Category: Economy

MIL-OSI Europe: Why is there a housing crisis and how do we fix it?
Source: European Investment Bank

Anselm Leahy sits at a table in the white, pristine kitchen of his new Dublin apartment. “When I first came into the apartment, I was astonished. I couldn’t believe it,” he says, gesturing toward a big bay window in the living room that overlooks nearby houses and green fields. “I was over the moon.”

The apartment is part of new social housing built by the Focus Ireland Association, a state-run institution that provides loans to developers building affordable homes across the country. Leahy moved in just under two years ago, ending a spell of homeless that began with the death of his father and his mother’s subsequent move into a retirement home. “My will to live was very, very low,” Leahy says. “To get this apartment has changed me in lots of different ways: mentally, physically, spiritually. I feel human again. I feel like I have a future. I have hope.”

Cities like Dublin suffer from a shortage of affordable housing that has blocked many people – the unemployed, low-income families, migrants and young workers – out of the market. Over the past 15 years, average rents in the European Union have risen by one-quarter and house prices by half, while one in ten Europeans now spend 40% or more of their disposable income on housing.

At the same time, the share of social housing in total supply has shrunk since 2010, even though the number of vulnerable people such as the homeless or new migrants has risen. Half of Europe’s housing stock was built before 1980, and much of it needs to be renovated. Many buildings are energy inefficient (a rating of D or worse). Bringing those homes and apartments up to new EU standards will be expensive and slow.

The lack of affordable housing translates into real hardship: young people put off starting families, students turn down the best universities, essential workers like teachers or nurses don’t accept jobs in in major cities – all because they are priced out of housing.

“These people and their stories provide living proof of the housing crisis and the impact it has on Europe,” said Dan Jørgensen, the EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing, at a housing event hosted by the European Investment Bank (EIB) in early March. “It threatens social justice and social cohesion … It weakens our economy and reduces our competitiveness.”

The problem is clear: Over the last decade or so, housing demand has outstripped supply and incomes haven’t kept up with prices. The solution, however, is much more complicated. The European Union needs to build almost one million new dwellings. That requires:
- innovative, faster and less costly ways of building;
- regulatory reform to speed up permitting and to create the investment framework for housing providers to deliver affordable new apartments and homes;
- financing solutions that encourage residential development and renovation.
“We need to enhance the housing supply while also making better use of the stock we already have,” says Chiara Fratto, a European Investment Bank economist who researches housing issues.
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Ukrainian preschool with children from displaced families reopens after EU-backed renovation
Source: European Investment Bank

EIB
- “Berizka preschool in Ukrainian village of Ulaniv southwest of Kyiv reopens after major renovation supported by EU.
- Renovation financed through EIB’s Ukraine Recovery Programme to restore critical social infrastructure in Ukrainian communities.
The “Berizka” preschool in the Ukrainian village of Ulaniv reopened after a major upgrade supported by the European Union lending arm – the European Investment Bank (EIB). The €420,000 renovation highlights the EU’s commitment to restoring social infrastructure in Ukraine.

Berizka, serves more than 110 children aged two to six, including many children from internally displaced families. It is one of 100 educational institutions across Ukraine being renovated with support of the EIB. The building is now equipped with full thermal insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors – upgrades that are especially important amid Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, by reducing electricity consumption and utility costs.

The preschool also has a new metal roof, renovated porches and two ramps that ensure easier entry for people, including children and parents with limited mobility. It offers an environment, where children and their families can feel a sense of normalcy and stability despite the war.

EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Ukraine said: “The renovated preschool shows how the EIB supports Ukraine’s long-term recovery: we invest in resilient, energy-efficient infrastructure that strengthens local communities and ensures continuity of vital services for people.”

The renovation took place between May 2024 and June 2025 under the “Ukraine Early Recovery Programme” – a joint EU-EIB initiative implemented in cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories and Ministry of Finance as well as the Vinnytsia Oblast Military Administration and the Ulaniv Village, with technical assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

This is one of seven EIB-backed recovery projects in Vinnytsia region, with a combined investment value of €7.6 million. These projects include the reconstruction of four schools, two water and wastewater facilities and one community and administrative services center. In 2024 alone, three projects were completed, including two schools in Stryzhavka and a sewer system in Zhmerynka.

Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Ukraine Stefan Schleuning said: “Berizka preschool in Vinnytsia Oblast is a powerful example of how EU support, channelled through the EIB’s recovery programmes, is already making a tangible difference. Together with Ukraine, we are restoring essential services, strengthening communities, and building for the future of the next generation.”

Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba said: “Restoring access to education is a shared priority with our European partners. Together, we’re rebuilding social infrastructure and introducing modern energy-efficient solutions that make communities more resilient.”

First Deputy Head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration Natalia Zabolotna said: “This preschool is the fourth EU- and EIB-supported recovery project completed in our region over the past two years. These results are possible thanks to the strength and dedication of local workers, who continue delivering essential services despite the war.”

Head of Ulaniv Village Council Oleksandr Hotsulyak said: “For our village, this preschool is essential. Thanks to support from the EU and the EIB, over 110 children, including those from displaced families — now have a modern, comfortable space to learn and grow. Investing in early childhood education lays the foundation for children’s resilience, recovery, and long-term development.”

UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said: “By connecting Ukrainian communities with EIB financing mechanisms, UNDP helps ensure that recovery efforts are truly community-led, with local leaders determining how EU support can best serve their reconstruction priorities.”

Background information

The EIB in Ukraine

The EIB Group has supported Ukraine’s economy since day one of the Russian invasion, providing €3 billion in financing to date, with €2.3 billion already disbursed. The EIB continues to focus on securing Ukraine’s energy supply, restoring damaged infrastructure and maintaining essential public services across the country. Under a guarantee agreement signed with the European Commission, the EIB is set to invest at least €2 billion more in urgent recovery and reconstruction. This funding is part of the European Union’s €50 billion Ukraine Facility for 2024-2027 and is fully aligned with the priorities of the Ukrainian government.

EIB recovery programmes in Ukraine

The reconstruction of the preschool in Ulaniv village was carried out under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, one of three recovery programmes supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As of June 2025, the EIB has provided €740 million across these programmes to support Ukraine’s recovery. The funding helps the government to restore essential services in communities across the country – including schools, kindergartens, hospitals, housing, heating and water systems. These EIB-backed programmes are further supported by €15 million in EU grants to facilitate implementation. The Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance, coordinates and oversees programme implementation, while local authorities and self-governments are responsible for managing recovery sub-projects. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine provides technical assistance to local communities, supporting project implementation and ensuring independent monitoring for transparency and accountability. More information about the programmes is available here.

Ukrainian preschool with children from displaced families reopens after EU-backed renovation

©EIB
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Ukrainian preschool with children from displaced families reopens after EU-backed renovation

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MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Protecting retail investors against predatory investment firms selling misleading financial products offering poor value for money – E-002287/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002287/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE)

In 2006, a major financial scandal came to light in the Netherlands. Millions of retail investors had put their savings into investment-linked insurance plans that came with such high hidden costs that they could only make tiny returns. These products are currently banned in the Netherlands.

Now, nearly twenty years later, the Dutch NN Group is selling similar financial products to Belgian and Greek retail investors[1]. Again, these products include many different kinds of hidden fees and management costs, sometimes amounting to as much as 7 % per year.

1.What tools are currently available to national and European supervisors to address these misleading retail financial products offering such blatantly poor value for money on the market?

2.Interinstitutional negotiations on the EU’s retail investment strategy are currently ongoing. Is the Commission confident that the outcome will effectively end the selling of these products with high hidden costs or, if not, what additional actions does the Commission propose?

3.The Commission will adopt measures to create a European blueprint for savings and investment accounts, including a recommendation on the tax treatment of these accounts. How will the Commission prevent the Member States from wasting tax incentives on retail investment products that charge high fees with low value for money?

Supporter[2]

Submitted: 5.6.2025

[1] Follow the Money, ‘Disgraced Dutch investment firm uses tainted tactics to target new European clients’, 27 May 2025.

[2] This question is supported by a Member other than the author: Vladimir Prebilič (Verts/ALE)
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Peter McNeilly Appointed As United States Attorney for the District of Colorado

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

DENVER – Peter McNeilly has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of Colorado by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Mr. McNeilly was sworn in by United States District Judge Daniel D. Domenico on June 16, 2025.

Mr. McNeilly has been an Assistant United States Attorney in Colorado since 2014. During his time as a federal prosecutor, Mr. McNeilly has focused on pursuing members of Mexican drug cartels, combatting the deadly fentanyl epidemic, and reducing violent crime. Mr. McNeilly’s work prosecuting fentanyl cases—and particularly cases involving fatal overdoses—has made him one of the leading experts on fentanyl prosecutions in Colorado and a resource for other federal prosecutors throughout the country. As a supervisor within the U.S. Attorney’s Office, he has overseen the creation and expansion of federal task forces which focus on transnational organized crime and violent crime. Mr. McNeilly has previously served as the Deputy United States Attorney, the Chief of the Transnational Organized Crime and Money Laundering Section, the District of Colorado’s Opioid Coordinator, and the Lead Strike Force Attorney for the Denver Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force.

Mr. McNeilly is a lieutenant colonel in the United States Marine Corps. Mr. McNeilly supported commanders and advanced the rule of law as a Marine judge advocate on active duty before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and he has continued that work in the reserves for his entire time with the office. On active duty, he prosecuted complex cases throughout the Marine Corps’ western region, including sexual assaults, child exploitation, financial crimes, and crimes committed in Iraq and Afghanistan. In the reserves, Mr. McNeilly has served as a prosecutor, as a legal advisor on the staff for a three-star commanding general, and he is currently in his second tour as a military judge.

As United States Attorney, Mr. McNeilly will oversee all federal criminal prosecutions as well as all civil litigation undertaken on behalf of the United States Government in Colorado. Mr. McNeilly leads a dedicated team of more than 160 attorneys, professional staff, and government contractors.

Mr. McNeilly’s senior leadership team includes J. Bishop Grewell, who will serve as First Assistant United States Attorney and Chief of the Appellate Division, and Marcy Cook, who will serve as Deputy United States Attorney.

MIL Security OSI –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Eight Members and Associates of the Transnational 18th Street Gang Charged with Racketeering Crimes in Queens
Source: Office of United States Attorneys

The Defendants’ Crimes Involved Brutal Assaults, Extortion, Drug Trafficking, Production and Sale of Fraudulent Identification Documents, and Counterfeit Currency
Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging eight members and associates of the 18th Street gang, a violent transnational criminal organization, with serious crimes. Six defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts involving narcotics and firearms trafficking, production and sale of fraudulent identification documents, and extortion. Seven defendants are also charged with assaults in aid of racketeering. One defendant is charged with being an alien in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition.

Seven defendants were taken into custody in New York City and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl M. Pollak. Another defendant, currently in custody on separate criminal charges, is expected to be arraigned tomorrow.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney, announced the arrests and charges.

“This indictment represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to dismantle violent gang networks in our communities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The 18th Street gang exploited a Queens neighborhood as a hub for violence and illicit activity. Today’s arrests show the community that my Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to put these violent criminals behind bars.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General – New York Office, the United States Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, New York City Field Office, for their invaluable assistance with the case.

“These violent members and associates of the 18th Street gang allegedly relied on violence—including assault of innocent civilians and rival gang members—to exert and maintain control over a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Those arrested today acted and behaved with callous and cruel disregard for those around them. Our actions today represent yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to crushing the violent transnational gangs plaguing our communities,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.

“The defendants in this case are accused of unleashing terror onto Queens communities through brutal assaults, extortion, fraud, and drug trafficking—all in furtherance of the 18th Street gang’s agenda. Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street, without having to worry about gang violence. My office will continue to combat violent criminal enterprises and assist partner investigations to dismantle gangs as they try to establish themselves in our neighborhoods, stated Queens District Attorney Katz. “We thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and the NYPD for their hard work in this case.”

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, the 18th Street gang is a violent transnational criminal organization with members and associates throughout the United States and Central America. The gang is divided into several “cliques.” The defendants are members and associates of the “54 Tiny Locos” clique, which controls a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. For years, 18th Street has maintained control over this area through violence, including assaults on perceived rival gang members that often result in harm to innocent civilians. The gang financed its operations through drug-dealing and various other crimes, including trafficking in fraudulent identification documents and counterfeit currency. The gang’s production and sale of fraudulent documents—including fake passports, permanent resident cards, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cards—was a primary driver of income for its members and associates. Members of 18th Street, including the defendants, also committed extortion by charging “rent” to other illicit businesses operating in the area, including unregulated brothels.

Certain of the defendants are also charged in connection with three assaults in-aid-of racketeering in Queens, New York, that wounded four individuals.

The December 2021 Assault

As alleged, on December 31, 2021, members of 18th Street, including Bonilla Ramos, Ramirez, and a co-conspirator, assaulted two victims, including John Doe #1, outside of a bar in Queens, New York, after asking if they were in a gang. The defendants violently beat both John Doe #1 and his friend, including twice smashing John Doe #1’s head with a glass bottle of tequila, leaving him with severe lacerations to his face and nerve damage.

The January 2022 Assault

As alleged, on January 15, 2022, members of 18th Street attacked two victims, John Doe #2 and John Doe #3, outside a bar in Queens, New York. A co-conspirator stabbed John Doe #2 while two other defendants held him in place. John Doe #2 sustained serious injuries, including injuries to his lung. The defendants then attacked a second victim, John Doe #3, with large wooden planks, causing lacerations that required sutures. The serious injuries to John Doe #2, the victim who was stabbed, were reflected in the blood left behind after the assault.

The June 2024 Assault

As alleged, on June 20, 2024, members of 18th Street attacked a victim, John Doe #4, who they believed was a rival gang member, in a parking lot in Queens, New York. The assailants, including certain of the defendants, beat John Doe #4 with a bike lock and a metal chair, among other things. John Doe #4 received medical care for lacerations to his head, which required sutures.
1. The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eradicating transnational criminal organizations, combating violent crime, and restoring the rule of law.
3. This prosecution also is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF targets the highest-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S., using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. More info is available here: www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren A. Bowman, Andy Palacio, and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

FELIX BONILLA RAMOS (also known as “Chabelo” and “Ferras”)
Age: 36
Corona, New York

URIEL LOPEZ (also known as “Tanke”)
Age: 30
Jackson Heights, New York

REFUGIO MARTINEZ (also known as “Cuco”)
Age: 32
Elmhurst, New York

MARGARITO ORTEGA (also known as “Pinocchio”)
Age: 38
Elmhurst, New York

ORLANDO RAMIREZ (also known as “Niñote”)
Age: 24
Elmhurst, New York

GERMAN RODRIGUEZ (also known as “Loco”)
Age: 34
Woodhaven, New York

DAVID VASQUEZ CORONA (also known as “Teba”)
Age: 29
Elmhurst, New York

MARCO VIDAL MENDEZ (also known as “Matute”)
Age: 36
Formerly of Elmhurst, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-196
MIL Security OSI –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Urgent action needed at SB62 as Amazon, climate slip closer to tipping points

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Bonn, Germany – Worsening rates of Amazon deforestation, record temperatures exceeding 1.5°C and chronic government policy inertia around climate action and finance demand an urgent response from delegates the next two weeks at the UN climate negotiations in Bonn.

A key moment on the road to COP30 in Brazil, the annual June intersessional meetings (SB62) in Bonn take place against a backdrop of climate-fuelled disasters and increasing deforestation rates in the Amazon. The ongoing forest loss is bringing the Amazon closer to a tipping point.

An Lambrechts, Biodiversity Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “Now more than ever, we need an action plan to end deforestation. The world is hurtling toward a climate and biodiversity catastrophe, but as COP30 moves to the Amazon under Brazil’s presidency, there is a significant opportunity to accelerate protection and restoration of critical ecosystems.”

“At COP28 the world agreed to halt deforestation and forest degradation by 2030, but there is no coherent UNFCCC plan yet to implement that goal beyond the expectation that parties include it in their NDCs and act at the national level. A transformative COP30 forest outcome that addresses fragmentation and delivers a five-year Action Plan starting next year can make the difference.”

“Delegates in Bonn must seize the moment and work towards a radical shift in climate ambition and pave the way to address the 1.5°C ambition gap. Countries’ 2035 climate action plans, due this year, must ramp up emissions cuts and deliver on the COP28 decision to “transition away from fossil fuels”.

Tracy Carty, Climate Politics Expert, Greenpeace International said: “Climate inaction is costing lives! As emissions rise unchecked, our chances of limiting warming to the Paris goals recede and impacts escalate. We need to act faster and bolder to give ourselves the best chance possible.”

“The weak finance deal agreed at COP29 is constraining many developing countries’ ability to raise ambition and the finance gap risks undermining trust and progress in this year’s negotiations. Rich countries must urgently increase public finance support – and making big polluters, like the fossil fuel industry, pay for the damage and destruction is a vital part of the solution.”

Anna Cárcamo, Climate Politics Specialist, Greenpeace Brazil said: “Bonn will be a key moment to advance important agendas leading to COP30 and Brazil as the incoming COP Presidency has signalled that it will focus on moving forward with adaptation, just transitions and implementation of the COP28 decision, including the goals to eliminate deforestation and to transition away from fossil fuels.”

“While all countries must act together to implement these critical agendas and goals, Brazil should lead with coherence, by continuing to address deforestation and reconsidering the expansion of fossil fuel extraction, especially in the Amazon.”

ENDS

Photos and videos are available in the Greenpeace Media Library.

Notes:

1. Bonn Climate Change Conference media briefing

2. Proposal for a COP30 action plan for forests

3. Legal briefing on maximising synergies to address the climate and biodiversity crises

Contacts:

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

Gaby Flores, Communications Coordinator, Greenpeace International, +1 214 454 3871, [email protected]

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

Join the Greenpeace WhatsApp Update Group

MIL OSI NGO –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: African Energy Chamber (AEC): It’s Time for the World Bank to End the Ban on Upstream Financing and Tackle Africa’s Energy Poverty Crisis

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The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) is calling on the World Bank to end its ban on financing upstream oil and gas projects, urging the institution to align with Africa’s urgent need to eradicate energy poverty and achieve sustainable development. Lifting this ban is essential to unlocking the continent’s hydrocarbon resources, delivering reliable and affordable electricity to millions, and generating the revenues required to support Africa’s long-term energy transition.

While the AEC welcomes the World Bank’s decision to review its 2017 ban on financing upstream oil and gas development, the time for reassessment is over. Decisive action is needed. Today, around 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity – a number that is not only staggering but growing. The International Energy Agency notes that gains made in expanding electricity access were reversed during the pandemic, with up to 30 million people who previously had access no longer able to afford it. This deepening energy poverty undermines Africa’s industrialization, economic growth and social development.

The AEC maintains that Africa must be empowered to grow its energy mix pragmatically, using both fossil fuels and renewables – not forced into an “all or nothing” approach that risks leaving hundreds of millions in the dark. Natural gas offers a scalable, affordable and lower-carbon solution that can help meet the continent’s immediate power needs while enabling a just, inclusive energy transition. Yet climate panic and fearmongering – often directed disproportionately at Africa, a continent responsible for just 3% of global CO₂ emissions – threaten to block this path.

“The green agenda and the World Bank’s ban on upstream financing ignore the fact that natural gas can bring life-changing prosperity to Africa through jobs, business growth and monetization,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC. “We are proposing a logical, sustainable path: using our natural gas to meet current needs, generate revenue and fund our transition to renewables. Given that universal access to affordable, reliable electricity is one of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, the growing number of Africans without power is morally wrong and must not be ignored.”

Upstream oil and gas development is already demonstrating its capacity to advance energy access. In Mozambique, domestic gas fuels the 450 MW Temane gas-to-power project, delivering electricity to communities and industries. Senegal’s gas-to-power efforts, Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan and Egypt’s expanded gas-fired generation highlight how these resources are driving regional electrification and economic growth. Future upstream projects hold transformative potential: Mozambique’s gas reserves could generate over $100 billion in revenue; Namibia’s oil discoveries could deliver $3.5 billion annually at peak production, which can fund infrastructure, education, healthcare and clean energy investments.

Meanwhile, global financial trends are shifting. Major banks, particularly in the U.S., are easing ESG-related restrictions and resuming oil and gas financing, recognizing that natural gas remains a vital bridge fuel. The World Bank must do the same – not as a concession, but as a commitment to its mandate to promote shared prosperity and reduce poverty.

The AEC urges the World Bank to turn its policy review into meaningful action. Supporting upstream oil and gas development is not only an economic necessity – it is a moral imperative if we are serious about ending energy poverty and enabling a sustainable, equitable future for Africa.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fallon Introduces the MERICA Act

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Mineral Extraction for Renewable Industry and Critical Applications (‘MERICA) Act, which would amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands (MLAAL), clarifying that all lands acquired by the federal government are eligible to be considered for hardrock mineral leasing.

This legislation is cosponsored by Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01).

“I am proud to introduce a common-sense solution to unleash America’s mineral wealth. This bill would amend current law so that all federally acquired lands can be considered for hardrock mineral leasing,” said Rep. Fallon. “Right now, in places like my district, we have valuable lithium deposits locked up on federal lands, and we cannot utilize them. The MERICA Act would give the Secretary of the Interior the authority to follow through on President Trump’s Executive Order to ramp up mineral production on federal lands.” Rep. Fallon continued, “By tapping into these critical resources, we can strengthen our economy, bolster national security, and ensure America stays a global leader.”

Rep. Moran commented, “The MERICA Act will strengthen America’s ability to produce the critical minerals we need—right here at home, not from China. This is about creating opportunity, driving investment, and helping keep our nation self-reliant. I’m proud to stand with Congressman Fallon in advancing this important bill for Texas and for our country.”

On the introduction of this bill, Scott Norton, Executive Director & CEO of TexAmericas Center commented, “TexAmericas Center appreciates Congressman Pat Fallon for introducing legislation to amend the Mineral Leasing Act for Acquired Lands in support of increasing access to critical hard rock minerals on federal lands and their continued efforts to create capital investment and quality jobs in our region. Congressman Fallon and TexAmericas Center have been working together well over a year, resulting in a strong working relationship that has resulted in measurable success and a path forward to make lithium extraction a reality in Northeast Texas. We are hopeful the passage and enactment of this legislation will move Northeast Texas towards lithium production in the near future.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – EU support for a trilateral Romania-Ukraine-Moldova Chamber of Commerce – E-002278/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002278/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gheorghe Falcă (PPE)

In May 2022, the Commission launched the EU-Ukraine Solidarity Lanes, a strategic initiative to ensure the swift export of agricultural goods from Ukraine via EU transport routes. As then Transport Commissioner Adina Vălean noted, the goal was to move 20 million tonnes of agricultural products within three months. By February 2025, the Solidarity Lanes had become essential, facilitating 70 % of Ukrainian imports, 40 % of non-agricultural exports and 20 % of grain-related trade – demonstrating their ongoing role as a secure alternative to Black Sea routes.

The cooperation between Romania, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova within this framework has proven key to Ukraine’s economic resilience and future reconstruction. Given the shared European perspective of Moldova and Ukraine, it is important to explore how this cooperation might be deepened.

1.Is the Commission open to supporting the establishment of a trilateral Chamber of Commerce between Romania, Ukraine and Moldova to strengthen economic ties under the Solidarity Lanes framework?

2.Could the Commission consider targeted support – financial, logistical or technical – for structured exchanges and working visits among businesses and institutions in the EU, Ukraine and Moldova, to foster long-term cooperation and promote regional stability?

Supporters[1]

Submitted: 4.6.2025

[1] This question is supported by Members other than the author: Daniel Buda (PPE), Dan Barna (Renew), Mircea-Gheorghe Hava (PPE), Ioan-Rareş Bogdan (PPE)
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Animal welfare in the European film industry – E-002303/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002303/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Marc Angel (S&D), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Niels Fuglsang (S&D)

Animal welfare has already been regulated in several areas at EU level, or is currently under regulatory development within the EU. Although Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union declares that animals are sentient beings and that the welfare of animals is to be considered in the formulation of Union policies, no specific EU directive or regulation has yet been adopted to generally regulate the use of animals in the film industry, or at least to develop or recommend a related framework. As a result, regulation varies across Member States, and there is currently a lack of a unified European standard or supervisory mechanism that would ensure consistent protection of animals during film shoots, including in cinema, television and advertising productions.

1.Does the Commission envisage creating Europe-wide animal welfare standards that could serve to generally regulate, or at least provide initial guidance for, the European film industry?

2.Does the Commission agree that at least in the case of film industry productions that are fully or partially EU-financed, such mandatory animal welfare standards should be required in the future?

Submitted: 6.6.2025
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – MPS accelerated book-building procedure and breach of European banking rules – E-002276/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002276/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left)

On 13 November 2024, the MEF[1] sold approximately 16% of the share capital of Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS), a stake acquired in 2017 during the public bailout, through an ABB[2] procedure taking advantage of derogations from the BRRD. The MEF appointed Banca Akros, part of the Banco Bpm Group, to handle the sale, which divided the stake up between four entities: Caltagirone (3.6%), Delfin (3.5%), Banco Bpm (5%) and Anima – Sgr, controlled by Banco Bpm – (3.5%)[3], after rejecting an offer submitted by Unicredit, according to press reports. To the buyers’ benefit, the shares were sold at below market rate, going against standard practice of selling at a premium. The government thus appears to have favoured the industrial conglomerates Caltagirone and Delfin, which were already involved in the 2023 takeover of Generali and attempted a similar coup with the MPS takeover bid for Mediobanca, Generali’s main shareholder. This would appear to be part of a strategy to circumvent EU restrictions prohibiting entities without a banking licence (Caltagirone and Delfin) from gaining a controlling interest in supervised banks.

In view of the above: does the Commission not believe Banca Akros’ ABB and the Italian Government’s overall strategy to be in breach of European rules on the neutrality of public entities with regard to financial institutions, particularly those operating in several EU Member States?

Submitted: 5.6.2025

[1] Italian Ministry for Economic Affairs and Finance

[2] Accelerated book-building, a procedure reserved for institutional investors.

[3] https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/mps-mef-mette-mercato-altro-7percento-AGyzcU7; https://www.startmag.it/economia/come-caltagirone-e-delfin-sguazzano-tra-mps-mediobanca-e-generali-tutti-gli-intrecci-e-i-conflitti/.
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission’s policy towards cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists by the United States – E-002281/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer E-002281/2025
to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Rule 144
Arkadiusz Mularczyk (ECR)

Considering the recent US executive order designating certain cartels and other organisations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, what concrete legislative measures has the Commission already put in place, or what specific proposals are currently being developed, to address and mitigate the potential impact of these designated groups’ activities within the European Union, particularly concerning their financial networks, logistical support, and any direct or indirect operational presence in Europe?

Submitted: 5.6.2025

Last updated: 16 June 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The European ocean pact: And an ocean act by 2027 – 16-06-2025

Source: European Parliament

On 5 June 2025, the European Commission adopted the European ocean pact. The world’s seas and oceans are under severe and increasing pressure from pollution, climate change, and over-exploitation. The deterioration of the environment, coupled with the growing demand for maritime space and marine resources, has emphasised the necessity of coherent ocean governance — a goal that the ocean pact aims to achieve. The pact is a non-legislative strategy intended to serve as a unified reference framework for all ocean-related EU policies. It was announced as one of the key deliverables within the Commission’s fisheries and oceans portfolio. Actions and initiatives in this pact are grouped under six priorities: ocean health; a sustainable blue economy; coastal communities and islands; ocean research, skills and literacy; maritime security and defence; and ocean governance. To support implementation, a high-level stakeholder-led ocean board would be established as well as an ‘ocean pact scoreboard’ to monitor achievement of the objectives. Member States will be encouraged to designate and manage marine protected areas in order to meet the 2030 target of protecting 30 % of their seas. In order to achieve the targets set out in the ocean pact, the Commission will table an ocean act by 2027. This legislative act, which has been requested by various stakeholders, will be based on a revision of the maritime spatial planning directive. It would strengthen and modernise maritime planning and bring relevant ocean-related targets together in one place.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Enabling a financial framework to support the circular economy in the EU – E-002292/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002292/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE), Elena Kountoura (The Left), Stine Bosse (Renew), Anna Cavazzini (Verts/ALE), Bas Eickhout (Verts/ALE), Villy Søvndal (Verts/ALE), Kira Marie Peter-Hansen (Verts/ALE), Sara Matthieu (Verts/ALE), Majdouline Sbai (Verts/ALE), Isabella Lövin (Verts/ALE), Pär Holmgren (Verts/ALE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), David Cormand (Verts/ALE), Lucia Yar (Renew), Lena Schilling (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE)

The Competitiveness Compass suggests the upcoming Circular Economy Act will help drive investment in recycling, help EU industry substitute virgin materials and reduce landfill and incineration of used raw materials. Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné echoed this during a structured dialogue with Parliament’s Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety on 13 May 2025, underscoring the urgency of scaling up recycling capacity across the EU.

1.How does the Commission intend to establish a new financing framework that supports the scaling up of circular solutions, notably to increase the EU’s own remanufacturing and recycling capacity?

2.What role does the Commission envisage for financial tools under the Clean Industrial Deal (CID), e.g. the proposed CID State Aid Framework, the Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act and Bank, the Public Procurement Framework, the Competitiveness Fund, the Innovation Fund, or the green VAT initiative, in supporting investment in circular economy infrastructure and value chains?

3.What specific measures will the Commission take to mobilise private capital to support the circular economy?

Submitted: 6.6.2025
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Conservation status of the wolf – E-002289/2025
Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002289/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sophia Kircher (PPE)

Having the wolf’s protection status downgraded is a hard-won and important step for the future of agriculture. The mountain farming economy, especially in the Alpine region, is suffering severe losses and increasingly being pushed to the edge of its existence. It is good that the EU institutions have decided to recognise the situation and move the wolf – which has not been endangered for quite some time – to Annex V of the Habitats Directive. However, lowering the protection status will not suffice if the wolf’s favourable conservation status still has to be proven at national level before it can be withdrawn. In the spirit of an EU that stands for cross-regional cooperation, the best way to solve the issue would be to have a regionally differentiated approach, especially for wolf-stricken areas such as the Alpine region.

1.Will the Commission take account of larger contiguous spatial areas, such as the Alpine biogeographical region, when assessing the favourable conservation status, rather than the national conservation status?

2.In cases where the conservation status is favourable at the cross-border population level, why does the Member State have to provide additional evidence of this at national and local level?

3.How will it guarantee the future of mountain farming, which plays a key role in the Alpine cultural landscape, despite the wolf’s reintroduction?

Submitted: 5.6.2025
Last updated: 16 June 2025
MIL OSI Europe News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Measures relating to insider trading by Commission staff – E-001109/2025(ASW)

Source: European Parliament

The Commission enforces strict rules to prevent conflicts of interest, requiring staff to report any conflict of interest that may impair their independence, including those related to private financial transactions. Additionally, EU and national law prohibiting insider trading apply to EU staff.

The Commission believes the existing rules are sufficient but invests in awareness and training for staff, ensuring they understand and comply with their obligations.

The Investigation and Disciplinary Office of the Commission is competent to investigate any breach of the rules applicable to the Commission staff.

Investigations may also be carried out by the European Anti-Fraud Office in case of serious misconduct by staff and by the national instances.

Last updated: 16 June 2025

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Iran-Israel conflict: Foreign Secretary statement

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Oral statement to Parliament

Iran-Israel conflict: Foreign Secretary statement

The Foreign Secretary made a statement to the House of Commons on 16 June, updating on the Israel-Iran conflict.

With permission, Mr Speaker, I will remind the House that the Foreign Office has been responding to two crises this past week.

My Honourable Friend, Minister Falconer, will update on the Government’s extensive efforts to assist those who lost loved ones in Thursday’s devastating Air India plane crash.

Just nine days ago, I was in Delhi, strengthening our friendship.

Our nations are mourning together. My thoughts are with all those suffering such terrible loss.

With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will now turn to the Middle East.

Early last Friday morning, Israel launched extensive strikes across Iran. Targets including military sites, including the Iranian enrichment facility at Natanz, and key commanders and nuclear scientists.

The last 72 hours has seen Iranian ballistic missile and drone strikes across Israel, killing at least twenty-one Israelis and injuring hundreds more.

And Israeli strikes have continued, including on targets in Tehran, with the Iranian authorities reporting scores of civilian casualties.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has said his operations will “continue for as many days as it takes to remove the threat”.

Supreme Leader Khameini has said Israel “must expect severe punishment”.

Madam Deputy Speaker, in such crisis our first priority is of course the welfare of British nationals.

On Friday, we swiftly stood up a crisis team in London and the region, and yesterday I announced that we now advise against all travel to Israel as well as our long-standing travel of not travelling to Iran.

Madam Deputy Speaker, today I can update the House that we are asking all British nationals in Israel to register their presence with the FCDO, so that we can share important information on the situation and leaving the country.

And I can announce today that we are further updating our Travel Advice to signpost border crossing points, and sending Rapid Deployment Teams to Egypt and Jordan to bolster our consular presence near the border with Israel, which has already been supporting British nationals on the ground.

Israel and Iran have closed their airspace until further notice, and our ability therefore to provide support in Iran is extremely limited. British nationals in the region should closely monitor our Travel Advice for further updates.

Madam Deputy Speaker, the situation remains fast-moving. We expect more strikes in the days to come. This is a moment of grave danger for the region.

I want to be clear, the United Kingdom was not involved in the strikes against Iran. This is a military action conducted by Israel.

It should come as no surprise that Israel considers the Iranian nuclear programme an existential threat.

Khameini said in 2018 that Israel was a “cancerous tumour” that should be “removed and eradicated”.

We have always supported Israeli security – that’s why Britain has sought to prevent Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon through extensive diplomacy.

We agree with President Trump when he says negotiations are necessary and must lead to a deal.

That has long been the view, Mr Speaker, of the so-called ‘E3’ – Britain, France and Germany – with whom we have worked so closely on this issue.

The view of all of the G7 who have backed the efforts of President Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff.

And for more than two decades, the cross-party view in this House.

Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton and Lord Hague of Richmond led diplomatic efforts on the issue.

Baroness May of Maidenhead and the former Right Honourable Member for Uxbridge did too, and this Government has continued to pursue negotiations, joining France and Germany in five rounds of talks with Iran this year alone.

Ours is a hard-headed realist assessment of how best to tackle this grave threat. Fundamentally, no military action can put and end to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Madam Deputy Speaker, just last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors passed a non-compliance resolution against Iran, the first such IAEA finding in fourteen years.

The Director-General’s Comprehensive Report details Iran’s failure to declare nuclear materials. Iran remains the only state without nuclear weapons accumulating uranium at such dangerously high levels. Its total enriched stockpile is now 40 times the limit in the JCPoA, and their nuclear programme is part of a wider pattern of destabilising activity.

The Government has taken firm action in response.

When they transferred ballistic missiles for use in Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, we imposed extensive sanctions including against Iran Air, and cancelled our bilateral air services agreement.

In the face of unacceptable IRGC threats here in the UK – with some twenty foiled plots since 2022 – the CPS has for the first time charged Iranian nationals under the National Security Act, and we have placed the Iranian state, including the IRGC, on the enhanced tier of the new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

Madam Deputy Speaker, a widening war would have grave and unpredictable consequences, including for our partners in Jordan and the Gulf.

The horrors of Gaza worsening, tensions in Lebanon, Syria and Iraq rising, the Houthi threat continuing.

That’s why the Government’s firm view, as it was last October in the ballistic missile attack on Israel, is that further escalation in the Middle East is not in Britain’s interests, nor the interests of Israel, Iran or the region.

There are hundreds of thousands of British nationals living in the region. And with Iran a major oil producer, and one fifth of total world oil consumption flowing through the Straits of Hormuz, escalating conflict poses real risks for the global economy.

As missiles rain down, Israel has a right to defend itself and its citizens. But our priority now is de-escalation.

Our message to both Israel and Iran is clear. Step back. Show restraint. Don’t get pulled ever deeper into a catastrophic conflict, whose consequences nobody can control.

Madam Deputy Speaker, the Prime Minister chaired COBR on the situation last Friday and spoke to PM Netanyahu, President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

He is now at the G7 Summit in Canada, discussing with our closest allies how to ease tensions.

And the Government has deployed additional assets to the region, including jets for contingency support to UK forces and potentially our regional allies concerned about the escalating conflict.

In the last 72 hours, my Honourable Friend the Minister for the Middle East and I have been flat out trying to carve out space for diplomacy.

I have spoken to both Israeli Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, underlining Britain’s focus on de-escalation.

I have also met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal. I’ve had had calls with US Secretary Rubio, EU High Representative Kallas and my counterparts from France and Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Turkey and Iraq.

These conversations are part of a collective drive to prevent a spiralling conflict.

Madam Deputy Speaker, this new crisis has arisen as the appalling situation in Gaza continues.

This weekend, hospitals in Gaza reported over 50 people were killed and more than 500 injured while trying to access food.

This Government will not take our eye off the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

We will not stop calling for aid restrictions to be lifted and an immediate ceasefire.

We will not forget about the hostages.

This morning, I met Yocheved Lifschitz and her family, whose courage and dignity in the face of Hamas’ barbarism was a reminder of the plight of those still cruelly held in Gaza.

We will not stop striving to free the hostages and end that war.

Madam Deputy Speaker, our vision remains unchanged.

An end to Iran’s nuclear programme and destabilising regional activity.

Israel, secure in its borders and at peace with its neighbours.

A sovereign Palestinian state, as part of the two-state solution.

Diplomacy is indispensable to each of these goals. Britain will keep pressing all sides to choose a diplomatic path out of this crisis.

I commend this statement to the House.

Updates to this page

Published 16 June 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Energy Sector – A Frank Discussion About Losing Your Spark

Source: NZ Compare

-Spark announces another broadband price hike just as winter power bills hit Kiwi wallets.

-Frank Energy is closing – adding more pressure to household budgets.

-NZ Compare sees record-breaking traffic as over 50,000 Kiwis seek better deals this month.

As winter power bills hit and broadband prices spike, NZ Compare is urging Kiwis to take control of their household bills.

The cost-of-living crisis continues on a relentless march and Kiwi households are being hit with a one-two punch: the first hefty winter power bills have landed, and Spark, New Zealand’s largest broadband provider, has announced yet another round of broadband price hikes. Meanwhile, last week Frank Energy customers have been told the brand is closing, and they’ll be moved to parent company Genesis Energy, which will likely come with an increase in the size of the household power bill. For consumers already feeling the financial squeeze, it’s just more frustrating news-and a reminder that loyalty often comes at a price.

But there is hope for those willing to take action. In response to these developments, NZ Compare, the country’s leading comparison platform for utilities and services, is seeing record traffic. Last week alone, the group’s websites experienced their highest-ever weekly traffic, and more than 50,000 New Zealanders have already used the platforms during June to compare broadband, power, and mobile deals.

“This is exactly the time when people need to take control,” says Gavin Male, CEO of NZ Compare. “Just as that first big winter power bill hits your wallet, Spark is turning up the heat with fibre broadband price increases. You don’t have to sit back and take it. There are some really competitive deals out there and if you are already on a fibre broadband connection, switching provider is incredibly simple.”

Spark’s latest price increases follow a broader industry trend of rising costs being passed on to customers, often with little warning. Many consumers, like those previously with Frank Energy, are left scrambling for alternatives.

“Whether you’re dealing with Spark bumping up your fibre broadband bill or a power provider charging more for the same, it’s time to stop paying the loyalty tax,” continues Male. “These companies rely on customers staying passive. The bill apathy has got to stop! By comparing and switching, you’re not only saving money-you’re putting pressure on the market and these companies to stay competitive.”

The team at NZ Compare says now is the perfect time to reassess. Using tools like Broadband Compare, Power Compare, and Mobile Compare, Kiwis can easily find a better plan that matches their household’s usage and budget. And the process is free, fast, and transparent.

“New Zealanders are savvy, and they deserve better,” says Male. “Every time someone switches, it s

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Jimmy Gomez, Don Beyer Unveil Bold Legislation to Let Americans Choose Medicare
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representatives Jimmy Gomez (CA-34) and Don Beyer (VA-08) today reintroduced the Choose Medicare Act, a bold proposal to open Medicare to all Americans with a new “Part E” and builds on the system we have today by allowing Medicare to compete with private health insurance. U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Chris Murphy (D-CT) have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

“I got pneumonia when I was seven years old, and my family almost went bankrupt because we were uninsured. Today too many families are still one medical emergency away from financial crisis,” said Rep. Gomez. “Our bicameral legislation lets every American opt into Medicare — which is affordable, effective, and trusted — and we’re going to keep fighting until everyone has access to the care they need.”

“Our bill would give all Americans access to Medicare, one of the most popular and successful health care delivery programs in history,” said Rep. Beyer. “Allowing employers and the general public the option to choose Medicare would fill many of the gaps in our health care system, get more people covered, and make the nation healthier. Every American should be able to access affordable, quality health care, and this bill represents the kind of bold action required to make that a reality for all.”

The Choose Medicare Act is cosponsored by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL). The bill is supported by Families USA, MoveOn, American Federation of Teachers, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and the Center for Health and Democracy.

Medicare “Part E” is a new health insurance option designed to pay for itself through premiums. It would be available on all state and federal health insurance marketplaces, and people could use their current Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies to help pay for it. Employers could also choose this option instead of private insurance to cover their workers.

The Choose Medicare Act:
- Increases Access, Competition, and Choice
- Open Medicare to employers of any size, allowing them to offer Medicare Part E to their employees without getting rid of their current insurance plans.
- Ensures the same strong protections apply to everyone, no matter where they get their health insurance, and bans discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions.
- Provides Comprehensive Coverage
- Improves Affordability
- Sets a cap on how much people can pay out-of-pocket in traditional Medicare.
- Expands help with premiums so more people qualify, no matter their income.
- Allows Medicare to negotiate better prices for prescription drugs.
- Helps lower private insurance premiums by increasing competition with Medicare.
- Protects people in Part E plans from surprise medical bills, just like in traditional Medicare.
Full text of the Choose Medicare Act can be found by clicking here.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Bill to boost labour market flexibility

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty.
“Today I’m announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this Government’s efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers,” says Ms van Velden.
The changes give effect to several ACT–National Coalition Agreement commitments, including to provide greater certainty for contracting parties.
“Workers and businesses should have more certainty about the type of work being done from the moment they agree to a contracting arrangement.
“The new gateway test introduced in this Bill will provide greater clarity for businesses and workers around the distinction between employment and contracting arrangements. This will provide greater certainty for all parties and will allow more innovative business models,” says Ms van Velden.
The Bill will also make changes to simplify the personal grievances process including two significant changes.
“The amendment to personal grievances will reduce rewards for bad behaviour and reduce costs for businesses in the process. Under current law, if a personal grievance is established the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court may award remedies including reinstatement into a role, and compensation for hurt and humiliation. The changes make clear an employee whose behaviour amounts to serious misconduct will be ineligible for remedies.
“This change will ensure that hardworking New Zealanders don’t see bad behaviour rewarded,” says Ms van Velden.
The Bill also introduces an income threshold of $180,000 above which a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal cannot be pursued.
High-income employees often have a major impact on organisational performance, getting the right fit is crucial. This change will provide greater labour market flexibility, enabling businesses to ensure they have the best fit of skills and abilities for their organisation. It allows employers to give workers a go in high impact positions, without having to risk a costly and disruptive dismissal process if things don’t work out, benefitting those seeking to move up the career ladder.”
Another change will cut compliance at the beginning of employment. By removing the ‘30-day rule’ employers and employees will now be free to negotiate mutually beneficial terms and conditions from the start of employment.
“I am committed to building business confidence, ensuring a strong economy that will lift wages, create opportunities, and help Kiwi workers get ahead,” says Ms van Velden.
The public and interested groups will have a chance to submit on the Bill when it is at Select Committee.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: $13.7 Million Awarded to 19 Farm and Food Organizations
Source: US State of New York

overnor Hochul today announced that 19 farm and food organizations are being awarded a total of $13.7 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program. The funding announced today is the first of two grant programs announced last year as part of a cooperative agreement between New York State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service to expand middle of the supply chain work to create a more resilient food system in New York State.

“Farmers are our lifeblood – they nourish our families and fuel our economy, and it is more important than ever that we invest in projects that bolster our local food supply chain here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program provides critical funding to make our food systems at the local and state level more resilient for years to come by investing in projects that modernize agricultural facilities, improve training, and facilitate the purchase of new equipment. I’m proud to support this great work and shore up a strong future for New York State.”

First announced in May 2024, the RFSI Grant Program offers a total of over $14.7 million through two grant opportunities — Infrastructure Grants and Equipment-Only Grants — to provide capital and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating at the middle of the supply chain, helping to enhance coordination throughout the food system and improve access to markets for farmers. Grants of $13.7 million are being awarded to 19 projects across the state through the program’s Infrastructure Grants, which support projects focused on the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of agricultural food products. A list of the awarded projects is available here.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) has partnered with Farm and Food Growth Fund, Inc (FFGF) to administer the funding available through the program’s Infrastructure Grants as well as the Equipment-Only Grants, which will be open for applications soon.

As part of the RFSI Grant Program, AGM is also partnering with Tierra Viva Collective to provide technical assistance to producers to improve supply chain coordination activities. Additionally, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York Program will conduct an updated assessment of New York State’s processing infrastructure to identify challenges and opportunities for growth, as well as an analysis of the State’s institutional purchasing to provide market information to New York State producers.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The RFSI program offers us an opportunity to strengthen New York’s food system in real and meaningful ways. The recipients of this funding will be able to modernize and construct new agricultural facilities, improve food safety, purchase new equipment, and so much more. I thank all our partners for their work moving this progressive programming forward and look forward to seeing the impact these projects have on our communities.”

Senator Charles Schumer said, “New York’s farmers and agricultural sector are the backbone of our state’s economy, and this funding is a win-win, supporting our farmers and helping deliver their fresh-grown food to people who need it. I’m proud to deliver millions in federal funding to help fresh-grown food from New York’s farmers reach kitchen tables across the state. The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program is key to improving our food supply chains, expanding markets for New York farmers, and helping local farmers and businesses purchase the equipment they need so fresh-grown produce can be enjoyed locally. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s work putting these federal dollars to good use.”

Farm and Food Growth Fund President and CEO Todd Erling said, “By focusing on middle-of-the-supply chain, these grants are providing support to the State’s small and midsized producers to advance their ability to thrive, scale and bolster supply chain resiliency. Increasing aggregation, processing, storage and distribution will expand the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets and institutions.”

Tierra Viva Collective Co-Founder and Co-Director Dr. Gabriela Pereyra said, “The RSFI funding is catalyzing the modernization of infrastructure and equipment that supports access to nutritious food grown for New Yorkers by New Yorkers, addressing the crucial need across the middle of the supply chain for small, medium and large agri-food businesses, and fostering a more inclusive and sustainable food system”

Equipment-Only Grants
Applications for the RSFI’s Equipment-Only grants will open soon. Following USDA’s accelerated timeline for the execution of this program, the application for this opportunity will be open for a very limited time. The Department encourages all potential applicants to take advantage of the resources available below to be ready to apply promptly when the application opens.

Applications will be open to New York State entities and will provide awards ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. The funding may only be used for post-harvest equipment that will expand capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including value-added food products. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets.

To help potential applicants prepare to apply, the FFGF has developed a quick reference sheet on the required documents and information needed to submit an application. Required documentation will include:
- A letter of support
- A letter of commitment
- NEPA questionnaire
- Budget quotes for each requested equipment item
- Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure
- Evidence of permitting requirements
- Any site plans/drawings
- Other items as needed
View the full pre-application checklist here.

Complete information about how to apply for Equipment-Only Grants will be available on AGM’s website and FFGF’s website when applications open. In addition, potential applicants are encouraged to follow the Department on social media to hear the latest information, or sign up to receive the Department’s monthly newsletter at agriculture.ny.gov.

These investments build on the Governor’s commitment to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York’s food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods. This includes the Governor’s Executive Order 32 directing State agencies to increase the percentage of food sourced from New York farmers and producers to 30 percent of their total purchases within five years.

New York State continues to prioritize increasing access to food for all New Yorkers and providing new markets for farmers through a number of programs and initiatives supported in the New York State’s FY 2026 Budget, including Nourish New York, Farm to School Programs, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, and more.

The Budget includes additional support in key areas to continue to strengthen the agricultural community, provide a boost to New York’s farmers, and create a stronger, more resilient food supply chain. This includes a record investment of over $90 million in agricultural stewardship programs that implement climate resilient and best management practices on farms, and help protect farmland. Additionally, building on last year’s commitments to New York’s dairy industry, the state’s largest single agricultural sector, the Budget includes $10 million for the second round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program and provides additional funding to research and implement climate-resilient practices on dairy farms.

MIL OSI USA News –
June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco, Panama Reiterate Commitment to Bolstering Bilateral Ties

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Morocco and Panama reiterated their commitment to further bolstering their bilateral ties.

This commitment was formalized in a joint Communiqué signed in Rabat on Monday, following a meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and his Panamanian peer, Mr. Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, who is on a working visit to the Kingdom of Morocco on June 14-18.

In the joint communiqué, the two ministers underscored the excellent ties of friendship and solidarity between the two countries and concurred on the need to maintain these exchanges and take stock of the bilateral relationship, to further reinforce it.

The two countries pointed out that cooperation ties are founded on the principles of peaceful coexistence, democracy and good governance, solidarity, transparency, mutual respect, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law and the non-use of unilateral sanctions.

Both sides highlighted that international law is essentially founded on mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty and State independence and the fulfillment of obligations arising from treaties and other international law sources.

The two ministers welcomed their convergence of views on regional and international issues, and reiterated their determination to work for peace and security in the world.

They agreed to pool efforts in the face of global challenges such as climate change, gender, human rights, blue agenda, green agenda, food security, health, prevention, preparation and response to pandemics, and the fight against insecurity and corruption and other sectors in the various international and multilateral forums.

Morocco and Panama also reaffirmed the importance of exchange between peoples in strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation and the fields of communication, culture, education-learning, sports, arts, the youth, civil society and the economy.

The two sides delved into collaboration prospects in the numerous Atlantic cooperation initiatives, expressing their ambition to turn the area into a geostrategic framework for concerted action to promote development and guarantee security, solidarity and closer ties between South-South and South-North peoples.

The two foreign ministers stressed that Morocco and Panama enjoy strategic geographic situations positioning them as vital hubs in the main international trade roads.

As converging countries in terms of their maritime role, the two senior officials highlighted the fundamental role of the Tanger Med port, recognized as one of the most advanced logistics centers in Africa and a gateway to the Mediterranean, as well as the importance of the Panama Canal, which efficiently links Atlantic and Pacific oceans, facilitating global maritime trade.

They also expressed their firm commitment to intensifying investment through a fluid exchange of business information, the promotion of strategic alliances with the private sector, and the active promotion of initiatives facilitating and developing bilateral trade, in order to multiply business opportunities and explore the potential for diversifying trade and investment between the two countries.

Emphasizing the positive results achieved in the development of their bilateral and multilateral relations, Mr. Bourita and Vásquez expressed their shared willingness to continue strengthening the bilateral legal framework, in order to address areas of common interest for cooperation.

To this end, they welcomed the signing of several legal instruments, namely the Agreement on the Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic and Official Passports between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Panama, the Roadmap for Cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Panama 2025-2027 and the Joint Declaration sanctioning the videoconference of November 27, 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Mukuru Named FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payments Company for Sixth Year

Mukuru (https://www.Mukuru.com), a leading next-generation financial services platform, has once again been recognised among the world’s most influential cross-border payment companies, earning a spot on the 2025 FXC Intelligence Cross-Border Payments 100 list for the sixth consecutive year. Mukuru joins an elite group of global fintechs shaping the future of financial services, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and resilient force in the industry.

As a global authority in cross-border payments data and analysis, FXC Intelligence has highlighted Mukuru’s impact on digital finance in emerging markets. In an industry undergoing rapid transformation, this recognition reaffirms Mukuru’s vital role in enabling Africans to participate in the global financial economy through provision of secure, accessible, reliable and affordable payments solutions.

Andy Jury, Group CEO of Mukuru, says; “Mukuru’s continued inclusion on the FXC Intelligence list is both an honour and a validation of our mission to drive financial inclusion at scale. Being recognised six years in a row highlights the value we bring to the growing cross border payments market as a proudly African business with expertise in bridging the gap in formal and informal economies across the continent and beyond”.

Since Mukuru’s inclusion in the FX Intelligence list in 2024, the company is expanding its digital financial solutions to over 17 million customers across Africa, Europe, and Asia. As part of this growth, Mukuru now has 5 wallets/cards in 5 markets including South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and, most recently, Zambia. These solutions enable users to send and receive funds locally and globally, store, and spend money seamlessly via mobile or card, promoting financial inclusion for both urban and rural communities.

In addition to individual solutions, Mukuru has strengthened its business offerings through MPAY (Mukuru Pay) and EPP (Enterprise Payment Platform). These platforms provide flexible payment solutions for e-commerce, payroll management, aid disbursements, and bulk transactions, ensuring efficient financial services for organisations across various sectors.

With a regulatory footprint spanning more than 50 financial licenses across multiple countries, Mukuru has also taken a significant step toward expanding its financial services in Zimbabwe, with the recent issuing of its Deposit-Taking Microfinance Institution (DTMFI) license by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ). This milestone enables the company to provide banking-like and regulated financial services to underserved segments, including women, youth, people with disabilities, and rural communities, in one of its most established markets.

“This recognition is not just a moment of pride – it’s a signal to keep pushing boundaries, as Mukuru rapidly evolves beyond a remittance-led business to a trusted financial services partner for consumers, businesses and organisations. We remain dedicated to driving financial inclusion and shaping the future of cross-border financial services by delivering simple, innovative and trusted solutions globally”, concludes Jury.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Mukuru.

For Media Enquiries, please contact:
Kgomotso.hlakudi@mukuru.com

About Mukuru:
Mukuru is a leading next generation financial services platform in Southern Africa that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 17 million+ across Africa, Asia and Europe. With over 100 million transactions to date, our core was built providing international money transfers and from this base, we’ve developed a set of services to address the broader financial needs of our customers. We now operate in over 70 countries and across over 570 remittance corridors.

We are a business that puts the customer at the centre of everything we do, and for that reason, we serve clients across physical and digital channels, by various payment methods (cash, card, wallet) as well as a range of engagement platforms including WhatsApp, USSD, contact centre, App, website, agents and a branch and booth network.

Mukuru has been listed among the top 100 Cross Border Payments businesses globally for the sixth consecutive year in the 2025 FXC Intelligence Top 100 Cross-Border Payment Companies. In 2024, Mukuru won the IAMTN Payments Network Customers Experience Excellence Award for exceptional customer satisfaction and was accredited as a Top Employer in South Africa for 2024 and 2025 by the Top Employers Institute. In 2023, Mukuru ranked sixth on the LinkedIn Top Companies List in South Africa. We aso received the Fintech Innovation of the Year Award at the 2023 Africa Tech Festival Awards for its role in driving economic growth and financial inclusion.

Further information can be found at https://www.Mukuru.com.

MIL OSI Africa –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Alaska Private Nonprofits Affected by August Flooding

Source: United States Small Business Administration

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Alaska of the July 16, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by flooding occurring Aug. 5‑6, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers the City and Borough of Juneau in Alaska.

Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

“SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 16.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governors Stein, McMaster Call on Trump Administration to Maintain Moratorium on Offshore Drilling off Carolina Coasts

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governors Stein, McMaster Call on Trump Administration to Maintain Moratorium on Offshore Drilling off Carolina Coasts

Governors Stein, McMaster Call on Trump Administration to Maintain Moratorium on Offshore Drilling off Carolina Coasts
lsaito
Mon, 06/16/2025 – 12:37

Raleigh, NC

Today North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called on the Trump administration to maintain its moratorium on offshore drilling off the North and South Carolina coasts.

“Because of the significant risks associated with offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production off the Carolina coasts, every North Carolina and South Carolina coastal municipality has passed a resolution opposing offshore drilling and seismic testing,” wrote Governors Stein and McMaster. “This position has been reaffirmed by other municipalities and counties, as well as state legislators and members of our Congressional delegations from both parties. We ask you to respect the wishes of our states and our coastal communities and reaffirm President Trump’s decision to protect our coastlines and the industries they support.”

On September 8 and 25, 2020, President Trump issued memoranda protecting the waters off the coast of North and South Carolina from leasing disposition until June 30, 2032. In response to President Trump’s leadership in protecting the waters off the coast of the Carolinas, Governors Stein and McMaster are urging the 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program to remove North and South Carolina’s outer continental shelf lands from consideration.

North and South Carolina have a combined 513 miles of ocean beaches and 6,251 miles of coastline. These coastal zones are home to more than 2.7 million people and include numerous national wildlife refuges. In 2021 alone, North and South Carolina’s coastal economy contributed $9.6 billion to the GDP, supported more than 125,000 jobs, and provided $3.8 billion in wages, led by robust tourism and recreation, shipbuilding, fishing, and marine transportation industries. These industries would be highly vulnerable to disruption from offshore drilling.

Governor Stein has been a longtime proponent of maintaining North Carolina’s coastline’s natural beauty. When the Trump Administration proposed offshore drilling in 2020 then-Attorney General Stein strongly and successfully advocated to protect North Carolina’s coast. For more information click here.

Read Governor Stein and Governor McMaster’s letter here.

Jun 16, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Nine Members of Lopez Human Smuggling Organization Plead Guilty to Federal Charges

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – Nine of the 10 members of the Lopez Human Smuggling Organization indicted in June 2023 have pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a multi-year investigation into their roles in an extensive alien smuggling conspiracy. All nine defendants admitted to conspiring to bring, harbor, and transport groups of undocumented individuals into and within the United States for financial gain.

The defendants are identified as Rosa Adriana Lopez-Escobar, 43, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Deysi Marisela Lopez-Ambrosio, 27, illegal residing in Long Beach, California; Franklin Leonardo Chilel-Ramirez, 39, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Junior Vanegas Portillo, 22, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel, 26, illegal residing in Phoenix, Arizona; and Mildred Yanira Lopez-Ambrosio, 23, illegal residing in Long Beach, California, all citizens of Guatemala, as well as Jose Gianluca Lopez-Perez, 21, of Phoenix, Arizona, Sebastian Rolando Cortez, 22, of Tempe, Arizona, and Carlos Chavez-Hernandez, 22, of Avondale, Arizona.

According to court records, between October 2021 and April 2023, these individuals operated in Luna County, New Mexico, and elsewhere, coordinating and executing the transportation and harboring of undocumented aliens. The organization used peer-to-peer money transfer apps to facilitate payments among co-conspirators and instructed others to pick up and move groups of undocumented individuals in exchange for money.

The organization coordinated pick-ups near the U.S.-Mexico border, including attempts to move individuals from Animas, New Mexico, to Phoenix, Arizona. In one instance, a defendant was apprehended by Border Patrol while en route to pick up a group of undocumented aliens.

To date, four defendants have been sentenced. Junior Vanegas Portillo was sentenced to 37 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Sebastian Rolando Cortez was sentenced to one year of probation. Carlos Chavez-Hernandez was sentenced to time served and two years of supervised release. Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel was sentenced to 45 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Sentencing for the remaining defendants is pending.

As part of his plea agreement, Jose Denilson Lopez Chilel agreed to forfeit several items used in furtherance of the conspiracy. These include two firearms, ammunition, a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro, a 2017 Ford Mustang, a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2020 Polaris Can-Am Side by Side UTV.

Ronaldo Galindo Lopez-Escobar, 47, of Guatemala City, Guatemala, the alleged leader of the Lopez Crime Family, remains a fugitive.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens of U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today.

HSI New Mexico led U.S. investigative efforts, with enforcement assistance from HSI in Arizona and the Central District of California. HSI received investigative assistance from U.S. Border Patrol Deming, Lordsburg, Blythe, El Centro, Yuma, and Tucson, as well as U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. The Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division also provided support in this matter.

The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Randy Castellano and Alyson Hehr as part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico, and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by MLARS; Office of Enforcement Operations; and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 380 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 340 U.S. convictions; more than 290 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

MIL Security OSI –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: XRP News: Nimanode’s $NMA Presale Explodes Past 20% Softcap Target, is this the next 10X DeFi Mover?
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEEDS, United Kingdom, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Imagine the future where your entire workflow on the Blockchain is powered by AI to get maximum benefits of it. This goes from investing, security, compliance, monitoring and every significant interaction being automated via AI agents. That is the future of work and that is where Nimanode comes in as the first platform of its kind to deliver a zero-code solution for launching on-chain AI agents that can perform these complex blockchain tasks.

Nimanode has drawn massive investor confidence with its $NMA Presale, having so far surpassed expectations by rapidly filling 20% of its softcap target with support of early adopters seeking exposure to the next phase of Web3 technology.

Join $NMA Presale

Pioneering the AI x Blockchain Tech on XRP Ledger

Built natively on XRPL, Nimanode leverages the blockchain’s speed, low fees, and scalability to enable high-frequency, low-latency AI agent execution. The platform’s agents are capable of:
- Executing smart contracts via XRPL Hooks
- Scanning wallets and tokens for real-time risk
- Monitoring compliance in tokenized real-world assets (RWAs)
- Managing liquidity and maximizing APY across XRPL protocols
- Operating 24/7 as decentralized customer support interfaces
NMA Token: Powering DeFi Innovation

At the core of Nimanode is the Agent Marketplace, where users can license, share, and monetize AI agents with other users and businesses. Combined with its SDK for developers and drag-and-drop builder for creators, Nimanode is positioning itself as a hub for Web3 automation and on-chain labor.

$NMA, the platform’s utility token, is used for:
- Deploying and upgrading agents
- Licensing agents via the marketplace
- Staking to earn protocol rewards
- Participating in decentralized governance
Market Analysts already predict strong upside upon exchange listing of $NMA as demand for agent-based infrastructure gains traction.

This is a chance to invest in $NMA before its Listing at 25% higher than Presale value, however whales position for more as they eye a 10X surge on Launch.

$NMA Token Sale is Ongoing

With a total of 90 million $NMA representing 45% of $NMA allocated for the presale, this marks a unique and promising chance to claim early access into one of XRP Ledger’s most innovative projects, spearheading the AI ecosystem on the blockchain.

Joining in the NimaNode Presale is quite straightforward

Purchase XRP: Acquire XRP from reputable exchanges like Binance, Coinbase, or Bybit

Send to an XRP-Compatible Wallet: Ensure you have a non-custodial wallet capable of receiving XRP native tokens Xaman recommended.

Participate in the Presale: Visit the NimaNode presale page (https://nimanode.com/presale), send your XRP to the provided presale address, and secure your $NMA tokens.

As Nimanode Presale gains momentum, now is a perfect opportunity to position at the next wave of Blockchain innovation poised for massive gains through the integration of Web3 and AI.

Final Word

The future of blockchain is autonomous AI agents working for you and it begins with Nimanode. As the XRP ecosystem continues to attract global attention, Nimanode is entering the scene with purpose — to become the backbone of autonomous Web3 infrastructure.

By merging artificial intelligence with no-code tools on one of the fastest blockchains in existence, Nimanode is redefining how value, automation, and intelligence move through decentralized systems.

Connect with Nimanode

Website: https://nimanode.com

Twitter/X: https://x.com/nimanodeai

Telegram: https://t.me/nimanodeAI

Documentation: https://docs.nimanode.com

Contact:
Nick Lambert
contact@nimanode.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Nimanode. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a7bf532-c402-4839-a707-e75cd5949aad

The MIL Network –
June 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Completes the Fourth Reviews Under the Extended Fund Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangements and Approves US$13.7 Million Disbursement for Seychelles

Source: IMF – News in Russian

June 16, 2025

The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the fourth reviews of Seychelles’ economic performance under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangements. Completion of the reviews allows for an immediate disbursement of about US$13.7 million intended to strengthen macroeconomic stability, sustain growth, and reinforce fiscal and monetary policy frameworks, while also supporting efforts to strengthen resilience to climate change, exploit synergies with other sources of official financing, and catalyze financing for climate-related investments.
Economic growth for Seychelles in 2024 is estimated at 2.9 percent, reflecting lower dynamism in the tourism sector. Inflation remained subdued and fiscal performance was tighter than budgeted, driven mainly by underspending on capital expenditure. For 2025, economic growth is projected at 3.2 percent, reflecting slower growth projected for Europe—Seychelles’ most important tourism source market.
Performance under the EFF has been strong with all quantitative targets and structural benchmarks for end-December 2024 met. However, two SBs scheduled for 2025 have encountered minor delays due to capacity constraints. Progress has been satisfactory under the RSF implementation, and the authorities remain committed to the programs’ objectives.

Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed today the fourth reviews of Seychelles’ economic performance under the 36-month EFF and RSF Arrangements approved on May 31, 2023. The completion of the reviews allows for the authorities to draw the equivalent of SDR 6.1 million (about $8.3 million) under the EFF and SDR 3.9 million (about $5.3 million) under the RSF, bringing total disbursements to SDR 30.5 million (about $41.7 million) and SDR 13.3 million (about $18.2 million) under the EFF and RSF, respectively.

Economic growth for Seychelles in 2024 is estimated at 2.9 percent, slightly lower than earlier forecasts due to lower activity in the tourism sector. Year-on-year inflation reached 1.7 percent as of December, driven by an increase in utility prices and pass-through effects of currency depreciation. Fiscal performance was tighter than budgeted driven mainly by underspending on capital expenditure, with a primary surplus equivalent to 3.2 percent of GDP in 2024. The Central Bank of Seychelles has maintained an accommodative monetary stance. The current account deficit widened to 7.9 percent of GDP in 2024, but gross international reserves increased to $774 million, equivalent to 3.8 months of imports or 115 percent of the Assessing Reserve Adequacy (or ARA) metric.

EFF-supported program implementation has been strong. All quantitative program targets (QPCs) and structural benchmarks (SBs) for end-December 2024 were met. However, two SBs scheduled for the first half of 2025 have encountered minor delays due to capacity constraints. Progress has been satisfactory on RSF implementation. All reform measures (RMs) for March 2025 have been implemented. However, one component of an RM scheduled for April 2025 (related to energy pricing and the issuance of a new multi-year electricity tariff system) is delayed and expected to be completed in November. The authorities requested minor modifications for two RMs slated for December 2025.

The outlook suggests low but stable growth for 2025 and beyond but is subject to considerable uncertainty. Real GDP growth is projected at 3.2 percent for 2025 compared to 4.3 percent at the previous reviews. The downward revision reflects slower a weaker outlook for tourist activity on the back of slower growth in Europe (Seychelles’ most important tourism source market). Year-on-year inflation is expected to moderate to 1.2 percent by end-2025 due to lower utility, fuel and food prices. Reserve coverage is expected to increase to 3.9 months of import cover in 2025. Near-term downside risks relate mainly to how slower global growth and higher uncertainty translate into tourism arrivals and spending.

Going forward, continuation of prudent macroeconomic policies is paramount for maintaining resilience. The authorities’ near-term priorities are to support economic growth, strengthen fiscal and external positions, and maintain prudent monetary policy and a sound financial sector. In the medium-term, the authorities’ aim to continue a steady fiscal consolidation to reduce the ratio of public debt to GDP, while simultaneously improving the efficiency of public spending. Building capacity with respect to public financial management and financial sector supervision is another key focus. The structural reform agenda emphasizes revenue administration, public financial and investment management, climate change resilience, and governance improvements, including digitalization and transparency.

Following the Executive Board’s discussion, Mr. Bo Li, Deputy Managing Director, and acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“Seychelles has continued to demonstrate sound macroeconomic management and commitment to structural reforms. Lower than expected GDP growth for 2024 reflected lower tourism income and weakened performance in such sectors as accommodation, food services, and transportation. Fiscal outturns have been tighter than projected, reflecting delays in execution of capital projects, bottlenecks in public procurement, and civil service recruitment delays. Monetary policy remains accommodative in the face of low inflation. Good progress has been made on essential macrostructural reforms.

“For the fourth reviews, program performance under the EFF was strong, with all quantitative program targets and structural benchmarks through end-December successfully met. Progress has also been satisfactory on RSF implementation, with all RMs through March implemented and only one component of an RM scheduled for April has been delayed. The authorities continue to implement an ambitious reform agenda and prudent fiscal and monetary policies in the face of an increasingly challenging external environment.

“The authorities should remain vigilant with respect to near and medium-term risks as the outlook is subject to rising uncertainty. These include a slowdown in tourism activity due to slower growth projected for Europe—Seychelles’ most important tourism source market. Commodity price volatility could also feed through to inflation, while global trade tensions may reduce FDI and lead to tighter financial conditions. The EFF arrangement will continue to help protect macroeconomic stability and support stronger fiscal and external buffers, while advancing the authorities’ structural reform agenda.

“The authorities are advancing with reforms under the RSF to enhance the climate-resilience of public investments, diversify financing, and strengthen assessment and disclosure of climate-related financial sector risk. Successful implementation of the reform agenda will enhance economic resilience and external financing risks by building institutional capacity for public investment in climate adaptation and diversifying Seychelles’ power generation capacity—reducing its dependence on imported energy. Continued collaboration with the IMF and other partners will be important to help fill capacity gaps and to mobilize climate finance.”

Seychelles: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators, 2022-30


	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
	Act.		Prel.	Proj.

	(Annual percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

National income and prices
Nominal GDP (millions of Seychelles rupees)	28,807	30,663	31,643	32,899	34,464	36,466	38,841	41,396	44,121
Real GDP (millions of Seychelles rupees)	25,585	26,163	26,935	27,808	28,692	29,662	30,673	31,731	32,835
Real GDP	12.7	2.3	2.9	3.2	3.2	3.4	3.4	3.4	3.5
CPI (annual average)	2.6	-0.9	0.3	1.0	2.0	2.6	3.0	3.0	3.0
CPI (end-of-period)	2.5	-2.7	1.7	1.2	2.6	2.8	3.0	3.0	3.0
GDP deflator average	1.6	4.1	0.2	0.7	1.5	2.3	3.0	3.0	3.0


Money and credit
Broad money	0.6	5.8	7.3	7.0	…	…	…	…	…
Reserve money (end-of-period)	-3.0	-3.5	-4.3	-2.2	…	…	…	…	…
Velocity (GDP/broad money)	1.2	1.2	1.2	1.1	…	…	…	…	…
Money multiplier (broad money/reserve money)	3.4	3.7	4.2	4.6	…	…	…	…	…
Credit to the private sector ⁵	4.0	7.4	12.1	9.4	9.1	8.6	8.4	8.1	8.0

	(Percent of GDP, unless otherwise indicated)
Savings-Investment balance
External savings	7.5	7.4	7.9	9.2	9.2	8.8	8.4	8.6	8.8
Gross national savings	15.5	17.3	16.1	16.6	16.4	16.9	17.5	17.3	17.2
Of which: government savings	1.2	2.1	3.3	3.2	2.5	3.7	4.6	5.2	5.4
private savings	14.4	15.2	12.8	13.4	13.9	13.2	12.9	12.0	11.8
Gross investment	23.1	24.7	24.0	25.9	25.6	25.7	25.9	25.9	26.0
Of which: public investment ¹	2.7	4.2	3.5	5.3	5.0	5.1	5.3	5.3	5.4
private investment	20.4	20.5	20.5	20.6	20.6	20.6	20.6	20.6	20.6
Private consumption	50.6	49.4	49.8	48.6	47.6	48.0	47.8	48.9	49.6
	(Percent of GDP)
Government budget
Total revenue, excluding grants	30.0	30.9	33.4	34.5	34.3	34.8	35.0	34.8	34.7
Expenditure and net lending	31.6	32.9	33.9	37.3	37.2	36.1	35.7	34.9	34.7
Current expenditure	29.2	29.2	30.2	31.6	31.8	31.0	30.3	29.6	29.3
Capital expenditure ¹	2.7	4.2	3.5	5.2	5.0	5.1	5.3	5.3	5.4
Overall balance, including grants	0.1	0.2	0.9	-1.7	-1.3	-0.4	0.1	0.7	0.7
Primary balance	1.0	1.7	3.2	1.2	1.8	2.5	2.9	3.1	3.1
Total government and government-guaranteed debt ²	62.6	57.3	59.6	61.2	61.8	60.4	56.8	52.6	49.0

External sector
Current account balance including official transfers (in percent of GDP)	-7.5	-7.4	-7.9	-9.2	-9.2	-8.8	-8.4	-8.6	-8.8
Total external debt outstanding (millions of U.S. dollars) ³	5,471	5,694	5,945	6,208	6,428	6,645	6,585	6,588	6,620
(percent of GDP)	271.1	260.3	273.0	283.8	285.0	282.9	267.4	255.0	242.2
Terms of trade (-=deterioration)	-8.7	-4.0	2.1	0.8	-1.7	-1.3	-0.9	-0.8	-0.6
Gross official reserves (end of year, millions of U.S. dollars)	639	682	774	817	830	862	893	956	1,021
Months of imports, c.i.f.	3.1	3.4	3.8	3.9	3.8	3.8	3.8	3.8	3.9
In percent of Assessing Reserve Adequacy (ARA) metric	102	105	115	118	117	118	119	124	127
Exchange rate
Seychelles rupees per US$1 (end-of-period)	14.1	14.2	14.8	…	…	…	…	…	…
Seychelles rupees per US$1 (period average)	14.3	14.0	14.5	…	…	…	…	…	…


Sources: Central Bank of Seychelles; Ministry of Finance; and IMF staff estimates and projections.
¹ Includes onlending to the parastatals for investment purposes.
² Includes debt issued by the Ministry of Finance for monetary purposes.
³ Includes private external debt.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/16/pr-25199-seychelles-imf-4th-rev-eff-rsf-apr-usd-13-point-7-mill

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 17, 2025

MIL-OSI: Imperial Petroleum Inc. Declares Dividend on Series A Preferred Shares

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATHENS, Greece, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Imperial Petroleum Inc. (Nasdaq: IMPP) (the “Company”), a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil, and drybulk seaborne transportation services, today announced a dividend of $0.546875 per share on its 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Shares”), payable on June 30, 2025 to holders of record as of June 25, 2025. The dividend payment relates to the period from the last dividend payment date for the Series A Preferred Shares on March 30, 2025, through June 29, 2025.

There are 795,878 Series A Preferred Shares outstanding as of the date hereof. The Series A Preferred Shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “IMPPP.”

ABOUT IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.

IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. is a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and drybulk seaborne transportation services. The Company owns a total of seventeen vessels on the water – seven M.R. product tankers, two suezmax tankers, three handysize drybulk carriers, three supramax drybulk carriers and two kamsarmax drybulk vessels – with a total capacity of 1,082,800 deadweight tons (dwt), and has contracted to acquire an additional two supramax drybulk carriers of 111,200 dwt aggregate capacity. Following these deliveries, the Company’s fleet will count a total of 19 vessels with an aggregate capacity of 1.2 million dwt. IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.’s shares of common stock and 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trade under the symbols “IMPP” and “IMPPP,” respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, geopolitical conditions, including any trade disruptions resulting from tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed by the United States or other countries, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydockings, changes in IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflicts in the Middle East, potential disruption of shipping routes due to ongoing attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden or accidents and political events or acts by terrorists. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact:

Fenia Sakellaris

IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.

E-mail: info@imperialpetro.com

The MIL Network –

June 17, 2025
MIL-OSI: Imperial Petroleum Inc. Declares Dividend on Series A Preferred Shares

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATHENS, Greece, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Imperial Petroleum Inc. (Nasdaq: IMPP) (the “Company”), a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil, and drybulk seaborne transportation services, today announced a dividend of $0.546875 per share on its 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Shares”), payable on June 30, 2025 to holders of record as of June 25, 2025. The dividend payment relates to the period from the last dividend payment date for the Series A Preferred Shares on March 30, 2025, through June 29, 2025.

There are 795,878 Series A Preferred Shares outstanding as of the date hereof. The Series A Preferred Shares trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the ticker symbol “IMPPP.”

ABOUT IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.

IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. is a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and drybulk seaborne transportation services. The Company owns a total of seventeen vessels on the water – seven M.R. product tankers, two suezmax tankers, three handysize drybulk carriers, three supramax drybulk carriers and two kamsarmax drybulk vessels – with a total capacity of 1,082,800 deadweight tons (dwt), and has contracted to acquire an additional two supramax drybulk carriers of 111,200 dwt aggregate capacity. Following these deliveries, the Company’s fleet will count a total of 19 vessels with an aggregate capacity of 1.2 million dwt. IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.’s shares of common stock and 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trade under the symbols “IMPP” and “IMPPP,” respectively.

Forward-Looking Statements

Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, geopolitical conditions, including any trade disruptions resulting from tariffs and other protectionist measures imposed by the United States or other countries, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydockings, changes in IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflicts in the Middle East, potential disruption of shipping routes due to ongoing attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden or accidents and political events or acts by terrorists. Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Company Contact:

Fenia Sakellaris

IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.

E-mail: info@imperialpetro.com

The MIL Network –

June 17, 2025

Category: Economy

Iran-Israel conflict: Foreign Secretary statement

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Source: NZ Compare

IMF Communications Department

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