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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAGS hires Yovo Stefanov as Business Transformation Project Director

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DAGS hires Yovo Stefanov as Business Transformation Project Director

    Posted on May 16, 2025 in Main

    Yovo Stefanov

    DAGS is pleased to announce it has hired Yovo Stefanov as Director of the Business Transformation Office (BTO), a newly created office to support Statewide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system efforts to modernize business processes, beginning with the current Enterprise Financial System (EFS) project to revolutionize Hawai‘i’s financial and budget systems.

    “Yovo’s job is to leverage the latest technology and best practices to improve the financial management capabilities of state departments, agencies, and elected officials by giving them accurate financial information in a timely manner so they can make informed decisions for the state,” said DAGS Director and Comptroller Keith Regan. “He will guide the changes related to EFS, from preparation to deployment, with a strong emphasis on change management.”

    Stefanov’s expertise is in IT and change management. He was most recently at Hawaiʻi Gas as a senior project manager, but it was his work at First Hawaiian Bank (FHB) from 2019 to 2023 that most closely mirrors the work he will be doing now.

    “I was a compliance systems manager at FHB for four years managing anti-money laundering efforts that included fraud, risk management and compliance, and related strategic initiatives. Our biggest project was to convert a 40-year-old mainframe system into modern banking software,” said Stefanov. “That’s much like what DAGS has with its 55-year-old legacy mainframe system.”

    He draws comparisons to the complexity, magnitude and duration of the FHB project. “A bank is one of the few private sector businesses that can come close to the size of state government. I’m excited to bring my experience to the government sector and contribute to a large-scale modernization effort that puts Hawai‘i’s people first,” stated Stefanov.

    Stefanov has also worked in the real estate, technology and utility industries, in a career that extends over 15 years. He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance and IT from Hawaiʻi Pacific University.

    In his spare time, you can still find the former professional soccer player on the pitch, when he’s not sailing, kitesurfing, training for triathlons, coaching youth soccer or performing volunteer work.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sustainability discussions focus on trade policy considerations and practices

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Sustainability discussions focus on trade policy considerations and practices

    Richard Tarasofsky of Canada, a co-convener of TESSD, together with Costa Rica, thanked the facilitators of the working groups for advancing the outcome documents.  “I encourage all of you to engage actively, (as) we are now less than one year away from MC14 ,” he said.
    The four TESSD working groups held technical discussions on their respective topics and exchanged views on the first drafts of possible outcome documents in line with guidance provided by the high-level plenary meeting on 4 December 2024.
    In the Working Group on Subsidies, members explored the role of trade policy and international cooperation in decarbonizing maritime transport. They focused in particular on subsidies and other policy incentives for sustainable marine fuels, port infrastructure and green corridors, as well as on the role of financing and technical assistance to support developing economies in this regard.
    Setting the scene, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced the new IMO Net-Zero Framework with mandatory emission limits. The European Union presented its policies and measures to support sustainable marine fuels, while DNV, a Norwegian private company, and the Global Maritime Forum (GMF), a not-for-profit organization, introduced their work in supporting the establishment of green shipping corridors. MSC Group presented the actions being taken to decarbonize their global fleet and the necessity for regulatory certainty and clarity for private sector investments related to decarbonization. Regarding a possible working group outcome, members considered key design elements in subsidies, including considerations for effective subsidy design and related practices among members.
    The Working Group on Circular Economy – Circularity heard about technical assistance projects offering insights into trade and circular economy, including from the International Trade Centre (ITC) and Mauritius on trade policy and regional cooperation in recycling lithium-ion batteries of electronic vehicles. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) also shared perspectives on trade-related aspects of circular economy in developing economies, highlighting opportunities for technology transfer for water treatment and textile circularity. In terms of a possible working group outcome, members focused on trade-related practices in priority sectors, such as textiles, batteries, electronics and renewable energy.
    In the Working Group on Environmental Goods and Services (EGS), members shared experiences of identifying and facilitating trade in EGS. Jaime Coghi Arias from Costa Rica, Chair of the Joint Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation, highlighted the link between good regulatory practices and environmental services. Switzerland introduced approaches used for identifying EGS under the Agreement on Climate Change, Trade and Sustainability (ACCTS) undertaken by Costa Rica, Iceland, New Zealand and Switzerland. The United Kingdom shared insights into EGS for climate adaptation in the water sector, and Argentina outlined its work in relation to sustainable agriculture. Members also reviewed suggestions on the working group’s draft outcome document.
    In the Working Group on Trade-Related Climate Measures (TrCMs), members heard presentations on border carbon adjustments (BCAs), with a focus on carbon standards and measurement methodologies. The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) introduced its work on interoperability in its “Global Stakeholder Dialogues”. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) highlighted the importance of cross-border data-sharing through digitalization and customs cooperation. With regard to the first draft for an outcome, members brainstormed on how to compile policies in relation to climate objectives.
    Concluding the two-day meetings, Ana Lizano of Costa Rica, co-convenor of TESSD, said: “It was very encouraging to see the participation of the private sector and the sharing of experiences by developing economies across all four groups, even from non-co-sponsors. Looking ahead, we have made significant progress on the outcome documents, reflecting members’ inputs. We look forward to your collective support in refining the documents to ensure they are fit for purpose.”
    Presentations and documents related to the working group meetings are available here.
    Guided by their 2021 Ministerial Statement, TESSD seeks to complement the work of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment and advance discussions at the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability towards identifying concrete actions that members could take individually or collectively. The initiative, which is open to all WTO members, is currently co-sponsored by 78 members representing all regions and all levels of development.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Philip R. Lane: The communication of monetary policy decisions: incorporating risks and uncertainty

    Source: European Central Bank

    Remarks by Philip R. Lane, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at the Second Thomas Laubach Research Conference

    Washington, D.C., 16 May 2025

    In my remarks today I will focus on how the ECB communicates its monetary policy decisions, with a particular emphasis on the integration of risks and uncertainty into the monetary policy decision-making process.[1][2]

    Monetary policy meetings take place over two days. On Wednesday afternoon, there are presentations by ECB Executive Board members: Isabel Schnabel reports on the latest financial market developments and I review the global environment and the latest economic, monetary and financial developments in the euro area. This is followed by a general discussion of these topics by Governing Council members. On Thursday morning, I present a proposal for the monetary policy decision, which is then discussed by the Governing Council. After the monetary policy decision is made (typically by consensus), the monetary policy statement is finalised by the Governing Council, concluding the Thursday morning session.

    In the afternoon, a press release announcing the decision is published at 2:15 p.m. While this press release was quite succinct in the past, a summary explanation for the decision is now included, and — for the quarterly meetings — the main elements of the staff macroeconomic projections are reported.

    At the opening of the press conference at 2:45 p.m., President Lagarde reads out the monetary policy statement. The opening section matches the press release, while further sections go into more detail on economic activity, inflation, the risk assessment and monetary and financial developments. This is followed by a question-and-answer session. After the press conference, the quarterly forecast meetings also see the publication of a staff article that explains the new set of macroeconomic projections. About two weeks later, the Economic Bulletin is published, containing summaries of the preparatory analysis that was made available to the Governing Council prior to the meeting. An account of the meeting is published about a month after the meeting.

    The aim of the monetary policy statement is not only to explain the immediate decision but also to update the underlying narrative in terms of the overall orientation of the monetary stance, the main forces shaping the dynamics of the economy and the inflation process, the evolving risk assessment and monetary and financial developments. The discipline of limiting the length of the monetary policy statement (it was about 1,500 words in April) puts a premium on identifying the main issues that the Governing Council wishes to emphasise. At the same time, this length offers room for a sufficiently broad survey of these themes to underpin the monetary policy decision. Naturally, at the quarterly meetings, there is also considerable external interest in the details of the new staff macroeconomic projections: it makes sense to publish the staff article after the press conference. In that way, the initial focus in the monetary policy statement and the press conference is on the Governing Council’s overall assessment of the situation, whereas the technical details of the staff work follow thereafter.

    The publication of the meeting account summarises the presentations by Isabel and myself and the ensuing discussions among the members of the Governing Council. The account includes a section entitled “Monetary policy considerations and policy options” that provides the main features of the monetary policy proposal that I presented at the meeting. This typically includes considerations of how risk factors were taken into account in the proposal.[3] Especially since the Governing Council’s monetary policy decisions are typically consensual, the summary of the discussion provides valuable insights into the range of views expressed at the meeting.

    Taken together, the press release, the MPS, the press conference, the staff macroeconomic projections article, the Economic Bulletin and the meeting accounts provide a phased sequence of public information releases that helps external audiences to understand how we make our monetary policy decisions. In addition, in pursuing a multi-layered approach to public communication, a visual monetary policy statement is also released, which explains the monetary policy decision in short and easy-to-understand language, accompanied by a set of infographics to illustrate the main messages.[4]

    These decision materials are complemented by speeches and interviews by Executive Board and Governing Council members. The publication of an array of analytical contributions by staff (through the Economic Bulletin, the ECB Blog, working papers and occasional papers) also helps improve understanding of monetary policy formation, including in relation to the staff projections, which form a key analytical input into monetary policy meetings.

    In view of this rich information set, would it be a game changer if the Governing Council additionally published its conditional assessment of the most likely future rate path, as practised by some other central banks? Putting aside the logistical challenge of forming a consensus on the conditional future rate path among the twenty-six members of the Governing Council, it is my view that such an exercise would create unwarranted expectations about the future rate path. Moreover, it would distort the monetary policy decision-making process in view of the potential reputational costs associated with deviations of actual decisions from the previously-flagged path.[5] Procedurally, publishing a conditional rate path would also be awkward in the context of a staff-led projections exercise that is based on the market rate path.

    More fundamentally, publishing a conditional baseline for the future rate path would not well capture the sensitivity of future rate decisions to the evolving macroeconomic environment and shifts in the risk assessment. As part of the meeting preparations, the staff analyse a family of plausible future rate paths and it would convey excessive confidence if any one candidate rate path were to be singled out. In particular, staff simulation exercises show the sensitivity of rate paths to both the point-in-time macroeconomic projections and various underlying assumptions that underpin model-based optimal rate paths as well as “robust” rate paths that seek to minimise the risk of a policy error across a range of plausible scenarios. Importantly, all such rate path analyses are sensitive to the assumptions made about the preferences of policymakers.[6] Even if the rate path simulation exercises are highly valuable inputs into the internal development of the monetary policy proposal, it is preferable to take a meeting-by-meeting approach and focus the public communication on the immediate decision.[7]

    At the same time, to improve external understanding of how we make decisions, it is helpful set out the criteria guiding the reaction function to the main risk factors prevailing at any point in time.[8] This provides “reaction function” guidance in terms of the key inputs driving monetary policy decisions.[9] For instance, during the disinflation process over the last two years, the Governing Council has highlighted that measures of underlying inflation and the incoming evidence on the strength of monetary policy transmission were especially important in guiding decisions, in addition to the “standard” role of the inflation outlook (comprising both the baseline and the risks around it). The prominence of these specific risk proxies reflected the high uncertainty about the intrinsic persistence of the inflation surge (such that measures of underlying inflation provided important insights into the persistent component of inflation) and, similarly, the high uncertainty about the impact of the exceptionally fast pace of the cumulative rate hiking over 2022-2023 (such that monitoring the evidence on the strength of monetary transmission was crucial). Since both inflation persistence and the strength of monetary transmission are first order influences on the calibration of the rate path, the prominence given to these factors in our public communication have helped market participants to understand that the incoming information along these dimensions is central to our data-dependent monetary policy decisions. Looking to the future, the exact articulation of reaction function guidance should be periodically updated in line with the evolving risk environment: there is unlikely to be a fixed, timeless list of risk proxies.

    The risk assessment section of the monetary policy statement provides additional signals regarding the factors that might shape future rate decisions. The meeting-by-meeting list of upside and downside risks to growth and inflation help to shape market pricing of future rate decisions: as the evolution of these risks become more or less prominent between meetings, market participants can revise their views. Naturally, this risk assessment is informed by considerable staff analysis that identifies and calibrates material threats to the growth and inflation projections.

    Finally, alternative scenarios have been included in the staff macroeconomic projections exercise in the context of specific risk constellations. These include the onset of the pandemic in early 2020, the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia in early 2022 and the elevation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East in autumn 2023. In the near term, the ongoing uncertainty about US tariff policies means that alternative scenarios will also be included in the June macroeconomic projections exercise. These staff exercises are valuable in conveying the scale of revisions to the projected inflation and output paths that would be triggered under the realisation of the alternative scenarios.[10]

    In providing the risk assessment in the monetary policy statement and by staff publishing alternative macroeconomic projection scenarios in the context of specific risk constellations, there is extensive communication on how different risk factors might shape future decisions. Some might wish that the Governing Council lays out specific policy responses to these various risk profiles in order to “fill out” the distribution of future rate paths. However, as outlined above, the rich information set that is attached to each monetary policy decision together with reaction function guidance provides a sufficient foundation for market participants to assess how the realisation of various risks could affect the future rate path.

    An additional potential application of scenario analysis is to construct a limited set of specific “curated” alternative scenarios by combining selected alternative calibrations of the primary economic and financial judgements underpinning the baseline projections. Publishing such alternative scenarios can be helpful in conveying the difficult choices embedded in making forecasts and in capturing possible differences in policy preferences across policymakers. From a communications perspective, this can be particularly helpful in systems where policymakers have a collective responsibility to endorse the published forecast but retain individual responsibility in casting votes.

    Since the ECB relies on a staff-led projections exercise and has a strong preference for consensual decisions, the set of considerations in publishing such curated scenario analyses is different. In making sure monetary policy decisions are robust to non-baseline realisations, it is also not clear whether such a curated approach would be superior to a “many scenario” internal staff analysis (possibly augmented by machine learning algorithms) that explores robustness across the many combinations of shocks and modelling choices that are considered at each meeting. In addition, if the aim is to capture the main risk concerns of policymakers, selecting a limited set of curated alternative scenarios (out of very many possible scenarios) for each meeting would be logistically taxing for a twenty-six member Governing Council. A basic concern is that the selected curated scenarios might turn out to have shined the spotlight on risk factors that proved to be immaterial and might give the impression that the risk analysis was too narrow in scope.

    In any event, the specific methods used to convey how risks and uncertainty are incorporated into the monetary policy decision-making process are less important than the underlying commitment to articulate that policy decisions not only take into account the baseline but also the surrounding risk environment. Moreover, there is an active research agenda in academia and policy organisations on how best to incorporate uncertainty into monetary policy decisions and monetary policy communications: as this research bears fruit over time, central banks should adapt their practices.[11]

    In these remarks, I have focused on how we currently communicate our monetary policy decisions and the associated decision-making framework. How best to integrate risk and uncertainty into our monetary policy decisions and our communication is a key topic for our ongoing assessment of our monetary policy strategy.[12] We will publish our updated strategy in the second half of the year.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dem Energy & Commerce Members Blast Republicans for Voting to Strip Health Care Coverage from 13.7 Million Americans to Finance Billionaire Tax Breaks

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, New Democrat Coalition Energy & Commerce Committee Members, including Rep. Greg Landsman (OH-01), Rep. Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Rep. Scott Peters (CA-50), Rep. Lori Trahan (MA-03), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), and Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) issued a joint statement following the Committee’s markup and party-line passage of the Republican reconciliation package:

    “The reconciliation package our Republican colleagues just forced through the Committee shocks the conscience. In their effort to give the richest billionaires yet another unearned tax cut, House Republicans are betraying the American people.

    “For more than 24 hours, we told the stories of our constituents and laid out the devastating impacts this legislation would have on the American people. We detailed how their Medicaid cuts would rip health care coverage away from a staggering 13.7 million people, including by raising Affordable Care Act premiums to jeopardize coverage for four million Americans. We railed against their efforts to defund reproductive healthcare at Planned Parenthood, raise copays on the lowest-income Americans, and handcuff healthcare providers at nursing homes and community health centers.

    “All the while, our Republican colleagues either remained silent or echoed the same lies they’ve been spreading for months to justify their multi-trillion dollar handout to billionaires, financed on the backs of working people.

    “The legislation is not inevitable, and the stakes are too high to give in. New Dems will do everything in our power to fight for our constituents, elevating the voices of everyday Americans to speak out against this injustice and blocking this bill at every opportunity.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Newhouse, Subramanyam Lead Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Agritourism

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Dan Newhouse (4th District of Washington)

    Headline: Newhouse, Subramanyam Lead Bipartisan Legislation Supporting Agritourism

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) introduced the bipartisan Accelerating the Growth of Rural Innovation and Tourism Opportunities to Uphold Rural Industries and Sustainable Marketplaces (AGRITOURISM) Act to create an Office of Agritourism at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 

    “Agritourism is a huge industry in Central Washington, with world-class breweries, wineries, and farmers markets attracting thousands of visitors every year,” said Rep. Newhouse. “This legislation gives our local agritourism industries a voice in D.C. and elevates the challenges, and successes, of the industry to the federal level. I commend Rep. Subramanyam for spearheading this effort in support of our local economies.” 

    “Agritourism is a booming industry and critical to our local economy,” said Rep. Subramanyam. “Farmers across Virginia would benefit from streamlined access to resources, which is why I’m introducing the AGRITOURISM Act to establish a dedicated Office of Agritourism within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to make sure that our local farmers and ranchers have everything they need to be successful.” 

    The legislation is supported by the Wine Institute, WineAmerica, the Brewers Association, and the American Craft Spirits Association. 

    The office will represent the interests of agritourism businesses in federal policymaking and consolidate federal resources to sustain agritourism businesses, such as loans, grants, and broadband connectivity programs. 

    Agritourism is one of the fastest growing industries in the country and has become the lifeblood of many rural local economies. Between 2002 and 2022, income from agritourism businesses rose from $202 million to $1.2 billion.  

    Full bill text can be found here. 

    ###  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Rights of the Child Praise Iraq’s Child Rights Strategy, Raise Issues Concerning Child Marriage and Corporal Punishment

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Rights of the Child today concluded its consideration of the fifth and sixth combined periodic reports of Iraq under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, with Committee Experts praising the State’s national child rights strategy and raising questions about child marriage and corporal punishment.

    Benoit Van Keirsbilck, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Iraq, said that Iraq had devoted efforts to improving its situation after periods of violence.  The Committee had seen several improvements in terms of the rights of the child, including the State’s commendable strategy on children’s rights.

    Several Experts expressed concern regarding the amendment in 2025 to the civil status law, which reportedly allowed for children to marry from the age of nine.  They asked whether appeals had been made to nullify the amendment.  Mr. Van Keirsbilck said 28 per cent of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 18 and seven per cent before the age of 15. What measures were in place to prevent child marriage?

    Mr. Van Keirsbilck also said the Penal Code allowed parents and educators to use corporal punishment in family and educational settings.  Some 81 per cent of children had reportedly been subjected to some form of corporal punishment.  How was the State party addressing this?

    In an opening statement, Abdulkarim Hashem Mustafa, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the Government placed the rights of the child at the heart of its national priorities, and had adopted the national strategy for child protection, which aimed to create a safe and inclusive environment that ensured the well-being and development of children.

    Khalid Salam Saeed, Minster of Justice of Iraq and head of the delegation, in his opening statement, said Iraq had exerted efforts to comply with the Convention and the Committee’s recommendations, despite the major challenges it had faced due to aggression from the terrorist group Daesh.  As a result of its efforts for children, Iraq had been removed from the United Nations Secretary-General’s list of countries that violated children’s rights.

    On child marriage, the delegation said Iraq considered cultural circumstances when setting the minimum age of marriage.  The amendment to the civil status law had been assessed by Parliament and workshops with civil society.  Marriage from nine years of age was not permitted by the law, which permitted marriages from 18 years, or from 15 years when the children involved petitioned courts directly.  Persons who facilitated marriages outside the legal framework were liable for punishment.

    Regarding corporal punishment, the delegation said the Higher Supreme Court had ruled that the Criminal Code did not allow the use of violence against children or students in any context.  There were many cases in which parents and teachers who treated children violently had been punished.

    In closing remarks, Mr. Van Keirsbilck said the dialogue had revealed areas in which Iraq had made important progress since 2015, as well as issues that needed to be addressed.  The future law on child protection seemed extremely promising; the Committee hoped that it would be adopted soon and fully implemented, he said.

    In his concluding remarks, Mr. Saeed said Iraq had presented its progress in implementing the Convention and the recommendations of the Committee. The State party looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations, which would help to consolidate children’s rights in the country.  Iraq was determined to promote human rights based on the principles of equality and social justice.

    Sopio Kiladze, Committee Chair, said in concluding remarks that the Committee and the State party shared a common goal of improving the situation of children in Iraq.  The Committee congratulated the State party on the progress it had made and looked forward to hearing about the future progress that the State would make for children in the next dialogue.

    The delegation of Iraq consisted of representatives from the Prime Minister’s Office; General Secretariat of the Iraqi Cabinet; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs; Ministry of Justice; Scientific Supervision and Evaluation Agency; Directorate-General for Curricula; Directorate-General of Planning and Follow-Up; Human Rights Directorate; Kurdistan Regional Government; and the Permanent Mission of Iraq to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue concluding observations on the report of Iraq at the end of its ninety-ninth session on 30 May. Those, and other documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, will be available on the session’s webpage.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Tuesday, 20 May at 3 p.m. to consider the combined sixth and seventh periodic reports of Romania (CRC/C/ROU/6-7).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the fifth and sixth combined periodic reports of Iraq (CRC/C/IRQ/5-6).

    Presentation of Report

    ABDULKARIM HASHEM MUSTAFA, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said Iraq reaffirmed its commitment to respect and implement its international obligations under the Convention and to include its provisions in national policies, despite the complex challenges that the country had faced during the past decades. The Government placed the rights of the child at the heart of its national priorities, and had adopted the national strategy for child protection, which aimed to create a safe and inclusive environment that ensured the well-being and development of children. The State party had strengthened the national legislative framework by amending several relevant laws to ensure their compatibility with international standards, including the draft child protection law currently before the Parliament.  Iraq affirmed that the protection of children’s rights was both a national responsibility and a humanitarian and moral obligation.

    KHALID SALAM SAEED, Minster of Justice of Iraq and head of the delegation, said Iraq had exerted efforts to comply with the Convention and the Committee’s recommendations. Iraq faced major challenges due to aggression from the terrorist group Daesh, which had led to violations of the rights of the child.  Iraq had undertaken efforts to prevent the spread of terrorism and violence in the country, provide reparation to victims, support the transfer of displaced persons, and prosecute terrorist crimes.  The State party had transferred or rehabilitated more than 17,000 victims of the violence.

    Seeking to bring its legislation in line with international standards, the State party had implemented several laws, including the legal aid act, the amendment to the act on people with disabilities, the health coverage act, the social services act, the act on the integration of minors, and a draft law against domestic violence.

    Several policies and strategies had also been developed, including the technical development strategy.  The State party had developed policies on the protection of families, and had continued work to investigate human trafficking.  It had set up a hotline for reporting gender-based violence and had also established women’s and girls’ welfare units to combat violence against women and girls. The State party had developed strategies to improve the security environment, reduce poverty and support families, which included measures to increase the number of persons receiving social protection assistance, establish family protection units, and expand the provision of vaccinations.

    The Iraqi Government was promoting access to education for all by implementing the act on compulsory education and providing school supplies and scholarships to children in need.  The Government had completed the construction and renovation of 6,500 schools, and construction was continuing.  Iraq aimed to increase the resources and capacities of educational institutions to improve the quality of education they provided.

    The State party had also developed a strategy for the rehabilitation of minors, establishing juvenile rehabilitation units.  The Constitution had been amended and laws established to criminalise prostitution, trafficking in illegal substances, and the sale of children.  Iraqi laws prohibited the conscription of young people under the age of 18, and many policies had been implemented to prevent the involvement of children in terrorist activities.  The State party had also set up a body to monitor the recommendations of international bodies.  As a result of these efforts, Iraq had been removed from the United Nations Secretary-General’s list of countries that violated children’s rights.

    DINDAR ZEBARI, Coordinator of International Recommendations, Kurdistan Regional Government, said Kurdistan had developed a regional development plan for 2021–2025, which included 11 recommendations on children’s rights, of which nine had been implemented.  In 2023, the Kurdistan Council of Ministers approved a policy aimed at protecting children. Kurdistan had raised the age of criminal responsibility to 11 years, banned the death penalty for children, converted detention sentences to rehabilitation programmes, and reactivated juvenile courts. 

    In the fight against human trafficking, a national campaign was launched that had led to the arrest of 79 people and the sentencing of 12 traffickers.  Kurdistan hosted 865,000 internally displaced persons and refugees, and the Government provided this population with shelter, education, and health care. 

    Measures implemented by the Government had led to a 42 per cent reduction in under-five mortality; the rate was now far lower than the global average.  The Government provided social welfare services to approximately 130 children annually, and new care homes for girls had been opened.  Some 550 children from government nurseries and 53 from the surrogacy system had been placed in foster families.  Procedures for issuing parental certificates to children of unknown origin were carried out in accordance with the civil status law, in a manner that respected their privacy and preserved their dignity.

    Questions by Committee Experts 

    BENOIT VAN KEIRSBILCK, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator for Iraq, said that Iraq had devoted a range of efforts to improving its situation after periods of violence.  The Committee had seen several improvements in terms of the rights of the child, including the State’s commendable strategy on children’s rights.  However, challenges remained, and the Committee would address these.

    Iraq maintained its reservation to article 14 of the Convention.  Why did it oppose children having the right to protest?  Was the Convention used by courts and the Parliament?  When would the planned child protection law be adopted? Would this law address all forms of violence against children?  How did legislation on refugees that would soon be adopted address refugee children’s rights?

    Who was responsible for coordinating and implementing the State’s strategy for children?  What budget was set aside for the strategy and how would its implementation be assessed?  How would the State party implement the proposed child protection information management system?  Did it calculate the percentage of the budget dedicated to children’s policies, and was it working on addressing issues with tax collection to increase funds for children’s policies?  How did the State party ensure that the data it collected on children was accurate?

    Did the State party plan to ratify the Optional Protocol on the individual complaints procedure?  Did children whose rights were violated have access to reparations?  How could they lodge complaints?  There were reports that police had refused to register some children’s complaints.

    The Committee welcomed that Iraq’s National Human Rights Commission had “A” status under the Paris Principles. There had been a legal complaint against the former Commissioner of the National Human Rights Commission.  What progress had been made in investigating this case?  Were there plans to set up an ombudsperson for children?  How had cuts in international funding affected programmes promoting children’s rights in Iraq?

    Sexual exploitation of children remained a major concern.  What measures were in place to support child victims?  The Penal Code allowed parents and educators to use corporal punishment in family and educational settings.  Some 81 per cent of children had reportedly been subjected to some form of corporal punishment.  How was the State party addressing this?

    Iraqi law still allowed children to marry from age 15, and there had been a draft law that sought to lower the age of marriage for girls to nine.  What was the status of this law?  What measures were in place to prevent child marriage?  Sexual slavery was still practiced in some parts of the country.  How did the State party support child victims of sexual slavery?  How many children who were affected by the activities of Daesh had the State party rehabilitated?

    MARIANA IANACHEVICI, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, welcomed the State party’s efforts to incorporate the principles of the Convention in its legal and policy frameworks, and to prevent discrimination.  The State party taught minority languages in schools and had implemented measures to prevent discrimination against children with disabilities in schools.  Were there plans to develop exclusive anti-discrimination legislation that addressed discrimination against children?  How would the State promote access to social services for girls in remote communities? How was the principle of the best interests of the child reflected in national legislation?  What mechanisms were in place to ensure that children’s views were considered when assessing what was in their best interests?

    What measures were in place to ensure that no children were sentenced to the death penalty?  How was the civil registration system being strengthened to ensure that all children, including children born in areas formerly controlled by Daesh, were registered?  What measures were in place to prevent infanticide?

    How was the State party ensuring that the views of children were considered in laws, policies and practices?  How was the State party promoting the meaningful participation of children from disadvantaged groups in the development of policies and laws?

    The Expert welcomed efforts to support children returning from northern Syria.  What was the rationale behind 2025 amendments to the personal status law?  There were concerns that these amendments could undermine existing safeguards for women and children.  How did the State party ensure that this legislation was in line with the Convention, and that women-led households would continue to receive adequate social support?  What efforts were being made to harmonise religious court rulings with international standards? 

    What efforts were being made to expand family-based care for children whose parents could no longer care for them, and to make foster care a viable alternative for families? Did the State party pursue systematic family reunification when appropriate?

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, welcomed legislation from 2006 that allowed women to pass on their nationality to their children.  Did children born to unmarried parents receive birth certificates?  What measures were in place to regulate the registration of children born in armed conflict situations?  The Expert expressed concern about reports that the children of parents who were not of Muslim faith, particularly persons of the Baha’i faith, were not registered.  What measures were in place to prevent this?  What measures had been adopted to protect children from online risks? What was the status of the draft cybercrime law?

    BENYAM DAWIT MEZMUR, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said that there had been significant progress for children in Iraq over the last 10 years.  What awareness raising campaigns were being carried out to address negative societal attitudes related to children with disabilities?  What had been the impact of legislative revisions related to persons with disabilities?  How had the State party mainstreamed disability rights?  What progress had been made in developing a central database on children with disabilities?  The Committee welcomed the “disability stipend” for children with disabilities who attended schools.  Were there plans to extend this to children with disabilities who did not attend school? Assessments of children with disabilities tended to focus on medical impairments; were there plans to change this approach?  The Kurdistan Government had introduced a universal stipend for children, but its reach appeared to be limited.  What efforts had been made to extend it?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said most of the Iraqi population was Muslim, but the Government respected religious plurality and had implemented mechanisms to protect religious diversity.  Iraq had expressed reservations related to article 14 of the Convention as its law was based on the Islamic Sharia, but the State party’s laws promoted the freedom of religion.  There was one case related to the rights of a 15-year-old girl in which the court had referenced the Convention.

    The State party paid salaries to carers of children with disabilities; recently, this salary had been increased. Assistive devices were provided to children with disabilities, who were integrated into public schools.  Mobile teams aided children with disabilities in their homes and smart identification cards facilitated access to social services for children with disabilities.  The State party also provided primary care to children with disabilities in conflict settings.

    The Government had adopted several measures promoting the participation of children in decision-making processes, establishing children’s parliaments in more than 420 schools. Non-governmental organizations promoted the participation of children in decision-making, providing them with training on advocacy.

    Around 30 shelters had been established that provided services to vulnerable children, including orphans and victims of domestic violence.  The shelters provided food and access to education and technical training.  Health examinations were provided for children in these shelters every three months.

    The Constitution included articles that prohibited discrimination and guaranteed protection for women and children. Several laws had been adopted to protect minorities, including a law on reparations for Yezidi refugees who had suffered human rights violations during armed conflict.

    The State party sought to adopt a draft law on anti-discrimination that was currently before Parliament.  The law would prevent discrimination based on religion and other factors.  There were several schools that taught Christian values.  A centre had been established that taught the minority Assyrian language, and several public schools also taught the language.

    The Ministry of Interior accepted complaints from children through a dedicated hotline, which complied with international standards; the children’s support unit; and through hospitals and schools.  A range of legal measures had been adopted to combat sexual exploitation.  State legislation stipulated punishments for violations of children’s rights online.

    Children were guaranteed the right to an identity by the law on identity and other legislative measures.  The State party had sought to identify children with unknown parents born in the Daesh era and provide them with identity documents; 120,000 persons in this situation had been registered to date.

    The State party considered cultural circumstances when setting the minimum age of marriage.  It was re-evaluating the law on child marriage. Marriage could be approved from age 15 if it was in the child’s interests.  There was currently no draft law defining the best interests of the child, but some texts recognised the principle, such as the personal status law, which called for an assessment of the best interests of the child in foster arrangements.

    The State party was proud of its achievements in rehabilitating child refugees.  A centre had been established in 2021 that hosted 17,000 individuals. Currently, 7,000 children resided in the centre, who benefited from cultural activities, education and social rehabilitation services.  More than 6,000 children had been supported to return to their homes.  Most refugees who came from Syrian camps were women and children.  They were provided with various support services, and more than 6,000 of these persons had been supported to return to their homes.

    More than nine trillion dinars had been allocated to the health sector, more than 70 per cent of which benefitted women and children.  Hospital workers had been trained on dealing with victims of violence against women and children, and medical units providing care to victims had been established. In refugee camps, more than 30,000 vaccinations had been provided to children.  There were governorate programmes on sexual and reproductive health and nutrition that benefitted youth.  A draft law on mental health had been developed and programmes were in place to provide psychosocial care for students in schools and universities.

    Training sessions had been organised on the Convention, international humanitarian law, and the rights of children in armed conflict, for members of the armed forces.  The Government had contributed to demining more than 18 million cluster munitions in former conflict zones.

    The Constitutional Court had ruled that article 41 of the Criminal Code did not allow the use of violence against children or students in any context; it aimed only at imposing discipline and rehabilitation.  There were many cases in which parents and teachers who treated children violently had been punished.

    Child benefits were allocated to more than 3.5 million children, while around 3,000 orphaned children also received benefits, and more than two million children received scholarships. Around 154,000 children received disability benefits.  Some 12 trillion dinars were invested in children’s education in 2024.  Children with disabilities were integrated into mainstream education.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    BENYAM DAWIT MEZMUR, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said that Iraq relied on external support for health sector financing.  What measures were in place to reduce reliance on external support?  The Committee commended the State party’s efforts in immunisation, but there were low immunisation rates in conflict areas and rural areas.  How was the Government addressing this?

    Obesity rates were rising among Iraqi children, anaemia was an issue for women, and Iraq had low breastfeeding rates. How were these issues being addressed? How was the State party working to reduce the exposure of children to tobacco and unhealthy food marketing, strengthening children’s mental health and reducing health costs for families? The adolescent birth rate was concerningly high.  How was the State party addressing teenage pregnancy?

    Iraqi schools were fully closed for 51 weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.  What catch-up measures had been implemented?  Access to online services was limited in schools in Kurdistan; how was this being addressed?  Mr. Mezmur congratulated the State party on implementing legislation on pre-primary education.  Enrolment in this education was still at around 10 per cent; how was the Government promoting increased access?  What was being done to identify children who were out of school and encourage their return? How could children without documentation access education and health care?

    MARIANA IANACHEVICI, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked about care being provided for children returning from northeast Syria.  What training was provided to professionals who worked with children coming from abusive family environments?  How were the rights of incarcerated children protected?  Did they have access to education and mental health care?  The Expert welcomed efforts to improve the standards of living for children through social safety net programmes.  Were there plans to strengthen the programmes to support vulnerable children?  How was the Government promoting access to safe drinking water for vulnerable children and families, particularly in conflict-affected areas?

    RINCHEN CHOPHEL, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, said children in Iraq were exposed to extremely high temperatures.  Were there national initiatives to monitor children’s environmental health, and reduce and monitor air and water pollutants?  What measures were in place to increase children’s preparedness for disasters?

    BENOIT VAN KEIRSBILCK, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, asked whether the State party was considering ratifying the 1951 Refugee Convention or the Convention on the Status of Stateless Persons?  What protections were provided to asylum seekers and migrants in Iraq?  Had the State party conducted analysis into the causes of child labour and developed measures to address the issue?  Were labour inspectors trained to deal with child labour?  Why had the number of inspections decreased recently?  What was being done to reintegrate victims of child labour into society and support their access to rehabilitation?  How were children in street situations identified and supported to return to their families?  Were there referral services for child victims of trafficking?  Were the perpetrators of child trafficking brought to justice?  How did the State party ensure that child victims of trafficking were not treated as perpetrators?

    Had the State party assessed legislation on child justice and considered establishing juvenile courts?  The minimum age of criminal responsibility was 11; were there plans to raise this to 14?  What happened to children below 11 years of age who committed crimes? The treatment of children in detention was very worrying.  How many children were detained?  What non-custodial measures were in place?  How did the State party assess the age of children in conflict with the law? Were there still children detained with adults?

    There had been improvements regarding children involved in armed conflict.  How was this issue monitored and how was the recruitment of children criminalised in practice?  Were there military schools in Iraq?  Was the State party considering incorporating the Safe Schools Declaration in national policy?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Iraq had taken numerous measures to address child labour, which was prohibited for children under 15 years old, and there were strict measures regulating work for children aged 15 to 18.  Iraq had ratified the International Labour Organization Conventions 138 and 182 on child labour.  The State party was working to raise awareness of the risks of employing children and the punishments imposed.  Social support programmes had been bolstered to reduce the need for children to engage in labour; around 1.5 million households benefitted from these programmes. 

    There was a workplace oversight and monitoring programme that sought to protect children from economic exploitation. Employers could be fined or punished for using child labour.  Children who were authorised to work could only work reduced hours and could not work at night.  These children had the right to equal pay and a safe and healthy workplace.  An exceptional surprise inspection campaign had been carried out since 2019, which had identified more than 600 cases of child labour in total, with several employers of children transferred to judicial authorities.

    The budget for the Ministry of Health had increased to over nine trillion dinars in 2024.  This budget was devoted to health care programmes for women and children, constructing and rehabilitating medical centres, and other areas.  The Government was implementing the national vaccination programme to provide vaccinations to vulnerable populations, including asylum seekers and refugees. The Government provided equal access to health services regardless of religion, ethnicity or other characteristics. In 2023 and 2024, more than 43,000 children in refugee camps received vaccinations against polio.  Iraq had become one of the first countries in the Middle East to become free from polio.  More than 88 per cent of children in kindergarten and 91 per cent of primary school students had been vaccinated.

    Awareness raising campaigns on the importance of healthy diets were carried out in schools.  The nutritional quality of school meals was examined and the safety of schools’ drinking water was tested.  Schools were supported to organise sports activities.  The State party also supported non-governmental organizations working to improve children’s nutrition.  The Government had adopted a law prohibiting the sale of cigarettes to children under the age of 15 and a law prohibited the sale and production of e-cigarettes.  A smoking ban had been imposed in schools.

    The State party promoted exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, and there had been a 10 per cent rise in breastfeeding recently.  Iron supplements were provided to pregnant women and vitamin A supplements were provided to children, blood test campaigns were carried out to detect anaemia, and awareness raising campaigns on the dangers of anaemia were carried out. Since 2021, there had been a 46 per cent decrease in maternal mortality, influenced by a 96 per cent rise in the number of specialised doctors covering deliveries.

    Iraq’s nationally determined contribution, approved in 2021, spelled out the State party’s goal of developing renewable energy sources and transitioning to a low-carbon economy.  The State party was pursuing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures in its policies and programmes, including the national development strategy.  Projects and programmes to cut pollution and minimise the effects of greenhouse gases were being developed.  A technological action plan on the energy transition had also been drafted.

    All persons from minority groups enjoyed the rights and privileges guaranteed to all Iraqi citizens. Electoral laws ensured quotas for minority representatives, and there were also quotas for minorities in the civil service.  There were nine seats in Parliament reserved for minority representatives, and there were also minority representatives in the Council of Ministers.  The State party had encouraged Yezidi and Christian minorities to return to their places of residence.  There were 79 non-governmental organizations working tirelessly to protect minority children’s rights.  A programme to restore minority religious buildings had been implemented following the destructive campaign of Daesh, which had led to the reconstruction of four Christian churches and more than 20 mosques.

    The Kurdistan Government had provided support to 185,000 children abducted by Daesh.  Around 1,000 survivors were sent to Germany to receive additional healthcare.  Many cases had been submitted related to the crimes of Daesh.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    BENOIT VAN KEIRSBILCK, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, asked when the child protection law would be adopted.  Some 28 per cent of girls were married before the age of 18 and seven per cent before the age of 15.  What were the rights of former wives after divorce?  Was the State working to prevent the practice of forcing girls to marry their cousins?  Corporal punishment by parents and teachers appeared to be permitted by the Criminal Code. Was there an awareness raising campaign on the prohibition of corporal punishment?  There were reports of female genital mutilation still being practiced in some regions; how was this being addressed?  How was the State party pursuing demining activities to make land safe for children?

    BENYAM DAWIT MEZMUR, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked about the implementation of legislation on illegal drugs, which had increased in prevalence in Iraq in recent years. How was Iraq addressing the impact of drugs on children?

    MARIANA IANACHEVICI, Committee Expert and Taskforce Member, asked about amendments in 2025 to the civil status law and the expanded role of religious courts in family matters.  How did the decisions of these courts affect children?

    Other Committee Experts asked about why Iraq was not present at the Bogota interministerial conference on violence against children; how it was expanding coverage of the hotline for reporting violence; whether marriages between people of different religions were permitted; plans to revise legislation allowing husbands to beat their wives; whether there was an authority monitoring standards in residential homes; whether children incarcerated with their parents benefitted from support programmes; whether there was a disease surveillance system in place; how the State party was combatting tuberculosis in children, obstetric fistula and child obesity; measures to prevent child road deaths; and screening programmes to assess disability in children.

    Several Experts expressed concern regarding the amendment in 2025 to the civil status law allowing for children to marry from age nine.  They asked how the State party determined the best interests of the child in decisions authorising marriages under age 18?  What measures were implemented to protect vulnerable girls from forced marriages? Had appeals been made to immediately nullify the amendment?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the amendment to the law on personal status had been assessed by Parliament and workshops with civil society.  Marriage from nine years was not permitted by the civil status law, which permitted marriages from 18 years of age, or from 15 years when the children involved petitioned courts directly, with their parents’ permission.  Such children were required to undergo medical examinations to ensure that they were mentally and physically capable of marriage.  The new civil status law ensured that only judges had the ability to sign minors’ marriage contracts.  There were no religious courts or judges in Iraq. Persons who facilitated marriages outside the legal framework were liable for punishment.

    The Supreme Court had issued a clear verdict on article 41 of the Criminal Code, finding that it did not allow violence against children in any form.  Courts were bound to follow this interpretation of the law.  When parents exercised corporal punishment, they faced legal punishment.  Civil police monitored cases of corporal punishment and had responded to around 100 cases.

    State legislation regulated disciplinary measures imposed against school principals and teachers who harmed children’s health.  Perpetrators of such acts could be brought before the courts.  The Ministry of Education combatted all forms of violence in schools.  School management boards included experts on preventing violence.

    The Ministry of Interior had departments fighting trafficking in persons and supporting victims, and departments supporting poor families and children to keep them out of street situations. The law on trafficking in persons specified that minors involved in trafficking were victims.  The national strategy for 2023 to 2026 on child protection included measures to combat trafficking.  In 2024, the State party had arrested more than 1,000 persons involved in trafficking in persons.  The department combatting trafficking had been linked with the secret services department to strengthen transnational activities to combat the crime.

    The Ministry of Interior had implemented measures to prevent the spread of illegal drugs under the national strategy to combat drugs for 2025 to 2030.  Educational programmes were carried out to strengthen public servants’ capacity to treat drug addicts.  Some 16 rehabilitation centres had been established for drug addicts, who were treated as victims rather than criminals and supported to reintegrate into society. The State party had cooperated with other States to dismantle international drug trafficking networks. The volume of confiscated drugs had increased recently.

    Parliamentary committees were examining the draft law on children’s protection, which promoted children’s rights and prohibited all forms of abuse against children.  The law would ensure that children enjoyed protection from discrimination regardless of their ethnicity, religion or other characteristics, and the right to live in a safe family environment.

    Concluding Remarks 

    BENOIT VAN KEIRSBILCK, Committee Expert and Taskforce Coordinator, said that the size and high level of the delegation showed that Iraq highly valued children’s rights.  The dialogue had revealed areas in which Iraq had made important progress since 2015, as well as issues that needed to be addressed. Based on it, the Committee would develop recommendations to help the State party better implement the Convention. The future law on child protection seemed extremely promising; the Committee hoped that it would be adopted soon and fully implemented.  It was important that children knew their rights and were able to implement them. Iraq still faced many challenges. The Committee looked forward to the future progress that it hoped the State would make.

    KHALID SALAM SAEED, Minster of Justice of Iraq and head of the delegation, said Iraq had presented its progress in implementing the Convention and the recommendations of the Committee.  The State party looked forward to receiving the Committee’s recommendations, which would help to consolidate children’s rights in the country.  The concluding observations would be carefully studied by authorities drafting policies and plans on the rights of the child.  Iraq was determined to promote human rights based on the principles of equality and social justice.  The Government cooperated with various stakeholders to implement the Committee’s recommendations and its international obligations.  Iraq thanked all persons who had facilitated the dialogue.

    ABDULKARIM HASHEM MUSTAFA, Permanent Representative of Iraq to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the dialogue reflected the Iraqi Government’s resolve to protect the rights of the child pursuant to the provisions of the Convention.  Iraq thanked the Committee for its moral support, which encouraged it to further improve the situation of its children.

    SOPIO KILADZE, Committee Chair, said that the Committee and the State party shared a common goal of improving the situation of children in Iraq.  The Committee congratulated the State party on the progress it had made and looked forward to hearing about the future progress that the State would make for children in the next dialogue.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

     

     

    CRC25.012E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Alabama Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Hack that Spiked Bitcoin Prices

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in the unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Eric Council Jr., 26, of Huntsville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud in February. According to court documents, Council conspired with others to take control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announce that the SEC approved Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per BTC. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per BTC.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap is a form of sophisticated fraud where a criminal actor fraudulently induces a cellular phone carrier to reassign a cellular phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by the criminal actor, in order to access a victim’s social media or virtual currency accounts. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from co-conspirators. Council used the identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s X account. Council’s co-conspirators then posted in the name of the SEC Chairman, falsely announcing the BTC ETF approval. Council received payment in BTC from co-conspirators for his role.

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping and how to prevent it, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Trillions in Great Deals Secured for America Thanks to President Trump

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump’s first official trip was a huge success, locking in over $2 trillion in great deals—including a $600 billion investment commitment from Saudi Arabia, a $1.2 trillion economic exchange agreement with Qatar, $243.5 billion in U.S.-Qatar commercial and defense deals, and $200 billion in U.S.-United Arab Emirates commercial deals.
    President Trump’s historic collaboration with these Middle Eastern nations not only strengthens America’s economy but also fosters greater safety and stability in the region, paving the way for a more prosperous and secure future.
    The companies securing these landmark deals are grateful for the Trump Administration’s leadership and the economic climate President Trump has fostered to make these agreements possible:
    U.S.-Saudi Arabia Deals
    Alphabet and Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat: “We acknowledge and are grateful for the engagement and policies of the Trump Administration and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who are enabling strong execution to accelerate AI innovation in both countries. We are proud of the partnership with PIF for a global AI hub that will deliver innovation, economic growth and societal benefits not only to Saudi Arabia, but also to American and global companies doing business in the region. Together, we will create highly-skilled jobs and deliver AI training programs to open new, rewarding career pathways.”
    Amazon CEO Andy Jassy: “We appreciate President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convening business leaders in Saudi Arabia to strengthen economic ties and drive innovation between our two countries. Amazon is excited to partner with HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s newly created AI innovation company, to collectively invest more than $5 billion to build a groundbreaking ‘AI Zone’ there, which will bring multiple innovative AWS AI capabilities to Saudi Arabia along with skills training for 100,000 citizens from the Kingdom.”
    DataVolt CEO Rajit Nanda: “This partnership was made possible in large part due to the enabling technology and trade frameworks advanced during the Trump Administration—policies that championed high-tech exports, strengthened U.S.-Saudi strategic ties, which have empowered entrepreneurial collaboration in the digital era.”
    Oracle CEO Safra Catz: “Thanks to the decisive actions and strong leadership of President Trump and his administration, Oracle is providing the world’s most advanced cloud and AI technology to Saudi Arabia. Our expanded partnership with the Kingdom will create new opportunities for its economy, deliver better health outcomes for its people, and fortify its alliance with the United States, which will create a ripple effect of peace and prosperity across the Middle East and around the world.”
    GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik: “As the world’s energy equipment manufacturer, GE Vernova is proud to deploy world class technology to help deepen the longstanding relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, advance energy security, and strengthen the economic prosperity and competitiveness of both nations. We are thankful for the leadership of both governments for putting energy manufacturing, innovation, and technology front and center, setting the strongest possible precedent for the role of equipment to unlock more solutions globally. We are committed to continuing our work to grow capacity and jobs in the U.S. and beyond to meet these critical needs.”
    Shamekh IV Solutions, LLC Chairman and Founder Stephen Shaya, M.D.: “We extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Administrations of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and our future partner Alturki Holding for their unwavering support and shared vision in making this endeavor possible. The Trump Administration’s policies and engagements have shown leadership and laid the groundwork for international partnerships and investment opportunities. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are committed to generating employment, stimulating industrial growth, and contributing to the development of a robust pharmaceutical industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Together with our esteemed partners, we are fortifying global competitiveness and positioning ourselves as leaders in the healthcare sector. This venture represents a monumental leap forward in our mission to deliver innovative healthcare solutions. By leveraging advanced technologies and fostering international collaborations, we aim to set new standards in biopharmaceutical manufacturing and research, ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.”
    Saudi Excellence Co. Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Zaid Al-Meleihi on the Energy Investment Fund: “This vehicle represents more than capital—it is a bridge of trust and ambition between two great nations. We are proud to recognize the legacy of President Trump, which positioned the United States as a magnet for innovation and opportunity and elevated the conditions necessary for meaningful bilateral engagement.”
    New Era Fund and New Vista Capital General Partners Adam Kaplan and Kirsten Bartok Touw, along with Saudi Excellence Co. Chairman Sheikh Abdullah Zaid Al-Meleihi: “We extend our gratitude to President Donald J. Trump and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud for their exceptional leadership and support in making this initiative possible. The launch of the New Era Fund reflects a shared vision of investing in industrial capability and innovation to build a stronger and more resilient future together.”
    Palantir Co-Founder and CEO Alex Karp: “This historic visit builds on decades of strategic cooperation between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Palantir is proud to play a role in forging the next generation of that alliance by enhancing U.S.-Saudi cooperation on AI and defense.”
    Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet: “At Lockheed Martin, we build the world’s best air defense systems, powerful radars, and most lethal fighter aircraft and we thank President Trump for including us in this groundbreaking defense partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We look forward to working with his administration to support a pathway to fifth generation air dominance capabilities while further strengthening the Kingdom’s defenses against air and missile threats.”
    L3Harris Chair and CEO Christopher E. Kubasik: “L3Harris was proud to enter a defense-focused joint venture with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) in 2019 under the first Trump administration, and today’s agreement represents another significant step forward in our collaboration in the Kingdom. We look forward to expanding our partnership in communications; datalinks; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities to protect the joint security interests of the U.S. and Saudi Arabia.”
    Jacobs Chair and CEO Bob Pragada: “Jacobs is honored to have participated in the Saudi–U.S. Investment Forum, held this week, which reinforces the strength of the commercial partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The signing of our Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) reflects Jacobs’ continued commitment to delivering sustainable infrastructure that supports Vision 2030 and contributes to long term prosperity and job creation in the Kingdom.” 
    Bechtel Chairman and CEO Brendan Bechtel: “Bechtel’s announcement to deliver three new terminals at King Salman International Airport marks a significant new chapter in our more than 80-year partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This project reflects our shared commitment to advancing world-class infrastructure that fuels long-term economic growth and underscores the enduring strength of U.S.-Saudi economic and development ties. We appreciate the leadership of President Trump and the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made together—including more than 300 projects across Saudi Arabia, such as the recently opened Riyadh Metro—and we’re energized by the opportunities ahead.” 
    Franklin Templeton CEO and President Jenny Johnson: “President Trump is visiting the Middle East to build on historic progress made in his first term to bring peace and stability to the region by brokering the Abraham accords. His focus on enhanced economic and military cooperation advances the interests of the US, our partners in the region, and all who rely on the benefits of a more stable region and safe passage of critical resources and services. The United States is home to the leading global asset managers. For over 75 years, Franklin Templeton has been one of the largest, most innovative, and truly global firms; having maintained a physical presence in the Gulf region more than 25 years, we are renowned for our pioneering approach to emerging market investments, as we were one of the first global asset managers to invest in the Saudi capital market and now we offer a suite of investment and research services from our Riyadh location, in addition to our leadership in global Sukuk and Sharia-compliant investing. Our USA-based teams manage many of our global portfolios in close collaboration with our local teams on the ground in Saudi Arabia and around the world. The Trump Administration’s policies, including those designed to open foreign markets to US-based global leaders like us – have already helped Franklin Templeton to export more of our world-class services. And the Administration’s bilateral approach to trade in both goods and services is a welcome, direct approach that allows for quick and meaningful successes like those we have announced this week with our Saudi partners.”
    Edrevel Founder and CEO Anita Selwyn: “President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the announcement of more than $600 billion in U.S.–Saudi investment agreements mark a major step forward in global economic partnership. Edrevel thanks the U.S. Department of Commerce for bringing together innovative startups and enterprises to power the dialogue at the forum, and set the stage for long term investments in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia. The investments in both countries generate a surging demand for talent, requiring fast, scalable upskilling. AI-powered learning delivers speed, precision, and measurable ROI. Edrevel is proud to advance workforce development through strategic partnerships with the Saudi Entertainment Academy, Alfaisal Center for Research and Consultancy Studies, and Aosha Training and Consulting in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to expanding Edrevel’s role in building capacity, driving innovation, and unlocking opportunity across both nations.” 
    Mitchell Rubber Arabia Founder, Chairman, and CEO Stephen J. Lautenschlager:  “President Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia represents a historic affirmation of the enduring strength and strategic importance of the U.S.–Saudi relationship. Mitchell Rubber exemplifies the kind of industrial collaboration that advances Vision 2030 while delivering real economic value back to the United States—through expanded trade, advanced technology integration, and the growth of U.S.-based engineering and services exports. This partnership is made possible by forward-looking policies from both governments and the coordinated support of the Ministry of Investment, the Royal Commission for Yanbu, the U.S. Embassy, and the U.S.–Saudi Business Council—all of whom have played a vital role in enabling this cross-border investment and industrial localization initiative.” 
    I Squared Capital Chairman and Managing Partner Sadek Wahba: “Today’s forum represents the best of U.S.-Saudi cooperation—built on a long-standing partnership and poised for future growth. The MoU I Squared Capital signed with the Public Investment Fund highlights the vital role of private capital, particularly in infrastructure, and reflects what’s possible when two nations share a commitment to innovation, investment, and economic progress. We are especially grateful to the U.S. and Saudi leadership for their vision and collaboration in setting the stage for high-impact partnerships like ours. As part of our commitment to the Kingdom, I Squared Capital hopes to invest roughly $1 billion in Saudi Arabia over the coming years, supporting the ambitions of Vision 2030 and contributing to a more connected, sustainable, and prosperous future.”
    Armada CEO Dan Wright: “We’re grateful for President Trump’s focus on American leadership in enhancing global economic prosperity and look forward to continuing to strengthen key international partnerships through collaboration, technology, and innovation. This visit marks a significant moment in the historic partnership between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Aligned with this milestone, we are proud to announce that Armada is partnering with Alturki Holding to bring real-world AI and edge infrastructure to the region and help advance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This $30 million investment will accelerate American and Saudi innovators, create highly-skilled jobs, and expand opportunities for collaboration between our nations.” 
    Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon: “This marks a pivotal time for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it makes significant strides in becoming a global hub for digital and AI innovation. As a long-standing American innovator and semiconductor company, we are proud to work with HUMAIN, Aramco and ALAT to deploy our leading technologies in 5G, AI and next generation edge and cloud computing. The Saudi-US Investment Forum showcased the importance of collaboration between leading enterprises of two great nations, and we applaud President Trump and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership.” 
    Doroni Aerospace CEO and Founder Doron Merdinger: “It was an honor to represent Doroni Aerospace at the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum in Riyadh — a historic moment where American innovation met global collaboration. This partnership, to develop and manufacture the H1-X, next generation personal eVTOL, will directly support U.S. job creation, help alleviate traffic through advanced personal air mobility, and unlock new economic opportunities by reimagining how we move. This milestone would not have been possible without President Trump’s leadership, fostering a business environment that welcomes international investment and accelerates next-generation technologies.”
    Parsons Corporation Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Carey Smith: “Parsons is proud to be a part of President Trump’s initiatives to strengthen strategic relations in Saudi Arabia. As a global infrastructure leader with a presence in the Kingdom spanning more than six decades, Parsons has leveraged our global experience to build trusted partnerships and deliver critical infrastructure, supported by over 3,000 employees across the country with 50 active projects in the Kingdom, including mega and giga projects. We are working on some of the Kingdom’s premiere projects including the world’s largest urban park; King Salman Park, NEOM’s THE LINE and Oxagon projects, Soudah Peaks and Riyadh Metro, the largest driverless metro system in the world. Our unwavering focus on the country’s future is underlined by a combination of a dedicated team of experts and our understanding of the local environment and vision, reinforcing our commitment to building this nation and supporting its transformation.”
    Hill International Global CEO Raouf Ghali: “We extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Administrations of the United States and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and our future partner National Water Company and Lucid Motor for their unwavering support and shared vision in making this endeavor possible. The Trump Administration’s policies and engagements have shown leadership and laid the groundwork for international partnerships and investment opportunities. As we embark on this transformative journey, we are committed to generating employment, stimulating industrial growth, and contributing to the development of a robust infrastructure industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States. Together with our esteemed partners, we are fortifying global competitiveness and positioning ourselves as leaders in the infrastructure sector. This represents a monumental leap forward in our mission to deliver infrastructure top notch services.”
    Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill: “Woodside was pleased to sign a collaboration agreement with Aramco today as part of the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum, which is focused on building economic ties between the United States and Saudi Arabia as part of the President’s goal to build a long-term economic partnership between the two countries. Under the collaboration agreement, Woodside and Aramco will explore global opportunities, including Aramco’s potential acquisition of an equity interest in and LNG offtake from the Louisiana LNG project as well as exploring opportunities for a potential collaboration in lower-carbon ammonia.”
    Global AI Director and CEO Sami Issa: “The Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum has exceeded our expectations. We are deeply grateful to President Trump for his remarkable efforts to strengthen cooperation with our close ally, Saudi Arabia, and to promote mutual investment in AI between our two nations. We would be honored to invite President Trump and Secretary Lutnick to tour our state-of-the-art, water-cooled data center located in his home state of New York.”
    Intelligent Security Systems Chairman Richard Burns: “We were delighted to close our deal at the Summit. No question at all that President Trump’s visit was the major accelerant. Our deal is proof that you don’t need to be Fortune 500 to do well in Saudi if you have the right products and services.”
    Phosphorus Cybersecurity CEO and Founder Chris Rouland: “President Trump’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between our countries. We are proud to support this shared commitment to economic growth and innovation by providing advanced cybersecurity technologies that empower the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 while also driving technological leadership here in the United States. We thank the Trump administration for its policies that promote global collaboration and open new opportunities for American technology companies to contribute to critical digital infrastructure projects around the world.”
    Hydrotech CEO Tarek Khouri: “President Donald Trump’s historic visit to Saudi Arabia marks a significant milestone in the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kingdom. At HydroTech Environmental Engineering and Geology DPC, we take immense pride in contributing to this collaboration by delivering innovative environmental and infrastructure solutions that drive economic growth and sustainability. We sincerely appreciate President Trump’s leadership and his administration’s commitment to fostering international cooperation, foreign investment, and technological advancement. These policies have paved the way for strengthened economic ties and new opportunities that benefit industries across both nations. We remain dedicated to leveraging our US and international expertise to support this evolving partnership and to create lasting positive impacts for a sustainable future. Thank you, President Trump, for upholding your commitment to Make America Great Again and for implementing policies that have reinforced America’s global leadership toward a new golden age.”
    Science Technology Co CEO Eng. Idris Al-Zakari: “The unprecedented opportunity provided by President Trump’s historic visit to the Kingdom underscores and surpasses the evolutionary relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America.  The spectacular investment package negotiated between the two allies is the most significant step forward for the two nations since the meeting between Franklin Roosevelt and King Abdualaziz aboard the USS Quincy during WW-II.”
    Cimcor, Inc. President and CEO Robert E. Johnson, III: “This moment marks more than a business milestone—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when American innovation aligns with visionary leadership in the Gulf. Through this partnership, we are helping to build a digital future that’s more secure, more resilient, and deeply connected across borders. We’re proud to contribute to Vision 2030 and thank the Administration for fostering global cooperation that drives real progress.”
    Enfield Investment Partners Chairman and Co-Founder Jake Silverstein: “It is an extraordinary honor to be part of President Trump’s historic visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to witness the collaboration between President Trump and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Enfield Investment Partners is built on the belief that sports is a universal language. Enfield invests in sports teams, leagues, and sports-focused real estate that drive economic value, uplift communities, and bring people together around the shared experience of sports. The sports ecosystem in the United States is the strongest and best in the world because core to our national identity are the traits that make sports so compelling: competition, meritocracy, and constantly seeking the leading edge of excellence. A portion of our Fund is directed to developing the Saudi Arabian sports ecosystem. I would like to thank President Trump for leading a transformation and ushering in a new Golden Age and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a once-in-history visionary leader whose bravery and determination has rapidly propelled the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Our two countries have been friends for eighty years, but this visit marks the start of a new chapter, built on mutual trust, shared vision, and an exciting new path.”
    Tricion Defense Group President and CEO Eng. Nasr al-Ghrairi: “We extend our sincere congratulations to President Trump on his historic visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a moment that marks a renewed and elevated chapter in U.S.–Saudi relations. We deeply appreciate the Administration’s vision and policies that continue to foster bilateral engagement, unlock economic opportunity, and reinforce America’s global industrial leadership. Tricion Defense Group is proud to stand at the forefront of this strategic transformation. As one of the largest private U.S. direct investment in Saudi Arabia’s defense sector, we are not only enabling the Kingdom to localize critical capabilities in electronic warfare, air defense, and C4I—but we are also contributing to U.S. economic growth by injecting capital into innovation, technology development, and advanced manufacturing across both nations. This SR4 billion ($1.06 billion) commitment—announced in partnership with NESMA Information and Technologies (NIT)—represents more than an MOU; it is a declaration of our belief that Saudi Arabia must lead from the front—not follow. It is also a bold affirmation of our support for the American innovation engine, which remains the most valuable strategic asset of the United States. President Trump’s visit has reignited a new era of industrial alignment between our two nations. Through this investment, we are laying the foundation for a next-generation model of defense collaboration: faster, bolder, and unapologetically strategic. We thank the leadership of both nations, especially Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, for enabling a partnership of this scale and consequence.”
    U.S.-Qatar Deals
    Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg: “We are grateful for the trust Qatar Airways has placed in us with this historic order, the largest-ever for Boeing’s widebody planes, including the largest-ever purchase of 787 Dreamliners and more 777X jets. Thank you to President Trump for supporting the agreement, which grows our longstanding partnership with the airline. As one of America’s top exporters, Boeing is proud that our aircraft sales to global customers strengthen U.S. manufacturing and sustain jobs in our factories and at suppliers across the United States.”
    GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr.: “We are extremely honored to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever widebody engine deal. Our widebody engines – the GE9X and GEnx – are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this historic agreement.”
    Northrop Grumman Spokesperson: “Northrop Grumman has a long history of delivering advanced defense technologies to Qatar. Thanks to the President’s leadership, we have a historic opportunity to accelerate security cooperation and defense technology sales that will greatly expand U.S. jobs and economic strength.”
    Quantinuum President and CEO Dr. Rajeeb Hazra: “Quantinuum is deeply committed to advancing quantum capabilities with partners like Qatar to further solidify U.S. innovation and global leadership in a technology critical to our collective future. We are honored to be highlighted as part of this historic visit by the President of the United States to Qatar and look forward to helping create the future of our industry.”
    Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO Jim Taiclet: “At Lockheed Martin, supporting American armed forces and our international defense partners drives everything we do. We build the most advanced integrated air and missile defense systems with cutting-edge radars. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we will help accelerate Qatar’s next-generation air and missile defense capabilities, enabling a more secure and stable region, sustaining American manufacturing jobs, and reinforcing our defense industrial base.”
    Parsons Corporation Chair, President, and CEO Carey Smith: “I’m proud to be here on behalf of Parsons, and to be a part of President Trump’s initiatives to strengthen strategic relations in Qatar. As a global infrastructure leader with over six decades of experience in the region, including two-plus decades in Qatar, Parsons has partnered with organizations across the country to deliver on many of its premier infrastructure projects in Doha, Lusail, and beyond.”
    McDermott International President and CEO Michael McKelvy: “The partnership between McDermott, Qatar Energy and The State of Qatar has been developed over decades. We remain committed to bringing McDermott’s +100 years of experience to support Qatar’s energy development plans for decades to come and were honored to be part of this historic visit by the President.”
    U.S.-United Arab Emirates Deals
    Saildrone CEO Richard Jenkins: “This groundbreaking deal unites the best of American innovation with a partner committed to regional security and stability. We are proud to play our part in President Trump’s vision, for regional maritime superiority, to enable the safe passage of trade and the interception of illegal or destabilizing activity, throughout the Middle East region.”
    Occidental President and CEO Vicki Hollub: “We are proud to participate in President Trump’s visit to the UAE, where we signed a strategic energy enhancing agreement with our longstanding partner ADNOC, whose investment company XRG will consider making a $500 million investment in the United States, alongside a grant award from the U.S. DOE, to advance Occidental’s South Texas Direct Air Capture Hub, Development of DAC is essential for ensuring our country’s long-term energy security. We also signed an agreement with ADNOC to examine the expansion of production at our successful joint venture energy development project in the UAE’s Shah Gas field, using U.S. technologies.”
    Oracle CEO Safra Catz: “In support of President Trump’s vision and commitment to peace through prosperity and the Abraham Accords, the greatest diplomatic accomplishment in modern history, we are pleased to continue to invest in and deliver cloud and AI technology to power the UAE’s most important systems. Our Oracle Cloud Infrastructure footprint, Oracle Alloy sovereign cloud partnerships, and groundbreaking work in healthcare will help accelerate the UAE’s technology modernization efforts and advance patient health outcomes. Together, the UAE and U.S. will redefine what is possible in technology, business, and healthcare.”
    Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg: “As one of the launch customers for the 777X, Etihad is a valued customer, and we are grateful for the airline’s continued confidence in Boeing. We appreciate the support of the President and his administration as we partner with Etihad to enable their growth while sustaining highly skilled U.S. manufacturing jobs.”
    Northrop Grumman Spokesperson: “Just as we have invested in the UAE, such as Northrop Grumman’s grant to the American Community School in Abu Dhabi, we welcome increased partnership and investment by the UAE in our world-class defense sector. This historic trip will increase U.S. jobs and economic strength.”
    Lockheed Martin Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Taiclet: “Through President Trump’s leadership, Lockheed Martin and the United Arab Emirates are building on 50 years of partnership to strengthen regional defense with advanced airpower, integrated air and missile defense, precision radars, and next-generation command and control. Our high-tech innovation benefits both nations by sustaining American manufacturing jobs and driving industrial growth.”
    Parsons Chair, President, and CEO Carey Smith: “Parsons is proud to be a part of President Trump’s initiatives to strengthen strategic relations in the UAE. As a global infrastructure leader with a presence in the Emirates spanning nearly five decades, Parsons has leveraged our global experience to build trusted partnerships and deliver critical infrastructure, supported by 2,700 employees across the country and have successfully completed more than 3,000 projects. We have worked on some of the UAE’s premiere projects including the region’s first metro line in Dubai, the iconic Infinity Bridge, Dubai Municipality’s Strategic Sewerage Tunnel project, the Sharjah and Abu Dhabi International Airports and Etihad Rail, the region’s first high speed rail network. Our unwavering focus on the country’s future is underlined by a combination of a dedicated team of experts and our understanding of the local environment and vision, reinforcing our commitment to building this nation and supporting its transformation.”
    Baker Hughes CEO Lorenzo Simonelli: “We congratulate President Trump on his historic visit to the United Arab Emirates — A key moment that underscores the enduring partnership between two nations committed to innovation, progress, and shared prosperity. As we look to the future, energy will remain central to economic growth and broader cooperation that supports stability and opportunity for both countries, and Baker Hughes remains steadfast in our dedication to help both nations meet their goals.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Experienced new cabinet to deliver for Albertans

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Ed Harbison Celebrates Signing of Legislation to Protect Georgia’s Active-Duty Service Members

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (May 16, 2025) – Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 109 into law—a measure authored by Sen. Harbison (D–Columbus) to safeguard life insurance coverage for Georgia’s active-duty service members.

    The new law, written following the death of Sgt. Brandon Tyrese Fraiser, prohibits group life insurance policies from excluding or restricting coverage solely because the insured is serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, unless the death results directly from an act of war or related hazard.

    “As a former Marine and a long-time advocate for our veterans and service members, I’ve always believed that those who serve our nation with honor should never face undue barriers—especially when it comes to something as essential as life insurance. It was extraordinarily moving to witness this legislation be signed into law alongside the late Sgt. Fraiser’s father and family members,” said Sen. Harbison. “SB 109 offers critical financial protection to Georgia’s military families and ensures our service members are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve. I want to thank Gov. Kemp, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, my senate colleagues, and my fellow servicemen and women for their hard work in getting this legislation signed.”

    SB 109 received unanimous passage in both chambers of the Georgia General Assembly. Sen. Harbison has consistently aimed to prioritize legislation that honors the service and sacrifices of military families throughout his tenure in the Georgia State Senate.

    More information on SB 109 is available here.

    ###

    Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at (404) 656-0074 or via email at Ed.Harbison@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced in Hack of SEC X Account that Spiked the Value of Bitcoin

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    WASHINGTON – Eric Council Jr., 26 of Athens, Alabama, was sentenced today to 14 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy that hacked into the X account of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and published fraudulent posts in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, all to manipulate the value of Bitcoin.

    The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division Matthew R. Galeotti, SEC Inspector General Deborah Jeffrey, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division.

    According to court documents, from at least January 2024, Council conspired with others to carry out Subscriber Identity Model (SIM) attacks, commonly referred to as “SIM swaps,” in exchange for money.

    On or about Jan. 9, 2024, Council, and others, executed a SIM swap of the mobile phone account associated with the @SECgov X account, the official account of the SEC. The purpose was to gain unauthorized access to this government account in order to make fraudulent posts.

    Council used his portable ID card printer to create a physical ID which he used to impersonate the victim at an AT&T store in Huntsville, Alabama. Council provided false information to the AT&T store employee to explain why he needed a replacement SIM card. Council obtained the SIM card linked to the victim’s phone line and walked to a nearby Apple store where he purchased a new iPhone. He inserted the SIM card to activate the phone, received the @SECGov X password reset codes on this new phone linked to the victim’s SIM card and used his personal cell phone to take a photo of the @SECgov X account reset code to share with his co-conspirators. After passing along the password reset codes, Council returned the iPhone for cash.  

    A member of the conspiracy used the reset code to gain access to the @SECGov X account and issue a fraudulent post in the name of the then-SEC Chairman, falsely announcing SEC approval of Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). The price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 following the post. Shortly after, the SEC regained control over their X account and confirmed that the announcement was unauthorized and the result of a security breach, which caused the value of BTC to decrease by more than $2,000.

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies.  Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said SEC OIG Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    Council admitted to attempting to perform additional SIM swaps in June 2024 in Alabama. In June 2024, the FBI executed a search warrant at an Athens, Alabama, apartment where he resided. Agents recovered a fake identification card and a portable ID card printer. They also recovered a laptop computer. 

    Pursuant to the search warrant, agents searched the laptop and discovered templates for additional fake IDs along with internet searches for “SECGOV hack,” “telegram sim swap,” “how can I know for sure if I am being investigated by the FBI,” “What are the signs that you are under investigation by law enforcement or the FBI even if you have not been contacted by them,” “what are some signs that the FBI is after you,” “Verizon store list,” “federal identity theft statute,” and “how long does it take to delete telegram account.”

    Council, aka “Ronin” and “Agiantschnauzer,” was arrested Oct. 17, 2024, and admitted to receiving about $50,000 to perform SIM swap. He pleaded guilty Feb. 10, 2025, in the District of Columbia to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft. In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered forfeiture of $50,000 and three years of supervised release with the condition that he not use computers to access the dark web or commit further identity fraud.

    A SIM card is a chip that stores information identifying and authenticating a cell phone subscriber and connects a physical cell phone to a mobile carrier’s cellular and data network. A SIM swap attack fraudulently induces a mobile carrier to reassign a mobile phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card and telephone controlled by a criminal actor attempting to access valuable information associated with the victim’s telephone. SIM swapping groups conduct SIM swaps for the purpose of defeating multifactor authentication and/or two-step verification security features for social media and virtual currency accounts.

    After convincing a mobile carrier to reassign a phone number to a new SIM card, members of the conspiracy generated password reset security authentication codes for online accounts and those codes were in turn sent to the telephone in the control of the criminal actor. Members of the SIM swap groups shared the security reset codes with one another to unlawfully access a victim’s internet connected accounts and complete the fraud.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, the SEC-Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Fraud Section’s Market Integrity and Major Frauds Unit of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Significant assistance was provided by the FBI’s Birmingham Field Office.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg, CCIPS Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello, and Fraud Section Trial Attorney Lauren Archer. Valuable assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Hundscheid from the Northern District of Alabama. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping, go to: https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Alabama Man Sentenced to 14 Months in Connection with Securities and Exchange Commission X Hack that Spiked Bitcoin Prices

    Source: United States Attorneys General 11

    WASHINGTON – An Alabama man was sentenced today to 14 months in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in the unauthorized takeover of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Eric Council Jr., 26, of Huntsville, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft and access device fraud in February. According to court documents, Council conspired with others to take control of the SEC’s X account and falsely announce that the SEC approved Bitcoin (BTC) Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), a decision highly anticipated by the market. Immediately following the false announcement, the price of BTC increased by more than $1,000 per BTC. Following the correction, the value of BTC decreased by more than $2,000 per BTC.

    The conspirators gained control of the SEC’s X account through an unauthorized Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swap carried out by Council. A SIM swap is a form of sophisticated fraud where a criminal actor fraudulently induces a cellular phone carrier to reassign a cellular phone number from a victim’s SIM card to a SIM card controlled by the criminal actor, in order to access a victim’s social media or virtual currency accounts. As part of the scheme, Council used an identification card printer to create a fraudulent identification card with a victim’s personally identifiable information obtained from co-conspirators. Council used the identification card to impersonate the victim and gain access to the victim’s phone number for the purpose of accessing the SEC’s X account. Council’s co-conspirators then posted in the name of the SEC Chairman, falsely announcing the BTC ETF approval. Council received payment in BTC from co-conspirators for his role.

    “Council and his co-conspirators used sophisticated cyber means to compromise the SEC’s X account and posted a false announcement that distorted important financial markets,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Prosecuting those who seek to enrich themselves by threatening the integrity of digital assets through fraud is critical to protecting U.S. interests. The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable individuals who commit cyber fraud and harm investors.”

    “Schemes of this nature threaten the health and integrity of our market system,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro for the District of Columbia. “SIM swap schemes threaten the financial security of average citizens, financial institutions, and government agencies. Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can’t be caught. You will be caught, prosecuted, and will pay the price for the damage your actions create.”

    “The deliberate takeover of a federal agency’s official communications platform was a calculated criminal act meant to deceive the public and manipulate financial markets,” said FBI Criminal Investigative Division Acting Assistant Director Darren Cox. “By spreading false information to influence the markets, Council attempted to erode public trust and exploit the financial system. Today’s sentencing makes clear that anyone who abuses public platforms for criminal gain will be held accountable.”

    “Today’s sentencing exemplifies SEC OIG’s commitment to holding bad actors accountable and maintaining the integrity of SEC programs and operations through thorough investigative oversight,” said Securities and Exchange Commission Office of Inspector General Special Agent in Charge Amanda James. “We are committed to working with the SEC and other law enforcement partners to help the SEC effectively and efficiently deliver on its critical mission.”

    The FBI Washington Field Office and SEC Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Trial Attorney Ashley Pungello of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rosenberg for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Substantial assistance was provided by Cyber Fellow Paul M. Zebb III.

    For more information on SIM swapping and how to prevent it, visit www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240411.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Hoopis Performance Network (HPN) and LIMRA Earn Recognition from Selling Power for Excellence in Sales Training for 5th Consecutive Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, Illinois , May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hoopis Performance Network (HPN) and LIMRA proudly announce their fifth consecutive recognition from Selling Power as one of The Top Sales Training Companies for their collaboration, Trustworthy Selling. This honor highlights their commitment to delivering innovative training programs that drive sales success in the financial services industry.

    Selling Power – Top Sales Training Companies 2025

    Selling Power is a leading digital magazine for sales leaders, providing strategies and insights to maximize sales performance. The 2025 award program rates companies across all industries on the depth and breadth of their sales training programs offered, innovative offerings, client satisfaction and overall contributions to the sales training market.

    “We’re honored to receive this recognition from Selling Power for the 5th year in a row – especially since we’re the only sales effectiveness program among the honorees designed specifically for the financial services industry,” says Joey Davenport, President of HPN. “Equipping financial professionals to provide financial security worldwide has always been the mission of the Trustworthy Selling Team.”

    According to LIMRA research, 71% of consumers report being more confused after meeting with a financial professional than before the meeting. Another 47% report being afraid of making a mistake in their financial decision-making. This causes inertia and procrastination which leads to most consumers putting off the decision to address their financial security. To address this, HPN and LIMRA identified seven behavioral economics techniques that when applied to the sales process, increase the likelihood of a potential client moving forward with recommendations by 29%. 

    “Trustworthy Selling has a proven record of success. Upon completing the program, financial professionals, on average, report a 46% increase in first-year commissions, a 25% increase in new clients, and premium growth of 32%,” said Kim Terranella, Vice President, Industry Solutions, LIMRA and LOMA. “As we continue to support our members’ distribution development goals through this program, we are pleased that Selling Power has recognized its unique value again this year.”

    Trustworthy Selling has over 40,000 graduates of the program worldwide. The program has been translated into numerous languages and is currently being utilized in North America, Latin America, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. In Asia, for example, the program is utilized to help financial professionals evolve from transactional selling to a focus on relationship-based selling. 

    Per Jeff Campbell, COO of Selling Power – “Simply put, for the financial services industry, there is no equal to the continually innovative effectiveness of Trustworthy Selling. We conduct annual customer feedback research, and the responses speak volumes as to the improvement in performance and process companies experience after engaging with Trustworthy Selling.”

    Trustworthy Selling – A collaboration between Hoopis Performance Network and LIMRA

    About Hoopis Performance Network

    Hoopis Performance Network is a trusted leader in professional development, delivering training and consulting solutions to organizations worldwide. With a focus on empowering leaders, enhancing team performance, and driving sustainable growth, HPN provides cutting-edge tools and strategies for success. For more information, visit https://www.hoopis.com/

    Press inquiries

    Hoopis Performance Network
    https://www.hoopis.com/
    Grace Egan
    info@hoopis.com
    (847) 977-2632
    790 Frontage Rd #300
    Northfield, Illinois 60093

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Additional Kentucky Counties Designated Under Amended Presidential Disaster Declaration

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – In response to an amended Presidential disaster declaration, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans to small businesses, nonprofits and residents in additional Kentucky counties affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides occurring Apr. 2.

    The amended declaration covers the newly designated counties of Breckinridge, Bullitt, Calloway, Daviess, Garrard, Grayson, Hancock, Hart, Henderson, Henry, Jefferson, LaRue, Lincoln, McLean, Meade, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Ohio, Oldham, Pendleton, Powell, Trimble, Warren and Webster, in Kentucky, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) from the SBA. SBA EIDLs are also now available to small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in the adjacent counties of Allen, Barren, Campbell, Casey, Crittenden, Green, Harrison, Kenton, Lee, Marion, Menifee, Metcalfe, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Simpson, Taylor, Union and Wolfe in Kentucky, Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Perry, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick in Indiana, as well as Clermont in Ohio.  

    SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Business Recovery Centers (BRCs) to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.

    The BRC’s hours of operation are listed below.

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)

    Hardin County

    KY State Police #4 Building G

    954 Cameron Ponder Drive

    Elizabethtown, KY 42701

    Hours:   Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                   Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)

    Hopkins County

    Hopkins County EMA

    130 N Franklin St.

    Madisonville, KY 42431

    Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                   Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Business Recovery Center (BRC)

    McCracken County

    McCracken County Rescue Vehicle Building Entrance

    3700 Coleman Road

    Paducah, KY 42001

    Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

                   Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.  

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to this disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for aquaculture enterprises.

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

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.62% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to 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.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    With the changes to FEMA’s Sequence of Delivery, survivors are now encouraged to simultaneously apply for FEMA grants and the SBA low-interest disaster loan assistance to fully recover. FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid by insurance or other sources. The SBA disaster loan program is designed for your long-term recovery, to make you whole and get you back to your pre-disaster condition.

    To apply online, visit 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.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is June 23, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Jan. 26, 2026.

    ###

    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 or 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NYS Paves the Way for Vibrant Mohawk Valley Revitalization

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced awards for a total of 19 transformational projects in the Mohawk Valley as part of two economic development programs: the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward. Eight projects were announced for Herkimer, the Round 7 winner of a $10 million DRI award; six projects were announced for Boonville, a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award; and five projects were announced for Richfield, also a Round 2 winner of a $4.5 million NY Forward award.

    “Revitalizing our towns and villages is about giving communities the tools they need to grow and thrive — that’s why I’m announcing 19 new investments in the Mohawk Valley that will transform neighborhoods for people who count on them,” Governor Hochul said. “The Mohawk Valley is home to an extraordinary array of small businesses and hubs of arts and culture, and by supporting them through these projects, we’re helping our communities write the next great chapter of their history.”

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “When we invest in our downtowns, we’re investing in the heart of our communities. Through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward program, we’re not just funding projects – we’re fostering vibrant, walkable neighborhoods that spur economic growth, enhance quality of life for residents and preserve the unique character of each municipality and region. These signature programs exemplify our commitment to ensuring that every New Yorker, in every corner of our State, has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”

    Village of Herkimer
    The Village of Herkimer has represented itself as “A Jewel with Multiple Facets.” The Village’s DRI projects focus on workforce generation and economic development through investments in the downtown; streetscape enhancement and walkability; enhancing the downtown cultural experience; connecting the downtown to recreational assets; and improving downtown gateways that welcome businesses, residents and visitors.

    The 8 Herkimer DRI projects, totaling $9.7 million, include:

    • Enhance Village Streetscapes ($2,900,000): Enhance streetscapes in the “Diamond District” by creating a gateway arch at the intersection of Main Street and Albany Street to welcome visitors, improving multimodal transportation networks, and adding streetscape amenities.
    • Revitalize the Masonic Temple for Food and Commercial Business ($2,000,000): Complete a full renovation of the former masonic temple on Main Street to create a modern, multi-purpose incubator space with NYS-certified commercial kitchen for food startups, co-working and tenant office space, and community and event space.
    • Revitalize and Update Myers Park ($1,900,000): Construct a multi-purpose building with an outward facing performance space and restrooms in Myers Park; enhance outdoor seating; lighting, and landscaping; restore the historic fountain; and improve walkways and connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods.
    • Transform Heritage Access at the Herkimer County Historical Society ($1,208,000): Upgrade the Historical Society buildings to create accessible, functional spaces that protect historical artifacts and enhance community engagement. The project will install an elevator, improve storage and access to historic collections, and complete interior renovations to support events and programming.
    • Create a Herkimer DRI Small Project Fund ($600,000): Provide small businesses, non-profits, and property owners in the DRI Area with small grants for business assistance, technical assistance, public art, façade restoration and/or building renovation for commercial and mixed-use spaces.
    • Establish the Downtown Diamond District ($500,000): Establish a unique local branding and marketing campaign for Herkimer’s “Diamond District”, with unified signage, branding elements, and public art throughout the DRI Area as well as an online marketing presence.
    • Renovate Mixed-Use Building at 120 West Albany Street ($442,000): Revitalize a mixed-use downtown building through interior and exterior improvements to ensure the small business’s continued viability as a key service provider for Herkimer’s residents as well as area businesses and institutions.
    • Expand Local Dental Practice to Better Serve Veterans and Patients ($150,000): Build an addition on a local dentist office at 314 North Prospect Street to create new operatories and facilities that will improve access to dental care for residents and veterans in the region.

    Village of Boonville
    The Village of Boonville seeks to transform its downtown into an attractive destination for tourists and residents alike, building on its reputation as a hub for tourism and recreation, as well as the Gateway to the Adirondacks. Through the NY Forward projects, the Village envisions improved pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, expanded small business opportunities, and mixed-use building development.

    The 6 Boonville NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Discover Boonville- Amplifying Gateways into Historic Downtown ($1,531,000): Improve the northern gateway, southern gateway and NYS Route 12-D (Main Street). Improvements include wayfinding signage, rebuilt sidewalks, pedestrian scale lighting, and landscaping and new sidewalk edges to better delineate the pedestrian and vehicular realms.
    • Rebuild the Mixed-Use Boone Building ($1,000,000): Construct a three-story, 25,500 square-foot mixed-use building, including three new retail spaces on the first floor and nine apartments on the upper floors.
    • Rebuild the Historic Slim’s Restaurant ($840,000): Rebuild the historic Slim’s Restaurant in the heart of the NYF Area. Project activities include the creation of a restaurant on the first floor and the addition of two apartments on the second floor.
    • Revive Manufacturing in Boonville ($600,000): Upgrades including a partial roof replacement, exterior painting, landscaping, exterior lighting, two new ADA-compliant restrooms, and some interior wall construction. A portion of the funding will be used toward improving site aesthetics and screening adjacent residential uses from the warehouse.
    • Restore Greenhouses and Expand Flower Hill Farm ($385,000): Flower Hill Farm will implement a multi-phase renovation project of its retail facility. Proposed improvements include the renovation of its existing greenhouse spaces, the rehabilitation of an underutilized barn into a retail venue with a commercial kitchen, and the installation of a botanical garden.
    • Renovate Restore Forward Building ($144,000): Renovate the interior and exterior to the building at 181 Main Street, including the addition of a co-working space, commercial kitchen and woodworking shop. Additionally, the building facade will be improved–making it more attractive to passersby.

    Town of Richfield
    The Greater Richfield Springs Downtown Area — located in the Town of Richfield and Village of Richfield Springs — is a small community with an outsized passion for the revitalization of its Main Street. NY Forward projects identified focus on adaptive re-use of existing buildings; increased sustainability and decreased greenhouse gas emissions; support for small business growth in the downtown area; and increase awareness of, and appreciation for, its diverse cultural backgrounds.

    The 5 Richfield NY Forward Projects, totaling $4.5 Million, include:

    • Revive Elk Opera House for Mixed-Use, Commercial & Residential ($1,552,000): Rehabilitate this historic structure with an updated facade while displaying its original name and year of construction. The five second-floor apartments will be redesigned for a more cohesive flow, while the third floor will be transformed into five apartments with generous loft spaces that take advantage of the high ceilings. Energy-efficient upgrades, including the installation of a new boiler will ensure the building is environmentally friendly.
    • Revitalize Historic Spring Park ($976,000): Revitalize Spring Park, honoring its historical significance and original design. The plan will ensure the park is welcoming, accessible, and engaging for people of all ages and abilities, while also visually reconnecting it to the downtown area. The project will reestablish formal walkways between allées of trees, create new meandering pathways, restore significant structures and install interpretive signage to tell the story of the park, the Sulphur springs and their connection to Native Americans.
    • Revamp Cornerstone Commercial/Residential Mixed-Use Structure ($826,000): Renovate the exterior of the building, five apartments on the front side of the building, and the four street-level commercial spaces. All the renovated spaces will get new heating and LED lighting.
    • Implement the Small Project Fund ($600,000): The Small Project Fund will provide financial support to small businesses and property owners within the Richfield NY Forward Area to help cover building renovations, business assistance and soft costs.
    • Expand 140 Main Street for Co-Op Commercial Kitchen and New Apartments ($546,000): Construct a commercial kitchen to support the growth and expansion of the Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative, the construction of three new apartment units and the rehabilitation of the building’s facade.

    In the FY2025 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul made the “Pro-Housing Community” designation a requirement for cities, towns and villages to access up to $650 million in State discretionary programs, including the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward. To date, more than 300 municipalities across the State have become certified. To further support localities that are doing their part to address the housing crisis, Governor Hochul is creating a $100 million Pro-Housing Supply fund for certified Pro-Housing Communities to assist with critical infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing, such as sewer and water infrastructure upgrades.

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are transforming communities across New York State by turning local visions into bold investments to generate place-based economic development. These projects will create new opportunities for businesses, support vibrant public spaces, and attract residents and visitors alike – laying the foundation for sustainable growth and stronger regional economies.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “All across this State, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are strategically prioritizing communities, growing economies with targeted awards, creating more housing opportunities that improve affordability for New Yorkers where it is most needed, and building on the diverse character of our neighborhoods. By working with local and municipal partners, these awards continue Governor Hochul’s commitment to developing the full potential of our downtowns as economic drivers and attractive places to live.”

    Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs Larry Gilroy and Dr. Marion Terenzio said, “Strategic state investments like the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward are more than just funding, they are also catalysts for local economic growth. The selected projects — focusing on broad improvements to our streetscapes, storefronts, services, and scenic parks — will have positive, long-lasting impacts not just in Herkimer, Boonville, and Richfield, but across the Mohawk Valley. NY Forward and DRI demonstrate that a productive partnership between the state and our region can strengthen local communities and empower them to reimagine an even more prosperous future.”

    Village of Herkimer Mayor Dana Sherry said, “This is an exciting moment for Herkimer as we begin to pave the way with new economic development, housing, education, artistic collaboration and historic renovation and embark on the long awaited revitalization of the Main St corridor. This will transform the way we do business by bringing excitement, new life, vibrant artistic expression and positive people and energy to our downtown. I am honored to receive this 10 million dollar grant award from Governor Hochul as it has been my number one goal and aspiration since the day I took office as Mayor in June 2023. Thank you, Governor, for recognizing Herkimer’s untapped potential as a ‘Jewel with Many Facets.’ I would also like to thank my Co-Chairwoman, Dr Renee Shevat; a local businesswoman of distinction and vision, who shares the same passion for this village. Thank you to our esteemed Local Planning Committee consisting of local residents who dedicated their time and expertise to project selection, Alison Madmoune from Empire State Development, Stefan Lutter, our consultant from the Department of State, Lead Consultants from EDR; Lisa Nagel, Laura Lourenco, and Aiden McKibbin and Connor Hartnett from MRB Group. It was a pleasure to work with all of you. It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and polish each of the facets of our new Diamond District as we reimagine and reinvent our Village of Herkimer.”

    Village of Boonville Mayor Judith Dellerba said, “We are incredibly proud and grateful to accept the transformational projects to be included in the Village’s recent $4.5 million NY Forward grant from Governor Hochul. This investment in the Village of Boonville is key for our village’s future to create a vibrant, walkable downtown to attract new businesses, support local businesses and a welcoming space for residents and visitors. Most importantly, and critical to this community is that we will move forward in a way that preserves the historic charm and character that makes our village so special. We thank Governor Hochul and the NY Forward program for recognizing the potential of small communities like ours and for investing in a future where economic growth and quality of life go hand in hand.”

    Richfield Town Supervisor Larry Frigault said, “I’d like to thank the Governor and her administration for recognizing Richfield’s potential. Our project sponsors will greet this news with great enthusiasm. Everyone is ready to continue the revitalization of Richfield which would not have been possible without this financial support.”

    DRI and NY Forward communities developed Strategic Implementation Plans (SIPs), which create a vision for the future of their downtown and identify and recommend a slate of complementary, transformative and implementable projects that support that vision. The SIPs are guided by a Local Planning Committee (LPC) comprised of local and regional leaders, stakeholders and community representatives, with the assistance of an assigned consultant and DOS staff, all of whom conduct extensive community outreach and engagement when determining projects. The projects selected for funding from the SIP were identified as having the greatest potential to jumpstart revitalization and generate new opportunities for long-term growth.

    About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State strengthen its economy, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through nine rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 91 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program
    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program has awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Banco Santander Chile launches new initiatives at commercial strategy event, Santander Day

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTIAGO, Chile, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yesterday Banco Santander Chile (“Santander Chile” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BSAC; SSE: Bsantander) held a new edition of its traditional Santander Day event, with the launch of commercial products and initiatives related to our community and reaffirming its commitment to being present in every moment of people’s and businesses’ lives, and consolidating its identity as a global, accessible, and inclusive bank throughout Chile. There was no discussion of financial results or expectations in this event.

    Three years after the first Santander Day, this event has become a space to share concrete progress that reflects the Bank’s purpose: to help people and businesses prosper. This has been, in the words of its general manager and country head, Román Blanco, the strategic focus of all the bank’s actions: “We not only want to be leaders in banking, but we also want to be present and committed to the well-being of people, businesses, and Chilean society.”

    With the conviction that the “Time is Now” to take care of and worry about the future, Santander Day presented a savings account designed for children from age 0 and a value proposition for seniors that includes branches with preferential assistance, benefits, and training on the use of digital channels and financial education.

    In addition, Santander aims to be closer to everyone with solutions that expand financial and digital inclusion for millions of people. This includes the opening of branches in communities with a low banking presence, the transformation of Getnet into true financial centers, enabling users to make everything from bill payments to deposits and international transfers at thousands of local businesses. It’s even possible to open Life checking accounts at some stores in just three minutes, paperless. This territorial reach not only improves people’s quality of life but also strengthens the local economy.

    Among the initiatives supporting individuals and businesses, the solution created by Getnet and the fintech Conectados was also presented: ConCarnet. This solution allows businesses with a Getnet POS to access a new market by receiving payments associated with the delivery of social and corporate benefits.

    The Santander of the Future

    Santander Day 2025 also put into perspective the Bank’s progress toward a global and forward-looking vision under the One Santander strategy. This translates into a more coherent brand worldwide, with products, services, and technology shared across countries, which boosts competitiveness and improves the customer experience. An example of this is the Work/Café model, conceived in Chile and replicated in the different countries where the Bank operates, allowing all of the bank’s customers to use its benefits at any Work/Café around the world.

    Andrés Trautmann, current Executive Vice President of Santander Corporate & Investment Banking and who will take over as the new General Manager and Country Head of Santander Chile in July, was responsible for sharing this perspective.

    “We are building the Santander of the future starting today. Technology and globalization are key, but what really makes the difference is the people. At Santander, we believe that talent is irreplaceable and that the best ideas emerge when there is a committed team behind it, working together, regardless of geographical borders, like One Santander,” Trautmann emphasized. “We are a global bank, but with a strong local focus. We support people and businesses throughout their entire lifecycle and promote financial inclusion in different ways. The challenge of building the Santander of tomorrow is great, but with passion, commitment, and teamwork, we can continue helping people and businesses prosper and, therefore, contribute to the development of Chile,” the executive added.

    You can see a replay of the event here.

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Investor Relations
    Banco Santander Chile
    Bandera 140, Floor 20
    Santiago, Chile
    (562) 26483583
    Email: irelations@santander.cl
    Website: www.santander.cl

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Wyden, Senate Democrats Urge Social Security Administration To Reverse Decision To Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants As “Dead”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    May 15, 2025
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) today led a group of fourteen Senate Democrats in condemning and urging reversal of the Social Security Administration’s recent decision to list certain immigrants as “dead” in the master files.
    The Senators began by condemning the decision, writing: “We write to strongly object to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) apparent decision to list living noncitizens as ‘dead’ in the agency’s master files. These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security.”
    The Senators then highlighted the departure from previous uses of SSA master files, writing: “SSA collects death records from families, financial institutions, and government agencies and compiles them into death master files, which the agency then shares with certain federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, and other financial institutions to prevent improper payments to people who have died or those fraudulently seeking to impersonate someone who is deceased. In fact, the death master files help to prevent more than $50 million in improper payments each month.  However, it appears that SSA is now using the death master files for another purpose: a weapon against living noncitizens.”
    The Senators further elaborated on the reported malicious intent of this designation, writing: “In April, the New York Times reported SSA maliciously has listed living noncitizens as ‘dead’ in its death master files. These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars. But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them ‘dead’ in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.”
    The Senators continued by highlighting incorrect designations of living, legal immigrants as “dead” without a chance to appeal, writing: “According to an internal memo, DHS claims that these noncitizens are ‘criminals’ and ‘suspected terrorists.’ But it is clear that the Trump Administration is not conducting sufficient administrative checks to ensure this is the case, considering DHS’ apparent incompetence in Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s mistaken deportation to El Salvador. In fact, according to press reports, most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens declared ‘dead’ were lawfully authorized to be in the United States and lawfully obtained SSNs … Further, SSA has no authority to erroneously categorize living noncitizens as ‘dead’ in its death master files. Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as ‘dead’ in the death master files without justification. It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.”
    The Senators concluded by denouncing misinformation spread by President Trump regarding Social Security and urging reversal of SSA’s decision, writing: “In his Joint Address to Congress in March, President Trump claimed there were people over the age of 300 receiving Social Security benefits, simply because some of the death master files lacked a recorded death date. His assertion was not true, and SSA’s actions now are turning this tool to prevent fraud into one that instead facilitates it. We urge SSA not to use the death master files in this manner and to remove noncitizens falsely listed as “dead” from the files.”
    In addition to Durbin and Wyden, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Peter Welch (D-VT).
    A PDF of the letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Action plan for building digital China released

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities have released a 2025 action plan for building a digital China, outlining key initiatives in areas including “Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plus,” infrastructure upgrades, the data industry and cultivating high-skilled digital talent, the National Data Administration said Friday.

    The plan calls for advancing reforms related to market-oriented distribution of data elements, accelerating the formation of a unified national data market, developing a data-driven digital economy tailored to local conditions, and comprehensively improving the overall level of building a digital China.

    According to the document, by the end of 2025, it is expected to achieve significant progress in building a digital China through the continuous expansion of new-quality productive forces in the digital industry, as well as significantly improve the quality and efficiency of digital economic development.

    In addition, the plan calls for the added value of key digital economy industries to exceed 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic product, and sets goals to make steady progress in building a unified market for data element distribution and increasing China’s computing power to more than 300 exaflops.

    In total, it identifies eight key action areas, including institutional innovation, local brand development and the implementation of “AI Plus.” –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cybersecurity & Diverse Innovation Symposium 2025 successfully concludes (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Cybersecurity & Diverse Innovation Symposium 2025 successfully concludes Issued at HKT 19:00

    Jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Cybersecurity & Diverse Innovation Symposium 2025 was held today (May 16) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Symposium explored various topics, including the latest cybersecurity challenges, cross-sector collaboration, and innovation-driven defense strategies.

    Addressing the opening ceremony of the Symposium, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that as digitisation of society is advancing continuously, cybersecurity has become an integral part of national security, social stability and economic development.

    He pointed out that cybersecurity has never been a task that can be accomplished by the Police alone, it requires the establishment of a truly diverse, open and resilient cybersecurity ecosystem.  Mr Chow added that he believes with collective efforts, Hong Kong will be able to defend against current cyber threats, as well as enhance safety and build trust through innovation and collaboration, enabling citizens to enjoy the conveniences of smart living with greater peace of mind.

    The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong, emphasised that the Government will continue to organise large-scale cybersecurity attack and defence drills, along with a variety of activities and training programmes, to further bolster Hong Kong’s cybersecurity resilience. These efforts aim to provide a robust safeguard for the development of innovation and technology (I&T), as well as various trades and industries. Cybersecurity will serve as core driving force in advancing I&T and digital economy.

    The Symposium gathered over 30 speakers and guests, including experts and decision-makers from the Government, finance, telecommunications, public healthcare, I&T, and academia sectors, and was attended by more than 600 cybersecurity experts and industry leaders from different sectors.

    The Symposium included 11 keynote speeches and six panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics such as artificial intelligence governance, supply chain security, challenges in trusted platform deployment, and emerging cyber threats, demonstrating practical outcomes and outlook through cross-sector collaboration. The Symposium also discussed the opportunities and challenges encountered by Hong Kong in digital transformation and cybersecurity from multiple angles, as well as strategies to balance technological innovation with cybersecurity resilience.

    Professionals from various sectors also established connections and shared practical experiences through different activities, further facilitating the integration of resources and collaborative innovation.

    The HKPF and the DPO reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders, fostering a sustainable, forward-thinking, and resilient cybersecurity framework across the community, and laying the foundation for Hong Kong to become an innovative and secure international digital city.

    Ends/Friday, May 16, 2025
    Issued at HKT 19:00

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the nomination of Ivana Maletić as a Member of the Court of Auditors – A10-0088/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    ANNEX 1: CURRICULUM VITÆ OF IVANA MALETIĆ

    Ivana MALETIĆ

    Education:

    PhD candidate, Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka (Croatia)

    2012

    Master of Science in Accounting, Auditing and Finance, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

    2004 – 2006

    Certified Public Sector Accountant and Auditor (two-year course), CIPFA – Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (United Kingdom)

    1992 – 1997

    Master of Economics and Business, Faculty of Business and Economics, University of Zagreb (Croatia)

     

    Professional experience:

    July 2019 – present

    Member, European Court of Auditors (Chamber IV), Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

    July 2013 – June 2019

    Member, European Parliament (ECON, REGI and BUDG Committee), Brussels (Belgium)

    March 2012 – July 2013

    President, TIM4PIN – Center for Public and Non-Profit Sector Development, Zagreb (Croatia)

    February 2008 – December 2011

    State Secretary, National Authorising Officer, Negotiator for Chapter 22 and Deputy Chief Negotiator, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

    May 2005 – February 2008

    Assistant Minister for Budget Execution and Deputy National Authorising Officer, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

    September 2004 – May 2005

    Head of National Fund Department, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

    December 1998 – September 2004

    Advisor, Department for Government Accounting and Financial Reporting, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

    December 1997 – December 1998

    Trainee, Department for Government Accounting and Financial Reporting, Ministry of Finance (Croatia)

    Work at the European Court of Auditors:

    June 2024 – present

    Member to the Audit Quality Control Committee (AQCC)

    October 2019 – February 2022

    President and Member of the Internal Audit Committee (IAC)

    December 2019 – October 2021

    Member of the Digital Steering Committee (DSC)

    July 2019 – March 2020

    Member of the Strategic Foresight and Advisory Committee

    Published reports:

    Review 05/2020: How the EU took account of lessons learned from the 2008-2012 financial and sovereign debt crises

    Opinion No 6/20 concerning the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a Recovery and Resilience Facility (COM(2020) 408)

    Special report 07/2022: SME internationalisation instruments: A large number of support actions but not fully coherent or coordinated

    Special report 15/2022: Measures to widen participation in Horizon 2020 were well designed but sustainable change will mostly depend on efforts by national authorities

    Special report 21/2022: The Commission’s assessment of national recovery and resilience plans: overall appropriate but implementation risks remain

    Special report 23/2022: Synergies between Horizon 2020 and European Structural and Investment Funds: Not yet used to full potential

    Special report 24/2022: e-Government actions targeting businesses Commission’s actions implemented, but availability of e-services still varies across the EU

    Opinion 04/2022 concerning the proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2021/241as regards REPowerEU chapters in recovery and resilience plans and amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1060, Regulation (EU) 2021/2115, Directive 2003/87/EC and Decision (EU) 2015/1814 [2022/0164 (COD)]

    Special report 26/2023: The Recovery and Resilience Facility’s performance monitoring framework: Measuring implementation progress but not sufficient to capture performance

    Special report 13/2024: Absorption of funds from the Recovery and Resilience Facility: Progressing with delays and risks remain regarding the completion of measures and therefore the achievement of RRF objectives

    Ongoing audits:

    Labour market reforms in the national recovery and resilience plans. Some results, but not sufficient to address structural challenges.

    Do the design and implementation of the business environment reforms in the national recovery and resilience plans address the main businesses’ needs?

    RRF Review: Opportunities, challenges and risks

    Have the Commission and member states put in place adequate arrangements to ensure an appropriate level of traceability and transparency of RRF funding?

    Publications:

     Books:

    1) Maletić, I., Galinec, D., Japunčić, T., Župan, S., Five years of the Republic of Croatia in the European semester, Office of MEP Ivana Maletić, Zagreb, 2019

    2) Maletić, I., Jakir Bajo, I., Stepić, D., A Guide to Good Governance in the Public and Non-Profit Sector, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2018

    3) Maletić, I., Kosor, K., Ivanković Knežević, K., et. al., My EU Project: A Manual for the Preparation and Implementation of EU Projects, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2018

    4) Maletić, I., Kosor, K., Copić, M., et al., EU Projects – from Idea to Realization, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2016

    5) Maletić, I., Bešlić, B., Copić, M., Kosor, K,., Kulakowski, N., Zrinušić, N., EU Project Management, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2014

    6) Maletić, I., et. al., Fiscal Responsibility – Completing Questionnaires, Compiling Plans and Reports, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2013

    7) Maletić, I., Stepić, D., Jakir Bajo, I., Knežević, M., Kozina, D., Fiscal Responsibility and Financial Management, TIM4PIN, Zagreb, 2012

    8) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Zorić, A., Fiscal Responsibility, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2011

    9) Maletić, I., Vašiček, D., Jakir-Bajo, I., et al., The Accounting of Budget and Budget Users, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2008

    10) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Budgetary Planning and Accounting, Centre for Accounting and Finance, Zagreb, 2003

    11) Maletić, I., Lončar-Galek, D., Mencer, J., et. al., Application of the Budget Accounting Plan 2003/2004, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2003

    12) Maletić, I., Vašiček, V., Vašiček, D., Introduction to Budgetary Accounting 2002, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2002

    13) Maletić, I., Jakir-Bajo, I., Budgetary Accounting, Informator, Zagreb, 2001

    14) Maletić, I., Vašiček, D., Jakir-Bajo, I., et al., Budgetary system: Accounting, Finance, Audit, Taxes, Croatian Association of Accountants and Financial Experts, Zagreb, 2000

     The author of over 250 articles published in domestic journals.

     A lecturer at numerous conferences, round tables and seminars in the Member States.

     

    ANNEX 2: ANSWERS BY IVANA MALETIĆ TO THE QUESTIONNAIRE

    Questionnaire for the renewal of Members of the Court of Auditors

    Performance of duties: lessons learnt and future commitments

    1. What are your main achievements as a member of the ECA? What were the biggest setbacks?

    I consider all the audits and opinions I have worked on to be an important contribution to the work of the EU and the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of EU actions. In particular, I would like to highlight my work on the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), where I was reporting Member of both opinions on the draft regulations as well as for several special reports, such as the reports on the Commission’s assessment of the national recovery and resilience plans, the performance monitoring framework, the absorption of RRF funds and the RRF labour market reforms. In all these opinions and reports, I emphasized the importance of good management of public funds, regardless of whether the financing is based on the reimbursement of costs or the fulfilment of set conditions. The rules of sound financial management, which imply legality and regularity of the underlying transactions as well as effectiveness and efficiency, must be at the core of every programme. In addition, transparency of public spending and accountability are the basis for building citizens’ trust in institutions not only at the EU level, but also in each member state. I am proud to have emphasized these values in the audits of the RRF and, together with my colleagues, I have never given up on insisting that the fundamental principles set out in the Financial Regulation should be respected.

    One of the biggest obstacles regarding our work on the RRF was to ensure not only a coherent audit approach across audit teams and audit chambers within ECA but also consistency of our messages. In addition, the novelty of the RRF as such was a challenge, as it required everyone to get acquainted with a new and in parts still changing legal framework in a relatively short period of time. For some of our audits this resulted in the audit reports being published later than we initially planned. In addition, the limited access to information, specifically the limited access to FENIX, was an obstacle for our early RRF audits but we managed to overcome these limitations, at least to a certain degree.

    In addition to my audit work I was also involved in different committees like the Internal Audit Committee or the Audit Quality Control Committee. One of my main contributions as chair of the Internal Audit Committee was for example the revision of the rules of procedure of the committee and the revision of the charter of the internal audit service. My role as Member of the Audit Quality Control Committee allows me to actively contribute to the quality of our audit reports as well as the methodology applied in our work.

    2. What are the main lessons learnt in your field of competences / results achieved in your duties and audit tasks?

    As stated above, the main focus of my audit work in ECA was related to the RRF. The RRF considerably differs in design and legal basis from other EU programmes and thus required us to reflect not only on our audit approach but also the way we work.

    Auditing a “performance-based instrument” to some extent blurs the line between performance audits and audits on the legality and regularity of EU funding. One of my achievements was to significantly contribute to and thereby shape our work on this new instrument and ensure coherence across different tasks. In addition, from the very beginning, I had a very strategic view on the RRF audit work as it was and still is essential, that our audits, taken together, allow us to draw lessons not only for the RRF but also for future similar instruments. The performance audits that I proposed for the RRF after working on the opinion on the regulation enabled us to have a comprehensive overview of the design and functioning of this new instrument a year before the end of the program.

    3. What added value could you bring to the ECA on your second term and/or particularly in the area you would be responsible for? Would you like to change your area of responsibility? What motivates you?

    In my second term I would firstly like to finish my work on the RRF, in particular finalizing the ongoing and planned RRF audits, such as transparency and traceability of RRF funding, public administration, education as well as an audit related to the overall results and impact of the RRF. These audits would build on my experience in this field and would further contribute to improving the design of future similar programmes, and the link with the European Semester including the country specific recommendations.

    In addition, I would like to enlarge my portfolio and get more involved in other policy areas and programs within Chamber IV, such as research and innovation, competitiveness or economic governance, strategic autonomy and economic security. This would allow me to build on the experience gained through my audits on “Synergies between Horizon 2020 and European Structural and Investment Funds” and “Measures to widen participation in Horizon 2020”.

    In more general terms, I believe that, in line with ECA’s rotation policy for auditors and managers, rotation should also be considered for Members, in particular in the case of two terms of office. Consequently, I would not exclude moving to another Chamber.

    4. How do you make sure to reach the planned audit objectives of an audit task? Have you ever been in the situation where you could not realize the audit task and for which reasons? How do you operate in such controversial situations?

    Due to the good cooperation between the audit teams and my office, I was able to carry out all audits successfully and in line with the defined scope. Therefore, I have never been in a situation where we could not finalize an audit or not achieve the audit objectives. The only issue I did encounter was the delay of publication for some audits, due to factors outside our control like temporarily limited access to audit evidence, the complexity of the evidence provided or unavailability of key staff in member states or the Commission.

    In case I ever encountered significant obstacles that would put the finalization of an audit at risk, I would try to overcome these obstacles through open and constructive communication that would allow us to find a solution together. I strongly believe that all of us, as auditors and auditees, have the same goal, which is to deliver work of high quality, and ultimately to ensure legality, effectiveness and efficiency of publicly funded programmes, including those funded by the EU. Therefore constructive communication, trying to understand different perspectives and patience are key elements for successfully resolving any controversial situation.

    5. If you were reconfirmed for a second mandate and hypothetically, if you were elected Dean of a Chamber in the ECA, how would you steer the work to define its priorities? Could you give us two or three examples of areas to focus on in the future?

    The Chamber is managed by all of us together – the Members of the Chamber and the director. To that extent, the role of the Dean is, with the help of the other Members of the Chamber, to take an active role in defining the priorities of our work and therefore the selection of audits.

    In case I was elected as Dean of a Chamber, I would pay particular attention to an effective communication within the Chamber and Court as well as with our main stakeholders, like you, when defining audit priorities. In my view this would allow us to have a comprehensive view of the most relevant areas we should focus on in our work and to ensure that the timing or our audits maximises their added value. Furthermore, a comprehensive audit planning needs to be strategic, going beyond a short-term planning, but should also allow for flexibility, where needed.

    Regarding areas to focus on (in Chamber IV) in future I would consider competitiveness, economic governance and, as a transversal topic, simplification as extremely relevant in the light of the challenges the EU is currently facing.

    For competitiveness, our audits could focus on the areas of research and development and the functioning of the single market, with the aim of strengthening capacity, removing barriers and achieving synergies. This includes reflecting on possibilities for faster and simpler methods of financing research and scientific projects.

    In the field of economic governance, it would be important to include audits specifically related to times of crisis, such as: transfer prices or whether the economic governance model is fit for purpose in this regard.

    Furthermore, ECA’s work could potentially add considerable value in the simplification process, for example by assessing the different simplification procedures and how they could be improved.

    6. If you had to manage the selection of audit tasks in view of the preparation of the ECA annual working programme, on which basis would you make your choice among the list of priorities received from the Parliament and/or the CONT committee?

    What would you do if a political priority does not correspond to the ECA risk assessment of the Union’s activities?

    The planning process within the ECA is very detailed and involves all auditors and managers, as well as all Members and their offices. When planning, we consider several different factors, e.g. policy risks, materiality, timing, audit coverage, the likely impact of an audit and stakeholder interest. These are also the main elements we consider when making our choice among the list of priorities received form the Parliament or CONT committee.

    The selection of audit topics is primarily based on their potential added value, and therefore topics of important political and strategic interest are always taken into account, even though they may not be highest priority in terms of risk. Furthermore, I would like to note that “risk” has many dimensions and should not be reduced to materiality.

    As you are well aware, the number of audit proposals is significantly higher than the number of audits we can carry out each year. Some proposals, while politically very relevant, may not come at an ideal time, e.g. as the implementation of the instrument is at an early stage. Others may not be entirely feasible due to the political or security situation in the audit area or even our audit mandate.

    Maintaining our independence in defining our work programme is essential, and the limited resources inevitably mean that not all audit proposal can be considered or not be considered at that moment in time. However, input from our main stakeholders is extremely valuable to us and will always be considered. It is also important that we communicate very clearly to the stakeholders, especially the European Parliament, why some of the proposals were not included in the programme and whether or not they may be considered in the future.

    Management of portfolio, working methods and deliverables

    7. Producing high quality, robust and timely reports is key:

    – How would you ensure that the data used in an audit are reliable and that the findings are not outdated?

    – How would you improve the quality and pertinence of the recommendations?

    To ensure that data used in audit are reliable it is important to know the sources and understand exactly how the data is collected, compiled and verified. While performing our audits, we always assess the accuracy and completeness of data and cross-reference it where needed, considering the source and nature of the data and the control systems in place.

    I believe that the recommendations in our audit reports are in general of a high quality and pertinence. Any good recommendation is rooted in solid audit work while considering aspects of feasibility as well “value for money”. These aspects have and always will be the guiding principles for the recommendations included in my audit reports.

    In general, a thorough planning, as well as timely and well targeted audits are the best way to ensure that our observations and recommendations come at the right time and have the maximum potential impact. In my view, more focussed and thereby quicker audits should therefore be considered wherever feasible.

    8. The aim of the ECA’s reform is to establish a stronger accountability relationship between the audit team and the rapporteur member:

    – Given your experience, do you think that the role of a member is to be more involved in the audit work?

    – Would you change the way you work with an audit team? If yes, how?

    I believe that the Member is ultimately responsible for the audit, its quality, relevance and objectivity. It is not possible to present the results of the audit work and advocate for the recommendations without a thorough understanding of the audited area and the observations. It is therefore essential that the Member works closely with the audit team and follows the audit work. Personally, I enjoy working with the teams, we always have constructive discussions from the selection and planning of the task to defining the audit scope and approach and finally the drafting of key messages and recommendations. I strongly believe that working together brings the best results and allows us to learn from each other.

    As I have always worked closely with the audit teams, I do not intend to change this approach in the future.

    9. What would be your suggestions to further improve, modernise the ECA functioning, programming and work (audit cycle)? After your first mandate, could you give us a positive aspect of the ECA working and a negative one?

    In an ever faster changing environment, the duration of our audits is something we may have to reflect on. As mentioned above, shorter, more focussed audits should therefore be considered, if the audit topic allows for it.

    Moreover, we should continue to encourage cooperation between audit chambers in particular on cross cutting issues such as the RRF, energy independence and security, or the now increasingly important priority defence. This cooperation across Chambers should include a flexible allocation of resources.

    For me the most positive aspect of the ECA is its staff – they are highly qualified and motivated and work hard to deliver quality audit work and meaningful reports. In addition, the ECA is a very supportive environment that encourages continuous learning, improvement and progress. The fact that audits are carried out in teams, facilitates learning from each other and a culture of togetherness and collegiality.

    10. Under the Treaty, the Court is required to assist Parliament in exercising its powers of control over the implementation of the budget in order to enhance both the public oversight of the general spending and its value for money:

    – With the experience of your first term, how could the cooperation between the Court of Auditors and the European Parliament (Committee on Budgetary Control) on auditing the EU budget be further improved?

    In my experience, the cooperation between the ECA and the European Parliament is already very good. We have established a continuous dialogue with the Parliament, including the Parliament contributing to the selection of audit tasks and ECA Members regularly being invited to present audit reports. This cooperation is key in ensuring that we maximize the added value of our audits, in particular in the context of the discharge procedure.

    While the cooperation is already very positive, we could of course always intensify or explore new ways of cooperation like joint workshops or regular briefings for the MEPs in key areas of interest. In a way, communication is essential and should always go two-way: ECA should know of the challenges the Parliament is facing and the best way ECA can support it in its work whereas the Parliament should be aware of the possibilities as well as boundaries ECA has in its work.

    – Similarly, how to strengthen relations between ECA and national audit institutions?

    Cooperation with the EU SAIs takes place within the framework of the Contact Committee, with day-to-day contacts are maintained through liaison officers appointed by each institution.

    National SAIs are informed about our audit visits and regularly participate in these visits as observer. In addition, the ECA organises five-month internships for auditors from the SAIs of Candidate Countries.

    While the cooperation with SAIs is already very positive, coordinated audit work in key areas of common interest could be encouraged to further strengthen the cooperation and increase the potential impact of our work. Exchange of staff in form of temporary secondment should also be continued to facilitate a continuous exchange of views, and future cooperation.

    11. How will you support the Parliament in the achievement of the shortening of the discharge procedure? What actions can be undertaken from your side?

     Cooperation and commitment of all involved institutions are needed to accelerate the processes and avoid delays. On the ECA’s side we make an effort to give priority to the Statement of Assurance and ensure timely adoption of the documents through flexibility in terms of scheduling additional Court meetings when needed. As a result, we managed to publish our last two annual report more than one month before the legal deadline.

    This is complemented by a similar effort for our performance audits. I always planned my performance audits in a way that we can, in terms of content as well as time, support the discharge procedure. It is however important to note that the timing of our reports depends on several factors, some of which are outside our control.

    Independence and integrity

    12. What guarantees of independence are you able to give the European Parliament, and how would you make sure that any past, current or future activities you carry out could not cast doubt on the performance of your duties at the ECA?

    I think that the best guarantee I can give you is my work at the ECA in which I always advocated for the respect of the basic principles of legality, regularity and sound financial management, no matter the circumstances. I believe that as independent auditors, we must always fight for the transparent use of public funds and warn of any shortcomings that are an obstacle to respecting the basic principles of sound financial management.

    In addition, I will continue to fully adhere to the Code of Conduct for ECA Members. I have no business interests or external activities that could raise any doubt concerning my independence and I would never even consider an activity that may compromise the performance of my duties as ECA Member.

    13. How would you deal with a major irregularity or even fraud in EU funds and/or corruption case involving persons in your Member State of origin? Were you in this situation during your current mandate?

    I can repeat my reply on the same question for nomination for the first ECA mandate, since I was and will remain committed to that: I advocate a zero-tolerance towards fraud and corruption because they are extremely dangerous for any society – they destroy competition and opportunities for growth and development. It is precisely by efficient identification and elimination of corruption that we can provide the best possible assistance to our member states. Rules must be abided by and legality and regularity in using public funds is the foundation from which we should never allow any deviation.

    I did not encounter any cases of fraud, irregularity of corruption during my current mandate.

    14. The existence of conflict of interests can trigger a reputation risk for the ECA. How would you manage any conflict of interest?

    I absolutely agree that a conflict of interest poses reputational risks for the ECA. Avoiding these conflicts is at the core of my work and in line with our Code of Conduct, I avoid any situation that is liable to give rise to a conflict of interest, or that could objectively be perceived as such.

    Should such a situation arise, I would communicate the potential conflict of interest in line with the ECA’s procedures and would not accept any tasks for which a personal interest could influence the independent performance of my duties. I have so far not been in any such situation.

    15. Are you involved in any legal proceedings? if so, what kind?

    No, I am not involved in any legal proceedings.

    16. What specific commitments are you prepared to make in terms of enhanced transparency, increased cooperation and effective follow-up to Parliament’s positions and requests for audits?

      For me, transparency in the performance of public affairs and the use of public money is a fundamental principle and one of my core values, and I fully support efforts that contribute to greater transparency. Your requirements are crucial in this regard, and I have been and always will be ready to listen to you and respond to any requests you may have regarding our audit work. We have a common goal, which is to deliver results and value for money in the implementation of EU policies and programmes, and it is important that we share our knowledge and experience. I look forward to every invitation from the Parliament to present our reports, or to participate in thematic discussions and any other form of cooperation.

    Other questions

    17. Will you withdraw your candidacy to a renewal of mandate if Parliament’s opinion on your appointment as Member of the ECA is unfavourable?

    I consider that the authority of the European Parliament which results from the democratic legitimacy of elected MEPs must be observed in full and their decisions must be applied. In accordance with that, in the event of the Parliament’s negative opinion on my appointment I will withdraw my candidacy.

    18. Being appointed Member of the ECA requires full attention and dedication to the institution itself and to ensure trust for the Union among its citizens:

    – What are your views on the best way to assume these professional duties?

    I completely agree with you that being a Member of ECA requires full attention and dedication. For me, being an ECA Member means to be devoted and work hard. We lead by example and if we are not motivated and committed, we cannot expect that from others. In addition, we owe it to the EU citizens to perform to the best of our abilities and add value not only for the EU institutions but to them. And this is what I tried to do from the very first day and will continue to do so in future.

    – What are your current personal arrangements in terms of number of days of presence in Luxembourg? Do you plan to change these arrangements?

    I moved to Luxembourg, together with my family, when I joined ECA. I work and live in Luxembourg and have no intention to change this in my second mandate.

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    The rapporteur declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not receive input from any entity or person to be mentioned in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.

    INFORMATION ON ADOPTION IN COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE

    Date adopted

    14.5.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    22

    2

    4

    Members present for the final vote

    Georgios Aftias, Arno Bausemer, Gilles Boyer, José Cepeda, Olivier Chastel, Caterina Chinnici, Tamás Deutsch, Dick Erixon, Daniel Freund, Niclas Herbst, Virginie Joron, Ondřej Knotek, Kinga Kollár, Giuseppe Lupo, Marit Maij, Jacek Protas, Julien Sanchez, Jonas Sjöstedt, Cristian Terheş

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Maria Grapini, Erik Marquardt, Karlo Ressler, Bert-Jan Ruissen

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Pablo Arias Echeverría, Francisco Assis, Sunčana Glavak, Csaba Molnár, Michal Wiezik

     

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Missions – CONT Mission to Slovakia, 26-28 May 2025 – 26-05-2025 – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    CONT Members will go on a mission to Bratislava to discuss the use of EU funds in Slovakia.

    The Committee on Budgetary Control regularly organises fact-finding missions to scrutinise the implementation of EU funds and the protection of the Union’s financial interests in Member States and outside the Union.

    In this case, the CONT Mission will be composed of four Members:

    · Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ (EPP – Head of the Mission);

    · Ondřej KNOTEK (PfE);

    · Michal WIEZIK (Renew);

    · Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – CONT Mission to Slovakia, 26-28 May 2025 – Committee on Budgetary Control

    Source: European Parliament

    CONT Members will go on a mission to Bratislava to discuss the use of EU funds in Slovakia.

    The Committee on Budgetary Control regularly organises fact-finding missions to scrutinise the implementation of EU funds and the protection of the Union’s financial interests in Member States and outside the Union.

    In this case, the CONT Mission will be composed of four Members:

    · Tomáš ZDECHOVSKÝ (EPP – Head of the Mission);

    · Ondřej KNOTEK (PfE);

    · Michal WIEZIK (Renew);

    · Daniel FREUND (Greens/EFA).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – A10-0087/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    DRAFT EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    (COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

    (Ordinary legislative procedure: first reading)

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2025)0034),

    – having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C10‑0006/2025),

    – having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to the undertaking given by the Council representative by letter of 26 March 2025 to approve Parliament’s position, in accordance with Article 294(4) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

    – having regard to Rule 60 of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the opinion of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development,

    – having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A10-0087/2025),

    1. Adopts its position at first reading, taking over the Commission proposal;

    2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it replaces, substantially amends or intends to substantially amend its proposal;

    3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

    Since 2022 when Russia started its full-scale invasion and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions as well as increased trade tariffs to reduce trade with the aggressor. As a result, the imports into the EU from Russia have decreased by 85 % compared to pre-war levels.

     

    However, there are still Russian products that flow into the EU market, consequently fuelling the Russian war machine. This has to be stopped and brought to complete standstill.

     

    The EU imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from Russia have significantly increased over the last years. The import levels were already worryingly high in 2023 (3.6 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.28 billion, representing more than 25 % of total EU imports), and have increased significantly in 2024 to 4.4 million tonnes, worth EUR 1.5 billion and with an import share of 30 %. Therefore, imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation currently reflect a situation of growing economic dependence on Russia.

     

    The European Parliament have already called for a ban on importing Russian grain, potash and fertilisers in Resolution on continued financial and military support to Ukraine by EU Member States.

     

    The aim of this Regulation is to eliminate dependencies on imports from Russia and to prevent circumvention through Belarus. Such imports, particularly of fertilisers, make the EU vulnerable to potential coercive actions by Russia and thus present a risk to EU food security. This Regulation proposes that the tariff increase on nitrogen-based fertilisers takes place gradually over a transition period of three years. Through increased import duties and prohibitive tariffs, the Russian share of fertiliser import into the EU will gradually be replaced by other sources. Some of the EU Member States have already decoupled from Russian nitrogen-based fertilisers, without seeing shortages of supply or market price increases.

     

    The tariffs will support the growth of the EU’s domestic production of fertiliser, which suffered during the energy crisis and due to the influx of fertilisers from Russia. EU production reached only 14 million tonnes in 2023, down from an average of 18 million tonnes in the previous 5 years. Despite the closure of some production facilities following the increase in energy prices, the European industry has around 20 % spare capacity (ca 3 million tonnes), on top of 9.5 million tonnes of nitrogen fertilisers exported in 2024. If used, it is expected that this spare capacity could almost completely compensate the shortfall of reducing Russian imports into the EU.

     

    The tariff measures will also allow for the further diversification of supply from third countries. There are many suppliers on the world market who can replace Russian exporters, including Egypt, Algeria, Norway, Morocco, Oman and the US. Indeed, there is room to strengthen the transatlantic cooperation. This will help ensure a steady fertiliser supply and foster market competitiveness.

     

    It is vital that we ensure that Russia’s war economy is weakened. At the same time, we must ensure sure that there is a steady stream of quality fertiliser supply for agriculture in the European Union, and, importantly, ensure that fertilisers remain available for EU farmers at an affordable price. Therefore, the proposal includes monitoring provisions and if needed mitigating measures, should a substantial increase in fertiliser prices occur. The gradual phasing-in of applicable tariff measures will allow European farmers to adapt to the new conditions.

     

    In order to prevent circumvention of these measures, the rapporteur welcomes the fact that the tariff measures will also apply to Belarus to prevent potential Russian imports to the EU being circumvented through Belarus. The rapporteur believes that potential increase of imports from other countries, which are not the traditional exporters have to be closely monitored to detect any possible circumvention. 

     

    Besides the import of fertilisers, the Regulation also targets the remaining 15 % of agricultural imports from Russia that had not yet been subject to increased tariffs. With this Regulation, all agricultural imports from Russia will be the subject of EU tariffs. The tariff level would be prohibitive, thus high enough to halt the importation of these goods. Continued imports of the agricultural products concerned could create an additional economic dependence on Russia, which could, if left unchecked, harm the EU’s food security.

     

    The rapporteur welcomes that these combined measures will prevent Russia from benefiting financially from exports to the EU to fund its war of aggression against Ukraine. It is also a matter of EU’s security and strategic autonomy.

    The regulation is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the EU.

     

    The rapporteur welcomes Article 207 TFEU as a legal basis as it is a trade policy measure requiring EP co-decision in line with OLP.

     

    The rapporteur hopes the Regulation will be adopted in its current form and in time for the entry into force by 1 July 2025, in order to ensure rapid implementation.

     

     

    .

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur declares that she received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the draft report, prior to the adoption thereof in committee:

     

    Entity and/or person

    Yara, VP European Government Relations & External Communications, VP Corporate affairs and Industrial Relations

    Zemnieku Saeima (Association Farmers’ Council), Foreign policy specialist

    European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2, DG Trade Unit E3

    Fertilizers Europe, Director General, Trade & Economic Senior Manager

    Association of the Potash and Salt Industry / VKS – Verband der Kali- und Salzindustrie e.V, Managing Director, EU Office Brussels

    Latvijas Lauksaimniecības kooperatīvu asociācija (Latvian Association of Agricultural Cooperatives), Director-General

    Business & Science Poland, Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry, ANWIL

    Permanent Representation of the Republic of Latvia to the EU, Counsellor (SCA Spokesperson, Common Agricultural Policy)

    Council, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Poland to the EU, Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies, Vice-Chair of Trade Policy Committee-Deputies

     

     

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur.

     

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur declares that she has submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

    OPINION OF THE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT (7.5.2025)

    for the Committee on International Trade

    on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    (COM(2025)0034 – C10‑0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD))

    Rapporteur for opinion: Veronika Vrecionová

     

     

    AMENDMENTS

    The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development submits the following to the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible:

    Amendment  1

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation were significant at 3.6 million tonnes in 2023 and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

    (1) The Union’s imports of urea and nitrogen-based fertilisers from the Russian Federation doubled between 2020/2021 and 2022/2023, followed by further growth in 2023 and 2024. In 2023, the Union’s imports of those fertilisers were significant at 3,6 million tonnes, and increased considerably in 2024 by comparison with 2023. The level of the Union’s imports from the Russian Federation of the agricultural goods covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned agricultural goods’) is relatively low for most goods, but could increase significantly if the current trading conditions persist.

    Amendment  2

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.

    (2) The imports of the fertilisers covered by this Regulation (‘the concerned fertilisers’) currently reflect a situation of economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which continues to hinder Union fertiliser production due to an unequal level playing field. The large volumes of fertilisers from the Russian Federation intended for export are gradually distorting supply diversification by eliminating both local and third-country suppliers. Moreover, the imports of the concerned agricultural goods could create a similar and additional economic dependency on the Russian Federation, which should in the present circumstances be prevented and reduced in order to protect the Union’s markets and safeguard the Union’s food security.

    Amendment  3

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 4 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (4a) Reduction of the Union’s dependence on fertilisers from  the Russian Federation, avoiding the creation of new dependencies, ensuring the steady supply of cost-competitive fertilisers at affordable price levels for Union farmers in the short, medium and long term and increasing the Union’s strategic autonomy require the development of a long-term Union fertiliser strategy that should primarily focus on enhancing the competitiveness of the Union’s fertilisers production sector in order to secure a steady supply of fertilisers at affordable price levels. That strategy should focus on supporting innovation, attracting investments and developing new business models to reduce or eliminate potentially harmful import dependencies, as well as a trade diversification strategy promoting stable trade relations and securing alternative supply chains. In parallel, measures should also improve access to organic fertilisers and nutrients from recycled waste streams and increase the circularity of farming practices. It is noteworthy that, although the European Parliament has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding fertilisers, particularly through its resolutions of 24 March  2022 on the need for an urgent EU action plan to ensure food security inside and outside the EU in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine1a, and of 16 February 2023 on the Commission communication on ensuring availability and affordability of fertilisers 1b, the Commission has not come forward with clear and sufficient measures to support domestic fertiliser production.

     

    _________________

     

    1a OJ C 361, 20.9.2022, p. 2.

     

    1b OJ C 283, 11.8.2023, p. 51.

    Amendment  4

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 5 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (5a) The production and cost of mineral fertilisers largely depend on the availability and affordability of natural gas.

    Amendment  5

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 5 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (5b) Changes are needed to truly address the Union industry and agriculture structural problems, such as access to energy and raw materials at high prices, the European Green Deal, and excessive regulation.

    Amendment  6

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 7

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries.

    (7) Imports of the concerned agricultural goods and fertilisers that originate in or are exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus should therefore be subject to higher customs duties than imports from other third countries while securing the Union´s market stability, and food security and affordability.

    Amendment  7

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 8 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (8a) At the same time, it is important to consider the Union’s high dependence on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. Therefore, this Regulation should be accompanied by the development of a mechanism for balancing fertiliser prices and possible subsidies for farmers if the new tariffs results in an excessive increase in the price of fertilisers and thus in reduced profitability of agricultural production. Revenues generated from higher customs duties should be a part of that mechanism.

    Amendment  8

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 9

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.

    (9) The envisaged increase in customs duties is not expected to negatively affect global food security because the increase in tariffs applies only to imports into the Union and does not affect goods concerned Regulation if they are only transiting through the Union’s territory to third countries of final destination. However, monitoring transit will be critical to prevent any sort of intentional dumping by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. To the contrary, the envisaged increase in Union import duties may increase the exportation of those goods to third countries and increase the availability of supplies there.

    Amendment  9

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (10) At the same time, fertilisers play a significant role for the food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers, which should in turn contribute to the stabilisation of agricultural markets. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. To this end, the Commission should monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices on the Union market. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge.

    (10) At the same time, fertilisers play an essential role for food security as well as for the financial stability of the farmers in the Union. It is therefore necessary to ensure predictable and sufficient access to fertilisers, at affordable price levels for Union farmers. During a transitional period, the proposed measure would stimulate stepping up the Union production and allow for reinforcing alternative sources of supply from other international partners, minimising the risk that fertilisers prices for Union farmers increase substantially. The Commission shall address the difficult situation of the fertiliser industry in the Union, which has been under strain over the last four years due to high-energy prices, production costs, and challenges posed by existing regulations. The Commission should therefore implement measures to alleviate the high costs burdening the Union industry, which directly impact the entire supply chain, particularly farmers. The Commission should also monitor closely the evolution of fertiliser prices at the Member State and Union levels. Should fertiliser prices substantially increase, the Commission should take all appropriate actions in a timely manner to remedy such a surge.

    Amendment  10

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10a) Ensuring farmers’ access to affordable and sufficient quantities of fertilisers is essential for safeguarding food security across the Union. Therefore, the Commission should urgently explore and propose appropriate support mechanisms to guarantee the availability of fertilisers at competitive prices for farmers in the Union and introduce targeted measures to support the farmers impacted.

    Amendment  11

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10b) The Commission must ensure that the introduction of additional tariffs on fertiliser imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus does not generate above-average purchase prices, thereby undermining farmers’ access to essential inputs. Given the significant volumes currently imported and the limited short-term flexibility to shift suppliers without incurring additional costs, such measures should not result in the reduction of fertilised agricultural areas and sub-optimal application rates. The Commission must ensure that those measures do not lead to lower yields, diminish profitability, and have potentially negative consequences for food security and farmers’ livelihoods. Therefore, a mandatory monthly monitoring, including at Member State level, of the prices of products listed in Annex II should be established to ensure timely responses and safeguard the viability of the Union farming sector. The price indicators should be published monthly in order to increase transparency. Furthermore, the role of the EU Fertilisers Market Observatory should be increased. Moreover, the European Board on Agriculture and Food (EBAF) should hold regular exchanges on the availability and price affordability of fertilisers, ensuring an active dialogue with the actors of the food supply chain, including farmers, and provide high-level advice to the Commission on this strategic matter.

    Amendment  12

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 10 c (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (10c) To accelerate the reduction of imports of agricultural goods and fertilisers from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus, the Commission should assess the possibility of developing alternative sources of supply from the Union and other international partners and to authorise alternative measures, such as the use of manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, as a sustainable alternative which reduces CO2 emissions by decreasing the need for fertiliser imports, aligns with circular economy principles, and strengthens the Union’s agricultural resilience. The Commission should establish a legal and financial framework that makes manure and processed animal manure, including RENURE and digestate, a viable alternative. That framework should provide regulatory flexibility, beyond the limits currently established by the Council Directive 91/676/EEC1a, while upholding environmental protection and the principles of efficiency and safety, and include financial incentives to keep it affordable for the farmers in the Union.

     

    __________________

     

    1a Council Directive 91/676/EEC of 12 December 1991 concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources (OJ L 375, 31.12.1991, p. 1).

    Amendment  13

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 11

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine.

    (11) The envisaged increase in customs duties is consistent with the Union’s external action in other areas, as set out in Article 21(3) of the Treaty on European Union. The state of relations between the Union and the Russian Federation has greatly deteriorated in recent years and particularly since 2022. This is due to the Russian Federation’s blatant disregard for international law and, in particular, its unprovoked and unjustified military aggression and full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since July 2014, the Union has progressively imposed restrictive measures on trade with the Russian Federation in response to the Russian Federation’s actions vis-à-vis Ukraine. If the Union fails to impose the envisaged tariffs, it would indirectly contribute to financing the war efforts of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and risk supporting other autocratic regimes, as sanctioned gas from the Russian Federation would be utilised for the production and export of cheap fertilisers to the Union.

    Amendment  14

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Recital 14 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (14a) Given that fertilisers are widely traded commodities with a substantial risk of circumvention, Member States and their customs authorities should strictly verify and validate the true origin of fertilisers imported into the Union market. That verification process should include thorough scrutiny of shipment documentation and proactive monitoring to prevent any re-export schemes designed to circumvent the tariff-increases. Where circumvention of the measures in force takes place, the imposed tariffs could be extended to goods from other third countries concerned.

    Amendment  15

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    (d) The Commission may adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

    (d) The Commission shall adopt an implementing act laying down the arrangements for monitoring the import volumes referred to in paragraph 2. That implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the advisory procedure set out in Article 4 of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

    Amendment  16

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 1 – paragraph 2 – point d a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    (da) The Commission shall, without undue delay, propose a legal and financial framework to scale up the use of manure and processed animal manure, including Renure, as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fertilisers.

    Amendment  17

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 1

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    1. The Commission shall monitor prices applicable in the Union of the goods listed in Annex II during four years from the application of this Regulation.

    1. From the date of application of this Regulation, the Commission shall, on a monthly basis, monitor prices applicable in the Member States and the Union of the goods listed in Annex II. The Commission shall publish in a transparent way the results of such monitoring.

    Amendment  18

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 1 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    1a. The Commission and national customs authorities shall closely monitor imports of the goods listed in Article 1.

    Amendment  19

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

    2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall assess the situation and take all appropriate actions to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    2. Should the price levels of the goods listed in Annex II substantially exceed the levels of 2024 in the period referred to in paragraph 1, the Commission shall take all appropriate actions within 14 days to remedy such surge. This may include, if appropriate, the following actions:

     

    (a) proposing the temporary suspension of tariffs for concerned goods imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus;

     

    (b) making financial support available to farmers if a substantial increase in fertiliser prices noticeably reduces the profitability of agricultural production.

    Amendment  20

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 a (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2a.  If appropriate, the Commission shall propose the temporary suspension of tariffs for goods concerned listed in Annex II and imported from origins other than the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    Amendment  21

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 b (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2b. If it is determined that circumvention practices of the import of products listed in Annexes I and II originating in the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus through a third country to the Union have occurred, the Commission shall initiate an anti-circumvention investigation. In order to prevent circumvention practices, the Commission shall examine the possibility of using a licensing system for imports from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus.

    Amendment  22

     

    Proposal for a regulation

    Article 2 – paragraph 2 c (new)

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    2c. The Commission shall monitor and assess this Regulation every year in terms of food security and sovereignty and, if necessary, propose that it be repealed.

    Amendment  23

    Proposal for a regulation

    Annex I – table – rows 59 a, 59 b and 59 c (new)

     

     

    Text proposed by the Commission

    Amendment

     

    – Of rape or colza seeds:

     

    2306 41 –Of low erucic acid rape or colza seeds

     

    2306 49 –Other

     

    ANNEX: ENTITIES OR PERSONS
    FROM WHOM THE RAPPORTEUR HAS RECEIVED INPUT

    Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteur for the opinion received input from the following entities or persons in the preparation of the opinion:

     

    Entity and/or person

    COPA-COGECA,  Secretary General

    European Commission, DG AGRI Unit E.1

    European Commission, DG Trade Unit E2

    Fertilizers Europe, Director General,

    LAT Nitrogen, Head of Public Affairs Europe

    Asociación Nacional de Fabricantes de Fertilizantes (ANFFE) (Spanish National Association of Fertilizer Manufacturers)Secretary General

    Asociación Agraria – Jóvenes Agricultores ASAJA- (Association of young farmers). President, EU Office Brussels

    Cooperativas Agrolimentarias de España, (Sapnish Association of Agricultural Cooperatives) EU Office Brussels

    Unión de Pequeños Agricultores y Ganaderos (UPA) (Association of small farmers) EU Office Brussels

     

    The list above is drawn up under the exclusive responsibility of the rapporteur for the opinion.

    Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteur for the opinion declares that she has submitted to the concerned natural persons the European Parliament’s Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.

     

    PROCEDURE – COMMITTEE ASKED FOR OPINION

    Title

    Modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus

    References

    COM(2025)0034 – C10-0006/2025 – 2025/0021(COD)

    Committee(s) responsible

    INTA

     

     

     

    Opinion by

     Date announced in plenary

    AGRI

    10.3.2025

    Rapporteur for the opinion

     Date appointed

    Mireia Borrás Pabón

    27.2.2025

    Discussed in committee

    19.3.2025

     

     

     

    Date adopted

    5.5.2025

     

     

     

    Result of final vote

    +:

    –:

    0:

    25

    5

    14

    Members present for the final vote

    Sergio Berlato, Mireia Borrás Pabón, Asger Christensen, Barry Cowen, Carmen Crespo Díaz, Ivan David, Valérie Deloge, Salvatore De Meo, Csaba Dömötör, Paulo Do Nascimento Cabral, Herbert Dorfmann, Sebastian Everding, Carlo Fidanza, Maria Grapini, Cristina Guarda, Martin Häusling, Krzysztof Hetman, Céline Imart, Elsi Katainen, Stefan Köhler, Tomáš Kubín, Norbert Lins, Cristina Maestre, Maria Noichl, Gilles Pennelle, André Rodrigues, Katarína Roth Neveďalová, Bert-Jan Ruissen, Arash Saeidi, Eric Sargiacomo, Christine Singer, Pekka Toveri, Jessika Van Leeuwen, Veronika Vrecionová, Thomas Waitz, Maria Walsh

    Substitutes present for the final vote

    Peter Agius, Wouter Beke, Benoit Cassart, David Cormand, Claire Fita, Esther Herranz García, Anna Zalewska

    Members under Rule 216(7) present for the final vote

    Giuseppe Lupo, Jana Nagyová

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Ukraine: New surgical unit opens in Zhytomyr hospital under EU-backed recovery programme

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • A surgical unit at Pavlusenko Hospital in Zhytomyr has been rebuilt to serve nearly two million residents in the oblast.
    • It is now equipped with modern medical systems and upgraded infrastructure, doubling the hospital’s capacity to treat patients.
    • The project to rebuild the surgical unit was implemented under the EIB’s Ukraine Recovery Programme, which supports local communities across the country by helping to restore essential social infrastructure.

    A surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No.2 in Zhytomyr opened today following a comprehensive reconstruction project supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As an important healthcare provider in the region, the hospital plays a vital role in delivering specialised surgical care to residents of Zhytomyr and to internally displaced people now living in the oblast. Thanks to EU support, over 6 000 patients will now benefit from timely, high-quality treatment every year in an improved and more efficient setting.

    The reconstruction project involved upgrading the surgical unit’s internal infrastructure, creating a safer and more functional space for surgical care. The work covered essential systems, such as heating, ventilation and cooling systems, internal water supply and wastewater systems, electrical equipment and lighting, medical gas supply, the fire alarm and wired internet network – all critical for the smooth operation of a medical facility. The surgical unit also received essential medical support systems, including a vacuum station, a compressor unit and a modular chiller, along with new hospital furniture to equip the facility for daily use.

    The total investment of €511 000 was provided under the Ukraine Recovery Programme – a joint initiative of the European Union and its bank, the EIB, implemented in partnership with Ukraine’s Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories, the Ministry of Finance and the local authorities of Zhytomyr Oblast and the city of Zhytomyr. Technical assistance for the programme was provided by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.

    In total, 13 projects under EIB-financed recovery programmes – with a total value of nearly €20 million – have either been completed or are in progress in Zhytomyr Oblast. These include projects to rehabilitate healthcare and education facilities and an administrative building, as well as key water and sanitation infrastructure – all essential to maintain public services and improve living conditions amid the ongoing war.

    EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwińska, who is responsible for the Bank’s operations in Ukraine, said: “I am pleased to see another reconstructed facility delivered quickly and according to the highest standards – this time, the surgical unit at Zhytomyr Hospital. Through our recovery programmes, the EIB is helping to rebuild vital social infrastructure across Ukraine – hospitals, schools, kindergartens, social housing and water facilities – ensuring that all communities have access to quality services and dignified living conditions.”

    Rémi Duflot, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, said: “In the face of ongoing destruction and daily attacks by Russia, the European Union stands steadfast in its commitment to help Ukraine rebuild itself. Each completed project – such as this surgical unit at Zhytomyr Hospital No. 2 – is a powerful symbol of solidarity and cooperation. These efforts are not only about restoring what has been lost, but also about rebuilding a stronger, better future for Ukraine. We are proud to be working alongside the European Investment Bank, the local community, and UNDP to help enhance healthcare services for all.

    Deputy Prime Minister for Restoration of Ukraine – Minister for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine Oleksii Kuleba said: “The restoration of access to social and healthcare services remains a strategic priority for the Ministry. These efforts are fundamental to the sustainable recovery of communities and to the support of internally displaced persons. We deeply thank the European Union and the European Investment Bank for their continued support in restoring critical social infrastructure, particularly in the healthcare sector. Your contribution plays an essential role in enhancing Ukraine’s resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.”

    Minister of Finance of Ukraine Sergii Marchenko said: “The EU’s support for Ukraine is not only about emergency aid, it’s about investing in the infrastructure that keeps society functioning and enables economic recovery. Rebuilding facilities like this surgical unit in Zhytomyr helps restore essential services, strengthen resilience, and lay the groundwork for sustainable growth.”

    Head of the Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration Vitalii Bunechko said: “The upgraded surgical unit strengthens our region’s healthcare system, bringing modern, high-quality care closer to thousands of residents. Despite the war, the hospital team and local contractors worked tirelessly to finish the project on time. Their dedication shows how committed Ukrainians are to moving forward, even under fire. It’s one of 13 projects supported by the EIB in Zhytomyr Oblast, and we are sincerely grateful to the European Union for its support.”

    First Deputy Mayor of Zhytomyr Svitlana Olshanska said: “The major reconstruction of the surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No.2 was urgently needed, it has turned it into a modern, fully equipped space where patients can receive high-quality care in safe and comfortable conditions. This is a vital improvement for our city, and we are continuing this progress with the ongoing capital repairs of the hospital’s emergency department, also supported by the EIB.”

    UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine Jaco Cilliers said: “UNDP is proud to support Ukrainian communities on the ground by helping turn recovery plans into reality. Thanks to EIB financing and national leadership, we are ensuring that EU-backed projects like this surgical unit in Zhytomyr deliver real impact where it’s needed most.”

    Background information

    The EIB in Ukraine 

    The EIB Group has supported Ukraine’s resilience, economy and recovery efforts since the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion, with €2.2 billion already disbursed since 2022. 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 war has inflicted severe damage on Ukraine’s healthcare system. According to the Fourth Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment (RDNA4), the health sector has suffered substantial losses since February 2022. Direct damage to healthcare facilities is a major concern, with RDNA4 finding that 1 603 facilities (16.2%) have been destroyed or damaged. The war has also disrupted access to care and strained resources, putting immense pressure on medical personnel. The reconstruction of the surgical unit in Zhytomyr is a critical part of the effort to rebuild and strengthen healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that residents can receive necessary medical care amidst these challenges.

    The reconstruction of the surgical unit at V.P. Pavlusenko Hospital No. 2 in Zhytomyr was carried out under the Ukraine Recovery Programme, one of three recovery programmes supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB). As of May 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.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to Congress: California Must Retain its Ability to Protect Californians, Respond to Emerging AI Technology

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 40 attorneys general in sending a letter to Congressional leaders opposing a proposed 10-year ban on states enforcing any state law or regulation addressing artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making systems. The ban was included in the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s changes to the budget reconciliation bill. In the letter, the attorneys general note that the ban, particularly when combined with the lack of any movement toward a federal regulatory framework, would leave this fast-moving area of law and technology completely void of regulation — wiping away any state-level frameworks already in place and effectively depriving consumers of reasonable protections.

    “As the fourth largest economy in the world — built in large part on technological innovation and a commitment to protecting our residents — California knows that consumer protections and innovation go hand in hand. Allowing states to be responsive to AI and adopt new protections while still nurturing innovation serves both industry and consumers,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I strongly oppose any effort to block states from developing and enforcing common-sense regulation; states must be able to protect their residents by responding to emerging and evolving AI technology.”

    BACKGROUND 

    AI systems affect nearly all aspects of everyday life. Businesses use AI systems to evaluate consumers’ credit risk and guide loan decisions, screen tenants for rentals, and target consumers with ads and offers. AI systems are used in the workplace to guide employment decisions, in educational settings to provide new learning systems, and are widespread in health care settings where they’re used to guide medical diagnosis and treatment, healthcare provider operations, and insurance coverage decisions.  

    The promise of AI raises exciting and important possibilities. But, like any emerging technology, there are risks to adoption without responsible, appropriate, and thoughtful oversight. AI systems are novel and complex, and their inner workings are often not understood even by developers and entities that use AI, resulting in situations where AI tools have generated false information or biased and discriminatory results. 

    In the absence of federal action to install this oversight, states have considered and passed legislation to protect their residents and address a wide range of harms associated with AI and automated decision-making. 

    In California, this includes laws to prohibit deep-fakes designed to mislead voters and consumers, require basic disclosures when consumers are interacting with specific kinds of AI, and ensure that doctors supervise AI tools used to make decisions about healthcare services and insurance claims. In January, Attorney General Bonta issued two legal advisories reminding consumers of their rights and advising businesses and healthcare entities who develop, sell, or use AI about their obligations under California law. Although AI technology is developing rapidly, entities must comply with existing California laws, as well as new laws that went into effect on January 1, 2025. 

    In sending today’s letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Tennessee, New Hampshire, Vermont, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

    A copy of the letter can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Embassy Bancorp, Inc. Announces Results of Operations as of and for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BETHLEHEM, Pa., May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On May 14, 2025, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQX: EMYB) (the “Company”) filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2025, a copy of which can be found at https://investors.embassybank.com/sec-filings/documents/default.aspx.

    Highlights of the filing, which includes consolidated financial information of the Company and Embassy Bank For the Lehigh Valley (the “Bank”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, include:

    • Cash and cash equivalents on hand of $97.9 million at March 31, 2025, or 5.6% of total assets.
    • Deposits of $1.61 billion at March 31, 2025, an increase of $59.0 million from $1.55 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company does not have any brokered deposits.
    • Short term borrowings of $15.6 million at December 31, 2024 were repaid in full on January 2, 2025 and there were no new borrowings required during the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
    • Bank net interest margin (FTE) increased to 2.34% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, up from 2.28% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 and up from 2.20% for the prior year quarter ended March 31, 2024
    • Bank cost of funds of 1.80% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, down from 1.91% for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. This is compared to a Pennsylvania peer group (stock banks headquartered in Pennsylvania with assets between $100 million and $5 billion) cost of funds of 2.11% for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.
    • Bank assets per employee of $15.4 million at March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group assets per employee of $8.0 million.
    • Bank noncurrent loans to total loans of only 0.04% as of March 31, 2025, compared to the Pennsylvania peer group total of 0.46%.
    • Net income of $2.9 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2025, up from $2.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, for the prior year three months ended March 31, 2024.

    About Embassy Bancorp, Inc.

    With over $1.7 billion in assets, Embassy Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Embassy Bank for the Lehigh Valley, a full-service community bank operating ten branch locations throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley.

    Embassy Bank was recently named “Best Bank & Mortgage Company” in the 2025 Who’s Who in Business survey, as featured in Lehigh Valley Style magazine—marking the fourth consecutive year it has earned this distinguished honor. The Bank was also voted the 2024 Morning Call Readers’ Choice “Best Bank,” underscoring its ongoing commitment to exceptional customer service and community-focused banking.

    According to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (FDIC) Summary of Deposits as of June 30, 2024, Embassy Bank ranks fourth in total deposit market share across Lehigh and Northampton Counties combined—further solidifying its role as a leading financial institution in the region.

    For more information, visit www.embassybank.com.

    Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

    This document may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and trends could differ materially from those set forth in such statements due to various risks, uncertainties and other factors. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results and experience to differ from those projected include, but are not limited to, the following: ineffectiveness of the company’s business strategy due to changes in current or future market conditions; the effects of competition, and of changes in laws and regulations, including industry consolidation and development of competing financial products and services; interest rate movements; changes in credit quality; difficulties in integrating distinct business operations, including information technology difficulties; volatilities in the securities markets; and deteriorating economic conditions, and other risks and uncertainties, including those detailed in Embassy Bancorp, Inc.’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The statements are valid only as of the date hereof and Embassy Bancorp, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update this information.

    Contact:
    David M. Lobach, Jr.
    Chairman, President and CEO
    (610) 882-8800

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nation’s largest public service unions launch national campaign to stop federal budget cuts to public services

    Source: US National Education Union

    WASHINGTON—The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the National Education Association (NEA), and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) are launching “Put Families First”—a new campaign aimed at fighting billionaires’ plans to gut public services and give massive tax breaks to the ultra-rich. With over 8.3 million members, including nurses, care providers, educators, school bus drivers, and sanitation workers, the unions’ campaign will center the stories of the workers who keep our communities running and know firsthand the devastating impact reckless cuts will have on working families.

    Anti-union extremists are pushing a federal budget that would make devastating cuts to public services and vital programs like Medicaid—all to pay for billionaire tax cuts. On average, one-third of all states’ budgets rely on federal dollars. Without this funding, hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and vital community centers could shutter, leaving millions of working families behind.

    Public service workers across the country have spent the past four months sounding the alarm, talking to their co-workers, organizing town halls, and calling members of Congress to demand they put working families before billionaires. Now, they are turning up the heat, targeting 17 key congressional districts around the country with a $2 million media campaign and mobilization effort detailing the human impacts these cuts would have on our communities.

    “Congress’ proposed budget plan will spell disaster for working families and hurt our economy,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “These budget cuts don’t just threaten Medicaid or food assistance; they put all of us at risk. From overcrowded hospitals to underfunded schools to short-staffed prisons, our communities will pay the price—all so billionaires can get richer. We’re fighting back to protect public services and the essential work we do. Congress must stop the cuts.”

    “Our unions represent the people who make a difference in the lives of others—and the public services they provide are in grave danger because of the reckless and chaotic cuts of Elon Musk and the Trump administration,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Their goal is the gutting of the schools and hospitals that help working Americans have a shot at a better life. And for what? To pay for tax cuts for billionaires. These ads send a message to Congress about the human toll of the administration’s attacks and make the convincing case that it’s time to put families, not ultra-wealthy donors, first.”

    “Across the country, educators do everything in their power to support every student, ensuring each student feels safe, seen, and is prepared for the future. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their MAGA allies are working to cut Head Start for over 800,000 kids, closing local hospitals so rural families will have to travel long distances to get care, and ballooning class sizes in public schools across America—all so they can enrich themselves,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “We refuse to be silent. Over 8.3 million workers who have dedicated their lives to educating our students and building stronger communities are standing together to sound the alarm on these reckless cuts Trump is pushing so he can pay for tax giveaways to billionaires. Educators will continue organizing, mobilizing, and growing the movement to put families first.”

    “Medicaid is a lifeline for working people,” said April Verrett, president of SEIU. “Congress is trying to rip that lifeline away to fund billions in tax breaks to the ultra-rich. Slashing Medicaid means seniors losing home care and kids missing out on the care they need. Let’s call this what it is: stealing from everyday people and giving handouts to billionaires. That’s why SEIU members and our allies are calling a Code Blue on Medicaid, because lives are on the line.”

    Ads will feature front-line members of AFSCME, AFT, SEIU and NEA—educators, nurses, care providers and more—whose jobs will be directly impacted by federal funding cuts. The four unions will share their stories within targeted congressional districts via television, streaming, social media and more.

    # # #

    AFSCME’s 1.4 million members provide the vital services that make America happen. With members in communities across the nation, serving in hundreds of different occupations—from nurses to corrections officers, childcare providers to sanitation workers—AFSCME advocates for fairness in the workplace, excellence in public services and freedom and opportunity for all working families.

    The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org

    The Service Workers International Union (SEIU) unites 2 million diverse members in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. SEIU members working in the healthcare industry, public sector and property services believe in the power of joining together on the job to win higher wages and benefits and to create better communities while fighting for a more just society and an economy that works for all of us, not just corporations and the wealthy. Learn more at www.seiu.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Announces 39 Appointments to Boards, Authorities and Commissions

    Source: US State of Georgia

    Atlanta, GA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced 39 appointments and reappointments to various state boards, authorities and commissions.

    Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission

    Donald Dowless currently serves as President of Shorter University in Rome, Georgia, a role he has held for over a decade. He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Baylor University, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to his presidency, Dowless teaches Christian studies and has instructed more than 10 different courses. His academic experience includes teaching at North Carolina State University, Campbell University, Southeastern Seminary, and Emmanuel University of Oradea. He has also completed missionary work in Romania and West Virginia. Dowless and his wife are active members of Pleasant Valley South Baptist Church in Silver Creek, Georgia.

    Georgia Board of Athletic Trainers

    Yusuf Jamal Ali was reappointed.

    Jeffrey Hopp serves as Director of Sports Medicine at Marietta City Schools and has led the Blue Devils’ athletic training program for over 20 years. He oversees student athletic trainers and has organized international trips for them to countries including Costa Rica, Ireland, and France. Prior to this, Hopp provided athletic training to Cobb and Cherokee County schools through Resurgens Orthopedics and was head athletic trainer for the Barcelona Dragons of NFL Europe. He has worked with the Minnesota Vikings, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games, and the 2007 U.S. National Paralympic Track and Field Championships. He was a founding member and chairman of the Georgia Concussion Coalition, contributing to the passage of the GA Return to Play Act. Hopp holds a B.S. in athletic training from Minnesota State University and resides in Dallas, Georgia, with his wife, Julie.

    Georgia Board of Landscape Architects

    Chad Baker, Jon Calabria, and Rebecca Kirk were reappointed.

    Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council

    Stan Stalnaker is a member of the Tift County Board of Commissioners, currently serving his third term.  He is a certified county commissioner through the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and holds a specialty track certification in public safety. Stalnaker is a 29-year veteran of the Georgia State Patrol, holds the rank of Captain, and currently serves as the Director of GSP’s Aviation Division.  He holds a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University, is a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College, and a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #261, in Quantico, Virginia. Stalnaker and his wife Keisha reside in Tifton, where they attend Liberty Baptist Church. They have one son who attends Georgia Southern University.

    Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers

    Melissa Cantrell and Anne K. Smith were reappointed.

    Georgia Historical Records Advisory Council

    Mary McCartin Wearn is the President of Georgia Humanities. She formerly served as founding dean of the School of Arts and Letters at Middle Georgia State University, where she led regional partnerships and public-facing arts and culture programs. She holds a Ph.D. in english from UGA, a B.A. in english from the University of Maryland Global Campus, and a B.S. in biomedical engineering from Case Western Reserve University.

    Georgia Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

    Ibrahim Dabo, Paula Harmon, Anne McQuade, and Allison Morrison were reappointed.

    State Board of Workers Compensation

    Benjamin Vinson was reappointed as Chairman.

    Frank McKay was reappointed.

    State Charter School Commission

    Scott Sweeney is a Senior Business Advisor at InPrime Legal, a business law firm recognized as a 2019 Small Business ROCK STAR by the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Economic Developers Association. He has served on numerous national, state, and local boards, including as past president of the Georgia Education Committee, a legislative affairs committee member for the Georgia School Boards Association, and a member of both the CTAE Business & Advisory Committee and the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee. Sweeney spent eight years on the Cobb County Board of Education, holding leadership roles including chair, vice-chair, budget liaison, and Facilities and Technology Committee liaison. He later served on the Georgia State Board of Education from 2019 to 2025, representing the 6th and later the 11th Congressional Districts. During his tenure, he served as chairman and chaired the District Flexibility and Charter Schools Committee. Sweeney holds a B.A. in economics from UCLA and resides in East Cobb with his wife, Sandy, and their two sons.

    State Board of Certification of Librarians

    Kathryn R. Epps was reappointed.

    Catherine M. Lewis serves as Associate Vice Provost of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books at the University Libraries and as Professor of History at Kennesaw State University. She manages a multimillion-dollar budget and leads a staff of nearly 100 professionals. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in english and history from Emory University, as well as a Master of Arts and Ph.D. in american studies from the University of Iowa. She has curated more than 40 exhibits for institutions across the country, including the Atlanta History Center, the Brennan Museum, Delta Airlines, Augusta National Golf Club, and United Way. She has co-authored and co-edited over 15 books, regularly presents at national and international conferences, and has helped secure major grants for Kennesaw State from organizations such as the U.S. State Department, the American Association of Museums, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

    Bona Fide Coin Operated Amusement Machine Operator Advisory Board

    Shawn Fellows, Mills Flemming, Natalie Jones and Chandra B. Yadav were reappointed.

    Georgia Child Support Commission

    Chuck Efstration, Houston Gaines, Emanuel Jones and Brian Strickland were reappointed.

    Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board

    Marlon L. Day is a Senior Director at Quest Valuation & Advisors, where he performs appraisals across a wide range of property types and markets. He is an accomplished research and financial analyst and a certified general appraiser with more than 22 years of experience in preparing and presenting valuation analyses. His project experience includes multi-family residential, office, retail, warehouse, industrial, mixed-use, infrastructure, special-use properties, expert witness testimony, and diminution in value. His practical business expertise is supported by a Master of Business Administration in finance. Day and his wife have three children.

    Board of Natural Resources

    Steven Hufstetler and Brent Layton were reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Foresters

    James Harley Langdale was reappointed.

    Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board

    Robert Balkcom serves as the South Adjutant of the Georgia State Patrol, overseeing the operations of Troops F, G, H, I, J, and K, as well as the South Nighthawks DUI Task Force, the Recruiting Unit, the Implied Consent Unit (ICU), the Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU), the Specialized Collision Reconstruction Team (SCRT), the State of Georgia SWAT Team, and four Communication Centers. Prior to assuming this role in 2020, Balkcom served as Troop F Commander. He began his law enforcement career as a police officer with the Savannah Police Department in 1992 and joined the Georgia State Patrol as a Trooper Cadet at Post 42 – Savannah in 1994. After graduating from the 71st Georgia State Patrol Trooper School in 1995, he was assigned to Post 42 – Savannah. Balkcom was promoted to Corporal at Post 45 – Statesboro in 2006. In 2009, he was selected as Commander of the newly formed Nighthawks South DUI Task Force and promoted to Sergeant in 2011. He advanced to Sergeant First Class at Post 11 – Hinesville in 2013, Lieutenant in Troop I in 2018, and Captain in Troop F in March 2020. Balkcom graduated from Reidsville High School in 1987 and earned a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Georgia Southern University in 1991. He is also a graduate of the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College and holds a master’s degree in public safety administration from Columbus State University. He and his wife, Nicole, have lived in Reidsville for the past 40 years.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority

    Jeff Andrews currently serves as the Fourth Congressional District Representative on the Board of Natural Resources. He began his career in the long-term care industry in 1981 as marketing director for a continuing care retirement community in Birmingham, Alabama. He was later promoted to executive director and then southeast regional vice president. In 1988, Andrews became senior vice president of corporate development, where he led the addition of 17 properties to the management portfolio, helping establish the company as the largest for-profit, third-party manager of retirement housing in the United States. By 1990, Andrews co-founded Retirement Management Corporation and served as its president until its acquisition by Sun Healthcare in 1998. In 1999, he founded Wellington HealthCare Services, LLC, which grew to 11 owned facilities before being sold in 2007. He retained a significant ownership stake and helped the company meet key operational goals. He continues to lead Wellington, which currently manages 17 facilities.

    North Georgia Mountains Authority- Chair

    Patrick Denney is a graduate of West Georgia College with a BBA in marketing and a lifelong resident of Carroll County. He owns and operates SLM Recycling, SLM Steel and Fabrication, and Heavy Equipment Repair. An avid outdoorsman, Denney manages farm, timber, and hunting land in both Carroll and Heard Counties. He was appointed to the Board of Natural Resources in 2020 and has served on the North Georgia Mountains Authority since 2021. He and his wife, Lynne, have four children and reside in Bowdon.

    State Properties Commission

    Yi Jeng “Jay” Lin was reappointed.

    Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists

    Gregory Keith Moffatt was reappointed.

    State Board of Registration for Professional Geologists

    Jack L. Kittle, Jr. is a retired water and environmental resource manager with Aqua Terra Consultants. With over 40 years of experience, Kittle worked with major clients such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Geological Survey. He earned a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1975. An active member of the Decatur community, Kittle helped charter and establish the Decatur Parks and Recreation Pedestrian Committee in 2013 and served on the committee for over 10 years.

    Veterans Service Board

    Darius “Pete” Peterson was reappointed.

    Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies  

    Timothy Williams was reappointed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla, Colleagues Urge Social Security Administration to Reverse Decision to Maliciously & Illegally List Immigrants as “Dead”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, joined 15 of his Democratic Senate colleagues in condemning and demanding the reversal of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) recent decision to list certain immigrants as “dead” in the master files.
    The Senators highlighted the departure from previous uses of SSA master files, noting that they normally share the files with federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, or other financial institutions to prevent them from mistakenly paying deceased individuals or fraudsters trying to impersonate them. These files prevent over $50 million in improper payments per month. The death master files are now being weaponized against noncitizens, however, in a malicious attempt to keep them from participating in the U.S. economy.
    “These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security,” wrote the Senators.
    “These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars,” continued the Senators. “But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them ‘dead’ in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.”
    The Senators continued by highlighting incorrect designations of living, legal immigrants as “dead” without a chance to appeal, calling out the Department of Homeland Security for labeling these noncitizens as “criminals” or “suspected criminals” without sufficient investigations, as demonstrated by the erroneous deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens who were declared “dead” had lawfully received their SSNs and had lawful authorization to be in the country. The Senators further emphasized that SSA lacks the authority to make these false categorizations for living noncitizens.
    “Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as ‘dead’ in the death master files without justification,” added the Senators. “It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.”
    The Senators concluded by denouncing misinformation spread by President Trump regarding Social Security, criticizing his baseless claim that people over 300 years old were receiving Social Security benefits. They urged SSA to immediately reverse their cruel, fraudulent mislabeling scheme.
    The letter was led by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). In addition to Senator Padilla, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    Senator Padilla has fought against the Trump Administration’s weaponization of migrants’ personal information and files. Senator Padilla, Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Wyden, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), and Senator Warren recently urged the acting Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to investigate several reports that the Trump Administration is potentially violating strict taxpayer privacy laws by providing highly sensitive and legally protected taxpayer data to DHS and personnel affiliated with Elon Musk across various federal agencies. Padilla, Cortez Masto, and Wyden previously condemned the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) plan to provide sensitive taxpayer information to DHS to locate suspected undocumented immigrants and led a letter to IRS and DHS leadership raising the alarm on reports that DHS and the Department of Government Efficiency had illegally requested this information.
    Full text of the letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano is available here and below:
    Dear Commissioner Bisignano: We write to strongly object to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) apparent decision to list living noncitizens as “dead” in the agency’s master files. These arbitrary actions—intended to weaponize Social Security in the Administration’s attack on immigrants—are disgraceful and will erode the integrity of and trust in Social Security.
    SSA collects death records from families, financial institutions, and government agencies and compiles them into death master files, which the agency then shares with certain federal agencies, banks, credit bureaus, and other financial institutions to prevent improper payments to people who have died or those fraudulently seeking to impersonate someone who is deceased. In fact, the death master files help to prevent more than $50 million in improper payments each month. However, it appears that SSA is now using the death master files for another purpose: a weapon against living noncitizens.
    In April, the New York Times reported SSA maliciously has listed living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. These noncitizens were lawfully present and granted work authorization by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), making them eligible for Social Security numbers (SSNs) to work and contribute to our nation. SSNs allow noncitizens to participate in the economy by obtaining housing, bank accounts, and insurance. Their work helps to boost the United States’ Gross Domestic Product by trillions of dollars. But now, these noncitizens will no longer have access to their own financial resources because SSA has taken the unprecedented action of declaring them “dead” in a cruel and Orwellian attempt to force them to leave the United States.
    According to an internal memo, DHS claims that these noncitizens are “criminals” and “suspected terrorists.” But the proper procedure if a noncitizen is a criminal or a suspected terrorist is to initiate proceedings against them in immigration court, not for the SSA to arbitrarily declare them “dead” without any proof. In addition, DHS, not the SSA, makes determinations as to whether or not a noncitizen is eligible to work and whether to terminate or revoke work authorization. Finally, SSA has procedures the agency follows when it is determined that an individual no longer has work authorization or has lost status, and they do not involve declaring an individual dead. For example, a noncitizen’s Social Security card may state “Valid for work only with DHS authorization” or “Not valid for employment.”
    Yet, according to press reports, most of the more than 6,000 noncitizens declared “dead” were lawfully authorized by DHS to be in the United States and lawfully obtained SSNs. They were thoroughly vetted and underwent mandatory security checks before receiving authorization to travel to United States airports, where they then were individually screened by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol officers before being cleared to enter. The New York Times report indicated SSA has listed several minors, including a 13-year-old, as “dead” in the death master files, while the Washington Post reported that SSA workers “found no evidence of crimes or law enforcement interactions” for others. Further, SSA has no authority to erroneously categorize living noncitizens as “dead” in its death master files. Such use of the death master files raises the question of whether SSA may list other living legal immigrants—or even American citizens—as “dead” in the death master files without justification. It should frighten every American that SSA could make the unilateral decision to ruin their financial lives without even a chance to appeal.
    In his Joint Address to Congress in March, President Trump claimed there were people over the age of 300 receiving Social Security benefits, simply because some of the death master files lacked a recorded death date. His assertion was not true, and SSA’s actions now are turning this tool to prevent fraud into one that instead facilitates it. We urge SSA not to use the death master files in this manner and to remove noncitizens falsely listed as “dead” from the files.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1815, VA Home Loan Program Reform Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    Bill Summary

    H.R. 1815 would temporarily increase the amounts authorized for the Grant and Per Diem Program through which The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) awards funding to organizations to provide transitional housing for veterans. The bill also would establish a Partial Claim Program through which VA would pay lenders amounts to prevent foreclosure on guaranteed loans that are delinquent or in default.

    Estimated Federal Cost

    The estimated budgetary effects of H.R. 1815 are shown in Table 1. The bill would decrease net direct spending by $147 million and increase spending subject to appropriation by $146 million over the 2025-2035 period. The costs of the legislation fall within budget function 700 (veterans benefits and services).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Budgetary Effects of H.R. 1815
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035
     

    Increases or Decreases (-) in Direct Spending

    		    

    Estimated Budget Authority

    11

    -13

    -34

    -39

    -41

    -30

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -146

    -146

    Estimated Outlays

    10

    -14

    -33

    -39

    -41

    -30

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    -147

    -147
     

    Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation

    		    

    Authorization

    75

    73

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    148

    148

    Estimated Outlays

    66

    71

    8

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    146

    146

    Basis of Estimate

    For this estimate, CBO assumes that H.R. 1815 will be enacted in fiscal year 2025 and that provisions will take effect upon or soon after enactment. CBO also estimates that outlays will follow historical spending patterns for affected programs.

    Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending

    Section 5 would temporarily increase the amounts authorized for the Grant and Per Diem Program through which VA pays a daily rate to public and nonprofit entities that provide housing and supportive services to homeless veterans.

    Current law limits the total amount that VA can award for those grants to $258 million each year; section 5 would raise that limit to $344 million for 2025 and 2026. Using information on past grant payments and historical spending patterns, CBO estimates that the amounts paid for grants would increase by a total of $169 million over the 2025-2035 period.

    Some of the homeless veterans who would obtain services under section 5 would be veterans who have been exposed to environmental hazards; thus, CBO expects that some of the costs of implementing the bill would be paid from the Toxic Exposures Fund (TEF) established by Public Law 117-168, the Honoring our PACT Act. The TEF is a mandatory appropriation that VA uses to pay for health care, disability claims processing, medical research, and information technology modernization that benefit veterans who were exposed to environmental hazards. Additional spending from the TEF occurs if legislation increases the costs of similar activities that benefit veterans with such exposure. Thus, in addition to increasing spending subject to appropriation, enacting section 5 would increase amounts paid from the TEF, which are classified as direct spending.

    CBO projects that the proportion of costs paid by the TEF will grow over time based on the amount of formerly discretionary appropriations that CBO expects will be provided through the mandatory appropriation as specified in the Honoring our PACT Act. CBO estimates that over the 2025-2035 period, implementing section 5 would increase outlays for spending subject to appropriation by $146 million and direct spending by $23 million.

    Direct Spending

    The discussion above in “Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending” describes the increased authorizations for the Grant and Per Diem Program that would increase direct spending from the TEF under section 5. Section 3 of the bill would establish a Partial Claim Program described below, which would decrease direct spending. In total, the bill would decrease net direct spending outlays by $147 million over the 2025‑2035 period (see Table 2).

    Partial Claim Program.VA provides loan guarantees to lenders that allow eligible borrowers to obtain better loan terms—such as lower interest rates or smaller down payments—to purchase, construct, improve, or refinance a home. VA typically pays lenders up to 25 percent of the outstanding mortgage balance if a borrower’s home is foreclosed upon. Those payments, net of fees paid by borrowers and recoveries by lenders, constitute the subsidy cost for the loan guarantees.

    Spending Subject to Appropriation

    The discussion above in “Provisions That Affect Spending Subject to Appropriation and Direct Spending” describes the increased authorizations for the Grant and Per Diem Program that would increase spending subject to appropriation under section 5, totaling $146 million over the 2025-2035 period (see Table 3).

    Table 3.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under H.R. 1815
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		    
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2031

    2032

    2033

    2034

    2035

    2025-2030

    2025-2035

    Grant & Per Diem

    		                      

    Authorization

    75

    73

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    148

    148

    Estimated Outlays

    66

    71

    8

    1

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    0

    146

    146

    Pay-As-You-Go Considerations

    The Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 establishes budget-reporting and enforcement procedures for legislation affecting direct spending or revenues. The net changes in outlays that are subject to those pay-as-you-go procedures are shown in Table 2.

    Increase in Long-Term Net Direct Spending and Deficits

    CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 1815 would not increase net direct spending or on-budget deficits in any of the four consecutive 10-year periods beginning in 2036.

    Mandates

    H.R. 1815 contains an intergovernmental and private-sector mandate, as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA). By not allowing judicial review of the Department of Veterans Affairs decision to obtain secured interest in a veteran’s defaulted home loan, the bill would eliminate an existing right of action for any public or private entity that would otherwise be able to seek judicial review. There is no cost associated with this mandate because judicial review does not result in monetary damages; the cost is therefore well below the thresholds established in UMRA for intergovernmental and private-sector mandates ($103 million and $206 million in 2025, respectively, adjusted annually for inflation).

    Federal Costs: Paul B.A. Holland

    Mandates: Grace Watson

    Estimate Reviewed By

    David Newman
    Chief, Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit

    Kathleen FitzGerald
    Chief, Public and Private Mandates Unit

    Christina Hawley Anthony
    Deputy Director of Budget Analysis

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –