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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement: when Brussels finances a company penalised for dumping – E-002587/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002587/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    In 2016, the Commission imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of 4 % on imports of tubes and pipes of ductile cast iron originating in India. On 22 November 2023, Ursula von der Leyen and her administration decided to impose anti-dumping duties of 16 % on Electrosteel. According to the Commission, this Indian company has a 30 % share of the water pipe market in France and benefits from export subsidies of 6 % at home[1].

    The Commission found evidence that the weight of the goods had been misreported. Despite the fact that correct reporting of weights is essential to ensure that dumping margins are accurately calculated, the Commission has refused to check the previous imports for possible fraud and recover any duties not collected since 2016.

    • 1.By underreporting the weight of its pipes, the company evaded the duties it should have paid. Why has the Commission refused to carry out an investigation and recover the cost of this fraud?
    • 2.One project in Isère – funded by Brussels and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and valued at EUR 8 million – has purchased pipes from this non-EU company[2]. Why is the Commission financing a non-EU company that has committed subsidy fraud and that it has penalised for dumping?
    • 3.Why does the Commission not prohibit, in EU public procurement, purchases of products from non-EU companies found to have engaged in dumping or fraud?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    • [1] Recitals 4, 80, 168, 209 and 233 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2605 of 22 November 2023: countervailing duty of 9 % and anti-dumping duty of 7 %, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302605.
    • [2] Albenc – https://caeau.fr/creation-du-reseau-d-irrigation-asl-d-irrigation-de-l-albenc-38; https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cabinet-ca-eau_retour-sur-le-projet-dirrigation-des-terres-activity-7155144143210446848-X7rJ/?originalSubdomain=fr.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Self-care facilities for persons with disabilities – E-002588/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002588/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Loucas Fourlas (PPE)

    The autonomy of persons with disabilities is fundamental to social inclusion and equality. Nevertheless, many persons with disabilities continue to face daily barriers to accessing technological tools and services that could enhance their self-care and reduce their dependency on others. In several Member States there are delays in the provision of relevant allowances, poor awareness and/or a lack of harmonised strategies to facilitate the autonomy of persons with disabilities.

    Given that independent living is an objective of the EU strategy for the rights of persons with disabilities 2021-2030, will the Commission say:

    • 1.What measures does it intend to take to enhance persons with disabilities’ access to self-care technologies?
    • 2.Is there any plan to create a European mechanism to co-finance or subsidise such solutions?
    • 3.How is fair treatment and equal access for persons with severe disabilities guaranteed in the Member States?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Proportion of college and university students focusing on STEM subjects – E-002581/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002581/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Barbara Bonte (PfE)

    The proportion of college and university students choosing STEM subjects is a good indicator of future innovativeness.

    • 1.How has this proportion evolved in the EU in recent years?
    • 2.How does the EU compare to its biggest economic rivals, namely China and the United States, in this respect?
    • 3.How does the Commission explain this evolution?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Huge risks from the ‘death cauldrons’ in Drapetsona, Keratsini and Perama – E-002585/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002585/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI)

    High concentrations of heavy metals are being observed in patients from Drapetsona, Keratsini and Perama – a significant factor in the development of cancer, mainly of the lung. Measurements by the ‘Demokritos’ National Centre for Scientific Research confirm that the air is contaminated with volatile sulphur compounds from the processing and combustion of petroleum products and, on certain days, recorded benzene levels also exceed the mean limit value for the protection of human health. The risk of a large-scale industrial accident is ever-present, especially given that there are no mass escape routes for residents and the four petroleum facilities in Perama and ‘Oil One’ in Drapetsona are located in residential areas.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.What is the Commission’s position on the urgent need to implement the demands of unions and organised bodies for the immediate relocation of over 100 oil and other toxic substance tanks located within the urban fabric of Perama, the installation of ‘Oil One’ in Drapetsona and the return of all areas to the people, for use based on the modern needs of the people?
    • 2.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that the continued operation of the ‘Oil One’ facilities in Drapetsona and the suggested change of use of the already dangerous ‘ETEKA’ tank in Perama, under the responsibility of the EU and governments, exposes the people of the region to incalculable risks?
    • 3.What is the Commission’s position on the fact that there is no comprehensive plan for the prevention of and response to large-scale accidents rooted in the protection of workers, residents and the environment?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the Delegation on 09/07 at 17h00-18h30 in Strasbourg – Delegation for relations with Palestine

    Source: European Parliament

    The next meeting of the Delegation for Relations with Palestine will take place on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 17.00-18.30, in Strasbourg, (Room CHURCHILL 200).

    The main issue in the agenda will be an exchange of views on the resource theft and humanitarian needs (including the right to water) in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with

    · Ms Rasha Abu Dayyeh, PENGON Head of Advocacy;

    · Ms Bushra Khalidi, from Oxfam’s Policy lead in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Gaza;

    · Mr Monther Shoblaq, Director General of the Coastal Municipalities Water Utility, Gaza.

    The meeting will be web-streamed through the European Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Verification of radioactive waste off the Galician coast – E-002599/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002599/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ana Miranda Paz (Verts/ALE)

    In its answers to my questions (E‑000725/2019[1] and E‑002829/2019[2]), and in its answer to a question posed by my group (E‑004684/2020[3]), the Commission admitted that there is nuclear waste off the Galician coast, although it has acknowledged it was not in possession of updated studies on the impact of this, and multiple times has postponed the monitoring of marine radioactivity in Galician waters.

    However, it has recently been brought to our attention that a French oceanographic expedition (the Nodssum mission) moved to the relevant area (located almost one thousand kilometres from the Galician coast) and has already located off the Galician coast over one thousand of the more than 220 000 barrels containing radioactive material that were dumped there between 1940 and 1985.

    Considering the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of these interventions?
    • 2.Bearing in mind that the European Union did not do its work after the Commission included the monitoring of marine radioactivity on the Galician coast in the verification mission programme for 2020, pursuant to Article 35, what steps does the Commission plan to take in this regard? Will the Commission conduct its own study on the state of the nuclear waste deposited off the Galician coast?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-8-2019-000725_EN.html
    • [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2019-002829_EN.html
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2020-004684_EN.html
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – New studies confirming carcinogenic effects of long-term exposure to glyphosate at relevant levels – E-002611/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002611/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Christophe Clergeau (S&D), Cristina Guarda (Verts/ALE), Estelle Ceulemans (S&D), Romana Jerković (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Eero Heinäluoma (S&D), Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D), André Rodrigues (S&D), Nora Mebarek (S&D), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), Marie Toussaint (Verts/ALE), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Mélissa Camara (Verts/ALE), Mounir Satouri (Verts/ALE), Christel Schaldemose (S&D), Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Aurore Lalucq (S&D), Emil Radev (PPE), Jean-Marc Germain (S&D), Anja Hazekamp (The Left), Marta Temido (S&D), Manon Aubry (The Left), Günther Sidl (S&D), Maria Noichl (S&D), Elisabeth Grossmann (S&D), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE), Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE)

    In 2023, the Commission renewed the approval of the active substance glyphosate for use in plant protection products for a period of 10 years. This followed the conclusion by the ECHA that glyphosate does not meet the criteria to be classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, and an assessment by the EFSA, which did not identify any critical areas of concern. This was despite ongoing concerns and warnings from the scientific community about glyphosate’s toxicity, the 2015 classification by the IARC of glyphosate as a ‘probable carcinogen’, and the EFSA’s acknowledgement of a ‘high’ long-term toxicity risk to mammals, the developmental neurotoxic potential of glyphosate formulations, and the risk to biodiversity and impact on the microbiome. Moreover, the representative formulation has not been tested in any long-term toxicity or carcinogenicity study.

    On 10 June 2025, a new peer-reviewed study[1] by the Ramazzini Institute was published and confirmed the carcinogenic effects of long-term exposure from prenatal life to glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides, including the European representative formulation, at levels considered ‘safe’ (ADI to NOAEL; 0.5 to 50 mg/kg exposure).

    In the light of this new scientific evidence, will the Commission:

    • 1.task the EFSA and the ECHA with a review of their risk assessments of glyphosate?
    • 2.launch a review of approval procedure under Article 21 of Regulation (EU) 1107/2009?

    Submitted: 27.6.2025

    • [1] https://ehjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12940-025-01187-2.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting the common agricultural policy (CAP) in the multiannual financial framework – E-002592/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002592/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Maria Cisint (PfE), Susanna Ceccardi (PfE), Aldo Patriciello (PfE), Silvia Sardone (PfE), Isabella Tovaglieri (PfE)

    Commission communication COM(2025) 46 final, entitled ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework’, reveals the Commission’s intention to merge the common agricultural policy (CAP) into a single fund together with the cohesion policies. Such a serious move would irreversibly undermine the CAP’s historical, strategic and social function.

    The CAP is not like the other sectoral funds: it ensures food sovereignty, territorial cohesion and agricultural sustainability. Diluting it into an indistinct financial logic means denying the role of agriculture as the backbone of the European project. The reactions of the farming community and the Member States are clear: this idea is unacceptable.

    In view of the above:

    • 1.Is the Commission prepared to formally declare the withdrawal of any proposal or idea about merging the CAP into a single fund, and will it commit to presenting a post-2027 multiannual financial framework that ensures there is a dedicated and strengthened agricultural budget?
    • 2.Will it immediately set up a transparent, binding and participatory process involving agricultural representatives and local authorities, based on preliminary public impact assessments, for any future proposals concerning the CAP?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Further price increases and the unacceptable state of maritime transport, paid for in every way by the people – E-001604/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU can meet its climate and zero pollution goals successfully only if all sectors of the economy, including shipping, make significant emission reductions.

    For instance, to mitigate potential cost increases, the maritime related Fit for 55 regulations require only gradual emission cuts over time, support is given to the industry through EU funding programmes, and Member States can provide certain temporary exemptions e.g. for connections to small islands.

    The liberalisation of maritime cabotage under Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92[1] allows EU operators to provide services freely, while enabling Member States to impose public service obligations to ensure connectivity, especially to islands.

    These may include requirements on fares, frequency, or vessel standards, and may be compensated under EU State aid rules, provided the aid is proportionate and transparent.

    The Commission does not regulate domestic fares, ticket categories, or the deployment of specific vessels. These matters fall entirely under national competence.

    It is for each Member State to decide whether to impose public service obligations or introduce social pricing schemes for groups such as students, pensioners, or persons with disabilities.

    Concerns about pricing, service levels or fleet conditions should therefore be addressed to the national authorities responsible.

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/1992/3577/oj/eng.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Public Hearing: Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Source: European Parliament

    Public Hearing: Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU © Adobe Stock

    On 14 July 2025, from 16:30 to 18:00, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU is organising a public hearing on Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU. The exchange will focus on investigating how vacant housing stock across Europe can be repurposed for affordable housing, including legal, financial, and administrative measures to encourage use rather than speculation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Dispute between Türkiye and Germany on Traditional Specialities Guaranteed status for döner – E-002591/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002591/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kosma Złotowski (ECR)

    In April 2024, Türkiye submitted an application to the Commission for döner to be granted Traditional Specialities Guaranteed status (TSG). If this status were to be granted, kebab would have to be prepared and served following a strictly defined Turkish recipe, among other things requiring specific marinated meats to be used.

    Germany, where Turkish migrants popularised döner kebab in the 1970s, opposed the request, arguing that the dish has become integral to German culinary culture and can be found in a range of forms that reflect the country’s own diversity. The German method of preparing döner kebab has gained widespread popularity across Europe, especially in Poland where research shows that the kebab industry is worth over PLN 2.5 billion, with Poles consuming up to 5 million kebabs every day. Kebabs are now served in a variety of ways, including vegetarian versions.

    The Commission gave the two parties six months to reach a compromise. However, no such understanding was reached and the Commission committed to making a decision itself as to whether or not döner kebab would be granted TSG status.

    • 1.Why has the Commission still not made a final decision in this case and when will it do so?
    • 2.If TSG status is granted to döner kebabs, will it really become obligatory to follow one specific recipe across the EU and, if so, will regional variations of the dish be recognised as their own specialities?
    • 3.What action will the Commission take if Member States object to the decision to grant TSG status?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Public Hearing: Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU – 14-07-2025 – Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union

    Source: European Parliament

    Public Hearing: Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU © Adobe Stock

    On 14 July 2025, from 16:30 to 18:00, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU is organising a public hearing on Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU. The exchange will focus on investigating how vacant housing stock across Europe can be repurposed for affordable housing, including legal, financial, and administrative measures to encourage use rather than speculation.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish airlines must respect the ICAO or otherwise be banned from operating in EU airspace – E-000823/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of flights by Turkish air carriers between Ercan Airport and Türkiye even though the airport has not been designated by the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with Article 68 of the Chicago Convention, for use for international air services.

    Moreover, in the absence of an air services agreement in force between the Republic of Cyprus and Türkiye, such operations are not permitted, in accordance with Article 6 of the same Convention.

    The Commission considers that in line with the 2024 Türkiye Report[1] which sets out Türkiye’s obligations on the normalisation of relations with Cyprus, Türkiye is expected to actively support negotiations on a fair, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and the EU’s founding principles and acquis.

    As for potential sanctions by the Commission, it should be noted that there is no agreement on air services between the EU and Türkiye. Such an agreement might allow the Commission to directly address the situation and adopt measures on such air carriers.

    Air services between the Member States and Türkiye (including those operated by Turkish air carriers) are currently governed by the respective air services agreements in force between Member States and Türkiye.

    Any decision on adopting restrictive measures (sanctions) under the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy is for the Council to make under Article 31 Treaty on European Union[2].

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/8010c4db-6ef8-4c85-aa06-814408921c89_en?filename=T%C3%BCrkiye%20Report%202024.pdf.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/treaty/teu_2016/art_31/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) pre-election information mission in Côte d’Ivoire meets with political parties and groups, religious and traditional leaders

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    “We are listening to everyone, and then we will formulate recommendations that will be forwarded to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Omar Alieu Touray. He will take the political decisions, in consultation with the current Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, H.E. Julius Madaa Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone,” explained Theodore Holo, Head of the ECOWAS pre-election mission, to the various stakeholders he met on the 2nd and 3rd of July, 2025.

    On Wednesday 2nd of July 2025, the ECOWAS mission met with leaders of the Democratic Party of Côte d’Ivoire (PDCI-RDA), the Coalition of the Congress for Democracy and Peace (CAP-CI), the Constitutional Council, the African People’s Party – Côte d’Ivoire (PPA-CI) and finally, the Rally of Houphouëtists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP party.

    On Thursday 3rd of July 2025, the ECOWAS mission paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, H.E. Alassane OUATTARA. The mission then met with religious and traditional authorities as well as journalists from local private media at the headquarters of the ECOWAS Representation in Côte d’Ivoire. In the afternoon, Prof. Holo visited the Ministry of Defence, where he was received in audience by Minister Téné Birahima Ouattara.

    During his meetings with the stakeholders, Prof. HOLO explained the objectives of the consultation, which are to gather information and assess the political and institutional environment, as well as the aid needs to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, transparent, and peaceful manner. Nevertheless, Prof. Holo encouraged and advocated for dialogue between political actors with a view to finding a lasting solution to ongoing challenges or those that could hinder the electoral process.

    – on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President of Venezuela Meets Minister of State at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Caracas, July 04

    HE President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro met today in Caracas with HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.

    The meeting discussed aspects of cooperation between the two countries and ways to enhance and promote them, in addition to the latest regional and international developments, particularly in Latin America, the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories. Discussions also addressed the joint Qatari mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, as well as a range of issues of mutual interest.

    HE the Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the State of Qatar’s commitment to enhancing its partnership with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in all areas. He also underscored the importance of intensifying joint efforts to promote stability throughout the Latin American region.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on House Passage of One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    07.04.25

    Legislation Heads to President Trump to be Signed into Law

    BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, legislation that delivers on promises to:

    • Provide permanent tax relief for American families and small businesses.
    • Secure the border. 
    • Rebuild our military.
    • Support farmers and ranchers by passing the heart and soul of the farm bill.
    • Unleash American energy dominance.

    At the same time, the legislation finds savings of $1.6 trillion through common sense reforms and reducing waste, fraud and abuse, ultimately reducing the deficit by $507 billion.

    “The One Big Beautiful Bill will make our nation more prosperous and more secure. We worked to pass this legislation to provide permanent tax relief for American families that will enable them to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. We invest in priorities like border security, national defense, unleashing American energy dominance and passing the heart and soul of the farm bill for our farmers and ranchers. At the same time, we find $1.6 trillion in savings to help with our debt and deficit. This bill delivers on the priorities that President Trump promised to get our nation back on track.”

    Tax Relief for Families and Small Businesses

    The legislation permanently extends current individual tax rates and bracket changes of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, providing $4 trillion in tax relief and will increase take-home pay by up to $10,900 in the first four years for the typical family, resulting from economic growth and tax relief.

    The bill provides new and expanded tax deductions and credits for individuals, families and seniors, including:

    • No taxes on tips or overtime for millions of American workers.
    • Increasing and making permanent the enhanced child tax credit at $2,200, with $1,700 of that amount being refundable, adjusted for inflation.
    • Permanent relief from the death tax by setting the exemption to $15 million or $30 million for those married filing jointly, adjusted for inflation.
    • Savings accounts for newborns to help build financial security.
    • A new $6,000 tax deduction for millions of low- and middle-income seniors. Combined with other deductions, this will result in the average beneficiary paying zero taxes on Social Security. 

    The legislation helps small businesses, including agricultural producers and manufacturers invest in their operations by:

    • Permanently extending the Section 199A pass-through deduction for small businesses, farmers and ranchers.
      • Permanently extending the Section 199A(g) deduction used by agricultural cooperatives.
    • Increasing the Section 179 expensing amount to $2.5 million and increasing the phaseout for qualified property at $4 million.
    • Establishing a 100 percent accelerated depreciation for new industrial and manufacturing facilities that begin construction between 2025-2028.
    • Making permanent the 30 percent interest expense allowance.
    • Permanently extending the 100 percent domestic research and development deduction.
    • Making permanent 100 percent bonus depreciation.

    Support for Farmers and Ranchers

    To support the nation’s farmers and ranchers, Hoeven worked to pass the heart and soul of the farm bill in the One Big Beautiful Bill.  The legislation improves the farm-safety net to meet today’s markets and input costs, essentially providing a seven year farm bill. Specifically, the bill:

    • Increases reference prices for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) by 10% to 20% (specific increase varies by commodity).
      • Built-in future reference price increases with an inflation adjuster and an improved price escalator to prevent reference prices from becoming outdated when market and input costs change.
      • New safety net begins right away – producers can receive the higher of the ARC or PLC payment for this crop year, 2025, with the new updated reference prices. North Dakota farmers will see tens of millions of dollars in relief in 2025 alone thanks to these updates.
    • Includes key provisions of Hoeven’s FARMER Act to strengthen and expand access to affordable crop insurance:
      • Increases premium support for individual-based coverage across nearly all levels – starting at 55% — by an additional 3-5%.
      • Enhances the Supplemental Coverage Option by raising the coverage level from 86% to 90%, and boosts premium support from 65% to 80%.
    • Extends the sugar program through 2031, while increasing the sugar loan rate to better align with current market conditions.
    • Improves livestock disaster programs
      • Sets Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP) payments at 100% of market value for losses from federally protected predators and 75% for weather and disease losses.
      • Improves the Livestock Forage Program (LFP) to provide one monthly payment to eligible producers with grazing land in counties rated D2 (severe drought) for at least four consecutive weeks and two payments if D2 persists during any seven of eight consecutive weeks within the normal grazing period.

    Unleashing U.S. Energy Dominance

    The One Big Beautiful Bill will help restore American energy dominance by rolling back burdensome Green New Deal policies and empowering domestic energy production, including:

    • Increasing the value of the 45Q tax credit for captured carbon used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and utilization to match that of sequestration.
    • Requiring the Interior Department to hold regular oil and gas lease sales across federal lands and waters.
    • Requiring the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to act timely on coal lease applications.
    • Reducing the royalty rate for oil, gas and coal produced on federal land to their levels prior to the Biden administration’s tax-and-spend legislation.
    • Stopping the Biden-era natural gas tax.
    • Investing in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.
    • Providing regulatory relief for energy producers and repeals Biden-era Green New Deal policies and programs.

    Bolstering the Military

    • $25 billion to support the Golden Dome initiative, with investments in hypersonic testing, ground-based radars, and space-based sensors that support North Dakota-based missions and capabilities.
    • $15 billion to enhance nuclear deterrence, including the nuclear missions based at Minot Air Force Base:
      •  $2.5 billion for the new Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) program.
      • $500 million to sustain the existing Minuteman III ICBM.
      • $200 million for additional MH-1139 Grey Wolf helicopters.
    • Improves servicemembers’ quality of life through increased allowances and special pays, as well as improvements to housing, health care, childcare, and education.

    Securing the Border

    • Completes construction of the border wall, and upgrades barrier systems including access roads, cameras, lights, and sensors.
    • Improves border screening technology to help prevent drug trafficking and human smuggling.
    • Strong funding to hire and train more border security personnel.
    • Funds the Operation Stonegarden grant program to equip state and local law enforcements to cooperate with Border Patrol.
    • Invests in state and local capabilities to detect threats from unmanned aerial systems.

    Supporting Water Infrastructure

    • Provides $1 billion in funding for Bureau of Reclamation Water Conveyance Projects, including for eligible projects like the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project (ENDAWS).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government spokesman: statement on HKNSL by former Court of Final Appeal non-permanent judge Brenda Hale far from truth

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (July 4) said that the statement made by the former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), Brenda Hale, on the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the rule of law and independent judicial power in Hong Kong is far from the truth, particularly her assertion that the so-called “the National Security Law has taken over the Basic Law” is absolutely incorrect and contrary to the facts.

    Brenda Hale was appointed as a non-permanent judge of the CFA in 2018 but has never been involved in the hearing of any cases. She indicated to the Judiciary in June 2021 that, for personal reasons, she would not wish to have her appointment extended for another term upon the expiry of her then appointment, which differs from her current statement.

    The HKSAR Government spokesman said that any claims that the HKNSL overrides the Basic Law are incorrect. Article 1 of the HKNSL clearly states that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) enacts the HKNSL in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Decision of the National People’s Congress on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. The HKNSL was promulgated and implemented in the HKSAR on June 30, 2020, which has addressed the shortcomings and plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security of the HKSAR. The HKNSL and other laws in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law in accordance with the law.

    The judicial system of the HKSAR is protected by the Basic Law. According to Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication; the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. All judges and judicial officers abide by the Judicial Oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. When adjudicating cases of offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. The implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven that the courts have handled all the cases involving the HKNSL strictly in accordance with the above principles.

    The authority of the NPCSC to interpret the Basic Law and national laws that apply in the HKSAR is a fundamental aspect of the “one country, two systems” principle and has long been recognised in the jurisprudence of the HKSAR. It is therefore entirely in line with the “one country, two systems” principle that the general power to interpret the HKNSL being a piece of national law, as stipulated in Article 65 thereof, is also vested in the NPCSC. The interpretation given by the NPCSC on Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL in December 2022 does not and did not directly deal with any specific judicial proceedings or cases. Rather, it clarifies the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the HKNSL. It does not in any way impair the independent judicial power and the power of final adjudication of the HKSAR courts as guaranteed by the Basic Law. It is for the HKSAR to resolve specific cases and issues by itself. 
     
    The long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas appointed or reappointed as non-permanent judges of the CFA participating in hearings of the Court, as well as after the enactment of the HKNSL, has been conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong. There are currently six non-permanent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand in the CFA.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE commends teachers for teaching excellence (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee:

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 4) officiated and presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) (2024/2025), while 12 teachers received the Certificate of Merit from the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

         At the ceremony, the Chairman of the CEATE Steering Committee, Mr Dieter Yih, commended the awarded teachers, who not only possess solid subject knowledge and outstanding teaching capabilities but also make good use of diverse learning and teaching strategies with the integration of innovative technologies and e-learning tools to successfully create an excellent learning environment and a highly interactive learning atmosphere. They inspire students to strive for progress and effectively enhance students’ self-learning capabilities. He also encouraged all the awarded teachers to uphold their professionalism, continue to pursue excellence and perfection, and nurture a new generation of youth who are committed, talented, ethical, and dedicated to the country and Hong Kong.

    There were 239 nominations received from secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for the CEATE (2024/2025), covering themes of “Chinese Language Education Key Learning Area (KLA)”, “Mathematics Education KLA”, “Values Education”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Assessment of nominations for the themes and awards was based on distinct assessment criteria focusing on teachers’ professional performance in different domains. After assessment, five nominations (comprising 12 teachers) were presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence, along with four nominations (comprising 12 teachers) presented with the Certificate of Merit, two nominations (comprising two teachers) presented with the Award for Budding Teachers, and one nomination (comprising three teachers) presented with the Award for Education Innovation. Please visit the CEATE website (www.ate.gov.hk) for the list of the awarded teachers.
          
    Other officiating guests at today’s ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms May Chan; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Professor Paul Lam; and the Chairman of the CEATE Assessment Working Group (2024/2025), Professor Lo Ming-tung.
          
    Sharing activities involving the CEATE-awarded teachers are being rolled out gradually to disseminate excellent teaching practices. Details will be announced on the CEATE website and the EDB Training Calendar. 
          
    The CEATE (2025/2026) will cover three themes and two awards, namely “Physical Education KLA”, “STEAM Education”, “Curriculum Leadership”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3. Related details will be uploaded to the CEATE website from July 7.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB’s first Digital Education Week launches International Summit on Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​Digital Education Week 2025 (DEW) is a landmark event promoting the development of digital education by the Education Bureau (EDB). A flagship event of the first DEW, the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT), was officially launched today (July 4). The AIinLT is co-organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of English and Communication and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), providing a valuable and practical platform for teachers, researchers, and others in the education sector to learn and share insights regarding the use of AI in their respective fields of education.

    Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that the country placed great importance on advancing digital education. The EDB also implements digital education through four major focus areas, namely:

    1. enhancing students’ digital literacy and skills to prepare them as responsible citizens and lifelong learners;
    2. strengthening professional training in digital education for teachers and encouraging schools to leverage innovative technologies;
    3. optimising digital education infrastructure and fostering personalized learning; and
    4. expanding cross-border and international collaboration to enhance synergy and promote high-quality digital education development.

    Dr Choi also called for collaboration among all stakeholders – including the Government, educational institutions, educators, and the community – to optimise resources, share best practices, and maximise the impact of digital education. She also emphasised the irreplaceable role of human connections in learning, encouraging attendees to harness AI wisely to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a smarter, more connected world of learning.

    At the ceremony, the Chairperson of SCOLAR, Dr Anissa Chan, said that SCOLAR is committed to embracing technological advancements in language education. She noted that this commitment was what inspired SCOLAR to organise, finance and host the AIinLT, which is one of the first international events in Hong Kong focusing on the use of AI in education. The AIinLT serves as a collaborative platform for innovation and exploration.

    Dr Chan also spoke on the transformative potential of AI in personalising learning and enhancing language acquisition. She stressed the importance of guiding technological development through effective strategies, ethical considerations, and a learner-centred approach. She encouraged participants to shape the future of smart language learning, ensuring that AI serves as an enabler in education rather than a replacement for human interaction.

    In his welcome remarks, the President of PolyU, Professor Teng Jinguang, echoed Dr Choi and said that the city of Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in AI-powered education and technology-driven learning, given its world-class education system, renowned universities, and its development into an international innovation and technology centre and international hub for post-secondary education.  

    He added that PolyU has been promoting the development of AI in education. PolyU was a forerunner university to introduce compulsory AI education for undergraduates back in 2022, and established this year the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence as well as the Language Education Institute. All these efforts underscore PolyU’s far-sightedness and leadership in AI-empowered education and research. He expects that this event will spark meaningful ideas and collaborations that will help reshape AI in education in Hong Kong.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Education City, Mr Armstrong Lee, emphasised EdCity’s unwavering commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration aimed at establishing a robust AI education ecosystem that propels the advancement of digital education. To expedite the digital transformation of educational practices, EdCity is developing the “EdMarket,” an innovative super-shelf for electronic teaching tools. This platform will feature a diverse array of high-quality global educational resources, including pioneering AI teaching tools designed to enrich and inspire transformative teaching and learning methodologies.

    The AIinLT is taking place at PolyU for four consecutive days starting from today. The AIinLT on the first two days feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion, paper presentations, and teaching demonstrations. The following two days will include a post-summit workshop series covering a wide range of topics, along with a technology showcase where leading EdTech providers will demonstrate the latest AI hardware and software solutions, offering educators firsthand exposure to cutting edge-innovations. For details of the AIinLT, please visit the event website (events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt/home).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public transport services to be enhanced amid ferry service adjustments on July 7

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Transport Department (TD) today (July 4) reminded the public that, in view of special marine transport measures next Monday (July 7) morning, ferry services will be adjusted. It has steered operators to enhance relevant public transport services, including ferry, bus and the MTR Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line services. Operators will also provide free special outlying island ferry services (a total of four round trips) to ease the passenger flow. Members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, should plan their journeys early and allow sufficient time for commuting.

    (1) Outlying island ferry service adjustments

         From about 10am to noon on that day, at most two sailings for each bound of each of a total of nine outlying island ferry service routes will be suspended gradually. Service details in the periods concerned are as follows:
     

    • Central – Cheung Chau

    From Cheung Chau: An additional fast ferry sailing at 9.15am, sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.45am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.15am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am

    • Central – Mui Wo

    From Mui Wo: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.40am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.50am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.30am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.50am

    • Central – Peng Chau

    From Peng Chau: Sailing at 9.15am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
    From Central: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

    • Central – Yung Shue Wan

    From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.20am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 10am, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon

    • Central – Sok Kwu Wan

    From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 9.35am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.05am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.40pm
    From Central: Sailing at 8.35am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.20am to be advanced to depart at 10am, service to resume normal at 11.50am

    • Aberdeen – Pak Kok Tsuen – Yung Shue Wan

    From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.20am to remain unchanged, sailing at noon to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 2.20pm
    From Aberdeen: Sailing at 8.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 1.45pm

    • Aberdeen – Sok Kwu Wan (via Mo Tat)

    From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 8.45am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.45am
    From Aberdeen: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.30pm

    • Ma Wan – Central

    From Ma Wan: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon
    From Central: Sailing at 10.10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

    • Central – Discovery Bay

    From Discovery Bay or Central: Sailings at 9.10am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailings at 9.40am and 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 9.30am and 9.50am respectively, sailings at 10.40am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.40am

    (2) Outlying island public transport services to be enhanced

    Free of charge special outlying island ferry services

         On the morning of July 7, operators will provide the following free special ferry service routes between individual outlying island locations and Tsuen Wan West, comprising four round trips. Passengers can transfer to the MTR Tuen Ma Line or other road-based transport modes at Tsuen Wan West Station to other destinations:
     

    • Cheung Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Cheung Chau at 10.25am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.25am;
    • Peng Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Peng Chau at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.10am;
    • Yung Shue Wan – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Yung Shue Wan at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.20am; and
    • Discovery Bay – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Discovery Bay at 10.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.15am.

    Bus services to be enhanced

         At the same time, operators will enhance bus services in Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay to ease the passenger flow, including:
     

    • Enhancing service between Mui Wo Pier and Tung Chung Station (New Lantao Bus route No. 3M);
    • Enhancing service between Ma Wan (Tung Wan Bus Terminus) and Tsing Yi Station (Residents’ Service route No. NR330);
    • Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay to Central Ferry Pier No. 3 at 10.30am;
    • Operating free bus service from Ma Wan to Central Ferry Pier No. 2 at 11am; and
    • Strengthening service between Discovery Bay/Discovery Bay North and Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R/DB03RP).

    MTR services to be enhanced

         On the morning of July 7, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will arrange standby trains on Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line for taking passengers if needed. The MTRCL will also deploy additional staff to busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers.

         Details of the above outlying island ferry service adjustments and special public transport service arrangements are set out in the Annex.

    (3) In-harbour ferries’ temporary service adjustments

         Of note, from around 10am to noon on July 7, subject to the actual situation, there may be temporary service adjustments up to around 30 minutes in nine in-harbour ferry routes, namely Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui, Central – Tsim Sha Tsui, North Point – Hung Hom, North Point – Kowloon City, Central – Hung Hom, North Point – Kwun Tong, Water Taxi, Sai Wan Ho – Kwun Tong and Sai Wan Ho – Sam Ka Tsuen. Members of the public are urged to pay heed to the latest traffic news and announcements through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile application and the ferry operators. The TD and operators will closely monitor the actual traffic situation at sea and, if practicable, resume normal services as soon as possible. Public transport services will be enhanced as needed to ease the passenger flow.

         The TD will continue to work with the Islands District Office, relevant District Services and Community Care Teams of Islands District as well as ferry and road-based public transport operators to enhance information dissemination through websites, mobile applications, notices at piers and onboard as well as district networks to inform passengers of the above arrangements.

         The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory including districts concerned.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Land and Development Advisory Committee holds meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    At its meeting today (July 4), the Land and Development Advisory Committee (LDAC) was briefed by the Government on the preliminary development proposal of sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas, and the proposed scheme to be launched jointly by the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Education Bureau (EDB) to encourage the market to convert commercial buildings into student hostels.
     
    Members generally welcomed the Government’s proposal to transform the sites around Hung Hom Station and its waterfront areas into a new harbourfront landmark through replanning, thereby enriching the public and tourists’ enjoyment of the Victoria Harbour. While agreeing that commercial elements such as retail and dining should be provided in the development, Members suggested that land use flexibility should be maximised to allow the future developer(s) to adjust the mix of different types of commercial use in the future having regard to the prevailing market environment. 
     
    Members appreciated that the proposal would improve the pedestrian connectivity in both the north-south (from hinterland to waterfront) and east-west (between Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East) directions, but suggested further studies be conducted to explore further strengthening connectivity, say with other developed areas of Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui East that were currently outside the scope of the study, and to incorporate innovative urban design elements. On the utilisation of water body, Members were in support of the idea of providing yacht berthing facilities at the water body adjacent to the former Hung Hom Freight Yard site to address the shortage of berths. Members also recommended the Government consider the need for formulating more facilitating measures to complement the development proposal to better promote yacht tourism and facilitate the development of the yacht industry, and to ensure that the general public would be able to enjoy the harborfront. 
     
    The Government will take into account Members’ recommendations and the feedback received during the consultation period to be ended in early July when refining the proposal and finalising the detailed development parameters. The aim is to commence the relevant statutory procedures in the second half of 2026.
     
    On the Government’s proposal to streamline development control procedures to encourage conversion of commercial buildings into student hostels, Members welcomed the proposed facilitation measures to boost the supply of hostel accommodation to enable Hong Kong to better grasp opportunities ahead to reinforce its position as an international post-secondary education hub. These measures include expanding the definition of ‘Hotel’ use under the planning regime to cover eligible student hostels under the proposed scheme; and providing concessions for eligible student hostels converted from commercial buildings with regard to plot ratio, site coverage, and exempted gross floor area, etc. Members considered the proposed scheme timely and relevant, and would leverage market forces through streamlining development procedures to boost hostel supply in the short run on the one hand, and facilitating more effective use of the commercial building stock currently in the market on the other.
     
    The Government will continue to brief the trade and stakeholders on the proposed scheme, which is expected to be rolled out in mid-July this year.
     
    In addition, Members were briefed by the Lands Department on the latest measures to enhance transparency and provide more certainty with regard to the processing of applications for lease modifications, land exchange, private treaty grant and other land transactions. Members welcomed the Lands Department’s initiative to set out time targets for certain key steps in the processing of land transactions.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS continues to follow up on imported turkey bacon with possible contamination of Listeria monocytogene

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (July 4) said that subsequent to yesterday’s announcement that kinds of prepackaged turkey bacon originated from the United States (US) might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a follow-up investigation showed that an importer had imported one of the affected products. The CFS urged the public not to consume the product. The trade should stop using or selling the affected batch of the product immediately if they possess it.

    Product details are as follows:

    Product name: Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon Original
    Place of origin: US
    Pack size (Universal Product Code/Lot number) and use-by dates: 
    (1) 12oz (071871548601/RS40), July 18 to August 2, 2025;
    (2) 36oz (071871548748/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 23 to September 4, 2025; and
    (3) 48oz (071871548793/RS19, RS40 and RS42), July 18 to September 4, 2025

         “The CFS has been closely following up on the notice issued by United States Department of Agriculture indicating that the above-mentioned product might have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes and is being recalled. Upon learning of the incident, the CFS immediately followed up on the incident, and learnt during the follow-up investigation that an importer (Etak International Limited) had imported one of the concerned products (pack size: 12oz; use-by date: July 26, 2025).”

    The importer concerned has stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected product, and has initiated a recall according to the CFS’s instructions. Members of the public may call its hotline at 2526 2371 during office hours for enquiries about the recall of the product concerned.

         “Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms like fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns,” the spokesman said.

    “In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish.”

         The CFS will alert the trade to the incident, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. The investigation is ongoing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected cannabis buds and suspected cannabis oil at airport (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Hong Kong Customs today (July 4) detected a drug trafficking case involving baggage concealment at Hong Kong International Airport and seized about 11.2 kg of suspected cannabis buds and 50 sticks of vapes containing suspected cannabis oil with a total estimated market value of about $2.4 million.
     
    The case involved a 38-year-old male passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, today. During customs clearance, Customs officers found the batch of suspected cannabis buds and vapes containing suspected cannabis oil in his two check-in suitcases. The man was subsequently arrested.
     
    The arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 5).

    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not to participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.

    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.

    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.

    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese State Councilor Calls for Promoting Scientific, Technological, Industrial Innovation for High-Quality Development

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HEFEI, July 4 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councilor Wang Xiaohong has called for firmly adhering to the new development concept as the guide and making active efforts to promote scientific, technological and industrial innovation so as to push for new achievements in the country’s high-quality development.

    Wang Xiaohong, also a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour of Anhui Province in east China from July 3 to 4.

    During the inspection, he called for transforming and modernizing traditional industries, developing and expanding emerging sectors, and continuously enhancing independent innovation potential.

    In addition, Wang Xiaohong stressed the need to actively develop the low-altitude economy on a safe and secure basis, implement more effective measures to support the people and enterprises, and implement law enforcement in a strict, standardized, impartial and civilized manner. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China looks to deepen practical cooperation with Ghana – Chinese Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 4 (Xinhua) — China hopes to work with Ghana to take advantage of the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries to deepen practical cooperation in various fields, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Friday.

    Mao Ning made the remarks at a regular briefing for journalists when answering a question about relations between China and Ghana.

    As the official representative recalled, Ghana is one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to establish diplomatic relations with China, and it is also the first country in the region visited by a Chinese leader.

    Noting the long-standing and growing friendship between the two countries, Mao Ning stated that over the 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have maintained healthy and stable development, political mutual trust has continuously deepened, and practical cooperation in various fields has yielded significant results.

    Mao Ning also recalled that the two countries established strategic partnership relations last year.

    China is willing to work with Ghana to further deepen traditional friendship, strengthen political mutual trust, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, establish closer coordination and cooperation in international affairs, promote the deepening and practical implementation of China-Ghana strategic partnership, so as to bring greater benefits to the peoples of the two countries, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman concluded. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rome gas station explosion casualty toll rises to 45

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ROME, July 4 (Xinhua) — The death toll from a powerful explosion at a gas station in eastern Rome, Italy, on Friday morning has risen to 45, according to the latest reports in Italian media.

    According to the Italian news agency ANSA, among the injured were 12 police officers, six firefighters and three rescue workers who arrived at the scene after the first explosion of lesser power, which was followed by repeated detonations.

    Two people are in critical condition and are currently on life support, while six others have been assigned a “code red” status, the highest level of emergency medical care in the Italian health system.

    An explosion rocked a petrol station on Via dei Gordiani in the Prenestino district. According to the preliminary version of the local fire service, it could have been caused by a fuel pump disconnecting from a fuel tanker. The authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: V. Zelensky and D. Trump agreed to hold a meeting of representatives of the two countries to strengthen the Ukrainian air defense system

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Kyiv, July 4 (Xinhua) — Ukrainian and US Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump held a telephone conversation during which they agreed to hold a meeting of delegations from the two countries to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense system, Zelensky said on his Telegram channel on Friday.

    The Ukrainian leader noted that during the conversation he discussed with D. Trump Russian air strikes on Ukraine and the situation at the front. The parties agreed to strengthen the protection of the skies over the country, as well as to organize a meeting of representatives of Ukraine and the United States to discuss this issue.

    Separately, V. Zelensky and D. Trump exchanged views on cooperation between the two countries in the defense industry and prospects for establishing joint production. The President of Ukraine expressed his readiness to implement direct projects with the United States, in particular in the field of drone manufacturing.

    Issues of mutual purchases and investments were also raised during the negotiations.

    Earlier this week, the media reported that the Pentagon had suspended the supply of certain types of air defense missiles and other precision-guided munitions to Ukraine due to the depletion of U.S. stockpiles. After this, V. Zelensky said that official Kyiv was clarifying the details of further military aid from Washington at all working levels. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Urgent: China, EU should jointly uphold economic globalization and international trade and economic order: Chinese Premier

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China and the European Union should jointly send a positive signal of support for multilateralism and free trade, and jointly safeguard economic globalization and the international economic and trade order, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday.

    During a meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadjidakis on the Greek island of Rhodes, Li Qiang also expressed hope that Greece would continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: BRICS: Greenpeace calls for strong global leadership in pushing climate action and nature protection

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Leaders at the BRICS Summit have a responsibility to reinforce multilateralism and deliver an urgent signal they are prepared to act on the global challenges of climate change and nature protection.

    Less than two weeks after the Bonn Climate Change Conference was marred by a lack of urgency and as G7 leaders tiptoed around the need for climate action, BRICS leaders have an obligation to move ahead with urgent climate action on the road to COP30 in Brazil – including accelerating the COP28 decision to transition away from fossil fuels to align their climate action plans with the 1.5°C goal. 

    Anna Carcamo, Climate Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “All eyes are on Brazil this year as the BRICS and COP30 host. This is a seismic opportunity to drive bold, collaborative Global South leadership. BRICS nations, several of which are among the most climate vulnerable, must seize this moment and take a decisive stand for people and the planet.

    “The BRICs can lead climate action with strong 2035 climate action plans and Brazil has a responsibility to steer them to higher ambition, ensuring an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels and pushing forward to end deforestation through a transformative forest outcome at COP30 in the Amazon.”

    Yao Zhe, Global Policy Adviser, Greenpeace East Asia said: “The BRICS agenda has always placed global development at its core. However, amid major economic and geopolitical challenges, ecological degradation is threatening the foundations of future prosperity and undermining development potential.

    “It is crucial therefore that the BRICS evolves into a positive force for strengthening global environmental and climate governance by offering joint leadership and innovative solutions. As a founding member of BRICS, China plays a particularly important role in this endeavour.”

    Koaile Monaheng, Pan African Political Strategist, Greenpeace Africa said: “In a year as the G20 host, South Africa also needs to live up to its global responsibilities and a good place to start is ratifying the global oceans treaty and pushing other BRICS members to do the same. But responsible leadership also starts at home and South Africa must push ahead with an ambitious 2035 climate action plan to set the scene for climate finance talks at COP30.”

    Rayhan Dudayev, Forest Solution Political Lead, Greenpeace Southeast Asia said: “The world is watching for Global South leadership that strengthens multilateralism, centres climate justice and puts community-based solutions at the heart of climate action and finance. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities protect over one-third of the world’s forests, but receive only 1 % of global climate finance. The Brazilian-led Tropical Forests Forever Facility is an opportunity to strengthen forest protection and halt deforestation if it ensures robust monitoring and full participation of frontline communities.”

    Abigail Aguilar, Global Plastics Campaign Manager, Greenpeace USA said: “A strong Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic production and provides a pathway for sustainable development in the Global South could provide a defining signal that BRICS nations are listening to the most affected in the developing countries and are ready to step up where others have faltered.

    “With the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations on the horizon in Geneva, BRICS nations must commit to an ambitious agreement that will cut plastic production, secure finance and technology needed for a just transition and protect our people, climate and the planet.”

    Mariana Andrade, Ocean Campaigner, Greenpeace Brazil said: “The High Seas Treaty’s ratification is within touching distance and Global South leadership has helped drive forward this crucial agreement. But ahead of the next International Seabed Authority meeting, we are watching whether that leadership extends to defending the ocean from unilateral deep sea mining.

    “Reckless exploitation of the deep sea would betray the principles of multilateralism that BRICS countries must champion. This is a moment where they must commit to international law, science-based decision-making and the common heritage of humankind.”

    ENDS

    Contacts:

    Aaron Gray-Block, Climate Politics Communications Manager, Greenpeace International, [email protected]

    Lais Modelli, Media Coordinator, Greenpeace Brasil +55 14 981279058, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected] 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Sky-high protest: activists confront fossil gas in Croatia during heatwave emergency

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    Pula, Croatia – Greenpeace Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) activists from six countries have climbed 135 meters (the height of a skyscraper) up a towering fossil gas installation platform known as a Jackup rig, to stage a protest in Pula on the Croatian Adriatic Sea. They unfurled two banners saying “Stop Gas” and “Start Future”, illustrated with solar and wind energy. Greenpeace is calling for an immediate ban on all new fossil fuel projects in the European Union and a fossil gas phase-out by 2035 through a swift, fair transition to renewable energy.

    Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

    As a record-breaking heatwave is sweeping across Croatia and much of Europe and North Africa, activists from Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Poland, Germany and Slovenia climbed up the platform at the port of Pula before unfurling their 45-metre long banners. This action comes just days after the first legal step in the groundbreaking anti-SLAPP case to protect freedom of expression and stop abusive lawsuits initiated by Greenpeace International in the EU, after US oil company Energy Transfer’s attempt to silence the organisation.

    Eszter Matyas,  Greenpeace CEE campaigner with the European Fossil-Free Future campaign said: “No matter how hard fossil fuel companies try to silence us, we will keep fighting their destructive business. Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and fossil gas is fuelling that crisis. Today, we’re taking a stand at a pivotal site: a facility used to explore and develop new gas drilling projects in the Adriatic. No matter where it comes from, fossil gas is driving us deeper into climate chaos. We have a message to EU leaders: stop greenlighting new fossil gas infrastructure. Phase out fossil gas by 2035.”

    Petra Andrić, Greenpeace Croatia climate campaigner, added: “Floods, heatwaves and wildfires are sweeping the globe as the oil and gas industry drives us deeper into the climate crisis. Croatia must stop funding outdated fossil fuel infrastructure and invest in solar, wind, energy storage and energy efficiency. Every delay tightens our dependence on dirty, dangerous fuel and makes the transition more difficult and expensive. We’re fighting for a greener, fairer future with clean, sustainable energy for all. That future starts now.”

    Greenpeace’s Fossil-Free Future campaign is currently on an expedition across Europe with the Greenpeace ship Arctic Sunrise to spark debate about Europe’s energy system and question its dependence on fossil gas. Campaigners are confronting the fossil fuel industry and promoting a fair phase-out of fossil gas, through a just transition to renewable energy that allows everyone to meet their energy needs at a decent price, without harming people, the planet or the environment.[1] In March, the Arctic Sunrise was in Belgium to denounce how Europe’s reliance on fossil gas fuels geopolitical instability, while leaving households burdened with skyrocketing energy costs. Last week in Italy as the latest European heatwave began, activists protested the toxic alliance on fossil gas between US President Trump and Italy Prime Minister Meloni.

    ENDS

    Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

    Notes:

    [1] Greenpeace is gathering support for a ban on all new fossil gas -and fossil fuel- infrastructure projects in the EU. The Fossil-Free Future campaign’s Open Letter to the EU and national governments has already gathered 82.000 signatures.

    Contacts:

    Manon Laudy, Press Officer, Fossil-Free Future Campaign, Greenpeace Netherlands, +336 49 15 69 83, [email protected]

    Greenpeace International Press Desk, +31 (0)20 718 2470 (available 24 hours), [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO –