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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: DMV Senators Announce MERIT Act to Reinstate Recently Terminated Probationary Federal Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) joined Sens. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) in introducing the of the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act. This timely legislation would reinstate recently terminated probationary federal employees and provide them back pay.

    “The Trump administration’s ongoing attacks on the federal workforce have hit Virginians especially hard. Not only have these senseless cuts and layoffs caused unnecessary pain for the federal workforce, but they are making us less safe in the process. Congress must act to undo this damage by reinstating federal employees who were unjustly fired and giving them the back pay they deserve,” said Sen. Warner. 

    “Trump and Musk’s illegal cuts to the nonpartisan civil service have disrupted government’s basic operation and disproportionately impacted veterans in Virginia and across the country,” said Sen. Kaine. “Reinstating these professional civil servants is critical for our economy and national security. That’s why I’m cosponsoring the MERIT Act, and will keep doing all that I can to fight for the patriotic Americans who have dedicated their lives to serving our communities through public service.”

    “This bill protects and restores the meritorious civil servants shamefully attacked by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. If DOGE were serious about rooting out unqualified workers, they’d focus on their own disastrous cabinet nominees: be it a Secretary of Defense who is leaking classified war plans, or a Secretary of Labor who isn’t clear on collective bargaining agreement enforcement, or a Secretary of Health and Human Services who believes our race should determine our vaccine schedules. We have a duty to stand by the patriotic civil servants who work day and night on behalf of the American people. Our bill is an important step towards restoring the full suite of services that our federal employees provide to the American people,” said Sen. Alsobrooks.

    “The Trump-Musk Administration’s illegal purge of federal employees is not only hurting our hard-working public servants — it is wreaking havoc on important services for all Americans. As we support efforts in the courts to reverse these dangerous attacks on federal employees and the work they do, we’re also fighting in Congress. This legislation will allow our federal workers to get back on the job so they can continue serving the American people,” said Sen. Van Hollen.

    “NFFE is fully supportive of the MERIT Act to reinstate illegally terminated federal employees, allowing them to return to work and continue delivering critical services for the American people,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “These are dedicated public servants who care for our veterans, maintain our military readiness, protect our communities from natural disasters, and so much more. Congress must reverse the President’s unlawful and dangerous attempts to dismantle the civil service. Thank you to Senator Alsobrooks for her commitment to federal workers.”

    “Our union applauds Senator Alsobrooks for leading this bill to reinstate thousands of highly qualified federal employees who have been unjustly terminated as part of a Trump-Musk effort to dismantle federal agencies and public services. Not only were these mass firings a reckless misuse of taxpayer dollars and public resources, but these actions have been judged illegal by federal courts. So many of these talented federal workers are veterans, and experienced professionals who were recently promoted, but all of them were hired as federal civil servants due to their qualifications and their competency for the job,” said International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) President Matt Biggs.

    “The MERIT ACT is greatly needed at a time when so many in our federal workforce have been unjustly fired, and when thousands more, including SEIU members, are doing their jobs in the hostile, chaotic environment created by this administration and DOGE. Federal workers who provide critical services to our communities from agencies such as Veterans Affairs, the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency are navigating through massive job layoffs while scrambling to pay rent, keep the lights on, and feed their families. SEIU is proud to support this bill that will reinstate DOGE-fired workers and ensure that they have backpay they’re due, so they can continue to provide vital services in good and bad times.” said SEIU President April Verrett. 

    The MERIT Act would reinstate federal employees, including probationary workers who were recently promoted or hired, who were fired from federal agencies and departments as part of the ongoing mass layoffs. The bill would provide back pay, treat the employees as “involuntarily separated without cause,” and require the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit to Congress a report on the number of workers fired and other information about the layoffs. 

    The MERIT Act has been endorsed by: 

    American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)

    International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)

    National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE)

    National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU)

    Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

    The American Federation of Labor (AFL)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin Demands for USDA to Not Take Food Away from Food Banks and Hungry Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a group of her colleagues are demanding answers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) about the cancellation of previously approved funding through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) for food banks and other emergency food providers. This cancellation would take food away from hungry Wisconsinites already facing high grocery prices and further hurt Wisconsin farmers who are being squeezed by tariffs and other cuts to domestic markets.

    “A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy,” wrote Baldwin and the lawmakers in a letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins.

    “These cuts will deprive Americans of food assistance, emergency food providers of necessary support to carry out their work, and American farmers of vital domestic markets,” Baldwin and the Senators continued.

    TEFAP provides Wisconsinites with three to five days of free food assistance, and in 2024 alone, Wisconsin distributed over 21 million pounds of food through the program, serving over 618,000 households across 353 distribution sites statewide. The loss of this program would impact Wisconsinites across the state, and particularly those in rural, tribal, and low-income communities who are facing food insecurity and rely on this critical funding. 

    The letter was led by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and co-signed by 24 other Senate colleagues.

    A full version of this letter is available here and below.

    Dear Secretary Rollins:

    We write regarding the reported cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy. If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance.

    In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.

    According to recent statistics, nearly one in every seven Americans have faced food insecurity. Many of these households turn to community and emergency relief organizations such as food banks and food pantries to help them obtain sufficient nutrition. In 2023 alone, 50 million Americans turned to emergency food providers, according to a report from Feeding America, America’s largest network of food banks. While food banks rely on a variety of sources (including private) to obtain food for distribution through their networks, federally purchased commodities are a key part of how they provide nutritious meals to Americans. 

    Due to this reported change, a number of us have heard that trucks delivering American-grown foods may not arrive. These trucks represent hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals containing poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. If confirmed, the cancellation of this previously announced funding also comes on top of the cancellation of Local Food for School Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program funding, which also helps farmers deliver nutritious foods to schools and food banks. These cuts will deprive Americans of food assistance, emergency food providers of necessary support to carry out their work, and American farmers of vital domestic markets.

    To help us understand USDA’s actions and their impact on communities around the country, we ask that you answer the following questions.

    1. Has USDA cancelled previously approved purchases of food provided through TEFAP? If so, what level of funding has been cancelled thus far and when will state agencies be notified of any cancelled TEFAP purchases?
    2. Does USDA plan to cancel additional purchases of food provided through TEFAP?
    3. Has USDA paused any TEFAP food orders or purchases? If so, what is the current status of those orders or purchases? Does USDA intend to un-pause these funds? 
    4. Please provide information on what types of funding, by commodity, have been cancelled and the financial impact of those cancellations on producers such as pork, chicken, turkey and dairy farmers.
    5. Is the funding announced on October 1, 2024 and detailed in the implementation memo that the Food and Nutrition Service sent to state agencies on December 2 rescinded?
    6. Does USDA intend to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds in Fiscal Year 2025 for future purchases that will be distributed through TEFAP? 

    We ask for a prompt response to these questions by the end of the week.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Judicial Appointment

    Source: US State of Missouri

    MARCH 28, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Kehoe appointed a new Associate Circuit Judge to the 32ndJudicial Circuit.

    Amy Trueblood, of Cape Girardeau, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Cape Girardeau County in the 32nd Judicial Circuit.

    Mrs. Trueblood earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science and public policy and economics from Harvard University. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia, Illinois, and Missouri. Mrs. Trueblood currently serves as a judicial law clerk to Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh for the United States District Court in Cape Girardeau. In addition to her legal career, she is an active member of the Federalist Society, Harvard Club of St. Louis, and the Cape Girardeau County Bar Association. Mrs. Trueblood also served on the Cape Girardeau Public Library Board of Trustees, including terms as President and Vice President.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Seize the mining wealth opportunity in 2025 JA Mining helps you easily earn passive income

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Miami, FL, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —
    In recent years, the global demand for clean energy and sustainable development has surged, and the mining industry has ushered in changes. JA Mining has rapidly emerged as an industry leader with innovative technology, sustainable strategy and global layout, creating new wealth opportunities for individuals and companies to earn $150,000.

    How to make money with JA Mining?

    JA Mining provides users with a variety of ways to participate in mining investment and earn income. Both novice and professional investors can find an investment plan that suits them. The following are the main ways to make money:

    Start making money!

    1. Register to get $100

    JA Mining launched a new user registration to give away $100, which can be used for mining investment and start earning income.

    2. Cloud mining computing power leasing

    JA Mining’s cloud mining service provides a variety of contract plans, there is always one suitable for you, such as:

    ● Basic cloud computing plan: Invest $200, 2-day contract, profit $214.

    ● Classic cloud computing plan: Invest $600, 3-day contract, profit $634.

    ● Advanced Cloud Computing Plan: Invest $1,330, 5-day contract, profit $1,466.

    ● Super Cloud Computing Plan: Invest $6,000, 14-day contract, profit $7,898.

    3. Referral Reward Program

    JA Mining has launched a referral reward mechanism, where users can get up to 7% extra income by inviting friends.

    4. Compound investment and income reinvestment

    Users can continue to invest the income they have obtained into new investment plans, thereby achieving compound growth and maximizing long-term investment returns.

    What are the advantages of JA Mining?

    JA Mining stands out in the mining investment market mainly due to the following core advantages:

    ● Get $100 when you sign up, lowering the threshold

    ● FCA supervision, safe and reliable

    ● No hidden fees or maintenance fees

    ● Flexible and diverse investment options

    ● Serving the world, 24/7 customer support

    ● Environmentally friendly and sustainable development

    Conclusion

    As a company strictly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom, JA Mining is known for its transparency, efficiency and compliance, providing investors with a safe and reliable investment environment. In addition, JA Mining combines traditional mining with modern financial technology, making mining investment no longer limited to large enterprises, but open to ordinary investors around the world.

    Act now and seize the opportunity! Join JA Mining, receive your $100 reward, and start your digital wealth journey!

    Official website: https://jamining.com/

    Contact email: info@jamining.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risk. There is potential for loss of funds. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose Investments Inc. Announces 2025 First-Quarter Distributions for Purpose Specialty Lending Trust

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. is pleased to announce the 2025 first-quarter distributions for Purpose Specialty Lending Trust.

      Ticker
    Symbol    		 Distribution
    per
    share/unit    		 Ex
    Distribution
    Date    		 Record
    Date    		 Payable
    Date
    Purpose Specialty Lending Trust – Class A Unlisted $0.1215 03/31/2025 03/31/2025 04/22/2025
    Purpose Specialty Lending Trust – Class F Unlisted $0.1255 03/31/2025 03/31/2025 04/22/2025
    Purpose Specialty Lending Trust – Class U Unlisted US $0.1665 03/31/2025 03/31/2025 04/22/2025
    Purpose Specialty Lending Trust – Class A1, Series 2 Unlisted $0.1405 03/31/2025 03/31/2025 04/22/2025
    Purpose Specialty Lending Trust – Class F, Series 3 Unlisted $0.1455 03/31/2025 03/31/2025 04/22/2025

    About Purpose Investments Inc.

    Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $23 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company.

    For further information please contact:
    Keera Hart
    Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. Investment funds are not covered by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government deposit insurer. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Kentucky Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by May Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Kentucky of the April 23, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, landslides and mudslides occurring on May 21-27, 2024. 

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Allen, Barren, Bell, Boyd, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carter, Christian, Clay, Crittenden, Edmonson, Graves, Grayson, Greenup, Hopkins, Jackson, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Lewis, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, McCreary, McLean, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Owsley, Perry, Simpson, Todd, Trigg, Warren, Webster and Whitley in Kentucky, as well as Lawrence and Scioto counties in Ohio, and Campbell, Claiborne, Henry, Montgomery, Robertson, Stewart and Sumner counties in Tennessee. 

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises. 

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

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

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition. 

    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 deadline to return economic injury applications is April 23, 2025. 

    ### 

    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 New Zealand: Employment – 1000 days since landmark pay equity deal expired – workers losing $145 a week

    Source: PSA

    Today marks 1000 days that 65,000 mainly female care and support workers have waited for the Government to fund their pay equity claim, meaning they have missed out on about $18,600.
    In 2017 legislation increased the pay of care and support workers to 21% above the minimum wage. This increase was in recognition that care and support workers have been historically underpaid because the sector is female dominated.
    The 2017 legislation had a five-year time limit, which expired in June 2022. Since then, as a result of successive governments’ refusal to fund a new pay equity settlement, about 65,000 mainly female care and support workers are losing $145 a week they are entitled to. That amounts to $18,662 each.
    With no new pay equity settlement being agreed, care and support workers have seen their hard-won pay equity settlement eroded by inflation and the failure to maintain relativity above the minimum wage, says Melissa Woolley, an Assistant Secretary with the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
    “These workers are now largely back on the minimum wage and many have had no wage increase for two years, making a mockery of the pay equity settlement.
    “The failure to fund a settlement is a major and shameful breach of human rights,” says Woolley, who is a former care and support worker.
    Some background
    In 2017 a pay equity deal was enshrined in legislation by the then National-led Coalition government. The deal settled a successful court case brought by Lower Hutt aged care worker Kristine Bartlett that she was not receiving equal pay as required by the Equal Pay Act.
    Only after the legislation expired in 2022 were the three unions representing care and support workers – PSA, E tū, and the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) – legally able to raise a new claim on behalf of care and support workers.
    “Care and support workers should never have been put in this position of having to raise a new claim. The Government should have agreed a new deal before the legislation expired,” Woolley says.
    “A thousand days have passed with that claim remaining unsettled. In that time our analysis shows that care and support workers are losing $145 each week, which means workers have been ripped off by $18,661.66 each,” Woolley says. “This has caused financial hardship and deep distress.”
    A care worker’s story
    Dunedin health care assistant and New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) delegate Marita Ansin-Johnson says the $18,000 they have missed out on over the past three years would have made a real difference to her life and the lives of other care and support workers.
    “It would have made my life easier. I’ve had to save for repairs on my house. It’s the simple things. Good kai on the table, a roof over your head and being able to afford to go to the doctors.”
    Ansin-Johnson has a message for the Government: “Give us a fair go. We are looking after New Zealanders who fought for us. We are trying to give them quality of life in return.”
    The cost of caring for some of the most vulnerable
    Wooley says the workers covered by the legislation care for some of the most vulnerable people in our community including the elderly, disabled people, those with mental health and addictions needs and injured people.
    “Care and support workers enable those who need care to live with dignity and receive the assistance they require. For many that means being able to live in their own homes rather than the government paying for their care in expensive hospitals or other institutions.
    “Since 2022 successive governments have been ripped off women workers, effectively using their commitment to the people they support, hard work and lost wages to subsidise the provision of care and support for the vulnerable in our communities,” says Woolley.
    “It’s blatant sexism. The Government is waging economic war against these largely female workers rather than funding a pay equity settlement that has been agreed is fair and the right thing to do.
    “We call on this Government to follow the lead of the previous National-led coalition, settle this case and remedy this massive injustice,” Woolley says.
    Notes
    PSA analysis of lost wages is based on the 21% margin above the minimum wage that care and support workers received in the 2017 settlement. The settlement rates, or the minimum wage rate, whichever was higher has been compared with what the rate would have been if the 21% margin had been maintained. The comparison is based on a 30-hour work week.
    The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Evome Medical Technologies Provides Market Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Evome Medical Technologies Inc. (the “Company” or “Evome”) (TSXV: EVMT) is providing an update to shareholders today.

    As important background:

    Evome generates revenue from three main revenue lines:

    1. “DaMar”. This a business-to-business revenue line. Located in California, DaMar Plastics Manufacturing, Inc. (“DaMar”) offers contract manufacturing to a highly concentrated group of customers that then sell those products under their own brand name.
    2. “Biodex”. Biodex Medical Systems, Inc. (“Biodex”) is a branded medical device business with approximately 50% of revenue originating from international distributors and the other 50% from domestic dealers.
    3. “The Tables Business”. This a business-to-business revenue line of Biodex. This business unit is co-located in Biodex’s factory in New York. It offers contract manufacturing to only one customer that then sells those products under their own brand name.

    Business Update:

    1. Input costs expected to rise: As for input costs, each business line may be subject to increases in raw material costs caused by potential tariffs. Additionally, Biodex expects to be subject to retaliatory tariffs on the sale of its products outside the United States. Therefore, Biodex is working to understand the effect on prices to both domestic and international customers. Biodex plans to work with customers given the impacts of these potential price increases and their effect upon demand, cash flow and the value of each business line.
    2. Asset-based loan lender exits: The Company’s asset-based loan (“ABL”) provider has notified Evome that it will no longer continue lending to Evome’s subsidiaries. The total ABL debt has been reduced from $6,537,209 on March 31, 2024 to the current ABL debt level of $2,9049,634 as of March 27, 2025. As a result, the total balance has fallen below the minimum debt level requirement. While the ABL lender is working with the Company and its subsidiaries to ensure a smooth transition as it retires the ABL debt, all business units are expected to face a cash flow challenge through this period. The Company has negligible working capital currently.
    3. New management: The Company has entrusted a new management team to navigate through these challenges. Michael Seckler (CEO and a director of the Company), Wanye Anderson (a director of the Company), Lana Newishy (a director of the Company) and Bill Garbarini (COO) have resigned, and Chris Heath, a recently appointed director of the Company, has been appointed Interim CEO through this transition period. Kenneth Kashkin, MD, will remain on the Board of Directors as Vice-Chairman.
    4. No funds for audit: Given the current financial condition of the Company, including its current cash position, the reduction of the ABL and the potential of negative impacts of possible tariff policy, the Company does not currently have excess funds to pay for the year end audit as it will use all funds to continue manufacturing and shipping products to customers. It therefore expects to miss the deadline of April 30, 2025 (the “Filing Deadline”) to file the Company’s audited annual financial statements and management discussion & analysis for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, and the CEO and CFO certificates, all as required by National Instrument 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations and National Instrument 52-109 – Certification of Disclosure in Issuers’ Annual and Interim Filings (collectively, the “Documents”). As a consequence, the Company anticipates the imposition by the British Columbia Securities Commission of a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (“FFCTO”). There is no other reason known to management preventing the completion of the audit other than a lack of available funds. Accordingly, the Company is making efforts to complete an audit and file the Documents as soon as is financially feasible.
    5. Customers: Biodex has a back log of orders of over $6,228,854 as of May 27, 2025 from existing customers that Biodex intends to fulfill. DaMar and “The Tables” business continue to operate and ship products to their respective customers.
    6. DaMar Sale: As announced on May 30, 2024, DaMar is actively being marketed for sale.

    The Company is currently finalizing a plan to navigate these challenges and will provide updates to shareholders through future press releases. The Company is committed to delivering high quality products to its customers and continues to make deliveries as it works with suppliers and customers to adjust to the current conditions.

    “I was asked by the outgoing management and board members to come into a challenging situation, where I am a large shareholder and, with all other shareholders, at the bottom of the capital/debt stack,” said Mr. Michael Dalsin, Chairman. “With the reduction of operating debt, as well as acquisition debt, the company now faces a cash flow issue that will need to be navigated. The fact that there is currently negligible working capital makes this process very challenging. Additionally, the impact of tariffs remains uncertain at the moment. But we do anticipate that our raw material costs, largely made up of aluminum and steel, may increase and the effect on revenues is difficult to predict. As we have a large stock of inventory on hand, I feel confident we can continue to deliver products to customers and generate revenue as we look for solutions to this challenge.”

    “Chris Heath and I will work to overcome the challenges,” continued Mr. Dalsin. “There is substantial debt at the operating subsidiary level, the Company’s sole assets, that ultimately stands in front of shareholders equity. Simply put, we hope to have sufficient cash flow and value in the three businesses to pay off the debt in full with additional cash left over, preserving some measure of equity value if possible.”

    The Company will update the market by press release as the plan unfolds, and will not conduct one-on-one calls with any investors or market participants to avoid the perception of selective disclosure.

    Michael Dalsin
    Chairman
    Tel: 1 (800) 760-6826 ‎
    Email: info@salonaglobal.com‎

    Additional Information

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    Unless otherwise specified, all financial information is presented in Canadian dollars (“$”, “dollars” and “C$”).

    There can be no assurance that the disposition of DaMar will ‎be completed or the sale price or timing of any ‎disposition. Completion of any transaction will be subject to, amongst other things, ‎negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, and applicable ‎director, shareholder ‎and ‎regulatory approvals.‎

    Certain statements contained in this press release constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expects” “believes”, “estimates”, “may”, “would”, “could”, ‎‎”should”, “potential”, ‎‎‎‎‎”will”, “seek”, “intend”, “plan”, and “anticipate”, and similar expressions as they relate ‎‎‎‎to the Company, including, without limitation: the impact of tariffs on the costs of raw materials; Biodex being subject to retaliatory tariffs on the sale of its products outside the United States; Biodex having to increase prices to both domestic and international customers; statements with respect to the issuance and timing of an FFCTO; and the filing of the Documents; the Company successfully disposing of DaMar and the use of such proceeds; and the amount of acquisition debt the Company would be able to eliminate upon the sale of DaMar. All ‎statements ‎other than statements of ‎historical fact may be forward-looking‎ information. Such statements reflect the Company’s current views and intentions with respect to future ‎events, and current information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, ‎uncertainties and assumptions. The Company cautions that the forward-looking statements contained herein are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to the ‎‎general business and ‎‎economic ‎conditions in the regions in ‎which the Company operates; the ability of the Company to execute on key ‎‎priorities, ‎including the successful completion of acquisitions, business‎ retention, and‎‎ strategic plans and to‎‎ attract, develop ‎and retain key executives; difficulty integrating newly acquired businesses; ‎‎ongoing or new disruptions in the supply chain, the extent and scope of such supply chain disruptions, and the timing or extent of the resolution or improvement of such disruptions; the ability to‎‎‎ implement business strategies and pursue business opportunities; ‎‎disruptions in or attacks (including ‎cyber-attacks) on the Company’s information technology, internet, network access or other ‎‎voice or data ‎communications systems or services; the evolution of various types of fraud or other ‎‎‎criminal behavior to which ‎ the Company is exposed; the failure of third parties to comply with their obligations to ‎‎ the Company or its ‎affiliates; the‎ impact of new and changes to, or application of, current laws and regulations; ‎granting of permits and licenses in a highly regulated business; the ‎overall difficult ‎‎‎‎‎litigation environment, including in the United States; increased competition; changes in foreign currency rates; ‎increased ‎‎‎‎funding ‎costs and market volatility due to market illiquidity and competition for funding; the ‎availability of funds ‎‎‎‎and resources to pursue operations; critical ‎accounting estimates and changes to accounting standards, policies,‎‎‎‎ and methods used by the Company; the occurrence of natural and unnatural‎‎ catastrophic ‎events ‎and claims ‎‎‎‎resulting from such events; as well as those risk factors discussed or ‎referred to ‎in the ‎Company’s disclosure ‎documents filed with United States Securities and Exchange Commission ‎and ‎available at ‎www.sec.gov, and with ‎the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and ‎‎available at ‎www.sedarplus.com. Should any ‎factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should ‎‎assumptions underlying ‎the forward-looking ‎information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ ‎‎materially from the results ‎or events predicted. ‎Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its ‎‎entirety by this cautionary ‎statement. Moreover, ‎the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or ‎‎completeness of such ‎forward-looking ‎information. The forward-looking information included in this press release ‎‎is made as of the ‎date of this press ‎release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise ‎‎any forward-‎looking information, ‎other than as required by applicable law‎.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WF Holding Limited Announces Closing of Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WF Holding Limited (“WF Holding” or “Company”), a Malaysia-based manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products, announced today the successful closing of its initial public offering of 2,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.00005 per share (the “Ordinary Shares”), at a public offering price of $4.00 per share. The offering generated total gross proceeds of $8 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. The Company’s Ordinary Shares started trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market on March 27, 2025 under the ticker symbol “WFF.”

    In addition, the Company has granted the underwriters a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 Ordinary Shares at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for expanding the Company’s production capacity, hiring and training staff, working capital and general corporate purposes.

    The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. Dominari Securities LLC acted as the lead underwriter, with Revere Securities LLC acting as a co-underwriter for the Offering. Bevilacqua PLLC acted as U.S. counsel to the Company, and The Crone Law Group, P.C. acted as U.S. counsel to the underwriters in connection with the Offering.

    A registration statement on Form F-1 relating to the Offering was filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (File Number: 333-282294) and was declared effective by the SEC on March 26, 2025. The Offering was made only by means of a prospectus, forming a part of the registration statement, and a free writing prospectus. Copies of the final prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained from Dominari Securities LLC by email at info@dominarisecurities.com, by standard mail to Dominari Securities LLC, 725 Fifth Avenue, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at +1 (212) 393-4500; or from Revere Securities LLC by email at contact@reveresecurities.com, by standard mail to Revere Securities LLC, 560 Lexington Ave, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10022 USA, or by telephone at (212) 688-2238. In addition, copies of the prospectus and free writing prospectus relating to the Offering may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the Company’s securities, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of any of the Company’s securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    ***

    About WF Holding Limited

    Based in Malaysia, WF Holding Limited is an ISO 9001:2015 certified manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products including tanks, pipes, ducts and custom-made FRP products. With a track record of over 30 years, we design and fabricate products that meet the specific needs of our clients, ensuring high-quality and reliable performance. Our high-quality and durable products leverage the advantages of FRP to reinforce critical industrial infrastructure, driving resilience, longevity and sustainability. We also deliver a wide range of related services such as consultation, delivery, installation, repair and maintenance.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are “forward-looking statements” as defined under the U.S. federal securities laws, including, but not limited to, the Company’s statements regarding the use of proceeds from the sale of the Company’s shares in the Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can find many (but not all) of these statements by the use of words such as “may,” “could,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology in this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and other filings with the SEC.

    For more information, please contact:

    WF Holding Limited
    Investor Relations
    Email:  corporate@winfung.com.my

    Sense Consultancy Group
    Yan Pheng Liang
    Email: phengliang@leesense.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: National Flood Insurance Policyholders in Kentucky Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: National Flood Insurance Policyholders in Kentucky Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

    National Flood Insurance Policyholders in Kentucky Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

    Frankfort, KY- If you were affected by the recent severe storms in Kentucky and have an insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), you may still be eligible for disaster assistance

    FEMA encourages everyone who was impacted by this disaster to apply for assistance in addition to filing a claim with your insurance company

    Disaster assistance may be able to help fill in the financial gaps that your insurance company will not cover

     NFIP Policyholders May be Eligible for Individual AssistanceFor eligible individuals, FEMA disaster assistance may help with uncovered expenses like temporary housing assistance or other needs, such as essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources

    Use both resources as intended: accept FEMA assistance for immediate emergency needs while simultaneously pursuing your full insurance claim

    FEMA cannot provide money for expenses covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from another source

    Be sure to inform FEMA about your insurance coverage and claim status, and likewise inform your insurer about any FEMA assistance received

    It is important to keep detailed records to avoid duplicate payments for identical losses and comply with repayment requirements if overlaps occur

    For more information on what to do after a flood and how to start your flood claim, please visit floodsmart

    gov

    How To Apply for FEMA AssistanceIf you live in Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson or Woodford County, and haven’t yet applied for FEMA assistance, you may still complete an application

    The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is Friday, April 25

    You can visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to meet face to face with specialists from FEMA to get assistance filling out your application

    The Small Business Administration (SBA) and other state and local agencies are also in DRCs to answer questions about disaster assistance and other recovery resources

    You may also upload any documents needed for applications at the centers

    If you are unable to visit a DRC, there are other ways to apply: online at DisasterAssistance

    gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call 800-621-3362

    If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service

    When you apply, you will need to provide:A current phone number where you can be contacted

    Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying

    Your Social Security Number

    A general list of damage and losses

    Banking information if you choose direct deposit

    If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name

    For an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA assistance, go to youtube

    com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw

    For more information about Kentucky flooding recovery, visit www

    fema

    gov/disaster/4860

    Follow the FEMA Region 4 X account at x

    com/femaregion4

       
    martyce

    allenjr
    Fri, 03/28/2025 – 20:02

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal government approves California’s request to expand LA fire debris removal program

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 28, 2025

    What you need to know: Owner-occupied condos, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties may now eligible for the LA fire debris removal program. The deadline to submit Right of Entry Forms has been extended to April 15.

    LOS ANGELES – Building on California and the federal administration’s ongoing partnership for a fast-moving “LA fire fix,” the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today approved Governor Gavin Newsom’s request to expand the scope of the wildfire cleanup effort. That approval comes less than 24 hours after the state’s initial request.

    “Our federal partners continue to deliver for California. Together, we are going to rebuild Los Angeles in record time while supporting all those who have been impacted.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    FEMA today sent a letter to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) agreeing to expand the scope of cleanup to a number of facility types that were not previously eligible for debris removal, including owner occupied condominiums, multi-family units, and certain commercial properties.

    FEMA also extended the deadline for Right of Entry form submissions to April 15 to allow the newly eligible groups time to apply. 

    Yesterday, in a letter sent to FEMA, Cal OES Director Nancy Ward requested that commercial and multi-family residential properties be included in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) debris removal program, specifically the special inclusion of small businesses and residential apartments, condominiums, and mobile homes.

    Under Governor Newsom’s leadership, California has expedited the cleanup process by cutting red tape and eliminating bureaucratic barriers, allowing highly trained crews to enter impacted communities sooner and help survivors rebuild their lives faster.

    Debris removal from private commercial property is typically the responsibility of property owners and is usually not eligible for federal programs. 

    Under today’s approval, commercial properties – including multi-family rental properties – will now be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The criteria for these properties being included in the USACE debris removal program is based upon: 

    • An immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris.
    • Barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently.
    • Insurance coverage and status of claim.
    • Economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.

    Understanding the state-federal debris removal process 

    The federally funded debris removal program consists of structural debris removal and requires an ROE form completed by the property owner and submitted either online or downloaded and submitted in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

    There is no out-of-pocket cost to have debris removed by USACE – however, FEMA is unable to duplicate other forms of funding specific to debris removal. If a property has insurance for debris removal, any residual amount not used by the property owner must be provided through the county to offset the cost of debris removal.

    All property owners should submit an ROE form by April 15, 2025, either opting into the program or opting out.

    FEMA’s authority is typically limited to the removal of debris from public areas, including public schools or administrative facilities. 

    In response to the Los Angeles wildfires, FEMA’s authority has been extended beyond public area debris removal to include single-family residences to help mitigate the immediate public health threat and accelerate the economic recovery of impacted communities. 

    Federal Debris Removal Program eligibility

    • Single-family properties
    • Private, residential single-family properties are eligible

    Homeowners must opt-in to debris removal by submitting an ROE form by the April 15 deadline.

    Multi-family properties

    • Owner occupied

    Each owner of a destroyed unit in a condominium or duplex must submit an ROE form, as well as the homeowner’s association of the building. This allows the county, state, and FEMA to assess the property for eligibility.

    Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires. 

    Recent news

    Mar 27, 2025

    News What you need to know: California has formally requested that the federal government add commercial structures and multi-family units to the ongoing fire debris removal efforts in Los Angeles.  LOS ANGELES – Working to expand the scope of the fast-moving wildfire…

    Mar 27, 2025

    News What you need to know: Governor Newsom is taking additional steps to speed up the rebuilding process for Los Angeles by further suspending CEQA and the California Coastal Act to expedite the rebuilding of utility and telecommunication infrastructure, including…

    Mar 26, 2025

    News Highlights California’s economic investments in creative economy, LA’s recovery What you need to know: Governor Newsom today joined Anna Wintour to welcome the Vogue World event to Hollywood, promoting the state’s proposal to more than double California’s Film…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint Partners Announces Final March 2025 Cash Distribution for Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint Partners LP (“Ninepoint Partners”) today announced the final March 2025 cash distribution for the Ninepoint Cash Management Fund – ETF Series. The record date for the distribution is March 31, 2025. This distribution is payable on April 7, 2025.

    The per-unit final March 2025 distribution is detailed below:

    Ninepoint ETF Series Ticker Cash Distribution per
    unit    		 Notional Distribution per
    unit    		 CUSIP
    Ninepoint Cash
    Management Fund    		 NSAV $0.12697 $0.00000 65443X105

    About Ninepoint Partners

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    Ninepoint Partners LP is the investment manager to the Ninepoint Funds (collectively, the “Funds”). Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees, performance fees (if any), and other expenses all may be associated with investing in the Funds. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer or solicitation by anyone in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such an offer or solicitation. Prospective investors who are not resident in Canada should contact their financial advisor to determine whether securities of the Fund may be lawfully sold in their jurisdiction.

    Please note that distribution factors (breakdown between income, capital gains and return of capital) can only be calculated when a fund has reached its year-end. Distribution information should not be relied upon for income tax reporting purposes as this is only a component of total distributions for the year. For accurate distribution amounts for the purpose of filing an income tax return, please refer to the appropriate T3/T5 slips for that particular taxation year. Please refer to the prospectus or offering memorandum of each Fund for details of the Fund’s distribution policy.

    The payment of distributions and distribution breakdown, if applicable, is not guaranteed and may fluctuate. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a Fund’s performance, rate of return, or yield. If distributions paid by the Fund are greater than the performance of the Fund, then an investor’s original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a Fund and income and dividends earned by a Fund are taxable in the year they are paid. An investor’s adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If an investor’s adjusted cost base goes below zero, then capital gains tax will have to be paid on the amount below zero.

    Sales Inquiries:

    Ninepoint Partners LP
    Neil Ross
    416-945-6227
    nross@ninepoint.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Costa Rica’s and Albania’s accessions to the GPA 2012 edge closer to conclusion

    Progress on accessions to the GPA 2012
    Parties welcomed Costa Rica’s “final” market access offer submitted in January 2025. Reaffirming its strong commitment to acceding to the GPA 2012 as soon as practicable, Costa Rica’s representative, Leonor Obando, said: “We are prepared to accept the challenges and opportunities that membership in the GPA will provide. We firmly believe that our accession will not only improve Costa Rica’s economy but will also serve as a catalyst for the expansion of the GPA to the Latin American region.” Costa Rica is the first Central American WTO member seeking to become a party to the Agreement. 
    Progress was also achieved on Albania’s accession, with parties welcoming the “final” market access offer it submitted in January. Albania’s representative Reida Kashta stated: “We would like to conclude our accession negotiations as soon as possible and are collaborating with GPA parties towards this objective.”
    The Committee also discussed the ongoing GPA accession negotiations of China, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan. 
    An infographic explaining accession to the Agreement is available here.
    Improving SME participation in government procurement  
    As a follow-up to a recent Committee decision on best practices for supporting the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in government procurement, the Dominican Republic shared information about its initiatives to increase dialogue with the private sector and promote a more inclusive procurement environment. GPA parties welcomed this information.
    Greater access to historical GPA documents
    The Committee’s decision to derestrict additional historical documents will provide the public with greater access to records of past Committee meetings on the WTO website.
    Work programme on sustainable procurement
    Parties welcomed the publication on the WTO website of compilations of green public procurement-related provisions that certain GPA parties have implemented in their domestic government procurement systems or included in international instruments, such as free trade agreements. These compilations emerged from the Committee’s agreed Work programme on sustainable procurement and can be accessed here.
    Further upgrade to the e-GPA Gateway
    The WTO Secretariat provided an update on a new e-GPA notification system, jointly developed by the Intellectual Property, Government Procurement and Competition Division and the Information Technology Solutions Division to enable parties to submit GPA notifications online for the first time. The new system, which will be launched after further testing, follows the release of a separate component of the e-GPA Gateway modernization in 2024.
    Background
    The GPA 2012 is a plurilateral agreement that aims to open government procurement markets among its parties on a reciprocal basis and to the extent agreed between GPA parties. It also aims to make government procurement more transparent and to promote good governance.
    The Agreement currently has 22 parties, covering 49 WTO members, including the European Union and its 27 member states (counted as one party). While open to all WTO members, it is binding only for those members that have acceded to it. The list of current GPA parties can be found here.
    Reciprocal market opening assists GPA parties in purchasing goods and services that offer the best value for money. The Agreement provides legal guarantees of non-discrimination for the goods, services and suppliers of GPA parties in covered procurement activities, which are worth an estimated USD 1.7 trillion annually. Government procurement typically accounts for about 15 per cent of developed and developing economies’ GDP. 
    In October, an event was held at the WTO to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the GPA 2012 entering into force in 2014. The event’s summary can be found here.
    Next meeting
    The next meeting of the Committee on Government Procurement is scheduled to take place on 18 June.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Video: South Sudan: Leaders Must Choose Peace Over Conflict as Crisis Deepens – UN Chief | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Now more than ever, the leaders of South Sudan must hear a clear, unified and resounding message: Put down the weapons. Put all the people of South Sudan first.”

    The Secretary-General spoke to reporters today (28 Mar) in New York on the dramatic and dire situation that is unfolding in South Sudan.

    Guterres cautioned that all the dark clouds of a perfect storm have descended upon the people of the world’s newest country – and one of the poorest, with a security emergency, a political upheaval, a humanitarian nightmare, a displacement crisis, an economic meltdown and a funding crisis.

    “Let’s not mince words” he said, “what we are seeing is darkly reminiscent of the 2013 and 2016 civil wars, which killed 400,000 people.”

    The Secretary-General highlighted that the UN Mission in South Sudan is working around the clock to ease tensions – engaging all parties and boosting protection of civilians. “But we face operational limitations,” he added.

    Guterres appealed, “For the sake of the long-suffering people of South Sudan, it is time for dialogue and de-escalation.”

    “The Horn of Africa is already in turmoil and cannot afford another conflict. Nor can the people of South Sudan,” the UN chief added.

    To the leaders of the country, Guterres said, “End the politics of confrontation. Release detained military and civilian officials now. Fully restore the Government of National Unity. And vigorously implement the promises you made through your commitments to the peace agreement – which is the only legal framework to peaceful, free and fair elections in December 2026.”

    The Secretary-General also urged the regional and international community, as guarantors of the peace agreement, “to speak with one voice in support of the peace process and against any attempts to undermine it.”

    Guterres also reaffirmed that the UN supports the AU initiative to deploy the Panel of the Wise – as well as the efforts of the Special Envoy of President Ruto of Kenya. The world body is working in close cooperation with IGAD and the AU.

    The Secretary-General reiterated, “At this critical hour, the people of South Sudan need an infusion of support. Diplomatic and political support for peace. And financial support for lifesaving aid.”

    “South Sudan may have fallen off the world’s radar, but we cannot let the situation fall over the abyss,” the Secretary-General reiterated.

    On the earthquakes that hit the parts of Southeast Asia today, Guterres sent his condolences to the government and peoples of the region, adding that the United Nations system in the region is mobilizing to help those in need.

    He said, “The Government of Myanmar has asked for international support and our team in Myanmar is already in contact in order to fully mobilize our resources in the region to support the people of Myanmar.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZF4M91Eq15k

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Pushes Federal Trade Commission, Justice Department to Address Rampant Fraud in Digital Advertising

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and a member of the Senate Banking Committee, wrote to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Andrew Ferguson and to Attorney General Pam Bondi expressing concern over continued prevalence of fraud in the digital advertising industry, highlighting how this fraud hurts U.S. Government (USG) customers, and therefore, American taxpayers.
    “The failures and misrepresentations of these verification vendors amount to far more than simple contradictions of their marketing puffery,” wrote Sen. Warner. “As publishers and advertisers rely on these services’ asserted ability to avoid bot traffic and deliver content to customers, these verification firms serve as cover for the systemic failure by key ecosystem stakeholders, potentially compromising a significant sector of the online ad market.”
    The phenomenon of digital fraud has skyrocketed in recent years, with reports indicating that as of 2023, digital fraud has grown to $84 billion, up from $7.4 billion in 2017.
    He continued, “Failure to meet the terms of contracts result in the misuse of taxpayer dollars, and undermine the efficacy of government public awareness and job recruitment campaigns. These failures drive inflated ad costs and reduced effectiveness for thousands of small and midsize businesses and charities that rely on digital advertising to succeed, and these increased costs trickle down to consumers who end up paying more for basic goods and services.”
    In his letter to the FTC, Sen. Warner requested the commission investigate this wide-spread fraud:
    Did verification vendors such as Integral Ad Science (“IAS”), DoubleVerify (“DV”), and HUMAN Security, among others, claim in their marketing materials to be able to perform real-time bot filtering and have the capability to prevent ads from serving to declared bots, such as those on the IAB Bots & Spiders List?
    Do these verification vendors receive access to the “User Agent” field in real-time programmatic ad auctions from demand side platforms like Google DV360 and the Trade Desk?
    Can the verification vendors’ pre-bid technology actually stop ads from serving to declared bots on the IAB Bots & Spiders List, or merely prevent ads from serving on website domains with historically high levels of bot traffic? If the latter, what evidence exists that can demonstrate specific websites are getting blocked, deliberately or inadvertently, from ad campaigns and thus de-monetized?
    If the verification vendors do not receive access to the User-Agent and cannot block declared bots, did these vendors make false advertising claims and engage in deceptive trade practices when promoting their pre-bid bot avoidance or suspicious activity blocking technology?
    What is the extent of the resulting financial harm to the United States government and non-profit advertisers, as well as to publishers that paid for this ineffective bot avoidance technology?
    Additionally, Senator Warner requested that the Justice Department investigate the following:
    Whether ad verification companies such as IAS, DV, and HUMAN have knowingly misrepresented their capabilities to federal government clients or government contractors, particularly regarding their ability to detect and filter bot traffic in real-time.
    Whether the ad verification firms involved in these failures violated the False Claims Act by charging the government – or government contractors – for services they did not deliver.
    Sen. Warner has been vocal about the harm caused by this continued fraud for years, and as the digital space continues to grow in reach and importance, he has stressed the need to reign it in. In 2016, Sen. Warner first called on the FTC to protect consumers from this digital fraud. In 2018, he expressed concern over its continued prevalence following a detailed reporting about inaction by the FTC and Google to curb these efforts.
    A copy of the letter to the FTC is available here. A copy of the letter to the DOJ is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: What They Are Saying: Trump Cabinet Voices Support for Cassidy’s Trade, Manufacturing Bill to Hold China Accountable

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    [embedded content]
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) released a new video featuring vocal support from several of President Trump’s Cabinet nominees for his Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production. 
    During their confirmation hearings, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, and U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Jamieson Greer all express interest in the proposal, noting that it aligns well with the Trump administration’s trade agenda. These exchanges come after Cassidy, joined by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), released a new discussion draft of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act for public comment.
    A range of industries has expressed support for Cassidy’s efforts to craft a trade policy that strengthens U.S. manufacturers’ competitiveness and counter unfair competition from China, including the Steel Manufacturers Association, the American Iron and Steel Institute, the Portland Cement Association, the Aluminum Association, and the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition.
    “A strong border measure will allow American steel producers to benefit from the fact that they are global leaders in emissions efficiency. This can be a key part of any long-term solution to safeguard the domestic steel industry from the devastating effects of global overcapacity,” said Philip K. Bell, President, Steel Manufacturers Association. “We are encouraged to see Senator Cassidy and numerous Trump administration officials show aligned interest in advancing this policy design. We stand ready to work with them to advance a trade policy that helps U.S. steel manufacturers compete on a level playing field.”
    “Steel made in the United States is the cleanest in the world. Senator Cassidy has rightly determined that legislation is needed to hold foreign polluters accountable for their dirtier products, while enhancing the competitiveness of American steel manufacturers. AISI looks forward to working with him and others in Congress to craft a foreign pollution fee that applies to all imported steel products with higher emissions than products made the U.S., without imposing a carbon fee or tax on American manufacturers,” said Kevin Dempsey, President and CEO of the American Iron and Steel Institute.
    “American cement manufacturers believe that a well-constructed border measure will allow them to leverage their leadership in emissions efficiency. This is essential for any lasting strategy to protect the domestic cement industry from any global challenges,” said Mike Ireland, President and CEO of the Portland Cement Association. “It’s great to see Senator Cassidy and Trump administration officials expressing support for this policy approach. We are prepared to continue to collaborate with them to advance a trade policy that strengthens the competitiveness of U.S. cement producers.”
    “The SEMA Coalition supports Senator Cassidy’s 2025 Foreign Pollution Fee Act. For American solar manufacturers to compete on a level playing field and outcompete China, we need innovative border measures such as a foreign pollution fee. Any successful, long-term strategy to reshore the solar value chain must prioritize taking these steps to safeguard the domestic solar industry from the impacts of global overcapacity,” said Mike Carr, Executive Director of the Solar Energy Manufacturers for America (SEMA) Coalition. “We are grateful for Senator Cassidy’s leadership and look forward to working closely with him and the administration to advance trade and tax policies that ensure a level playing field with China and longevity for U.S. solar manufacturers and workers.” 
    The US aluminum industry produces some of the cleanest aluminum products in the world while facing ongoing pressure from international producers not subject to traditional market forces. Smart tariff policy recognizes this and provides incentives for both domestic and international production of cleaner aluminum.” said Will Brown, VP of Government Relations and International Programs, The Aluminum Association. “At the Aluminum Association, we look forward to continuing to work with Senator Cassidy to advance trade policies that strengthen the U.S. aluminum industry and its competitiveness in the global marketplace.”
     “According to recently released data from the US International Trade Commission (ITC), the carbon intensity of American-made Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) is well below that of OCTG produced by China and its satellites. This environmental dumping combines with other forms of unfair trade practices that need to be addressed. Senator Cassidy’s legislation is a major step in holding foreign producers from China and its satellites accountable, as it not only strengthens American industries but also supports a cleaner, more competitive market for all,” said Luca Zanotti, Chairman of the United States OCTG Manufacturers Association (USOMA).         
    The Foreign Pollution Fee Act: 
    Combats China’s Exploitation of Trade Rules: By countering the unfair practices of non-market economies like China, ensuring American manufacturers can compete and thrive on a level playing field.
    Strengthens Global Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying trade relationships will reduce dependence on adversarial nations, making supply chains more secure against geopolitical disruptions and enhancing national security.
    Revitalizes American Manufacturing: By discouraging imports of pollution-intensive goods, this policy will bring jobs back home, strengthen domestic industries, and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
    Expands U.S. Export Markets: As high-polluting countries modernize their industries, they’ll increasingly demand American-made inputs, feedstocks, and cutting-edge technologies, opening new opportunities for U.S. exports.
    Deepens Trade Ties with Allies: By promoting partnerships with nations that share our economic and environmental values, the Foreign Pollution Fee Act builds a coalition against predatory practices by the Chinese Communist Party, supporting emerging markets and allies alike.
    Rewards Leadership in Cleaner Manufacturing: By incentivizing international partners to adopt cleaner production methods while ensuring that domestic manufacturers maintain a competitive edge by continuing to lead in industrial decarbonization.
    Background
    Cassidy and Graham introduced an earlier version of their Foreign Pollution Fee Act to level the playing field with Chinese manufacturing and expand American production in 2023.
    The Foreign Pollution Fee Act was a key topic at Cassidy’s Louisiana Energy Security Summit in October 2024.The summit featured ten panels that explored protecting U.S. interests from unfair trade practices, Louisiana’s low-pollution manufacturing advantage, and the role of natural gas in strengthening U.S. geopolitical influence. Panelists included presidents and CEOs from Entergy, First Solar, Buzzi UnicemUSA, Orsted, and Aluminum Technologies, former Trump administration officials, and leaders from Louisiana trade associations and major energy and Fortune 500 companies. 
    In September 2024, he released the 3rd episode of Bill on the Hill, where he highlights his Foreign Pollution Fee Act and discusses China’s growing economy and military coming at the expense of the American worker. After hearing fellow Americans share their concerns, Cassidy presented his plan to address the nexus between economic development, national security, and the environment. 
    He penned editorials in Foreign Affairs, The Washington Times, and jointly in the USA Today Network discussing the geopolitical threat that China poses to U.S. global standing. 
    In 2023, the Louisiana Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution urging Congress to pursue an industrial manufacturing and trade policy to counter competition from China. Learn more here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: MFI loan portfolio grew by more than 40% in 2024

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The loan portfolio of microfinance organizations reached 624 billion rubles last year, growth stimulated by increased consumer demand.

    More than half of the loans were medium-term, the total cost of the loan for them was close to bank rates. Such loans were issued, among other things, for the purchase of goods on marketplaces. The share of the most expensive short-term loans “until payday” fell from 34 to 25% over the year.

    The industry’s profit decreased by 7% and amounted to 36 billion rubles. At the same time, against the backdrop of restrictions on the full cost of credit and macroprudential limits, companies increased their income from additional areas of activity, which accounted for more than a quarter of all industry income.

    Read more in“Review of key indicators of microfinance institutions” for the fourth quarter of 2024.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //vv. KBR.ru/Press/Event/? ID = 23501

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: From April 1, the restriction of the PSC on consumer loans and credits will be resumed (03/28/2025)

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    The total cost of credit (TCC) under consumer credit (loan) agreements concluded or amended from April 1, 2025, must not exceed by more than a third average market value for the relevant category of credit (loan). Limiting the APR will help control the growth of interest rates on loans, which will ensure the protection of people’s interests.

    In Q4 2024, the Bank of Russia decided to temporarily lift the PSC1 restriction so that financial institutions could adapt to the tightened monetary conditions. During the relaxation, market participants managed to adjust the cost of their credit products. Now that market conditions have generally stabilized and the cost of funding has begun to decline, financial institutions can comply with the PSC restriction as usual.

     

    1 From October 10, 2024 to March 31, 2025 suspended limitation of the APR for credit institutions on consumer mortgage loans for the purchase (construction) of housing or land.

    From January 1 to March 31, 2025 suspended limitation of the APR for credit institutions for all other categories of consumer loans (credits); for credit consumer cooperatives, agricultural credit consumer cooperatives, pawnshops – for all categories of consumer loans; for microfinance organizations – for certain categories of consumer loans.

    When using the material, a link to the Press Service of the Bank of Russia is required.

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

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. KBR.ru/Press/PR/? File = 63878779315077970shbank_ sectator. CHTM

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Vitaly Savelyev and Marat Khusnullin took part in the work of the final board of the Ministry of Transport

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Vitaly Savelyev and Marat Khusnullin took part in the work of the final board of the Ministry of Transport.

    The final board meeting of the Ministry of Transport was held in the Column Hall of the House of Unions. The board meeting was attended by Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, heads of relevant committees of the State Duma and the Federation Council, subordinate organizations of the Ministry of Transport, and veterans of the transport industry.

    Speaking to the participants, Vitaly Savelyev separately focused on some of the results of 2024. The 2nd stage has been completed, the 3rd stage of the development of the Eastern Polygon of the railways has started. The target parameter of carrying capacity for control sections in the amount of 180 million tons has been achieved. The construction of the first high-speed railway in Russia Moscow – St. Petersburg has begun – this summer, construction work will be launched on several sections of the high-speed railway at once. The volume of passenger transportation in civil aviation in 2024 reached 111.7 million people. This is 6% more than in 2023. The capacity of seaports in 2024 reached 1.4 billion tons. The fleet of unmanned trucks on the M-11 highway already amounts to 67 vehicles, in the future – the launch of unmanned trucks on the Central Ring Road this year, and on the M-12 “Vostok” highway in 2026. Modernization, technical equipment and fitting out of 85 checkpoints across the state border of the Russian Federation were carried out.

    “The transport complex is a backbone sector of the national economy. It defines a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of the country. An important event in the transport sector was the formation in 2024, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, of the national project “Efficient Transport System”. The implementation of the national project’s activities will increase the volume of transportation along international transport corridors by at least one and a half times by 2030 compared to the 2021 level and ensure an increase in the aviation mobility of the population by at least 50% compared to the 2023 level,” said Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Savelyev.

    “Thanks to systemic solutions, constant attention and control from the President, personal involvement of the Prime Minister, coordinated staff work with governors, the construction industry in terms of road transport activities has shown stable growth and very decent results in recent years. From 2019 to 2024, we built and reconstructed more than 5 thousand km of highways, since 2018 we have laid more than 1 billion square meters of asphalt pavement. All this is an unprecedented scale of road construction in our country. It is especially valuable that the national project “Safe High-Quality Roads”, which was successfully completed, not only achieved high indicators, but also received maximum support from the population. This year, we have begun implementing a new national project “Infrastructure for Life”, in which work will also continue in the road section. The new national project has serious tasks, including increasing the share of federal roads, roads in agglomerations and the backbone network that meet standards to 85%, and regional roads to 60%. We have already formed a road activity plan, and a new six-year plan will soon be signed. It will include the construction of the international corridors “North-South” and “East-West”, the transport route “Russia”, as well as 50 bypasses of cities and other key tasks that are necessary to improve the road framework of our country,” said Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

    In 2024, eight bypass sections were put into operation on the federal road network of Rosavtodor, their total length was 367.7 km. In particular, a bypass was built around five settlements (Isametovo, Verkhneyarkeevo, Layashty, Ishkarovo and Asyanovo) on the M-7 Volga highway in the Republic of Bashkortostan.

    The Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit emphasized that the past year was a turning point for the country’s transport complex. “A number of fateful decisions for the industry were made. The most important comprehensive programs were approved, which largely determined the vector of development of domestic transport. The new national projects “Efficient Transport System” and “Infrastructure for Life” prepared on the instructions of the President have already started working. This is a real program of our actions for the next six years,” said Roman Starovoit.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Employee Meets Success at NASA Stennis

    Source: NASA

    A career path can unfold in unexpected ways. Ask NASA’s Rebecca Mataya.
    The journey to NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, was not planned but “meant to be,” she said.
    While working for a local business, the Picayune, Mississippi, native frequently delivered items to NASA Stennis. While making a delivery, Mataya noticed a construction worker who needed directions while waiting to receive a NASA Stennis visitor’s badge.
    “I stepped in by offering a map and highlighting the way,” Mataya said.
    This small moment of initiative caught the attention of the receptionist, who mentioned an opening at NASA Stennis. She noted that Mataya’s approach to the situation displayed the NASA Stennis culture of hospitality and a can-do attitude.
    “The rest is history,” she said. “Looking back, it was not just about finding a job – it was about NASA Stennis finding me, and me discovering a place where I would build a fulfilling career.”
    Since the first day of work when Mataya walked into NASA Stennis “in complete awe,” she has felt like every day is a learning experience filled with “wow” moments, like seeing a test stand up close and meeting rocket engineers. 
    The Carriere, Mississippi, resident worked as a support contractor from 2008 to 2022, filling various roles from lead security support specialist to technical writer and program manager.
    Her career path has progressed, where each role built upon the previous.
    As a budget analyst in the NASA Stennis Office of the Chief Financial Officer since 2022, Mataya oversees the planning, programing, budgeting, and execution of funds for all Office of Strategic Infrastructure work within the NASA Stennis Center Operations Directorate. She also manages budgets for the NASA Stennis Construction of Facilities projects, and the congressionally approved Supplemental Funding portfolio.
    “It is a role that requires adaptability, strategic thinking, and financial oversight,” she said. “I have cultivated these skills through years of experience, but more than that, it is a role that allows me to contribute something meaningful to the future of NASA and space exploration.”
    Mataya will complete a master’s degree in Business Administration from Mississippi State University in May. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State and an associate degree from Pearl River Community College. 
    “My career has been shaped by growth and achievement, but the greatest highlight has always been the incredible people I have had the privilege of working with,” she said. “Walking the halls of NASA, where top leaders recognize me by name, is a testament to the trust and relationships I have built over the years.”
    Mataya said supervisors have consistently entrusted her with more complex projects, confident in her ability to rise to the challenge and deliver results. As a result, she has had opportunities to mentor interns and early-career professionals, guiding them as others once guided her.
    “Seeing my colleagues succeed and knowing they have reached their goals, and championing their progress along the way, remains one of the most rewarding aspects of my career,” she said.
    Mataya knows from experience that NASA Stennis offers opportunity and a supportive environment, not only for employees looking for career growth, but to customers seeking world-class testing facilities. “NASA Stennis is a place where collaboration thrives,” she said. “It is where NASA, tenants, and commercial partners come together as one cohesive community with a culture of mutual respect, support, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As America’s largest rocket propulsion test site, NASA Stennis is evolving, and I look forward to seeing how our technological advancements attract new commercial partners and expand NASA’s capabilities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Improving Transportation Infrastructure in Central NY

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of a $7.5 million bridge placement project over I-90 in Onondaga County. The Townline Road bridge (milepost 280.31) in the Towns of DeWitt and Salina will be replaced with a modern structure. The current bridge was built in 1953 and carries Townline Road over the Thruway (I-90). Approximately 12,400 vehicles per day travel over the bridge.

    “As construction season begins, New York is investing in infrastructure projects to replace and rehabilitate bridges on our roadways which will enhance safety for motorists for decades to come,” Governor Hochul said. “This bridge replacement project in Central New York will improve travel and connectivity in the community and strengthen our transportation network.”

    New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said. “The Thruway Authority is committed to investing in its aging infrastructure and enhancing the safety and reliability of the Thruway system. Our Capital Program is focused on modernizing our transportation system and maintaining some of the lowest and most affordable toll rates in the nation.”

    State Senator Christopher J. Ryan said, “The Townline Road bridge replacement is a crucial investment in DeWitt and Salina’s infrastructure. This bridge replacement will enhance safety, reduce bridge strikes, and improve traffic flow. This project will create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and ensure a more reliable transportation network for years to come. I appreciate Governor Hochul’s commitment to these vital upgrades and look forward to its completion.”

    Assemblymember Pam Hunter said, “The replacement of the Townline Road bridge is a critical investment in the safety and infrastructure of our community. This project will ensure safer travel for the thousands of residents and businesses that rely on this route daily, while also improving roadway conditions and preventing future disruptions. I commend Governor Hochul and the Thruway Authority for prioritizing these much-needed upgrades, which will enhance connectivity and benefit the people of the 128th Assembly District for years to come.”

    The existing structure will be replaced with a new bridge featuring increased vertical clearances. The clearance on the eastbound lanes will be increased from 14 feet three inches to 16 feet and seven inches and clearance on the westbound lanes will be increased from 14 feet nine inches to 17 feet and three to mitigate bridge strikes caused by overheight vehicles and enhance safety for Thruway Authority employees and motorists.

    Additional safety upgrades include full depth pavement reconstruction of the approaches on Townline Road over I-90, reconstruction of the shoulders of I-90 under the bridge, new safety guiderail, as well as the installation of a snow fence to prevent blowing snow, pedestrian sidewalk and several drainage structures along Townline Road.

    Beginning March 31, the Townline Road bridge will be closed to traffic for the duration of the project. A 3.8-mile signed detour will be in place.

    The south side of Townline Road will be closed at Factory Avenue. Eastbound traffic on Factory Avenue will be detoured south to Military Circle. Northbound traffic on Townline Road will be detoured west on Factory Avenue.

    The north side of Townline Road will be closed at Vincent Drive with northbound and southbound traffic detoured east on East Molloy Road. Eastbound and westbound traffic on East Molloy Road will not be affected by the detour.

    Motorists may encounter traffic slowdowns or stoppages on the Thruway during construction. Variable Message Signs will advise motorists of the construction work and detour information.

    Tioga Construction Company, Inc., of Herkimer, New York, is the project contractor following a competitive bidding process. Construction is expected to be complete in Fall 2025. The work is weather dependent and subject to change. Motorists are urged to be alert and follow the posted work zone speed limits. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone.

    To further enhance safety for workers in a work zone, Governor Hochul signed legislation establishing the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement pilot program. The safety enforcement program began in April 2023 and is in effect in various active construction zones on the Thruway. Work zones with speed camera enforcement will have clear signage leading up to it and motorists violating the posted speed limit within the work zone will be fined.

    For up-to-date travel information, motorists are encouraged to download the Thruway Authority’s mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Travelers can also visit the Thruway Authority’s interactive Traveler Map which features live traffic cameras. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails, which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

    About the Thruway Authority

    The Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, built in the early 1950s, is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. The maintenance and operation of the Thruway system is funded primarily by tolls. The Thruway Authority does not receive any dedicated federal, state or local tax dollars and is paid for by those who drive the Thruway, including one-third of drivers from out of state.

    In 2024, the Thruway Authority processed more than 400 million transactions and motorists drove 8.2 billion miles on the Thruway. The Authority’s approved 2025 Budget invests a total of $477.3 million in dedicated funding for capital projects across the Thruway system beginning in 2025, an increase of more than $33 million compared to the approved 2024 budget. The increased investment will lead to work on approximately 61 percent of the Thruway’s more than 2,800 pavement lane miles as well as the replacement or rehabilitation of 20 percent of the Thruway’s 817 bridges.

    The Thruway is one of the safest roadways in the country with a fatality rate far below the nationwide index, and toll rates are among the lowest in the country compared to similar toll roads. The Thruway’s base passenger vehicle toll rate is less than five cents per mile, compared to the Ohio Turnpike (six cents per mile), the New Jersey Turnpike (up to 39 cents per mile) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (16 cents per mile).

    The Thruway Authority’s top priority is the safety of our employees and customers. In 2024, two Thruway Authority employees died and another was seriously injured in separate incidents while working on the Thruway. The lives of Thruway Authority employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on all of those who travel the highway. Motorists should stay alert and pay attention while driving, slow down in work zones and move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024, requires drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. Safety is a shared responsibility.

    For more information, follow the Thruway on Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit the Thruway website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Management of stray animals in the EU – E-001104/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001104/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nikos Pappas (The Left)

    Protecting stray animals is of vital importance to their welfare and to public health in the European Union. Article 13 of the TFEU recognises that animals are ‘sentient beings’ and the Commission recently put forward a proposal for a Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability’ with the aim of establishing a single legislative framework for ensuring animal welfare and the uniform and more effective management of animals across all Member States. However, the current lack of a common legislative framework means there are significant discrepancies between national policies, with some states having developed systematic actions to monitor and care for stray animals, while others, such as Greece, continue to face challenges due to limited resources and the failure to properly implement protection measures.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.How does it intend to manage stray animals in the EU that do not live in shelters? Are there plans for a single policy on sterilising, keeping a record of and protecting stray animals with a view to ensuring their well-being and preventing abandonment?
    • 2.What EU financial instruments can be used to manage and protect stray animals? Is the Commission considering the possibility of setting up a funding mechanism to support targeted actions in this field?

    Submitted: 14.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request to eliminate subsidies for Morocco – E-000245/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    EU development cooperation with non-EU countries is a parallel competence of the EU and the Member States. The Commission ensures that cooperation with non-EU countries aligns with EU interests and does not harm Member States by enforcing strict eligibility criteria, transparency standards and robust monitoring systems.

    Concerning the logistical corridors in southern Europe, the Algeciras — Bobadilla railway forms an integral part of the Mediterranean and Atlantic European Transport Corridors.

    The designated coordinators of both corridors are committed to ensuring that this line is developed and upgraded within the given deadlines and complies with the defined infrastructure standards of the new trans-European transport network (TEN-T) Regulation (EU) 1679/2024[1], which was adopted in June 2024. In the TEN-T Regulation, the Algeciras — Bobadilla railway line is designated as a core network line for both freight and passenger services.

    The Commission closely analyses and monitors EU country partners’ policies that may affect the European economy. For instance, as regards tax good governance standards that were developed based on t he Commission’s 2016 External Strategy for Effective Taxation[2], Morocco currently complies with all the criteria of the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, after amending the preferential tax regime (Casablanca Finance City) in 2020, thus addressing potential threats to Member States’ tax base.

    The Code of Conduct Group for business taxation, with technical assistance of the Commission, will monitor that Morocco continues to comply with the EU listing criteria.

    Understanding the impact that Morocco’s policies could have is vital for crafting appropriate strategies to support EU industries’ growth and competitiveness and safeguard the EU common market.

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/1679/oj
    • [2] COM(2016) 24 final.
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Exacerbation of industrial relocation driven by EU policy through US tariffs – P-000555/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    On 10 February 2025 the United States (US) announced the imposition a 25% tariff on all US imports of steel and aluminium as of 12 March 2025 and subsequently published a list of downstream products to which the tariffs will also apply[1][2][3]. On 13 February 2025, the US announced plans to impose so-called ‘reciprocal tariffs’[4].

    The President of the Commission and the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security publicly stated that while the EU is ready to discuss mutually beneficial solutions, any unjustified tariffs will trigger firm and proportionate EU countermeasures . The President spoke to the Vice-President of the United States on 11 February 2025.

    Moreover, the Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security also discussed this with his counterparts, including during a meeting in Washington on 19 February 2025.

    The Commission will spare no effort to avert unnecessary tensions but is ready to act to safeguard its economic interests. The EU has at its disposal instruments that allow addressing unjustified measures, including with tariffs.

    To promote European competitiveness, the Commission adopted its Competitiveness Compass[5], the strategic framework for the Commission’s work in this mandate, and other industrial policy initiatives[6].

    The Competitiveness Compass sets out an approach and a selection of flagship measures on three transformational imperatives to boost competitiveness: closing the innovation gap, a joint roadmap for decarbonisation and competitiveness, and reducing excessive dependencies and increasing security.

    The 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report[7] provide an analytical basis for the EU’s industrial strategy.

    • [1] https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/adjusting-imports-of-steel-into-the-united-states/
    • [2] https://www.whitehouse.gov/fact-sheets/2025/02/fact-sheet-president-donald-j-trump-restores-section-232-tariffs/
    • [3] https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02832.pdf and https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-02-18/pdf/2025-02833.pdf
    • [4] https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/02/reciprocal-trade-and-tariffs/
    • [5] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0030
    • [6] For example, the Clean Industrial Deal proposes six business drivers for a competitive yet decarbonising economy: (1) affordable energy, (2) lead markets, (3) financing, (4) circularity and access to materials, (5) global markets and international partnerships and (6) skills.
    • [7] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-annual-single-market-and-competitiveness-report_en
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Addressing the impact of mass tourism in Spain – E-000445/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. The Commission is aware of the challenges that unbalanced tourism may create for the infrastructure, the environment, the economy and/or the social fabric of certain local destinations, as well as affecting the quality of the experience for visitors. This was acknowledged by the 2022 report on Unbalanced tourism growth at destination level[1]. The Commission supports through several projects the exchange of good practices among the Destination Management Organisations, including on tourist flows management. The link between tourism and the housing crisis lacks more detailed studies, which will be needed in order to better understand their potential mutual influence. The Commission has already established a Housing Task Force to steer and coordinate the preparation of the European Affordable Housing Plan[2], with a view to addressing structural drivers of the housing crisis.

    2. As announced in the Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism confirmation hearing[3], the Commission will present in early 2026 its Sustainable Tourism Strategy, following consultations in the next few months with the European Parliament, Member States, Local and Regional Authorities, other stakeholders of the sector, and tourism destinations.

    3. In terms of financing, a guide for EU funding is available for tourism stakeholders[4], as no single specific instrument is dedicated to promote or manage tourism. For example, EUR 1,79 billion are allocated to Spain for the development of Tourism Sustainability Plans under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RFF)[5]. Moreover, EUR 4.2 billion between 2021 and 2027 are allocated to sustainable tourism under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), out of which EUR 700 million have been earmarked to Spain.

    • [1] Root causes, impacts, existing solutions and good practices,
      https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/816f1561-3a32-11ed-9c68-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
    • [2] https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/sectors/proximity-and-social-economy/social-economy-eu/affordable-housing-initiative_en
    • [3] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/nl/press-room/20241029IPR25032/hearing-of-commissioner-designate-apostolos-tzitzikostas
    • [4] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/tourism/eu-funding-and-businesses/guide-eu-funding-tourism_en
    • [5] https://www.igae.pap.hacienda.gob.es/sitios/igae/es-ES/Control/Documents/Anexo%20Decisi%C3%B3n%20ST-9303-2024-ADD-1_es.pdf
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential misuse of EU funds by pro-migrant association Equalis – E-000658/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Equalis received EUR 4 million in European funding from the European Social Fund (ESF)[1] between 2015 and 2022 (through the 2014-2020 French national programme) and EUR 1.14 million between 2022 and 2024 (through the FSE+ 2021-2027 French national programme). Equalis does not receive funding from the FSE+ regional programme of Île-de-France.

    La Commission carried out a compliance audit on the FSE+ French national programme in 2021 with a view to providing reasonable assurance that the management and control systems of this programme were working effectively to prevent, detect and correct errors and irregularities, thereby guaranteeing the lawfulness and regularity of expenditure declared to the Commission.

    The audit conclusions were positive. However, it should be noted that the sample selected by the Commission auditors did not include any operations of which Equalis was the beneficiary.

    It is the Member States which are primarily responsible for the management and control of the structural funds. In the event of irregularities, the authorities must deduct the expenses in question from the amounts declared to the Commission (in the annual accounts). The Member State is responsible for recovering these amounts from the beneficiary.

    The Commission checks the control systems put in place by the Member States. In the event of significant weaknesses, the Commission can interrupt payments and request corrective measures such as financial corrections and measures aimed at improving the functioning of the management and control systems.

    • [1] https://fse.be/
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Chile: European Union, EIB and KfW to provide up to €216.5 million to finance renewable hydrogen projects

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile will support Chile’s renewable hydrogen industry and help meet the country’s target of 100% clean energy by 2050.

    Today the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), KfW Development Bank, on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the European Commission, Corporación de Fomento de la Producción (CORFO) and the Chilean Ministry of Energy signed agreements to support Chile’s growing renewable hydrogen industry via the Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile. The signing ceremony took place in Santiago de Chile and was attended by European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Chile Diego Pardow, Executive Vice-President of CORFO José Miguel Benavente, EIB Director of the International Partners Department Thouraya Triki, and, representing KfW, Thomas Schmitt, Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy to Chile.

    The funding platform will support the decarbonisation of Chile’s economy, creating green jobs and generating business opportunities for Chilean and European companies while also helping Europe meet its import demand for renewable hydrogen. The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile is part of the European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean Global Gateway Investment Agenda that  facilitates priority investment projects to help address infrastructure needs in Latin America and the Caribbean, while creating local added value and promoting growth, decent jobs and social cohesion.

    Under the platform, the EIB and KfW can provide financing to the Republic of Chile of up to €200 million (€100 million each), with CORFO as the implementing agency to channel the funds to renewable hydrogen initiatives. The EU Latin America and Caribbean Investment Facility (LACIF) will provide an additional grant of €16.5 million. The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile supports Chile’s ambition to make its main sources of energy generation renewable and clean, with 100% clean energy before 2050. It is estimated that the operation will contribute to the development of at least 150 MW of new renewable energy generation capacity and 150 MW of new electrolysers capacity in the country.

    “With this agreement, the European Union reaffirms its vision of renewable hydrogen as a pillar of the energy of the future, and together with Chile, a leader in the region in this field, we are advancing the development of this key industry. The collaborative work between CORFO, the European Investment Bank (EIB), KfW, and the European Union channels strategic resources towards innovative projects, generating mutual benefits for Chile and Europe. This initiative is a clear example of Team Europe’s commitment to sustainability, the creation of green jobs, and the strengthening of our economic ties,” said European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela.

    “The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile will play a key role in supporting the Chilean government’s efforts to develop a sustainable and competitive renewable hydrogen sector. Through this platform, Team Europe is once again demonstrating its commitment to advance key Global Gateway investment priorities. By aligning with Chile’s ambitious climate action goals, we are fostering green energy solutions that create jobs, drive innovation and strengthen EU-Latin America cooperation. This partnership reflects our shared vision for a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Vice-President of the European Investment Bank Ioannis Tsakiris.                                    

    “The creation of the green hydrogen industry is not only an opportunity to continue the decarbonisation process but can also contribute to providing quality jobs and opportunities for the regions where future projects will be located. Therefore, this initiative led by the European Union, which is another step in our long and close collaboration, is great news for the energy industry but also for the citizens of our country,” said Minister of Energy of the Republic of Chile Diego Pardow.

    “The development of the green hydrogen industry represents a major challenge, not only in Chile but also globally. The creation of CORFO’s Green Hydrogen Facility, with contributions from multilateral institutions, including KfW and the European Investment Bank, constitutes a very relevant and necessary step forward to have financial instruments that can provide an important signal from the State in order to support the development of the industry and large-scale projects. We take on this challenge with great energy and enthusiasm,” said Executive Vice-President of CORFO José Miguel Benavente.

    “Chile has outstanding renewable energy potential for the development of green hydrogen production. To realise this potential, it is essential to leverage private investment. KfW financing on behalf of BMWK will support the mobilisation of private capital for Chilean hydrogen projects at an early stage. At a later stage, this should also enable the export of green hydrogen to European customers within the framework of hydrogen partnerships,” said Chargé d’Affaires of the German Embassy to Chile Thomas Schmitt.

    The Team Europe Renewable Hydrogen Funding Platform for Chile is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda supporting projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. The Global Gateway is the European Union’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. Between 2021 and 2027, the European Union expects to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. We aim to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 — around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world. High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    http://twitter.com/EIB

    https://www.linkedin.com/company/eib-global/

    About EIB Global in Chile

    The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world. In 2024 it financed around €8.4 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the EIB created in 2022 for activities beyond Europe. Since the EIB started working in Chile in 1994, it has provided over €942 million to finance investments on favourable conditions — in terms of both maturity and interest rates — with the aim of improving Chileans’ quality of life.

    About EIB Global in Latin America

    EIB Global has been providing economic support for projects in Latin America since 2022, facilitating long-term investment with favourable conditions and offering the technical support needed to ensure that these projects deliver positive social, economic and environmental results. Since the EIB began operating in Latin America in 1993, it has provided total financing of around €15 billion to support more than 170 projects in 15 countries in the region.

    About the Global Gateway Investment Agenda

    EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. Investing in connectivity is at the very heart of what EIB Global does, building on the Bank’s 65 years of experience in this domain. Alongside our partners, fellow EU institutions and Member States, we aim to support investment of €100 billion (around one-third of the overall budget of the initiative) by the end of 2027, including in Chile and Latin America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Chile: EIB to provide $110 million to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments

    Source: European Investment Bank

    • $110 million loan to Banco del Estado de Chile to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments for small and medium businesses and industries among others, including the value chain companies for critical raw materials in the country.

    Today the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banco del Estado de Chile signed in Santiago de Chile a $110 million loan to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy investments for small and medium businesses and industries among others, including the value chain companies for critical raw materials in the country. The operation is in line with the EU Global Gateway Investment Agenda in Chile and fosters partnerships to develop sustainable local value chains in the critical raw materials segment.

    The loan was signed by Daniel Hojman, President of Banco del Estado de Chile, and by Thouraya Triki, EIB Director of the International Partners Department, in the presence of the European Commissioner for International Partnership Jozef Sikela.

    The project, 100% climate action, supports Chile’s transition to a decarbonised, environmentally friendly, and inclusive economy, reinforcing the country’s efforts to enhance renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Mining companies or companies providing services to the critical raw materials sector, and implementing energy efficiency and renewable energy sub-projects, can also be targeted as final beneficiaries, thus supporting the decarbonisation of the critical raw materials supply chain, which is needed to ensure a clean energy transition in the country.

    “This $110 million financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Banco del Estado de Chile is a relevant contribution towards a cleaner and more efficient energy future. We are investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency, especially for small and medium businesses, thereby strengthening the decarbonisation of the Chilean economy. This initiative reflects our shared commitment to climate action. Through the Global Gateway Investment Agenda, Chile and the European Union are strengthening our collaboration, ensuring that economic growth and environmental protection go hand in hand,” said Jozef Sikela, European Commissioner for International Partnership.

    “This agreement between BancoEstado and the European Investment Bank strengthens the cooperation between our two financial institutions, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of green energy. This complements our previous partnership, which sought to improve the financial access conditions for housing with enhanced energy efficiency standards. Sustainability is an integral part of our identity as a public bank, and green financing is one of our strategic pillars, in line with supporting Chile’s transition towards an economy committed to climate action and environmental conservation,” said Daniel Hojman, President of Banco del Estado de Chile.

    “The $110 million EIB financing in energy efficiency and renewable energy generation supports Chile’s green transition and the EU’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda in Chile while strengthening energy security in the years ahead. This operation contributes significantly to decarbonise the energy supply in the country and unlocks energy efficiency potential in small and medium businesses and industry, including in the critical raw materials sector. This cooperation with Banco del Estado de Chile builds on the EIB’s global climate engagement and our support for climate action in Chile over the last three decades,” said Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank.

    The operation is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA) supporting projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. The Global Gateway is the European Union’s contribution to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. Between 2021 and 2027, the European Union expects to mobilise up to €300 billion of investments for sustainable and high-quality projects, taking into account the needs of partner countries and ensuring lasting benefits for local communities.

    Background information

    About EIB Global

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by the Member States. It finances investments that pursue EU policy objectives.

    EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance, and a key partner of Global Gateway. It aims to support €100 billion of investment by the end of 2027 – around one-third of the overall target of this EU initiative. Within Team Europe, EIB Global fosters strong, focused partnerships alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the EIB Group closer to people, companies and institutions through its offices across the world. Photos of EIB headquarters for media use are available here.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    About EIB Global in Chile

    The EIB is the largest multilateral public bank in the world. In 2024 it financed around €8.4 billion in investments outside the European Union via EIB Global, the arm of the EIB created in 2022 for activities beyond Europe. Since the EIB started working in Chile in 1994, it has provided over €942 million to finance investments on favourable conditions — in terms of both maturity and interest rates — with the aim of improving Chileans’ quality of life.

    About EIB Global in Latin America

    EIB Global has been providing economic support for projects in Latin America since 2022, facilitating long-term investment with favourable conditions and offering the technical support needed to ensure that these projects deliver positive social, economic and environmental results. Since the EIB began operating in Latin America in 1993, it has provided total financing of around €14.9 billion to support more than 170 projects in 15 countries in the region.

    About the Global Gateway Investment Agenda

    EIB Global is a key partner in the implementation of the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda (GGIA), supporting sound projects that improve global and regional connectivity in the digital, climate, transport, health, energy and education sectors. Investing in connectivity is at the very heart of what EIB Global does, building on the Bank’s 65 years of experience in this domain. Alongside our partners, fellow EU institutions and Member States, we aim to support investment of €100 billion (around one-third of the overall budget of the initiative) by the end of 2027, including in Chile and Latin America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Introduction of European Defence Bonds – E-002814/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission and the High Representative/Vice-President presented the first ever European Defence Industrial Strategy in March 2024.

    The strategy was outlining that ‘it is necessary to launch a discussion on quantifying the EU’s financing needs for defence industrial readiness which would be commensurate with this change of the security paradigm, and on how to ensure such adequate financing’[1].

    In June 2024, the European Council invited the Commission and the High Representative to present developed options, to be discussed by the Council, for public and private funding to strengthen the defence technological and industrial base and address critical capability gaps.

    In this context, the Commission President sent a letter to the European Council on 4 March 2025 presenting the ReArm Europe Plan, including the proposal for a new financial instrument to support Member States in boosting their defence capabilities. This instrument will deliver loans to Member States, borrowing funds based on a guarantee provided by the EU budget.

    When it comes to the energy transition and green energy it is important to note that Member States still benefit from the Recovery and Resilience Facility — Next Generation EU, providing grants and loans to help EU economies emerge stronger and more resilient from the Coronavirus crisis, notably by investing in the green transition.

    Both the ReArm Europe Plan and the Next Generation EU have been tailored to support Member States in facing exceptional circumstances outside their control while not endangering the financial stability of the EU.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en%5E/ip_24_1321
    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Energy sanctions against Russia and audit request – E-001144/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001144/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jordan Bardella (PfE)

    The energy sanctions the EU has imposed against a number of third countries, including Russia, have had a dramatic economic impact on our businesses and citizens. In particular, the energy price hikes pose a serious threat to both our industry’s competitiveness and the purchasing power of the French people. Experts are also pointing to the fact that these sanctions could prove to be counterproductive, effectively bolstering in the long term the economy and strategic autonomy of the countries targeted.

    In the light of these repercussions and the current decline, it is now crucial to assess objectively the effectiveness of these sanctions and their real impact on Europe’s energy security.

    In view of this, does the Commission plan to have an independent and transparent audit carried out to analyse the impact of the energy sanctions on the European economy and on the energy sovereignty of the Member States, as well as their objective impact on the economies of the countries concerned?

    Submitted: 18.3.2025

    Last updated: 28 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –