NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial News: Five principles for artificial intelligence: regulator’s recommendations on the use of AI

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    For example, customers should be informed when they are interacting with AI and provided with the opportunity to opt out of such interactions.

    The Bank of Russia also suggests that organizations regularly check the quality of AI, pay attention to maintaining the confidentiality of personal data, and organize AI risk management.

    “We have studied global trends in AI regulation, discussed with market participants and came to the conclusion that for the Russian financial market at this stage, soft regulation of the use of such technology will be relevant. We hope that the guidelines laid down in the Code of Ethics will be able to make financial services, in which artificial intelligence is integrated, even more high-quality, safe and convenient,” said Stanislav Korop, Head of the Department of Financial Technologies.

    In addition, according to the Bank of Russia, the exchange of experience and best practices in compliance with ethical recommendations can play a special role in the trusted and responsible use of AI in the financial market. The regulator is ready to facilitate this.

    Preview photo: Anggalih Prasetya / Shutterstock / Fotodom

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexander Novak held a working meeting with the Chairman of the Government of the Chechen Republic Magomed Daudov

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Alexander Novak held a working meeting with the Chairman of the Government of the Chechen Republic Magomed Daudov.

    Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak held a working meeting with the Chairman of the Government of the Chechen Republic Magomed Daudov.

    The parties discussed the socio-economic situation in the region and plans for the construction of new power facilities in the Chechen Republic as part of the program for the development of Russian electric power systems for 2025–2030. This concerns the construction of the 330 kV Sunzha substation as part of the investment program of PJSC Rosseti, as well as the implementation of the first stage of energy infrastructure construction and technical connection of facilities in the Grozny special economic zone.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev held a meeting with the head of the Donetsk People’s Republic Denis Pushilin

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The meeting discussed issues of restoring damaged transport infrastructure facilities in the DPR and further development of the entire transport complex of the republic.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: Volunteers will teach how to check information and will identify unfair practices of financial organizations

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Volunteers will teach people how to navigate the information space in order to distinguish fraudsters’ tricks from current offers in the financial sector. They will also help financial institutions better understand the problems of clients with different types of disabilities and identify unfair practices in the market. Such priorities were identified by participants of the XI All-Russian Congress of Financial Education Volunteers.

    The Congress traditionally brings together volunteers from all over the country and serves as a platform for exchanging experiences, developing and scaling initiatives, identifying modern trends and promising areas for promoting financial literacy.

    Most of the initiatives presented at the congress are designed for adults. The emphasis is on a targeted approach, the ability to adapt an idea to the needs of the target audience. For example, volunteers conduct classes on family budget management with newlyweds, where they teach how to find a compromise in delicate financial matters. Financial activists also help organize training and employment for young people with disabilities, tell military personnel how to resist fraudsters, and explain the peculiarities of Russian financial legislation to residents of new regions.

    “Teaching adults is not easy: everyone has their own life experience, education, priorities. Not everyone is ready to learn just because someone said it is important and necessary. But people are happy to learn when they are given knowledge at the right time and in a convenient form. Therefore, flexibility and a variety of formats are very important, and this is exactly what we are learning from you, from financial education volunteers,” said Elvira Nabiullina, Chairman of the Bank of Russia.

    Today, the register of financial education volunteers already includes 19 thousand activists: students, professional financiers, employees of educational institutions, public organizations, and commercial companies.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US President Sends Tariff Notices to 6 More Countries

    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

    NEW YORK, July 9 (Xinhua) — U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters to leaders of six more countries on Wednesday morning, notifying them that new tariffs will be imposed on goods imported into the United States from those countries starting Aug. 1.

    D. Trump published the corresponding notices on his own social network Truth Social. The letters are addressed to the leaders of the Philippines, Brunei, Moldova, Algeria, Iraq and Libya.

    According to the letters, duties will be 30 percent for Libya, Iraq and Algeria, 25 percent for Brunei and Moldova, and 20 percent for the Philippines.

    On Tuesday, D. Trump sent the first letters of new import duties to 14 countries, notifying them of new tariffs ranging from 25 percent to 40 percent. The American leader said he would send several more similar notices this week. –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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Georgia was visited by 2.27 million foreign tourists in the first half of the year

    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

    Tbilisi, July 9 (Xinhua) — Georgia recorded a record growth in international tourist visits in the first half of 2025. In the first six months, 2.27 million foreign tourists visited the country, up 6.9 percent compared to the same period in 2024. The total number of international visits, including short-term trips, amounted to 3.2 million, the Georgian National Tourism Administration reported on Wednesday.

    In the second quarter of this year, the number of international tourist visits amounted to 1.31 million, an increase of 10.7 percent year-on-year. The total number of international visits during this period reached 1.83 million, an increase of 6.9 percent year-on-year.

    In January-June, there was an increase in the number of international visits from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Azerbaijan, India and China. –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.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Seoul court issues arrest warrant for former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yel — Renhap News Agency

    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

    Xinhua | 10. 07. 2025

    Keywords: lightning

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Seoul Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yel — Renhap News Agency Flash: Seoul Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Former South Korean President Yoon Seok-yel — Renhap News Agency

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Moscow sets the global trend in urban transport.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    During a press conference held on July 7, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov gave detailed answers to key questions regarding the development of urban transport.

    Large-scale metro update:

    The share of updated rolling stock in the Moscow metro has reached 77% This year, 144 Moskva-2024 cars were delivered, and another 128 are expected by the end of the year In 2026–2027, the fleet will be replenished with more than 700 new Moskva-2026 cars By 2030, the share of new trains will exceed 90%

    Industrial growth and innovation:

    Moscow is the largest industrial and scientific center of Russia, where more than 4.5 thousand enterprises operate. Over five years, clothing production has grown by 58.3 times, machinery and equipment – by 7.5 times, electronics and optics – by 5.4 times. The industrial production index for January-May 2025 increased by 6% compared to last year.

    Unmanned technologies and safety:

    In 2025, the first driverless tram with passengers in Russia will start operating; by 2035, the entire tram fleet will be driverless. The Sfera video analytics system is being introduced in the metro, which has already helped find 17,000 criminals and 2,000 missing people, including children.

    Regular river transport:

    In two years of regular river routes, Moscow has become a world leader: no other megacity has an analog of such an electric transport system. During its operation, more than 2 million passengers have used river transport, which has significantly exceeded the city’s expectations. Three routes and 29 electric vessels are already operating in the capital, and by 2030 the fleet will increase to 60 vessels and four more new routes will appear. The recently opened Novospassky-ZIL route has already made about 15 thousand trips.

    The new future of the monorail – a park at altitude:

    More than 71% of Muscovites supported the creation of the first year-round park in Russia on the site of a monorail. The new park with an area of 40 thousand square meters will connect five districts and will become a new city landmark with running tracks, alleys, cafes and recreation areas. Some of the monorail cars will be preserved as a historical monument, and employees will receive new jobs in the metro.

    Major infrastructure projects:

    In 2026, the reconstruction of Yaroslavsky Station will begin, designed for 2.5 years, with an increase in passenger space and integration into the city’s transport system. The first cluster in Russia for the production of batteries for electric transport is being built in New Moscow, which will cover almost all the needs of the Central Federal District.

    Development of micromobility:

    There are about 350 “slow zones” for electric scooters in Moscow, where the speed is limited to 5-15 km/h. In 3.5 months, users have made more than 32 million trips on electric scooters, while the number of serious accidents has decreased by 25% due to comprehensive safety measures. Mandatory verification via Mos ID has been introduced, which has allowed 32 thousand accounts of minors to be blocked. During the season, 39 thousand fines were issued and 46 thousand accounts of violators were blocked.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Pandemics to pollution: WHO Assembly delivers landmark health decisions

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Flavoured nicotine products driving youth addiction, WHO warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Education suffers amid DR Congo violence, WHO greenlights RSV vaccines, more hurricanes ahead for Haiti

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    The 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia has had an indelible effect on the civilian population, displacing millions, straining the economy and inflicting physical and mental trauma. During these dark years, the UN has stayed alongside the Ukrainian people, providing aid, necessities and healthcare, and restoring energy supplies.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Employers and employees should make reasonable work arrangements after tropical cyclones or rainstorms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Labour Department (LD) today (July 10) reminded employers to make practical and reasonable work arrangements for employees after the cancellation of tropical cyclone warnings or rainstorm warnings, with due consideration to the road and traffic conditions and other factors, and make flexible arrangements for staff to resume work or work remotely (if applicable). This will help maintain good labour-management relations, and ensure the safety of employees as well as the smooth operation of organisations.
          
         “For staff who have genuine difficulties in resuming work on time upon cancellation of a tropical cyclone or rainstorm warning, employers should be sympathetic and handle each case flexibly. For example, employers may allow employees to resume work in stages, permit employees who have difficulties in returning to workplaces to work remotely (if applicable) or allow more time for them to report for duty and resume work,” an LD spokesman said.
          
         The spokesman reminded employers to observe the statutory liabilities and requirements under the Employment Ordinance, Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance, Factories and Industrial Undertakings Ordinance, Employees’ Compensation Ordinance and Minimum Wage Ordinance.
          
         “As natural calamities cannot be avoided, for employees who are not able to report for duty or resume duty on time due to adverse weather or extreme conditions, employers should neither deduct their wages, good attendance bonus or allowances, nor reduce employees’ entitlement to annual leave, statutory holidays or rest days under the Employment Ordinance, or ask for additional hours of work from employees to compensate for the loss of working hours when they are unable to report for duty,” the spokesman said.
          
         Employers should note that they have an obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment for their employees under the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance. Moreover, under the Employees’ Compensation Ordinance, employers are liable to pay compensation for injuries or deaths incurred when employees are travelling by a direct route from their residence to their workplace, or from their workplace back to their residence after work, four hours before or after working hours on a day when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or higher, a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or extreme conditions are in force.
          
         The LD has published the “Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and ‘Extreme Conditions’”, which provides the major principles, reference guidelines and information on relevant legislation on making work arrangements for the reference of employers and employees. The booklet can be obtained from branch offices of the Labour Relations Division or downloaded from the department’s webpage (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/wcp/Rainstorm.pdf).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs meeting of steering committee on handling extreme weather (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, chaired a meeting of the steering committee on handling extreme weather yesterday (July 9) to holistically review and steer cross-departmental overall preparations and response plans for typhoons and rainstorms, and to make advance preparations for the forecast adverse weather conditions, such as rainstorms and squally thunderstorms, in the coming two days. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan, the Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and representatives from relevant bureaux and departments also attended the meeting.

    Over the past year, under the Chief Executive’s instruction, Mr Chan has been directing various bureaux and departments to implement and enhance response measures in four areas, namely advance preparations, enhanced early warning, decisive emergency response and speedy recovery, with a view to protecting people’s safety as first priority, as well as minimising the damage and impact of extreme weather.

    According to the present forecast, Tropical Cyclone Danas, now over Fujian, will enter Guangdong today (July 10), and weaken gradually. The active southwest monsoon to its south will generally affect the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary today and tomorrow (July 11). There will be torrential rain and squally thunderstorms over the territory. The weather may be relatively severe by then. The public are advised to pay attention to the latest weather forecast and warnings from the Observatory.

    In response to the possible adverse weather conditions, Mr Chan co-ordinated the advance preparatory work of relevant departments in the meeting, which includes:

    • The Drainage Services Department had made special arrangement to inspect and carry out necessary clearance last night at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding because of blockages. The “just-in-time” arrangement will continue, with 180 emergency response teams to conduct inspection and clearance of drainage channels in different districts across the territory.
    • The Highways Department will inspect again the flood warning systems installed at road tunnels and pedestrian subways with a higher risk of flooding today, such as Kwun Tong Road Underpass, some pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po and Tai Po River, to ensure normal operation. The Highways Department has also reminded relevant staff members and contractors to pay close attention to the weather conditions in order to make advance preparations for the activation of the Emergency Control Centres when necessary.
    • District Offices have immediately initiated relevant response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of “the three committees” and Care Teams to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas, reminding them to make necessary preparations.
    • The Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre (EMSC) of the Security Bureau will be fully activated from 5pm today to monitor the situation in the city. Utilising the Common Operational Picture, the EMSC will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams, including the Fire Services Department, the Hong Kong Police Force, the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service, have completed all necessary preparatory work and are on standby, so as to handle possible emergencies during heavy rainstorms and high wind, and to provide assistance to those in need.
    • The Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre of the Transport Department will continue to operate round-the-clock. It will also closely monitor traffic and transport conditions with public transport agencies, and disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements to the public in a timely manner.

    The Education Bureau will closely monitor the weather conditions and announce the arrangements for schools and Primary Six students’ registration with their allocated secondary schools under the Secondary School Places Allocation as early as necessary to facilitate parents and students to make early preparations.

    The Labour Department reminded employers to make prior work arrangements for employees during rainstorm warnings and extreme conditions as early as possible, including arrangements on reporting for duty, release from work, resumption of work and remote work (if applicable). In drawing up and implementing the arrangements, employers should give prime consideration to employees’ safety and the feasibility of employees travelling to and from their workplaces, etc. Employers should also give consideration as much as possible to the different situations and actual difficulties faced by individual employees, and adopt a sympathetic and flexible approach.

    The Government departments will continue to serve with dedication and make advance preparations on all fronts to safeguard the lives and property of the public as well as public safety. The Government urges the public to stay alert and stay away from dangerous places such as rivers and slopes in adverse weather conditions, refrain from water sports, and continue to pay attention to the latest news released by the Government.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment for illegal possession of local wild and endangered turtles

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A local man was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 20 months at the District Court today (July 9) for illegal possession of local wild and endangered turtles. The case marks the first time that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has successfully applied to the court under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for enhanced sentencing for the charge of illegal possession of endangered species.

    A spokesman for the AFCD said that the offender was active on social media platforms and instant messenger groups, posting messages about poaching wild animals online and offering regulated species of unknown origin for sale through these groups. In July 2023, the AFCD and the Police mounted a joint operation and seized 29 endangered turtles from the offender’s residential premises in Tai Po District, including 14 big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I; two yellow-margined box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata), four Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis), two giant Asian pond turtles (Heosemys grandis) and four wattle-necked softshell turtles (Palea steindachneri), listed in CITES Appendix II; and three Reeve’s turtles (Mauremys reevesii) listed in CITES Appendix III. All the turtles are listed as “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Scientific testing confirmed that all seized big-headed turtles were taken from the wild in Hong Kong and are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).

    The man was prosecuted on three charges for illegal possession of Appendix I and Appendix II endangered species, as well as illegal possession of live protected wild animals taken in Hong Kong. The offender was convicted today at the District Court. The AFCD applied to the court for an enhanced sentence under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance. The application was accepted by the court, and the sentence was increased by 25 per cent. The defendant was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for 20 months.

    The spokesman added, “Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person who contravenes the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction. In addition, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance also stipulates that unless otherwise permitted, no one shall hunt, wilfully disturb, buy, sell, export, offer for sale or export, possess or control protected wild animals (including all wild chelonians). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.”

    The spokesman added that the Government is committed to combating illegal hunting of and trading in wild animals to protect local wild species and endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor information on various platforms and social media, and proactively take enforcement action against illegal trade in endangered species.

    Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man sentenced to 20 months’ imprisonment for illegal possession of local wild and endangered turtles

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A local man was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 20 months at the District Court today (July 9) for illegal possession of local wild and endangered turtles. The case marks the first time that the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has successfully applied to the court under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 455) for enhanced sentencing for the charge of illegal possession of endangered species.

    A spokesman for the AFCD said that the offender was active on social media platforms and instant messenger groups, posting messages about poaching wild animals online and offering regulated species of unknown origin for sale through these groups. In July 2023, the AFCD and the Police mounted a joint operation and seized 29 endangered turtles from the offender’s residential premises in Tai Po District, including 14 big-headed turtles (Platysternon megacephalum) listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix I; two yellow-margined box turtles (Cuora flavomarginata), four Southeast Asian box turtles (Cuora amboinensis), two giant Asian pond turtles (Heosemys grandis) and four wattle-necked softshell turtles (Palea steindachneri), listed in CITES Appendix II; and three Reeve’s turtles (Mauremys reevesii) listed in CITES Appendix III. All the turtles are listed as “Endangered” or “Critically Endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Scientific testing confirmed that all seized big-headed turtles were taken from the wild in Hong Kong and are protected under the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170).

    The man was prosecuted on three charges for illegal possession of Appendix I and Appendix II endangered species, as well as illegal possession of live protected wild animals taken in Hong Kong. The offender was convicted today at the District Court. The AFCD applied to the court for an enhanced sentence under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance. The application was accepted by the court, and the sentence was increased by 25 per cent. The defendant was sentenced to immediate imprisonment for 20 months.

    The spokesman added, “Illegal possession of endangered species is a serious offence. Any person who contravenes the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance is liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the specimens will also be forfeited upon conviction. In addition, the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance also stipulates that unless otherwise permitted, no one shall hunt, wilfully disturb, buy, sell, export, offer for sale or export, possess or control protected wild animals (including all wild chelonians). Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year upon conviction.”

    The spokesman added that the Government is committed to combating illegal hunting of and trading in wild animals to protect local wild species and endangered species. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor information on various platforms and social media, and proactively take enforcement action against illegal trade in endangered species.

    Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website at www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Failure of private hospitals in Bulgaria to apply EU public procurement rules, to the detriment of Bulgarian taxpayers: procedure INFR(2018)2268 – P-002749/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002749/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Radan Kanev (PPE)

    Member States had to transpose Directive 2014/24/EU into their national legislation by 18 April 2016, with each facility over 50 % publicly-funded having to comply with the rules on transparency, equal treatment and efficiency in public procurement. However, Bulgarian legislation allows for the injustice of private hospitals purchasing medicines through direct negotiations, without public tenders, despite the fact they receive significant funding from the Bulgarian National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

    This practice is creating significant differences in medicines prices between public and private hospitals, with private hospitals paying tens times more for the same medicines and the cost being covered by Bulgarian taxpayers through the NHIF.

    These breaches led to infringement procedure INFR(2018)2268 being initiated and, under the Commission’s reasoned opinion issued on 24 April 2024, Bulgaria has two months to remedy them before the case is brought to the Court of Justice of the European Union.

    So far, there is nothing to indicate that Bulgaria has taken any action in response.

    • 1.What developments have there been in INFR(2018)2268 against Bulgaria, and has the Commission acted on the two-month deadline set in April 2024?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s assessment in respect of the compliance of Bulgarian legislation with the requirements of Directive 2014/24/EU?
    • 3.What follow-up action will the Commission take in the event that Bulgaria fails to put in place effective mechanisms for the implementation and monitoring of public procurement by private hospitals?

    Submitted: 5.7.2025

    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – The unchecked invasion of the Belice area by renewable energy plants: a threat to the local fabric, its agriculture and CAP investments – E-002709/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002709/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giuseppe Milazzo (ECR)

    The unchecked proliferation of wind and solar photovoltaic plants is radically altering the landscapes and economic fabric of the Belice area – a rural region in western Sicily that relies heavily on agriculture – while also harming its producers.

    Meeting in Castelvetrano, local mayors criticised what they view as an energy transition model which has been imposed from on high and which benefits large industrial groups at the expense of the Belice area’s communities and identity.

    While the number of requests to connect installations to the electricity grid is already four times higher than planned, the areas deemed unsuitable for renewable energy plants have yet to be mapped out, even though such a measure was provided for by the Legislative Decree (No 199/2021) that transposed Directive (EU) 2018/2001 (known as RED II). This state of affairs could also jeopardise the investments made to protect and develop rural areas under both the Common Agricultural Policy and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Could the Commission clarify whether this state of affairs is in line with CAP and territorial cohesion objectives?
    • 2.Is this state of affairs compatible with the principles of the EU Green Deal, and does it respect territorial specificities?
    • 3.Which instruments will the Commission use to ensure that the environmental transition is not used as a pretext to cause further environmental and economic disruption in the EU’s rural and inland areas?

    Submitted: 2.7.2025

    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dubious EU funding of NGOs such as the ‘Club of Ossiach’ – P-002754/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002754/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE)

    The European Court of Auditors’ special report 11/2025 on the transparency of EU funding granted to NGOs demonstrates that between 2021 and 2023, around EUR 7.4 billion was disbursed to NGOs from various EU funds. Nonetheless, there is still no reliable overall overview of the beneficiaries, projects and how the funds were used. One particularly astounding example is the EUR 128 751 in funding granted to the largely unknown association ‘Club of Ossiach’. Upon further research, it seems that locals are unfamiliar with the association, which also fails to make any form of meaningful activity clear from the outside. Its online presence is unprofessional, somewhat misleading and even includes links to escort websites. There is no publicly available information on the actual work of the association and the website lacks a legal notice. The chairman refuses to provide any information.

    • 1.On what basis and using what quality criteria was EU funding totalling EUR 128 751 approved for the Club of Ossiach?
    • 2.As regards the award of EU funds to NGOs, what control mechanisms has the Commission put in place to make sure that beneficiary organisations genuinely are charitable, have operational capacity and are relevant in terms of their subject matter, and how does it assess their effectiveness in a specific case?
    • 3.What steps is the Commission taking in order to verify the Club of Ossiach’s use of funds and, if necessary, to initiate recoveries or legal consequences in the event of inappropriate use or misuse of EU funds?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dubious EU funding of NGOs such as the ‘Club of Ossiach’ – P-002754/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002754/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Elisabeth Dieringer (PfE)

    The European Court of Auditors’ special report 11/2025 on the transparency of EU funding granted to NGOs demonstrates that between 2021 and 2023, around EUR 7.4 billion was disbursed to NGOs from various EU funds. Nonetheless, there is still no reliable overall overview of the beneficiaries, projects and how the funds were used. One particularly astounding example is the EUR 128 751 in funding granted to the largely unknown association ‘Club of Ossiach’. Upon further research, it seems that locals are unfamiliar with the association, which also fails to make any form of meaningful activity clear from the outside. Its online presence is unprofessional, somewhat misleading and even includes links to escort websites. There is no publicly available information on the actual work of the association and the website lacks a legal notice. The chairman refuses to provide any information.

    • 1.On what basis and using what quality criteria was EU funding totalling EUR 128 751 approved for the Club of Ossiach?
    • 2.As regards the award of EU funds to NGOs, what control mechanisms has the Commission put in place to make sure that beneficiary organisations genuinely are charitable, have operational capacity and are relevant in terms of their subject matter, and how does it assess their effectiveness in a specific case?
    • 3.What steps is the Commission taking in order to verify the Club of Ossiach’s use of funds and, if necessary, to initiate recoveries or legal consequences in the event of inappropriate use or misuse of EU funds?

    Submitted: 7.7.2025

    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Use of the Digital Services Act to suppress political opinions ahead of the European elections – E-002633/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002633/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Markus Buchheit (ESN)

    In the run-up to the 2024 European elections, the Commission intensified the enforcement of the Digital Services Act[1] (DSA), calling on online platforms to combat so-called ‘disinformation’. However, several reports and testimonies indicate that this framework is being used disproportionately to target conservative, right-wing or Eurosceptic voices. In this context, the line between moderating harmful content and censoring political opposition becomes dangerously thin.

    Has the Commission monitored or evaluated the ideological bias in the application of the DSA on major platforms such as X or Facebook?

    Submitted: 30.6.2025

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of 19 October 2022 on a Single Market For Digital Services, OJ L 277, 27.10.2022, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2022/2065/oj.
    Last updated: 9 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions – RC-B10-0324/2025/REV1

    Source: European Parliament

    Hildegard Bentele
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Kathleen Van Brempt
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Beata Szydło, Mariusz Kamiński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Bart Groothuis, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Engin Eroglu, Christophe Grudler, Svenja Hahn, Ľubica Karvašová, Michał Kobosko, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Hilde Vautmans, Marie‑Pierre Vedrenne, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Ville Niinistö
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group
    Mariusz Kamiński

    European Parliament resolution on tackling China’s critical raw materials export restrictions

    (2025/2800(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on China,

    – having regard to the upcoming EU-China summit planned for 24 and 25 July 2025,

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 establishing a framework for ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials and amending Regulations (EU) No 168/2013, (EU) 2018/858, (EU) 2018/1724 and (EU) 2019/1020[1], also known as the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA),

    – having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1735 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 on establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s net-zero technology manufacturing ecosystem and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1724[2](Net-Zero Industry Act),

    – having regard to the G7 Leaders’ statement on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the clean trade and investment partnerships being negotiated by the EU, and to the EU’s critical raw material partnerships,

    – having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 20 June 2023 on ‘European Economic Security Strategy’ (JOIN(2023)0020), and to the speeches about de-risking given by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Policy Centre on 30 March 2023 and in Parliament on 18 April 2023,

    – having regard to the 13th EU-China Strategic Dialogue, held between the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Brussels on 2 July 2025,

    – having regard to the statements made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit held in Kananaskis, Canada from 16 to 17 June 2025,

    – having regard to World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, in particular the principles of non-discrimination and of transparency regarding export restrictions,

    – having regard to WTO dispute settlement rulings DS431, DS432 and DS433 on China’s rare earth export restrictions,

    – having regard to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) and (4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas on 4 April 2025, China started to enact export restrictions on 7 of the 17 rare earth elements (REEs) and on permanent magnets produced from these, introducing a system for non-automatic licences, and cited dual-use and security considerations as justification; whereas the list of items covered by the restrictions includes medium and heavy REEs (samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium);

    B. whereas critical raw materials are essential inputs for a wide array of industrial products and processes, including in critical sectors such as clean technologies, digital technologies, healthcare and defence; whereas a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials is fundamental to achieving the Union’s climate, digital, competitiveness and defence objectives;

    C. whereas export volumes have reportedly decreased by as much as 80 %, having a heavy impact on a wide range of sectors, including electronics and consumer tech, green energy and renewables, the automotive industry, aerospace and healthcare;

    D. whereas the EU’s dependence on China for critical raw materials has continued to grow or, at best, remains stubbornly high; whereas the global REE supply chain is heavily concentrated in China, which has control of around 75 % of mining output and of 85 % of processing capacity, reaching more than 95 % in the case of some REEs such as terbium, yttrium and dysprosium; whereas the EU remains overly reliant on non-EU countries for the supply of critical raw materials (CRMs) and is almost entirely dependent on China for the supply of heavy REEs; whereas the EU covers 98% of its demand for permanent magnets, and 92 % of its demand for NdFeB magnets, with imports from China;

    E. whereas China has significantly expanded its dominance in the global mining, processing and refining of CRMs and intermediate products, creating strategic dependences along key value chains, , which have, at times, been deliberately leveraged through restrictive trade measures; whereas China first restricted the export of REEs in 2010 over a territorial dispute with Japan, and this restriction was declared incompatible with WTO rules by the Appellate Body; whereas China has also applied extensive restrictions on the export of raw minerals classified as strategic and/or critical by the EU, including gallium and germanium since 1 August 2023, graphite since December 2023, antimony products since 15 September 2024, tungsten and bismuth since 4 February 2025, and scandium since 17 April 2025;

    F. whereas the implementation of these export restrictions has already started to cause severe disruptions to industry in the EU, including the automotive industry, with as many as 17 assembly lines experiencing temporary shutdowns in May 2025; whereas a wide array of sectors could face disruption, such as healthcare, space and defence – including fighter jets, frigates, drones and precision-guided weapons systems – wind turbines and batteries, as could the green and digital transitions more generally;

    G. whereas China’s licensing procedure requires applicants to disclose sensitive information to the Chinese authorities, which breaches economic secrecy; whereas China’s updated export control framework of December 2024 gives greater discretionary powers to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, the State Council and the Central Military Commission to subject items not formally listed as dual-use goods to export controls; whereas these new regulations include measures with extraterritorial applications;

    H. whereas the EU applies export controls to certain types of critical and advanced materials, but these controls are clearly focused on material types, with precise technical parameters relating to their use in specific military applications, do not affect trade in commercial non-sensitive products and account for only a small share of total exports of the materials in question;

    I. whereas China has deliberately pursued a strategy of undercutting global market prices while keeping its domestic market closed, generally to the benefit of state-owned enterprises, and couples this with huge subsidy schemes, leading to significant distortions in global competition and jeopardising recent efforts by the EU and the Member States to keep the EU’s remaining mining sectors afloat;

    J. whereas the EU adopted the CRMA in April 2024 as the starting point of efforts towards improving the resilience and autonomy of the EU’s supply of CRMs and strategic raw materials (SRMs); whereas the CRMA addresses both the supply side and the demand side, including through production targets, through resource efficiency aimed at moderating consumption, and through the substitution of SRMs; whereas circularity is at the core of the CRMA, which aims to cover 25 % of the Union’s SRM needs through recycling by 2030 and has the objective of recycling substantially larger amounts of each SRM from waste, including for permanent magnets;

    K. whereas the upcoming EU-China summit is an opportunity to engage in dialogue while continuing to stand strong against coercion;

    L. whereas China still has sanctions in place against a former MEP, members of Member State parliaments and European think tanks;

    1. Strongly condemns China’s decision to enact REE export restrictions, which has halted exports and significantly disrupted supply chains vital for the automotive industry, defence manufacturers, semiconductor companies, green technologies, healthcare applications and many other sectors in the EU and across the world; considers that China’s action is unjustified and has a coercive intent, building on the enormous leverage its quasi-monopolistic position on the global market provides;

    2. Believes that China is using these export restrictions to strengthen its negotiating position; stresses that the EU must firmly reject any attempts by China to use these restrictions to force concessions on other ongoing trade irritants, and believes that any concessions to China in this respect would harm the EU’s ability to protect itself from current and future coercion;

    3. Underlines the importance of expressing concern regarding China’s export restrictions on REEs and the broader implications of these restrictions for global supply chains at the upcoming EU-China summit; is convinced that export controls should be part of a multilateral approach designed to protect international security and ensure a global level playing field, insists that unilateral controls must be limited to those made strictly necessary by national security considerations, with transparent and clearly defined rules, and therefore stresses that making China’s actions run counter to multilateral rules and practices, and calls on the Commission and the Member States to take a firm and unified stance, engage with China to find a structural solution and continue dialogue with China in this regard;

    4. Urges the Chinese authorities to follow up tangibly on their proposal and fully lift the export restrictions; takes note, in the meantime, of the recent proposal by the Chinese authorities to establish so-called ‘green lanes’ aimed at simplifying procedures for European companies;

    5. Stresses the urgent need for the EU to enhance its strategic leverage and indispensability by identifying, operationalising and strengthening areas in which it holds critical advantages over China in essential goods and technologies, with the objective of strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy, or by limiting access to the EU internal market for high-risk Chinese vendors in accordance with EU and international trade law;

    6. Considers China’s measures to be an unjustified weaponisation of its CRM supply lines, rendering it an untrustworthy source of input for critical sectors and a threat to the Union’s economic and essential security interests;

    7. Expresses deep concern over the requirements, imposed by Chinese authorities, that applicants must disclose sensitive data when applying for export permits, and over the considerable risk of technology leaks associated with this as regards the defence industrial base value chain and national security secrets, stressing that this may be used for future coercion; considers it essential for the Commission and the Member States to assess and mitigate the security implications of such data transfers, in line with the European economic security strategy;

    8. Urges the Commission and the Member States to accelerate the implementation of the CRMA; stresses the important role of the European Raw Materials Board and its sub-groups for the rapid and efficient implementation of the CRMA; recalls the clear and ambitious targets set to reinforce EU capacities to extract, process and recycle SRMs domestically by 2030; highlights the selection of the first 60 strategic projects under the CRMA;

    9. Regrets the fact that the CRMA was not accompanied by a dedicated EU budget, despite the lack of funding being the main bottleneck; stresses the urgent need to secure investments in the strategic projects approved under the CRMA and in other projects to boost extraction, refining, processing and recycling that contribute to de-risking from China and to achieving the CRMA benchmarks; urges the Commission to dedicate further EU-level support to the diversification of the REE and CRM supply, and to guarantee that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework will include a budget line to foster investment in extraction, processing, circularity, research and innovation, including for the substitution of CRMs;

    10. Underlines the need for the EU to mine domestically and re-establish processing capacity; underlines that increasing the efficiency of resource use through technological innovation is one of the objectives of the CRMA; emphasises the potential of recycling and urban mining to alleviate supply constraints in the short term and asks the Commission to take immediate measures to improve the collection and retention of REEs in the internal market;

    11. Underlines the need to ensure the long-term business case for and the viability of investments in CRM value chains, including through financial support such as price floors, offtake support and strategic stockpiling; calls on the Member States to request that large companies producing technologies in strategic sectors duly and regularly carry out risk-preparedness activities and measures to mitigate supply shortages, including via stockpiling;

    12. Calls on the Commission, together with the Member States, to assess the minimum level for the EU of strategic stocks of REEs listed as SRMs (neodymium, praseodymium, terbium, dysprosium, gadolinium, samarium and cerium) and the corresponding end-use applications, including those linked to the defence industry;

    13. Calls, furthermore, for stronger engagement to conclude clean trade and investment partnerships (CTIPs) and bilateral strategic partnerships on raw materials that are based on true win-win partnerships and meet high sustainability and human rights standards; insists on the need to move towards binding agreements on CRMs to ensure the long-term security of the EU’s supplies, guarantee more transparency and ensure that Parliament has scrutiny powers; underlines the importance of free trade agreements and the Global Gateway initiative in enhancing access to CRMs;

    14. Encourages the use of preference clauses for sourcing REEs from EU suppliers and trusted partners in relevant procurement legislation; calls for greater coordination with like-minded international partners, particularly within the G7 and NATO frameworks and with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, in order to improve knowledge transfer, align supply chain security, joint investments and stockpiling strategies, and develop trusted-source standards for strategic sectors and projects;

    15. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to 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 Government and Parliament of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – EUDS mission to Moldova in Chișinău on 26-28 May 2025 – 26-05-2025 – Special committee on the European Democracy Shield

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Democracy Shield Committee’s mission to Moldova (26-28 May 2025) examined the current challenges of hybrid warfare and Moldova’s institutional response to foreign interference.

    With Russian interference operations estimated at over 1% of the country’s GDP, this timely mission, in the wake of the parliamentary elections in October looked into the topics of electoral corruption, disinformation, instrumentalisation of regional divisions and energy-related pressures, amongst other hybrid threats and realities. Through meetings with the parliamentary leadership, government officials, security services and civil society organizations, amongst a wide variety of interlocutors, the delegation assessed how Moldova is strengthening its democratic resilience through legislative reforms, specialized institutions, including the National Cybersecurity Agency and the Centre for Strategic Communication, and the experience of countering FIMI activities in real time during the constitutional referendum and presidential elections of 2024. The mission’s findings offered relevant insights for the work of the EUDS committee.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DEVE Committee 15 July – Committee on Development

    Source: European Parliament

    The Committee on Development will meet on 15 July to discuss the following files:

    • Presentation and exchange of views with Mr Louis Marechal, Senior Advisor Minerals & Extractives at OECD and Mr Alex Kopp, Senior Campaigner at Global Witness on Traceability of Critical Raw Materials with a focus on Africa;
    • Exchange of views on the General budget of the European Union for the financial year 2026;
    • Debriefing from delegation to the 4th Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla, June 2025;
    • Public Hearing on Interlinkage between Migration and Development Cooperation;
    • Presentation of the Danish Presidency Priorities;
    • Vote: EU political strategy on Latin America (Rapporteur for the opinion: Leire Pajín);

    The next Committee meeting will take place on 1 September 2025 15.00-18.30

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Text adopted – Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing – P10_TA(2025)0150 – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

    Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 43(2) and Article 207 thereof,

    Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission,

    After transmission of the draft legislative act to the national parliaments,

    Having regard to the opinion of the European Economic and Social Committee(1),

    Acting in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure(2),

    Whereas:

    (1)  In line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982(3) (‘UNCLOS’) and the Agreement for the Implementation of the Provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish Stocks of 4 August 1995(4) ▌ (‘UNFSA’), the management of certain straddling and highly migratory fish stocks requires the cooperation of all the countries whose fleets exploit that stock. Such cooperation could be established within the framework of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) or by means of ad hoc arrangements among the countries having an interest in the fishery concerned.

    (2)  Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council(5) establishes a framework to allow for the identification and the adoption of measures with regard to third countries which fail to cooperate and allow non-sustainable fishing of a stock of common interest for the Union.

    (3)  In accordance with Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012, it is possible for a country to be identified as allowing non-sustainable fishing if, inter alia, it fails to cooperate in the management of a stock of common interest in full compliance with the provisions of the UNCLOS and the UNFSA, or any other international agreement or rule of international law, and if it fails to adopt necessary fishery management measures.

    (4)  A definition of ‘failure to cooperate’ should be introduced in order to better define, for the purposes of Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012, the scope and meaning of the requirement to cooperate pursuant to UNCLOS and UNFSA.

    (5)   The ‘best available scientific advice’ should be understood to refer to publicly available scientific advice that is supported by the most up-to-date scientific data and methods and that has been either issued or reviewed by an independent scientific body that is recognised at Union or international level.

    (6)  It is also necessary to clarify that it should be possible for a country to be considered as allowing non-sustainable fishing if it does not implement or enforce the necessary fishery management measures, and that such measures include control measures, including within the framework of RFMOs.

    (7)  It is also appropriate to reinforce the procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect of countries allowing non-sustainable fishing, including within the framework of RFMOs.

    (8)   In order to assess the appropriate measures to be taken with regard to a country allowing non-sustainable fishing, it is necessary to provide for an accurate understanding of the trade relations of the Union with the country under evaluation, including by assessing historical data for imported products that reflect the real import patterns in relation to that country.

    (9)  Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 should therefore be amended accordingly,

    HAVE ADOPTED THIS REGULATION:

    Article 1

    Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 is amended as follows:

    (1)   Article 2 is amended as follows:

    (a)  point (b) is replaced by the following:“

    ‘(b) “associated species” means any fish that belongs to the same ecosystem as the stock of common interest and that preys upon that stock, is preyed on by it, competes with it for food and living space or co-occurs with it in the same fishing area, and that is exploited or accidentally taken, including as by-catch, in the same fishery or fisheries;’;

    ”

    (b)   point (f) is replaced by the following:“

    ‘(f) “unsustainable state” means the condition where the stock is not continuously maintained at or above the levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield or, if those levels cannot be estimated, where the stock is not continuously maintained within safe biological limits in line with the precautionary approach to fisheries management as referred to in Article 6 of UNFSA; the stock levels determining whether the stock is in an unsustainable state are to be determined on the basis of best available scientific advice;’;

    ”

    (c)  the following point is added:”

    ‘(i) “failure to cooperate” means the failure by countries to engage in good faith and have meaningful consultations, including within the framework of RFMOs, in which substantial effort is made with a view to reaching an agreement on the adoption of necessary fishery management measures, and examples of failure to cooperate include, but are not limited to:
       (1) refusing to consult or to involve in consultations all the relevant coastal States and fishing States;

    ▌
       (2) unjustified unilateral breaking-off of consultations;
       (3) undue delays, including in replying to requests or engaging in consultations;
       (4) withholding information relevant for consultations;
       (5) making unreasonable information requests;
       (6) disregarding agreed procedures;
       (7) systematically refusing to take into consideration counter-proposals or other parties’ interests;
       (8) systematically insisting upon own positions for an extended period, irrespective of flexibility offered by other parties in the consultations;
       (9) refusing to take into account the best available scientific advice or historic fishing activities regarding the relevant stock or stocks;
       (10) while consultations for comprehensive sharing arrangements are ▌ on-going, pursuing consultations with a view to concluding partial sharing arrangements, or subsequently concluding such partial sharing arrangements, excluding some relevant coastal States or fishing States for stocks of common interest.’;

    ”

    (2)  in Article 3, point (b), points (i) and (ii) are replaced by the following:”

    ‘(i) it fails to adopt, implement or enforce necessary fishery management measures, including control measures, ensuring the effective conservation and management of stocks of common interest, including within the framework of an RFMO or where agreed bilaterally or multilaterally; or
       (ii) it adopts fishery management measures, such as quotas or discriminatory measures, without due regard to the rights, interests and duties of other countries and the Union, and those fishery management measures, when considered in conjunction with measures taken by other countries and the Union, lead to fishing activities which could result in the stock being in an unsustainable state; this condition is considered to be complied with also where the fishery management measures adopted by that country did not lead to the stock being in an unsustainable state solely due to measures adopted by others.’;

    ”

    (3)  Article 6 is amended as follows:

    (a)  the title is replaced by the following:“

    ‘Procedures prior and subsequent to the adoption of measures in respect of countries allowing non-sustainable fishing’;

    ”

    (b)   paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:“

    ‘1. Where the Commission considers that it is necessary to adopt measures referred to in Article 4, it shall notify the country concerned of the intention to identify it as a country allowing non-sustainable fishing. In such cases, the European Parliament and the Council shall be immediately informed and regularly updated on developments and the actions taken.’;

    ”

    (c)   the following paragraph is inserted:“

    ‘2a. Where the stock of common interest falls under the scope of an RFMO, the Commission shall raise the matter of a country allowing non-sustainable fishing with the compliance body of that RFMO prior to the notification under paragraph 1, as applicable, with a view to remedying the situation.’;

    ”

    (d)  paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:”

    ‘3. Prior to the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall provide the country concerned with a reasonable opportunity to respond to the notification referred to in paragraph 1 of this Article in writing and to provide any relevant information.’;

    ”

    (e)  the following paragraphs are added:”

    ‘4. The Commission shall give the country concerned a maximum of 90 days to reply to the notification referred to in paragraph 1 and a reasonable time to remedy the situation.

    5.  Following the adoption of measures pursuant to Article 4, the Commission shall continue to engage and maintain an open dialogue with the country concerned and shall promote cooperation bilaterally and multilaterally, with a view to that country ▌ ceasing to allow non-sustainable fishing.

    6.  Where the country concerned enters into consultations with the Union in good faith, the Commission shall engage in such consultations without delay.’;

    ”

    (4)  in Article 7, paragraph 1 is replaced by the following:“

    ‘1. The measures referred to in Article 4 shall cease to apply when the country allowing non-sustainable fishing adopts appropriate corrective measures necessary for the conservation and management of the stock of common interest and those corrective measures:
       (a) have either been adopted autonomously or have been agreed in the context of consultations with the Union and, where applicable, other countries concerned or within the framework of RFMOs; and
       (b) do not undermine the effect of measures taken by the Union, whether autonomously, in cooperation with other countries or within the framework of RFMOs, for the purpose of the conservation of the fish stocks concerned.’.

    ”

    Article 2

    This Regulation shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

    This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

    Done at … ▌ ,

    For the European Parliament For the Council

    The President The President

    (1) OJ C, C/2025/1191, 21.3.2025, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/C/2025/1191/oj.
    (2) Position of the European Parliament of 9 July 2025.
    (3) United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (OJ L 179, 23.6.1998, p. 3, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/convention/1998/392/oj).
    (4) Agreement for the implementing of the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982 relating to the conservation and management of straddling stocks and highly migratory fish stocks (OJ L 189, 3.7.1998, p. 17, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/agree_internation/1998/414/oj).
    (5) Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing (OJ L 316, 14.11.2012, p. 34, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2012/1026/oj).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Reviving the securitisation framework – 09-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    ‘Securitisation’ consists of banks ‘pooling’ granted loans (e.g. mortgages and consumption loans) into a single tradable security, which is sold to other investors under specific conditions. Securitisation allows banks to ‘off-load’ part of their granted loans, thereby augmenting their lending capacities as well as swiftly modifying their portfolio risk exposure. Securitisation markets boomed in the 2000s and were identified as the main cause of the 2007-2008 financial crisis. The post-crisis regulation is now perceived as a major determinant of the significant shrinkage of securitisation markets since then, and an issue for the financial system. The Commission has made a proposal to ‘revive’ the securitisation market with the aim of removing obstacles that hinder the growth and development of the EU securitisation market, but without introducing risks to financial stability, market integrity or investor protection. The co-legislators have indicated (in their pre-legislative work) that they would support a revival of the European securitisation market while taking into account any risks to financial stability.

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union – 09-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU has faced challenges in recent years due to the ‘instrumentalisation’ of migration by the Belarusian government, leading to irregular border crossings into the EU. In response, some EU Member States have adopted national emergency measures that allow for derogations from EU law. The European Commission considers that EU countries could invoke Article 72 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) to address the issue of ‘hybrid threats’, including the instrumentalisation of migration. Article 72 TFEU allows Member States to derogate from EU secondary law in exceptional cases to maintain law and order and internal security. However, the interpretation of this article is debated. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has dealt with Article 72 in several judgments, but all attempts by Member States to invoke an emergency have failed so far. Even if a government successfully invokes Article 72, it would need to respect certain principles, such as the principle of proportionality, the fundamental rights protected by EU law, as outlined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and the principle of sincere cooperation and mutual trust and solidarity. To invoke Article 72 TFEU, a Member State must also demonstrate that a derogation is necessary to maintain ‘law and order’ or protect ‘internal security’. The concepts of public order and internal security are likely based on the public policy clauses of the fundamental freedoms, as established by CJEU case law.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic – RC-B10-0327/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    pursuant to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of the Rules of Procedure
    replacing the following motions:
    B10‑0327/2025 (S&D, Verts/ALE)
    B10‑0334/2025 (Renew)
    B10‑0339/2025 (PPE)
    B10‑0342/2025 (ECR)

    Sebastião Bugalho, Wouter Beke, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Željana Zovko, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Andrey Kovatchev, Tomas Tobé, Tomáš Zdechovský, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Liudas Mažylis, Vangelis Meimarakis, Loránt Vincze, Seán Kelly, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Kathleen Van Brempt, Francisco Assis
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Jaak Madison, Alexandr Vondra, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Veronika Vrecionová, Ondřej Krutílek, Michał Dworczyk, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Assita Kanko, Marlena Maląg, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Hilde Vautmans, Oihane Agirregoitia Martínez, Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Olivier Chastel, Engin Eroglu, Svenja Hahn, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Jan‑Christoph Oetjen, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Saskia Bricmont
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic

    (2025/2797(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Rule 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Joseph Figueira Martin, a dual Belgian-Portuguese citizen and humanitarian researcher working for the NGO FHI 360, was kidnapped on 26 May 2024 in the Central African Republic (CAR) by the Wagner Group and later handed over to the CAR authorities;

    B. whereas CAR brought charges against him based on unfounded accusations, including espionage and terrorism, for which he could face lifetime imprisonment and forced labour;

    C. whereas he was held at the OCRB in Bangui in solitary confinement and was tortured and threatened with death; whereas he has remained in detention under inhumane conditions and without trial for over a year, and a request for his conditional release has not been answered, in violation of CAR criminal law;

    D. whereas his health has deteriorated dramatically and medical assessments state that he requires urgent evacuation;

    E. whereas armed groups operating in CAR have been carrying out illegal and arbitrary arrests and detentions;

    F. whereas CAR is severely affected by Russia’s disinformation campaigns and hosts one of the largest contingents of Wagner Group mercenaries;

    G. whereas the EU supports CAR’s population, providing humanitarian, security and development aid;

    H. whereas Mr Martin’s case has been identified by the UN and the EU as one that reflects a broader pattern of disinformation and anti-Western rhetoric fostered by Russian-linked actors in CAR;

    1. Demands that the CAR authorities immediately and unconditionally release Mr Martin, given the absence of credible and substantiated evidence justifying his detention;

    2. Urges the CAR authorities to allow his medical evacuation and ensure his access to legal representation, consular assistance and appropriate care in accordance with international human rights standards;

    3. Strongly condemns the human rights violations committed through the arbitrary, continued and inhuman detention of Mr Martin, seriously threatening his life and health;

    4. Insists that any judicial proceedings strictly comply with due process guarantees enshrined in the ICCPR and the applicable provisions of CAR’s national legal framework;

    5. Calls on the CAR authorities to ensure that the armed groups operating in CAR immediately cease illegal and arbitrary arrests and attacks on humanitarian and NGO workers;

    6. Calls for ensuring accountability for rights’ violations and abuses;

    7. Condemns the growing politically motivated foreign interference in CAR, including through Russian paramilitary forces and disinformation campaigns; reiterates its call on the Council to designate the Wagner Group a terrorist organisation;

    8. Stresses that respect for human rights is crucial for good EU-CAR cooperation;

    9. Calls on the VP/HR to take all possible steps, in coordination with the Belgian and Portuguese authorities, including by raising Mr Martin’s case in the EU-CAR political dialogue, to secure his release and ensure that his rights are upheld; stresses the need for targeted EU measures should the CAR authorities persist in violating his rights;

    10. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the VP/HR, the Government and Parliament of CAR, the AU and the UN.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai – RC-B10-0328/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Sebastião Bugalho, Seán Kelly, Tomáš Zdechovský, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Tomas Tobé, Wouter Beke, Davor Ivo Stier, Łukasz Kohut, Mirosława Nykiel, Michał Wawrykiewicz, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Francisco Assis, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Bogdan Rzońca, Arkadiusz Mularczyk, Waldemar Tomaszewski, Marlena Maląg, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Benoit Cassart, Engin Eroglu, Olivier Chastel, Karin Karlsbro, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Villy Søvndal
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai

    (2025/2796(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to Opinion No 19/2022 of the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD),

    – having regard to Rules 150(5) and 136(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Ryan Cornelius, a 71-year-old British national married to an EU citizen, has been arbitrarily detained in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since 2008, following a conviction on false fraud charges related to a loan from Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) for a property development project;

    B. whereas he was initially sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and, just before his scheduled release in 2018, his sentence was extended by an additional 20 years under Dubai Law 37 of 2009, applied retroactively and in violation of international legal standards;

    C. whereas according to human rights organisations, the UAE Government has a concerning track record of arbitrary detention, unfair trials and allegations of torture;

    D. whereas according to independent auditors, the real estate development seized from Ryan Cornelius by DIB is demonstrably worth many times the amount of his outstanding debt to the bank;

    E. whereas the UNWGAD has declared his continued imprisonment a violation of international law, citing a lack of due process, coerced confessions, solitary confinement, denial of legal counsel and coerced signing of documents in Arabic;

    F. whereas Ryan Cornelius continues to be held in inhumane prison conditions, with his health deteriorating and without proper access to healthcare;

    G. Whereas Dubai Law 37 of 2009 states in Article 7(1) that the convicted person (the debtor) shall not be sentenced to jail if that person is aged over 70; whereas Ryan Cornelius turned 70 in 2024 and as such should be granted an exemption under this law;

    1. Condemns Ryan Cornelius’s arbitrary and prolonged detention and calls for him and all other arbitrarily detained persons to be released immediately and unconditionally;

    2. Demands that he be granted an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law;

    3. Urges the Dubai authorities to provide him with access to adequate medical treatment and care in accordance with international standards on the treatment of prisoners, and to ensure an independent investigation into his arbitrary detention;

    4. Denounces the retroactive application of Law 37 of 2009 and urges the UAE to ensure fair trials and abolish the practice of debt-related imprisonment; notes that Ryan Cornelius remains in prison despite the authorities having seized assets valued at more than twice his original debt;

    5. Expresses solidarity with his family;

    6. Calls on the United Kingdom to take all necessary action to ensure Ryan Cornelius’s release; urges the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States and the EU Delegation to the UAE to raise his case in all bilateral engagements with the UAE and closely monitor the conditions of his detention;

    7. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission, the Council, the VP/HR, the EU Special Representative for Human Rights, the Member States, and the governments of the United Kingdom and the UAE.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing with Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB – NEW – Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    Public Hearing with Claudia Buch © European Union (2025) – European Parliament

    The Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON) will hold a public hearing with Claudia Buch, Chair of the Supervisory Board of the ECB on Tuesday, 15 July 2025. This will be the first ordinary public hearing in 2025 under the Regulation on the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM Regulation) and the Interinstitutional Agreement between the European Parliament and the ECB.

    Ms Buch will elaborate on bank resilience and risk outlook, simplification, and the banking union. Afterwards, there will be an exchange of views with ECON Members.

    MIL OSI Europe News –