NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: External merchandise trade statistics for May 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    External merchandise trade statistics for May 2025 
    In May 2025, the value of total exports of goods increased by 15.5% over a year earlier to $434.1 billion, after a year-on-year increase by 14.7% in April 2025. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 18.9% over a year earlier to $461.4 billion in May 2025, after a year-on-year increase by 15.8% in April 2025. A visible trade deficit of $27.3 billion, equivalent to 5.9% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in May 2025.
     
    For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, the value of total exports of goods increased by 12.6% over the same period in 2024. Concurrently, the value of imports of goods increased by 12.9%. A visible trade deficit of $124.7 billion, equivalent to 5.8% of the value of imports of goods, was recorded in the first five months of 2025.
     
    Comparing the three-month period ending May 2025 with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of total exports of goods increased by 10.0%. Meanwhile, the value of imports of goods increased by 11.9%.
     
    Analysis by country/territory
     
    Comparing May 2025 with May 2024, total exports to Asia as a whole grew by 21.8%. In this region, increases were registered in the values of total exports to most major destinations, in particular Japan (+96.2%), Malaysia (+55.3%), Taiwan (+54.8%), Vietnam (+41.2%), India (+35.1%) and the mainland of China (the Mainland) (+17.6%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to Korea (-25.6%).
     
    Apart from destinations in Asia, decreases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations in other regions, in particular the United Kingdom (-52.0%) and the USA (-18.4%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+67.3%), the United Kingdom (+49.2%), Taiwan (+33.5%), Malaysia (+27.7%) and the Mainland (+18.5%).
     
    For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports to some major destinations, in particular Vietnam (+58.5%), Taiwan (+39.7%), Japan (+20.4%) and the Mainland (+17.9%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of total exports to the United Arab Emirates (-24.0%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports from most major suppliers, in particular Vietnam (+76.4%), the United Kingdom (+55.8%), Taiwan (+48.9%), Malaysia (+34.2%) and the Mainland (+9.4%). On the other hand, a decrease was recorded in the value of imports from Korea (-19.6%).
     
    Analysis by major commodity
     
    Comparing May 2025 with May 2024, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $27.4 billion or +15.5%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $18.9 billion or +44.9%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $40.4 billion or +23.7%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $21.7 billion or +69.4%).
     
    For the first five months of 2025 as a whole, increases were registered in the values of total exports of most principal commodity divisions, in particular “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $125.1 billion or +66.1%) and “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $103.3 billion or +12.0%).
     
    Over the same period of comparison, increases were registered in the values of imports of some principal commodity divisions, in particular “electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof” (by $122.8 billion or +14.6%) and “office machines and automatic data processing machines” (by $115.9 billion or +81.5%).
     
    Commentary
     
    A Government spokesman said that the value of merchandise exports continued to show resilience, picking up strongly by 15.5% in May over a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland and most other Asian markets grew visibly further. Exports to the European Union turned to moderate growth, while those to the United States fell.
     
    Looking ahead, the sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy and Hong Kong’s enhanced economic and trade ties with different markets should render support to trade performance. The Government will continue to closely monitor the external environment and stay vigilant to the elevated geopolitical tensions and uncertainties surrounding trade policies.
     
    Further information
     
    Table 1 presents the analysis of external merchandise trade statistics for May 2025. Table 2 presents the original monthly trade statistics from January 2022 to May 2025, and Table 3 gives the seasonally adjusted series for the same period.
     
    The values of total exports of goods to 10 main destinations for May 2025 are shown in Table 4, whereas the values of imports of goods from 10 main suppliers are given in Table 5.
     
    Tables 6 and 7 show the values of total exports and imports of 10 principal commodity divisions for May 2025.
     
    All the merchandise trade statistics described here are measured at current prices and no account has been taken of changes in prices between the periods of comparison. A separate analysis of the volume and price movements of external merchandise trade for May 2025 will be released in mid-July 2025.
     
    The May 2025 issue of “Hong Kong External Merchandise Trade” contains detailed analysis on the performance of Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade in May 2025 and will be available in early July 2025. Users can browse and download the report at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020005&scode=230 
    Enquiries on merchandise trade statistics may be directed to the Trade Analysis Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 4691).
    Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025 
    According to the figures released today (June 26) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed, as measured by the wage index, increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    About 62% of the companies reported increase in average wage rates in March 2025 compared with a year ago. A total of 34% of the companies recorded decrease in average wage rates over the same period. The remaining 4% reported virtually no change in average wage rates.
     
    After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (A), the overall average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed increased by 1.6% in real terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    As for payroll, the index of payroll per person engaged for all the industry sections surveyed increased by 3.2% in nominal terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Composite Consumer Price Index, the average payroll per person engaged increased by 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
     
    The wage rate includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses. Payroll includes elements covered by wage rate as well as other irregular payments to workers such as discretionary bonuses and overtime allowances. The payroll statistics therefore tend to show relatively larger quarter-to-quarter changes, affected by the number of hours actually worked and the timing of payment of bonuses and back-pay.
     
    Sectoral changes
     
    For the nominal wage indices, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 3.1% to 4.1%.
     
    For the real wage indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 1.1% to 2.1%.
     
    The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real wage indices for the selected industry sections from March 2024 to March 2025 are shown in Table 1.
     
    As for the nominal indices of payroll per person engaged, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 2.0% to 3.9%.
     
    For the real payroll indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 0.4% to 2.3%.
     
    The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged for selected industry sections from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 2. The quarterly changes in the seasonally adjusted nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged in the same period are shown in Table 3.
     
    Commentary
     
    A Government spokesman said that wages and labour earnings continued to increase in all surveyed industries in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    The average wage rate for all selected industries increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025. After discounting for inflation, the average wage rate increased by 1.6% in real terms.
     
    Payroll per person engaged, which includes basic wage, discretionary bonuses and other irregular payments, rose by 3.2% in nominal terms and 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025.
     
    Looking ahead, the expansion of the Hong Kong economy should render support to labour demand and thus wages and labour earnings, though the external uncertainties and the changing consumption patterns of residents and visitors may continue to pose challenges.
     
    Other information
     
    Both wage indices and payroll indices are compiled quarterly based on the results of the Labour Earnings Survey (LES) conducted by C&SD. Wage index only covers employees up to the supervisory level (i.e. not including managerial and professional employees), whereas payroll index covers employees at all levels and proprietors actively engaged in the work of the establishment.
     
    Apart from the differences in employee coverage, wage statistics are conceptually different from the payroll statistics. Firstly, wage rate for an employee refers to the sum earned for his normal hours of work. It covers basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses, but excludes earnings from overtime work and discretionary bonuses, which are however included in payroll per person engaged. Secondly, the payroll index of an industry is an indicator of the simple average payroll received per person engaged in the industry. Its movement is therefore affected by changes in wage rates, number of hours of work and occupational composition in the industry. In contrast, the wage index of an industry is devised to reflect the pure changes in wage rate, with the occupational composition between two successive statistical periods being kept unchanged. In other words, the wage index reflects the change in the price of labour. Because of these conceptual and enumeration differences between payroll and wage statistics, the movements in payroll indices and in wage indices do not necessarily match closely with each other.
     
    It should also be noted that different consumer price indices are used for compiling the real indices of wage and payroll to take into account the differences in their respective occupation coverage. Specifically, the Composite Consumer Price Index, being an indicator of overall consumer prices, is taken as the price deflator for payroll of workers at all levels of the occupational hierarchy. The Consumer Price Index (A), being an indicator of consumer prices for the relatively low expenditure group, is taken as the price deflator for wages in respect of employees engaged in occupations up to the supervisory level.
     
    Detailed breakdowns of the payroll and wage statistics are published in the “Quarterly Report of Wage and Payroll Statistics, March 2025”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050009&scode=210 
       For enquiries on wage and payroll statistics, please contact the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section (1) of C&SD (Tel: 2887 5550 or email:     wage@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Wage and payroll statistics for March 2025 
    According to the figures released today (June 26) by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), the average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed, as measured by the wage index, increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    About 62% of the companies reported increase in average wage rates in March 2025 compared with a year ago. A total of 34% of the companies recorded decrease in average wage rates over the same period. The remaining 4% reported virtually no change in average wage rates.
     
    After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index (A), the overall average wage rate for all the selected industry sections surveyed increased by 1.6% in real terms in March 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    As for payroll, the index of payroll per person engaged for all the industry sections surveyed increased by 3.2% in nominal terms in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    After discounting the changes in consumer prices as measured by the Composite Consumer Price Index, the average payroll per person engaged increased by 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025 compared with a year earlier.
     
    The wage rate includes basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses. Payroll includes elements covered by wage rate as well as other irregular payments to workers such as discretionary bonuses and overtime allowances. The payroll statistics therefore tend to show relatively larger quarter-to-quarter changes, affected by the number of hours actually worked and the timing of payment of bonuses and back-pay.
     
    Sectoral changes
     
    For the nominal wage indices, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 3.1% to 4.1%.
     
    For the real wage indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in March 2025, ranging from 1.1% to 2.1%.
     
    The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real wage indices for the selected industry sections from March 2024 to March 2025 are shown in Table 1.
     
    As for the nominal indices of payroll per person engaged, year-on-year increases were recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 2.0% to 3.9%.
     
    For the real payroll indices, year-on-year increases were also recorded in all selected industry sections in the first quarter of 2025, ranging from 0.4% to 2.3%.
     
    The year-on-year changes in the nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged for selected industry sections from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025 are shown in Table 2. The quarterly changes in the seasonally adjusted nominal and real indices of payroll per person engaged in the same period are shown in Table 3.
     
    Commentary
     
    A Government spokesman said that wages and labour earnings continued to increase in all surveyed industries in the first quarter of 2025 over a year earlier.
     
    The average wage rate for all selected industries increased by 3.5% in nominal terms in March 2025. After discounting for inflation, the average wage rate increased by 1.6% in real terms.
     
    Payroll per person engaged, which includes basic wage, discretionary bonuses and other irregular payments, rose by 3.2% in nominal terms and 1.6% in real terms in the first quarter of 2025.
     
    Looking ahead, the expansion of the Hong Kong economy should render support to labour demand and thus wages and labour earnings, though the external uncertainties and the changing consumption patterns of residents and visitors may continue to pose challenges.
     
    Other information
     
    Both wage indices and payroll indices are compiled quarterly based on the results of the Labour Earnings Survey (LES) conducted by C&SD. Wage index only covers employees up to the supervisory level (i.e. not including managerial and professional employees), whereas payroll index covers employees at all levels and proprietors actively engaged in the work of the establishment.
     
    Apart from the differences in employee coverage, wage statistics are conceptually different from the payroll statistics. Firstly, wage rate for an employee refers to the sum earned for his normal hours of work. It covers basic wages and other regular and guaranteed allowances and bonuses, but excludes earnings from overtime work and discretionary bonuses, which are however included in payroll per person engaged. Secondly, the payroll index of an industry is an indicator of the simple average payroll received per person engaged in the industry. Its movement is therefore affected by changes in wage rates, number of hours of work and occupational composition in the industry. In contrast, the wage index of an industry is devised to reflect the pure changes in wage rate, with the occupational composition between two successive statistical periods being kept unchanged. In other words, the wage index reflects the change in the price of labour. Because of these conceptual and enumeration differences between payroll and wage statistics, the movements in payroll indices and in wage indices do not necessarily match closely with each other.
     
    It should also be noted that different consumer price indices are used for compiling the real indices of wage and payroll to take into account the differences in their respective occupation coverage. Specifically, the Composite Consumer Price Index, being an indicator of overall consumer prices, is taken as the price deflator for payroll of workers at all levels of the occupational hierarchy. The Consumer Price Index (A), being an indicator of consumer prices for the relatively low expenditure group, is taken as the price deflator for wages in respect of employees engaged in occupations up to the supervisory level.
     
    Detailed breakdowns of the payroll and wage statistics are published in the “Quarterly Report of Wage and Payroll Statistics, March 2025”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1050009&scode=210 
       For enquiries on wage and payroll statistics, please contact the Wages and Labour Costs Statistics Section (1) of C&SD (Tel: 2887 5550 or email:     wage@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH further optimises online registration system for dental general public session

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH further optimises online registration system for dental general public session 
    (1) Add “iAM Smart” and “eHealth” as channels for registering for GP sessions
     
         Members of the public who wish to register for dental GP sessions may perform real-time identity authentication by logging on to the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps. Their personal particulars (including name, identity document number, gender and date of birth) will be automatically filled into the registration system, reducing registration time and minimising the possibility of manual errors.
     
    (2) Optimise the waiting list mechanism
     
         The registration system is added with a “Cancel Appointment” function. People who are successfully allocated a service quota but wish to cancel the appointment may use the “Enquiry of Ballot Result or Cancel Appointment” function to select “Cancel Appointment” and confirm. The ORDGP will automatically allocate the vacated quota to candidates on the waiting list. Successful waitlisted applicants will receive an SMS notification by 9pm on the day of registration. For easy authentication, SMS messages issued by the DH bear the identification “#DH-DENT GP” with the prefix “#”. Relevant SMS messages will not contain hyperlinks.
     
    (3) Enhance the enquiry function of the ballot results
     
         Those who registered via the website only need to provide their Hong Kong identity card (ID) number and date of birth to enquire about their registration records or ballot results. They do not need to enter the date of issuance of their ID cards. Those accessing the registration system through the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps do not need to re-enter their personal details to enquire about their registration records or ballot results.
     
    (4) Add the enquiry service of successful appointment record in “eHealth”
     
         Members of the public who registered for the dental GP sessions and are successfully allocated service quotas through the “iAM Smart” or “eHealth” apps, the person, along with their family members or carers registered with “eHealth”, can check their relevant appointment records of service quota through the “eHealth” app.

         The ORDGP has been operating smoothly since its launch on December 30, 2024. Members of the public, especially the elderly, no longer need to go to dental clinics to queue in the early morning to compete for a service quota. Since the launch of the ORDGP, the average utilisation rate of the GP sessions is as high as 99 per cent. To optimise the use of public resources, the DH reminds members of the public who have been successfully allocated service quotas to utilise the new “Cancel Appointment” function if they are unable to attend the dental GP sessions, so that the service quotas could be reallocated in time to those with emergency needs.

         The scope of services provided by the dental GP sessions includes prescription for pain relief, tooth extraction and management of other urgent conditions (such as oral abscesses). The DH will continuously review the operation and effectiveness of the enhanced ORDGP, with a commitment to improving service accessibility for the public.
    Issued at HKT 13:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: FSTB welcomes Shanghai Gold Exchange’s launch of International Board certified vault in Hong Kong

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    FSTB welcomes Shanghai Gold Exchange’s launch of International Board certified vault in Hong Kong???
         The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “The SGE’s decision to establish its first International Board certified vault in Hong Kong offers international investors an option for delivering gold offshore. This marks a key stride in the internationalisation of our country’s gold market, extending the global footprint of RMB-denominated gold trading, and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role in the regional market. The Government is pushing ahead with the development of an international gold trading centre in Hong Kong to tap into new growth areas for financial services as well as to consolidate and enhance Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre. As such, I have engaged with various stakeholders from overseas and the Mainland during my recent duty visits to gather their views on this initiative. The SGE’s establishment of a certified vault in Hong Kong will, on one hand, attract more international investors to participate in the SGE’s trading and, at the same time, increase gold storage in Hong Kong, thus driving the development of related services. This will undoubtedly give impetus to our development of an international gold trading centre.”

    He added, “Hong Kong has the unique advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and is able to provide comprehensive financial, logistics, and shipping services. Coupled with a deep offshore Renminbi liquidity pool, international institutional investors will enjoy facilitation in their participation in gold trading with delivery in Hong Kong. Last week, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Shanghai Municipal Government signed the Action Plan for Collaborative Development of Shanghai and Hong Kong International Financial Centres. This case stands as a successful example of Shanghai-Hong Kong collaborative development. I look forward to the further deepening of co-operation, expansion of mutual market access between the two markets, and scaling up of two-way participation between Hong Kong and Shanghai by complementing the advantages of the two leading international financial centres under the ‘one country, two systems’ framework.”Issued at HKT 17:34

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reformed hiring policy for LCSD performance venues and invitation for participation in sixth round of Venue Partnership Scheme announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today (June 26) announced a reformed hiring policy and measures for its performance venues, aiming to provide more performance slots for use by different arts groups and establish clearer venue identities, thereby fostering a diversified, professional, industry and mega-event development of performing arts. 

         The reformed measures include the following:    
         The sixth round of the VPS will be implemented at 11 performance venues, namely the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Yau Ma Tei Theatre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall (Cultural Activities Hall), North District Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Tsuen Wan Town Hall and Tuen Mun Town Hall. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mainland-listed software provider establishes international headquarters in Hong Kong to “go global” (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Mainland-listed software provider establishes international headquarters in Hong Kong to “go global” (with photo)
         Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Charles Ng welcomed the decision of Information2 Software to set up its international headquarters in Hong Kong. He said, “As an international business and financial hub, Hong Kong attracts multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises to set up their presence in the city. They have a strong demand for reliable, stable, and secure disaster recovery backup systems to prevent data breaches and cyber attacks, providing huge business opportunities for software providers like Information2 Software. Hong Kong is the perfect base for their internationalisation.”

         The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Information2 Software, Mr Justin Hu, said, “The Hong Kong office not only provides better services to customers in Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also deepens our co-operation with local partners to provide more local market-oriented support. The city is also our starting point to expand into the Southeast Asian and global markets. We can leverage its international legal framework and financial services system to facilitate our ‘going global’ strategy.”

         Mr Hu added, “Hong Kong has an open, efficient, and internationalised market, making it our first stop to expand globally. We hope to leverage the city’s unique advantages to establish an international platform for our operations. We position Hong Kong as the headquarters for our overseas business, with future plans to develop it into an international market and a research and development base for international talent, further building a comprehensive marketing and service system, and making it a key foundation in our global strategic plans.”

         Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange’s Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market) in January 2023, Information2 Software is a leading provider of data backup and disaster recovery on the Mainland. The company has established over 30 outlets on the Mainland. Mr Hu said, “In recent years, we have been continuously advancing our global layout. With its highly open business environment, sound legal system, mature financial system, and multilingual, diversified talent pool, Hong Kong is our ideal platform to further serve international customers and expand overseas markets.”

         For more information about Information2 Software, please visit www.info2soft.com    
         To get a copy of the photo, please visit     www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720327086216Issued at HKT 16:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Arrangements for LCSD’s Mobile Library services

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Arrangements for LCSD’s Mobile Library services

    Mobile Libraries 4, 8 and 11 will suspend services during designated periods in July for maintenance, while a Mobile Library 4 service point in Tung Chung will also be relocated in July, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (June 26).

    Mobile Library 4 will suspend services from July 2 to 8. The affected service points are Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung, Discovery Bay, Pui O, Shui Hau and Tong Fuk. Starting from July 9, the service point at Yat Tung Estate in Tung Chung will be relocated to the area adjacent to Chi Yat House from Ying Yat House. The opening hours of the service point will remain unchanged, i.e. from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 6pm every Monday and Wednesday (except library closing days and public holidays). For enquiries about Mobile Library 4 services, please call 2984 9417.

    Mobile Library 8 will suspend services from July 7 to 19. The affected service points are Laguna City in Lam Tin, On Tai Estate in Kwun Tong, Po Tat Estate in Sau Mau Ping, Tai Hang Tung Estate on Tai Hang Tung Road, Laguna Verde in Hung Hom, Choi Fook Estate in Kowloon Bay and Yau Lai Estate in Yau Tong. For enquiries about Mobile Library 8 services, please call 2926 3055.

    Mobile Library 11 will suspend services from July 9 to 22. The affected service points are Sun Chui Estate and Kwong Yuen Estate in Sha Tin; Kwai Shing West Estate, Kwai Shing East Estate and Lai Yiu Estate in Kwai Chung; Easeful Court and Cheung Ching Estate in Tsing Yi; Tin Wah Estate in Tin Shui Wai; Wan Tau Tong Estate and Tai Yuen Estate in Tai Po; and Po Tin Estate in Tuen Mun. For enquiries about Mobile Library 11 services, please call 2479 1055.

    Readers are welcome to use other public libraries during the service suspension periods. They may also renew library materials by telephoning 2698 0002 or 2827 2833, or via www.hkpl.gov.hk.

    Ends/Thursday, June 26, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hospital Authority announces senior appointment

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The Hospital Authority (HA) spokesperson announced the following senior appointment today (June 26):

    Dr Cheng Koi-man will be appointed as Hospital Chief Executive of Kwai Chung Hospital with effect from July 1, succeeding Dr Desmond Nguyen upon his retirement.

    Dr Cheng is a specialist in psychiatry with solid experience in both clinical service and hospital management. Dr Cheng is the Chief of Service and a consultant in the Department of General Adult Psychiatry of Castle Peak Hospital (CPH). He has dedicated himself to psychiatry since graduation, and has taken up the role of Deputy Service Director (Quality & Safety) for New Territories West Cluster from 2017 to 2024. As the chairman of various committees, working groups and task groups under the Coordinating Committee in Psychiatry, Dr Cheng contributed to a wide range of aspects related to psychiatry from talent acquisition, standardisation of patient care pathways, and resources utilisation. He led the development of the enhanced common mental disorder clinics, spearheaded the revision of the psychiatric specialist outpatient clinic defaulter tracing workflow, and established a three-tier psychiatric day hospital service model to enhance patient care, in addition to facilitated ward conversions to meet evolving demands. He also led the implementation of telehealth services.

    The Chairman of the HA, Mr Henry Fan, and the Chief Executive of the HA, Dr Tony Ko, congratulate Dr Cheng on his new appointment and wish him every success in taking up the new role. Mr Fan and Dr Ko also expressed their appreciation to Dr Nguyen for his dedicated service over the years and wish him a happy retirement.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three people charged in connection with Hounslow murder

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Hounslow have charged three people in connection with his death.

    [A] Kaywan Warzier Karim, 27 (23.08.97), of Walnut Tree Road, Hounslow, was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon on Wednesday, 25 June.

    [B] Tania Hamza, 33 (05.01.92), of Kingsley Road, Hounslow, was charged on Thursday, 26 June with violent disorder and assisting an offender.

    [C] Aziz Hama, 31 (07.11.93), of Selbourne Ave, Hounslow was charged on Thursday, 26 June with assisting an offender.

    All three will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 26 June.

    On Thursday, 26 June, police arrested a 35-year-old man [D] on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

    Police were called at 14:21hrs on Sunday, 22 June to reports of a stabbing in Hanworth Road, Hounslow, near the junction with School Road.

    Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and treated a 22-year-old man for stab wounds.

    The victim, Dara Omar from Brentford, was taken to hospital but sadly died sometime later.

    His next-of-kin continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Anyone who can assist the investigation team is asked to call 101 quoting 4387/22Jun or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org to remain anonymous.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Minister of Hydraulic Resources, Electricity Joins African Mining Week


    Download logo

    Teddy Lwamba, Minister of Hydraulic Resources and Electricity of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has confirmed his participation as a speaker at African Mining Week (AMW), taking place from October 1–3, 2025, in Cape Town under the theme, From Extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth.

    Minister Lwamba will join the panel, Powering Africa’s Mining Operations with Renewables, highlighting the DRC’s efforts to integrate renewable energy and modern infrastructure into its mining value chain.

    AMW serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    The event provides a strategic platform for Minister Lwamba to emphasize growing collaboration between the mining and power sectors, aimed at unlocking the DRC’s estimated $24 trillion in untapped mineral wealth. The DRC is currently the world’s leading cobalt producer, accounting for over 70% of global supply, and Africa’s largest copper producer.

    In June 2025, the DRC began construction of the 64 MW Katende Hydroelectric Power Plant (http://apo-opa.co/3FY1EQV), set to power key mining areas including Kananga, Bunkonde, Tshimbulu and Mbuji-Mayi. In partnership with the African Development Bank’s Mission 300 energy access initiative, the DRC aims to triple GDP by expanding electricity access for residential, industrial, and mining users. Through the $340 million Moyi Power Metro-Grids project (http://apo-opa.co/4ehPCOS), the government will also deliver reliable electricity to over one million people and businesses in Bumba, Isiro and Gemena.

    Further advancing the country’s energy ecosystem, a $634 million government-backed program (http://apo-opa.co/4eFqxhf) – supported by the World Bank and Green Climate Fund – was launched in March 2025 to expand generation capacity and rehabilitate transmission networks across 14 towns.

    Under Minister Lwamba’s leadership, the Ministry has also fostered an enabling environment for private investment. Canadian mining firm Ivanhoe Mines (http://apo-opa.co/4erkLQa) has committed $200 million to stabilize the southern DRC grid, while mining firms including CMOC and ERG are investing in dedicated on-site generation and transmission infrastructure.

    AMW 2025 presents a timely opportunity for Minister Lwamba to engage with key energy and mining stakeholders and forge new partnerships to scale up infrastructure and drive sectoral growth. His participation also reinforces the DRC’s commitment to sustainable resource development and regional energy cooperation.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana: The 2024 Consolidated MDAS Annual Budget Performance Report


    Download logo

    The years prior to 2024 proved to be very difficult globally. In Ghana, we saw the most ignoble deterioration of the economy and broader societal well-being. Inflation galloped, exchange rate depreciated sharply and remained volatile. Interest rates rose and credit became simply unaffordable. Ghana, therefore had no option but to seek support from the IMF through the Extended Credit Facility (ECF) programme on the heels of an expansive domestic and external debt restructuring which had severe consequences.

    In that context, the year 2024, being an election year, was uniquely significant. The Government set for itself macro-economic targets focused on re-anchoring fiscal and debt sustainability. The promise was to course-correct the misalignment in key indicators to support the economy.

    Despite the progress made under the IMF programme, the macroeconomic environment remained fragile. The economy remained fragile, with 2024 recording significant fiscal slippages. The Primary deficit worsened, and the year ended with accumulation of huge central government arrears amounting to GH¢67.5 billion representing 5.7 percent of GDP.

    The lessons from this challenging national economic experience are there for everyone: fiscal slippages are costly and far-reaching. These experiences validate the prudence in requiring the preparation of the Annual Budget Performance Report (BPR) as part of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921), as amended. Beyond meeting the requirements of the PFM Act, the BPR enables us to assess the performance and impact of our policy choices and take corrective measures where necessary. Furthermore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 27 of the PFM Act, stakeholders will receive updates on the actions taken to implement the recommendations of Parliament in respect of the report of the Auditor-General as well as updates on multi-year expenditure undertaken in 2024.

    I must state that the key lessons from this BPR will guide our choices in the post-2024 era as we work to reset economy towards the Ghana we want. We must, and we will, build a new culture that promotes and sustains fiscal discipline.

    As is always the case, this BPR is the product of cross-sectoral collaborations. The Ministry of Finance is thankful to the Ministries, Departments and Agencies who provided critical inputs and validated information. The efforts of the staff of this Ministry, who have coordinated the preparation of this BPR, are also acknowledged. Your sense of professionalism and commitment to the national cause is indeed endearing. As a Ministry, we will stand ready to provide clarification and respond to any related queries through the established channels, including the Right to Information Platform.

    A new era is upon us. We have a great opportunity to rewrite our most recent economic history in a positive light. Let us join forces and work together to build the Ghana we want. It is our promise and duty to do so.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Finance – Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Mozambique Diplomatic Relations


    Download logo

    On June 25, 2025, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Mozambique diplomatic relations.

    Xi Jinping noted that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, regardless of changes in the international landscape, China and Mozambique have trusted and supported each other, and the friendship between the two countries remains rock-solid. Xi Jinping expressed his firm belief that bilateral relations will surely usher in a brighter future as long as both sides uphold the original aspiration of establishing diplomatic relations and move forward hand in hand. Xi Jinping said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Mozambique relations and is ready to work with Mr. President Daniel Francisco Chapo to take the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point to carry forward traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation within the frameworks of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and jointly write a new chapter in the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Mozambique.

    Daniel Francisco Chapo stated that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries coincides with the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, which highlights the traditional friendship and brotherhood between the two nations. He expressed gratitude for China’s unconditional support in Mozambique’s struggle for independence. Mozambique will continue to abide by the one-China principle, support all efforts made by the Chinese government to achieve national reunification, and back the major initiatives proposed by China. Mozambique is willing to continuously deepen bilateral relations with China on the basis of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, expand practical cooperation, jointly defend multilateralism, and promote world peace, security and prosperity.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Budapest Pride 2025: EU calls on the Hungarian authorities to allow the parade to go ahead

    Source: European Commission (video statements)

    We call on the Hungarian authorities to allow the Budapest Pride to go ahead.

    Without fear of any criminal or administrative sanctions against the organisers or participants.
    Our union is one of equality and non-discrimination.

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7JnF0izWmaQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission President’s call with Israeli Prime Minister – E-002414/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002414/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Kathleen Funchion (The Left), Lynn Boylan (The Left)

    Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted on social media on 15 June 2025 that she had spoken with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by telephone.

    • 1.During the course of this conversation, did the Commission reference the warrant for the arrest of the Israeli Prime Minister, issued by the International Criminal Court?
    • 2.Does the Commission believe that the Israeli Prime Minister should present himself to the International Criminal Court to face charges?
    • 3.Is it the Commission’s view and advice that, if an individual, subject to an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court, enters the territory of any EU Member State, that Member State should take the person into custody?

    Submitted: 16.6.2025

    Last updated: 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Regenerative agriculture – E-002446/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002446/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)

    The transition to more sustainable agricultural practices that contribute to climate mitigation, adaptation and the restoration of ecosystems is a challenging process.

    In this context, regenerative agriculture, with its focus on soil health, carbon sequestration, water retention and biodiversity enhancement, is increasingly recognised as a promising approach to address these interconnected challenges.

    Despite its potential benefits, regenerative agriculture is not yet defined within EU policies. Farmers willing to adopt such practices often face barriers, including limited financial incentives, technical support and market recognition.

    • 1.How does the Commission intend to support and integrate regenerative agriculture in order to ensure consistency between policy design, funding and monitoring at EU level?
    • 2.What measures will the Commission take to promote research, innovation and knowledge transfer on regenerative farming systems and to ensure that small and medium-sized farms can benefit from these advances?
    • 3.Does the Commission plan to strengthen financial and technical support for farmers who adopt regenerative agricultural practices?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    Last updated: 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission guidance on the compensation models for electricity demand response through aggregation – E-002465/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002465/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bruno Tobback (S&D)

    The Commission has announced that a white paper on electricity market integration will be published in late 2025. It will address governance issues while also exploring flexibility compensation.

    With regard to electricity demand response through aggregation, European legislation[1] establishes that countries ‘may require electricity undertakings or participating final customers to pay financial compensation to other market participants or to the market participants’ balance responsible parties, if those market participants or balance responsible parties are directly affected by demand response activation’. At the same time, this financial compensation must not create a barrier to market entry for market participants who are engaged in aggregation, nor a barrier to flexibility. However, when this is read in conjunction with the proposed Article 55A of the Electricity Balancing Regulation[2], within the newly proposed draft network code on demand response, it is unclear which model should be used to ensure correct compensation. This has raised issues in countries such as France, where direct compensation models have created barriers to market access.

    Will the Commission publish guidance on compensation models so that countries can fulfil their obligations under Article 17(4) of Directive (EU) 2019/944?

    Submitted: 18.6.2025

    • [1] Article 17(4) of Directive (EU) 2019/944 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on common rules for the internal market for electricity and amending Directive 2012/27/EU (OJ L 158, 14.6.2019, p. 125, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2019/944/oj).
    • [2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/2195 of 23 November 2017 establishing a guideline on electricity balancing (OJ L 312, 28.11.2017, p. 6, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2017/2195/oj).
    Last updated: 26 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB provides €107.5 million to back security and defence in Italy

    Source: European Investment Bank

    ©Don Jackson/ Unsplash

    • The EIB financing will contribute to the purchase of helicopters for the Italian army.
    • This is the third agreement between the EIB, the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Italian Ministry of Defence.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a new strategic agreement with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Defence, with the goal of further strengthening Italy’s security and defence capabilities.

    The operation is part of the EIB’s broader commitment to European security and defence. It recently expanded its eligibility criteria to backing military projects, in line with EU priorities.

    The loan will be disbursed to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which will then channel the EIB resources to the Ministry of Defence. The favourable conditions offered by the EIB on international markets mean that the loan will enable the Italian government to make substantial interest savings over the 20-year term.

    This is the third agreement of its kind between the EIB, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Defence In 2022, the EIB provided €240 million to finance the purchase of 16 light helicopters for the Italian Carabinieri and upgrades to the national air traffic control system, while in 2020, it provided €220 million to build three hydro-oceanographic vessels.

    “This agreement shows the EIB’s growing commitment to supporting European security and defence, and is the result of ongoing fruitful dialogue with the Italian government to promote strategic investments strengthening the competitiveness and security of Italy,” said EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti. “We will continue to work side by side with our partners to safeguard the strategic autonomy of the European Union.”

    Background information

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight key priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed over 900 projects worth nearly €89 billion in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. The EIB Group signed 99 operations totalling €10.98 billion in Italy in 2024, helping to unlock almost €37 billion of investment in the real economy. All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment. Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the funds made available by the Group unlocked over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised a further €110 billion for startups and scale-ups. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Hearings – Hearing on the ICJ and ICC decisions on Israeli/Palestinian conflict and the EU role – 15-07-2025 – Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Source: European Parliament

    AFET hearing on the ICJ and ICC.jpeg © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On Tuesday, 15 July 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30 in Brussels (room Antall 2Q2), the Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) will hold a public hearing on the implications of the decisions of the ICJ and ICC on the EU’s role in supporting a peaceful solution for the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. This hearing intends to clarify the overall situation and to provide both legal and political insights in the search for constructive EU positions on the matter.

    The experts invited are Gleider Hernández, Professor of Public International Law, KU Leuven and Michael Meier, Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University Law Center (GULC) and Associate Fellow. Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Package travel: better protection against bankruptcy and unforeseen events

    Source: European Parliament

    On Thursday, the Consumer Protection Committee adopted updated rules on package travel to clarify the rights of travellers when their journey is affected by unforeseen circumstances.

    The Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO) adopted its position on a revision of the EU package travel directive to enhance protection for travellers when a tour organiser goes bankrupt or unforeseen circumstances disrupt their holiday plans. The COVID-19 pandemic and the insolvency of Thomas Cook revealed weaknesses in the current rules.

    Refund rights, insolvency protection and information requirements

    MEPs backed the Commission proposal to clarify existing provisions to ensure travellers get a refund for pre-payments and services that have not yet been provided, as well as repatriation help, when their travel organiser goes bankrupt. The updated directive would clarify what counts as a travel package and list the kind of information to be provided to travellers before, during and after their trip.

    Use of vouchers

    The committee also agreed on new provisions to ensure consumers can refuse vouchers and instead choose to request a refund within 14 days. When a traveller accepts a voucher but does not use it, the unused worth of it should be paid back to the traveller when it expires. Vouchers should be valid for up to 12 months and extendable or transferable once. The traveller should also be able to choose whether to use it in one go or in parts.

    Vouchers should be covered by insolvency guarantees and their value would have to correspond at least to the amount of the refund to which a traveller is entitled. Voucher holders should also have priority when choosing travel services, and be able to spend it on any travel service offered by the organiser.

    Grounds for cancelling the trip

    The updated directive clarifies the conditions for cancelling a trip. MEPs want to ensure that if unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances arise at the travel destination or departure point before a trip, or affect the journey, travellers should be able to cancel without penalty and with a full refund. A traveller’s place of residence should not be relevant, MEPs argue.

    Whether a cancellation is justifiable should be assessed on a case-by-case basis. However, MEPs say that official travel warnings issued up to 28 days before the scheduled departure should become important elements to be taken into account.

    Level of pre-payments

    MEPs have scrapped the Commission’s proposal that travel companies may not require a down-payment greater than 25% of the total package cost from the client until 28 days before the start of the travel, leaving this decision to individual member states.

    Quote

    Author of the report Alex Agius Saliba (S&D, MT) said after the vote: “These new rules for package travel update the protection of travellers with lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to make sure travellers are protected when booking a package deal. We are setting rules for vouchers, and giving consumers the right to cancel a package when extraordinary circumstances apply. A complaint handling mechanism with clear deadlines for travel operators to respond will make sure travellers can enforce their rights.”

    Next steps

    The draft position, adopted with 35 votes for, 1 against and 4 abstentions, will go to Parliament’s plenary for a debate and vote, probably in September. Once the plenary adopts its negotiating mandate, talks on the final shape of the law with the EU Council, who adopted its position in December 2024, can start.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – European Parliament Press Kit for the European Council of 26 – 27 June 2025

    Source: European Parliament

    European Parliament President Roberta Metsola will represent the European Parliament at the summit, where she will address the heads of state or government at 11.00 and hold a press conference after her speech.

    When: Press conference at around 11.45 on 26 June

    Where: European Council press room and via Parliament’s webstreaming or EbS.

    At their meeting in Brussels, the heads of state or government will focus on ways to bolster EU competitiveness. They will also discuss how the EU can continue supporting Kyiv against Russia’s aggression – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, how to strengthen the EU’s defence capabilities, and the EU’s response to the escalation in the Middle East. Leaders will also discuss migration and the situation in the Western Balkans.

    Competitiveness

    In a resolution, adopted on Thursday 19 June in response to the European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal plan, Parliament stresses the need to combine climate action with industrial competitiveness. It underscores the importance of the EU’s newly established industrial decarbonisation bank, which MEPs consider vital for scaling up investment in clean technologies. The resolution addresses the importance of regulatory simplification and the need to streamline permitting procedures to support the transition and innovation efforts of small businesses. MEPs also support the action plan for affordable energy and want measures to boost cross-border energy infrastructure and to complete the energy union.

    On 18 June, MEPs adopted a resolution highlighting the stabilising effect of the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) at a time of significant economic uncertainty in Europe. They note that the RRF prevented the fragmentation of the EU internal market and promoted economic recovery in member states. MEPs are concerned that the short timeframe for the implementation of outstanding RRF funding poses challenges to the completion of key reforms, large-scale investments and innovative projects, as well as the 70% of milestones and targets that have still to be reached. They urge the Commission to set up new programmes, which should be flexible and reactive to changing circumstances and guarantee predictability. MEPs also demand an 18-month extension for ongoing mature projects.

    In a keynote speech at the event “Europe at the crossroads” on 13 May, Parliament President Roberta Metsola outlined her vision for a smarter, stronger and safer Europe. The President argued “the time of hypothetical crossroads is over. There is only one path left: forward and together”. She called for a different Europe, which is more realistic, more self-critical and supportive of its industries, with less regulation and more innovation. On the need to cut back regulation, she said: “Europe’s simplification agenda needs to signal the start of a new Europe and with the upcoming MFF, trigger an economic boom.”

    Further reading

    Clean Industrial Deal must marry industrial competitiveness with climate action

    National recovery plans should add to EU resilience and strategic autonomy

    Metsola calls to “re-launch Europe as a global power”

    MEPs call for a more competitive EU that respects social and labour standards

    Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine

    On 16 June, Parliament debated the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression, the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians. You can watch the debate here. Parliament ill vote on a resolution on 9 July.

    On 17 June, MEPs agreed to update the EU-Ukraine road transport agreement and extend it until the end of 2025, to continue facilitating the movement of goods in and out of the country. Concluded in June 2022, the agreement has facilitated the transport of vital goods such as fuel and humanitarian aid into Ukraine, and enabled Ukrainian exports such as grain, ore, and steel to reach the EU and beyond. Set to expire in June 2024, its application continued provisionally pending formal backing by MEPs and the EU Council of its extension until the end of 2025.

    On 22 May, MEPs backed increased tariffs on fertilisers and certain Russian and Belarusian agricultural goods, seeking to reduce EU dependency on those imports. Plenary has endorsed the Commission proposal to increase by 50% EU tariffs on agricultural products from Russia and Belarus that were not yet subject to extra customs duties. The aim is to reduce EU dependence on the two countries still further. Products targeted by the new tariffs include sugar, vinegar, flour and animal feed.

    In a resolution adopted on 8 May, MEPs strongly condemn Russia’s “genocidal strategy”, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop. Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also, MEPs say, allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children.

    On 8 May, MEPs voted to renew the suspension of import duties and quotas for certain imports from Ukraine, such as iron and steel, due to expire on 5 June 2025.With the adoption of the Autonomous Trade Measures (ATM) Regulation, the EU liberalised trade with Ukraine by suspending trade defence measures on 4 June 2022. MEPs have now approved the proposed prolongation of these trade liberalisation measures, which focus steel, to provide Ukraine with vital export revenues

    On 7 May, Parliament discussed with Commission President von der Leyen and Polish Minister for EU Affairs Szłapka how the EU can contribute to achieving a just, sustainable, and comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine. The debate focussed on the EU’s political, financial and military support for Ukraine, and its role in efforts to secure a peace settlement that preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and is based on international law.

    Further reading

    European Parliament backs extension of EU-Ukraine road transport agreement

    Parliament approves new tariffs on Russian and Belarussian agricultural goods

    Parliament backs extension of trade liberalisation measure for Ukrainian imports

    The EU must contribute to robust security guarantees for Ukraine

    Joint statement on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

    EP Conference of Presidents’ statement on EU support for Ukraine

    How the EU is supporting Ukraine

    EU stands with Ukraine


    European defence and security

    On 18 June, MEPs outlined their expectations for the 24 – 26 June NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, in a debate with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.

    On 24 April, the Committees on Industry, Research and Energy and Security and Defence have adopted their position on the proposed creation of a European defence industry programme (EDIP), designed to strengthen Europe’s defence industry, ramp up defence product manufacturing and provide more support for Ukraine. More specifically, MEPs backed measures to boost Europe’s defence technological and industrial base (EDTIB), to strengthen EU defence and integrate the EU defence industry. They want the new programme to focus on improving the supply of weapons, ammunition and other crisis-relevant products, boosting manufacturing capacities and ensuring their ramp-up, reducing lead times for production and delivery, and increasing stockpiles. MEPs and Council are now negotiating the final shape of the law.

    In a resolution adopted on 12 March, Parliament calls on the EU to act urgently and ensure its own security. This will mean, MEPs say, strengthening relationships with like-minded partners, and strongly diminishing reliance on non-EU countries. The EU needs “truly ground-breaking efforts” and actions “close to those of wartime”, say MEPs, who welcomed the recently tabled ReArm plan. To achieve peace and stability in Europe, the EU must support Ukraine and become more resilient itself, MEPs argue. The resolution says “Europe is today facing the most profound military threat to its territorial integrity since the end of the Cold War”. It calls on member states, international partners, and NATO allies to lift all restrictions on the use of Western weapons systems delivered to Ukraine against military targets on Russian territory.

    Further reading

    MEPs push for a more ambitious European defence industry programme

    MEPs urge the EU to ensure its own security

    “We cannot afford to depend on others to keep us safe”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    “Europe must be responsible for its own security”, Metsola tells EU leaders

    MEPs call on Europe to strengthen its defence capacity

    Rutte to MEPs: “We are safe now, we might not be safe in five years”


    Middle East

    On 17 June, MEPs and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas debated the situation in the Middle East. The debate focussed on the risk of further instability in the Middle East following the Israel-Iran military escalation, the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

    On 17 June, the King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, addressed MEPs at a formal sitting in Strasbourg. Welcoming King Abdullah II of Jordan to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “The European Parliament appreciates Jordan’s critical efforts in reducing regional tensions, in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the return of hostages whilst also facilitating so much urgently needed humanitarian aid, as well as for the unwavering support for Palestinian and Syrian refugees and a two-State solution as a path to lasting peace.”

    The King outlined two essential areas for action: first, supporting development, because a thriving Middle East creates opportunities that benefit us all; and second, strong, coordinated action to ensure global security. “Our mutual security won’t be assured until our global community acts, not only to end the three-year war in Ukraine, but also the world’s longest and most destructive flashpoint, the eight-decade-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.” King Abdullah II added: “Palestinians, like all people, deserve the rights to freedom, sovereignty, and, yes, statehood (…) The path to peace has been walked before. It can be again, if we have the courage to choose it, and the will to walk it together.”

    On 21 May, Parliament discussed the EU’s response to the Israeli government’s plan to seize the Gaza Strip, ensuring effective humanitarian support and the liberation of hostages.

    Further reading

    King Abdullah II of Jordan: “A shameful version of humanity is unfolding in Gaza”

    The EU must support the political transition and reconstruction of Syria


    Western Balkans

    In a vote on 24 June, the Foreign Affairs Committee backed North Macedonia’s EU path and called for bold reforms. Skopje must introduce constitutional changes, strengthen rule of law and fight corruption, MEPs say. The report underlines that EU accession is ultimately a matter of political will—both in enacting reforms and adopting constitutional amendments. MEPs call on all political parties in North Macedonia to engage in constructive dialogue to reach the required consensus, which would strengthen the country’s multi-ethnic character and accelerate EU progress.

    In two reports adopted on 18 June, MEPs welcomed Montenegro´s objective to join the EU in 2028 and praised Moldova’s EU membership efforts. Parliament is calling for political stability in Montenegro and substantial progress regarding electoral and judicial reforms as well as the fight against organised crime and corruption. MEPs stress that Montenegro remains the leading candidate in the EU enlargement process and point to the overwhelming support of its citizens and the majority of political actors for joining the EU in 2028. Parliament welcomes the country’s full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, including EU sanctions against Russia, and commends Montenegro for its support for the international rules-based order at the United Nations.

    Praising Moldova’s exemplary commitment to advancing its progress towards EU membership, Parliament recognises that EU-Moldova relations have entered a new phase. Cooperation has intensified alongside sustained efforts by the government in Chișinău to align Moldova’s laws with those of the EU (the so-called “EU acquis”). Despite significant internal and external challenges, such as the effects of Russia’s continuing war against neighbouring Ukraine and Moscow’s interference in Moldova’s democratic processes, MEPs are encouraged by the Moldovan government’s progress on meeting the EU’s enlargement requirements and the country’s ambition to open negotiations on more enlargement-related issues.

    In a report adopted on 4 June, the Foreign Affairs Committee has praised Albania’s steadfast commitment to EU accession. MEPs highlight Albania’s broad political consensus and strong public support for joining the EU, alongside full alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy. While welcoming Albania’s aim to complete accession talks by 2027 and the progress already made, MEPs stress the urgent need to intensify reforms. Key priorities include strengthening judicial independence, combating corruption and organised crime, and protecting fundamental rights. Enhancing media pluralism and transparency remains crucial to building public trust. Plenary will vote on the report on 9 July.

    The Foreign Affairs Committee called urgently for reform and unity in Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance EU accession and tackle corruption and division, in a report adopted on 4 June. MEPs reaffirm their strong support for BiH’s EU accession bid, emphasising a merit-based process aligned with the Copenhagen criteria and grounded in the country’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and in equality among all citizens. Welcoming the European Council’s decision to open accession negotiations with BiH amid the changing geopolitical landscape following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the committee acknowledged key reforms but expressed concern over stalled progress and weak implementation. The vote in plenary is scheduled for 9 July.

    On 7 May, Parliament adopted two resolutions, saying Kosovo needs to accelerate its EU-related reforms and that Serbia must do more to protect the rule of law and media freedom and to fight corruption.

    Kosovo has made notable strides in its electoral reforms, economic resilience, and the protection of fundamental rights, say MEPs. However, challenges remain regarding judicial reforms, media freedom, public administration efficiency, and the digitalisation of public services. Continued commitment to comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance is essential for Kosovo to make progress on its European integration pathway, they stress.

    Despite some progress in negotiations, Serbia still has major hurdles to overcome, according to MEPs. Belgrade needs to improve its internal political dialogue, protect the rule of law, and make anti-corruption reforms. It also has to work on reaching a comprehensive normalisation agreement with Kosovo, and fully align with EU foreign policy. Parliament calls on Serbia’s authorities to ensure the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the country’s Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media.

    Further reading

    European Parliament backs North Macedonia’s EU path, calls for bold reforms

    Montenegro and Moldova: MEPs applaud EU membership progress

    MEPs call on Albania to accelerate reforms and strengthen democratic institutions

    Support for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession amid urgent calls for reform

    Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their EU accession reforms


    Migration

    On 18 June, Civil Liberties Committee MEPs backed proposals to give Europol and EU authorities more tools to fight migrant-smuggling and human trafficking. The proposed law would give the EU’s police agency Europol new tools to combat and investigate migrant-smuggling and human trafficking by coordinating the actions of EU national authorities. A European Centre Against Migrant Smuggling (ECAMS) would be formally established within Europol to support cross-border investigations. . Parliament and Council are now negotiating on the final shape of the law.

    On 19 May, Parliament and Council reached an agreement on gradually rolling out the Entry-Exit System (EES) at the EU’s external borders. Once operational, the system will register the data, including biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints, of third‑country nationals entering and leaving the Schengen area on short‑stay visas. The aim is to improve security, speed up the border check process, and reduce queues. The idea behind the gradual implementation over 180 days is to prevent a simultaneous launch in all countries from compromising the system. During the roll-out period, the launch could be temporarily suspended if waiting times become too long or there are technical issues. The vote in plenary will take place on 8 July.

    On 15 January, the Working Group on Asylum-Implementation of the Pact/CEAS (Common European Asylum System), formed by MEPs of all EP political groups, started to monitor the implementation of the EU Pact on Asylum and Migration. Chaired by Birgit Sippel (S&D, Germany), the Working Group will focus on scrutinising and monitoring the Common European Asylum System and the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration.

    Further reading

    Migrant-smuggling: new resources and a stronger role for Europol

    Border security: agreement on gradual roll-out of Entry-Exit System

    MEPs kick off scrutiny work of the Asylum and Migration Pact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: France: Gatewatcher secures €25 million EIB investment to accelerate growth and reinforce European cyber resilience

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The EIB is backing Gatewatcher’s ambition to strengthen Europe’s technological sovereignty.
    • The French firm, recently named the only “Visionary” in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant for network detection and response (NDR), will use the funding to boost innovation and continue to expand internationally.
    • This transaction is part of the EIB Group’s ever-stronger commitment to security and defence, as reaffirmed by the Board of Governors at their annual meeting on 20 June.  

    Marking its largest venture debt investment in cybersecurity to date, the European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €25 million financing facility to Gatewatcher, a French company recognised as a European leader in cyber threat detection. Gatewatcher has developed an advanced network detection and response (NDR) platform that combines artificial intelligence and threat intelligence to deliver real-time visibility across all digital environments. The funds will accelerate the development of Gatewatcher’s advanced detection technologies and support its international expansion in a context of rising cyber threats and renewed focus on European autonomy.

    EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said: “Cybersecurity is a strategic sector within the defence industry. Having the capability to prevent cyberattacks, safeguard the integrity of infrastructure and data, and identify those responsible for attacks is now imperative for Europe’s security and the competitiveness of our economies. We are therefore proud to support the development of a company like Gatewatcher, which is fully dedicated to cybersecurity and whose results are already promising. The project is also fully in line with the EIB’s new strategy to finance the European security and defence sector.”

    “This investment is a strong signal of trust from a major European institution. It represents a shared commitment to building a secure, digital future,” said CEO and founder of Gatewatcher Jacques de La Rivière. “This financing allows us to pursue our innovation efforts for our clients and partners, while accelerating the market launch of our latest AI solution. Our ambition is clear: to bring cutting-edge threat detection technologies to the broadest possible market, while contributing to the emergence of a robust European cybersecurity industry. This next phase of growth is first and foremost a collective one, driven by our teams and guided by a sense of responsibility to our ecosystem.”

    The financing comes as Gatewatcher marks its tenth anniversary and continues to scale across Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. A pioneer in large-scale fundraising within the European cybersecurity sector, Gatewatcher is confirming its long-term vision, strategic independence and strength in a fiercely competitive global market with this new milestone. Its inclusion as the only fully European vendor, and the sole “Visionary” in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for network detection and response further confirms its role as a key player in Europe’s cyber defence ecosystem. Today, Gatewatcher’s technologies protect hundreds of public and private organisations, including critical infrastructure operators, governments and enterprises.

    For the EIB Group, this transaction confirms its commitment to security and defence, just a few days after the Bank’s annual Board of Governors meeting on 20 June, where the 27 EU Member States approved the plan to increase the financing volume for 2025 to an unprecedented level of up to €100 billion. This revised ceiling will notably enable 3.5% of total financing to be dedicated to European security and defence. Further information on the EIB Group’s financing of security and defence projects is available here.

    Background information

    About EIB:

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security. In France, the EIB Group signed more than 100 operations in 2024 for a total amount of €12.6 billion, which made it possible to mobilise €62 billion in investments in the real economy. Nearly 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

    About Gatewatcher:

    Gatewatcher, a leader in cyber threat detection, has been protecting the networks of businesses and public institutions, including the most critical ones, since 2015. The Gatewatcher NDR Platform (network detection and response) combines artificial intelligence, dynamic and behavioural analytics techniques, and contextualised cyber threat intelligence (CTI). This enables unified, comprehensive visibility, real-time detection and mapping of systems, and an automated, prioritised response to attacks. Deployed across cloud, on-premise or sensitive infrastructure, and compatible with information technology, operational technology and internet of things environments, it secures all critical assets while streamlining operations through its integrated AI assistant. Gatewatcher combines technological power with operational peace of mind to align cybersecurity with your business objectives. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Where climate change and your energy bills meet

    Source: European Investment Bank

    In 2020, the European Investment Bank signed a €20 million loan to help the Polish city of Szczecin build and refurbish residential buildings for energy efficiency and comfort. This project is part of larger urban regeneration programme in the historic part of the city that limits vehicle traffic, encourages cycling and aims to attract more retailers.

    Grażyna Szotkowska, president of the board for one of two housing agencies in Szczecin that used some of the funding from this loan, says the city is a leader in cutting emissions in housing. That’s because many of its big residential buildings are connected to the city’s central heating, rather than having small boilers in every apartment.

    “We also are adding thick layers of insulation to many social housing buildings,” Szotkowska says. “Most importantly, they are getting triple-glazed windows, which are highly efficient in terms of energy loss but also block road noise. Better insulation and windows also mean lower energy consumption, which reduces the costs for the tenants.”

    Lower expenses for homeowners, tenants and building owners is a topic energy experts always mention.

    “Energy improvements are one of the main advantages of housing upgrades, as they help reduce energy bills for households while also cutting carbon emissions,” says Gladys Sevilla, an EIB loan officer who works on housing projects.

    In other words, governments may like energy efficiency because it cuts carbon emissions or because it reduces the need to build new homes to beat the housing crisis. Residents like energy efficiency because it saves them money and increases the value of their homes.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – The European Commission – 25-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is the EU institution that has the monopoly on legislative initiative as well as important executive powers in policies such as competition and external trade. It is the principal executive body of the European Union and is formed by a College of members composed of one Commissioner per Member State. The Commission oversees the application of Union law and respect for the Treaties by the Member States; it also chairs the committees responsible for the implementation of EU law. The former ‘comitology’ system has been replaced by new legal instruments, namely implementing and delegated acts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – Education – 25-06-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    In accordance with the subsidiarity principle, education policies are decided at the level of the individual Member States. The role of the EU is therefore mainly a supporting and coordinating one. The main objectives of Union action in the field of education include encouraging mobility of students and staff, fostering mutual recognition of diplomas and periods of study, and promoting cooperation between higher education institutions.[1]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shop a Tipper does it again! Another success for council’s fly tipping scheme

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Following a report of dumped waste in Wednesfield and further information being provided by the witness, the council was able to bring the case to court.

    As a result, the resident received a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton gift card for the details they reported through Shop a Tipper.

    Officers are now reminding offenders that they are being watched – and warning them not to ignore council investigations.

    In the latest prosecution, Paul Mansell, of Field Road in Dudley, pleaded guilty to one charge of fly tipping under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. He also admitted one of obstruction under section 110 of The Environment Act 1995 for failing to comply with investigating officers’ requests for assistance.

    During a hearing on 1 June, Dudley Magistrates Court fined Mansell £200, ordered him to pay costs of £1,000 and a victim surcharge of £80.

    The costs awarded to the council will be reinvested back into its environmental crime service.

    The court heard that at around 1.40pm on 30 August last year, a witness heard a van pull up outside a property in Hart Road, Wednesfield. A man got out of the van to pick up some scrap metal and put it in his van.

    He then pulled a large cardboard box out of the vehicle and placed it in the road. He picked up more scrap metal before driving off and leaving the box in the road.

    The box was full of wood, bubble wrap and other items. The witness dragged the box out of the road and onto the footpath and reported the incident to the council along with some images.

    Council officers investigated and issued a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) to the registered keeper of the vehicle. No response was made so a reminder letter was sent. When no response was received to that, the council issued a notice requiring him to attend an appointment at the council.

    When no contact was received and the appointment was missed, the council began the prosecution.

    Under Shop a Tipper, residents are encouraged to report any incidents of fly tipping. If the information provided leads to successful identification, and Fixed Penalty Notices are issued and paid or a prosecution takes place, residents receive a £100 Enjoy Wolverhampton gift card.

    Residents can contact 01902 552700 with information or report online at Fly-Tipping – Shop a Tipper.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “Shop a Tipper has done it again! And it’s many thanks to the resident who came forward to provide us with the vital information.

    “Fly tipping is a horrible and unhygienic crime, but Shop a Tipper allows residents to provide information and evidence which can help. This means our officers can investigate and bring people to justice.

    “We continue to work hard to deter fly tipping through a variety of methods including our Shop a Tipper scheme, CCTV cameras, a drone and the increase in our Fixed Penalty Notice to £1,000.

    “Suspected fly tippers should be aware that they are being watched – and they can’t ignore our investigations.”

    Residents are reminded that waste can be disposed of free of charge at the council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (tips) which are open 7 days a week from 8am to 4pm. Centres are at Anchor Lane, Bilston and Shaw Road, Wolverhampton.

    A bulky item collection service to dispose of big unwanted items is also available, find out more at Bulky item collection.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE neurolinguists have found out which apps are best for helping to restore speech

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Scientists Center of Language and Brain HSE University has identified factors that make digital rehabilitation applications for patients with aphasia more effective. Feedback, a variety of game tasks, a long period of rehabilitation and constant contact with the attending physician were found to be the most important for restoring speech function. Articlepublishedin the journal NeuroRehabilitation.

    Aphasia is a disorder in which there is a complete or partial loss of the ability to speak and perceive the speech of others, which is associated with damage to the areas of the brain responsible for speech functions. The main causes of aphasia are stroke, traumatic brain injury, inflammatory diseases of the brain, brain tumors, dementia.

    Aphasia significantly reduces the quality of human life, so scientists have long been looking for effective methods to restore speech function. With the spread of smartphones and tablets, another promising and rapidly developing area of rehabilitation has emerged – “serious games” (SG) in applications.

    This is a special type of digital games that are created not only for entertainment, but also to achieve specific educational, training or research goals. In the field of education, they help in the professional training of specialists, teaching students, and learning foreign languages. In healthcare, such games are used in the rehabilitation of patients.

    With the help of applications, a person with aphasia can perform speech training tasks and gradually restore the lost ability. The effectiveness of such applications has already been proven, but it remained unclear what tasks and functions should be included in the applications and how long to work with them in order to achieve maximum success.

    Scientists from the HSE Center for Language and Brain studied the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases and selected 18 articles devoted to testing mobile and computer applications for rehabilitation in aphasia.

    The researchers paid special attention to situations where training led to greater results. For example, a patient trained in naming 100 words, but improved in naming 150 words, or was able to use the learned words not only in oral speech, but also in writing. Sometimes the use of smart games led to the development of related skills: for example, a person trained speech, but improved attention.

    Fourteen out of 18 articles (78%) noted that patients’ use of the app had a positive effect. Most studies proved the app’s effectiveness by the primary criteria: exactly what was trained improved. And eight articles (44%) reported that the results exceeded expectations. Most often, the person could use the trained word in other contexts, such as in writing. In addition, two articles described improvements in other higher mental functions.

    As the analysis showed, the efficiency of the applications was influenced by such factors as automatic feedback, variety of game tasks used in training, long periods of treatment, and patient-doctor interaction. The last point is especially important, since rehabilitation therapists additionally motivate the person and evaluate intermediate results.

    “In our center, we are working on creating a game for the rehabilitation of patients with aphasia. A review of the research will help test it in the most effective mode, implement the functions necessary for successful operation. Existing applications often have few gamification elements; in fact, they are electronic collections of exercises. We will try to correct this shortcoming in order to increase user engagement,” said Georgy Gorshkov, a junior research fellow at the HSE Center for Language and Brain.

    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 –

  • EU leaders meet to decide on whether to back quick US trade deal or seek better terms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    European Union leaders are to tell the European Commission on Thursday whether they want to reach a quick trade agreement with the United States on terms that favour Washington or keep fighting for a better deal.

    A quick deal seems to be the preferred option for most, officials and diplomats said, as the EU can then seek to address the unfavourable bias with some rebalancing measures of its own.

    “I support the Commission, I support the President of the European Commission in her endeavours to make progress on competitiveness. I also support the European Commission in all its endeavours to reach a trade agreement with the USA quickly,” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said.

    “I want us to get Mercosur off the ground and conclude further trade agreements. Europe is facing decisive weeks and months,” he said.

    The Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the EU, will ask leaders of the EU’s 27 members meeting in Brussels how they want to respond to President Donald Trump’s July 9 deadline for a deal, now less than two weeks away.

    The bloc has said it is striving for a mutually beneficial agreement, but as Washington looks set to stick to its 10% across-the board tariffs on most EU goods and threatening higher rates with prolonged talks, EU diplomats said a growing number of EU countries were now favouring a quick resolution.

    “A trade war makes both sides of the Atlantic poorer and is just stupid. So I support the approach of the Commission president, who always kept calm and has negotiated for a result,” said Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

    “If that were to end in one-sided and unfair tariffs then we have to take proportionate and very targeted countermeasures.”

    The bloc is already facing U.S. import tariffs of 50% on its steel and aluminium, 25% for cars and car parts, along with a 10% tariff on most other EU goods, which Trump has threatened could rise to 50% without an agreement.

    The United States’ only completed trade deal to date is with Britain, with the broad 10% tariff still in place. U.S. officials say it will not go lower for any trading partner.

    Some 23 of the leaders will come to Brussels straight from the NATO summit in the Hague. Few will want to follow accord there with an economic war.

    “There is a group of EU countries that want to protect companies by seemingly accepting something they have gotten used to – a 10% baseline,” one EU diplomat said.

    REBALANCING MEASURES

    One question EU leaders face is whether it should respond with its own measures to such a baseline tariff.

    The European Union has agreed, but not imposed, tariffs on 21 billion euros of U.S. goods and is debating a further package of tariffs on up to 95 billion euros of U.S. imports. Some EU countries favour watering it down.

    Among the EU rebalancing options is a tax on digital advertising, which would hit U.S. giants like Alphabet Inc’s Google, Meta, Apple, X or Microsoft and eat into the trade surplus in services the U.S. has with the EU. The bloc has a trade surplus with the U.S. in goods.

    The Commission has proposed an EU-U.S. deal to cut respective tariffs on industrial goods to zero, along with potential further EU purchases of liquefied natural gas and soybeans.

    Washington has shown little obvious interest, preferring to highlight items it considers as barriers, such as EU value-added tax, environmental standards and rules on online platforms, on which the EU does not want to move.

    On the sidelines of the summit, EU leaders will also seek to allay the concerns of Slovakia and Hungary over ending their access to Russian gas as foreseen by the EU’s plan to phase out all Russian gas imports by the end of 2027.

    EU diplomats said EU leaders’ assurances over gas should allow the two countries to back the EU’s 18th package of sanctions against Russia, which they are now blocking.

    Before the start of the summit however, Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico said he would demand a delay in voting for the sanctions until Slovak concerns were addressed.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax Justice Aotearoa welcomes IRD discussion document on tax reform

    Source: Tax Justice Aotearoa

    Tax Justice Aotearoa has welcomed the release of Inland Revenue’s draft Long Term Insight Briefing, which looks at the possible future directions for New Zealand’s tax system.

    The discussion document suggests a stable core structure of main bases that “comprehensively taxes the factors that are sought to be taxed”, coupled with the ability to “change rates on main bases to change the level of revenue.”

    “We welcome the release of the draft LTIB as a useful contribution to the debate about what kind of tax system we want for the future,” says Glenn Barclay, Chair of Tax Justice Aotearoa.

    “Tax has become a hot topic and this document demonstrates some of the challenges we face.”

    “We look forward to hearing more from the IR officials and giving the public the opportunity to question their thinking at our upcoming briefing event*,” says Glenn Barclay. “This is part of the consultation process so everyone who would like to make a submission on the LTIB should come along.”

    The LTIB notes the fiscal challenge we face as a country as expenditure increases, largely as a result of an ageing population.  

    “Tax Justice Aotearoa agrees with this observation but an ageing population is just one of the many problems we have stored up for ourselves by failing to invest in both social and physical infrastructure – the challenges of poverty and inequality, as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation also come to mind”, says Glenn Barclay.

    The LTIB also demonstrates that New Zealand is an outlier in the extent to which it relies on tax revenue from labour income and GST and that we under tax capital income.

    “These are the taxes that impact most on working people and the poor,” says Glenn Barclay.

    “We need to address this imbalance by ensuring those who can afford to pay more are required to do so, and also that the regressive nature of GST can be addressed. The permanent GST-offset credit suggested by the LTIB, is a proposal worth considering.”
     
    “There are limitations to the document, for example it does not address the interface between the tax system and the Working For Families tax credit, which is a fraught issue for those who are dependent upon WFF, but we look forward to the debate that the document will provoke,” says Glenn Barclay.

    * Tax Justice Aotearoa will be hosting speakers from Inland Revenue at one of its ‘Tax on Tuesdays’ events on Tuesday 1 July at 12.30pm* – members of the public are welcome to attend.

    It will be a hybrid event with an in person session at Rutherford House in Wellington, which will be live-streamed.

    Where: Rutherford House Lecture Theatre 2 (RHLT2), 33 Bunny Street, Wellington.

    When: 12.30-1.30 pm Tuesday, 1 July 2025

    To register in person or Zoom: https://www.tjanz.org/ir-insights-briefing

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Wu and Mrs. Wu Attended the Inauguration of the 20th Board of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Wu and Mrs. Wu were honored to attend the inauguration of the 20th Board of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia. On behalf of OCAC Minister Hsu Chia-ching, DG Wu presented a congratulatory letter to Peter Huang, newly elected President of TCCA, and a certificate of appreciation to outgoing President Michael Wu for his outstanding leadership and innovation.
    Nearly 200 distinguished guests gathered to celebrate TCCA’s achievements and future, including NSW Shadow Assistant Minister for the Arts, Innovation, Digital Government and the 24-Hour Economy Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Hon. Rachel Merton MLC, Monica Tudehope MP, Mayor of Ryde Trenton Brown, Brisbane City Councillor James Huang, Ku-ring-gai Councillor Barbara Ward, Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Oceania President Frank Chang, as well as leaders from the broad overseas Taiwanese community.
    Director General Wu praised President Michael Wu for his leadership in driving innovation within TCCA, and expressed confidence that incoming President Peter Huang will further strengthen cross-community ties, promote Taiwanese culture, and lead the chamber to new milestones.
    DG Wu also conveyed ROC (Taiwan) President Lai Ching-te’s warm regards and appreciation to the Taiwanese community in Sydney. He reaffirmed the government’s continued support for overseas Taiwanese businesses, noting that in Taiwan’s pursuit of an FTA with Australia and its accession to the CPTPP, TCCA can play a meaningful role in advancing these efforts, which aim to deliver broader economic and strategic benefits to all member economies.
    A highlight of the ceremony was a lively animation co-produced by TCCA and TECO Sydney, explaining Taiwan’s CPTPP bid and calling for support from Australia and other member economies. We were also glad to see community leaders from New Zealand, Thailand, Queensland, and Western Australia—showing the strong cross-regional ties of the global Taiwanese community.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –