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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Lake Victoria is turning green – the deadly bacteria behind it

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Lauren Hart, PhD candidate, Michigan Geomicrobiology Lab, University of Michigan

    Lakes, natural and man-made, provide water, food and habitats for wildlife, as well as supporting local economies. Around the world, though, there’s a growing threat to lakes: toxic bacteria which turn the water green.

    This is the same green as you see on stagnant ponds. It’s caused by tiny organisms called cyanobacteria and can be deadly.

    Cyanobacteria thrive in warm, sunny lakes and ponds that contain excess nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients derived from fertiliser, manure and sewage. When conditions are right, cyanobacteria multiply rapidly and form smelly green scums on the water’s surface.

    Known to science as cyanoHABs (cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms), the scums are harmful to livestock, wildlife, pets, people and aquatic organisms like fish. Toxins make untreated water unsafe to drink, swim in, or even touch. Sometimes they can become suspended in air and be inhaled. The cyanoHABs also harm ecosystems by depleting oxygen, killing off whatever lives in the water, and disrupting food webs and fisheries.

    CyanoHABs are a global threat and receive considerable scientific attention in North America and Europe. Blooms are becoming more widespread worldwide because rising temperatures promote cyanobacterial growth and more intense rainfall delivers nutrients from the landscape. Only effective management of nutrients can reverse this trend.

    The problem is understudied in Africa’s main lakes, including its largest – Lake Victoria. Past research on cyanoHABs has mostly used microscopy to study the kinds found there, but microscopy cannot differentiate between toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial cells.

    We are on a large project team of scientists who have been studying the socioeconomic and environmental effects of cyanoHABs in the Winam Gulf region of Lake Victoria in south-western Kenya.

    Our latest study identified which cyanobacteria were the most abundant in the gulf and which ones were producing the main toxin of concern.

    These findings can improve public safety:

    • local authorities can monitor for specific cyanobacteria and warn residents to stay away when blooms are present

    • cyanoHAB prevention practices (nutrient reduction, land-use practices) can target the cyanobacteria that cause the problem.

    Greening of lakes

    Lake Victoria now receives large influxes of nutrients because of growing lakeside populations and land-use changes. Nutrients from agriculture, industry and urbanisation fuel the growth of cyanoHABs.

    CyanoHABs occur in many basins in Lake Victoria but are highly concentrated in Kenya’s shallow Winam/Nyanza Gulf. Changing nutrient and temperature conditions can also alter which types of cyanobacteria dominate the gulf and the types and levels of toxins in the water. Lakeside communities that rely on the gulf for drinking water and domestic tasks are at risk of exposure to cyanoHAB toxins.

    Past research on cyanoHABs has mostly used the oldest of microbiological techniques — microscopy — to classify the types of cyanobacteria in the gulf. This cannot differentiate between toxic and non-toxic cyanobacterial cells.

    Modern genome sequencing technologies can identify genes encoding the production of known and novel toxins and other molecules of interest, such as those with medicinal properties. Genomic data from African Great Lakes is scarce, so the chemical capabilities of bacteria in this region are largely unexplored. But this is beginning to change.

    Our latest study adds to a growing number of recent studies our team has carried out in and around Lake Victoria. In this study, our research vessel stopped at over 31 sites to collect scientific samples and data. The samples were later analysed for DNA, the biological “instruction manual” inside every living thing. DNA tells an organism how to grow, function, reproduce, and – in the case of cyanobacteria – make deadly toxins. This analysis produced near-complete genome sequences – that is, the set of all genes in the DNA – for organisms at each sampling site.

    Past reports identified Microcystis as the dominant cyanobacteria in the Winam Gulf. Our research, however, found Dolichospermum was the most abundant type in major cyanoHAB events there. This finding might be due to recent environmental changes in the region.

    But we linked Microcystis to microcystin. This is a liver-damaging toxin that can kill livestock, wildlife and humans, especially those whose immune system isn’t working well. In Winam Gulf, it’s often more abundant than the health limits set by the WHO.

    Our study also found that Microcystis occurs mainly in murkier river mouths where green scums are not visible, making scientific monitoring and public alerts even more important.

    Local authorities can now monitor for these cyanobacteria and warn residents to stay away when blooms are present.

    The findings also mean that authorities know which cyanobacteria to target in prevention efforts like reducing the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients entering the gulf.

    Lastly, our genomic study uncovered over 300 uncharacterised genes that may produce novel cyanobacterial molecules. These molecules could have toxic or therapeutic effects, and provide an opportunity for future investigators to explore.

    A model for what is to come

    Rapid human population growth and settlement around lakes and their watersheds is leading to high levels nutrients in lakes around the world. This results in excessive growth of algae and aquatic plants. This danger is likely to increase with global warming because warm temperatures promote algal blooms.

    Our data provides a foundation for remedying this in Lake Victoria – and possibly discovering beneficial properties in cyanoHABs.

    Lauren Hart receives funding from National Institute of Health.

    George S Bullerjahn receives funding from the National Science Foundation.

    Gregory J. Dick receives funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institutes for Health, and the US Geological Survey.

    Kefa M. Otiso receives funding from the US National Science Foundation.

    – ref. Lake Victoria is turning green – the deadly bacteria behind it – https://theconversation.com/lake-victoria-is-turning-green-the-deadly-bacteria-behind-it-249298

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Nara Monkam, Associate Professor of Public Economics, Chair in Municipal Finance within the Department of Economics, and Head of the Public Policy Hub at the University of Pretoria, University of Pretoria

    The African continent finds itself in a predicament. Advanced economies in the rest of the world developed through industrialisation: their economies transformed from mainly agricultural to industrial. This involved burning fossil fuels like coal, generating greenhouse gas emissions that caused global warming.

    African economies have trailed behind industrially. They’re now industrialising at a time when the world is moving away from fossil fuels and towards solar power, wind energy and hydropower.

    Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only 1% of the world’s installed solar power systems. Despite renewable energy capacity nearly doubling in the last decade, only 2% of global investments in renewable energy went to Africa.

    Green industrialisation could be the answer: achieving long-term economic growth and industrial development that does not harm the environment. But in most African countries, renewable energy is more expensive than fossil fuels, which are readily available in many parts of the continent. Africa is also one of the world’s poorest regions and cannot easily afford green technologies.

    So a key issue in economic development is how to stimulate green industrial productivity. Green finance (funding from banks and investors specifically for environmentally friendly projects) can fund green innovations. These include renewable energy technologies, energy-efficient building designs, or electric vehicles.



    Read more:
    Africa doesn’t have a choice between economic growth and protecting the environment: how they can go hand in hand

    I am an economist who worked with a team of researchers to study the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa. We also wanted to find out if green innovation influenced the effect that green finance has on industrialisation. (This was measured in this study as the total industrial value added as a percentage of gross domestic product.)

    For example, switching to renewable energy like solar power reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and helps mitigate climate change. But the high costs of renewable energy equipment could harm industrial growth.

    The research analysed macroeconomic and energy, green finance and industrialisation statistics from 41 African countries between 2000 and 2020.

    Our research found that green finance offers funding opportunities for clean and innovative technologies and creating new jobs in green sectors. However, the potential of green financing to drive industrialisation through green innovation (such as renewable energy projects) is not being realised.



    Read more:
    How green innovation could be the key to growth for the UK’s rural businesses

    This is because renewable energy comes with high costs. There also are not enough skilled people available to run green projects. There’s a lack of proper roads, connectivity or transmission lines to connect renewable energy to the main grid. The basic conditions for industrial growth through renewable energy are not in place.

    Governments in Africa should find ways to make green innovation work. This will mean that society can enjoy the benefit of new environmentally friendly projects.

    How to make green innovation work

    African governments should focus on increasing people’s access to renewable energy projects. For this to happen, they need to put more funding and effort into developing renewable energy infrastructure. Renewable energy technologies must be available and affordable.

    Education and capacity building is needed, particularly in rural communities. For example, community-owned solar microgrid projects provide people with the skills needed to manage and look after renewable energy systems.

    Governments will need to subsidise local manufacturing of renewable energy components. When these are produced locally, this can help harness the potential of green innovation for industrialisation and also create jobs.

    Countries must co-operate regionally on green innovation. This means sharing best practices, pooling resources, and making coordinated efforts towards green industrialisation.

    Our research found that it would be useful to set up regional centres of excellence for renewable energy research and development. Regional alliances are also needed, so that countries can work together to negotiate better terms for green finance. This could enhance Africa’s journey towards the kind of green industrialisation that is cost effective and sustainable over time.

    What needs to happen next

    These steps would boost the impact of green finance on industrialisation in Africa:

    • more climate finance, including finance from the private sector

    • environmental taxation – a policy tool to limit activities, goods or services that have negative environmental impacts

    • reform of multilateral development agencies to make it easier for African countries to access to climate funds

    • development bank funding tailored to the needs of African countries. Nations that invest in renewable energy manufacturing should get tax breaks and other incentives. Green bonds that only fund renewable energy projects should be issued to attract private investors

    • vocational training and higher education programmes that focus on training people in green technologies must get government funding.

    Africa has a huge problem with trying to build some resilience to the effects of climate change, such as floods and drought. Economic development is also a challenge on the continent. Both could be addressed by green industrialisation. With the right investments in green finance, innovation and infrastructure, the continent can unlock sustainable growth, reduce poverty and help curb climate change.

    Nara Monkam receives funding from the University of Pretoria.

    – ref. Has finance for green industry had an impact in Africa? What’s happened in 41 countries over 20 years – https://theconversation.com/has-finance-for-green-industry-had-an-impact-in-africa-whats-happened-in-41-countries-over-20-years-244567

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tracy Ledger, Head: Energy and Society Programme, University of Johannesburg

    South Africa is one of only 52 countries that guarantee access to water as a human right. “Access” from a human rights perspective means that water is physically accessible, clean and safe for consumption, and affordable. Section 27 of the country’s constitution stipulates that everyone has the right to access sufficient water.

    But South Africa is not doing well on meeting the standards of a full human rights approach to water access. In a recent paper, I and my colleagues at the Public Affairs Research Institute’s Just Transition Programme set out the extent of this failure, and mapped out what needs to be done to rectify the situation.

    The Just Transition Programme aims to contribute to a successful climate transition that prioritises social justice, equity and poverty reduction.

    Part of our research method is ethnography – spending time in communities struggling to access water. We do this to learn what concrete changes are required to improve people’s lives, from their own perspective.

    Physical access to water for households has increased significantly since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Nevertheless, water quality and safety has declined over the past ten years. Almost half the country’s drinking water is considered unsafe
    for human consumption. Water service interruptions – sometimes lasting days – are becoming more common.



    Read more:
    Basic water services in South Africa are in decay after years of progress

    South Africa’s household poverty rate (the number of households who live below the upper bound poverty line) is now at 55%. We found that water is becoming more and more unaffordable for impoverished households. The result is that these families have to limit the amount of water they use. This worsens poverty and inequality.

    To solve this problem, the South African government needs to embrace a human rights approach to access to water, where people are given enough water to live a full life.

    What went wrong?

    The first problem is affordability. People cannot access water if they don’t have the money to pay for it, but most clean and safe water in South Africa must be paid for. Poverty is a key barrier to access.

    The United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation has emphasised that it is the responsibility of the state to assess whether households can afford to pay for water, without sacrificing other basic essential items such as food. It is up to governments to take steps to make water affordable.

    The country’s Free Basic Water policy was originally intended to address this issue. It guaranteed impoverished households access to a free 6,000 litres of water per month. This is roughly 200 litres per household of eight people per day. However, in practice this policy is not a meaningful solution, for two reasons:

    • the amount provided is an average of 25 litres of water per person per day. This is way below the World Health Organization recommendation of a minimum water allowance of between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day.

    • many millions of poor households are excluded from the benefit because of poor implementation of the policy by municipalities.

    This situation reflects the failure to create, implement and oversee a regulatory environment that is necessary to realise affordable access to sufficient, clean water for all South Africans.

    The policy failures

    Firstly, water policy – at both national and municipal levels – has failed to take a human rights approach. A human rights approach requires that access to sufficient, quality and affordable water is the starting point for all policy making and resource allocation decisions. This has not been the case.

    Secondly, access to water has been narrowly defined as making water physically available without considering affordability. Most water access policy in South Africa includes statements declaring that water must be affordable for everyone. Unfortunately, all of these policy promises have remained exactly that – just promises.

    Meeting the goal of affordability requires more from the government than stating that water should be affordable. The state must develop affordability standards – in other words, calculate a water tariff that everyone can afford – and monitor it. At the moment, there is no national government oversight of water tariffs and so the affordability policy is effectively meaningless.



    Read more:
    The lack of water in South Africa is the result of a long history of injustice — and legislation should start there

    The actual state practices of tariff setting and approval, particularly in local municipalities, have not translated any of these promises into reality.

    Thirdly, many households are denied access to even the 25 litres of free water per person per day, because municipalities don’t always implement the free basic water policy as intended.



    Read more:
    Why ordinary people must have a say in water governance

    Fourthly, the state has failed to acknowledge the contradiction between providing universal access to services, and requiring municipalities to generate enough money to cover 90% of their running costs. Tariffs for water have increased at rates well above inflation over the past 20 years. But in a very impoverished environment where many people cannot afford to pay for water, up to two thirds of South Africa’s municipalities have been classified as being in financial distress.

    There is a fundamental – and currently insoluble – conflict between the tariffs that municipalities must charge in order to maintain fully funded budgets, and the tariffs that could be defined as affordable.

    What needs to be done?

    These actions should be taken in the short term:

    • the free basic water allowance must be increased

    • the household indigent policy, which determines how households can access free municipal services like water, must be restructured.

    • affordability standards must be developed in close consultation with affected communities. This is the only way to set water tariffs that are based on what households are actually able to pay.

    • there must be oversight of the provision of sufficient, affordable water for everyone.

    In the longer term, these two additional problems must be solved:

    • municipalities are losing revenue from water, particularly from leaking pipes and other infrastructure

    • the local government fiscal framework requires that municipalities earn a surplus on trading services such as water. This must be changed so that municipal finances prioritise affordability of water instead.

    The ethnographic research team for this work was led by Mahlatse Rampedi, who holds a master’s degree and has ten years of experience, together with Ntokozo Ndhlovu, who holds an honours degree.

    Tracy Ledger does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-failed-to-deliver-access-to-enough-water-for-millions-a-new-approach-is-needed-247831

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Kumasi was called the garden city – but green spaces are vanishing in a clash of landuse regulations

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Stephen Appiah Takyi, Senior Lecturer, Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST)

    Urban parks in Kumasi, the capital city of Ghana’s Ashanti region, are fast disappearing or in decline. Kumasi was designed 60 years ago as a “garden city”, with green belts, parks and urban green spaces. These have been encroached on by developments and are in a poor condition.

    Like other cities in Ghana, Kumasi has been growing. According to the latest population data from Ghana’s Statistical Service, the population of Kumasi in 1950 and 2024 was 99,479 and 3,903,480 respectively. The city’s current annual population growth rate is 3.59%.
    This growth is a challenge for city authorities.

    Adding to the challenge is the fact that in Ghana, political authorities and traditional leadership exist together. It’s the capital of the Ashanti Region and the capital of the ancient Ashanti Kingdom. Most of the land is owned by the traditional authority. This makes it difficult sometimes for city authorities to enforce planning regulations.

    We are urban planners who have conducted research on environmental planning, urban informality and inclusive city development. We studied the extent to which areas demarcated as urban parks in the Kumasi Metropolis have been rezoned, and why there’s been encroachment into urban parks.

    Our study showed that 88% of the 16 parks studied in the Kumasi Metropolis had either been rezoned or encroached upon by other land uses. This was done in an unplanned way. Zoning regulations have not been enforced and urban sprawl has not been controlled. Part of the reason is that land scarcity drives up its value and customary authorities have an incentive to allow other uses. As a result, the city has lost green spaces that are important for their environmental, traditional and recreational functions.

    Decline of urban parks in Kumasi Metropolis

    To understand why Kumasi has been losing its green spaces, our study looked at 16 parks across six communities within the Kumasi Metropolis.

    The World Health Organization recommends there should be 9m² of green space per city dweller. We calculated that Kumasi currently has only 0.17m² of green space per city dweller.

    We also noted significant changes in land zoned for parks. This was mainly due to the politics of land ownership and administration. Other social factors played a part too. The results of the research showed that out of the 16 existing parks studied, 14 (88%) had been rezoned to residential or commercial use or encroached upon by other uses.

    The rezoning of parks was gradual, unapproved by local planning authorities, and unplanned. Existing land tenure arrangements and laxity in the enforcement of laws are some of the barriers affecting park development and management in the city.

    An official of the city’s Physical Planning Department indicated that places zoned as parks were supposed to be owned, controlled, managed and protected by the state. But this was not the case, because of the complex land tenure arrangement of the city, where most land is customarily owned.

    Though Ghana’s land tenure system recognises customary ownership, the determination of land use remains the responsibility of local planning authorities. Land sold for physical developments must conform to an approved scheme prepared by the Physical Planning Department. In most cases, the parks rezoned by the customary owners were in contravention with spatial planning laws (such as the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016).

    The representative of the planning department noted that even though it prepared layouts that made provision for parks and open spaces, it was often helpless when it came to enforcement and other land use regulations. We were told that information about the land ownership and transfer process between government agencies and customary landowners was not made available to the department.

    Due to poor coordination and increased demand for land for development, about 88% of land demarcated for park development across the study communities had been leased or sold to private developers by the customary landowners.

    Our study also revealed a lack of funding for parks development and management. All the agency officials confirmed that parks were planned for but the funds to support their development and management were inadequate. They explained that property values rose as a result of urban development, leading to intense competition among various land uses. We were told that landowners were willing to sell any land available in their community at a higher value without considering its use in the community.

    Bringing back the green

    The once green city of Kumasi has lost much of its foliage. We suggest that this decline can and should be stopped.

    City authorities can incorporate cultural elements that highlight the identity of neighbourhoods to promote ownership and a sense of place in the design of parks. Local planning institutions, custodians of land and residents should collaborate so that plans meet everyone’s needs.

    Traditional authorities, together with relevant city authorities, should consciously ensure that parks are developed, protected, managed and sustained. Laws and regulations which guide park use and protection should be enforced strictly.

    Finally, parks and green spaces can only survive if there is sustainable funding. City authorities could consider green taxation and charges. For example, they can fine residents whose activities threaten the environment, and use the money to fund parks and green spaces. A percentage of property tax can be dedicated to the protection and development of green spaces in the city.

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

    – ref. Kumasi was called the garden city – but green spaces are vanishing in a clash of landuse regulations – https://theconversation.com/kumasi-was-called-the-garden-city-but-green-spaces-are-vanishing-in-a-clash-of-landuse-regulations-248016

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Plymouth is supporting communities to report anti-social behaviour

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth is supporting a national campaign to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB).

    This anti-social behaviour awareness week (30 June to 6 July) our Safer Communities Team will be joining forces with local community groups and partner agencies with activities designed to engage and educate communities about how to report incidents of ASB, and what the Safer Communities team do to help tackle cases in the city with our partners.

    Councillor Sally Haydon, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: “It is key that we work together to continue tackling anti-social behaviour.

    “Anti-social behaviour is any behaviour causing harassment, alarm or distress to a member of the public, Plymouth is a safe city, but we can always do more to stop anti-social behaviour.

    “Working with our partners, we will be engaging with communities to help increase the confidence of reporting, we are united in tackling anti-social behaviour.”

    • Tuesday 1 July 10am to 2pm — drop-in centres at Hillcrest Community Hub, Plympton with Devon and Cornwall Police, Plymouth Community Homes and Victim Support.
    • Wednesday 2 July 10am to 2pm — A multi-agency event at Barne Barton Community Hub. The events will be focusing on helping people better understand what ASB is and building confidence in reporting it and understanding how ASB case reviews work.
    • Friday 4 July, 10am to 1pm — Community Listening Event at HQ Business Centre, Stonehouse PL1 3HN. A Council hosted event with Devon and Cornwall Police, Victim Support, and Plymouth Community Homes. This event is all about connecting with the community and local service providers. Our team will be there to chat with people, hear their thoughts and using that feedback to help shape how we deliver our services.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Babcock blueprint sparks new era for Plymouth’s City Centre and Freeport

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Plymouth City Council has hailed Babcock International Group’s Defence Dividend Blueprint as a game-changing investment that will supercharge the city’s economy, skills base, and regeneration ambitions.

    Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said: “This is a really significant moment for Plymouth and I’m absolutely thrilled. Babcock’s plans to bring over 2,000 people into the heart of our city centre will have a huge ripple effect—not just in terms of jobs, but in how people live, eat, shop, and enjoy the city. It means more people living locally, supporting our cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural venues, and helping to create a vibrant city centre economy. Alongside the new Capability Centre, the dedicated Centre for Engineering and Nuclear Skills, and the facilities within the Freeport, this is a real show of confidence in Plymouth’s future.”

    The Blueprint outlines a proposed Capability Centre for over 2,000 Babcock personnel relocated to a new site in Plymouth’s city centre. This move is designed to bring high-value employment into the heart of the city, supporting local businesses and services, and contributing to the vibrancy and long-term prosperity of the area.

    Councillor Evans added: “This fits perfectly with our ambitions to transform Plymouth’s city centre into a thriving economic and cultural hub. We’re not just talking about retail anymore—we’re creating a modern, mixed-use city centre where people can live, work, learn and enjoy. Babcock’s investment will be a powerful driver of that transformation.”

    In addition, Babcock’s blueprint includes the creation of a dedicated Centre for Engineering and Nuclear Skills. This new facility will significantly boost the city’s STEM capacity, helping to meet growing demand for skilled engineers and technicians in both the defence and civil nuclear sectors.

    Within the Plymouth and South Devon Freeport, Babcock also plans to establish an Integrated Logistics Hub and an Advanced Manufacturing Facility. These developments will:

    • Create new, high-skilled jobs
    • Support supply chain resilience and innovation
    • Maximise the benefits of Freeport status for the local economy
    • Free up critical space at the Devonport dockyard for operational excellence

    “The Freeport is already proving to be a game-changer for Plymouth. Babcock’s commitment to expanding within the Freeport zone shows how we’re attracting major investment and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

    “This is the defence dividend in action,” Councillor Evans concluded. “It’s about securing our national and economic future—right here in Plymouth. We’re proud to be working with Babcock to deliver a brighter, more prosperous future for our city.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang hosts event to establish agricultural trade and economic cooperation and promote local agricultural brands to overseas markets

    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

    URUMQI, June 30 (Xinhua) — An event to boost agricultural economic and trade cooperation and promote Xinjiang’s agricultural brands to overseas markets was held in Urumqi, capital of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on June 29. The event is an important part of the trade promotion program of the 2025 Eurasian Goods and Trade Expo.

    According to local newspaper Xinjiang Daily, the event aims to promote interactions between agricultural enterprises and organizations, make full use of the advantages of Xinjiang’s geographical location, openness and strengths of the industry, and serve high-quality agricultural economic and trade cooperation between China and participating countries in the framework of jointly building the Belt and Road.

    On that day, representatives of agricultural departments, research institutes, and enterprise associations from 14 countries, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Pakistan, as well as heads of relevant departments in Xinjiang and representatives of leading agricultural enterprises in the region, gathered together to present their products and consolidate opinions on cooperation issues.

    According to Tan Mingze, an official with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Bureau of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Xinjiang has been comprehensively promoting international cooperation in the agricultural sector in recent years by relying on its advantages. In 2024, Xinjiang’s agricultural trade volume reached 2.77 billion US dollars, with an average annual growth rate of 35 percent over the past three years. Xinjiang’s elite crop varieties, water-saving irrigation technologies and advanced agricultural machinery have been widely applied in neighboring countries. In the future, Xinjiang will continue to promote facilitation of agricultural economic and trade cooperation and fully support local agricultural enterprises in entering international markets.

    “This event is of great significance to promoting trade in Xinjiang’s high-quality agricultural products, establishing links between enterprises and deepening cooperation in agricultural supply chains,” said Zhang Qian, chief project appraisal specialist at the Foreign Economic Cooperation Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

    During the event, foreign participants expressed hope for joint efforts with other participants to expand agricultural trade and economic cooperation. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Interview: China’s Indigenous C909 Airliner Opens New Horizons in Regional Aviation

    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

    SHANGHAI, June 30 (Xinhua) — China’s commercial jet airliner C909, formerly known as ARJ21, celebrated the ninth anniversary of its maiden flight on Saturday.

    The C909 is a turbofan regional airliner developed by China itself, seating 78 to 97 people and having a range of 2,225 km to 3,700 km. It complies with international civil aviation regulations and is the first of its kind independently developed by China.

    According to the data, a total of 166 C909 aircraft have been delivered to the market to date, serving more than 700 air routes and carrying more than 24 million passengers.

    The C909 was a breakthrough in the commercial operation of domestic jet airliners and explored the development path of the entire life cycle of Chinese-made commercial aircraft, Chen Yong, chief designer of the aircraft, told Xinhua News Agency.

    LINKING BORDER CITIES

    The C909 aircraft were first put into service in China’s border areas, including the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR, northwest China), the northeast region and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (north China). By expanding the regional air route network, they improve travel convenience, support people’s mobility and stimulate local economic development.

    Since the C909’s debut in Xinjiang in June 2023, a total of 22 aircraft of this model have entered service, opening more than 120 routes and carrying more than 1.3 million passengers safely, according to Chen Yong, who is also the chief engineer of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), the developer of the C909.

    In June 2025, when Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region entered its peak tourist season, four daily round-trip flights were launched between the popular cities of Kashi (Kashgar) and Yining. The flights are operated by C909 aircraft of Chengdu Airlines and China Express.

    “We have received positive feedback from various airlines, including Chengdu Airlines, which confirmed that in terms of performance, this model of aircraft is very well suited to operating conditions in regions such as Xinjiang,” Chen Yong said.

    In addition, these airliners have expanded the international route schedule. On October 26, 2019, the C909 launched its first international flight, connecting Harbin in northeast China and Vladivostok in Russia. The airline promotes economic, cultural and tourism exchanges and integration between cities on both sides of the border.

    MARKET EXPANSION TO SOUTHEAST ASIA

    On 18 April 2023, the C909 made its maiden flight in Indonesia, thus initiating regional inter-island routes and expanding services to cross-border trunk routes. Notably, the Manado-Guangzhou route, with a length of over 2,700 km, is the longest commercial route served by the C909 to date.

    Chen Yong believes that the advanced airport infrastructure, flexible route configuration and comfortable passenger conditions make the C909 particularly suitable for the operational needs of the Southeast Asian aviation market. The aircraft has pioneered a new business model for domestic passenger aircraft in the region: it is leased to airlines under dry lease and wet lease agreements.

    The term “dry lease” means the provision of only the aircraft by the lessor, while aircraft package leasing means the provision of not only the aircraft but also the flight crew, safety management, maintenance and operational control.

    For example, two C909 aircraft that Chengdu Airlines wet leased to Vietnam’s Vietjet Air operate daily flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Con Dao, respectively.

    “The runway length of Con Dao Airport is only 1,800 meters, and the sea serves as a natural boundary on both sides. This fully confirmed the C909’s short and narrow runway performance and its suitability for the humid climate of Southeast Asia,” Chen Yong added.

    Today, three Southeast Asian airlines – Indonesia’s TransNusa, Laos’ Lao Airlines and Vietnam’s Vietjet Air – operate a total of seven C909 aircraft. Fifteen new routes have been opened, providing air service between 18 cities, and the combined passenger traffic on these routes has exceeded 370,000 person-times.

    EXPANSION OF SERIAL PRODUCTION

    Developing variants of aircraft models is a characteristic feature of the commercial aviation industry. Currently, four variants of the C909 jet airliner are available to the public: a cargo aircraft, a command aircraft for emergency response, a medical aircraft, and a business jet.

    Chen Yong says the C909 cargo aircraft can meet various air cargo needs, covering the special cargo market, highland market and short-haul international cargo routes. The rescue command aircraft version can provide situational awareness, decision-making and coordination in disaster relief. Its versatility extends to applications such as transporting rescue forces and establishing temporary communication networks in disaster-stricken areas.

    The medical aircraft model is capable of performing rescue and air ambulance missions, as well as aeromedical transportation of patients. The business jet is flexible, efficient, quiet and comfortable. Its functionality package can be easily adjusted to meet specific customer requirements.

    “Over its nine-year operational history, the C909 has undergone a series of upgrades and optimizations. These modifications have been aimed at improving various aspects of the aircraft, including its performance, crew experience and passenger cabin comfort,” Chen Yong said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Pakistan-China partnership continues to soar to new heights: Pakistan Deputy PM

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    ISLAMABAD, June 30 (Xinhua) — Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Monday emphasized the growing strength and deepening content of the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, calling it a cornerstone of Islamabad’s foreign policy and a key driver of regional peace, development and connectivity.

    Addressing an event to mark the 52nd anniversary of the inauguration of the Institute of Strategic Studies in Islamabad, he said that Pakistan-China bilateral relations continue to “scale to new heights” by adapting to the changing global and regional environment through enhanced cooperation in various fields.

    “Our foreign policy remains proactive and results-oriented, and the Pakistan-China all-weather strategic cooperative partnership continues to deepen and expand,” M. I. Dar said, adding that the partnership is being strengthened in line with the demands of a changing world.

    He stressed China’s leading role in promoting regional connectivity through inclusive multilateral mechanisms. He cited the recent trilateral forums of China-Pakistan-Afghanistan and China-Pakistan-Bangladesh as examples of the shared commitment to regional integration and win-win cooperation.

    M. I. Dar said the recent meeting of the foreign ministers of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan in Beijing marked a “qualitative change” in relations and laid the foundation for the expansion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to Afghanistan.

    “Such cooperative mechanisms based on mutual benefit and common interests are central to Pakistan’s pivot to geo-economics,” he added.

    Launched in 2013, CPEC, a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is a corridor connecting the port of Gwadar in Pakistan with the city of Kashgar in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 8 killed, 26 injured in chemical plant blast in India

    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

    NEW DELHI, June 30 (Xinhua) — At least eight people were killed and 26 injured on Monday when a reactor exploded at a chemical plant in India’s southern Telangana state, police said.

    The blast took place in the Pashamilaram industrial area, located about 48 km northwest of Hyderabad, the state capital.

    Police believe the death toll could rise given the critical condition of some of the victims.

    There were reportedly about 150 workers at the plant at the time of the explosion.

    A preliminary investigation by police has shown that the reactor exploded during routine operations at the plant. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Kyrgyzstan hosted festivals of national carpets, Kyrgyz cuisine and the international tournament in Kyrgyz wrestling “Khan Koshoi”

    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

    BISHKEK, June 30 (Xinhua) — The festivals “Kyrgyz daamy” (Taste of Kyrgyz Cuisine) and “Kyrgyz shyrdagy” (shyrdag is a type of felt carpet), as well as the international tournament in Kyrgyz wrestling “Khan Koshoi” were held in At-Bashy district of Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan from June 28 to 29, the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic reported on its website.

    The festival featured traditional national dishes, including forgotten recipes. Folk art masters from seven regions of the country presented their unique products, including felt carpets and other handicrafts. In addition, athletes from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan took part in a tournament in Kyrgyz Kurosh /a type of wrestling/, and archers and artists demonstrated their skills.

    The event began with a performance of an excerpt from the epic “Manas”. Then, in the form of a theatrical performance, the stages of making Kyrgyz shyrdagy, baking traditional bread, preparing kumys and other elements of the life of nomads were shown.

    A concert program was also organized for the festival guests. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Talents and Leaders”: the Academic Council discussed the Polytechnic University’s personnel policy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    At the next meeting, members of the SPbPU Academic Council considered issues of forming personnel policy, the results of the work of the selection committee of the faculty, held elections of heads of departments and voted for the nomination of employees for academic titles.

    Before the start of work on the agenda, a ceremonial presentation of awards and honoring of polytechnic students who have distinguished themselves both in the professional field and in other areas was held.

    Special attention was given to the Rector’s Advisor, Doctor of Economics, Professor Nina Pankova. For many years of work and contribution to the development of education, she received a Letter of Gratitude from the President of the Russian Federation. Nina Vladimirovna’s great contribution to the development of the Polytechnic University was noted with the SPbPU “For Merit” badge of distinction.

    Also, the highest award of the university “For Merit” was received by Professor of the Higher School of Service and Trade Sergey Barykin, Director of the Center for Scientific and Technological Partnership and Targeted Training Oleg Ipatov and Assistant Vice-Rector Elena Stuchinskaya. In addition, Elena Georgievna was awarded a Gratitude from the Committee for Science and Higher Education of St. Petersburg for many years of conscientious work, a great personal contribution to the development of the higher education system and the scientific potential of the city.

    The Director of the Center for Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer, Ismail Kadiev, was also awarded a letter of gratitude from the KNVSh.

    Director of the Higher Engineering School Alexander Kudakov received from the hands of the First Vice-Rector of SPbPU Vitaly Sergeev the Certificate of Honor of SPbPU for many years of conscientious work, professional excellence, achievement of high indicators, successful completion of especially important and complex tasks.

    A group of employees of the Public Relations Department was awarded a gratitude from SPbPU for the successful holding and coverage of large-scale corporate events: the head of the news portal department Evgeny Gusev, the head of the special projects department Olesya Stepanova, the head of the media relations department Evgeny Pleshachkov and the head of the visual communications department Anastasia Eliseenko.

    Then the awarding of diplomas for conferring academic degrees took place. The diploma of Doctor of Technical Sciences was received by Wang Qingsheng (scientific supervisor — Director of IMMIT Anatoly Popovich). The diploma of Candidate of Economic Sciences was awarded to Ekaterina Tereshko (scientific supervisor — Professor Irina Rudskaya). Diplomas of Candidates of Technical Sciences were received by: Arseniy Repnin (scientific supervisor — Director of IMMIT Anatoly Popovich), Arslan Khazem, Yulia Logvinova and Alexander Chusov.

    The first vice-rector Vitaly Sergeev presented diplomas of candidates of physical and mathematical sciences to Gavriil Voloshin andTo Vadim Kozhevnikov.

    The academic title of associate professor was awarded to seven Polytechnic employees: Dmitry Budanov, Natalia Goncharova, Ivan Ivanov, Alex Krasnov, Ivan Pyatak, Konstantin Semenov and Viktor Yanchus.

    Students also achieved significant success. Ekaterina Kondaurova became a gold medalist of the VIII season of the All-Russian Olympiad “I am a professional” 2024/2025 in the category “Master’s degree/specialist” in the direction of “Psychology”.

    Student of IPMET Alena Akentyeva won the All-Russian Engineering Competition (VIC) 2024/2025 year (scientific supervisor — associate professor of the Higher School of Public Administration Olga Makarova). Student of the Institute of Economics and Telecommunications Ekaterina Isupova received a first-degree diploma (scientific supervisor — associate professor Alexander Sochava). A second-degree diploma was awarded to a team of students of the Institute of Economics and Telecommunications for second place in the university standings of the city student interuniversity Olympiad on the fundamentals of radio engineering and telecommunications.

    Polytechnic University athletes returned with two victories from the XV Summer Spartakiad of Nuclear Power, Industry and Science Workers “Atomiada-2025”. At the Academic Council, the winners of first place in 3×3 basketball among women’s teams were represented by the coach of the Student Sports Club “Black Bears-Polytechnic” Darya Tikhmyanova and the student of the Institute of Professional Education Vasilisa Yampolskaya. Congratulations for the gold in mini-football among men’s teams were received by the coach Timur Guseinov and the player Artem Terentyev.

    The bronze medalists of the Student Mini-Football Competition among women’s university teams were represented at the Academic Council by coach Vladimir Kalinin, leading specialist of the Black Bears-Polytech Sports Club Daria Khadjaridi and IMMiT graduate Alina Asanova.

    Senior lecturer of the Department of Physical Training and Sports Andrey Skorokhodov became the winner of the internship program “Top-100″ of the Association of Student Sports Clubs of Russia” in the direction of “Coach” within the framework of the All-Russian festival of student sports “ASSK.Fest”.

    After the formal part, work on the meeting agenda began. Vice-Rector for Human Resources Policy Maria Vrublevskaya presented the concept of the university’s human capital management policy to her colleagues. Having discussed the report, the members of the Academic Council noted that the policy meets the goals of achieving technological leadership, increasing the competitiveness and managerial maturity of the university. The policy, in particular, assumes the creation of an effective HR cycle, support for talents and leaders, the formation of a personnel reserve, the introduction of a competency-based approach, the systematic development of employees, increasing their motivation and the formation of a favorable environment for productive work. The Academic Council focused on the points requiring revision, and generally approved the concept of the university’s human capital management policy until 2036.

    Vice-Rector for Educational Activities Lyudmila Pankova presented a report on the second issue, “On the results of the work of the Faculty Competition Commission within the framework of competition procedures for applicants for positions of teaching staff related to the faculty of SPbPU.”

    The third issue was the election of department heads. As a result of the voting, Vladimir Okrepilov was elected head of the UNESCO department “Quality Management in Education for Sustainable Development”, Alexander Semencha was elected head of the department of applied chemistry at IMMiT, Alexander Kashtanov was elected head of the basic department of “Functional Materials and Technologies” at the Central Research Institute of Structural Materials “Prometey” at IMMiT, Svetlana Golovkina was elected head of the department of economic theory at IPMEiT, German Shatsky was elected head of the basic department of “Financial Monitoring” at the Interregional Department of Rosfinmonitoring for the Northwestern Federal District of IPMEiT, and Olga Zybina was elected head of the basic department of “Fire Safety” at OOO “Gefest” at ISI.

    The fourth issue considered the nomination for the assignment of academic titles. Three people were nominated for the title of associate professor: Olga Anisimova (Humanities Institute), Nikita Ivanov (Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications) and Tigran Ovasapyan (Institute of Computer Science and Cybersecurity).

    After a brief report from the Academic Secretary of SPbPU Dmitry Karpov on the execution of all instructions of the Academic Council and the consideration of current issues, the meeting ended.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU policy foresight: Anticipating and shaping the EU’s future – 30-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Foresight is increasingly used to explore future EU policies. Foresight methodology combines an evidence-based approach – including literature review, surveys and trend analysis – with the imagination of possible futures, usually based on expert views and scenarios. The application of foresight to long-term decision-making is usually referred to as strategic foresight. Used in a policy context as ‘policy foresight’, it is mostly used in agenda setting, strategic planning or to support policy design. Scenarios can be exploratory or normative, aiming at fixed policy outcomes. Because foresight seeks to improve policymaking by anticipating future developments, policy considerations are often part of foresight reports, sometimes followed by strategies. All EU institutions engage in foresight, and so do several Member States. Since 2019, foresight has been part of the portfolio of one or more members of the European Commission. The Commission publishes annual foresight reports, while its Joint Research Centre conducts more in-depth foresight projects. The European Parliament’s Policy Foresight Unit and its predecessors have been conducting foresight since 2015. Since 2022, the Council of the EU publishes an annual ‘Forward Look’, while other EU institutions apply foresight to topics that fall into their remit. Nine EU institutions and bodies cooperate in the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), which holds an annual foresight conference and publishes a Global Trends Report every five years. Recent trend analyses from EU institutions, such as the Global Trends Report, point to challenges for the EU’s resilience through social fragmentation, a lack of technological sovereignty and innovation, economic dependencies, environmental risks and geopolitical rivalry. Forward-looking publications search for answers to the ‘poly-crisis’ in which the EU has found itself since the COVID 19 pandemic. Common objectives of current EU policy foresight, as expressed in reports and strategies, include reducing the EU’s external dependencies, increasing the EU’s resilience and enhancing its capacity to act. Achieving (open) strategic autonomy – sometimes referred to as ‘sovereignty’ – runs as a red thread through many EU policy foresight reports.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU policy foresight: Anticipating and shaping the EU’s future – 30-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Foresight is increasingly used to explore future EU policies. Foresight methodology combines an evidence-based approach – including literature review, surveys and trend analysis – with the imagination of possible futures, usually based on expert views and scenarios. The application of foresight to long-term decision-making is usually referred to as strategic foresight. Used in a policy context as ‘policy foresight’, it is mostly used in agenda setting, strategic planning or to support policy design. Scenarios can be exploratory or normative, aiming at fixed policy outcomes. Because foresight seeks to improve policymaking by anticipating future developments, policy considerations are often part of foresight reports, sometimes followed by strategies. All EU institutions engage in foresight, and so do several Member States. Since 2019, foresight has been part of the portfolio of one or more members of the European Commission. The Commission publishes annual foresight reports, while its Joint Research Centre conducts more in-depth foresight projects. The European Parliament’s Policy Foresight Unit and its predecessors have been conducting foresight since 2015. Since 2022, the Council of the EU publishes an annual ‘Forward Look’, while other EU institutions apply foresight to topics that fall into their remit. Nine EU institutions and bodies cooperate in the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), which holds an annual foresight conference and publishes a Global Trends Report every five years. Recent trend analyses from EU institutions, such as the Global Trends Report, point to challenges for the EU’s resilience through social fragmentation, a lack of technological sovereignty and innovation, economic dependencies, environmental risks and geopolitical rivalry. Forward-looking publications search for answers to the ‘poly-crisis’ in which the EU has found itself since the COVID 19 pandemic. Common objectives of current EU policy foresight, as expressed in reports and strategies, include reducing the EU’s external dependencies, increasing the EU’s resilience and enhancing its capacity to act. Achieving (open) strategic autonomy – sometimes referred to as ‘sovereignty’ – runs as a red thread through many EU policy foresight reports.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – EU policy foresight: Anticipating and shaping the EU’s future – 30-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Foresight is increasingly used to explore future EU policies. Foresight methodology combines an evidence-based approach – including literature review, surveys and trend analysis – with the imagination of possible futures, usually based on expert views and scenarios. The application of foresight to long-term decision-making is usually referred to as strategic foresight. Used in a policy context as ‘policy foresight’, it is mostly used in agenda setting, strategic planning or to support policy design. Scenarios can be exploratory or normative, aiming at fixed policy outcomes. Because foresight seeks to improve policymaking by anticipating future developments, policy considerations are often part of foresight reports, sometimes followed by strategies. All EU institutions engage in foresight, and so do several Member States. Since 2019, foresight has been part of the portfolio of one or more members of the European Commission. The Commission publishes annual foresight reports, while its Joint Research Centre conducts more in-depth foresight projects. The European Parliament’s Policy Foresight Unit and its predecessors have been conducting foresight since 2015. Since 2022, the Council of the EU publishes an annual ‘Forward Look’, while other EU institutions apply foresight to topics that fall into their remit. Nine EU institutions and bodies cooperate in the European Strategy and Policy Analysis System (ESPAS), which holds an annual foresight conference and publishes a Global Trends Report every five years. Recent trend analyses from EU institutions, such as the Global Trends Report, point to challenges for the EU’s resilience through social fragmentation, a lack of technological sovereignty and innovation, economic dependencies, environmental risks and geopolitical rivalry. Forward-looking publications search for answers to the ‘poly-crisis’ in which the EU has found itself since the COVID 19 pandemic. Common objectives of current EU policy foresight, as expressed in reports and strategies, include reducing the EU’s external dependencies, increasing the EU’s resilience and enhancing its capacity to act. Achieving (open) strategic autonomy – sometimes referred to as ‘sovereignty’ – runs as a red thread through many EU policy foresight reports.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Support for regions disproportionately affected by the water crisis and equity measures in the upcoming Water Resilience Strategy – E-001692/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)[1] already provides a wide range of tools to support farmers as regards improving water resilience, namely through sustainable farming practices, preventive productive and non-productive investments and risk management tools, along with support for precision/digital farming, advisory services and knowledge transfers, cooperation and innovation under the CAP Network.

    The Romanian CAP plan 2023-2027 contains support for the modernisation of existing irrigation infrastructure[2] contributing to an efficient use of water, for new irrigation infrastructure[3], and for investments and actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change.

    In its communication ‘The road to the next multiannual financial framework (MFF)’[4], the Commission explains key policy and budgetary challenges that will shape the design of the next MFF.

    The Commission intends to present its proposal for a reformed and reinforced EU budget post-2027 in July 2025. As outlined in the Water Resilience Strategy[5], the next MFF is an opportunity to further support water resilience through investment and reforms.

    In the recent Mid-Term review of the Cohesion Policy[6], the Commission proposed an exceptional package of measures to encourage Members States and regions to invest in water resilience. It includes up to 100% of EU financing and 30% of prefinancing in water resilience projects, as well as various flexibilities.

    The Water Framework Directive[7] allows Member State authorities who set the cost recovery arrangements including water pricing, to have regard to the social, environmental and economic effects of the recovery as well as the geographic and climatic conditions of the region(s) affected, as long as the environmental objectives are met.

    • [1] https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/common-agricultural-policy/financing-cap/cap-funds_en.
    • [2] EUR 400 million public expenditure.
    • [3] More than EUR 102 million public expenditure.
    • [4] COM(2025) 46 final: https://commission.europa.eu/document/download/6d47acb4-9206-4d0f-8f9b-3b10cad7b1ed_en?filename=Communication%20on%20the%20road%20to%20the%20next%20MFF_en.pdf.
    • [5] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/environment/water-resilience-strategy_en.
    • [6] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council, ‘A modernised Cohesion policy: The mid-term review,’ COM(2025) 163, 1 April 2025: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/sources/communication/mid-term-review-2025/communication-mid-term-review-2025_en.pdf.
    • [7] Article 9 of the directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000, p. 1-73, as amended by Commission Directive 2014/101/EU of 30 October 2014, OJ L 311, 31.10.2014, p. 32-35.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint press release: Commission and EIB announce a more flexible guarantee of €5 billion to boost global investments

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 30 Jun 2025 On the occasion of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development, the European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced today a new type of guarantee agreement that will provide up to €5 billion to de-risk investments and expand EIB operations outside the EU.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact of Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on food prices and the trade practices of third‑country producers – E-000755/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission Impact Assessment[1] underpinning the initial legislative proposal assessed the costs of compliance. These are significantly lower than the expected benefits.

    The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR)[2] is expected to contribute to a minimum of 71 920 hectares of forest per year being less affected by EU-driven deforestation and forest degradation. This would mean a reduction of at least 31.9 million metric tons of carbon emitted to the atmosphere every year due to EU consumption.

    The potential impact on the prices of final consumer goods, including food, is expected to be limited, based on the findings of the impact assessment, other reports on cost estimates of due diligence legislation, and the previous regulatory experience on wood[3].

    The Impact Assessment also assessed the risk that producers may be tempted to separate their supply chains, selling deforestation-free products to the EU while continuing to sell non-deforestation-free products to other markets.

    The benchmarking system provided in Article 29 of the EUDR is expected to create further incentives for producers to reduce deforestation and forest degradation and promote deforestation-free supply chains.

    Additional measures that are being put in place by the EU are expected to help tackle this risk of leakage, including partnerships with producer countries combined with technical assistance.

    Some industry sectors have shared evidence that EUDR deforestation-free requirements are being adopted by some companies for their global operations, not just for their EU sales.

    • [1] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/forests/deforestation/regulation-deforestation-free-products_en.
    • [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.
    • [3] Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market, OJ L 295, 12.11.2010, p. 23-34.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Biobased plastics: towards an EU industrial strategy to close the recycled plastics gap and reduce waste imports? – E-001592/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission supports circular and sustainable consumption and production of biological resources for materials and services. To create a market for biobased material, the Commission is assessing the possibility to anticipate the review of biobased feedstock in plastic packaging as required in Article 8(1) of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)[1].

    Concerning certain composting standards that would apply for some applications or in some instances, and according to Article 9(6) of the PPWR, the Commission shall request the European standardisation organisations to prepare or update harmonised standards laying down the detailed technical specifications of the requirements on compostable packaging by 12 February 2026. In this context, the Commission will also request harmonised standards of home compostability[2].

    Such standards should be based on the latest scientific and technological developments[3], including verification ensuring that the compostable packaging is effectively biologically decomposed[4].

    The Commission intends to present a new EU Bioeconomy Strategy in 2025 to drive forward the market-scale development of biobased materials and technologies for their manufacturing.

    As identified by the recent Competitiveness Compass[5], the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy is a crucial deliverable under the ‘innovation pillar’ to unleash the potential for EU industries, including bioplastics.

    In particular, the Clean Industrial Deal[6] has highlighted the need to harness the substitution potential of biobased materials as a key pathway to a fossil-free economy.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2025/40 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 on packaging and packaging waste, amending Regulation (EU) 2019/1020 and Directive (EU) 2019/904, and repealing Directive 94/62/EC, OJ L, 2025/40, 22.1.2025. The PPWR mandates the Commission within three years after its entry into force date to review the state of technological development and environmental performance of biobased plastic packaging. The outcome of this review might possibly lead to a new legislative proposal, laying down sustainability requirements and targets for inclusion of biobased feedstock in plastic packaging.
    • [2] Pursuant to Article 9(1) of the PPWR.
    • [3] Parameters such as retention times, temperatures and stirring, which reflect the actual conditions in home composts and in bio-waste treatment facilities, including anaerobic digestion processes.
    • [4] Biological decomposition subject to the specified parameters results ultimately in conversion into carbon dioxide or, in absence of oxygen, methane, and mineral salts, biomass and water.
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_339.
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Chemical recycling – E-001741/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Chemical recycling, in particular for hard-to-recycle waste plastics not suitable for mechanical recycling or where specific quality requirements need to be reached, can play an important role in reducing reliance on virgin resources for plastic production and avoiding incineration.

    It has the potential to help to meet the EU’s ambitious targets for recycling plastic waste and increasing recycled content in plastics. This will also lower environmental impacts, advancing EU’s circular economy objectives. 

    To foster the business case and provide investment security, the Commission is developing a clear, science-based and technologically neutral framework to ensure that chemical recycling technologies can play an important role in meeting these objectives. The first step will be under the Single-Use Plastics Directive[1].

    The mass balance accounting rules will adhere to the definition of ‘recycling’ within the Waste Framework Directive[2], which excludes converting waste into fuels. These rules will support new state-of-the art installations and existing infrastructure alike. 

    The Commission intends to consult stakeholders on a draft text on these rules and to adopt the implementing decision in 2025.

    To further support plastic recycling, the Commission will be analysing measures, such as harmonisation of End-of-Waste criteria for the plastic waste.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, OJ L 155, 12.6.2019, p. 1-19.
    • [2] Directive 2008/98/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 November 2008 on waste and repealing certain Directives, OJ L 312, 22.11.2008, p. 3-30, as amended by Directive (EU) 2018/851 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May, OJ L 150, 14.6.2018, p. 109-140.
    Last updated: 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Protection of the Zamostea-Luncă Forest and compliance with EU legislation – E-001990/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is committed to ensuring that Natura 2000 sites are safeguarded against adverse effects from infrastructure projects.

    To assess the adequacy of current safeguards, in particular stemming from the Habitats Directive (HD)[1], the Commission regularly monitors the implementation of EU environmental legislation, including the HD and the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive[2].

    The Commission also works closely with Member States to provide guidance and support in the implementation of these Directives.

    Emergency legislation can be used to introduce derogations from EU environmental law, but such derogations must be strictly limited to what is necessary to address the emergency situation and must not compromise the overall protection of the environment.

    Article 6(4) of the HD allows for derogations from the prohibition on plans or projects that may have a significant impact on a Natura 2000 site, but only in exceptional circumstances, when no other alternatives are available and mitigation measures are not enough, and subject to strict conditions.

    Any derogations introduced via emergency legislation must be carefully assessed to ensure that they are necessary, proportionate, and do not compromise the integrity of the Natura 2000 site or its network as a whole.

    Without prejudice to the Commission’s role as guardian of the Treaties, Member States are primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with EU law.

    In line with its strategic approach on enforcement action[3], which focuses on cases of systemic non-compliance, the Commission considers that the means of redress available under national legislation would be the most appropriate mechanism to address individual cases of possible non-compliance.

    • [1] Articles 6(3) and (4): Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [2] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    • [3] As set out in the communication of 19 January 2017 (EU law: Better results through better application — C/2016/8600, OJ C 18, 19.1.2017, p. 10-20) and in the communication of 13 October 2022 COM(2022) 518 final — Enforcing EU law for a Europe that delivers.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ionic wind technology: Empa spin-off awarded – Energy-efficient cooling thanks to ionic wind (last modification, the 31.01.2025)

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In future, the patented technology is to be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. The Empa spin-off has already won several awards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ionic wind technology: Empa spin-off awarded – Energy-efficient cooling thanks to ionic wind (last modification, the 31.01.2025)

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Thanks to a new type of airflow booster for ionic wind, completely new fields of application are opening up for the start-up Ionic Wind Technologies. In future, the patented technology is to be used primarily for cooling data centers and high-performance electronics. The Empa spin-off has already won several awards.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Equality between men and women – 27-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Equality between women and men is one of the objectives of the European Union. Over time, legislation, case-law and changes to the Treaties have helped consolidate this principle and its implementation in the EU. The European Parliament has always been a fervent defender of the principle of equality between men and women.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – The fight against poverty, social exclusion and discrimination – 27-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    By supporting the Member States in the fight against poverty, social exclusion and discrimination, the EU aims to reinforce the inclusiveness and cohesion of European society and to everyone to enjoy equal access to opportunities and resources.

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Southern Partners – 27-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) covers Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria and Tunisia. It consists of bilateral policies between the EU and the 10 individual partner countries, plus a regional cooperation framework, the Union for the Mediterranean. The EU boosted support for democratic transformation under the ENP in 2011, in response to the uprisings in its southern neighbourhood. It further reviewed the ENP in 2015.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – European Parliament: relations with the national parliaments – 27-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Moves towards closer European integration have altered the role of the national parliaments. A number of instruments for cooperation between the European Parliament and the national parliaments have been introduced with a view to guaranteeing effective democratic scrutiny of European legislation at all levels. This trend has been reinforced by provisions introduced by the Lisbon Treaty.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Judicial cooperation in civil matters – 27-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The free movement of goods, services, capital and people across borders is growing continuously. In response, the European Union is enhancing judicial cooperation in civil law matters with cross-border implications, effectively building bridges between diverse legal systems. The EU’s key goals are to ensure legal certainty and easy and effective access to justice. This involves clearly identifying the competent jurisdiction, determining the applicable law and streamlining the procedures for recognition and enforcement of judgments.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • PM Modi shares article highlighting policy and innovation driving India’s rise as a global steel leader

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday shared an article emphasizing the crucial role of policy initiatives and innovation in propelling India’s steel industry toward global leadership.

    In reply to a social media post by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on X, the Prime Minister said, “From infrastructure and defence to electric mobility and clean energy, steel is the backbone of a rising India.”

    “Union Minister Shri @hd_kumaraswamy outlines how policy push and innovation are shaping India’s journey to becoming a global steel leader,” the PM added in his post.

    https://rb.gy/rruno

  • Digital India in action: Citizen-first reforms take centre stage

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Monday emphasized the pivotal role of citizen-centric digital reforms in shaping India’s administrative future while inaugurating the Southern Regional Conference of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) at Pondicherry University. The conference, themed “Empowering Citizens in Digital India: Administrative, Management and Organizational Reforms,” brought together over 350 delegates, including senior bureaucrats, academics, and industry professionals.

    In his keynote address, the Union Minister underscored India’s transition from “minimum government, maximum governance” to a digitally empowered and citizen-first governance model. Citing landmark initiatives such as DigiLocker, Direct Benefit Transfer, and the JAM Trinity, he said these reforms have simplified service delivery, enhanced transparency, and ensured dignity for citizens—especially in remote regions.

    He also launched a new Governance Cell at Pondicherry University to promote research and awareness on public service and reforms among students and young professionals. Highlighting India’s digital journey, the Minister pointed to advances like self-attestation, digital life certificates, and facial recognition systems, stating, “It’s not just about adopting technology—it’s about ensuring ease of living and dignity for every Indian.”

    The Union Minister praised initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana for widening access to healthcare and housing and lauded the “One Nation, One Subscription” programme for democratizing access to academic resources. He noted India’s rising global stature, with improvements in innovation, patents, and startup rankings, and said the country is on track to becoming the world’s third-largest economy by 2027.

    Jitendra Singh released a book titled “Digital Governance in India – Transforming Public Service Delivery” by Dr. T. Gopinath and felicitated retired IAS officer Vallavan for his service in public administration. The event also featured presentations of over 80 academic papers from across Southern India and saw participation from IIPA branches in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.