Category: DJF

MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Use of NextGenerationEU funds in the bullfighting lobby – E-002066/2025(ASW)
Source: European Parliament
In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/241 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the Recovery and Resilience Facility[1], the Commission disburses payments to Spain following a positive assessment of completion of the milestones and targets specified in the Council Implementing Decision (CID) of its recovery and resilience plan[2].

The Spanish authorities are responsible for the completion of milestones and targets and request payments to the Commission as they are completed. The Commission then assesses their implementation exclusively against the specific requirements set out in the CID.

In this specific case, the association at stake is a beneficiary of EUR 6 000 under the Digital Toolkit Program. This grant-based program aims to boost the digitalisation of small and medium enterprises, micro-enterprises and self-employed, in any sector of economic activity, raising their level of digital maturity.

It contributes to the completion of measure C13.I3 (‘Digitalisation and Innovation’).

Target 200 (‘Budget committed to the Digital Toolkit Program’, assessed as satisfactorily fulfilled as part of the fourth payment request)[3], and targets 204 and 208 (which require actual support to companies and have not been assessed by the Commission yet) are part of this measure.

[1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021R0241.

[2] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-13695-2023-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf.

[3] https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/e8b93743-5a80-4c10-9caa-4dabedc95728_en?filename=C_2024_4171_1_EN_annexe_acte_autonome_nlw_part1_v2_1.pdf, page 204.
Last updated: 11 July 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
July 12, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia – P10_TA(2025)0157 – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

Source: European Parliament

The European Parliament,

– having regard to the Stabilisation and Association Agreement between the European Communities and their Member States, of the one part, and the Republic of North Macedonia, of the other part(1),

– having regard to North Macedonia’s application for membership of the European Union, submitted on 22 March 2004,

– having regard to the European Council decision of 16 December 2005 to grant North Macedonia EU candidate country status,

– having regard to the European Council conclusions of 19-20 June 2003, including the annex thereto entitled ‘The Thessaloniki agenda for the Western Balkans: Moving towards European integration’,

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1529 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 September 2021 establishing the Instrument for Pre-Accession assistance (IPA III)(2),

– having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1449 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on establishing the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans(3),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 5 February 2020 entitled ‘Enhancing the accession process – A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans’ (COM(2020)0057),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘2023 Communication on EU Enlargement Policy’ (COM(2023)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘North Macedonia 2023 Report’ (SWD(2023)0693),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 8 November 2023 entitled ‘New growth plan for the Western Balkans’ (COM(2023)0691),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 20 March 2024 on pre-enlargement reforms and policy reviews (COM(2024)0146),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 24 July 2024 entitled ‘2024 Rule of Law Report’ (COM(2024)0800), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘2024 Rule of Law Report – Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in North Macedonia’ (SWD(2024)0830),

– having regard to the Commission communication of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘2024 Communication on EU enlargement policy’ (COM(2024)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘North Macedonia 2024 Report’ (SWD(2024)0693),

– having regard to the Reform Agenda of North Macedonia as approved by the Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility on 23 October 2024,

– having regard to the declarations of the EU-Western Balkans summits of 13 December 2023 and of 18 December 2024 in Brussels as well as the declarations of the EU-Western Balkans summits held in Sofia, Zagreb and Brdo pri Kranju in 2018, 2020 and 2021 respectively, and the Declaration on the Common Regional Market and the Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans agreed on 10 November 2020 at the Sofia Summit within the Berlin Process,

– having regard to the Council conclusions of 18 July 2022 on Enlargement – North Macedonia and Albania and the Council conclusions on Enlargement of 17 December 2024,

– having regard to the final report of 23 September 2024 of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) Election Observation Mission on North Macedonia’s presidential election on 24 April 2024 and parliamentary elections on 8 May 2024,

– having regard to the Berlin Process launched on 28 August 2014,

– having regard to the Treaty of friendship, good neighbourliness and cooperation between Bulgaria and North Macedonia, signed on 1 August 2017 and ratified in January 2018;

– having regard to the Final Agreement for the settlement of the differences as described in the United Nations Security Council resolutions 817 (1993) and 845 (1993), the termination of the Interim Accord of 1995, and the establishment of a strategic partnership between Greece and North Macedonia, agreed on 17 June 2018, also known as the Prespa Agreement,

– having regard to the joint staff working document entitled ‘Objectives and Indicators to frame the implementation of the Gender Action Plan III (2021-25)’ (SWD(2020)0284) accompanying the joint communication of the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 25 November 2020 entitled ’EU Gender Action Plan (GAP) III – An ambitions vision for gender equality and women’s empowerment in EU external action (JOIN(2020)0017), as well as the Country Level Implementation Plan (CLIP) for North Macedonia,

– having regard to the 2023 European Commission against Racism and Intolerance (ECRI) Report on North Macedonia, adopted on 29 June 2023 and published on 20 September 2023,

– having regard to the declaration and joint recommendations adopted at the 23rd meeting of the EU-North Macedonia Joint Parliamentary Committee, held on 27 and 28 February 2025 in Skopje,

– having regard to its previous resolutions on North Macedonia, and in particular its resolution of 24 October 2019 on opening accession negotiations with North Macedonia and Albania(4),

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0118/2025),

A. whereas North Macedonia has held EU candidate country status since 2005 and successfully completed the screening process in December 2023;

B. whereas the aspirations of citizens of North Macedonia to become part of the EU have led to progress in terms of democracy and socio-economic reforms, while the EU accession process continues to experience regrettable delays for various reasons;

C. whereas the EU has mobilised approximately EUR 210 million in macro-financial assistance loans since 2020, aimed at stabilising the Macedonian economy, aiding its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and accelerating its reform progress;

D. whereas North Macedonia is a partner that is aligned with the EU’s common foreign and security policy in the vast majority of cases and has played a constructive role in the region; whereas North Macedonia’s recent abstention from United Nations General Assembly Resolution ES-11/7 of 24 February 2025 on Ukraine and its co-sponsorship of an alternative resolution led by the United States indicates an unexpected and regrettable shift in its foreign policy alignment;

E. whereas North Macedonia participates in EU military crisis management operations, including EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina;

F. whereas the Council reached new conclusions in July 2022 which mean that North Macedonia needs to adopt the outstanding constitutional changes, in line with its commitments, so that the opening phase of accession negotiations can be completed immediately;

G. whereas the geopolitical changes, the war in Ukraine, disinformation and misinformation have a strong impact on all European countries, both politically and economically;

H. whereas North Macedonia remains a target of foreign malign influence operations, including efforts to fracture the country’s social fabric and weaponise anti-EU sentiment, notably via Serbian-language tabloids and media outlets, which function as regional amplifiers of Kremlin narratives and enjoy considerable influence; whereas North Macedonia expelled 13 Russian diplomats between 2018 and 2023 for activities incompatible with their diplomatic status, suggesting an ongoing presence of covert influence networks; whereas China has sought to expand its influence through information control, investment diplomacy and coercive clauses in infrastructure loan agreements;

I. whereas North Macedonia’s authorities have proposed solutions for constitutional change that did not meet the conditions of the July 2022 Council conclusions;

J. whereas any accession country is expected to respect democratic values, the rule of law and human rights, and to abide by EU law;

K. whereas the Council has not excluded unequivocally the adoption of further new conditions for the starting of accession negotiations;

1. Reiterates its full support for North Macedonia’s continued and persistent commitment to join the EU and for the necessary transformative changes that are required to fulfil the accession criteria; commends the country’s commitment to European integration and encourages continued efforts in advancing EU-aligned reforms, despite the challenges and setbacks that have tested the patience and trust of the Macedonian society;

2. Underlines that EU accession remains a matter of political will in fulfilling the criteria and implementing the commitments undertaken, in terms of both making the necessary reforms and adopting the necessary constitutional amendments;

3. Recalls the need to maintain the momentum and credibility of the EU integration process; notes that North Macedonia continues to demonstrate commitment to EU integration and alignment with EU policies; calls for the swift advancement of accession negotiations, while noting the importance of adopting the constitutional amendments; urges the European Council to signal, publicly and unequivocally, that the Council intends to swiftly and unconditionally take the positive decision to enter into the next phase of accession negotiations with North Macedonia once the conditions of its conclusions of 18 July 2022 have been fulfilled; encourages all political parties in North Macedonia to engage in constructive dialogue to achieve the necessary consensus on these amendments, which would strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate its progress towards EU membership; believes that strengthening the links between the multiple ethnicities is essential for improving social cohesion and ensuring more effective governance; calls on the Member States, the Council and the Commission to safeguard the predictability and credibility of the accession process, also with a view to maintaining popular support for accession in enlargement countries;

4. Welcomes the successful completion of the screening process for North Macedonia at the end of 2023; encourages North Macedonia to adopt the constitutional amendments that the country committed to making and implementing, as required by the Council, in order for the accession negotiation process to proceed;

5. Commends the commitment of the Macedonian people to EU integration and the support they show to this project two decades on from starting the process; urges the Commission to do the utmost to help the authorities of North Macedonia accomplish the necessary steps before entering into the next negotiation phase as well as further along the negotiation process, to help deliver on the expectations of citizens and the country and to explore all measures for gradual integration into the EU structures, thus increasing trust in the EU and its democratic values;

6. Recalls that the accession process should not be used to settle bilateral disputes, obstruct merit-based progress on the European path or outweigh the broader strategic interests of the Union, but that such disputes must rather be addressed through open dialogue and genuine cooperation; underlines that accession negotiations should follow a clear path, guided by objective criteria and solely based on merit and the fulfilment of the accession criteria (Copenhagen criteria), which require in-depth reforms across fundamental areas, as well as the presence of stable institutions that guarantee democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and the protection of minorities;

7. Reaffirms that the respect for linguistic, cultural and national identity is a fundamental component of the EU accession process and a cornerstone of democratic societies which will be further affirmed with the accession to the family of European nations;

8. Repeats its calls for the EU’s capacity to act to be enhanced through a reform of its decision-making, including through the introduction of qualified majority voting on the intermediate steps in the accession process, in particular at the start of negotiations and the opening and closing of individual negotiating clusters and chapters;

9. Welcomes the new Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans which will provide EUR 750 million in grants and loans to North Macedonia when it meets the conditions set out in its Reform Agenda; welcomes, in this context, the excellent and ambitious Reform Agenda, which sets clear, transparent goals and targets, and calls on the authorities to focus on its rigorous implementation; underlines the need to focus on incentivising reforms and reinforcing economic stability as well as on public administration, governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, decarbonisation and the green transition, digitalisation, connectivity and human capital development, while addressing social challenges;

10. Notes the funds being received by North Macedonia from individual Member States and the good cooperation between them; warns however about strengthening alliances with illiberal regimes;

11. Commends North Macedonia on its continued commitment to the EU integration process and regrets the delays in the accession process; welcomes the stability of and encourages continued efforts to secure interethnic relations and the implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement;

12. Encourages North Macedonia to achieve tangible results in complying with the EU’s expectations under the negotiating framework and the Council conclusions of July 2022, including relevant constitutional changes, in line with the country’s commitments;

13. Urges North Macedonia to intensify efforts to strengthen the rule of law and judicial independence, including in judicial appointments and the functioning of the Judicial Council, to counter corruption, reform its public administration and improve the transparency and concentration of media ownership; encourages further implementation of systemic measures to ensure transparency and efficiency in governance;

14. Expresses its profound sorrow and heartfelt solidarity following the tragic Kočani nightclub fire that led to the death of more than 50 young people and injuries to more than 150 others and offers its condolences to the victims and their families; commends the rapid use of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the help provided by the Member States to save as many lives as possible; commends neighbouring and EU countries, in particular Greece and Bulgaria, for the immediate support and solidarity they showed and the medical treatment they provided to victims;

Functioning of democratic institutions

15. Notes that, while democratic institutions in North Macedonia function satisfactorily, political polarisation remains a major stumbling block to necessary reforms; calls on the political parties represented in the country’s parliament to work together to reach an agreement on those reforms;

16. Welcomes the adoption of new rules of procedure by the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia (Sobranie), facilitated by the European Parliament within the framework of the Jean Monnet Dialogue; stresses, however, that persistent political polarisation continues to delay important reforms and appointments; emphasises that cross-party collaboration and an improved political climate remain vital to accelerate the implementation of EU-related reforms and strengthen democratic institutions;

17. Notes with concern that about half of all laws enacted by the Sobranie in 2023 were approved through shortened procedures; calls on the Sobranie to improve its legislative planning, coordination and quality through proper consultation procedures and parliamentary oversight, in particular with a view to the conclusions of the Jean Monnet Dialogue and to avoid fast-track procedures;

18. Stresses that, while the 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections were competitive, and democratic and amendments to the Electoral Code have been made, comprehensive electoral reform is still needed; calls strongly for the implementation of the outstanding recommendations made by the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission through an inclusive revision of the Electoral Code, while underlining the importance of insulating future electoral processes from malign foreign interference and information manipulation, including through the adoption of robust cybersecurity and online campaign transparency rules;

19. Calls for improved regulation of the financing of political parties and campaigns, including measures to increase transparency regarding the funds and expenses of political parties; urges a revision of the rules on state advertising in commercial media and paid political advertisement; emphasises the need for functioning oversight mechanisms to ensure integrity in party financing and for equal and adequate media access for political parties and independent candidates;

20. Calls for the continued modernisation of a merit-based public administration, addressing systemic challenges of politicisation, strengthening transparent recruitment processes, and reforming local self-government to provide better social services for citizens and to develop tailor-made local and regional development strategies; urges the authorities to step up their efforts and adopt and implement the necessary legislation with a view to improving public trust in the administration and fostering a resilient and capable public service that can effectively respond to contemporary challenges and serve the needs of the community; commends the 2023-2030 public administration strategy and the related action plan for 2023-2026 adopted in July 2023; acknowledges that they cover all relevant reform areas and set out a clear baseline, objectives and targets, thus identifying crucial policy challenges; regrets, however that the implementation rate remains low;

21. Calls for further steps to ensure the systemic accountability of public institutions through meaningful and public stakeholder consultations, including with regard to the implementation of the Reform Agenda, and to provide feedback from the consultations conducted; commends the law on general administrative procedures that is providing for simplification, but strongly recommends that it be implemented systematically across the administration;

22. Urges the authorities of North Macedonia to refrain from opaque, politicised dismissals from, and appointments to, positions within independent bodies and agencies, as well as to ensure that the institutions are adequately funded and that decisions and recommendations are implemented consistently; notes with regret the continued lack of progress in strengthening the office of the Ombudsman;

Media and civil society

23. Welcomes North Macedonia’s steady progress in assuring media freedom; recalls however, the need for continued reforms to ensure an independent and resilient media landscape, including reforming the legal framework governing online and offline media to align fully with the European Media Freedom Act(5), addressing persistent challenges in media ownership transparency, digital media disclosure and media concentration; underlines the need for media reform that prioritises anti-concentration measures to safeguard journalistic integrity; emphasises the urgent need to counter malign foreign influence in the media landscape, including disinformation disseminated by actors linked to Russia and China;

24. Calls on the authorities to adopt a legal framework that effectively protects journalists, human rights defenders, environmental activists and other stakeholders from strategic lawsuits against public participation (SLAPPs), and to implement the provisions of the EU Anti-SLAPP Directive(6);

25. Urges the authorities to ensure full transparency and unimpeded access to information for citizens;

26. Notes with concern the reinstatement of government advertising in commercial media in North Macedonia; stresses the heightened risk of this measure opening the media market to disruption and undue political influence, thus endangering media independence and media pluralism; reiterates its calls for the comprehensive reform of the rules governing state financing and political party advertising in the media, noting the lack of transparency, the ongoing misuse of state funds for political advertising, and the continued risk of compromising media independence through opaque funding mechanisms; calls strongly for these reforms to be adopted and implemented before the local elections planned for autumn 2025;

27. Underlines the need to strengthen the independence and capacity of the media regulator, the public service broadcaster and the regulator of electronic communication;

28. Encourages action to enhance the editorial and financial independence, impartiality and professionalism of public service broadcasters and media regulators, while noting the continued delay in appointing key oversight bodies and the need for comprehensive modernisation efforts; calls for stricter transparency and ownership rules to expose covert influence, including foreign-sponsored media content, and for the establishment of mechanisms to identify and disrupt coordinated foreign disinformation networks;

29. Notes that certain Chinese diplomatic entities have financed paid content and opinion pieces in Macedonian media outlets without clear labelling; recalls that a 2023 analysis found that Russian state-affiliated actors had used Serbian media proxies to disseminate narratives hostile to NATO and to claim that the EU is pressuring North Macedonia to ‘abandon its identity’;

30. Expresses concern over the ongoing threats and attacks against independent journalists and media professionals, including misogynistic online harassment targeting women journalists, often targeting those reporting on the rule of law, corruption and justice; welcomes the assignment of a dedicated prosecutor to monitor these attacks on journalists and oversee the establishment of cyberbullying reporting mechanisms; calls for stronger measures to protect media professionals from physical and non-physical threats, harassment and the inappropriate use of language by public figures;

31. Encourages North Macedonia to continue the efforts to combat hate speech in all of its forms and targeting all groups, to proactively prevent and thoroughly investigate all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation, systematically prosecute related attacks, with a view to achieving convictions and ensuring the safety and security of their targets, such as journalists, people belonging to minorities, communities such as Bulgarians, and other vulnerable groups;

32. Expresses concern about the rise in hate speech and growing threats from disinformation in online media, over which the national Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services has no regulatory authority; calls for strengthened measures to support investigative journalism, fact-checking capabilities and media literacy and to improve the legal framework and interinstitutional capacity in order to combat hate speech, disinformation and foreign interference; is concerned by widespread disinformation campaigns which call into question democratic values and the country’s goal of EU membership; calls, in this regard, for the support of the EU institutions to help the country mitigate these malicious effects; welcomes civil society initiatives promoting media fact-checking, digital literacy in schools and the combating of the spread of hate speech, and notes that nearly 50 % of the citizens of North Macedonia have adopted false narratives about international events, particularly regarding the war in Ukraine, underscoring the urgency of reinforcing societal resilience against malign information manipulation;

33. Underlines that civil society is vital in fostering democracy and pluralism and promoting good governance and social progress; welcomes the country’s vibrant and constructive civil society, which plays a very crucial and positive role in the reform process, and recalls that further efforts are needed to ensure inclusive, timely and meaningful consultation and transparency, as well as formal mechanisms for cooperation; welcomes, against this backdrop, the recent initiation of the process for re-establishing the Council for Cooperation with and Development of the Civil Society Sector and calls for enhanced cooperation between the government and civil society, especially in mitigating the implications for civil society of the recent ‘freeze’ of US Agency for International Development (USAID) funds; notes that, while civil society organisations operate in an overall enabling environment, legal and financial frameworks need to be implemented to ensure that their public funding is increased and that public funding mechanisms are transparent; is concerned about reports of an increase in hostile statements towards civil society and encourages the Ministry of Internal Affairs to work with civil society organisations to develop a security protocol for human rights defenders to ensure their protection against threats from non-state actors; calls strongly for further enhancement of the role of civil society by ensuring that it continues to be meaningfully included in the decision-making process and by consulting the Venice Commission before adopting future legislation related to non-governmental organisations (NGOs);

Fundamental rights

34. Commends North Macedonia for ratifying most international human rights instruments; expresses concern, however, about the level of implementation, the lack of progress in gender equality, the rise of anti-gender movements and the increase in their influence, which have a negative impact on legislative and policymaking processes; urges the government to fully implement the Istanbul Convention; calls on the authorities to adopt the new Law on Gender Equality and to strengthen formal government structures designed to promote gender equality and improve the status and rights of women at all levels, as well as to ensure the effective implementation of the gender equality strategy and the national action plan, notably by ensuring adequate funding, enhancing interinstitutional coordination and aligning national policies with the EU acquis;

35. Urges the authorities to ensure the full and effective implementation of the existing legal framework for the protection of victims of gender-based and domestic violence, by allocating sufficient budgetary resources for prevention, and by improving access to support services, protection mechanisms and the enforcement of legally guaranteed social and economic rights of survivors; notes, against this background, the adoption in 2023 of the Law on Payment of Monetary Compensation to Victims of Violent Crimes, which integrates the standards of the Istanbul Convention to provide better protection for victims of gender-based violence; urges the authorities, furthermore, to strengthen their efforts to reduce and mitigate gender-based violence and domestic violence, and to increase shelter capacity and personnel, as well as the number of well-trained and gender-sensitive law enforcement officers, judges, medical personnel and social workers;

36. Notes, with concern, the dire situation of young women in prison, including juvenile girls aged between 14 and 16, who lack education and job skills training and are often overmedicated, with insufficient healthcare; urges the authorities of North Macedonia to take urgent measures to improve the detention conditions for all inmates, to reduce corruption and stop inhuman treatment, and to enhance the probation and reintegration of ex-prisoners into society;

37. Urges North Macedonia to fully implement the recommendations outlined in the 2023 ECRI report on North Macedonia in order to effectively address the human rights violations identified;

38. Welcomes the fact that interethnic relations remain stable and the Ohrid Framework Agreement continues to be implemented; commends North Macedonia’s efforts in strengthening minority rights protections, while encouraging further financial support; calls for adequate funding and staffing for institutions protecting the rights of non-majority communities; calls on political representatives of minority communities to avoid promoting divisive ethnic narratives echoing policies that caused profound suffering and wars in the region’s recent past; urges North Macedonia to fully implement the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities as regards the ‘One society for all and interculturalism’ strategy; calls on North Macedonia to provide sufficient funding and staff for the Language Implementation Agency and the Agency for Community Rights Realization; regrets that North Macedonia did not ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; awaits a final decision on the contested Law on the Use of Languages, which may have an impact on interethnic relations;

39. Welcomes the progress the country has achieved in aligning its legislative and institutional framework for the rights of the child with the EU acquis and international human rights standards; notes the progress in implementing the strategy for deinstitutionalisation and welcomes the successful relocation of children from institutions to foster care or small group homes; notes with concern, however, the continued instances of child violence and discrimination, including against Roma children; calls, therefore, for the country to set up a national body responsible for coordinating all policies relating to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the optional protocols thereto;

40. Encourages North Macedonia to take meaningful steps toward recognising and incorporating national minorities and communities into its constitution, fostering inclusivity, protecting diversity, fighting discrimination and strengthening social cohesion in line with European values and democratic principles; calls on North Macedonia to fully guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all ethnic communities in the country;

41. Notes that persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers as the country’s legislation is still not aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; welcomes the national strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities for 2023-2030 and calls strongly for its proper implementation, including in regard to ensuring a sufficient number of educational assistants, in order to effectively and smoothly include children with disabilities in the education process;

42. Welcomes the first court ruling on hate speech against the LGBTIQ+ community, but calls strongly for the systematic prosecution of all instances of hate speech, hate crimes and intimidation, as well as for the inclusion of hate speech in the Criminal Code and for the state institutions responsible to keep adequate statistics on cases of hate speech and hate crimes;

43. Notes with concern the widespread hate speech on social media, particularly towards Roma, LGBTIQ+ persons and other marginalised groups; urges all political actors to amend the Law on Civil Registry and ensure swift and unimpeded legal gender recognition on the basis of self-determination, to uphold human rights, ensure dignity, and establish a clear and accessible legal process in line with international standards; recommends that the new Law on Primary Education maintain explicit protection against discrimination based on gender, sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring alignment with national and international commitments; encourages the Assembly of North Macedonia to promptly (re-)establish an active interparliamentary LGBTIQ+ group to support and advance LGBTIQ+ rights;

44. Calls on North Macedonia to strengthen migration management, improve alignment with the EU acquis and address persistent challenges in handling regular and irregular migration while upholding fundamental human rights; welcomes enhanced cooperation on border management and the strengthening of the country’s capacity to manage migration flows and combat migrant smuggling, human trafficking and other organised crime; encourages the continued development of asylum procedures and integration policies and the improvement of reception conditions, in alignment with EU migration frameworks; stresses the importance of regional cooperation in migration management and urges the EU to provide further support in terms of resources, technical assistance and capacity-building in order to address migration challenges effectively;

45. Calls on North Macedonia to step up its efforts in the fight against human trafficking, notably by further aligning the Criminal Code with the EU acquis and its legislation on drugs;

Rule of law

46. Notes, with serious concern, that the country’s track record in fighting corruption, including high-level corruption, has worsened, as also evidenced by its decline in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index, particularly owing to Criminal Code amendments that have weakened the legal framework, resulting in the termination of many ongoing cases; reiterates that this decline underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms; calls strongly for the anti-corruption framework to be strengthened and for effective accountability to be ensured, in particular in high-level corruption cases, through proper investigation, prosecution and convictions; urges a review of recent amendments to the Criminal Code in relation to sentencing standards and the statute of limitations, in order to ensure that the prosecution of corruption, especially of complex and high-level cases, is not negatively affected;

47. Recalls that sufficient financial and human resources are needed to ensure effective and consistent application of dissuasion, prevention, detection, investigation and sanction mechanisms for public office holders through broad measures covering conflicts of interest, lobbying, codes of ethics and whistle-blower protection;

48. Notes that the perceived level of trust in the judiciary remains very low and that further efforts are needed to prevent undue influence and intimidation; underlines the lack of progress in the implementation of the 2020 strategies for human resources management in the courts and in the public prosecutor’s office; calls strongly for the critical shortage of judges and prosecutors, which impacts the quality and efficiency of justice, to be addressed; calls for the independence and transparency of judicial bodies to be strengthened and for the funds necessary for their effective functioning to be allocated;

49. Calls for the strengthening of the Judicial Council and the Council of Prosecutors and for the allocation of necessary funds, while ensuring their independence; strongly urges political actors to cease interfering in judicial institutions;

50. Notes, with concern, the lack of progress in preventing and fighting corruption, and that financial investigations remain problematic; underlines how corruption continues to severely affect crucial policy areas; calls for the operational capacity and cooperation of agencies responsible for fighting organised crime and financial crime to be significantly strengthened, including through ensuring the necessary financial resources; encourages the country to improve its fight against organised and economic crime and cybercrime through a strengthened partnership with Europol, the European Cybercrime Centre and Eurojust; calls on North Macedonia to enhance its efforts to combat money laundering;

51. Calls for all necessary measures to be put in place to effectively counter organised crime; urges the authorities to improve coordination through the National Coordination Centre for the Fight Against Organised Crime as well as to allocate the necessary funds and staffing to the Office of the Basic Public Prosecutor for Organised Crime and Corruption; underlines the need to direct particular attention and resources towards uncovering money-laundering schemes;

52. Notes, with concern, North Macedonia’s partial alignment with the EU acquis in the fight against organised crime; reiterates its call for further alignment with the EU acquis and for systematic financial investigations, stepping up the freezing, confiscation, management and disposal of illegally acquired assets;

53. Calls for a thorough and transparent investigation of the Kočani nightclub fire on 16 March 2025, to bring to justice the persons responsible, and also for the legislation to be updated and thoroughly implemented to prevent similar tragedies and ensure better public safety and regulatory compliance to protect citizens;

54. Calls for the swift implementation of the ongoing reforms in the security and intelligence sectors, and for the independence of security and intelligence bodies to be strengthened through the establishment of appropriate regulatory frameworks, while also enhancing democratic oversight mechanisms; notes, with concern, that the National Security Agency is still located on the premises of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, calling into question its status as an independent state administration body;

55. Commends North Macedonia’s strong determination to counter hybrid threats; welcomes the government’s initiative to create a national strategic framework to counter disinformation as well as the adoption of the national cybersecurity strategy 2025-2028; calls for further efforts to build resilience against foreign interference and information manipulation; underlines the need to work on a national strategy to build resilience against disinformation as a security threat to the state, including through enhanced cybersecurity measures and strategic communication as well as education and media literacy; calls for the full operationalisation of EU mechanisms, such as the rapid alert system, to detect malign foreign influence in real time during key democratic processes, including elections;

56. Is deeply concerned that North Macedonia and other EU accession countries in the Western Balkans are being particularly hard hit by foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, including hybrid threats, strategic corruption, opaque financial flows and coercive investment practices, notably originating in Russia and China; is alarmed by the roles of the Hungarian and Serbian Governments in advancing China’s and Russia’s geopolitical objectives; notes, in this context, the risk of dependence on China caused by asymmetrical loan agreements, as well as the recent loan from the Hungarian bank Eximbank, which appears to be sourced from China;

Socio-economic reforms

57. Recommends that North Macedonia continue to pursue steps to improve the business climate and infrastructure, strengthen education and digital infrastructure, and enhance social protection systems and their connection to employment initiatives; welcomes the inclusion of human capital-related reforms in the Growth Plan Reform Agenda and calls on North Macedonia to dedicate sufficient effort to implementing these reforms to achieve sustainable results in the development of human capital for children and young people, as the foundation of resilient societies and sustainable growth;

58. Welcomes the adoption of the Reform Agenda and the multiannual work programme under the Reform and Growth Facility for North Macedonia, which will provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises, cut red tape and digitalise the public system, and welcomes the steps provided for in the Reform Agenda regarding the digital infrastructure roll-out and the new Law on Electronic Communications, aligning the national legislation with the relevant EU acquis and keeping up with the digital transition worldwide;

59. Encourages labour market activation strategies for young people, the long-term unemployed, and low-skilled individuals, as well as for women, persons with disabilities and Roma, and calls for these measures to be properly evaluated; takes note of the long-term improvement in unemployment rates, notes, however, that this must be accompanied by a rise in real wages, the improvement of working conditions and the protection of workers’ rights, including trade union rights; calls for the full implementation of the Law on the Peaceful Settlement of Labour Disputes;

60. Encourages North Macedonia to advance its digital transformation, particularly by improving the digital skills of all citizens and by providing online access to public services; recognises the demographic challenges faced by North Macedonia, including population decline, the emigration of young professionals, and an ageing workforce, and underlines the need to address the brain drain, especially in the medical, technological and educational fields; calls for the implementation of targeted policies to reverse the brain drain, enhance family-friendly social policies and attract return migration; encourages cooperation with the EU on demographic resilience strategies, including labour market incentives, housing support for young families, and investment in education and skills development to align with future job market needs; calls for increased support for innovation and competitiveness;

61. Welcomes the positive effects of the Youth Guarantee on the reduction of youth unemployment; calls on North Macedonia to intensify its efforts to reduce the unemployment rate of young people aged between 15 and 24, which remains high at 29.3 %; underlines the need to address social challenges, ensure quality employment policies, foster upward social cohesion and convergence towards EU standards and support progress on the principles of the European Pillar of Social Rights;

62. Welcomes the efforts to amend the labour law; urges full alignment of the Law on Working Relations with EU directives to effectively guarantee the right to equal pay for equal work, ensure pay transparency and enhance protection against discrimination based on pregnancy and maternity; insists on the need to strengthen the competencies and capacities of the State Labour Inspectorate to ensure effective protection of workers’ rights, including safeguards against labour discrimination;

63. Commends North Macedonia for joining the single euro payments area (SEPA), recognising this as an important step toward deeper financial integration with the European market and the facilitation of faster, more efficient cross-border transactions; urges North Macedonia to introduce structural reforms to strengthen the economy and secure the country’s debt sustainability;

64. Welcomes the calls for the prompt integration of all of the Western Balkans into the EU’s digital single market at the earliest opportunity, which would crucially benefit the creation of a digitally safe environment;

65. Urges the authorities to fully implement existing legal provisions to ensure access to primary healthcare services, with a particular focus on sexual and reproductive health for women, mothers and children, and eliminate barriers related to geography, finances or other hardships; calls for targeted measures to support vulnerable groups of women in accessing healthcare, including Roma women, rural women and those living in poverty;

66. Welcomes the progress made in the implementation of the Strategy for Inclusion of Roma 2022-2030; regrets, however, that the strategy lacks a clear approach to participation, empowerment and capacity building; calls on the authorities to implement the respective action plans, ensuring proper monitoring and meaningful and transparent participation of civil society organisations, notably from the Roma community;

Environment, biodiversity, energy and transport

67. Welcomes the adoption of the Energy Law in 2025 and underscores its importance for guaranteeing a safe, secure and high-quality supply of energy as well as for creating an efficient, competitive and financially sustainable energy sector; encourages the authorities to continue on this ambitious path and recalls that additional efforts are needed to fully meet the targets for energy efficiency, renewable energy, security of supply and emissions reductions; urges the country’s authorities to align their environment and climate change legislation with the EU acquis and to ensure its enforcement; notes, with concern, the lack of progress on climate action and the pending adoption of key legislation; stresses the need to integrate gender equality and social inclusion into climate action planning so that women, low-income households and marginalised communities are actively consulted and benefit equitably from the transition;

68. Welcomes the European Investment Bank’s continued financial and technical support in North Macedonia, including strategic infrastructure projects such as the Rail Corridors VIII and X, the Skopje wastewater treatment plant, and municipal water infrastructure development; calls for an inclusive and just transition which protects the socially vulnerable, by mobilising public and private financing for the green transition, fully operationalising dedicated funding mechanisms and leveraging EU and international support; stresses the need to address the problems of a lack of specialised staff and weak institutional and administrative capacity, which undermine quality control and the adequate performance of environmental impact assessments;

69. Notes, with concern, that air and water quality and wastewater management remain particularly challenging issues for the country; urges the central government and local authorities to step up their efforts in order to improve air quality and reduce potentially lethal pollution; recalls that the situation is particularly alarming in Skopje, which has consistently been one of the most polluted cities in Europe;

70. Recognises North Macedonia’s great potential as a regional hub with regard to the use of renewable energy sources; urges North Macedonia to fully align its environmental impact assessment with the EU acquis, with a particular focus on secondary legislation concerning small hydropower projects;

71. Stresses the urgent need to prioritise environmental protection; strongly urges the authorities to adopt the necessary legislation and to step up measures on biodiversity, water, air and climate action, and regional waste management, including through comprehensive impact assessments, rigorous prosecution of environmental crime and proper public consultation that allows for the meaningful and transparent involvement of local communities, NGOs and scientific institutions;

72. Calls on North Macedonia to establish legal protections for Emerald Sites designated under the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (the Bern Convention) to safeguard them from environmentally harmful projects; encourages the country to expand its protected areas, with a view to fulfilling the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets; reiterates the urgent need to adopt the law on the re-proclamation of Mavrovo National Park to ensure the continuation and completion of its essential conservation efforts; encourages North Macedonia to include Jablanica on its list of protected areas, thus ensuring the conservation of habitats that are critical to the survival of species;

73. Encourages the authorities of North Macedonia to implement stricter protection and management strategies for the habitats of endangered species, as well as for the species themselves, particularly the Balkan lynx, including rigorous enforcement of laws against wildlife crimes, specifically illegal killing and poaching, to safeguard biodiversity;

74. Welcomes North Macedonia’s continued cooperation with Kosovo and Albania regarding the transboundary Sharr Mountains National Park; encourages North Macedonia to intensify and speed up collaborative efforts with its neighbouring countries to designate transboundary protected areas and establish coherent transboundary management plans;

75. Stresses the need to tackle financial challenges faced by national parks to improve various aspects, including human resources and overall management, with the aim of strengthening their role in biodiversity conservation, providing recreational opportunities and supporting local economies;

76. Welcomes the progress made in the construction of Corridors VIII and X of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) and commends the completion of the Kriva Palanka–Dlabochica–Stracin expressway; urges, however, the authorities of North Macedonia to step up their efforts to prioritise sustainable transport and upgrade energy infrastructure work towards integration in European networks and regional connectivity as well as to address persistent delays in the development of critical infrastructure, including through bilateral negotiations; calls on the Commission to assist in these efforts where needed;

77. Calls for additional efforts to accelerate progress on all priority sections of the core network for both rail and road, including by increasing the number of border crossings wherever possible; notes the strategic importance of Corridor VIII for the EU’s and NATO’s geostrategic autonomy, serving as a key logistics route along NATO’s southern flank;

Regional cooperation and foreign policy

78. Welcomes North Macedonia’s valuable and significant contributions to regional cooperation and stability via its engagement in regional economic and diplomatic initiatives such as the Berlin Process, the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and the implementation of common regional market agreements, underlining the importance of their inclusiveness;

79. Welcomes the country’s commitment to nurturing good neighbourly relations and acknowledges its role as a model for the peaceful resolution of bilateral disputes through dialogue and mutual understanding; emphasises, in this regard, the importance of full implementation of international agreements with tangible results in good faith by all sides, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Treaty of friendship, good neighbourliness and cooperation with Bulgaria; calls for consistent commitment to dialogue and cooperation with neighbouring countries to strengthen regional stability and foster mutual trust; calls for the further promotion of people-to-people contacts across south-eastern Europe;

80. Expresses concern about the so-called ‘Serbian world’ project and that some representatives of the Government of North Macedonia have been advocating and promoting this concept; condemns the participation in meetings that attempt to establish a sphere of influence undermining the sovereignty of other countries and the stability of the region;

81. Recalls the need to open up Yugoslav secret service archives (UDBA and KOS), kept in both North Macedonia and Serbia; emphasises the need to open these archives region-wide to deal with the totalitarian past in a transparent way, with a view to strengthening democracy, accountability and institutions in the Western Balkans;

82. Welcomes North Macedonia’s continued commitment to Euro-Atlantic security; commends North Macedonia’s active role in the OSCE, in particular its chairmanship of the OSCE in 2023 in a complex geopolitical environment, and substantial contributions to EU crisis management missions and military operations; commends the country’s alignment with the EU’s foreign, security and defence policy, including its clear-cut response to Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine by aligning with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia and Belarus and providing support to Ukraine; welcomes the signing of a security and defence partnership with the EU in 2024;

83. Regrets, however, that North Macedonia, was the only country in the Western Balkans to abstain on the European resolution on Ukraine in the UN General Assembly in February 2025 and instead co-sponsored the US resolution, alongside countries such as Georgia and Hungary, representing a negative signal regarding North Macedonia’s alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy and with the collective European commitment to upholding peace, international law and democratic principles;

84. Acknowledges North Macedonia’s NATO membership as a significant geostrategic contribution to regional security and Euro-Atlantic stability, including through the country’s active participation in NATO missions and operations and its strategic role in fostering peace and cooperation in the Western Balkans, as well as through the ongoing modernisation of its armed forces and reforms in the fields of crisis management, critical infrastructure and cyber defence; highlights the fact that NATO membership strengthens North Macedonia’s defence capabilities, enhances security coordination with EU and NATO allies, and serves as a deterrent against external destabilisation efforts; encourages North Macedonia to deepen cooperation with the EU and NATO on countering hybrid threats, including through cybersecurity coordination, joint disinformation tracking and resilience-building, and to pursue its efforts to deter external destabilisation attempts; encourages North Macedonia to continue its investment in defence modernisation and alignment with NATO strategic priorities in order to further solidify its role as a reliable security partner;

85. Welcomes the agreement concluded at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana on reduced roaming costs; calls, in this respect, on the authorities, private actors and all stakeholders to facilitate achieving the agreed targets of a substantial reduction of data roaming charges between the Western Balkans and the EU and further reductions leading to prices close to the domestic prices by 2027; welcomes the entering into force of the first phase of implementation of the roadmap for roaming between the Western Balkans and the EU;

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86. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the President of the European Council, the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, and the President, Government and Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia.

(1)	OJ L 84, 20.3.2004, p. 13, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/2004/239(2)/oj.
(2)	OJ L 330, 20.9.2021, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/1529/oj.
(3)	OJ L, 2024/1449, 24.5.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1449/oj.
(4)	OJ C 202, 28.5.2021, p. 86.
(5)	Regulation (EU) 2024/1083 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a common framework for media services in the internal market and amending Directive 2010/13/EU (European Media Freedom Act) (OJ L, 2024/1083, 17.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1083/oj).
(6)	Directive (EU) 2024/1069 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 on protecting persons who engage in public participation from manifestly unfounded claims or abusive court proceedings (‘Strategic lawsuits against public participation’) (OJ L, 2024/1069, 16.4.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/1069/oj).

MIL OSI Europe News –

July 12, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Blas Festival 2025 to light up the Highlands

Source: Scotland – Highland Council

One of the most anticipated events in the Highland cultural calendar, Blas Festival, returns this September with an electrifying programme of traditional music, Gaelic celebration, and community events across the Highlands and Islands.

Running from 5th – 13th September, the 2025 edition of Blas will feature some of the finest traditional musicians from Scotland and Ireland, including acclaimed artists Julie Fowlis, Duncan Chisholm, James Duncan Mackenzie, Lauren MacColl, Mischa Macpherson, Norrie MacIver, Gaelic supergroup Dàimh, and the internationally celebrated Flook, among many others. A world-first will also feature in the festival finale: Aon Ghuth / One Voice, the first Gaelic Makaton choir, will take to the stage alongside some of Gaeldom’s finest Gaelic singers, Arthur Cormack, Jenna Cumming and Ruairidh Gray.

Organised by Fèisean nan Gàidheal in partnership with The Highland Council, Blas, now a cornerstone of the Highland cultural calendar, is a dynamic celebration of Gaelic culture, bringing world-class performances to local venues, from village halls to arts centres, ensuring communities of all sizes can take part in this rich cultural experience. This year, the festival will host around 25 concerts and cèilidhs, with a strong focus on collaboration and partnerships with small arts organisations throughout the region.

Calum Alex Macmillan, Chief Executive, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, commented: “Blas Festival 2025 continues our proud tradition of celebrating Gaelic language, music, and heritage across the Highlands. From Ardross to Ardgour, and Strathy to Staffin, we’re bringing people together through cultural connection, music and creativity.”

Since its modest beginnings in 2004, with just three venues in Strontian, Clashmore, and Strathpeffer, Blas has delivered over 1350 events featuring 5,550 performers and welcoming an audience of more than 130,000. It has contributed at least £8.4m to the local economy since it began.

A standout event in this year’s programme is An Treas Suaile, presented by Highland fiddler Duncan Chisholm and renowned Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis. This moving performance shares the stories of those lost in the Iolaire tragedy, combining music and visuals in a powerful tribute. An Treas Suaile gives the audience a powerful insight into the disaster, when in the early hours of New Year’s Day 1919, more than 200 servicemen returning from the First World War drowned when their boat sank at the entrance to Stornoway Harbour. Originally commissioned by An Lanntair in Stornoway to mark the 100th anniversary of the disaster,  this poignant work will be performed in Ullapool and also in Kyle, a community closely linked to the tragedy.

Julie Fowlis said “Working on creating a commemorative piece about the Iolaire tragedy has been the most profoundly moving project for both Duncan and I. Since the original commission of An Treas Suaile (The Third Wave) in 2018, ahead of the 100 year commemoration, we have continued to research the stories of the men who were onboard the Iolaire, the ship which sank desperately close to Lewis shores in the early hours of January 1st, 1919. This event will be an evening of conversation with music and song from our original production.”

Celebrating the cultural bridge between Scotland and Ireland, Irish musicians Bláithínn MhicCanna, Piaras O Lorcain & Lauren Ni Nèill will join Lauren MacColl for special concerts in Dunvegan and Arisaig, after joining Lewis piper James Duncan Mackenzie in Ardross and Carrbridge. Festival favourites Dàimh will energise audiences in Tomatin and Glenelg, and Flook will bring their virtuosic sound to Resolis and Golspie.

Members of the popular band, Trail West, will help celebrate the 25th anniversary of Fèis Air an Oir in Strathy and Blas 2025 will also feature cèilidhs, tradition bearer celebrations, and birthday tributes, plus musical and drama visits to local primary schools, making it a festival for all ages and tastes.

The 21st Blas Festival will be wrapped up with a spectacular celebration of Gaelic music, song, and heritage.

The finale features renowned Gaelic singer Arthur Cormack, performing with his sons Ruairidh and Iain, alongside vocalists Jenna Cumming, Alice Macmillan and Ruairidh Gray, in what will be a powerful showcase of Gaelic song.

They’ll be joined by a stellar house band led by Musical Director Ingrid Henderson, with Iain MacFarlane, Angus Nicolson, and Eamon Doorley, plus a string quartet led by Lochaber’s Helena Rose.

Opening the evening will be Aon Ghuth / One Voice, the world’s first Gaelic Makaton choir, blending Gaelic song with Makaton signs to empower individuals with additional needs through music. The not-to-be-missed final concert will also feature the first live performance of Mike Vass’s 2020 Blas Festival commission, Air Falbh ann am Bàta, originally created during lockdown and now brought to life by a group of young Fèis musicians, using material from the Tobar an Dualchais archives.

Calum Alex continues: “This year’s programme highlights our commitment to youth engagement, with a Blas Festival first from ‘Aon Ghuth / One Voice’ and several Fèisean participant performances. Many will be performing in a professional setting for the first time, showcasing the talent and passion of the next generation.”

Cllr Drew Millar, Chair of Highland Council Gaelic Committee, said: “The Blas Festival is a key annual feature of the cultural calendar, and The Highland Council is delighted to continue supporting it.

“Gaelic and traditional music are not only important socially and culturally, but also economically – the festival has made a tremendous contribution to Highland communities over the years, and the 2025 event will build on the success of previous festivals. Once again we’ll see the best of Gaelic traditional music, reflecting the huge amounts of talent we have and the work that goes in to provide opportunities for musicians throughout Highland. Audiences across the area will enjoy an excellent programme of events and I wish all involved every success.”

The full programme of events can be found at www.blas.scot along with details of how to purchase tickets. Stay up to date with all the latest gig and artist news on the Blas Festival social media accounts, @blasfestival.

Released by Katie Mackenzie PR

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Fèis Bhlais 2025: prògram-ciùil sònraichte agus gàirdeachas ann an coimhearsnachdan air feadh na Gàidhealtachd

Diardaoin 10  Iuchar 2025, Tillidh aon de na tachartasan cultarail as aithnichte air a’ Ghàidhealtachd, Fèis Bhlais, san t-Sultain, le prògram fìor bheòthail de cheòl traidiseanta agus tachartasan coimhearsnachd a nì gàirdeachas air cultar na Gàidhlig.

Bidh cuid den luchd-ciùil as fheàrr à Alba is Èirinn rin cluinntinn aig Blas eadar 5mh – 13mh den t-Sultainn. Bidh Julie Fowlis, Donnchadh Siosalach , Seamus D MacCoinnich, Lauren NicColla, Mischa Nic a’ Phearsain, Norrie MacIomhair, an còmhlan-ciùil cliùiteach Dàimh, agus Flook – còmhlan a tha aithnichte air feadh an t-saoghail- a-measg na bhios a’ nochdadh. Bidh Aon Ghuth / One Voice- a’ chiad chòisir Ghàidhlig anns an t-saoghal a bhios a’ cur feum air “Makanta” fhad ’s a tha iad a’ seinn- a’ nochdadh aig cuirm-chiùil deireannach na Fèise, a bharrachd air feadhainn de na seinneadairean Gàidhealach as ainmeile a th’ ann, a leithid Art MacCarmaig, Jenna Chuimeanach agus Ruairidh Gray.

Tha Fèis Bhlais ga h-ullachadh le Fèisean nan Gàidheal ann an co-bhann le Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd, agus tha i na clach-bhunait ann am prògram-ealain na sgìre. Bidh fèill mhòr air cultar na Gàidhlig ann an coimhearsnachdan air feadh na Gàidhealtachd ri a linn, is sàr thachartasan gan cur air dòigh ann an tallaichean-coimhearsnachd agus ionadan-ealain. Mar seo, thèid a dhearbhadh gum faigh daoine às gach ceàrn cothrom air na tachartasan beairteach, cultarail. Thèid mu 25 cuirmean agus cèilidhean a chur air dòigh mar phàirt den fhèis tro co-obrachadh le buidhnean-ealain beaga.

Thuirt Calum Ailig Macmhaoilein, Ceannard Fèisean nan Gàidheal, “Tha Fèis Bhlais 2025 a’ leantainn a’ chleachdaidh a th’ againn de bhith a’ dèanamh gàirdeachas air ar cànan, ceòl is dualchas Gàidhealach air feadh na Gàidhealtachd. Thathas a’ toirt dhaoine cruinn còmhla tro cheangalaichean cultarail, ceòl is cruthachalachd, eadar Àird Rois agus Àird Ghobhar, Srathaidh agus Stafainn.”

Thòisich Blas ann an 2004 agus gun ach trì ionadan an sàs, ann an Sròn an t-Sìthein,  A’ Chlais Mhòr agus Srath Pheofhair. Bhon uair sin chaidh 1,350 tachartas a chumail le 5,550 neach-ciùil is neach-ealain gan taisbeanadh air beulaibh 130,000 de luchd-èisteachd, agus chaidh £8.4 millean a chur ris an eaconamaidh ri a linn.

’S e An Treas Suaile aon de na tachartasan as motha a ghlacas aire am-bliadhna sa, agus a th’ air a thaisbeanadh leis an fhìdhlear Ghàidhealach Donnchadh Siosalach agus an seinneadair ainmeil Julie Fowlis. Thèid ceòl agus ìomhaighean a chur gu feum tron chuirm ioma-mheadhanach shònraichte seo, gus sgeulachdan iadsan a chaill am beatha ann am mòr-thubaist Na h-Iolaire a chur an cèill gu faireachail, cumhachdach. Gheibh an luchd-èisteachd fios is faireachdainn air an sgrios a chaidh a dhèanamh nuair a chaidh còrr agus 200 saighdear eileanach a mharbhadh oidhche na bliadhn’ ùire 1919, is iad air an slighe dhachaigh bhon Chiad Chogadh Mhòr nuair a chaidh an long a bha gan giùlan air na creagan aig beul caladh Steòrnabhaigh, gun ach beagan shlatan bhon dachaigh. Chaidh an obair seo a choimiseanadh sa chiad dol a-mach leis An Lanntair gus an 100mh ceann-bliadhna den tubaist a chomharrachadh, agus thèid a thaisbeanadh am-bliadhna sa ann an Ulapul agus cuideachd anns A’ Chaol, coimhearsnachd le ceangal ris an tubaist.

Thuirt Julie Fowlis, “Thug e buaidh mhòr orm fhèin is Donnchadh a bhith ag obair air cuirm a chomharrachadh tubaist Na h-Iolaire. Bhon chaidh An Treas Suaile a choimiseanadh sa chiad dol a-mach ann an 2018 gus 100 bliadhna bhon thachair an tubaist a chomharrachadh, tha sinn air leantainn le ar cuid-rannsachaidh air sgeulachdan nam fear a bh’ air bòrd Na h-Iolaire, a chaidh air na creagan cho buileach uabhasach faisg air caladh Steòrnabhaigh, 1mh den Fhaoilleach 1919. ’S i oidhche de chòmhradh a bhios ann, a bharrachd air ceòl agus òrain bhon choimisean.”

Bidh luchd-ciùil Èireannach Bláithínn MhicCanna, Piaras Ó Lorcáin & Lauren Ni Nèill a’ cluich còmhla-ri Lauren NicColla aig cuirmean-ciùil sònraichte ann an Dùn Bheagain agus Àrasaig is iad a’ dèanamh subhachas air ar cultar Gàidhealach co-roinnte, agus bidh am pìobaire Leòdhasach Seumas D MacCoinnich nan cuideachd ann an Àird Rois agus Drochaid Chàrr. Cuiridh luchd-èisteachd anns An Tom Aitinn agus Gleann Eilg fàilte air còmhlan a tha mion-eòlach air Fèis Bhlas agus air a bheil fèill mhòr, Dàimh, agus bidh an ceòl sàr-bhuadhach aig Flook ri chluinntinn ann an Resolis agus Goillspidh. Bidh buill bhon chòmhlan-chiùil iomraiteach, Trail West, a’ comharrachadh 25 bliadhna de dh’Fhèis air an Oir ann an Srathaidh, agus a bharrachd air sin bidh cèilidhean, cuirmean a’ comharrachadh sheanchaidhean ionadail agus cinn-bhliadhna shònraichte, agus bùitean-obrach dràma is ciùil ann am bun-sgoiltean. Mar sin, ’s i fèis don h-uile duine, sean is òg, a bhios innte. Thèid crìoch a chur air an 21mh Fèis Bhlais le cuirm-deiridh anabrrach, leis an t-seinneadair Ghàidhlig chliùiteach, Art MacCarmaig, agus a chuid mhac, Ruairidh agus Iain, cuide ri Jenna Chuimeanach, Alice Nic a’ Mhaoilein agus Ruairidh Gray, ann an taisbeanadh de dh’òrain Ghàidhlig gun choimeas.

Bidh an còmhlan-taighe air a stiùireadh le sàr stiùiriche-ciùil Ingrid NicEanraig, agus bidh Iain MacPhàrlain, Aonghas MacNeacail agus Eamonn Doorley na cuideachd, a bharrachd air còmhlan-ceathrair a bhios a’ seinn innealan-ciùil teudach agus air an stiùireadh le Helena Rose à Loch Abar. ’S iad Aon Ghuth / One Voice a chuireas a’ chuirm gu dol. ’S iad a’ chiad chòisir Ghàidhlig anns an t-saoghal a bhios a’ cur feum air “Makanta” fhad ’s a tha iad a’ seinn gus cothrom nas fheàrr a thoirt do dhaoine le feumalachdan a bharrachd a dhol an sàs ann an ceòl. Bidh cothrom aig an luchd-èisteachd Air Falbh ann am Bàta a chluinntinn beò airson a’ chiad turais cuideachd. Chaidh an ceòl seo a dhèanamh le Mike Vass mar phàirt de choimisean Fèis Bhlais 2020, ri linn a’ ghlasaidh-shluaigh. Chaidh clàraidhean bho Thobar an Dualchais a chur gu feum, agus chaidh a chluich le òigridh bho na Fèisean.

Thuirt Calum Ailig, “Tha prògram na bliadhna sa a’ dearbhadh ar dealais ann a bhith a’ toirt chothroman don òigridh, le Aon Ghuth / One Voice a’ nochdadh airson a’ chiad triop, a bharrachd air com-pàirtichean bho Fhèisean air feadh na dùthcha a’ gabhail pàirt ann an grunn tachartasan. B’ e seo a’ chiad chothrom dha grunnan dhiubh a bhith a’ cluich ann an suidheachadh proifeiseanta, agus a’ taisbeanadh an cuid thàlaint agus dìoghrais.”

Thuirt an comhairliche Drew Millar, Cathraiche Comataidh Gàidhlig Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd,  “Tha Fèis Bhlais na chlach-bhunait anns a’ phrògram chultarail gach bliadhna agus tha Comhairle na Gàidhealtachd air a dòigh taic a chumail rithe a-rithist.

“Chan ann a-mhàin gu bheil a’ Ghàidhlig agus ceòl traidiseanta cudromach dha ar beatha-sòisealta agus cultar air a’ Ghàidhealtachd, ach cuideachd a thaobh na h-eaconamaidh. Tha an fhèis air an t-uabhas a chur ri coimhearsnachdan air feadh na Gàidhealtachd thar nam bliadhnaichean, agus nì Fèis Bhlais 2025 leudachadh air sin.

“Thèid an ceòl Gàidhealach as fheàrr a thaisbeanadh a-rithist, agus tha an fhèis na comharra air an uiread de thàlant a th’ againn a bharrachd air an t-saothair an lùib cothroman a thoirt do luchd-ciùil air feadh na Gàidhealtachd. Mealaidh luchd-èisteachd bho gach ceàrn den sgìre sàr phrògram de thachartasan agus tha mi a’ guidhe gach soirbheachas dhan h-uile duine a tha an sàs.”

Lorgar am prògram slàn aig www.blas.scot a bharrachd air mar a cheannaichear tiocaidean. Gheibhear am fiosrachadh as ùire mu chuirmean-ciùil agus luchd-ealain air meadhanan-sòisealta Fèis Bhlais, @blasfestival.

Released by Katie Mackenzie PR

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 07/11/2025 Blackburn, Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Protect Americans from Violent Criminals
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) and U.S. Representative David Kustoff (R-Tenn.) introduced the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act, which would reinstate an important tool for prosecutors to seek enhanced penalties against violent, repeat offenders:

“Violent, repeat offenders have no business being back on our streets,” said Senator Blackburn.“We’ve seen the heartbreaking consequences of rewarding repeat offenders with the freedom to victimize more law-abiding Americans. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would empower prosecutors to keep dangerous felons behind bars and prevent future tragedies.”

“Violent, repeat criminals should be behind bars, not roaming the streets threatening law-abiding citizens,” said Senator Cotton. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will give back federal prosecutors the tool they need to lock up hardened, repeat offenders.”
“Career criminals are a danger to our citizens and our communities,” said Representative Kustoff. “The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will reinstate a critical tool that allows prosecutors to seek tougher penalties for violent career criminals. I appreciate Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Tom Cotton for their work on this important bill.”

BACKGROUND

The Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA), which became law in 1984, requires a minimum 15-year prison sentence for felons convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm who have three prior state or federal convictions for violent felonies or serious drug offenses, which must have been committed on three different occasions. These are the worst-of-the worst, career criminals.

The ACCA defines serious drug offenses as those punishable by imprisonment for 10 years or more. It defines violent felonies as those:

That have an element of threat, attempt, or use of physical force against another person;

That involve burglary, arson, or extortion; or

That constitute crimes similar to burglary, arson, or extortion under what is known as the ACCA’s “residual clause.” This is any crime that otherwise involves conduct that presents a serious potential risk of physical injury to another person.

In 2015, the Supreme Court in Johnson v. United States declared the residual clause unconstitutionally vague and thus effectively void.

Many criminals were sentenced under the ACCA and their premature release following the Johnson decision resulted in tragic consequences.

In 2016, Cornelius Spencer, a gang member with nine felony convictions—including drug trafficking, aggravated assault, and robbery—was released a full five years before his sentence was up. In 2018, he was charged with raping two Arkansans, including a 62-year-old woman and a 21-year-old autistic, homeless man. These crimes would never have occurred if Spencer had not been prematurely released.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has labeled Memphis, Tennessee, as the “homicide capital of America.”

Memphis leads the United States in homicides per capita.

o The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would give federal prosecutors in Memphis the tools they need to keep violent criminals behind bars.

THE RESTORING THE ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL ACT

The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act would do away with the concepts of “violent felony” and “serious drug offense” and replace them with a single category of “serious felony.” The bill defines “serious felony” as any crime punishable by 10 years or more.

By defining “serious felony” solely based on the potential term of imprisonment, the bill would address the vagueness issue and remove any discretion or doubt about which offenses qualify.

Importantly, the bill would give federal prosecutors an additional tool to go after the most dangerous, career criminals and would not apply to low-level offenders.

Click here for bill text.

ENDORSEMENTS

The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act is endorsed by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Association of Police Organizations, and the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition:

“I am grateful for Congressman Kustoff and Senator Blackburn’s leadership on this important legislation that ensures serious federal time for dangerous criminals. Career criminals with guns put our communities at risk. This legislation restores prosecutors’ ability to seek appropriate enhanced penalties for dangerous repeat offenders while ensuring the law meets constitutional standards. This common-sense approach will keep violent criminals off our streets,” said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

“Senator Blackburn’s Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will empower federal prosecutors to target Memphis’ most dangerous career criminals, delivering a much-needed boost in tackling Memphis’ crime challenge. Her relentless focus on Shelby County’s safety will help us restore law and order. As I work to Make Memphis Matter, Senator Blackburn’s partnership ensures we’ll Make Memphis Safe Again,” said Tennessee State Senator Brent Taylor.

“This bill empowers law enforcement and the justice system to better protect the public—especially at a time when some of our nation’s cities are still struggling to bring down violent crime rates. The Fraternal Order of Police firmly stands behind this effort to bring clarity, consistency, and safety back to our neighborhoods,” said Patrick Yoes, the Fraternal Order of Police National President.

“Congress passed the Armed Career Criminal Act in 1984 to protect our nation’s communities from the most dangerous violent criminals. Unfortunately, this important law was essentially voided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2015 due to part of the definition of “violent felony” being unconstitutionally vague, taking away an important tool that law enforcement used to get the worst career criminals off our streets. The Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act will fix and restore the Act, giving law enforcement and prosecutors back a significant resource in the fight against violent crime. We thank Senator Blackburn for her leadership and support,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director of the National Association of Police Organizations.

“The National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC) strongly supports the Restoring the Armed Career Criminal Act, led by Senator Blackburn and Congressman Kustoff, because it gives law enforcement and prosecutors the tools they need to keep communities safe. Violent, repeat offenders continue to drive much of the serious crime in our neighborhoods, and this legislation ensures they can be effectively identified and prosecuted. By clearly defining serious felonies, the bill strengthens our ability to focus federal resources where they’re most needed. We appreciate Senator Blackburn and Congressman Kustoff’s leadership on this important public safety measure,” said Eric Brown, President of the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition.

RELATED
MIL OSI USA News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Gillibrand, Collins And Reps. Castro, Ciscomani Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill To Strengthen Early Childhood Education Workforce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Susan Collins (R-ME) reintroduced the Head Start for Our Future Act, bipartisan legislation that would make child development and early education jobs eligible as community services under the Federal Work-Study program. By allowing schools to offer students opportunities working in child development and early learning services, this bill would enable students attending college and universities to get firsthand experience in one of the most important jobs in the country – educating our nation’s youngest minds. This bill will also help alleviate ongoing staffing shortages in the early childhood education workforce. Representatives Joaquin Castro (D-TX-20) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Head Start is an investment in our future that helps make sure that every child has the support and services they need to thrive,” said Senator Gillibrand. “My Head Start for Our Future Act would help build the robust workforce needed to support early childhood development, while empowering college students to gain valuable hands-on experience and make a real contribution in their communities. I look forward to working to get this important legislation across the finish line.”

“By further integrating college students into Head Start and Early Head Start programs, we not only help create opportunities for those students, but also provide a stronger foundation for the early development and education of future generations,” said Senator Collins. “This bipartisan bill aims to empower students to make meaningful contributions in their communities, while better ensuring that more children receive a quality introduction to the world of learning.”

“We can strengthen the infrastructure of opportunity for future generations by expanding the Federal Work-Study program to improve educational outcomes for young children and build a stronger pipeline of future teachers,” said Congressman Castro. “The Head Start for Our Future Act will help university students earn real-world, paid experience as early childhood educators, benefiting both our children and those who teach them.”

“As a dad of six, I fully understand the critical role early childhood development programs play in the lives of students and families,” said Congressman Ciscomani. “Arizona has 22 Head Start programs across 500 locations and they have proven to be essential to opening the doors of opportunity and helping our kids realize their dreams. The Head Start for Our Future Act builds on that track record of success by improving the early educator pipeline and empowering university students to gain hands-on experience as early childhood education teachers in the real world. This bill will be a game changer.”

Head Start and Early Head Start provide comprehensive child development programs and support services for low-income children, including early education, health screenings, social and emotional health services, nutrition services, and services for children with disabilities. The bill is endorsed by the National Head Start Association, the School Superintendents Association, and Association of Educational Service Agencies.

“The Head Start for Our Future Act takes an important step toward strengthening the early childhood education workforce by providing an opportunity for college students to gain direct, hands-on experience in Head Start and other early learning settings,” said Yasmina Vinci, Executive Director of the National Head Start Association. “By expanding Federal Work-Study to include child development and early learning, including Head Start, this legislation helps build a stronger pipeline of skilled educators, supports students pursuing meaningful careers, and addresses staffing shortages that impact children and families nationwide, advancing a solution that helps ensure continued access to high-quality early learning in communities across the country.”

Read the full text of the Head Start for Our Future Act here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $20 Million In Federal Funding For 16 Airports Across New York State

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

Major Projects Include Over $6 Million For Long Island’s Republic Airport And Over $5 Million For Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, announced $21,155,843 in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across New York State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and will help fund projects that strengthen safety measures, modernize terminals, and enhance passenger experience at New York’s airports.

“Keeping our airports in top-notch state is crucial for traveler safety and attracting business and tourism across New York State. Our regional airports are a gateway for commerce, tourism and are vital connectors for residents and visitors. This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “As Americans across the country have grown more concerned about aviation safety, I’ve fought hard to boost the Airport Improvement Program so our local airports in NY have the resources they need to maintain the highest safety standards. This significant federal investment will help make much-needed improvements so our local economies take off.”

“From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel. It’s vital that every airport has the resources it needs to provide a safe and comfortable experience for anyone who travels through our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to announce more than $21 million for airport projects that will deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort. I look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have and will continue fighting for more federal funding to support the upgrades that airports across the country desperately need.”

A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

Region	Recipient	Project Description	Award
Central New York	Oswego County Airport	Reconstructs existing runway signage and rehabilitates existing runway lighting. Additionally, reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system	$76,950
Finger Lakes	Ithaca Tompkins International Airport	Acquires new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment	$128,144
Finger Lakes	Ithaca Tompkins International Airport	Replaces existing snow removal equipment	$1,091,037
Finger Lakes	Penn Yan Airport	Rehabilitates 3,561 feet of existing paved runway and existing runway lighting	$271,700
Finger Lakes	Penn Yan Airport	Replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life	$507,300
Finger Lakes	Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport	Rehabilitates existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building	$703,440
Finger Lakes	Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport	Removes airport trees identified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration	$256,122
Finger Lakes	Le Roy Airport	Removes 8 acres of trees and other facilities, installs lights, identifies obstructions and brings the airport into conformity with current standards	$469,225
Long Island	Republic Airport	Reconstructs an existing gate and rehabilitates existing runway	$6,508,930
North Country	Lake Placid Airport	Reconstructs 1,100 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and rehabilitates an additional 5,600 square yards of existing General Aviation Apron pavement	$156,037
North Country	Lake Placid Airport	Replaces existing snow removal equipment	$270,154
North Country	Massena International Airport	Replaces existing snow removal equipment	$253,518
North Country	Plattsburgh International Airport	Acquires new snow removal equipment	$1,110,797
North Country	Ogdensburg International Airport	Terminal expansion	$476,968
North Country	Ogdensburg International Airport	Conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment and develops a wildlife hazard management plan	$181,174
Southern Tier	Greater Binghamton Airport	Reconstructs 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting	$1,300,000
Southern Tier	Corning–Painted Post Airport	Rehabilitates 3,269 feet of existing paved runway	$731,951
Western New York	Jamestown Airport	Reconstructs the existing terminal lighting and 13,900 square yards of the existing pavement	$201,400
Western New York	Buffalo Niagara International Airport	Rehabilitates existing taxiway pavement and lighting	$5,680,000
Western New York	Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport	Updates the existing airport master plan study	$386,272
Western New York	Akron Jesson Field	Conducts an initial pavement survey and develops a new pavement management plan	$394,724

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Budd Joins Risch to Introduce Bill Banning Radical Gender Ideology in K-12 Schools

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) in introducing the Say No to Indoctrination Act to codify President Trump’s executive order preventing taxpayer dollars from funding radical gender ideology in K-12 schools.

“For far too long, radical left-wing ideology has preyed on K-12 students in our nation’s school systems. It’s high time we put a stop to these woke lesson plans that take advantage of children and undermine parental rights. I am proud to join Senator Risch and my colleagues to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding public schools that teach gender ideology,” said Senator Budd.

“Schools should prepare our children for the future, not promote radical gender ideology. The Say No to Indoctrination Act puts an end to woke education practices in K-12 schools and makes President Trump’s common-sense policy permanent,” said Senator Risch.

The bill was also co-sponsored by Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

The Say No to Indoctrination Act has received support from Concerned Women for America and American Principles Project.

Read the full bill text HERE.

BACKGROUND

The Say No to Indoctrination Act codifies the Executive Order President Trump issued on January 20, 2025, declaring that no taxpayer dollars be sent to K-12 schools that teach or promote radical gender ideology.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets UK Counterpart

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday, saying that under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, bilateral relations have embarked on the right track of improvement and development.

Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said the two sides should return to the original intentions of the strategic partnership, grasp the general trend of win-win cooperation, adhere to the principle of mutual respect, properly manage differences and live up to the expectations of all circles in the two countries.

Recalling that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II, the Chinese diplomat stressed that as co-authors of the post-war world order and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the UK should also jointly fulfill their international obligations, safeguard the fruits of that victory, uphold the free trade system and make new contributions to world peace and development.

D. Lammy, in turn, said that the current trends of improvement and development of British-Chinese relations are positive, and exchanges at all levels are becoming more frequent. The diplomat added that the British side expects further strengthening of communication with the PRC, the adoption of more significant measures and the promotion of cooperation in such areas as the economy and trade.

The UK Foreign Secretary assured that the UK adheres to the one-China policy and is committed to developing stable and mature relations with China.

The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional hot spots such as the Iranian nuclear issue and the Ukrainian crisis. –0–

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.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China to more actively promote further development of comprehensive strategic partnership with Australia: Chinese Foreign Minister

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) — China hopes to more actively promote the China-Australia comprehensive strategic partnership, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Friday.

Wang Yi said China is willing to work with Australia to prepare for the next stage of high-level exchanges, maintain the momentum of improving bilateral relations, and properly manage differences between the two countries.

The Chinese Foreign Minister made the remarks during a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong in the Malaysian capital on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and other meetings.

As Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, noted, over the past three years, China-Australia relations have stabilized, returned to normal and achieved positive results.

According to the Chinese diplomat, this proves that if the two countries adhere to the correct positioning of partnership, interstate relations can develop steadily and continuously produce results.

The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that Australia’s rational and pragmatic policy towards China meets the interests of both countries and is in line with the trends of the times.

P. Wong, for her part, said Australia was committed to developing positive and pragmatic relations with China.

Both sides are making every effort to prepare for high-level exchanges and hope to achieve positive results, she continued, adding that dialogue and cooperation between Australia and China in trade, tourism and other fields have consistently made progress, and people-to-people exchanges have become more active.

P. Wong assured that Australia remains firmly committed to the one-China policy and does not support “Taiwan independence”.

She said Australia looks forward to frank communication with China and deepening cooperation to promote sustainable and positive development of interstate relations.

P. Wong noted that Australia supports the central role of ASEAN and is committed to upholding regional peace and stability.

The sides also exchanged views on issues such as the South China Sea and the Ukrainian crisis. –0–

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.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Strongly Condemns Resumption of Houthi Attacks on Civilian Vessels Transiting Red Sea

Source: United Nations 4

SG/SM/22724

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General strongly condemns the resumption of Houthi attacks on civilian vessels transiting the Red Sea, especially the attacks that took place over 6 to 8 July.

The sinking of both the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity C, along with the deaths of at least four crew members and injuries to others, is a dangerous re-escalation in this critical waterway. With at least 15 crew members reported missing, he calls on the Houthis not to take any actions that impede the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing crew. Beyond being an unacceptable attack on the safety and security of seafarers, these acts also violated the freedom of navigation, caused a hazard to maritime transport and represent a serious risk of a significant environmental, economic and humanitarian damage to an already vulnerable coastal environment.

The Secretary-General emphasizes that international law must be respected by all parties at all times. He also underscores that UN Security Council resolution 2768 (2025) related to Houthi attacks against merchant and commercial vessels must be fully respected.

The United Nations remains committed to continuing its efforts towards broader de-escalation in the region as well as continued engagement with Yemeni, regional and international actors to secure a sustainable and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen.

For information media. Not an official record.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Top track stars race to Edmonton
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
Olympic-level athletes, coaches and officials will take to the track at the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 13. With athletes from 15 countries travelling to Edmonton’s Foote Field, the invitational is expected to bring more than 3,000 spectators and generate about $1.1 million for Edmonton’s economy as participants book hotels, shop and dine at local businesses and restaurants.

Through the Major Sport Event grant program, Alberta’s government is supporting the Edmonton Athletics Invitational with $150,000 in funding. This grant program provides financial assistance to support organizations in planning and hosting national and international sporting events in Alberta. Hosting major sporting events like these helps highlight Alberta’s reputation as a premier destination for major sport events.

“I’m thrilled to welcome athletes from Alberta, across Canada and around the world to the Edmonton Athletics Invitational. Hosting this event in our backyard offers Albertans a chance to see elite competition up close. I will be cheering on our Albertan athletes as they pursue success on the World Athletics Silver Continental Tour.”

Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport

The Edmonton Athletics Invitational is the 34th stop on the World Athletics Silver Continental Tour, providing athletes with an opportunity to earn World Athletics ranking points and increased visibility. Sherwood Park’s Amanda Rummery, a Podium Alberta grant recipient, and Calgary’s Noah Vucsics – who performed at the 2023 Para Athletics World Championships and won silver in the men’s T20 long jump, setting a new Canadian record – will be among the 13 Albertan athletes competing.

Other competitors include athletes from countries around the globe such as the United States, Mexico, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Ukraine.

“We are very proud and honoured to be part of this athlete experience and to continue the rich legacy of track and field events in Edmonton. This is very exciting for the city and the Athletics community, and it showcases Alberta as a premier sporting event host in Canada. We appreciate the support from Minister Boitchenko and the MSE program.”

Jef Bailey, executive director, Athletics Alberta

Related information
- Major Sport Event Grant Program
- Edmonton Athletics Invitational
- Podium Alberta
Related news
- Alberta is set for a championship season (May 12, 2025)
MIL OSI Canada News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Norcross Joins Lawmakers in Introducing Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Journeymen Lineworkers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Donald Norcross (D-N.J.), Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), and Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) led 143 members of the House of Representatives in introducing a bipartisan resolution designating July 10 as Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day.

“As an electrician by trade, I’m proud to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick and Bresnahan in introducing a resolution to designate July 10th as Lineworkers Appreciation Day, recognizing the 120,000 lineworkers across the country who work tirelessly to power our communities,” said Congressman Norcross, co-chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus. “These men and women often work throughout the night in hazardous conditions and after natural disasters to keep America on, and they deserve to be honored for their courageous efforts.”

“Every day, lineworkers rise to the challenge – often working long hours in hazardous conditions – to keep the lights on and our communities running,” said Congresswoman Sánchez, the first woman member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) elected to Congress. “From rebuilding the grid after major storms to maintaining the systems that power our daily lives, their steadfast dedication ensures that our communities stay connected.”

“Our journeyman lineworkers are the frontline defenders of our infrastructure. They respond without hesitation – often at great personal risk – to restore the power that sustains our homes, hospitals, and economy. In Pennsylvania’s First District and across the nation, I’ve met with these dedicated men and women, listened to their concerns, and worked to ensure they have the respect, protection, and resources they deserve. This resolution is not merely symbolic – it is a formal recognition of their service and a promise to have their backs, just as they always have ours,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.

“I want to express my deep gratitude to the skilled men and women who work around the clock not only on Journeyman Lineworkers Recognition Day, but every day,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “As the former Chairman of an IBEW Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, I know firsthand the dedication lineworkers have to keeping our lights on and our communities running smoothly. I am glad to join Representatives Sánchez, Fitzpatrick, and Norcross to recognize their vital importance to our communities.”

“America’s lineworkers are heroes in every sense of the word, putting their own safety on the line day in and day out to provide the electricity that powers every aspect of our modern lives,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. “Honoring them on this day is fitting, but our gratitude for them and the work they do lasts year-round. The IBEW is proud to represent the best of the best of our nation’s lineworkers and to thank them for all they do for all of us.”

The resolution designates July 10 as National Journeyman Lineworkers Day to honor Henry Miller, the founder and first president of the IBEW. Miller began his career at age 14 as a water boy on a government telegraph project in Texas. Years later, while working as a lineman, Miller became acutely aware of the dangerous conditions and subpar wages his fellow workers faced. He traveled across the country to organize linemen and was elected as the first president of the National Brotherhood of Electrical Workers in 1891. Sadly, Miller suffered a fatal fall on July 10, 1896, while working to solve a power outage in Washington, D.C. Today, the IBEW represents one of the largest and most diverse unions in the country.

The full text of the resolution is available HERE.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ promotes Hong Kong’s unique legal advantages in Rome (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, continued his European visit in Rome, Italy, on July 10 (Rome time) to promote and strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and to promote Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems” to the local legal and business sectors.

     Mr Lam first visited UNIDROIT and had lunch with the Secretary-General of UNIDROIT, Professor Ignacio Tirado. Mr Lam thanked UNIDROIT for its support of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the secondment of local legal professionals to UNIDROIT. They also discussed opportunities for UNIDROIT to participate in the Academy’s capacity-building programme and the relevant work of organising the 2026 Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit in Hong Kong. During his visit to UNIDROIT, Mr Lam also officiated at the opening ceremony of the Asian Transnational Law Centre.

     Mr Lam then attended a seminar co-organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and UNIDROIT entitled “Hong Kong as a Gateway to the Asia Pacific” and delivered a keynote speech. Mr Lam said that, as Hong Kong is a legal hub, the DoJ has been strengthening co-operation with renowned international legal and dispute resolution organisations and securing their presence in Hong Kong. Recently, in addition to the International Organization for Mediation that will be headquartered in Hong Kong, the DoJ, with the support of the Central Government, has also been exploring with the UNIDROIT Secretariat the proposal to set up a liaison office in Hong Kong. The DoJ thanked the UNIDROIT Governing Council for their support of the proposal to be considered by the UNIDROIT General Assembly. The proposal, if passed by the General Assembly, will help promote the work of UNIDROIT in the Asia-Pacific region and further enhance Hong Kong’s position as a regional centre for international legal and dispute resolution services, Mr Lam added.

     In the evening, Mr Lam had dinner with the former Minister of Justice of Italy and recipient of the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award, Professor Oliviero Diliberto, to exchange views on issues of mutual concern.

     Mr Lam attended a networking lunch and meeting hosted by the Italy China Council Foundation and supported by the Italian confederation of small and medium private industries today (July 11, Rome time) and elaborated to local legal and business sectors Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland while being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He also learned more about the developments in local enterprises and legal services and explained to them how Hong Kong’s legal and dispute resolution services are conducive to international investment and trade.

     In the evening, Mr Lam will call on the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Italy, Mr Jia Guide, to brief him on the exchanges and co-operation between the DoJ and UNIDROIT, and the latest work progress on dispute resolution services.

     Mr Lam will leave Rome tomorrow (July 12, Rome time) and arrive in Hong Kong on the morning of July 13.



MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Texas Hill Country flooding: aerial imagery

Source: US National Ocean Service News

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Celebrating the potential and promise of the largest youth generation ever

Source: United Nations 2

Secretary-General António Guterres said empowering young people in a fair and hopeful world reaffirms the UN promise that every person has the right to make informed choices about their lives and futures.

While many young people face economic uncertainty, gender inequality, health challenges, the climate crisis and a spike in conflicts – they are still leading with courage, conscience and clarity, “calling for systems that uphold their rights and support their choices,” he said in his message.

“Let’s listen to what young people want and support them in exercising their rights, making their own choices and enjoying a hopeful future,” said Natalia Kanem, Director of the UN sexual and reproductive rights agency, formally known as the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

An inclusive future

“Young people are not just thinking about their future children – they are thinking about the world those children will inherit,” one youth activist told UNFPA.

Mr. Guterres urged countries to invest in policies that will ensure young people have access to education, healthcare, and promoting the protection of reproductive rights.

“Let us stand with young people and build a future where every person can shape their destiny in a world that is fair, peaceful and full of hope,” he said.

2025 award winners

Each year, the Committee for the UN Population Award honours an individual and/or institution in recognition of outstanding contributions to population and reproductive health questions and to their solutions.

On this World Population Day, the 2025 recipients were recognised for their groundbreaking work in empowering women and addressing critical challenges facing demographic growth.

The winner in the individual category, Varshan Deshpande who founded Dalit Mahila Vikas Mandal, tirelessly works to empower women at the community level in India, by building vocational skills, connecting them to vital resources and services, and fostering financial independence.

The winner in the institutional category, the International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP), has played a pivotal role in advancing population science and policy, notably by helping establish regional population associations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Watch our interview with Natalia Kanem who is stepping down as UNFPA’s Director after more than eight years.

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MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: July 11, 2025 Mullin, Matsui, Whitehouse, Padilla Reintroduce Legislation to Reduce Ocean Shipping Pollution, Modernize Maritime Industry Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), a member of the Committee, along with Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), reintroduced legislation aimed at… Read More

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Kevin Mullin California (15th District)

Today, U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Ranking Member on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee (EPW), and Alex Padilla (D-CA), a member of the Committee, along with Representatives Doris Matsui (D-CA-07) and Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15), reintroduced legislation aimed at reducing harmful pollution from the global shipping industry. Maritime shipping is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions around the world and a major contributor to air pollution in port communities.

Led by Senators Whitehouse and Padilla and Representatives Matsui and Mullin, the bicameral International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would decarbonize the emissions-heavy maritime shipping industry, prevent the release of criteria air pollutants in port communities, and revitalize the U.S. shipping industry. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM) and Peter Welch (D-VT) are cosponsors.

“Communities near our ports—like those in the San Francisco Bay Area—bear the brunt of pollution from ships that fuel global trade. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act ensures that the global shipping industry does its part to reduce emissions. The revenue from these pollution fees will help speed the shift to cleaner ships and healthier ports. I’m proud to partner with Congresswoman Matsui to advance this policy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis while protecting the people and places most impacted by maritime emissions,” said Congressman Kevin Mullin, who co-led reintroduction of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act in the House.

“As climate change destroys lives and drives up costs for families, we need an all-hands-on-deck approach to avoid the worst consequences for communities, businesses, and the environment,” said Ranking Member Whitehouse. “Encouragingly, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has put forward a global carbon price on shipping emissions. This legislation reinforces that work, further cutting harmful emissions while supporting the maritime innovators that are pioneering clean technologies to protect public health and can help put us on course to climate safety.”

“California’s ports are the powerhouse of our country’s economy, moving critical freight and providing good-paying jobs, all while leading the nation’s decarbonizing efforts. But neighboring communities have been forced to shoulder the brunt of global shipping pollution for too long,” said Senator Padilla. “Our legislation would strengthen the sustainability of our shipping industry by reducing emissions in maritime transportation while simultaneously protecting coastal communities. The health of our communities and our planet requires us to be forward-looking and ambitious — we owe future generations nothing less than bold, transformative action.”

“The climate crisis isn’t a distant threat. It’s here, it’s accelerating, and it’s devastating communities across our state and our country,” said Congresswoman Matsui, who co-led reintroduction of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act in the House. “We must act quickly to reduce greenhouse gases and other harmful air pollution across our economy. The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act takes decisive action to slash pollution from cargo ships and provide urgently needed investment in clean maritime technology and infrastructure. While the International Maritime Organization made history this spring by approving a global net-zero shipping framework, President Trump tried to derail negotiations and continues to block any action to fight climate change. This bill would ensure the U.S. is leading—not lagging—on climate action. As Trump and his allies double down on climate denial and fossil fuel handouts, we’re fighting back with real solutions that protect public health and the planet.”

“Investing in green transportation–both on land and at sea–is vital to tackling the climate crisis. That includes supporting clean shipping initiatives that help protect communities from harmful emissions,” said Senator Welch, a cosponsor of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act. “I’m glad to join Senator Whitehouse in introducing this bill to increase accountability for large polluters and help modernize America’s shipping fleet and port infrastructure.”

Globally, maritime shipping is a major source of climate-warming pollution, including climate-warming GHG emissions (carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) and harmful air pollutant emissions (oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and fine particulate matter). According to the International Maritime Organization 2020 GHG Study, the global shipping industry emits approximately one billion tons of GHG emissions per year, roughly three percent of total anthropogenic global-warming carbon-dioxide emissions. The study projects in future scenarios that shipping’s GHG emissions could more than double between 2018 and 2050 without action. These emissions are not only harmful for the environment, but they jeopardize the air quality and public health of the nearly 40 percent of Americans who live within three miles of a port.

Maritime shipping is the largest source of traded goods, both for the U.S. and globally. Unlike other modes of transportation (trucks, planes, etc.), marine shipping vessels rarely pay fuel taxes. Implementing a pollution fee would address this loophole while encouraging domestic manufacturing and reducing the U.S. trade deficit, which approached $1.2 trillion in 2024.

International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act

The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act would:

·        Impose a pollution fee on the largest marine vessels offloading cargo at U.S. ports, driving industry-wide decarbonization efforts and incentivizing the use and development of cleaner maritime fuels.

·        Levy a $150 per ton fee on the carbon emissions of fuel burned on an inbound trip, as well as fees for the nitrogen oxides ($6.30/lb.), sulfur dioxide ($18/lb.), and particle pollution (PM2.5) ($38.90/lb.) that ships emit. The fees would apply only to those ships with 5,000 gross tonnage or more, excluding most of the domestic industry, and the fee on carbon emissions would sunset if the IMO implemented and enforced a fee on the greenhouse gas emissions of marine shipping that was equal to or greater than the $150 per ton fee levied in the bill.

·        Provide critical funding for modernizing the Jones Act fleet with low-carbon vessels, revitalizing and electrifying U.S. shipbuilding, and addressing pollutants in America’s port communities, along our coasts, and in our oceans.

The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act has been endorsed by EV Maritime, Friends of the Earth, GreenLatinos, Ocean Conservancy, Pacific Environment, San Pedro & Peninsula Homeowners Coalition, Sierra Club, 350 Bay Area Action, and 350 Brooklyn.

Full text of the International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act is available HERE, and a one-pager is available HERE.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Signs Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act into Law
Source: US State of Missouri

JULY 11, 2025

Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill (SB) 71, containing the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act that delivers support for first responders and their families through education incentives.

“Missouri’s public safety professionals dedicate their lives to protecting our communities, and they deserve more than just our thanks—they deserve real support,” said Governor Kehoe. “SB 71 makes a meaningful investment in their futures and the futures of their families, helping ensure Missouri remains a state where service is honored, and opportunity follows sacrifice.”

SB 71, sponsored by Senator David Gregory and Representative Dave Hinman, contains provisions relating to public safety.
- Establishes the Public Safety Recruitment and Retention Act, providing financial aid to eligible public safety personnel and their dependent children to help cover the cost of college tuition and fees for certain majors.
  - Public safety personnel with at least 6 years of service and the dependent children of public safety personnel with at least ten years of service are eligible to receive 100% tuition coverage if they agree to live in Missouri until they complete their degree or for five years from the date they first receive tuition assistance.
- Authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Firemen’s Retirement System of St. Louis to also serve as the board of trustees of the St. Louis Firefighter’s Retirement Plan, which also provides retirement, disability, and death benefits for firefighters employed by the City of St. Louis.
- Strengthens penalties for burglary and motor vehicle-related crimes committed with the intent to steal, including:
  - Classifies the entrance of a vehicle with the intent to steal or commit a felony as a class D felony, which is then elevated to a class C felony if such an act is committed while in possession of a firearm or stolen firearm from the vehicle.
  - Classifies the act of unlawfully gaining entry into a motor vehicle, initiated by the lifting of a door handle or otherwise testing the doors and locks in an attempt to gain entry for the purpose of stealing, as a class A misdemeanor.
- Extends the Line of Duty Compensation Act, which provides for compensation for a public safety officer killed in the line of duty.
The bill signing took place at the St. Louis Fire Department headquarters and builds on Governor Kehoe’s commitment to public safety, workforce development, and supporting those who serve.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will implement the Public Safety Recruitment & Retention Act Scholarship. An application and specific verifying documentation will be required to be considered for this scholarship. The department will continue to update its website with additional information as it becomes available.

For more information on the legislation and additional provisions signed into law, visit house.mo.gov and senate.mo.gov. Photos from the bill signing will be uploaded to Governor Kehoe’s Flickr page. Additional bill signings will continue to take place over the next several days. For more information on the bill signings, view Governor Kehoe’s schedule.

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MIL OSI USA News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met Mourns Former Commissioner Lord Ian Blair

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Ian Blair sadly passed away on Wednesday, 9 July following an illness.

An Oxford graduate, Lord Ian joined the Met in 1974 where he started his policing career on the beat in Soho and as a DCI later played a key role in identifying victims of the Kings Cross Station fire in 1987.

He went on to serve in high-profile leadership roles across the country including Assistant Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and Chief Constable of Surrey Police, and returned to the Met as Deputy Commissioner in 2000. He was appointed Commissioner in 2005.

Lord Ian was given a life peerage in 2010 and made an enormous contribution to modern policing. This included overhauling the approach to rape investigations, the implementation of the neighbourhood policing model and the introduction of community support officers.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“Lord Ian’s passing is a huge loss to the police family. He dedicated his life to policing and will be remembered as one of the most influential police leaders of recent decades.

“He oversaw some of the most challenging moments in our history – not least the response to the horrific terror attacks on 7 July 2005 which we commemorated earlier this week.

“Lord Ian will also be remembered for the vast contribution he made to improving our overall approach to policing and the service we provide to victims. What is now seen as best practice in rape cases is in large part a result of his empathy and foresight. He was passionate about the British Policing model based around communities and introduced neighbourhood policing and PCSOs as Commissioner.

“Even after leaving the Met, he continued to be friend of policing and police officers, contributing thoughtfully from his position in the House of Lords.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at the Met are with Lord Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time, and particularly his wife, Felicity and their children Amelia and Josh.”

MIL Security OSI –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Met Mourns Former Commissioner Lord Ian Blair

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Former Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lord Ian Blair sadly passed away on Wednesday, 9 July following an illness.

An Oxford graduate, Lord Ian joined the Met in 1974 where he started his policing career on the beat in Soho and as a DCI later played a key role in identifying victims of the Kings Cross Station fire in 1987.

He went on to serve in high-profile leadership roles across the country including Assistant Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police and Chief Constable of Surrey Police, and returned to the Met as Deputy Commissioner in 2000. He was appointed Commissioner in 2005.

Lord Ian was given a life peerage in 2010 and made an enormous contribution to modern policing. This included overhauling the approach to rape investigations, the implementation of the neighbourhood policing model and the introduction of community support officers.

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“Lord Ian’s passing is a huge loss to the police family. He dedicated his life to policing and will be remembered as one of the most influential police leaders of recent decades.

“He oversaw some of the most challenging moments in our history – not least the response to the horrific terror attacks on 7 July 2005 which we commemorated earlier this week.

“Lord Ian will also be remembered for the vast contribution he made to improving our overall approach to policing and the service we provide to victims. What is now seen as best practice in rape cases is in large part a result of his empathy and foresight. He was passionate about the British Policing model based around communities and introduced neighbourhood policing and PCSOs as Commissioner.

“Even after leaving the Met, he continued to be friend of policing and police officers, contributing thoughtfully from his position in the House of Lords.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone at the Met are with Lord Ian’s family and friends during this difficult time, and particularly his wife, Felicity and their children Amelia and Josh.”

MIL Security OSI –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: BSTDB Forum “Armenia – Accelerating Regional Success” Held in Yerevan

Source: Black Sea Trade and Development Bank

Event | 10-Jul-2025

Advancing Regional Integration and Economic Resilience through High-Level Dialogue

Regional cooperation and economic resilience took center stage in Yerevan as the Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) hosted the high-level Business Forum “Armenia – Accelerating Regional Success” under the High Patronage of the President of the Republic of Armenia, H.E. Mr. Vahagn Khachaturyan.

Bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and international financial institutions, the Forum offered a platform to explore how targeted investment, cross-border collaboration, and multilateral partnerships can strengthen the growth prospects of smaller economies in the Black Sea Region.

Held in the margins of BSTDB’s Annual Meeting, the Forum opened with a welcome address by Ambassador-at-Large Artur Javadyan, Chairman of the Board of the Centre for Economic Perspectives Foundation and BSTDB Govenor for Armenia. In his inaugural remarks, President Vahagn Khachaturyan emphasized Armenia’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development, positioning the country as a vital player in advancing regional cooperation. Dr. Serhat Köksal, President of BSTDB, followed with an opening statement highlighting the Bank’s growing footprint in Armenia and its role in unlocking economic potential across the region.

The first panel discussion, titled “Supporting Resilience: International Synergies for Smaller Economies,” was moderated by Panayotis Gavras, Director for Policy and Strategy at BSTDB. The conversation brought together Martin Galstyan, Governor of the Central Bank of Armenia, and Avag Avanesyan, Deputy Minister of Finance of Armenia, who shared insights into the country’s financial landscape and policy priorities. They were joined by Ambassador Lazar Comanescu, Secretary General of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, who spoke on the role of regional institutions in fostering economic stability, and Koba Gvenetadze, the IMF’s Resident Representative in Uzbekistan, who contributed an international perspective on resilience-building in smaller economies.

The second session, “Partnering with BSTDB: Insights and Experiences,” was moderated by David Nahapetyan, Board Member of the Central Bank of Armenia. The panel featured Edmond Vardumyan, CEO of the National Mortgage Company, who spoke about BSTDB’s innovative solutions for advancing Armenia’s housing sector. Leonid Sidorenko, BSTDB’s Director for General Industries, and Larisa Manastirli, the Bank’s Director for Financial Institutions, offered perspectives from within the Bank, focusing on how BSTDB tailors its financing to meet diverse partner needs. Daniel Azatyan, Chairman of the Union of Banks of Armenia, emphasized the importance of long-term collaboration between BSTDB and the Armenian banking sector.

The Forum concluded with a series of signing ceremonies, with local clients, namely ARMECONOMBANK, DICA, Inecobank and SAS Group, reinforcing BSTDB’s strong partnership with Armenia and its broader commitment to accelerating economic success in the region.

The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) is an international financial institution established by Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine. The BSTDB headquarters are in Thessaloniki, Greece. BSTDB supports economic development and regional cooperation by providing loans, credit lines, equity and guarantees for projects and trade financing in the public and private sectors in its member countries. The authorized capital of the Bank is EUR 3.45 billion. For information on BSTDB, visit www.bstdb.org.

Contact: Haroula Christodoulou

: @BSTDB

MIL OSI Global Banks –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Analysis: How citizenship chaos was averted, for now, by a class action injunction against Trump’s birthright citizenship order

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Julie Novkov, Professor of Political Science and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, University at Albany, State University of New York

Protesters support birthright citizenship on May 15, 2025, outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin

Legal battles over President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship continued on July 10, 2025, after a New Hampshire federal district judge issued a preliminary injunction that will, if it’s not reversed, prevent federal officials from enforcing the order nationally.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante, a George W. Bush appointee, asserts that this policy of “highly questionable constitutionality … constitutes irreparable harm.”

In its ruling in late June, the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to deny citizenship to infants born to undocumented parents in many parts of the nation where individuals or states had not successfully sued to prevent implementation – including a number of mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern states.

Trump’s executive order limits U.S. citizenship by birth to those who have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. It denies citizenship to those born to undocumented people within the U.S. and to the children of those on student, work, tourist and certain other types of visas.

The preliminary injunction is on hold for seven days to allow the Trump administration to appeal.

The June 27 Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship limited the ability of lower-court judges to issue universal injunctions to block such executive orders nationwide.

Laplante was able to avoid that limit on issuing a nationwide injunction by certifying the case as a class action lawsuit encompassing all children affected by the birthright order, following a pathway suggested by the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Pathways beyond universal injunctions

In its recent birthright citizenship ruling, Trump v. CASA, the Supreme Court noted that plaintiffs could still seek broad relief by filing such class action lawsuits that would join together large groups of individuals facing the same injury from the law they were challenging.

And that’s what happened.

Litigants filed suit in New Hampshire’s district court the same day that the Supreme Court decided CASA. They asked the court to certify a class consisting of infants born on or after Feb. 20, 2025, who would be covered by the order and their parents or prospective parents. The court allowed the suit to proceed as a class action for these infants.

President Donald Trump takes questions on June 27, 2025, in Washington, D.C., after the Supreme Court ruled on the birthright citizenship case.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

What if this injunction doesn’t stick?

If the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit or the Supreme Court invalidates the New Hampshire court’s newest national injunction and another injunction is not issued in a different venue, the order will then go into effect anywhere it is not currently barred from doing so. Implementation could begin in as many as 28 states where state attorneys general have not challenged the Trump birthright citizenship policy if no other individuals or groups secure relief.

As political science scholars who study race and immigration policy, we believe that, if implemented piecemeal, Trump’s birthright citizenship order would create administrative chaos for states determining the citizenship status of infants born in the United States. And it could lead to the first instances since the 1860s of infants being born in the U.S. being denied citizenship categorically.

States’ role in establishing citizenship

Almost all U.S.-born children are issued birth certificates by the state in which they are born.

The federal government’s standardized form, the U.S. standard certificate of live birth, collects data on parents’ birthplaces and their Social Security numbers, if available, and provides the information states need to issue birth certificates.

But it does not ask questions about their citizenship or immigration status. And no national standard exists for the format for state birth certificates, which traditionally have been the simplest way for people born in the U.S. to establish citizenship.

If Trump’s executive order goes into effect, birth certificates issued by local hospitals would be insufficient evidence of eligibility for federal government documents acknowledging citizenship. The order would require new efforts, including identification of parents’ citizenship status, before authorizing the issuance of any federal document acknowledging citizenship.

Since states control the process of issuing birth certificates, they will respond differently to implementation efforts. Several states filed a lawsuit on Jan. 21 to block the birthright citizenship order. And they will likely pursue an arsenal of strategies to resist, delay and complicate implementation.

While the Supreme Court has not yet confirmed that these states have standing to challenge the order, successful litigation could bar implementation in up to 18 states and the District of Columbia if injunctions are narrowly framed, or nationally if lawyers can persuade judges that disentangling the effects on a state-by-state basis will be too difficult.

Other states will likely collaborate with the administration to deny citizenship to some infants. Some, like Texas, had earlier attempted to make it particularly hard for undocumented parents to obtain birth certificates for their children.

People demonstrate outside the Supreme Court of the United States on May 15, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
Matt McClain/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Potential for chaos

If the Supreme Court rejects attempts to block the executive order nationally again, implementation will be complicated.

That’s because it would operate in some places and toward some individuals while being legally blocked in other places and toward others, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned in her Trump v. CASA dissent.

Children born to plaintiffs anywhere in the nation who have successfully sued would have access to citizenship, while other children possibly born in the same hospitals – but not among the groups named in the suits – would not.

Babies born in the days before implementation would have substantially different rights than those born the day after. Parents’ ethnicity and countries of origin would likely influence which infants are ultimately granted or denied citizenship.

That’s because some infants and parents would be more likely to generate scrutiny from hospital employees and officials than others, including Hispanics, women giving birth near the border, and women giving birth in states such as Florida where officials are likely to collaborate enthusiastically with enforcement.

The consequences could be profound.

Some infants would become stateless, having no right to citizenship in another nation. Many people born in the U.S. would be denied government benefits, Social Security numbers and the ability to work legally in the U.S.

With the constitutionality of the executive order still unresolved, it’s unclear when, if ever, some infants born in the U.S. will be the first in the modern era to be denied citizenship.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. How citizenship chaos was averted, for now, by a class action injunction against Trump’s birthright citizenship order – https://theconversation.com/how-citizenship-chaos-was-averted-for-now-by-a-class-action-injunction-against-trumps-birthright-citizenship-order-260175

MIL OSI Analysis –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE experts assessed the “cost” of options for developing legislation on digital platforms and proposed an optimum

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University “Higher School of Economics” –

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Scholten Secures Nearly $2.4 Million for Critical Upgrades at Gerald R. Ford International Airport

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Hillary Scholten – Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Today, U.S. Representative Hillary Scholten (MI-03) announced that the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority (GRR) will receive $2,386,331 through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The grant will support key infrastructure improvements at the airport, ensuring safer, more efficient operations and long-term growth.

“Gerald R. Ford International is a critical economic engine and a gateway to West Michigan. I’m proud to secure nearly $2.4 million to improve airport safety, extend the life of essential infrastructure, and help GRR keep pace with growing demand,” said Rep. Scholten. “These upgrades will help ensure GRR continues to operate safely and efficiently for years to come. I’ll keep fighting to bring more resources like this home to help West Michigan grow and thrive.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Scholten and the Federal Aviation Administration for their continued support of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and the West Michigan region,” said Tory Richardson, President and CEO of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority. “This funding allows us to move forward with critical infrastructure projects that will enhance safety, improve efficiency, and support future growth. These investments help ensure we continue to deliver a world-class airport experience to our passengers, partners, and community.”

Specifically, the grant will support Phase 1 design work for several infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving safety, extending the life of existing facilities, and increasing airport capacity to meet growing regional demand. The funding goes towards the rehabilitation of Taxiway V, which serves a vital role as a primary connection between the terminal apron and the airfield for commercial aircraft. Partial rehabilitation of the Taxiway will extend the useful life at least ten years while preserving the pavement for continued safe and efficient operations.

The grant also includes the full reconstruction of Taxiway D lighting, which will ensure reliability in operating the airport in a safe and efficient manner. Additionally, the grant will fund the extension of Taxiway L to accommodate more based aircraft, a move that will enhance operational efficiency and allow for future growth. GRR is currently at capacity for available airside development sites, and the construction of Taxilane L will allow for additional hangar developments.

As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Scholten is committed to bringing federal investment back to Michigan’s Third Congressional District and strengthening the region’s transportation infrastructure. Scholten secured $15,017,605 in total funding for GRR in the FY24- 25 fiscal year. This grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and will be administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Trump Administration’s Gutting of the State Department Workforce

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding reports that the Trump Administration will soon fire nearly 15 percent of the State Department’s domestic workforce:

“President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio are once again making America less safe and less secure. A strong State Department—one that is not only fully staffed, but staffed by qualified experts free from political pressure—is essential to our national security. This is one of the most ridiculous decisions that could possibly be made at a time when China is increasing its diplomatic footprint around the world and establishing an overseas network of military and transportation bases, Russia is continuing its years-long brutal assault of a sovereign country, and the Middle East is careening from crisis to crisis. Our dedicated State Department workforce, their families, and the American people deserve better.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Applauds Committee Passage of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Bill
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Seapower, applauded committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes key provisions Kaine secured to advance U.S. national security, support servicemembers and their families, boost Virginia’s defense industry, and strengthen relations with allies and partners:

“I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues on the Senate Armed Services Committee to pass out of committee this year’s defense authorization bill. The bill includes several provisions I secured to strengthen our national security, support Virginia’s military installations and defense community, invest in our nation’s shipbuilding programs, and most importantly, improve quality of life among servicemembers and their families. I’m especially glad the bill includes a provision I pushed for to require Defense Department aircraft that operate near commercial airports to have broadcast positioning technology following the deadly collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional commercial jet that took 67 lives in January. I urge the full Senate to take it up as soon as possible.”

Kaine successfully secured the following provisions:

Pay Raises, Allowances, and Workforce Recruitment:
- Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military personnel.
- Directs the Secretary of Defense to ensure that pay statements for military servicemembers include clear descriptions for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction.
- Directs the Secretary of Defense to assess how current salaries of Department of Defense civilian employees are calculated under the locality pay system.
- Provides the Secretary of Defense with direct hiring authority for up to 60 graduates of the Defense Civilian Training Corps (DCTC) every calendar year and requires a report to Congress on the use of this hiring authority. The DCTC is a pilot program that recruits and trains college students for careers as Department of Defense civilians.
Shipbuilding Investments:
- Authorizes investments and procurement of naval ships, including Columbia-class submarines and Medium Landing Ships.
- Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a report to Congress on the Navy’s progress since 2015 in implementing the 90 recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to improve naval shipbuilding.
- Requires the Secretary of the Navy to expedite the investigation, qualification, and integration of 23 advanced technologies and processes into Navy surface ship maintenance to improve readiness, reduce costs, and address delays.
- Directs the Secretary of the Navy to provide a report to Congress on the status of the recommendations made by the GAO to ensure the Marine Corps has a fleet of 31 operational ships.
- Requires the Secretary of the Navy to move leadership for surface ship maintenance at private shipyards to Type Commanders and directs a new contracting strategy that emphasizes workforce stability and collaborative planning.
Aviation Safety: Requires that all aircraft of the Department of Defense that operate near commercial airports be equipped with broadcast positioning technology. Requires that the Department of Defense improve how it shares aviation safety data with the Federal Aviation Administration. This comes in response to the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines flight 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) that took the lives of 67 people.

Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command: Requires a report on the Army’s proposed plan to integrate Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command.

Military Construction: Authorizes $993,660,000 for military construction (MILCON) in Virginia.
- $380,000,000 for Public-Private Venture (PPV) unaccompanied housing at Naval Station Norfolk
- $188,000,000 for Dry Dock 3 modernization at Norfolk Naval Shipyard
- $93,300,000 for Electric Distribution System upgrades at Naval Station Norfolk
- $85,000,000 for operations center at the Pentagon
- $71,700,000 for weapons magazines at Naval Weapons Station Yorktown
- $63,500,000 for a Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico
- $49,000,000 for fuel system maintenance dock at Joint Base Langley-Eustis
- $20,400,000 for MQ-25 facilities at Naval Station Norfolk
- $15,500,000 for an Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at Virginia Army National Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Sandston
- $12,360,000 for a Child Development Center at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story
- $11,700,000 for a Child Development Center at Naval Station Norfolk
- $3,200,000 for the planning and design of a new headquarters for the 192^nd Wing at Langley Air Force Base
Military Housing:
- Authorizes increased funding to construct, repair, and improve enlisted barracks across the services.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to publish a clear, accessible document that explains how Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates are determined.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to develop an alternative methodology for calculating BAH based on the typical cost of housing units by number of bedrooms, conduct a pilot program using the new methodology, and brief Congress on the findings.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to include additional oversight mechanisms for any renegotiation of the contract under the Global Household Goods Contract or negotiation of a new contract under the Global Household Goods Contract of any successor program or contract.
Health Care:
- Directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the impact of behavioral and mental health staffing shortfalls at military treatment facilities.
- Requires a briefing on the Department of Defense’s implementation of the self-initiated referral process for mental health care.
- Requires the establishment of a demonstration program to expand partnerships between the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs medical facilities for the purpose of increasing case volume for graduate medical education programs.
- Requires Department of Defense to review its policies for credentialing health care workers to remove barriers to accessing mental health care.
- Requires the Department of Defense to better define its criteria for reimbursing children’s hospitals.
Military Families:
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff and improve special education offerings at Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools.
- Requires an update to existing DODEA regulations on the student use of portable electronic mobile devices in DODEA schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment.
- Authorizes funding for Impact Aid, including funding to support military children with severe disabilities. Impact Aid reimburses school districts for the cost of educating children who reside on military installations or have a parent that works on a military installation or federal property. Because military families may not pay certain state or local taxes where they are stationed, Impact Aid helps offset these costs to support schools.
European Security, NATO, and Ukraine:
- Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture in Europe or relinquishment of U.S. command of the Supreme Allied Commander Europe position until the Secretary of Defense assesses the impact on U.S. and NATO and certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.
- Authorizes funding for the NATO Security Investment Program.
- Extends and authorizes funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to deliver a report on acceleration options for the JUMPSTART initiative, which allows European partners to purchase weapons for Ukraine from U.S. defense companies.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to work with Ukraine to create a depot-level maintenance plan to ensure that western-transferred military equipment can be sustained and provide the plan to Congress.
- Requires the Secretary of Defense to continue to provide intelligence support, including information, intelligence, and imagery collection to the Government of Ukraine.
Australia-U.K-U.S. (AUKUS) Partnership: Directs further collaboration between the AUKUS countries on IT infrastructure and directs the DoD to provide an update on who it has assigned to be the senior civilian defense official to lead the U.S. work on this agreement and continue the updates required by the Fiscal Year 2024 NDAA.

Taiwan: Authorizes funding for the Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative and directs the Department of Defense to engage with Taiwan to develop a joint program to codevelop and coproduce uncrewed and counter-uncrewed capabilities.

U.S. Posture in Indo-Pacific:
- Authorizes funding for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative (PDI), which enhances U.S. force posture, infrastructure, readiness, capacity, and capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.
- Prohibits a reduction in U.S. military posture on the Korean Peninsula or a change in wartime operational control over the Combined Forces Command until the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that such action is in the national interest.
- Directs an initiative to strengthen security cooperation across the respective defense industrial bases of U.S. allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific.
Uncrewed Aircraft Systems:
- Requires the Department of Defense to develop a roadmap for the small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) industrial base to support existing sUAS programs.
- Requires a briefing on the plan for installation commanders to engage UAS on U.S. military installations by both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Secures Key Provisions for Nebraska, Offutt Air Force Base in Annual Defense Funding Bill
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

Secures provisions for the 557th Weather Wing, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, U.S. Strategic Command at Offutt Air Force Base

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee and chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, secured key provisions for Nebraska, America’s service members, and Offutt Air Force Base in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“As a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I understand the critical role Offutt Air Force Base plays in keeping our nation safe. That’s why I fought to secure authorization for investments in U.S. Strategic Command, the 557th Weather Wing and the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency—all located right here at Offutt. The brave men and women who serve at Offutt deserve the resources and tools they need to succeed and keep our people and nation safe. I’m pleased to champion these efforts in Congress,” Fischer said.

Fischer secured authorization for critical investments for U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) at Offutt Air Force Base:
- Over $4 billion in investments to the Sentinel program
- $320 million for the U.S. Navy to develop the Nuclear Armed Sea-Launched Cruise Missile (SLCM)
- $186 million for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) to develop the SLCM warhead
- $30 million for the Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications (NC3) Rapid Engineering Architecture Collaboration Hub (REACH) program
- $16 million for the planning and design of a 2-Bay Hangar to support the Survivable Airborne Operations Center (SAOC)
- $7.35 million for the planning and design of a Supply Storage Facility to support the SAOC
- $1.9 million for the planning and design of 1-Bay Hangar to support the SAOC
Fischer secured several provisions aimed at improving America’s nuclear deterrence, supporting service members, and improving Offutt Air Force Base operations:
- Requiring Sentinel to reach initial operational capability no later than September 30, 2033
- Requiring the Air Force to deploy at least 400 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) at least 450 launch facilities
- Expanding the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) authority to procure goods and services from foreign nations to support recovery efforts for missing American servicemembers
- Authorizing an additional $19 million for DPAA to reverse a reduction in funds
- Directing the Defense Health Agency (DHA) to provide Congress with an update on the status of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) pilot program which was established during the FY20 NDAA
- Directing the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report on the current capabilities of the 557th Weather Wing as it relates to cloud technology and data management systems
- Clarifying the 557th Weather Wing’s authorities to provide weather data to the Intelligence Community
MIL OSI USA News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Strengthens Nuclear Deterrence, Protects Defense Spectrum in FY 2026 NDAA
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and chair of the Strategic Forces Subcommittee, secured key provisions aimed at improving service member quality of life, strengthening America’s nuclear deterrent, and protecting defense spectrum in the Senate’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation passed out of the committee on Wednesday and now awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

“During this time of global unrest – where we see Iran edging closer to obtaining a nuclear weapon, China accelerating its military buildup in the Indo-Pacific, and Russia continuing its war against Ukraine – it is more important than ever that we invest in our service members, protect defense spectrum, drive innovation, and strengthen our missile defense systems. I’m proud the FY 2026 NDAA meets this moment with key provisions I pushed for to modernize our nuclear deterrent and strengthen our national defense,” Fischer said.

Key Provisions Secured by Fischer in the FY 2026 NDAA:

Taking Care of Our Service Members:
- Authorizing $19 million above the president’s budget request for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), which has the sacred mission of recovering and identifying the remains of fallen servicemembers from past conflicts.
- Exploring Public-Private Healthcare Construction: Directs DoD to assess the feasibility of a program modeled after Fischer’s CHIP IN For Veterans Act, enabling local communities to contribute to DoD healthcare facility development.
- Expanding DPAA Overseas Recovery Tools: Authorizes the DPAA to procure foreign goods and services to support recovery missions abroad.
- Reforming Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization (FSRM): Authorizes FSRM funding for three years instead of one, supporting more responsible and cost-effective execution of complex maintenance and modernization projects.
Modernizing Our Nuclear Deterrent:
- Upgrading NNSA Infrastructure: Establishes an annual independent assessment of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)’s progress toward infrastructure modernization goals outlined in the Enterprise Blueprint.
- Expanding Combatant Command Innovation Authority: Extends experimentation and prototyping authority to all combatant commands, including U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM).
- Requiring Sentinel Program Progress: Requires the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program to begin being fielded by Sept. 30, 2033.
- Preserving ICBM Force Structure: Makes permanent the requirement to deploy at least 400 ICBMs across no fewer than 450 launch facilities.
- Accelerating SLCM Capability: Accelerates the Nuclear Sea-Launch Cruise Missile (SLCM-N) program by two years.
- Improving Safety of Launch Facilities: Codifies a requirement for deep cleaning of ICBM launch control centers every five years.
- Accounting for Air and Missile Defense Needs: Includes air and missile defense interceptors in the Department of Defense’s (DoD) unconstrained total munitions requirements list.
- Sustaining MMIII Operations: Directs a briefing on Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC) plans to sustain Minuteman III (MMIII) until Sentinel is emplaced.
- Creating NNSA Rapid Capabilities Office: Establishes an Office of Rapid Capabilities Development within NNSA to accelerate innovation and deployment.
- Assessing Heavy Launch Site Viability: Directs a DoD study on the capacity and sustainability of heavy and super heavy launch sites at Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg, and on potential alternative locations.
- Authorizing over $4 billion in investments to the Sentinel program.
- Authorizing $186 million for the NNSA to develop the SLCM-N warhead.
- Authorizing $320 million for Navy to develop the SLCM.
Protecting Defense Spectrum:
- Safeguarding the Pentagon’s Spectrum: Prohibits any modifications to DoD systems in key spectrum bands without joint certification from the Secretary of Defense and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Designating STRATCOM as Lead for Spectrum Testing: Designates STRATCOM’s Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations (JEMSO) office as the lead entity for coordinating testing and evaluation of joint employment of Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) technologies.
Enhancing Strategic Preparedness:
- Reviewing NDMS Pilot Implementation: Requires a briefing on the progress of the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) pilot program, as established in previous NDAAs.
- Modernizing 557th Weather Wing Capabilities: Directs a report on the 557th Weather Wing’s cloud migration, AI readiness, and infrastructure modernization roadmap.
- Clarifying Weather Wing Support for the Intelligence Community: Codifies the Weather Wing’s authorities to provide meteorological and environmental services to the Intelligence Community.
Divesting From Our Adversaries:
- Blocking CCP-Linked Entertainment Funding: Prohibits funding for entertainment projects with ties to the Chinese Communist Party or government of China.
MIL OSI USA News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on New Gallup Poll Showing Surge in Support for Immigration, Widespread Opposition to Trump’s Inhumane Policies

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla Statement on New Gallup Poll Showing Surge in Support for Immigration, Widespread Opposition to Trump’s Inhumane Policies

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, issued the following statement after Gallup released a new poll showing a sharp increase in support for immigration and broad disapproval of President Trump’s mass deportation agenda:

“The numbers don’t lie: the majority of Americans agree that immigration is overwhelmingly good for our country and our economy. As the nation watches Donald Trump and Stephen Miller’s cruel policies separate families and sow fear in our communities — in our parks, our restaurants, our hospitals — they’ve become deeply unpopular, sparking a fierce backlash from the public and uniting people across the country against the President’s mass deportation agenda.

“We know our economy depends on the essential contributions of immigrants. California is the fourth-largest economy in the world not in spite of immigrants, but because of their contributions not only as a workforce, but as consumers and as entrepreneurs.

“Now is the time to finally deliver a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farm workers, and other long-term residents of our nation who have been living and working in the shadows for far too long.”

In just one year, public support for reducing immigration has fallen by nearly half: only 30 percent of respondents said that immigration should be reduced, compared to 55 percent last year. An all-time record 79 percent of Americans believe immigration is a good thing for the country, with only 17 percent (a record-low) saying it’s a bad thing. Support for providing permanent pathways to citizenship is notably up from last year, with 78 percent of Americans agreeing that undocumented immigrants living in the United States deserve the chance to become citizens if they meet certain requirements over a period of time (up 8 percent from last year). At the same time, support for hiring more Border Patrol agents has plummeted by 17 percent since just last year, while support for the border wall and mass deportation has also begun to erode.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada Invests in Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture and Grid Modernization in the Maritimes
Source: Government of Canada News (2)

July 11, 2025 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island Natural Resources Canada

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced close to $16 million in federal funding for energy projects in the Maritime provinces that will help deliver reliable, affordable clean energy in Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick — driving innovation, powering economic growth and creating good jobs throughout Atlantic Canada.

This investment will support key initiatives in the region, including:
- Modernizing electricity grids to deliver more reliable, affordable and clean power to Canadians;
- Advancing carbon capture and clean technologies to reduce emissions and bring more- affordable, low-risk Canadian energy to market;
- Expanding renewable energy capacity by advancing wind and solar power projects; and
- Supporting clean energy projects in Indigenous, rural and remote communities and advancing economic reconciliation.
This funding is rooted in collaboration with provinces, offshore regulators, Indigenous partners, workers and industry to ensure that federal investments reflect Maritime strengths and priorities and deliver long-term prosperity.

Through these investments, the Government of Canada is investing more in the people and businesses that will build the strongest economy in the G7. The projects announced today also underscore the government’s commitment to lowering Canadians’ energy bills, creating more reliable and clean power, growing job opportunities and fostering inclusive, respectful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples.

MIL OSI Canada News –
July 12, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Government of Canada Invests in Renewable Energy, Carbon Capture and Grid Modernization in the Maritimes

Source: Government of Canada News

On July 11, 2025, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced close to $16 million in federal funding for energy projects in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Energy Innovation Program – Smart Grid Demonstration

The Energy Innovation Program (EIP) supports research, development, demonstration and related scientific activities that advance clean energy technologies. These investments help Canada meet its climate targets and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Projects funded under the Smart Grid Demonstration Call for Proposals showcase innovative smart-grid technologies, solutions and market or contract mechanisms.

Project name: Advanced Distribution Grid Management
Recipient: Nova Scotia Power Inc.
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $6,000,000
Description: This project will demonstrate three new distribution grid technologies to modernize Nova Scotia Power’s electricity distribution network.

Project name: Advanced Digital Distribution System Operator
Recipient: Saint John Energy Inc.
Location: Saint John, New Brunswick
Funding amount: $5,250,000
Description: This project will modernize electricity distribution in the City of Saint John through intelligent grid management systems and bring cost savings and improved service reliability to approximately 36,000 Saint John Energy customers.

Project name: Charlottetown Grid Modernization Project
Recipient: Maritime Electric Company Ltd.
Location: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Funding amount: $2,000,000
Description: This project seeks to demonstrate the integration of smart-grid technology through the public cellular network in Charlottetown.

Project name: Regionally Integrated Smart Meter Platform Enabling Load Shifting Coincident with Excess Renewables
Recipient: Alternative Resource Energy Authority
Location: Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $875,000
Description: This project will better align end-user electricity demand with municipally owned renewable production. By leveraging advanced metering infrastructure, new customer rate structures and a collaborative model for intelligent grid management, the project aims to reduce costs for approximately 3,500 customers.

Energy Innovation Program – Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage

The EIP’s Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Call for Proposals aims to advance the commercial viability of CCUS technologies.

Project name: A Regulatory Roadmap for Offshore Carbon Storage in Atlantic Canada
Recipient: Dalhousie University
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Funding amount: $704,089
Description: This project will develop a roadmap for policies and regulations to better support a regulatory framework for offshore carbon storage, paving the way for innovation that will help offshore industries reduce emissions.

Indigenous Natural Resource Partnerships

The program aims to increase the economic participation of Indigenous communities and organizations in the development of natural resource projects that support the transition to a clean energy futuren.

Project name: Dartmouth Solar Power Generation Project
Recipient: Millbrook First Nation
Location: Millbrook First Nation (near Truro, Nova Scotia)
Funding amount: $1,011,880
Description: Millbrook First Nation, in collaboration with Imperial Oil, intends to repurpose idled tank lots that have remained vacant since Imperial’s terminal was converted from a refinery in 2014. This project involves the delivery of a solar farm with photovoltaic solar arrays and potentially energy storage that will be majority-owned and operated by Millbrook First Nation.

MIL OSI Canada News –

July 12, 2025

Category: DJF

One of the most anticipated events in the Highland cultural calendar, Blas Festival, returns this September with an electrifying programme of traditional music, Gaelic celebration, and community events across the Highlands and Islands.

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Padilla Statement on New Gallup Poll Showing Surge in Support for Immigration, Widespread Opposition to Trump’s Inhumane Policies