
    1-812-425-4642

    Content current as of:
    07/14/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Improved trade rules to boost business and growth across the UK

    New changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works to benefit businesses across the four nations.

    • New reforms will ensure businesses can trade smoothly across the UK’s four nations, helping them operate more efficiently and with greater certainty. 
    • Changes respond directly to business feedback and are a key part of the government’s Plan for Change to unlock investment and jobs, raise living standards and drive long-term growth.
    • Devolved governments will have greater flexibility to set rules that reflect local priorities, while protecting the UK’s internal market, worth £129bn a year, and supporting a more collaborative approach.

    Businesses trading across the UK’s four nations will benefit from clearer and more certain rules, following government changes to how the UK Internal Market Act works today [15 July]. 

    Following extensive feedback from businesses – including calls for greater clarity, consistency, and collaboration – the UK Government has completed a review of the Act ahead of schedule, ensuring seamless trading between the nations. 

    The updated approach puts business needs at the forefront, while also enabling devolved governments to shape laws which align with their own priorities. A transparent and well-managed internal market will help to minimise the risk of unnecessary trade barriers, providing certainty for businesses to invest, boosting growth and raising living standards as the government delivers on its Plan for Change. 

    In response to businesses’ asks, the rules will now be made in a way that is more transparent, streamlined, and considers a broader evidence base, encouraging open conversations between governments and making it easier for businesses to engage with and understand how decisions are made and applied across the UK. 

    Protecting the environment and public health will be taken into account alongside economic factors when a government proposes excluding an area from the UK Internal Market Act. In addition, if a proposed change has only a limited economic impact, this can now be agreed through a streamlined process. 

    This updated approach will better enable all four governments to agree shared rules across a wide range of areas including chemicals and pesticides and provide more flexibility to legislate. 

    Minister for Trade Policy Douglas Alexander said: 

    “A thriving internal market is essential to the UK’s economic success, so we’ve listened to what businesses want — and we’re acting ahead of schedule.

    “These reforms will keep trade flowing, reduce friction, and unlock growth across all four nations.

    “We’ve also worked closely with devolved governments to ensure they can deliver on their priorities.”

    Jane Gratton, Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said: 

    “Trade between the nations of the UK is vital to the health of our overall economy and a key driver of growth. Businesses want to see devolved and UK governments working together to ensure there are no unnecessary barriers to the flows of goods and services between us.

    “The UK Internal Market Act is key to this, setting the foundations which underpin over £100bn of trade. This new streamlined approach to rulemaking will give businesses the certainty they need so they can grow, invest, and prosper.” 

    This is just another example of how we’re making things better for business, alongside cutting regulation and reducing administrative costs to boost businesses and growth across the country for big and small firms.

    The UK internal market supported over £129 billion of trade between the four nations in 2019 — equivalent to around 6% of the UK economy. For Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, sales to the rest of the UK make up a major share of their external sales — typically around 60%. The reforms published today aim to protect and grow that vital trade, ensuring businesses can operate with confidence and certainty.  

    This announcement follows a wide-ranging consultation launched in January 2025 and a statutory review announced in December 2024. The consultation received almost a hundred responses, from businesses, academics, environmental groups and the devolved governments. The improvements made to the operation of the Act are a result of those responses. 

    Together, these steps mark a shift toward a more business-led, cooperative approach to managing the internal market — one that supports economic growth while respecting devolved powers.   

    Notes to editors: 

    • The UK government is required by law to review elements of the UK Internal Market Act by December 2025. 
    • These changes do not affect provisions relating to Northern Ireland, which are tied to the Windsor Framework. 
    • The UK Government continues to be committed to the Common Frameworks programme and improving transparency and collaboration between the four governments of the UK, which is clearly demonstrated by the outcomes of this review.
    • Further details can be found on the consultation outcome page.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Armenia

    Ms Alexandra Coles has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher.

    Ms Alexandra Cole has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Armenia in succession to Mr John Gallagher who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.  Ms Cole will take up her appointment during September 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Alexandra Pamela Cole

    Year Role
    2024 to present Pre-posting training
    2023 to 2024 FCDO, Head of Contingency Planning, MENA
    2020 to 2023 Doha, Deputy Head of Mission
    2018 to 2020 Tbilisi, Deputy Head of Mission
    2013 to 2018 UK Mission to the UN in Geneva, Counsellor Specialised Agencies
    2011 to 2013 FCO, Policy Unit
    2008 to 2010 Cairo, Consular Regional Director
    2006 to 2008 FCO, Engaging with Islamic World Group
    2004 to 2006 Islamabad, Second Secretary Human Rights
    2002 to 2004 Sarajevo, Second Secretary Political
    2001 to 2002 Pre-posting training (including Bosnian language training)
    1999 to 2001 FCO, Personnel Management Unit
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1994 to 1995 FCO, Trade Union Side
    1996 to 1999 Tehran, Entry Clearance Officer
    1992 to 1994 FCO, Finance Department
    1990 to 1992 FCO, Migration and Visa Department
    1990 Joined FCO

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Adult Mental Health drop-in event15 July 2025 The Mental Health Team is calling on Islanders who have used their services to share their views to help develop the service going forwards. They are developing a new five-year strategy for mental… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    15 July 2025

    The Mental Health Team is calling on Islanders who have used their services to share their views to help develop the service going forwards. 

    They are developing a new five-year strategy for mental health services, and it is important that the voice of people who use the services help shape this. 

    A drop-in event will be held between 10am and 2pm on Saturday 19 July at The Diner on New St James Place. 

    Andy Weir, the Director of Mental Health, the Mental Health Team and people with Lived Experience will host the session, which will ask service users and their loved ones: 

    1. What has helped you in your mental health recovery? 
    2. What would you like to see change in mental health services? 
    3. What does good mental health support look like to you? 
    4. What should we prioritise in the next five years? 

    As part of the session an artist will draw pictures based on what people say. Those who attend will also be given the opportunity to draw or write their thoughts as part of the process and snacks will be provided.

    Feedback from the session will be used to form the new Mental Health Strategy which is due to be published in 2026.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four York parks awarded the coveted Green Flag Award

    Source: City of York

    Green Flag Award at Rowntree Park

    Published Tuesday, 15 July 2025

    Four of City of York Council’s parks have been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award after achieving international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

    The council and Friends of Groups – resident organisations who help maintain and improve the parks – are celebrating after receiving a Green Flag Award for Rowntree Park, West Bank Park, Glen Gardens and Clarence Gardens.

    The parks are some of 2,250 in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.

    Rowntree Park (pictured) has taken back the award this year, having missed out on applying last year due to the extended flooding in spring.

    Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency at City of York Council, said:

    “We’re absolutely delighted that four of York’s beautiful parks have received the Green Flag Award. It’s a real tribute to the dedication and hard work of our staff, volunteers and local Friends groups who care so passionately for these much-loved green spaces. As well as these awards, we are working towards achieving Green Flag status for Hull Road Park in the future.

    “Spending time outdoors is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing, and Parks and gardens like these are so important as free places to exercise, meet friends or simply enjoy nature – now more than ever. 

    Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE, said:

    “Congratulations to everyone involved in York who have worked tirelessly to ensure that it achieves the high standards required for the Green Flag Award.

    “Quality parks and green spaces like these make the country a heathier place to live and work in, and a stronger place in which to invest.

    “Crucially all of these parks in York are a vital green space for communities in the city to enjoy nature, and during the ongoing cost of living crisis it is a free and safe space for families to socialise. It also provides important opportunities for local people and visitors to reap the physical and mental health benefits of green space.”

    The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Accreditation Secured to Support Dundee’s Living Wage City Campaign

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A local security system supplier has signed up to be the latest business in the city to become Living Wage accredited.

    SPG Integrated, based in the Dundee Technology Park, are a firm who specialise in the installation of various security products such as access controls and alarm systems.

    Directors Billy Robertson and Euan Borland started the business as a result of the collapse of Dundee-based construction services firm McGill. Since then, the business has seen continued growth and is thriving, with plans for expansion including apprenticeships for local young people.

    Both Euan and Billy see paying the real Living Wage, currently £12.60 per hour, as a non-negotiable and while already paying above the rate see accreditation as a benefit to them as they seek new contracts, to retain their current workforce and attract the best talent.

    Billy said: “We are delighted to be part of the Living Wage as we realise that our workforce are the most valuable asset to our company and therefore, we want to look after them in all aspects.”

    Euan said: “We realise that being a Living Wage accredited company will make us an attractive prospect to future employees which helps us continue to build a strong, reliable team as we expand and grow our business.”

    Fair Work, Economic Growth & Infrastructure Convener Cllr Steven Rome visited SPG Integrated office’s, with members of the Dundee Living Wage Action Group, to formally welcome them to the family of over 120 Living Wage employers in the city and congratulate them on accreditation.

    Cllr Rome said: “It was great to meet with Billy and Euan from SPG Integrated and officially welcome them to the Dundee Living Wage family. 

    “They spoke so passionately about paying their staff the real Living Wage and explained the benefits it has to them in terms of staff retention and employee job satisfaction.

    “Our discussions were really informative and will help the action group going forward to engage with and reach out to similar businesses in the sector and those they work with.

    “It was really helpful to hear that despite already paying above the living wage, they still saw the value in becoming an accredited employer.”

    Lynn Anderson, Living Wage Scotland Manager said: “We’re thrilled to welcome SPG Integrated to the Living Wage network of employers in Dundee, as the Dundee Living Wage Action Group unveils its refreshed brand.

    “Employers like SPG Integrated recognise that security and stability can help create a happier, healthier and more motivated workforce and we hope to see many more employers join them in going further than the minimum.”

    Earlier in the year the Living Wage Foundation unveiled it’s a new brand identity with a refreshed design to reflect the scale, ambition and future direction of the Living Wage movement and campaign.

    This visit was the first time the refreshed “Making Dundee a Living Wage City” branding was used after consultation with the Dundee Living Wage Action group and Living Wage Scotland. It’s hoped this new look will help to raise awareness of the campaign while rejuvenating the relationship between the action group and local business to strengthen the partnership between them.

    Cllr Rome added: “As we launch the new look branding for the campaign, I look forward to visiting more accredited employers in the city and proactively exploring with others about accreditation. I would encourage any business wanting to know more to please get in touch.”

    More information about the ‘Making A Living Wage Living City’ campaign as well as contact details for the action group can be found on the council’s website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: S7 Group and Novosibirsk State University Agree on HR Partnership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    S7 Group and Novosibirsk State University (NSU) have signed a cooperation agreement. The parties will join forces to train specialists in various fields: business informatics, economics and management.

    Under the signed agreement, NSU will prepare students in its educational programs, taking into account the needs of S7 Group. In the future, university graduates may be employed by S7 Group in the Novosibirsk Region and other cities.

    — We are pleased to start a strategic partnership with NSU, which will allow us to develop highly qualified specialists for the aviation industry. Joint training of personnel is an investment in the future of our industry and the region as a whole. We are confident that our cooperation will become an example of a successful partnership between business and education, — noted Evgeny Chernyshev, General Representative of S7 Airlines in Tolmachevo.

    NSU will develop and implement educational programs and scientific projects together with S7 Group. S7 Group will provide students with the opportunity to do practical training at its sites and will support the development of campus innovations to create comfortable conditions for living and studying. The company will also organize various events at its enterprises: open days, hackathons, lectures – and will take part in the process of attracting applicants to NSU programs.

    — This is a historic event for our university. Cooperation with the leader of the aviation industry will open new horizons for our students and strengthen NSU’s position as a center for training specialized specialists. Thanks to our cooperation, graduates will receive in-demand skills and good employment opportunities, — emphasized NSU Rector, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Mikhail Fedoruk.

    S7 Airlines (brand of Siberia Airlines, VBV.S7.ru) is a Russian private airline. The airline has a wide network of domestic routes, built on the basis of air transport hubs in Moscow (Domodedovo), Novosibirsk (Tolmachevo) and Irkutsk. In 2007, the airline received official IATA notification of inclusion in the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) operator register and became the second air carrier in Russia to successfully pass the full international audit procedure for compliance with operational safety standards. In 2024, S7 Airlines carried 12.9 million passengers on almost 100 thousand flights.

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan: Humanitarian needs deepen amid rising hostilities and heavy rains

    Source: United Nations 2

    Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

    The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state. 

    Serious risk of renewed violence

    Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.

    Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.

    “The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,” OCHA said.

    Insecurity in North Kordofan state

    Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

    Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.

    OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.

    Rainy season constraints

    Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.

    “With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” OCHA warned.

    Families return to West Darfur

    The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms. 

    Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.

    OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.

    Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU proposes new countermeasures amid trade dispute with US

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.

    EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”

    He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”

    Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.

    “We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.

    In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”

    “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”

    In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.

    The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.

    “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

    The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.

    Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.

    On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.

    SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.

    “Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.

    “A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: EU proposes new countermeasures amid trade dispute with US

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    This photo taken on Oct. 4, 2024 shows the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The European Union (EU) has proposed a new round of tariffs on U.S. goods worth 72 billion euros (84 billion U.S. dollars), amid the ongoing trade dispute between the world’s largest economy and its biggest trading partner.

    EU trade ministers met in Brussels on Monday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s surprise announcement over the weekend of new tariffs on the bloc. Maros Sefcovic, the EU’s trade chief, said after the meeting that it was “very obvious from the discussions today, the 30 percent is absolutely unacceptable.”

    He said that the commission was sharing proposals with the 27 members “for the second list of goods accounting for some 72 billion euros (84 billion dollars) worth of U.S. imports. They will now have a chance to discuss it. This does not exhaust our toolbox and every instrument remains on the table.”

    Lars Lokke Rasmussen, the foreign minister of Denmark, which recently assumed the EU presidency, said the bloc views the new tariff as “absolutely unacceptable and unjustified” and is prepared to respond if talks with Washington fail to produce a viable outcome.

    “We are committed to continuing working with the United States on a negotiated outcome,” he said, adding that the agreement has to be “mutually acceptable” on both sides.

    In a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday morning, Trump announced a 30 percent tariff on the EU as of Aug. 1, blaming the bloc for causing “long-term, large, and persistent Trade Deficits.”

    “Our relationship has been, unfortunately, far from reciprocal,” he wrote in the letter. “The EU will allow complete, open Market Access to the United States, with no Tariff being charged to us, in an attempt to reduce the large Trade Deficit.”

    In response to Trump’s latest deadline, the EU decided to postpone retaliatory counter tariffs on 21 billion euros (24.5 billion dollars) of U.S. goods that had been due to kick in at midnight on Monday until Aug. 1.

    The EU is open to trade talks with the United States for an agreement before the deadline, but won’t rule out taking countermeasures, said Von der Leyen.

    “We remain ready to continue working towards an agreement by Aug. 1,” the EU leader said in a statement. “At the same time, we will take all necessary steps to safeguard EU interests, including the adoption of proportionate countermeasures if required.”

    The proposed tariff threatens to take a heavy toll on the EU economy. An analysis by the Milan-based Institute for International Political Studies suggested that Italy would be among the EU countries most affected by the U.S. tariffs.

    Under a 30-percent duty scenario, Germany’s GDP would contract by an estimated 0.5 percent compared to a no-tariff baseline, while Italy’s GDP would shrink by approximately 0.36 percent, said the think tank.

    On Monday, the Association for the Development of Industry in the Mezzogiorno (SVIMEZ) released its estimate of the impact of the U.S. tariffs on Italy’s exports, projecting a reduction of nearly one-fifth in export volume and a loss of 12.4 billion euros (14.48 billion U.S. dollars) in trade once the tariffs take effect.

    SVIMEZ also warned of broader macroeconomic consequences, estimating a 0.5-percent reduction in Italy’s GDP in 2026 and the potential loss of up to 150,000 jobs, including some 13,000 in the country’s southern regions.

    “Our government is in close contact with the European Commission and all parties involved in the tariff negotiations,” said Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a statement.

    “A trade war within the West would make us all weaker in the face of global challenges we are addressing together. Europe has the economic strength to protect its interests and reach a fair agreement,” she said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Earthquakes in Greece – E-002091/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece is an active user of Copernicus Emergency Management Services (CEMS)[1], including its on-demand mapping services. For example, in 2024, the Greek national civil protection authority, which is the national CEMS’ focal point, activated the rapid mapping service 14 times.

    For the time being, the Commission has not yet received a request from the Greek national civil protection authorities for CEMS risk and recovery services to monitor land deformation or for drawing up evacuation plans for a potential future incident in Santorini.

    However, Greece is aware of this option and has used this service in the past to develop, amongst others, evacuation plans, for example for two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage sites (Delphi and Ancient Olympia), and to assess their exposure to several hazards, including earthquakes.

    Under its Cohesion Policy thematic and regional programmes for the 2021-2027 period, Greece earmarked approximately EUR 130 million for the prevention and management of non-climate-related risks, such as earthquakes.

    In accordance with the shared management procedures, the selection of specific projects is a national competence.

    • [1] https://emergency.copernicus.eu/.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Postal services to Slovakia return to normal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​Hongkong Post announced today (July 15) that, as advised by the postal administration of Slovakia, mail delivery services to areas with postcodes 93003, 93004, 93006, 93007 and 90068, previously impacted by local control measures after an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, have returned to normal.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Earthquakes in Greece – E-002091/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Greece is an active user of Copernicus Emergency Management Services (CEMS)[1], including its on-demand mapping services. For example, in 2024, the Greek national civil protection authority, which is the national CEMS’ focal point, activated the rapid mapping service 14 times.

    For the time being, the Commission has not yet received a request from the Greek national civil protection authorities for CEMS risk and recovery services to monitor land deformation or for drawing up evacuation plans for a potential future incident in Santorini.

    However, Greece is aware of this option and has used this service in the past to develop, amongst others, evacuation plans, for example for two United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation World Heritage sites (Delphi and Ancient Olympia), and to assess their exposure to several hazards, including earthquakes.

    Under its Cohesion Policy thematic and regional programmes for the 2021-2027 period, Greece earmarked approximately EUR 130 million for the prevention and management of non-climate-related risks, such as earthquakes.

    In accordance with the shared management procedures, the selection of specific projects is a national competence.

    • [1] https://emergency.copernicus.eu/.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Baby formula – E-001812/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 609/2013[1] regulates some categories of food that constitute a partial or sole source of nourishment for certain population groups and that are vital for the management of certain conditions and/or are essential to satisfy the nutritional requirements of certain clearly identified vulnerable population groups.

    Article 12 of that regulation requires the Commission to analyse in a report, after consulting the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the necessity of special provisions for milk-based drinks and similar products intended for young children (young-child formulae).

    The 2016 Report[2] concludes that there is no need for specific rules for these foods as the correct and complete application of existing measures of EU food law seems sufficient to adequately regulate the composition of and the communication on the characteristics of the products.

    In particular, the report notes that there is no reported safety issue with regard to young-child formulae and refers to EFSA’s opinion[3] whereby these products have ‘no unique role’ and ‘cannot be considered as a necessity to satisfy the nutritional requirements of young children’ when compared to other foods that may be included in their normal diet.

    The Commission is aware of the revised Codex Alimentarius standard[4], which did not change its position on the opportunity to regulate at EU level young-child formulae.

    Its Preamble clarifies that ‘The application of the standard should be consistent with national/regional health and nutrition policies and relevant national/regional legislation (…).’

    In light of the Better Regulation principles and the rules on the internal market, the Commission does not intend to propose the adoption of specific rules on young-child formulae.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) No 609/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 June 2013 on food intended for infants and young children, food for special medical purposes, and total diet replacement for weight control and repealing Council Directive 92/52/EEC, Commission Directives 96/8/EC, 1999/21/EC, 2006/125/EC and 2006/141/EC, Directive 2009/39/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council and Commission Regulations (EC) No 41/2009 and (EC) No 953/2009, OJ L 181, 29.6.2013, p. 35.
    • [2] Report from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on young child formulae, COM(2016) 169 final.
    • [3] Scientific Opinion on nutrient requirements and dietary intakes of infants and young children in the European Union, https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/3408.
    • [4] Codex Standard for Follow-Up Formula for Older Infants and Product for Young Children: CXS 156-1987, https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/sh-proxy/es/?lnk=1&url=https%253A%252F%252Fworkspace.fao.org%252Fsites%252Fcodex%252FStandards%252FCXS%2B156-1987%252FCXS_156e.pdf.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Overcrowded housing – E-002826/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002826/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    17 % of EU citizens live in overcrowded housing, according to Eurostat data. In Romania, that percentage is 40 %, which is the second highest overcrowding rate in the EU, after Latvia.

    At the same time, between 2015 and 2023, housing prices in the EU increased by an average of 48 %, which was also the case in Romania.

    I welcome the affordable and sustainable housing plan announced by the Commission, but would also like to know whether it specifically envisages targeted actions in countries with high levels of overcrowding, in order to improve this situation.

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS visits Hainan Province (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
     
    Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
     
    Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
     
    Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
     
    Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS visits Hainan Province (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, began his visit to Hainan Province yesterday (July 14).
     
    Mr Chan first met with the Party Secretary and Chairman of the Hainan Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Mr Li Rongcan, in Haikou to exchange views on the latest developments in the two places, and discuss promoting and deepening the partnership between Hong Kong and Hainan Province. Mr Chan said that there is a frequent flow of people, logistics and capital between the two places, and with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two governments in March this year, the exchanges between Hong Kong and Hainan Province will be closer in future. Hong Kong will fully leverage its unique advantage of being backed by the motherland and connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle, and will work with Hainan Province to achieve results attributable to the two places’ advantages, deepen economic, trade and cultural exchanges, and make greater contributions to the country’s high-quality development and high-level opening up.
     
    Mr Chan then visited the Hainan Chronicles Museum to learn about the patriotic and revolutionary tradition education work there as well as the construction and development progress of the Hainan Special Economic Zone and Hainan as an international tourism island. Mr Chan then departed for Wenchang to meet with the Secretary of the CPC Wenchang Municipal Committee, Mr Wang Peng. Mr Chan introduced the latest situation of Hong Kong, and exchanged views with Mr Wang on further promoting exchanges between the two places and exploring more co-operation and development opportunities.
     
    Mr Chan visited the Wenchang Yaoguang Rocket Viewing Platform early today (July 15) to join a science exploration activity of the Hainan Aerospace Science and Research Study Tour under the Strive and Rise Programme. Mr Chan engaged with the participants and encouraged them to grasp this valuable learning opportunity to learn and understand the country’s robust developments and significant achievements in the field of aerospace. He also encouraged the participants to continue to work hard in the future to cultivate a sense of contributing to the country and serving the society, and become a new generation with a sense of social responsibility and contributions. Mr Chan said he believed that the experience of joining this meaningful aerospace science and research study tour will boost the participants’ sense of patriotism and national pride.
     
    Mr Chan will depart for Heilongjiang Province today.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ethiopia: Médecins sans frontières (MSF) releases findings of internal review into 2021 Tigray killing of three staff members

    Source: APO


    .

    • Four years on since the brutal killing of our colleagues in Tigray, Ethiopia, MSF is releasing the findings of our own internal review.
    • Our findings show that the attack on María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, and Yohannes Halefom Reda, was the intentional and targeted killing of clearly identified aid workers.
    • MSF has requested a formal and transparent investigation be carried out by the Ethiopian authorities many times since their killing in June 2021.

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has published the findings of an internal review into the brutal killing of three of our staff members — María Hernández Matas, Tedros Gebremariam Gebremichael, and Yohannes Halefom Reda — in central Tigray, Ethiopia, on 24 June 2021.

    The review confirmed that the attack was an intentional and targeted killing of three clearly identified aid workers. It also established that a convoy of Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) was present at the time of the incident, on the same road where the MSF personnel were killed.

    María, Tedros, and Yohannes were working with MSF to provide medical care in the conflict-affected region of Tigray. On 24 June 2021, they were travelling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle to a village near Abi Adi town in central Tigray to refer patients who had been wounded in recent fighting. During their journey, their vehicle was intercepted, and they were killed.

    Four years on, MSF still does not have credible answers about what happened to our colleagues, despite tireless attempts to engage with both the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) — both of whose forces were present in the wider conflict zone.

    “Despite repeated assurances from the Ethiopian authorities that an investigation was underway, four years on, neither MSF nor the victims’ families have received any credible answers,” says Paula Gil, President of MSF Spain. “We can only assume that there is insufficient political will to share the findings of a completed investigation.”

    “In the absence of any official account, we have a moral obligation towards our staff and the families of our late colleagues to make our own findings public – a necessary step to shed light on a brutal killing that must not be ignored or buried,” says Gil.

    Immediately after the incident, MSF launched an internal review – our standard practice following a critical security incident. The evidence confirmed that the attack on the MSF team was intentional and targeted. The victims — all wearing white vests clearly marked with the MSF logo and traveling in a vehicle visibly displaying the MSF logo and flag — were shot multiple times at close range, while facing their attacker. Their bodies were found up to 400 metres from their vehicle, which was burned and riddled with bullets.

    “This was not the result of crossfire, nor was it a tragic mistake. Our colleagues were killed in what can only be described as a deliberate attack,” adds Gil.

    MSF’s internal review also clearly established that a large retreating convoy of the ENDF was moving south on the same stretch of road where MSF’s staff members were killed on the day of the attack. This was corroborated by multiple sources available in the public domain, including media reports and open-source satellite imagery, as well as several civilian witnesses.

    Beyond the confirmed presence of the ENDF in the area, what remains to be clarified is the extent and nature of their involvement in the attack. MSF received concerning witness accounts — including from civilians travelling with the ENDF convoy in various capacities — that directly implicated ENDF soldiers in the attack. One witness reported overhearing a radio exchange where an ENDF commander gave orders to “shoot” at an approaching white car and “remove them”.

    Since 2021, MSF has held over 20 high-level meetings with officials in the Ethiopian government and submitted numerous formal requests for a credible, transparent investigation to be carried out, and for findings to be shared.

    “Over the past four years, we have done everything in our power to engage constructively with the Ethiopian authorities, including sharing the findings of our internal review on several occasions between November 2021 and October 2023, along with supporting materials, with the Ministry of Justice,” says Gil.

    “MSF’s review clearly demonstrates that it was — and remains — feasible to establish the facts about the incident,” says Gil. “Given this, and the substantiated information confirming ENDF presence at the time of the attack, it is both unconscionable and unacceptable that the Ethiopian authorities have consistently failed to conclude a credible investigation and share its findings.”

    MSF is making this internal review public not only out of moral obligation, but also to demand that governments protect humanitarian workers and medical facilities and that those responsible for attacks on humanitarians and medical staff are held accountable. Attacks on humanitarian personnel are rising globally, while states increasingly neglect their duty to investigate and prosecute violations of international humanitarian law, and the international community continues to look away.

    The brutal killing of María, Tedros, and Yohannes is an emblematic case of the dangers faced by humanitarian workers. If there is no investigation of such an egregious attack, it sets a dangerous precedent in Ethiopia and reinforces an alarming pattern of impunity for attacks on healthcare globally.

    “María, Tedros, and Yohannes lost their lives while helping people in crisis,” says Gil. “They are in our thoughts every day. Their murder must not be forgotten or met with silence. MSF hopes that by pursuing the truth of what happened to them, we can contribute to building a safer environment for humanitarians — not only in Ethiopia, but in conflict zones around the world.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Médecins sans frontières (MSF).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Age verification app – E-002140/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is concerned about ensuring children are protected online and is, as part of this, working on a common EU approach to age verification.

    To this end, a robust EU-harmonised age verification app that is privacy-preserving and easy to use is being developed in cooperation with the Member States via the European Board for Digital Services[1].

    This work is part of a set of measures for the protection of minors, including the Digital Services Act art. 28 guidelines and enforcement actions, the action plan against Cyberbullying, and the inquiry on the impact of social media on mental health.

    The app will initially allow users to prove that they are over 18 years when accessing online content restricted to adults (e.g. pornography, gambling, online alcohol purchase). It is technically possible and envisaged to extend the app to other age limits.

    Mid-July 2025, a white-label app will be made available to Member States, who may then customise and adapt it to their national contexts (e.g. compatibility with national digital infrastructures and legal frameworks, branding and translation) and decide to publish it in the app stores.

    This release launches a pilot phase during which the white-label app will be tested and further customised in collaboration with Member States, online platforms and end-users.

    5 frontrunner Member States — Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain — will be the first to take up the technical solution in view of publishing a customised national app on the app stores. The Commission prepares to scale the app to Member States with national implementation strategies.

    The European Parliament is kept informed on this and broader actions in this policy area through presentations at the appropriate Committees meetings and structured dialogues.

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsa-board.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Age verification app – E-002140/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is concerned about ensuring children are protected online and is, as part of this, working on a common EU approach to age verification.

    To this end, a robust EU-harmonised age verification app that is privacy-preserving and easy to use is being developed in cooperation with the Member States via the European Board for Digital Services[1].

    This work is part of a set of measures for the protection of minors, including the Digital Services Act art. 28 guidelines and enforcement actions, the action plan against Cyberbullying, and the inquiry on the impact of social media on mental health.

    The app will initially allow users to prove that they are over 18 years when accessing online content restricted to adults (e.g. pornography, gambling, online alcohol purchase). It is technically possible and envisaged to extend the app to other age limits.

    Mid-July 2025, a white-label app will be made available to Member States, who may then customise and adapt it to their national contexts (e.g. compatibility with national digital infrastructures and legal frameworks, branding and translation) and decide to publish it in the app stores.

    This release launches a pilot phase during which the white-label app will be tested and further customised in collaboration with Member States, online platforms and end-users.

    5 frontrunner Member States — Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain — will be the first to take up the technical solution in view of publishing a customised national app on the app stores. The Commission prepares to scale the app to Member States with national implementation strategies.

    The European Parliament is kept informed on this and broader actions in this policy area through presentations at the appropriate Committees meetings and structured dialogues.

    • [1] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/dsa-board.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Independence and impartiality of the UNAR (Italian equality body) – E-002106/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2024/1500 on standards for equality bodies does not apply yet. It is being transposed by EU Member States which have to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the directive by 19 June 2026.

    The Commission is supporting Member States in this process through an expert group composed of representatives of Member States in which the European Network of equality bodies (Equinet), the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights and the European Institute for Gender Equality participate as observers. The expert group had its first meeting right after the adoption of the directive. A total of five meetings have taken place so far.

    Once the transposition date of 19 June 2026 is reached, the Commission will verify the compliance of the transposition measures notified by the Member States with the directive.

    It will take swift action in the absence of compliant transposition, including, where relevant, by starting infringement procedures in accordance with Article 258 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LegCo Secretariat releases Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

         The Legislative Council (LegCo) Secretariat today (July 15) released the latest issue of the Policy Pulse on “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development”. This issue provides a brief overview of hydrogen energy development strategies in Hong Kong, the edges of promoting the hydrogen energy industry, the latest progress of improving relevant legislation by the Government, as well as relevant discussions of LegCo along with suggestions by Members.

         LegCo will resume the Second Reading debate on the Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2025 tomorrow (July 16). The Bill seeks to regulate the use of hydrogen as fuel to ensure the safe application of hydrogen fuel. It also empowers the Government to introduce new subsidiary legislation to ensure the flexibility of updating the regulatory requirements. The Government intends to introduce subsidiary legislation in 2026 to cover the entire supply chain of hydrogen as fuel. 

         The Policy Pulse highlights that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government actively promotes the development of hydrogen energy, and promulgated the Strategy of Hydrogen Development in Hong Kong last year. Setting out four major strategies of improving legislation, establishing standards, aligning with the market and advancing with prudence, the Strategy aims to create an environment conducive to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong in an orderly manner, so as to make preparations for the wider application of hydrogen energy in the future.

         With a “zero carbon emissions” feature, hydrogen is a new energy with significant decarbonisation potential. Our country is the largest hydrogen producer in the world, and strives to achieve the “dual carbon” goals of peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060. The SAR Government also targets to cut carbon emissions by half from the 2005 level before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050. The Policy Pulse points out that, with its unique advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world, as well as the strengths in scientific research, robust legislation and energy infrastructure, Hong Kong has very great potential to become a demonstration base for the development of hydrogen energy in the country, and facilitate the development of the hydrogen energy industry in the Belt and Road region and other overseas places. In addition, as an international financial centre, Hong Kong can help enterprises with their green transformation by providing green financing and professional services.

         The Policy Pulse also introduces a number of measures by the SAR Government to support research and innovation in the hydrogen energy technology. These include setting up the Inter-departmental Working Group on Using Hydrogen as Fuel to co-ordinate the efforts in promoting the local use of hydrogen energy and initiate relevant trial projects. Meanwhile, the Government has launched several funding schemes that cover the research and development of hydrogen energy technology, and actively promotes talent training, technological exchange and application in relevant scientific and technological fields, so as to cultivate professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills to ensure the safe application of hydrogen energy technology.

         LegCo Members have long attached great importance to the development of hydrogen energy in Hong Kong. In March 2023, LegCo passed a motion advocating the SAR Government to comprehensively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry in Hong Kong. The LegCo Panel on Environmental Affairs also visited hydrogen projects during its duty visit to Mainland cities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area) in August of the same year, and has been following up on issues related to hydrogen energy. The Policy Pulse summarises various recommendations made by Members on hydrogen energy development. These include capitalising on the strengths of Hong Kong’s financial services industry to attract capital investment in the city’s hydrogen energy industry and reserve land for development. Furthermore, the Government should take the lead in developing green industries and make use of new development areas as a springboard to bring in quality hydrogen energy industries; formulate relevant policies on hydrogen energy pricing to stimulate demand for hydrogen energy; promote carbon index certification to include hydrogen energy into Hong Kong’s carbon emissions trading market; and actively research and develop local hydrogen production technology, among others.

         The Policy Pulse points out that hydrogen energy is an integral component of the country’s future energy system. Members urge the Government to collaborate with other cities in the Greater Bay Area on the joint research, development and promotion of hydrogen energy development projects to facilitate exchanges and co-operation between the two places across the hydrogen energy industrial chain, with a view to promoting the alignment of the safety monitoring and quality testing standards between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Members also advise the Government to speed up the development of a set of internationally recognised hydrogen energy certification standards, so as to assist the Greater Bay Area and even the entire hydrogen industry in the country to enter the international market.

         The detailed content of “Strategies and edges of Hong Kong in hydrogen development” is available on the LegCo Website. The Policy Pulse, published by the Council Business Divisions of the LegCo Secretariat, covers specific topics and offers a comprehensive overview of related policy developments and summarised discussions in LegCo.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Micro-enterprises’ limited access to EU funds – E-002124/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) invests to strengthen the competitive position of and create jobs in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), irrespective of whether those investments are geared towards innovation, digitalisation or the green transition.

    Micro-enterprises are included in the definition of SMEs. In the case of funds under shared management like the ERDF, it is up to the national and regional managing authorities to launch calls and select projects.

    They can decide to launch calls specifically focusing on micro enterprises. As for monitoring and analysis, the Commission monitors support for SMEs under cohesion policy.

    In the period 2021-2027, more than EUR 23 billion of EU support under the ERDF has been planned to go to strengthening of SME’s growth and competitiveness.

    Simplification is a key priority for this Commission. Under cohesion policy, the Commission promotes the use of tools like Simplified Cost Options (SCOs) and Financing Not Linked to Costs (FNLC). SCOs are an innovative way of reimbursing grants under cohesion policy: instead of reimbursing ‘real costs’, SCOs allow the reimbursement of expenditure according to pre-defined methods based on process, outputs or results.

    Thus, when SCOs are used, it is not necessary to trace every euro of co-financed expenditure to individual supporting documents. Almost EUR 110 billion of the cohesion policy budget, i.e. 21% of the total, is expected to be reimbursed in 2021-2027 through SCOs and FNLC by the end of the programming period.

    Under InvestEU, the Commission is deploying together with the European Investment Fund the competitiveness guarantee product which is facilitating general access to finance for SMEs and micro-enterprises in particular.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKTE hosts online and offline career fairs to attract global talent dovetailing Hong Kong’s I&T development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         A spokesman for Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) said today (July 15) that to support Hong Kong’s development as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub, HKTE had organised three online and offline career fairs during the past three weeks to proactively attract global I&T talent to pursue development in Hong Kong, with a view to contributing to building Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent.

         HKTE held a online career fair last Thursday and Friday (July 10 and 11), featuring 47 renowned enterprises and organisations, to offer nearly 2 000 quality job vacancies across sectors such as data centre operations, cyber security and business analysis.

         The online career fair recorded nearly 33 000 visits, featuring job-seeking talent mainly from 14 countries or regions, including the Mainland, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, Canada, Germany, France and Switzerland, with over 3 000 curricula vitae received. To facilitate connections between job-seeking talent and employers, a one-to-one online meeting session was set up specifically at the career fair, resulting in nearly 5 000 direct dialogues.

         A spokesman for the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, one of the participating organisations, commented that the career fair facilitated effective interactions between global professionals in artificial intelligence, fintech and smart city technologies as well as digital innovation with Hong Kong employers. Nearly 90 per cent of participating enterprises and organisations expressed satisfaction with the event arrangements and indicated interest in joining future recruitment events organised by HKTE.

         In addition, HKTE co-organised physical job fairs with working partners two weeks ago, including the second edition of the Hong Kong International Talents Career Expo 2025 and the NovaX Global Investmatch Carnival 2025, to connect I&T talent and entrepreneurs with employers and investors, facilitating the settlement of talent in Hong Kong.

         The spokesman for HKTE added that talent is critical to the promotion of I&T development. HKTE will continue organising diverse activities to assist Hong Kong in attracting international I&T talent, including an online career fair targeting European and American markets in the second half of the year, thereby providing solid talent support for the development of the “eight centres” strategic positioning.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Violation of European law on political party financing in Greece – E-001784/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Authority for European Political Parties and Foundations is the independent body responsible for monitoring the compliance of European Political Parties and Foundations with Regulation No 1141/2014. Not national parties.

    The Commission is aware of media reports concerning the allegations referred to in this question. However, under the EU Treaties, the Commission has no general powers to examine how individual cases are investigated by the authorities of a Member State, as specific cases fall under the responsibility of the competent authorities of each Member State.

    The Commission monitors significant developments concerning the rule of law in Member States, including the anti-corruption framework, in the context of the annual Rule of Law Report.

    In December 2023, the Commission published a recommendation on inclusive and resilient elections[1] addressed to Member States, political parties, political foundations and campaign organisations.

    That Recommendation promotes high democratic standards for elections in the EU, including measures regarding funding of political parties and encouraging election integrity and fair campaigning.

    The Commission is preparing the European Democracy Shield, which will provide a strategic approach to safeguard and strengthen democracy in the EU.

    In this context, the Commission will also continue to support Member States to strengthen the fairness and integrity of electoral processes, including through the European Cooperation Network on Elections.

    • [1] C/2023/8626.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –