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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB Group backs more than €15 billion in new investment

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • EIB and EIF Boards approve €15.5 billion for transport, housing, education, energy and business investment
    • EIB strengthening support for water resilience

    The European Investment Bank Group approved a total of €15.5 billion in new financing to back business growth and corporate innovation, improve transport and energy connectivity, invest in housing and strengthen water resilience.

    The decisions were made at the July board meetings of the EIB and the European Investment Fund this week. The EIB Board endorsed €14.5 billion in fresh financing and the EIF Board authorised €1 billion in new funding to support the green transition, back venture capital and private equity investment and strengthen private credit and infrastructure funds.

    “These investments are about building the future – from clean energy, safe water and smarter transport to better housing, education and innovation,” said EIB Group President Nadia Calviño. “As the EU’s financing arm, the EIB Group is delivering on Europe’s priorities.”

    EIB Group Water Resilience Programme welcomed

    The EIB Board welcomed plans to strengthen targeted financing to address water resilience worldwide.

    The EIB Group is the world’s largest multilateral financier for water investment. The new EIB Group Water Resilience Programme has been developed in coordination with the European Commission’s Water Resilience Strategy and is expected to mobilise €40 billion of global water investment over the next three years. It will increase access to clean and safe water, enhance the water resilience of communities and strengthen the competitiveness of the EU water sector.

    New projects to update water and wastewater networks in Greece and the Netherlands were also approved.

    Improving transport

    The EIB agreed to back new rail investment in Estonia, Germany and Italy, to improve road connections in Poland, Romania and Moldova and to enhance airport energy efficiency in France, Germany and Spain.

    Enhancing energy networks and energy efficiency

    New energy projects approved will strengthen electricity grids in France, Germany and South America, improve industrial energy efficiency in Portugal and accelerate biofuel production in Italy.

    Investing in affordable and energy efficient housing

    The Board approved three housing projects, enabling streamlined financing for the construction of energy-efficient homes, the energy-efficiency renovation of existing buildings and the installation of solar panels in Germany and backing the construction and refurbishment of affordable housing across Portugal.

    Backing business growth and innovation

    New financing approved by the EIB will support companies in Croatia, Italy, Poland and Spain, innovation in the Western Balkans and the reforestation of degraded forests and wetlands across Africa as well as private-sector investment by North African and Middle Eastern businesses. This includes support as part of the third pillar of the European Commission’s Multiannual Comprehensive Programme for Palestine.

    Financing for critical raw material recycling in Germany, low-carbon fertiliser production in South America, innovative waste-treatment plants across Spain and pharmaceutical innovation across Europe was also endorsed.

    The EIF transactions agreed this week include €278 million in new debt operations and €725 million in venture capital, private equity and private credit transactions. They will support private-sector clean energy, decarbonisation and biodiversity preservation investment. This includes EIF backing for funds that enable biotech companies to grow, support sustainable business investments and bolster early-stage venture capital.

    Strengthening European security and defence

    In March this year, the EIB Group agreed to expand its eligibility criteria for security and defence investment.

    The EIB and EIF Boards approved a revised list of excluded activities, broadening eligibilities and clarifying technical details to support increased financing for selected security and defence projects. These adjustments follow a thorough market assessment that identified funding needs within the EU industry while safeguarding the Group’s financing capacity.

    Background information  

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, the capital markets union, and a stronger Europe in a more peaceful and prosperous world. 

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.   

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.   

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers.Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average. 

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

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    Better road connections across Romania
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    Backing innovative waste treatment across Spain
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Secondary publication rights – E-002842/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002842/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Dario Tamburrano (The Left), Danilo Della Valle (The Left), Carolina Morace (The Left), Pasquale Tridico (The Left), Gaetano Pedulla’ (The Left), Mario Furore (The Left), Jutta Paulus (Verts/ALE), Rudi Kennes (The Left), Jan-Peter Warnke (NI), Thomas Geisel (NI), Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

    A ‘secondary publication right (SPR)’ refers to the right to republish publicly funded research that has been deposited in an open access repository simultaneously or following its publication in academic journals, with guarantees on the subsequent use that can be made of the work[1].

    According to an analysis by the Association of European Research Libraries (LIBER)[2], the traditional system limits potential future research as it transfers all rights to publishing entities.

    In the light of this, can the Commission answer the following questions:

    • 1.As a quarter of Member States now have an SPR provision, what actions will the Commission take to ensure harmonisation and to support open access to publicly funded research across Europe?
    • 2.Does it agree that a zero-embargo SPR for publicly funded research strengthens the impact of EU research investments and aligns with the goals of Horizon Europe and the future framework programme for research and innovation (FP10)?
    • 3.Given widespread support for cost-free publishing models and the financial sustainability challenges of the gold open access model, how will the Commission promote equitable alternatives like green and diamond open access, and safeguard authors’ rights over their work?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    • [1] A position statement from Knowledge Rights 21 on secondary publishing rights, February 2023, https://www.knowledgerights21.org/statement/secondary-publishing-rights-new-position-statement-from-knowledge-rights-21/.
    • [2] Association of European Research Libraries report of 10 October 2023 entitled, ‘Secondary Publishing Rights in Europe: Status, challenges & opportunities’, by Giannis Tsakonas, Kyriaki Zoutsou, Marina Perivolari, https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8428315.
    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of Directive 2011/64/EU – P-002918/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002918/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomasz Buczek (PfE)

    The Commission’s tax policy priorities for 2025 were presented at the meeting of the Subcommittee on Tax Matters (FISC) on 6 February 2025. These included a revision of Directive 2011/64/EU on the taxation of tobacco products as one of the key areas for action.

    The tobacco sector is an important part of the Polish economy, providing employment for over half a million people across the entire value chain, from the cultivation of raw tobacco and processing to distribution.

    Poland also pursues a prudent and effective tax policy, resulting in significant budget revenues and one of the smallest grey economies in the EU (below 5%). This is due not only to the efficiency of the domestic customs and tax administration, but also to the implementation of a long-term roadmap for excise duty increases, which provides the market with predictability and stability.

    However, we are witnessing increasing regulatory overload in this area. The numerous legislative changes in the areas of both excise duty and health regulations over the last year are creating an atmosphere of uncertainty for businesses and discouraging investment.

    In light of the foregoing:

    • 1.Does the Commission intend to take the differences in terms of health risks into account by appropriately adjusting the taxation of smokeless products in relation to traditional tobacco products?
    • 2.Does the Commission foresee an increase in the fiscal burden imposed on products covered by the Directive as a result of its revision?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Digital bureaucracy and systemic burden on commercial SMEs in Greece – E-002838/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002838/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    The recent Institute of Commerce and Services/Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship survey highlighted digital bureaucracy as one of the most important sources of cost and uncertainty for commercial small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece. It identifies, inter alia, a lack of interoperability between public systems, technical errors, delays in software upgrades, short adaptation periods and outdated procedures (such as repeating applications for supporting documents already available to other bodies). 60 % of businesses state that they need external support to meet digital obligations (accountants, invoicing providers, etc.), while 40 % are concerned about the cost of software and skills.

    In addition, there is a significant delay in payments of state aid and debts due to insufficient computerisation. At the same time, Greek retail is exposed to unfair competition from Asian digital platforms that exploit the gaps in the European framework, while Greece’s 3-place drop in global competitiveness (IMD 2024) is directly related to administrative burdens.

    In view of the above, the Commission is asked:

    • 1.What guidelines or requirements exist from the EU side for digital governance and interoperability of public services?
    • 2.Is there a plan for financial support for SMEs with the aim of covering compliance costs and upgrading digital skills?
    • 3.Does the Commission intend to strengthen the adoption of uniform European operating standards in national digital infrastructures?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: In-Depth Analysis – US tariffs: economic, financial and monetary repercussions – 17-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing assesses the economic, financial, and monetary implications of the tariffs announced by the Trump administration for the EU. Starting with an overview of US measures and EU countermeasures, it analyses the impact on the EU economy across sectors and member states, explains monetary policy challenges for the ECB, and discusses strategic options for European policymakers. As the situation evolves rapidly, the assessment provided in this briefing reflects information available as of 15 July 2025, with updates to follow as developments unfold.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Press release – Danish Presidency debriefs EP committees on priorities

    Source: European Parliament

    Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council until the end of 2025. This text will be updated regularly as the hearings take place.

    Agriculture and Rural Development Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the Presidency will focus on easing the administrative burden for farmers while continuing to promote the green transition and animal welfare. Concluding the current negotiations on the common agricultural policy (CAP) simplification package and starting discussions on the post-2027 CAP will also be priorities.

    Several MEPs called for fair conditions between farmers inside and outside the EU in connection with the Mercosur Agreement and animal welfare. They asked how the presidency will help guarantee the EU’s protein and fertiliser self-sufficiency and support organic farmers. Others raised the issue of ensuring that the green transition does not compromise the agriculture sector’s sustainability.

    Regional Development Committee

    On 15 July, Danish Minister for European Affairs Marie Bjerre argued that cohesion policy should continue to play a crucial role in the EU budget, as the Presidency works on proposals for the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). She said that funding should also support competitiveness and be flexible in the face of unexpected events. Ms Bjerre highlighted the need to strengthen rule of law conditionality in the allocation of EU funds.

    MEPs agreed on the need to modernise cohesion policy and make it more flexible, but asked for the Presidency’s support in defending the policy’s core purpose – reducing inequalities between regions – and the role of regions and local authorities.

    Legal Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard stressed the need to boost EU competitiveness but also to protect common values while advancing the green and digital transition. He committed to make progress on draft bills on the protection of adults and insolvency, while promoting rules on parenthood.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, will strive to simplify existing rules for the benefit of EU businesses in the upcoming negotiations on sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations. Mr Bødskov also intends to advance the patent package and the “28th regime” initiative (a single set of EU rules to support innovation).

    MEPs inquired about plans to strengthen the rule of law, fight illegal migration and improve licensing, considering the planned withdrawal of the proposal on standard essential patents. They also asked for work to move ahead on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression, for measures to ensure that simplification does not lead to deregulation, and for efforts to balance rights and copyright in the context of new technologies.

    Foreign Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said that the Presidency wants to advance EU accession negotiations with all candidate countries. She also added that the EU must act more independently to ensure its security. The dialogue with Türkiye will continue, but its accession negotiations will remain on hold.

    MEPs called for more support for some candidate countries on their EU path. They also enquired on possible new strategic partners for the EU, given recent developments in relations with the US, and called for the deepening of relations with Latin America. They also asked what steps the Presidency intends to take to help the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

    Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety Committee

    On 15 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, highlighted the need to simplify EU legislation for farmers and food producers, and to promote innovation through tools such as new genomic techniques, on which the Presidency aims to strike a deal with Parliament. He stressed the importance of making the EU’s agri-food sector more competitive while maintaining high standards of sustainability and food safety. Other priorities include an EU strategy for plant-based proteins, animal welfare, and action to tackle antimicrobial resistance.

    MEPs raised questions about the future of the CAP, demanding greater fairness, increased support for smaller farms, and clear targets for pesticide reduction. MEPs also enquired about trade agreements, such as with Mercosur, and a possible ban on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, stressed the importance of reaching an agreement on the EU 2040 climate target, to offer clear guidance for climate action, investment, and industrial competitiveness. He underlined the need for an agreement before the COP30 in Brazil on 10–21 November 2025, to show EU leadership and unity.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about energy affordability and the social impact of the new emissions trading system, while others stressed excessive flexibility would undermine the 2040 target.

    Civil liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard said the Presidency would prioritise work on the fight against serious cross-border and organised crime, action to improve victims’ rights, and police cooperation to counter migrant smuggling. The Presidency will also advance work on the directive and regulation to combat child sexual abuse.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, called for implementation of the “Preparedness Union” strategy to strengthen EU security, resilience and preparedness. The Presidency will advance work on the reformed EU civil protection mechanism, the stockpiling strategy and measures to protect critical infrastructure.

    MEPs asked the Presidency about progress on the directives on combating corruption and victims’ rights. According to the Justice Minister, work on both will continue promptly as a priority. MEPs and the Ministers also discussed law enforcement access to data, and measures against terrorism and online radicalisation.

    Kaare Dybvad, Minister for Immigration and Integration, emphasised the need to implement the Asylum and Migration Pact in full. The Presidency will work on proposals on safe third countries, safe countries of origin and a common approach to returns. He also mentioned the possibility of developing external partnerships and possible return hubs in third countries, stressing the need to uphold international law and human rights. Other priorities are action to combat migrant smuggling and the EU talent pool.

    On Migration and Asylum Pact implementation, MEPs asked about the solidarity platform, protection of human dignity, and cooperation with third countries. The minister replied that priority should be given to people in need of refugee status. Economic migrants must use legal channels, and those with no right to stay need to be returned to their home countries.

    Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs, said the Presidency aimed to strengthen the link between respect for EU values and access to EU funds, enhance the Council’s rule of law dialogues, and support tools such as the Commission’s rule of law report. It will also work to reinforce the conditionality mechanism in the next long-term budget, by increasing funding for it and ensuring more automatic application.

    Some MEPs raised concerns about the situation in Hungary, and called for a stronger conditionality mechanism and better protection of media freedom and civil society. Others called for clarity on the definition of rule of law, and raised the issues of spyware use against journalists and the situation in Gaza.

    Employment and Social Affairs Committee

    On 15 July, Employment Minister Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen stressed that the Presidency would focus on investing in skills, fair labour mobility, strengthening social dialogue, and occupational health. She aims to advance the revision of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive (CMRD) and the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund for Displaced Workers. Minister for Social Affairs and Housing Sophie Hæstorp Andersen highlighted the need to improve independent living for persons with disabilities and to improve access to sustainable and affordable housing.

    MEPs highlighted the lack of legislative proposals in social areas and voiced concern about the future of the European Social Fund+. They stressed the need to strengthen the European Labour Authority, and addressed the working conditions of non-EU nationals, the lack of skilled workers, and the migration of qualified workers. Others asked for action on employment rights for persons with disabilities, the coordination of social security systems, and the European Child Guarantee.

    Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee

    On 15 July, Caroline Stage Olsen, Digital Affairs Minister, emphasised the need for action to boost investment and cut red tape. Special attention will be given to protecting minors online through firm Digital Services Act enforcement, new age verification rules and action to tackle addictive design. She supported postponing elements of the AI Act to give business, especially smaller companies, more time to comply.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, stressed the Presidency’s intention to tackle customs challenges, unfair competition, slow growth and job loss. The minister also expressed strong support for the green transition and the need to advance work on simplification packages and regulatory burden reduction targets.

    MEPs asked about the Presidency’s plans to work on e-commerce, the posting of workers, attracting talent and the “28th regime” (a single set of EU rules to support innovation). They also enquired about digital policy loopholes and the Digital Fairness Act, and the need to advance negotiations on the late payments regulation and the European defence industrial strategy.

    Development Committee

    On 15 July, Foreign Affairs Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen called for a stronger Team Europe approach, given the widening gap between humanitarian needs and the resources available. Presidency priorities include the Global Gateway, the Samoa Agreement, the EU-African Union (AU) Summit, human rights and the sustainable development goals. The Presidency will champion external action in negotiations on the next long-term EU budget.

    MEPs stressed the importance of development aid and the need to make sure foreign investment upholds human rights, while also voicing concern over irregular migration. They called for a broader EU presence at the next EU-AU Summit, and asked about the Presidency’s plan for the UN High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development.

    Public Health Committee

    On 16 July, Sophie Løhde, Danish Minister for Interior and Health, highlighted the need to strengthen EU preparedness through efficient medical countermeasures, ensure better access to medicines, and address antimicrobial resistance. She shared the Presidency’s commitment to finalising the Council’s position on the critical medicines act, hoping an agreement with Parliament could be reached on the pharmaceutical package by the end of the year.

    MEPs quizzed the minister on medicine affordability, rare diseases, and healthcare workforce shortages. Some called for a greater focus on women’s health, action against PFAS contamination, and improved EU coordination of health and military crisis preparedness.

    Constitutional Affairs Committee

    On 16 July, European Affairs Minister Marie Bjerre said the Presidency priorities were to advance a merit-based EU accession process and uphold the rule of law. She also highlighted the need to reinforce democratic resilience, for instance through the Commission’s Democracy Shield and improved transparency of foreign interests. The Presidency is also committed to strengthening interinstitutional cooperation and pursuing institutional reforms within the existing treaty framework.

    MEPs raised questions on the link between internal EU reforms and future accessions, the use of qualified majority voting to overcome institutional deadlocks, the right of inquiry, and electoral reform. Bjerre replied that the lack of consensus among member states on possible treaty changes made that a less feasible path.

    Security and Defence Committee

    On 16 July, Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said that one of the priorities was to continue to support Ukraine politically, militarily and financially, and work on integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into the EU one. This includes paving the way for Ukrainian companies to set up facilities in the rest of Europe. He also mentioned the need for Europe to be able to defend itself by 2030 by increasing its defence readiness and production, and freeing up defence financing.

    MEPs questioned the minister on a range of topics, including the use of frozen Russian state assets to support Ukraine’s reconstruction, a dedicated European defence fund, removing hurdles to support the Ukrainian defence industry, and the pros and cons of non-EU country access to EU defence funds.

    Fisheries Committee

    On 16 July, Jacob Jensen, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, said the Presidency would prioritise the green transition, simplification, including for the Ocean Pact, and better regulation of fisheries. They will also focus on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Baltic Sea for 2026 to allow fishers to plan early.

    MEPs highlighted fleet renewal, the Baltic Sea’s herring situation and the MFF’s role in achieving sustainability, simplification, and climate goals. They expressed concern over the 24-metre fleet renewal restriction and called for specific funding mechanisms for the Ocean Pact. Finally, they welcomed the focus on 2026 fishing quotas and sustainability objectives.

    Transport and Tourism Committee

    Boosting competitiveness, easing the administrative burden, ensuring a green transition in transport and tourism, but also military mobility, are the main drivers of Danish presidency, said Thomas Danielsen, Minister of Transport on 16 July. He hoped to start talks with MEPs on passenger rights and rules on counting CO2 emissions, as well as to finish negotiations on railway capacity infrastructure. Morten Bødskov, Minister of Business, Industry and Financial Services, added the Presidency perspective on shipping transport and upcoming EU ports and maritime industry strategies.

    The majority of transport committee MEPs welcomed the Presidency priorities, the ambition to reach a Council position on weights and dimensions rules, while some questioned the focus on the green transition. On passenger rights, MEPs were frustrated with the Council decision to force into a tight deadline to reach a deal on future rules, and asked the minister not to forget the multimodal part of the package.

    Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Environment and Gender Equality, Magnus Heunicke, outlined priorities including combating gender-based violence, promoting equal opportunities by involving men and boys, and strengthening LGBTQI equality amid rising hate and harassment. He announced that a Council meeting on 17 October would focus on equality and non-discrimination.

    MEPs raised concerns about the absence of an EU-wide consent-based definition of rape, the lack of progress on the revision of the Victims’ Rights Directive, the under-representation of women in government, and the stalled horizontal anti-discrimination directive. In response, Heunicke confirmed that there would be a discussion on a consent-based rape definition, and that finalising the Victims’ Rights Directive negotiations was a priority.

    International Trade Committee

    On 16 July, Minister for Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen named agreements on the revised general scheme of preferences (GSP) and the foreign investment screening review as being among his priorities. The phasing-out of Russian gas imports and ratification of the trade agreement with Mercosur are also high on the agenda. The Presidency will also work to negotiate a new trade relationship with the US, while being prepared for other scenarios.

    MEPs welcomed the priorities, particularly on concluding the Mercosur Agreement, phasing out Russian gas imports and concluding the revision of the GSP. Some MEPs also questioned the Presidency on how EU-Israel trade relations should evolve given the humanitarian situation in the Middle East.

    Culture and Education Committee

    On 16 July, Mattias Tesfaye, Minister for Education and Youth, said that Presidency wanted to make vocational education and training more attractive, ensure learning mobility, and focus on how the digitalisation affects learning outcomes. The Presidency will also prioritise negotiations on the next generation of Erasmus+ and on the European education area.

    Many MEPs expressed their concerns about the future of the Erasmus+ programme and enquired about the protection of children online, recognition of competences, and the safety of young students in the workplace.

    Jakob Engel-Schmidt, Minister for Culture, Media and Sports Policy, highlighted the need to prohibit the use of images, voice and other personal features in deepfakes or lifelike imitations. The EU Copyright Regulation should be updated to address the challenges posed by artificial intelligence to the cultural and creative sectors, either by guaranteeing fair remuneration for rights holders or by achieving the best possible conditions for licensing agreements. In sport, the Presidency promises to do more to uphold democratic values and integrity in the awarding of international sports events.

    MEPs asked for measures to help EU countries implement the European Media Freedom Act and highlighted the revision of the Audiovisual Media Services Directive. MEPs also raised issues such as protecting heritage against natural disasters and gender equality programmes in sport.

    Industry, Research and Energy Committee

    On 16 July, Caroline Stage Olsson, Minister for Digital Affairs, outlined two priorities: enhancing digital competitiveness and protecting minors online. She advocated for reducing the administrative burden on business and for strategic investment for a more sovereign Europe. She also highlighted work on enforcing the Digital Services Act (DSA), stricter regulations for age verification and data protection, and the establishment of a competitiveness fund.

    Some MEPs stressed the need to reduce dependency on non-European tech companies and to balance regulation with simplification, to foster innovation while protecting consumers. Questions were asked about the impact of the DSA on free speech and privacy, and about investment in less connected regions.

    Troels Lund Poulsen, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, outlined four priorities: enhancing Europe’s defence capabilities, supporting Ukraine, fostering cooperation with NATO and strengthening the EU’s defence against hybrid threats. He also stressed the importance of the European defence industry programme (EDIP) to this end.

    Torsten Schack Pedersen, Minister for Resilience and Preparedness, focused on cybersecurity and highlighted three priorities: strengthening EU cyber resilience, framing a robust EU response to cyber crises, and simplifying the EU cyber legislation framework.

    MEPs enquired about the creation of a unified European defence market, the standardisation of defence products, and the need for joint procurement to enhance defence capabilities. Questions also focused on Baltic Sea security and measures to counter potential sabotage. Concerns were voiced about Europe’s dependency on non-European defence suppliers.

    Lars Aagaard, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, emphasised the importance of a secure, clean and affordable energy supply, as well as of a stronger energy sector, focusing on renewable and clean energy produced locally. He called for an approach that would balance environmental protection with economic competitiveness and for Europe to phase out its dependency on Russian energy.

    Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs focused on competitiveness and highlighted the need for increased investment in green technologies and new critical technologies such as life sciences, artificial intelligence, biotech, and quantum. Mr Bødskov also stressed the need to simplify regulations to foster innovation and growth.

    MEPs stressed the need for a more efficient regulatory environment to foster innovation and competitiveness. They expressed concerns about high energy prices and highlighted the importance of investing in clean energy technologies and infrastructure to achieve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Several MEPs questioned the balance between environmental protection and economic competitiveness, and called for a more pragmatic approach to regulation that would not stifle innovation and growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Rand Paul Reintroduces Audit the Fed Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    July 17th, 2025

    Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dr. Rand Paul (R-KY) has reintroduced the Federal Reserve Transparency Act, famously known as ‘Audit the Fed” legislation to require a full audit of the Federal Reserve’s operations and increase congressional oversight of its decision-making. In conjunction with the bill’s reintroduction, Senator Paul also released the latest edition of his Waste Report, which exposed the Federal Reserve’s $600 million cost overrun on renovations to its Washington, D.C. headquarters—now projected to cost taxpayers $2.5 billion in total. The report underscores the lack of transparency and accountability at the Fed, which remains exempt from a full audit by Congress or the Government Accountability Office.

    “No institution holds more power over the future of the American economy and the value of our savings than the Federal Reserve,” said Dr. Paul. “It’s long past time for Congress to stop shirking its duty and hold the Federal Reserve accountable.”

    “It is Congress’ duty to hold the Fed accountable,” said Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). “For too long, the Federal Reserve has operated behind closed doors while making decisions that impact the American economy. Throughout my service in Congress, I have worked to audit the Fed, and this legislation is necessary to shine a light on the Fed’s operations and provide transparency to Congress and American taxpayers.”

    “Idahoans deserve to know what the Federal Reserve is doing to our nation’s economy,” said Senator Jim Risch (R-ID). “Congress must hold the Fed accountable and pull back the curtain on the actions of this unelected Washington establishment.”

    “I support this effort to provide more transparency to the American people and more insight into how the Federal Reserve operates. This bill is a common-sense step towards good government,” said Senator Todd Young (R-IN).

    The Federal Reserve Transparency Act would require the independent Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a complete audit of the Board of Governors and the Federal Reserve Banks within one year of enactment and to report its findings to Congress within 90 days of completing the audit.

    The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX), Rick Scott (R- FL), and John Barrasso (R-WY).

    The bill is supported by the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, Frontiers of Freedom Institute, and Young Americans for Liberty.

     Read the bill HERE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/16/2025 Blackburn, Peters Pass Bipartisan Bill to Advance U.S. Manufacturing Policy and Competitiveness

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    The U.S. Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation authored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Commerce. The National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act would establish the National Manufacturing Advisory Council as a key component in developing federal manufacturing policy to help strengthen U.S. leadership in global manufacturing.

    “A resilient domestic manufacturing base with a national strategic plan will strengthen the United States’ competitiveness,” said Senator Blackburn. “The National Manufacturing Council Act would support our workforce by increasing communication and collaboration across different industries.”

    “To support manufacturers in Michigan and throughout the United States, we need our industry partners, economic developers, lawmakers, and workers reading from the same playbook,” said Senator Peters. “A National Manufacturing Advisory Council would help bring together and amplify the voices of manufacturers, workers, and industry experts to strengthen our federal manufacturing policy. In doing so, we can proactively address rising challenges in the industry and better seize opportunities that will propel American manufacturing to new heights in the coming decades.”

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would be made up of manufacturing, labor, and education leaders to advise both Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on how best to ensure the United States remains the top destination globally for investment in manufacturing. It would serve as a bridge between the manufacturing sector and federal government to improve communication and collaboration, and better support the industry and its workforce. 

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council would meet at least twice a year to advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that impact U.S. manufacturing. It would also propose solutions to challenges and problems facing manufacturers in the United States. The Advisory Council would be required to:  

    • IDENTIFY AND ASSESS the effects of technological developments, production capacity, skill availability, investment patterns, and emerging needs for United States manufacturing competitiveness.  
    • SOLICIT INPUT from the public and private sectors – including businesses and labor groups – as well as academia on emerging trends in manufacturing.   
    • PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS to the Secretary addressing global and domestic manufacturing trends threatening the U.S. manufacturing sector, including supply chain interruptions, logistical challenges, and technological changes. The Advisory Council would also advise the Secretary on ways to increase federal attention with respect to manufacturing – as well as matters relating to the U.S. manufacturing workforce such as the impact of new technology and worker training and education priorities.  
    • IDENTIFY REGULATORY ISSUES encountered by the domestic manufacturing sector and provide advice on how to mitigate issues through a favorable environment for manufacturers, workers, and consumers.  

    “We applaud Senator Blackburn for introducing this bill to improve the federal government’s planning and coordination of efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing,” said Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM). “Recent supply chain disruptions have made clear that it is time for the United States to shore up its critical manufacturing capabilities, which will not only better prepare us for the next crisis but also create jobs and boost the economy. This increased coordination between the many programs designed to support our manufacturers and their workers is an important step towards rebuilding our industrial base. We are grateful to Senator Peters for his efforts to bolster American manufacturing.”  

    “The Association of Equipment Manufacturers applauds Senator Marsha Blackburn and Senator Gary Peters for their continued leadership on behalf of the manufacturing sector and for introducing legislation that will prioritize a national strategy focused on ensuring American manufacturing policy can rapidly respond to changes in the global marketplace,” said Kip Eideberg, American Equipment Manufacturers (AEM), Senior Vice President of Government and Industry Relations. “Our economic prosperity and national security depend on a strong manufacturing sector, and establishing a National Manufacturing Advisory Council will help unleash innovation and mobilize a comprehensive, coordinated, and competent national effort in support of the manufacturing sector and its workforce.”     

    “We commend Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) for introducing legislation to establish a National Manufacturing Advisory Council,” said Ana Meuwissen, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “This council will be a forum for manufacturers and other key stakeholders to provide input to the Department of Commerce (DOC) on important long-range issues such as workforce, supply chain, technology, and defense industrial base. The NMAC legislation would also foster better coordination of federal manufacturing policy in the DOC and across the federal government. When this legislation is enacted, it will be an asset to assist in retaining U.S. competitiveness in critical manufacturing sectors like motor vehicle parts.”  

    The National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act is also supported by the American Small Manufacturers Coalition (ASMC).   

    In May, the Senate also passed Blackburn’s and Peter’s Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act which would strengthen federal efforts to attract investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturers and supply chains.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Research Council Adds Full Scale Laser Sorter to Its Mining Industry Services

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 17, 2025

    The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is well-positioned as a global mineral sorting and separation centre of excellence with the addition of a full-scale laser sorter to the wide array of services it offers to the mining industry. 

    SRC’s Minerals Liberation Sorting Centre is the only third-party, independent testing centre to offer bench-to-pilot scale testing and offers front-to-back solutions for mining industry clients in early exploration, later stage exploration, established mining, and post-mining stages. SRC’s sorting centre now offers full production-scale sensor-based sorting services via XRT (X-ray transmission) and laser testing, services that no other independent testing centre in the world can boast. 

    “With the recent addition of a full-scale laser sorting unit, SRC will further strengthen its capability to run real-world scenario testing and deliver efficient, cost-effective and sustainable sorting solutions to the mining industry in Saskatchewan and beyond,” Minister Responsible for SRC Warren Kaeding said.  

    Sensor-based sorting technologies are widely used in various sectors like recycling and food production, but in the mining industry specifically, it is changing how companies evaluate mine design and economics. 

    Not only does sensor-based sorting offer improved efficiency, but it can reduce waste, environmental impact and operational costs for a company. Using sensor-based sorting, a mining company can generate waste streams earlier in the process based on mineralogical differences detected by sensors. By removing waste early, particle ore sorting can increase feed grade to the mill, minimize operational footprints, reduce water and energy usage and lower operating costs. 

    SRC’s comprehensive three-stage testing regime assists clients in selecting the most appropriate sensor-based sorting technology, progressing from mineral characterization to targeting and modelling and then to pilot-scale testing. Using this method, SRC has successfully implemented sensor-based sorting solutions for various commodities, leading to significant improvements in efficiency and cost savings.  

    “We can test all major sorting technologies on the market and have developed custom-made, sensor-based solutions for various applications,” President and CEO of SRC Mike Crabtree noted. “Our interdisciplinary team, comprising geologists, mineralogists and engineers, ensures a complete approach to sensor-based sorting technology integration, making it a reliable partner for mining companies looking to adopt these advanced sorting solutions.”  

    The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) is Canada’s second largest research and technology organization. As a catalyst for innovation, SRC focuses on providing leading-edge services and solutions to the agriculture, energy, environment and mining industries with major projects in nuclear and rare earth elements. With a workforce of more than 400 employees and nearly 80 years of applied research and development experience, SRC supports 1,400 clients in more than 15 countries. 

    For more information about SRC’s sorting and separation services, visit src.sk.ca/services/sensor-based-sorting.  

    View our media kit for photos and video of SRC’s Minerals Liberation Sorting Centre. 

    -30- 

    Francois Biber  
    External Relations 
    Saskatchewan Research Council  
    Phone: 306-385-4187 
    Email: Francois.Biber@src.sk.ca 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Deluzio Calls on Dept. of Education to Restore $7 Billion in K-12 & Adult Education Funding

    Source: US Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA)

    CARNEGIE, PA – Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Education and the Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget demanding that they reverse their decision to illegally withhold nearly $7 billion dollars of funding for K-12 schools and adult education from states and local school districts around the country. In the letter, Congressman Deluzio joins 149 of his fellow lawmakers in insisting that the funding be immediately released after hearing intense concern from over a dozen school districts in Pennsylvania’s 17th Congressional District. 

    “This unnecessary delay of education funding, which accounts for at least 10 percent of federal K-12 funding in every state, is alarming parents, local elected officials, and education agencies. It is disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing the education of millions of students, and is already resulting in layoffs as well as program delays and cancellations, write the Members of Congress in their letter to Administration officials. “There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses – follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families.”

    The Trump Administration’s actions here are threatening to take away $230 million from Pennsylvania’s schools. This week, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Administration’s unlawful withholding of funds from the Commonwealth’s kids and schools. 

    The full letter is available here and is copied below: 

    LETTER TEXT 

    July 10, 2025

    The Honorable Linda McMahon  
    Secretary of Education  
    United States Department of Education  
    400 Maryland Avenue, SW  
    Washington, DC 20002 

    The Honorable Russell Vought  
    Director Office of Management and Budget  
    Executive Office of the President  
    725 17th Street, NW  
    Washington, DC 20503 

    Secretary McMahon and Director Vought,  

    We write to request more information about your decision to illegally withhold nearly $7 billion dollars of funding for K-12 schools and adult education from states and local school districts around the country and to insist that this funding be immediately released. Without these funds, schools are facing difficult and unnecessary decisions on programs for students and teachers.  

    On June 30, 2025, just one day before these funds become available for obligation, the Department notified states that they would not receive these funds by July 1 and that “[g]iven the change in Administrations, the Department is reviewing the FY 2025 funding … and decisions have not yet been made concerning submissions and awards for this upcoming academic year.” This late-breaking decision, which provided no timeline for which states can expect a final decision, is leaving states financially vulnerable and forcing many to make last minute decisions about how to proceed with K12 education in this upcoming school year. The education funding withheld by the Administration reflects resources provided by Congress that are designed to help schools with a variety of issues, including student learning and achievement, after-school programs, and teacher training. Additionally, education funding provided by Congress to help with adult education and literacy is also being withheld.2  

    This unnecessary delay of education funding, which accounts for at least 10 percent of federal K-12 funding in every state, is alarming parents, local elected officials, and education agencies. It is disrupting school and district planning, jeopardizing the education of millions of students, and is already resulting in layoffs as well as program delays and cancellations.3 Further, it is causing concern to adult education programs that are faced with similar decisions without immediate access to expected funding. 

    Accordingly, please provide responses to the following questions no later than July 15, 2025. 

    1. When will the Administration finish its review and release the funding provided by Congress to states to use for the school year beginning next month?
    2. Has the Administration done any outreach or offered any sort of support for state and local education agencies to assist them and their partners in navigating this period of uncertainty?
    3. If the Administration knew it wanted to review these funds, why didn’t this review start earlier in the year? Was the review or the timely release of funds affected by the lack of staff at the Department, which is a direct result of the reductions in force (RIFs) executed by the Administration?  

    There is no legitimate reason why any review of these programs should prevent the Administration from fulfilling its responsibility to the American people on time. No more excuses – follow the law and release the funding meant for our schools, teachers, and families.  

    We look forward to hearing from you and seeing these dollars allocated immediately.  

    Sincerely, 

    (signatories) 

    1. Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title I-C, 20 U.S.C. 6391 et seq., Title II-A, 20 U.S.C. 6611 et seq., Title III-A, 20 U.S.C. 6812 et seq., Title IV-A, 20 U.S.C. 7111 et seq., Title IV-B, 20 U.S.C. 7171 et seq.; https://www.npr.org/2025/07/01/nx-s1-5453457/trump-school-funding-grants 

    2. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Title II, 29 U.S.C. 3271 et seq 

    3. States Face Uncertainty as an Estimated $6.2 Billion in K–12 Funding Remains Unreleased: Here’s the Fiscal Impact by State | Learning Policy Institute 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman David Scott Introduces Legislation to Bolster Market Access and Increase Civil Rights Protections for Black Farmers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David Scott (GA-13)

    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congressman David Scott (GA-13), a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee, was joined by fellow House Agriculture Committee member Congressmen Jonathan Jackson (IL-1) in reintroducing the Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act, a bill designed to expand market access for Black and historically disadvantaged farmers. The proposal combines economic development with civil rights reforms to confront longstanding discrimination inequities faced by Black and minority farmers within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

    “Generations of Black farmers have lost their land and livelihoods because of systemic discrimination and the federal government’s failures to meaningfully intervene,” said Congressman David Scott. “Black farming communities have been deeply harmed by this historical injustice. Whereas they comprised over 14% of all U.S. farmers less than a century ago, they now represent less than 2%. We know that combining targeted economic development with civil rights reforms is the surest way of confronting longstanding inequities. That is exactly what this bill does. Congress has a responsibility to reverse the decades of inaction by restoring trust, creating new market opportunities, and ensuring USDA supports our Black and socially disadvantaged farmers.”

    “Black farmers have been the backbone of American agriculture since this nation’s founding, yet they’ve endured over a century of systemic discrimination, land loss, and exclusion from federal farm programs,” said Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson. “In 1920, there were nearly 1 million Black farmers in the United States. But today, fewer than 50,000 remain. That’s a staggering 95% decline. This did not happen by accident — it is the result of broken policies, discriminatory lending practices, and a lack of market access. The Black Farmers and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act represents a crucial opportunity to reverse that legacy and build a future where equity in agriculture is not just an ideal, but a reality. I am proud to support legislation that helps restore what was taken and empowers the next generation of Black farmers to reclaim their rightful place in our agricultural economy.”

    The Black and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act of 2025 would:

    ·         Establish Food Hub Grants – a competitive grant program to support new and expanding food hubs that are designed to increase market access to help Black and minority farmers reach wholesale, retail and institutional buyers.

    ·         Establish New Tax Incentives – creates a 25% tax credit for agricultural food products purchased from food hubs that have been expanded under the bill.

    ·         Prioritize Procurement – directs USDA to establish new processes to prioritize the purchase of agricultural products from socially disadvantaged farmers.

    ·         Civil Rights Accountability – establishes an independent Office of the Civil Rights Ombudsperson to assist farmers navigating the civil rights review process; makes structural reforms by which USDA is held accountable for engaging in discriminatory practices, harassment, retaliation, or civil rights-violating actions.

    ·         Improve USDA Policies – including the methods by which USDA can provide monetary relief to farmers wrongly denied access to payment and loan programs.

    The Black and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers Increased Market Share Act, builds on Congressman David Scott’s decades-long effort to spotlight the intertwined crises of historical discrimination and modern inequities faced by Black farmers. His advocacy encompasses the fight to defend pandemic relief for Black farmers under the American Rescue Plan Act and expanding land ownership for minority famers across the nation. As Chairman, he highlighted the deeply unequal distribution in COVID-era farm aid, citing testimony that only 0.1% of a $26 billion USDA spending package went to Black farmers. He continues to champion tax incentives to incentivize processors and buyers to source from socially disadvantaged farmers and penalties for USDA Civil Rights violations. With renewed discussions around a Farm Bill Reauthorization, the proposal can ensure equity and justice remains front and center in any negotiations.

    Full text of the bill can be accessed HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Joins AFL-CIO ‘Better in a Union’ Bus Tour, NAACP Labor Town Hall in Charlotte 

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    The IAM Union recently joined the AFL-CIO’s “Better In A Union” Bus Tour and participated in the NAACP’s Labor Town Hall in Charlotte, where labor, community, and civil rights activists came together in a unified call for economic and social justice.
    IAM Union National Legislative and Political Director Hasan Solomon addressed NAACP delegates attending the Labor Townhall meeting with a clear and passionate call to action, urging them to mobilize, organize, and fight for working families across the country.
    “When workers have a real seat at the table, our lives, wages, and benefits improve,” said Solomon. “Workers’ and civil rights go hand in hand, and both are on the line. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with labor unions at every level and support every worker organizing for fair pay, dignity, and safe working conditions. This fight is bigger than any one issue. Education, healthcare, housing, and economic justice are everyone’s fight. We must connect every struggle to the people who power our communities.”
    The AFL-CIO “Better In A Union” Bus Tour in Charlotte was one of many stops across the country to uplift the fight for freedom, fairness, and security for all working people, not an economy that works for us, not billionaires. IAM members stood in solidarity with labor, community, and civil rights activists to advance a shared vision of worker empowerment.
    “The IAM will always stand with labor activists and community leaders who uplift the mission of our union,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “We will continue to educate and engage with the community to protect workers and stay united in our fight for workers’ rights, dignity, and justice.”
    AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond spoke about the “fierce urgency of now” and the need to confront injustice head-on. 
    “Workers are the true experts; workers know what it takes to run this country,” said AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Redmond. “Workers wake this country up every morning and tuck it to sleep at night. Workers build and maintain crucial infrastructure. They care for older people, children, and our neighbors. It is the workers who empower this economy.” 
    Later in the day, as part of the 116th NAACP National Convention and in partnership with the AFL-CIO, a NAACP Labor Town Hall was held to highlight a crucial conversation inspired by this year’s theme of the NAACP National Convention, “The Fierce Urgency of Now.”
    Labor leaders, advocates, and workers from diverse industries came together to address pressing challenges facing today’s workforce, amplify the voices and experiences of workers on the frontlines, and develop bold, collaborative solutions to strengthen labor and civil rights. 
    IAM Union Air Transport Local 1725 member and Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council president Chris Barrett welcomed everyone to Charlotte with a strong message about workers in the area. 
    “Every time you fly in our out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport, the sixth busiest airport in the world with an economic impact of $36 billion for North and South Carolina, you can do so knowing that it was because of union members from the IAM, ALPA, AFA-CWA, PASS, NATCA, SEIU, and UNITE HERE,” said Barrett.  

    The post IAM Union Joins AFL-CIO ‘Better in a Union’ Bus Tour, NAACP Labor Town Hall in Charlotte  appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Why male corporate leaders and billionaires may need financial therapy more than anyone

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Prince Sarpong, Associate professor, University of the Free State

    Corporate leaders and billionaires are often viewed as visionaries and wealth creators. But beneath the surface, many are trapped in an invisible financial “crisis” – one rooted not in market volatility or poor investments but in their psychological relationship with money.

    As a finance professor and editor of the forthcoming book “Financial Therapy for Men,” I study this often overlooked aspect of financial psychology. Money is far more than numbers on a balance sheet – it carries emotional, psychological and social meaning. People’s relationships with money are shaped by childhood experiences, cultural beliefs and personal triumphs and failures. This emotional baggage can influence not only their sense of safety and self-worth but also how they manage power and status.

    The field of financial therapy emerged in the mid-2000s to address these dynamics. Drawing from behavioral economics, financial psychology, family systems theory and clinical therapy, it aims to help people understand how their thoughts, feelings and experiences shape financial behavior. Foundational academic work began at Kansas State University, home to one of the first graduate-level programs in the field.

    Since then, financial therapy has gained traction in the U.S. and globally: It’s supported by a peer-reviewed journal and is increasingly integrated into professional practice by financial advisers and licensed therapists. Studies have shown that financial therapy can improve relationships and reduce emotional distress.

    Yet much of the field focuses on people who are emotionally open and reflective – neglecting executives, who are often socialized to view themselves as purely rational decision-makers. I think this is a mistake.

    Research shows that people often project their unconscious anxieties onto markets, experiencing them as mirrors of competence, failure or control. This means that public valuations and capital flows may carry deeply symbolic weight for corporate leaders.

    My research suggests that people at the highest levels of wealth and power have deeply complex emotional relationships with money – but the field of financial therapy has largely overlooked them. This isn’t an accident. It reflects a broader assumption that wealth insulates people from psychological distress. In reality, emotional entanglements can intensify with greater wealth and power – and research suggests that men, in particular, face distinct challenges. True inclusion in financial therapy means recognizing and responding to these needs.

    When distress becomes a leadership crisis

    In a 2023 study – When and why do men negotiate assertively? – Jens Mazei, whose research focuses on negotiations and conflict management, and his colleagues found that men become more aggressive in negotiations when they think their masculinity is being threatened. This was especially true in contexts viewed as “masculine,” such as salary negotiations. In “nonmasculine” contexts, such as negotiations over flexible work and child care benefits, participants weren’t significantly more aggressive when their masculinity was challenged.

    On male-coded topics, many men in the study reinforced gender norms by rejecting compromise, using hardball tactics or even inflating financial demands to reassert their masculinity. These behaviors reflect an unconscious need to restore a sense of masculine identity, the researchers suggest. If this reaction occurs in salary negotiations, how might it manifest when the stakes are exponentially higher?

    Emerging research in organizational psychology shows that financial stress is linked to abusive supervision, particularly among men who feel a loss of control. Further, traits such as CEO masculinity have been linked with increased risk-taking, while female CEOs tend to reduce risk. Together, these findings point to a dangerous intersection of psychological stress, masculinity and executive decision-making.

    As Elon Musk memorably said, “I’ll say what I want to say, and if we lose money, so be it.”

    M&A as a masculinity battleground

    Financial distress doesn’t always look like bankruptcy or bad credit. Among powerful men, it can manifest as overconfidence, rigidity or aggression – and it can sometimes lead to very uneconomical outcomes.

    Consider the research on M&A. Most mergers and acquisitions are value killers – in other words, they destroy more economic value than they create – and the field of M&A is deeply male. These two facts suggest that some mergers are driven more by threatened masculinity than by strategic logic. If men become more aggressive in negotiations when their masculinity is threatened, then CEOs and corporate leaders, who are overwhelmingly male, may react similarly when their companies, and by extension their leadership, are challenged.

    Target companies rarely take a passive approach to acquisition attempts. Instead, they deploy defensive measures such as poison pills, golden parachutes, staggered boards and scorched-earth tactics. In addition to serving financial goals, these may also act as symbolic defenses of masculine authority.

    Mergers and acquisitions, by their nature, create a contest of power between dominant figures. The very language of M&A – for example, “raiders,” “hostile takeovers,” “defenses” and “white knights” – is combative. This reinforces an environment where corporate leaders may view acquisition attempts as challenges to their authority rather than as just financial transactions.

    A growing body of behavioral-strategy research confirms that boardroom decisions are often shaped by emotional undercurrents rather than purely rational analysis. While this research stops short of naming it, the dynamics it describes align closely with what Mazei and colleagues call “masculinity threat.”

    This has direct implications for corporate M&A. The overwhelming majority of top CEOs are men, and the language of M&A often evokes siege, power struggles and conquest. In such a symbolic arena, acquisition attempts can trigger deep, emotionally charged responses, as the identity stakes are high. What appear to be strategic financial decisions may actually be reflexive defenses of masculine authority.

    On a related note, researchers in behavioral finance have long studied the “endowment effect,” or the tendency for people to value assets more simply because they own them. While the endowment effect has been studied primarily among retail investors making ordinary financial decisions, it could be particularly important for corporate executives and billionaires, who have more to lose.

    When combined with threatened masculinity, the endowment effect can produce combustible reactions to declining valuations, missed earnings or takeover bids – even for individuals who remain vastly wealthy after marginal losses. While the research at this intersection is still emerging, the underlying behavioral patterns are well established.

    What does financial therapy for the ultrarich look like?

    Financial therapy for high-net-worth individuals rarely looks like sitting on a couch discussing childhood trauma. Instead, it takes an interdisciplinary approach involving financial advisers, therapists and sometimes executive coaches. Sessions tend to focus on legacy planning, control issues, guilt over wealth, or strained family relationships.

    Many high-net-worth men display behaviors that don’t look like like stereotypical “financial distress.” These can include compulsive deal-making, emotionally driven investment decisions, workaholism and difficulty trusting advisers. In some cases, unresolved financial trauma shows up as chronic dissatisfaction and the sense that no achievement, acquisition or net worth is ever “enough.”

    While financial therapy is intended to help individuals, I think it could actually be a tool for global economic stability.

    After all, when masculinity is threatened in corporate decision-making, the consequences can extend far beyond the boardroom. These actions can destabilize industries, fuel economic downturns and disrupt entire labor markets. Unchecked financial anxiety among corporate elites and billionaires isn’t just their own problem – it can cascade and become everyone’s problem.

    From this perspective, financial therapy isn’t just a personal good. It’s a structural necessity that can prevent unchecked financial distress from driving destructive corporate decisions and broader economic disruptions.

    If financial therapy helps people navigate financial distress and make healthier money decisions, then no group needs it more than male corporate leaders and billionaires.

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

    – ref. Why male corporate leaders and billionaires may need financial therapy more than anyone – https://theconversation.com/why-male-corporate-leaders-and-billionaires-may-need-financial-therapy-more-than-anyone-252094

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 17, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

    “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

    In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

    As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Trump’s Chaos Jeopardizes America’s Farmers, Duckworth Discusses Agriculture Priorities with Illinois Corn Growers and Illinois Soybean Association

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    July 17, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) yesterday met with leaders and members from the Illinois Corn Growers and the Illinois Soybean Producers to discuss their shared priorities to grow Illinois’s agriculture industry and support our farmers. Duckworth and the members discussed the importance of supporting our family farmers by expanding the biofuels market, increasing agricultural exports and improving farm safety net programs as Donald Trump continues to threaten critical federal agricultural programs. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Corn Growers can be found on the Senator’s website. Photos from yesterday’s meeting with the Illinois Soybean Producers can be found on the Senator’s website.

    “America has always depended on our nation’s farmers to grow the food and fuel we need, and I’m proud to advocate for them on both the national and international stage,” Duckworth said. “The work of Illinois’s farmers is so important to the strength of our state and our nation, and I will continue to do everything I can to support the Illinois Corn Growers, the Illinois Soybean Association and our farmers across the state at the federal level.”

    In the Senate, Duckworth has been a leader in supporting biofuels, including expansion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and permanent authority to use E15 fuel year-round. Duckworth, the founding co-chair of the Senate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Caucus, helped introduce the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and the bipartisan Next Generations Fuel Act to allow the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Duckworth additionally helped introduce the bipartisan Home Front Energy Independence Act to ban Russian oil and expand use and production of biofuel that’s grown in the American heartland, while providing American families with a less expensive option to fuel their vehicles. Previously, she introduced the SAF Accuracy Act and helped introduce the Farm to Fly Act and to help accelerate the production and development of SAF.

    As a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Duckworth has been an advocate for Illinois agriculture across the globe and helped secure significant wins for Illinois and American agriculture. After Duckworth’s visit in 2023, Japan announced a regulatory change that will lead to an increase in imports from U.S. biofuel producers, supporting our farmers and growing Illinois’s economy, and following a prior trip to Taiwan in 2022, she helped secure a commitment from Taiwan to purchase an estimated $2.6 billion of our Illinois’s corn and soybeans.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana achieves stable power supply, eyes green future after major energy reforms

    Source: APO

    Ghanaians are now enjoying a stable and dependable power supply, thanks to significant ongoing reforms in the energy sector, Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Abdulai Jinapor, has announced.

    Taking his turn at the Government #AccountabilitySeries, John Jinapor stated that there has been a significant turnaround from the “persistent and erratic power outages” experienced earlier this year.

    “We have witnessed a remarkable improvement and reliable supply of power,” he stated, attributing this success to comprehensive reforms addressing both technical inefficiencies and financial challenges within the sector.

    “You can attest to the fact that we are now experiencing a reliable, uninterruptible supply of power,” he emphasised, a demonstration of the visible impact of the government’s interventions.

    Looking ahead, Mr Jinapor unveiled plans for a five-year strategic document aimed at accelerating Ghana’s renewable energy and green transition agenda.

    This crucial blueprint will guide future policy reforms, ensuring a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future for the nation.

    The Ministry’s initiatives reflect the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a robust, sustainable, and reliable energy sector for all Ghanaians.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Mahama unveils major road infrastructure boost for Western North Region under ‘Big Push’

    Source: APO

    President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to developing vital infrastructure, announcing the launch of extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the Western North Region.

    This will be carried out under his flagship ‘Big Push Infrastructure Programme’, a $10 billion initiative aimed at significantly improving national connectivity and economic development.

    Addressing a durbar of enthusiastic chiefs and people in Juaboso, as part of his ongoing nationwide ‘Thank You Tour’, President Mahama directly responded to a heartfelt appeal from the Western North Regional House of Chiefs.

    The Chiefs had passionately articulated the pressing need for improved road networks, emphasising that their overwhelming support for him and the NDC in the 2024 elections was a clear demonstration of their profound trust in his leadership.

    “I have heard your concerns about the roads connecting our farming communities and our markets,” President Mahama stated, acknowledging the region’s vital role in the national economy. “These roads are crucial arteries for moving cocoa, timber, food products, and people across our country. They are not a luxury; they are a fundamental necessity.”

    The President assured the gathering that many of these crucial arteries, including vital cocoa roads that had previously experienced delays, will now undergo accelerated completion and new development as part of the ambitious ‘Big Push’ Programme.
    “I assure you that these critical projects have been fully captured under our transformative $10 billion Big Push Infrastructure Programme,” he reiterated.

    Detailing the scope of this unprecedented commitment, President Mahama explained, “The ‘Big Push’ is a strategic commitment to inject at least $2 billion annually into infrastructure development, with its rollout commencing robustly in the 2025 national budget.”

    He further added, “We are dedicating substantial resources and deploying expert technical teams to ensure these roads are completed on schedule, transforming the landscape for our farmers, traders, and communities across the Western North Region.”

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Deputy Minister Mhlauli to participate in Mandela Month Mentorship Session

    Source: APO


    .

    As part of Mandela Month, the Deputy Minister in The Presidency, Ms Nonceba Mhlauli, will participate in the #67MinutesOfMentorship programme hosted by The Mentorship Boardroom, a platform committed to nurturing talent and expanding leadership networks across sectors.

    The Deputy Minister will mentor Ms Ntandokazi on Friday, 18 July 2025, as part of the Mandela Day commemorations. 

    Ntandokazi is a dynamic young economist who holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Fordham University and currently serves as an Analyst at the National Treasury. She is passionate about development economics, impact investing, and public finance.

    This mentorship session forms part of government’s broader commitment to youth empowerment, leadership development, and inclusive economic growth. It also highlights the importance of knowledge transfer between experienced leaders and emerging professionals in driving national development.

    The engagement will focus on:

    – Navigating career pathways in development finance and policy;

    – Strengthening leadership and strategic competencies for young professionals;

    – Fostering networks that support public-interest finance and investment;

    – Encouraging young women in economics and public service to lead with purpose.

    Through this initiative, the Deputy Minister reaffirms her commitment to building a generation of capable, ethical, and driven young professionals who can contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s development agenda.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns – and what employers can do about it

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Zhanna Lyubykh, Assistant Professor, Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

    About one in four employees has a diagnosable mental health condition, and up to 65 per cent say mental health concerns interfere with their ability to work.

    The economic toll is staggering. In the United States alone, mental health concerns cost over $280 billion annually. Worldwide, that figure reaches an estimated US$1 trillion annually.

    Mental health is increasingly being recognized as critical to workplace functioning. Organizations invest substantial resources in wellness programs, mental health training and employee assistance programs. Some even offer on-site therapy sessions at no cost to their employees.

    Yet despite these efforts, many employees remain hesitant to seek help or disclose their mental health conditions. This reluctance can leave employees under-supported and contribute to increased absenteeism and turnover. Those who choose not to disclose often miss out on access to workplace accommodations and support, which can exacerbate their conditions and even increase the risk of job loss.

    Disclosure can be a gateway to vital support, but questions remain about how to facilitate such disclosures. Our research, recently published as an open-access article, shows the decision to disclose a mental health condition isn’t purely personal and can depend on the broader workplace environment.

    Supportive workplaces lead to better mental health

    Across two samples, we surveyed 1,232 employees from Canada and the U.S. We recruited participants from Qualtrics, an online panel provider, and a large financial institution in Canada that operates across multiple locations. We asked employees — both with and without mental health concerns — to indicate the extent to which they perceived their organization as supportive of disclosing mental health concerns.

    Employees with mental health concerns shared whether they had disclosed their condition to their employer, how willing they were to disclose in the future, their levels of anxiety and depression, and a range of work-related attitudes and behaviours.

    We found that a work environment that was safe and supported the disclosure of mental health concerns was extremely beneficial for both employees and organizations.

    First, employees working in highly supportive environments were 55 per cent more likely to disclose their mental health concerns. These environments were also linked to greater willingness to disclose current or potential mental health concerns.

    Second, supportive environments were associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression, both of which are important indicators of mental health. This suggests that organizations can contribute to employee mental health by fostering supportive environments.

    Third, employees who felt their organization supported disclosure reported higher job satisfaction, greater work engagement, and more organizational citizenship behaviours, such as helping co-workers or going above and beyond their job duties. These kinds of behaviours help create healthy, high-performing workplaces.

    In one of our samples, we matched employee responses with their organizational records of absenteeism. We found that when employees rated their organizational environment as supportive of mental health disclosure, they were less likely to miss work due to illness.

    Supporting mental health disclosure

    Our study identified three elements of a workplace that support mental health disclosure. The first is the absence of stigma and anticipated discrimination. Many employees choose to conceal their concerns because they are fearful of being stigmatized, facing unfair treatment or being passed over for promotions.

    Employees often pick up on subtle cues in their environment — consciously or not — to estimate the risk of stigma. If they observe colleagues with disclosed mental health conditions being treated negatively, this signals low organizational support and makes disclosure appear risky.

    The second element is the availability of organizational resources. Disclosing one’s mental health concerns should unlock access to organizational supports, such as time off or counselling programs. These supports need to be tangible and go beyond mere mentions in the employee handbook. Employees form perceptions about how seriously their organization takes mental health based on whether these resources are present and accessible.

    The third element is the presence of social support. Our research found that social support was an important indicator of informal culture around mental health concerns. Such support may include emotional support from peers or supervisors, and the ability to openly discuss mental health.

    Employees notice whether, and how, mental health is discussed at work. When employees are encouraged to talk openly about it, the workplace appears more conducive to disclosure. In contrast, when concerns are dismissed or met with unhelpful advice such as “stay positive” or “toughen up,” the environment is unlikely to be seen as supportive.

    How organizations can support disclosure

    Our research points to four main strategies organizations can use to foster an environment that signals support for disclosing mental health concerns.

    1. Identify areas for improvement.

    Our research provides a list of survey items that organizations can use to track employee perceptions and identify priority areas for improvement. For example, employees might be asked whether they feel safe disclosing a mental health concern, or whether they believe the organization responds supportively when others do. These items can be include in annual employee surveys, with anonymity ensured to encourage honest responses.

    2. Combat stigma by role modelling.

    Workplace leaders are well-positioned to make positive change and role model appropriate behaviours. Employees often look to leaders and model their behaviour. Providing leaders with training about implicit biases, and equipping them with tools to provide support to employees with mental health concerns, can help start the cycle of positive change. Leaders who receive mental health training tend to be more supportive, more likely to encourage disclosure and are better able to guide employees toward appropriate help.

    3. Make resources visible and easily accessible.

    Even when organizations have resources available, employees may not know about them or may find them difficult to access. Organizations and managers need to frequently communicate about the availability of mental health resources and ensure they are easy to access. Red tape and bureaucracy can deter employees from accessing organizational supports.

    4. Talk openly about mental health.

    Talking about mental health can help normalize it and encourage employees to share their concerns. This can include intentionally creating opportunities for such discussions, such as mental health days. In addition, when senior leaders share their experiences with mental health concerns, it can help normalize such discussions.

    Ultimately, a disclosure-supportive environment benefits employee mental health and encourages positive work behaviours. In other words, when employees feel safe enough to speak up, both employees and organizations benefit from it.

    Zhanna Lyubykh receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Justin Weinhardt receives funding fromHaskayne School of Business’s Future Fund, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    Nick Turner receives research funding from Cenovus Energy Inc., Haskayne School of Business’s Future Fund, Mitacs, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

    – ref. Why employees hesitate to disclose mental health concerns – and what employers can do about it – https://theconversation.com/why-employees-hesitate-to-disclose-mental-health-concerns-and-what-employers-can-do-about-it-261158

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Reform spent just £5.5m on the 2024 election, while Labour’s majority cost £30m – new data

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Power, Lecturer in Politics, University of Bristol

    The 2024 election was the most expensive in British political history, new figures confirm. Across parties, candidates and third parties, a whopping £94.5 million was spent. This compares with £72.6 million in 2019, which was a record high.

    Some parties got a fantastic return on their investment. Others, to put it mildly, didn’t. I wouldn’t let those in charge of Conservative party coffers run your household, for example. They spent £23.9 million in 2024 to record their worst electoral showing in recent history.

    Given that they won, Labour will consider the £30.1 million they spent on a huge – but shallow – majority money well spent. It is also easily the most they’ve ever spent on an election (although spending limits have recently been increased).

    The real winners in 2024 though, certainly in terms of bang for their respective bucks, are Reform and the Lib Dems, both of which only spent around £5.5 million. To put that in direct context, the Lib Dems spent £14.4 million in 2019 for a far poorer result.

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    This also means that Reform entered parliament for the first time, won five seats and came second in 98 others on a relatively shoestring budget. They laid the groundwork for completely upending the British political system while only spending a fraction of what the established parties did.

    A striking thing about the Reform spending is quite how much they used traditional media. Although they have a reputation for social media success, they spent £900,000 advertising with the Mail Online, Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday and the Telegraph – and £300,000 advertising with The Sun. In fact, at a time when we talk of the power of data-driven microtargeting on social networks, it seems they spent £2.2 million (40% of their total expenditure) on what we would understand as “traditional” media advertising.

    Money does not reflect reality

    These elections were fought under different rules and significantly higher spending limits than in previous contests. In 2023, the Conservatives raised how much parties could spend by 80%, to bring it in line with inflation (the prior spending limit was set in the year 2000). This meant parties could spend just over £34m in 2024 – but only Labour came close to this limit.

    It’s clear, looking at these figures, that the money spent does not reflect political reality. The two traditional parties continue to spend far more than others, but the results from 2024 make a mockery of the spending limits currently in place.

    Spending limits are implemented by those regulating money in politics to prevent money playing an outsize role. It is supposed to level the playing field in the same way that wage caps in certain sports intend to.

    But if only two parties can even get close to the spending limit, with others fighting for scraps – albeit much more effectively – what is the need for the limit to be so high? And, as Reform and the Liberal Democrats have shown, a party can get its message out very well without coming anywhere near the spending limit.

    Perhaps, given concerns about the rising power of mega-donors in UK politics – especially after Elon Musk’s threat of a £70 million donation to Reform – we should be thinking more carefully about limiting donations in UK politics. The financial story of the 2024 election, at least from a first glance, is one of complete profligacy from Labour and the Conservatives.

    The wrong reforms ahead

    On the same day as these figures were released, the government announced major reforms for the next election. These include votes at 16 and new rules on donations. My view, however, is that these reforms represent about the least ambitious approach one could take if the stated aim (which it apparently is) is the restoration of public trust. They wouldn’t, for example, prevent Musk from donating £70 million through X if he so pleased.

    Spending limits are no longer fit for purpose. Instead, limits on donations are the only game in town. At the very least, corporate donations should be tied to profits in the UK – but above and beyond this, a cap of £1 million to £2 million should be on the table.

    Recent experience from the US has shown how quickly an unregulated system can turn into an oligarchy. In 2024, the top 0.01% of donors accounted for over 50% of all money candidates raised. Many donors bankrolled parties to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars, crowding out everything else. At least one of those donors went on to run a (quasi) government department.

    Finally, it should also be noted that it is over a year after the election, and only now is the lid being lifted on what was spent during it. This is a significant (and unnecessary) failure in a system that holds transparency as its foundational ideal.

    The Electoral Commission should be empowered to implement semi-automated AI tools of analysis, to move us closer to the ideal of real-time analysis of election spending (and any potential violations therein).

    The 2024 figures show how much the landscape has changed. In the forthcoming elections bill, Labour need to meet the challenges where they actually are, not where they want them to be, if they are serious about restoring trust in politics.

    Sam Power receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Reform spent just £5.5m on the 2024 election, while Labour’s majority cost £30m – new data – https://theconversation.com/reform-spent-just-5-5m-on-the-2024-election-while-labours-majority-cost-30m-new-data-261341

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Japan and South Korea can show governments how to compete with China and US

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Robyn Klingler-Vidra, Vice Dean, Global Engagement | Associate Professor in Political Economy and Entrepreneurship, King’s College London

    Governments around the world are hustling. European policymakers, for example, are eager to boost the region’s industrial relevance in a world where the US and China dominate cutting-edge technologies. They want to move beyond the adage that “the US innovates, China replicates and the EU regulates”.

    As part of this, policymakers worldwide are striving to foster their own versions of Silicon Valley. They have invested to create ecosystems abundant with ambitious startups backed by venture capital investors. Their ultimate aim is to see these firms develop into what are known as scale-ups and compete in global markets.

    But if governments – from Berlin and Brussels to Ho Chi Minh City – are to find their edge, I argue they should follow a model closer to Seoul or Tokyo’s playbook than that of Silicon Valley.

    South Korean and Japanese policymakers have long understood that the proliferation of startup activity should not be an isolated aim. In our 2025 book, Startup Capitalism, my colleague Ramon Pacheco Pardo and I revealed that the approach of these countries sees national champion firms like Samsung and Toyota use startups as resources to help them compete internationally.

    As the head of a government-backed startup centre in Seoul told me, a key aim of South Korean government policy for startups is to “inject innovative DNA” into the country’s large firms. Policies attempt to embed startups into the fabric of lead firms, and do not try to disrupt their competitive positions.

    The ‘traitorous eight’ group of employees.
    Wayne Miller / Magnum Photos

    For this objective, the Silicon Valley playbook is sub-optimal. US government policy has enabled venture capital investment through regulatory changes and has ensured that talented people are free to challenge their former employers. Classic examples include the so-called “traitorous eight” who left Shockley Semiconductor Laboratory in 1957 to found Fairchild Semiconductor.

    A more recent example is Anthony Levandowski, who left Google’s self-driving car project to start his own company, Otto, in 2016. The competition was so close that Google sued Uber – as it had acquired Otto – in 2019 over the trade secrets Levandowski allegedly used to develop his self-driving truck company. Uber eventually paid Google a “substantial portion” of the US$179 million (£134 million) it was awarded initially in arbitration.

    Injecting innovative DNA

    The Japanese and Korean formula is distinct. South Korea’s 17 Centres for the Creative Economy and Innovation, established about ten years ago to drive innovation and entrepreneurship, each have one of the country’s large firms (chaebol) as an anchor partner. The chaebol’s industrial focus – whether it’s shipbuilding, electronics or heavy machinery – is reflected in the focus of the startups engaging with that centre.

    The startups work on issues “that keep the large firm up at night” and, in return, the startups have unparalleled access to distribution channels, marketing and proof-of-concept testing. While the centres have not produced volumes of globally competitive scale-ups, they have delivered on the aim of injecting innovative ideas and talent into large companies like Hyundai, LG Electronics and SK Group.

    In Japan, tax incentives encourage big businesses to acquire startups. The “open innovation tax incentive” allows a 25% deduction from the price of the acquisition. The aim here is to encourage Japan’s national champion firms to integrate startups into their core businesses. In 2024, for example, Toyota integrated high-tech wheelchair startup, Whill, into its mobility services offering.

    Various government initiatives also aim to provide coaching and mentoring for startups around raising venture capital funding and sharpening a pitch for demo day. In Japan and Korea, these initiatives embed big business throughout.

    In J-Startup, an initiative aimed at creating a cohort of so-called unicorns (startups valued at over US$1 billion), the Japanese government involves industrial leaders as judges that help select applicants for the programme. These people then act as coaches and mentors to the startups. Japan’s lead firms are, in return, exposed to innovative technologies and startup culture.

    In a similar way, Korea’s K-Startup Grand Challenge connects participating foreign startups with the country’s chaebol for proof-of-concept development. The Korean government cites partnership and licensing agreements between the parties as an important outcome of the programme. Through these connections, Korea’s big businesses have another mechanism for accessing innovative ideas and talent from abroad.

    Samsung Electronics is the largest chaebol in South Korea.
    Sybillla / Shutterstock

    Governments that want to compete with China or the US cannot continue on their existing path. They need to do something different, and Japan and South Korea’s approach offers an alternative.

    These approaches are not without downsides. There is, of course, the risk of well-resourced corporations operating “kill zones” around their business lines. This might involve early low-value mergers and acquisitions, or even copying their products in a bid to eliminate them.

    The central position of large firms to the economy also means that the innovation agenda of startups is set by incumbent firms. This fosters complementary products, and not those that disrupt – and ultimately improve – domestic firms or technologies. There’s also the worry of perceived corruption.

    But I argue that pursuing a half-committed strategy is riskier. If governments maintain a wall between big business and startups, believing this is essential to minimise corruption and that large firms will innovate just as startups will scale-up into larger firms, they risk underwhelming outcomes on all levels.

    We may see flailing productivity in the sectors in which countries have excelled. And scale-ups will fail to materialise while populations of “zombie startups”, that simply stagnate while propped up on state largesse, increase.

    Startups should be considered as resources to boost nationwide industrial capabilities, not efforts aimed at seeding a country’s answer to Silicon Valley’s Google or OpenAI.

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

    – ref. Japan and South Korea can show governments how to compete with China and US – https://theconversation.com/japan-and-south-korea-can-show-governments-how-to-compete-with-china-and-us-260623

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: When public money is tight, how do governments put a price on culture?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Nolan, Senior Lecturer in Economics, Liverpool John Moores University

    It’s no secret that public finances are tight in the UK. This spells trouble for many sectors, not least culture. After all, this is an area that often relies on public funding – with many projects facing an uncertain future. But in an era of economic bad news, can it be justifiable to pump money into what some see as “frivolous” projects?

    For some politicians, investment in cultural infrastructure is an investment in place and in people. This is the hope behind a £270 million fund that aims to boost the resilience of cultural institutions following an era of restricted public spending. There are limitations, and the culture-led approach – as with regeneration projects in general – remains only partially successful and deeply uneven.

    From the role of large-scale cultural events like the European Capital of Culture to the so-called “Bilbao effect” (where a new cultural site is thought to spark revitalisation and economic growth), the same questions arise. Who is it for? What type of value is created – and is it shared in equitably?

    But the question is also about how we might better understand and measure the value of a cultural site, collection or (re)development.

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    Pinning down the meaning of “value” is a tricky philosophical question – one that has long plagued economists. The standard evaluation tool of cost-benefit analysis tries to collapse these debates into a number. That is, a price that can measure the multi-faceted benefits a project can provide.

    But in the cultural sphere, value often comes without a price tag. Access to many of our museums and galleries is free and the values derived from them transcend the monetary.

    Even though economists can estimate this non-monetary value (albeit not without criticism), a more wide-ranging benefit of cultural investment is harder to understand. This is the counter-intuitive notion of “non-use value”.

    In other words, this is the benefit that flows to an individual from the existence of a cultural good such as a museum. It can be without that person ever setting foot inside the building or engaging with any of the collections.

    Consider a current culture-led redevelopment in the UK: the Waterfront Transformation Project in Liverpool. This ambitious scheme takes in the redevelopment of the International Slavery Museum, Maritime Museum and associated outdoor spaces.

    Within this collection of cultural goods, “use” could be a visitor stepping inside the museums. They may derive multiple benefits, from the aesthetics of the building, the creativity of the displays and the histories and stories represented in the collection.

    If these stones could speak … through their very existence, cultural sites can bring value to people who will never visit them.
    NorthSky Films/Shutterstock

    But what about a history lover who either lacks the desire or the ability to visit the collection? Or someone whose memories or heritage intertwines with the history? Despite having no direct contact, they might still benefit from the sites’ continuing existence: the fact, for example, that a place exists where other citizens can visit, challenge and debate.

    For some, there is value simply in knowing that there are spaces for this kind of engagement. In this way, public use by others can generate indirect benefits. These benefits cannot be captured by traditional metrics like footfall. But they constitute value to that individual and, in turn, the communities in which they live.

    Assessing value

    The inclusion of non-use value within the Treasury’s evaluation recommendations recognises this complex public relationship with cultural goods. Correctly capturing these benefits is crucial. If not, funders may misconstrue a project’s total economic value when they make their decisions. Some that could generate significant public value might be overlooked.

    However, non-use value can be slippery both to define and measure. Understanding how engagement with publicly funded cultural goods varies across communities and regions is crucial. This current gap in our knowledge means that non-use value is not always fully considered in the design or evaluation of cultural programmes.

    Our ongoing project, undertaken along with post-doctoral research fellow Laura Taggart, attempts to improve this understanding in the context of Liverpool’s Waterfront Development Project.

    This process raises vital questions. What are the benefits and potential harms of the site? How do relationships with it change over time and across economic and ethnic groups? And how does the public’s historic relationship with the dockside change the nature of the non-use value generated?

    Clearly, the answers to these questions cannot easily be calculated from the results of a cost-benefit analysis. Like most economic tools it is a model – a simplification of reality that aims to help policymakers make informed decisions. By engaging locally and regionally, it is easier to understand what drives non-use value – and capture it in a way that is relevant across other projects.

    At heart, our project aims to capture the voices that are often excluded or overlooked in decisions about cultural funding. By developing a better understanding of the range of non-use value from these spaces, we hope to support more rounded approaches to cultural policy.

    This means improving evaluation tools and funding frameworks. They must better reflect how people relate to cultural goods and how this differs across communities and regions. This will help in the quest for a richer concept of “value for money” — one that supports political choices that recognise the long-term civic, emotional and historical returns of cultural infrastructure.

    Ultimately, in an era of tight budgets this allows for better and more targeted decision-making that recognises the often complex value and benefit flows that culture generates. But there is work to be done to help the public articulate the nature of benefits and costs. These are as vital and complex as the cultural goods that generate them.

    This article is part of the wider project – Cultural Heritage, People and Place (CHerPP) : Understanding Value via a regional case study. It is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the UK Government’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Grant reference AH/Y000242/1

    – ref. When public money is tight, how do governments put a price on culture? – https://theconversation.com/when-public-money-is-tight-how-do-governments-put-a-price-on-culture-259483

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: UK to lower voting age to 16 – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future health of British democracy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Mycock, Chief Policy Fellow, University of Leeds

    The UK government has announced that the voting age will be lowered to 16 at the next election as part of a wider effort to restore trust in and “future-proof” democracy.

    Votes at 16 has grown from a niche concern to become a salient – if contentious – issue supported by most UK political parties and electoral reform groups. The Conservative party remains a holdout – but has never acknowledged the contradiction of its continued opposition to the universal lowering of the voting age while empowering the Scottish and Welsh parliaments to enact the measure during its time in government.

    This is a policy response to concerns about declining youth democratic engagement since the late 1990s. Since 1997, the UK general election turnout rate for those aged 65 years and over has consistently been at least 20 percentage points higher than for those aged 18-24.

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    Some opponents argue that the Labour government is lowering the voting age to 16 for its own electoral interest, but we should remember this was a clearly stated election manifesto commitment. Votes at 16 was part of the package that delivered Labour to government in 2024 on a huge majority.

    That said, public opinion remains steadfastly opposed. The government will need to handle this tension carefully, ensuring that 16- and 17-years-olds are not treated as second-class members of the electorate as this debate pushes forward.

    For and against

    As when the voting age was universally lowered to 18 in 1969, the case for change has pivoted on perceptions of maturity and markers of adulthood. There was considerable political and public consensus in the 1960s that 18 was the appropriate age of majority and enfranchisement. This link has endured, and many people continue to think under 18s are too socially and politically immature to vote responsibly or regularly.

    Supporters of reform emphasise the need to align enfranchisement with other rights realised before or at age 16 – such as paying tax, medical consent, working, autonomy to make decisions about future education and work lives, and undertaking military (if not frontline) service.

    Opponents respond by noting the age of majority remains 18, and that the minimum age for many protective and social rights, such as marriage and leaving full-time education, has been pushed upwards to 18 in the past decade or so.

    But while 18 remains the legal marker of adulthood, transitions from youthhood to adulthood have become extended and complex. There is no single age point at which young people realise all the social and economic rights and responsibilities associated with adulthood.

    Biological maturation extends from late-stage childhood until early adulthood (mid-20s). Traditional markers of adulthood such as financial independence, owning a property, or getting married and having children are occurring later in life than in previous generations.

    It is more than 50 years since parliament last reflected and reviewed how society understands, and frames, issues of adulthood and citizenship linked to the ages of majority and enfranchisement. Lowering the voting age to 16 offers a timely opportunity to do so again.

    Extensive parliamentary debate lies ahead as this bill makes its way through to becoming law. MPs should take that time to discuss and build consensus around what British democracy should offer young people, and how enfranchisement should be conceptualised for future generations.

    Lowering the age is just the start

    Now that 16- and 17-year-olds are part of the electorate, we can hope that political parties will improve their responsiveness to the interests of young people.

    Unfortunately, where the voting age has already been lowered, we’ve not yet seen parties address their skewed decision-making, representation or electoral behaviour, which continues to favour older voters. The average age of elected representatives has remained around 50 years of age in all UK national and devolved parliaments, and higher in local government. Few young people join political parties or are active in their campaigning.

    There is also significant evidence that, regardless of whether the voting age has been lowered or not, young people are not appropriately supported to be politically and media literate to understand how and when to vote, and to make informed and independent voter choices.

    So, lowering the voting age should only be the first step in a more concerted effort to improve political literacy and democratic engagement as young people grow up. This should begin in primary, not secondary, school and continue through further and higher education.

    Elected representatives should hold regular school surgeries where they meet children and young people, and listen and respond to their issues and concerns. Young people need to learn to discuss political issues in school settings, and political parties should host election hustings in schools and colleges. Young people should also be involved in decision-making in their schools and communities.

    Lowering the voting age offers an opportunity to reinvigorate how we host elections to ensure young people enjoy voting for the first time – and encourage their future participation.

    Making electoral registration automatic, as the government has promised, will help. But joining the electoral roll is a significant civic moment in young people’s lives. Schools should host electoral registration ceremonies where pupils are welcomed into the electorate by local elected representatives, and automatically given a voter authority certificate so they have an appropriate piece of voter ID.

    Political parties need to embrace this once-in-a-generation opportunity that voting age reform presents to secure the future health of British democracy.

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

    – ref. UK to lower voting age to 16 – a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the future health of British democracy – https://theconversation.com/uk-to-lower-voting-age-to-16-a-once-in-a-generation-opportunity-to-secure-the-future-health-of-british-democracy-261411

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: EMC Empowers 6,000 Homebuyers in H1, Sets Eyes on Even Greater Q3 Impact

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    IRVINE, Calif., July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the mortgage industry faces continued headwinds in 2025, E Mortgage Capital (EMC) is showing what forward momentum looks like.

    With nearly 6,000 families helped into homeownership in just the first half of the year, EMC is proving that disciplined leadership, modern infrastructure, and a people-first culture can still win in today’s market.
    “Our focus this year has been on clarity,” says Wesam (Sam) Hijazin, President of E Mortgage Capital. “Clarity in how we serve our clients, how we support our loan officers, and how we move the business forward without the noise or distractions that hold others back.”

    At a time when much of the industry is navigating uncertainty, EMC is leaning into opportunity with purpose. The company’s investments in technology, marketing infrastructure, and training have allowed its loan officers to stay sharp, competitive, and fully equipped to serve buyers in any rate environment.
    But for EMC, the number of families served is only part of the story. The deeper impact lies in how those outcomes are achieved: with care, consistency, and a relentless drive to improve. EMC’s loan officers continue to meet buyers where they are, educating, advising, and delivering the kind of experience that builds long-term trust.

    With the second half of the year underway, EMC is moving into Q3 with renewed energy and a refined strategy. From empowering homebuyers to supporting the growth of its loan officers, the company’s mission remains constant: to elevate the standard for what a modern mortgage company can deliver.
    “The momentum is real,” adds Hijazin. “And we’re just getting started.”

    About E Mortgage Capital
    E Mortgage Capital is a leading mortgage brokerage headquartered in Irvine, California, committed to providing best-in-class service to clients and partners. With a national presence and a growing team of dedicated loan officers, EMC delivers innovative lending solutions and a people-first approach to home financing.

    Media Contact:
    Contact Person: Sam Hijazin
    Email: sam@emortgagecapital.com
    Phone: +1 855-569-3700

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the E Mortgage Capital. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2350e155-c1af-47e0-9509-10bab122a1d7

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Capito Reintroduce Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act

    US Senate News:

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

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) reintroduced legislation to create a tax credit that will incentivize the capture and repurposing of methane emissions from active and abandoned mines. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, and coal mines are the country’s fifth-largest source of methane emissions. Leveraging methane capture technology would not only prevent harmful emissions from entering our atmosphere, but also allow the gas to be converted or reused for productive use, providing an additional supply of lower-emission energy that has numerous industrial and commercial applications.

    “This legislation takes a critical step in boosting Virginia’s efforts to address the harmful impact of methane when emitted into the atmosphere while simultaneously creating good-paying jobs and supporting economic growth,” said Sen. Warner. “By incentivizing the reduction of methane emissions, we’re not only protecting the environment but also strengthening our energy independence, I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation.”

    “I’m proud to help reintroduce the Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act, which will help capture and utilize mine methane emissions as a fuel source from coal mines. This legislation will result in positive environmental and economic impacts, and create another step for West Virginia to continue to lead the nation in an ‘all-of-the-above’ energy approach,” Sen. Capito said.

    The Methane Reduction and Economic Growth Act would amend Section 45Q of the Internal Revenue Code – which houses an existing tax credit for carbon capture and sequestration – to create a Mine Methane Capture Incentive Credit. The new credit would be attributed to taxpayers based on the amount of qualified methane that is captured and injected into a pipeline or is otherwise used for producing heat or energy. Qualified methane includes methane which:

    • Is captured from mining activities, including underground mines, abandoned or closed mines, or surface mines;
    • Would otherwise be released into the atmosphere as industrial greenhouse gas emission; and
    • Is measured at the source of capture and verified at the point of injection or utilization.

    Sen. Warner has been a leader on efforts to clean up and reclaim abandoned mine lands (AML) in Virginia, including by securing funding for this process through the bipartisan infrastructure law he helped to negotiate. Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Carol Miller (R-WV) and Terri Sewell (D-AL), along with Reps. Morgan Griffith (R-VA), Chris Deluzio (D-PA), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), and Darin LaHood (R-IL).

    “Finding ways to incentivize the capture of mine methane will have a positive impact here in Virginia,” Jonathan Belcher, Executive Director of the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority, said. “Encouraging beneficial use of methane, which would otherwise be wasted and emitted into the atmosphere, stimulates our economy by creating jobs in our local communities and improves our tax base, while reducing emissions both at a local and global level. Captured methane can be sold into existing marketplaces to help drive down costs for consumers and can be used as both a fuel source and a manufacturing feedstock, which will assist our existing industry and encourage new economic development in the region. We applaud Senator Warner for his leadership on this issue and his focus on the economic health of Southwest Virginia.”

    “This is a perfect example of how Washington ought to work,” said Cecil Roberts, International President of the United Mine Workers of America. “This is strong bi-partisan legislation that will grow coalfield jobs, support coalfield communities and help reduce methane emissions. It is a win-win for workers and communities in Virginia and across Appalachia and I thank Senators Warner and Capito for taking the lead. The UMWA wholeheartedly supports this legislation and will work to secure its passage.” 

    A copy of the bill text can be found here.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Next Round of Smart Growth Grants Announced

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced $3.8 million in funding available to communities and not-for-profits in the Adirondack and Catskill parks. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with the Department of State and the Adirondack Park Agency, is accepting applications for the next round of Adirondack Park and Catskill Park Community Smart Growth Grants that will link environmental protection, economic development, and community livability within the two parks. This round of Smart Growth Grants will continue to focus on affordable housing, which is a key component for addressing population and economic stability in rural Forest Preserve communities.

    “New York State is leading the nation in helping communities become greener, more connected, and more resilient,” Governor Hochul said. “With these Smart Growth grants, we are investing in local projects that create economic opportunities, affordable housing, and tourism while protecting our natural resources and supporting long-term sustainability so that Forest Preserve communities can thrive.”

    DEC’s Community Smart Growth Grants Program is modeled after the national “smart growth” movement, which promotes growth that harmonizes economic development with protection of the natural and built environment. Today’s announcement marks the eighth round of Smart Growth grants since the program’s inception. More than $12 million has been awarded to communities — $2.6 million in the Catskill Park, and $9.9 million in the Adirondack Park.

    Funding for the latest round of grants is provided by the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and includes $2.8 million for Adirondack Park projects and $1 million for projects in the Catskill Park. The goal of this grant program is to support projects that build on comprehensive planning and economic development activities, with a priority on affordable housing. In the FY25-26 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul increased the EPF to $425 million, the highest level of funding in the program’s history. The EPF also provides funding for critical environmental programs such as farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Smart growth creates a balance that is at the heart of New York’s environmental, climate, and economic development strategy. Through Governor Hochul’s strategic investments, the $3.8 million available now not only helps communities become more affordable to thrive economically, but also advances our shared goals of protecting natural resources and making our neighborhoods more resilient in the face of harmful climate impacts. We look forward to continuing to work with our many state and local partners to promote smart, equitable, and sustainable growth.”

    Adirondack Park Agency Executive Director Barbara Rice said, “For more than a decade the Smart Growth Grant program has advanced projects that protect the environment and enhance quality of life for Adirondack and Catskill Park residents. Governor Hochul’s continued investment into affordable housing solutions through this program targets a critical issue confronting many communities in these regions. We encourage municipalities and not-for-profits to take advantage of the Smart Growth Grant program to help address the needs of Adirondack and Catskill Parks communities.”

    New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, ““The way we plan and develop our communities has a profound impact on our economy, natural resources and quality of life. Governor Hochul’s additional $3.8 million for smart growth planning and implementation will provide the necessary foundation for sustainable communities, habitats and ecosystems in the Adirondack and Catskill parks. At the Department of State, we work closely together with the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure that New York State is, and continues to be, the nationwide leader in the movement for smart, sustainable and equitable growth.”

    Eligible projects should support larger community development projects, such as revitalization efforts, capital improvements, and organizational development or capacity building, and may include, but are not limited to:

    • Due diligence and pre-development steps for vacant buildings for affordable housing
    • Planning and permitting of developable land parcels for affordable housing
    • Community housing development plans
    • Identify and prioritize infill and redevelopment of existing buildings to revitalize neighborhoods and downtowns, including areas around public transit.
    • Regional or Parkwide availability of affordable housing and shovel ready sites
    • Develop Pro-Housing Community comprehensive plan revisions or updates, followed by local laws, form-based codes, or new zoning and re-zoning with New York State Pro-Housing Communities Certification
    • Providing bike-friendly routes and amenities
    • Improving or promoting local/regional museums and theaters
    • Main Street façade improvement
    • Refurbishing historic properties
    • Providing community-based tourism programs and activities
    • Creating new recreational opportunities
    • Multi-use trail development
    • Wayfinding and informational signage and kiosks
    • Enhancing parks and public spaces
    • Zoning updates
    • Visitor center improvements
    • Beautifying tourism sites
    • Providing sidewalks in hamlets and villages

    DEC is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, July 23, at 10 a.m., to provide interested applicants with information on the program requirements, funding details, and how to use the new State Financial System for grants. Register for the webinar here.

    Applications for developing comprehensive and/or local land use plans, as well as updating existing plans, are also welcome. The Request for Bids (RFB) is available through the State Financial System Grants Management and the deadline to apply is 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025.

    For more information, visit DEC’s website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ripple’s XRP Mining Revolution: PFMCrypto Unveils Next-Gen Free Cloud Mining Contracts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, NY, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Ripple’s XRP ecosystem gains global momentum, PFMCrypto is proud to introduce a major leap in accessible crypto mining: the launch of XRP-focused cloud mining contracts. Now available on both web and mobile platforms, these flexible short-term contracts allow users to mine XRP remotely and receive daily XRP rewards—no mining hardware, no complex setup, and no prior experience required. For the first time, retail participants can engage with the XRP economy through a streamlined, fully integrated platform.
    Explore the PFMCrypto website or download the app today.

    XRP Cloud Mining Is Here—Simple, Smart, and Rewarding
    Traditionally known for its role in cross-border payments and institutional finance, XRP now enters a new chapter with PFMCrypto’s latest innovation: easy-to-use cloud mining. Users can mine XRP directly or leverage PFMCrypto’s intelligent AI engine to automatically switch between the most profitable assets—including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, and more—for optimized returns. All earnings are paid out daily in your chosen cryptocurrency, providing reliable income regardless of market fluctuations.
    Designed for both everyday users and professional investors, this platform empowers users to generate consistent crypto earnings from anywhere, at any time.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    –  Full XRP Integration: Deposit, purchase, mine, and withdraw XRP directly within the platform.
    –  Multi-Coin Mining Support: Mine and receive earnings in BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDC, USDT, SOL, LTC, and BCH.
    –  AI Revenue Optimization: Proprietary algorithms automatically allocate mining power to the top-performing assets to maximize returns.
    –  100% Remote Access: No mining equipment needed—fully accessible via the PFMCrypto mobile app or browser.
    –  Capital Protection: All contracts include full principal return upon maturity, reducing risk while growing crypto assets.

    Mining Contracts for Every Budget and Strategy:
    PFMCrypto offers a broad range of mining contracts that support XRP-based deposits and withdrawals. Each contract is crafted for flexibility, predictable income, and effective risk management:
    $10 Contract – 1 Day – Earn $0.66 (Free with signup bonus)
    $100 Contract – 2 Days – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 reward
    $500 Contract – 5 Days – Earn $6.15 daily
    $5,000 Contract – 30 Days – Earn $78.50 daily
    $20,000 Contract – 45 Days – Earn $380.00 daily
    Whether you’re testing the waters or building a long-term portfolio, PFMCrypto provides low-risk, high-transparency contracts that deliver stable daily income in XRP.
    Click here to explore more XRP cloud contracts.

    Why PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Stands Out?
    –  Accessible to Everyone: No mining rigs, no setup, no complexity—just tap and earn.
    –  XRP-Native Integration: Deposit, mine, and withdraw XRP in one seamless ecosystem.
    –  Stable Returns, Smart Allocation: An AI-powered engine dynamically adjusts mining strategies to maximize rewards and ensure daily income across all supported coins.
    –  Multi-Asset Flexibility: Mine XRP directly or diversify earnings into other top digital assets—all with one contract.
    –  Instant Setup, Global Access: Mine from anywhere using your phone or browser—securely and remotely.

    Get Started Today in 3 Easy Steps:
    1.  Sign Up – Create your account and receive a $10 welcome bonus
    2.  Choose a Plan – Select a short- or long-term contract (1–60 days available)
    3.  Start Earning – Track daily profits and withdraw in the token of your choice

    Start mining XRP now at: https://pfmcrypto.net 
    Or download the PFMCrypto mobile app (available for iOS & Android).

    XRP Mining for a Digital Future
    Since 2018, PFMCrypto has helped millions of users around the world generate passive crypto income through secure, smart, cloud-based mining. With the introduction of XRP mining, the platform offers the ideal combination of institutional-grade infrastructure and retail accessibility. Now, users can choose to earn directly in XRP or diversify into major digital assets—all within a secure, fully remote environment.
    “XRP has always been fast, efficient, and scalable,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “Now, it’s also mineable—securely, remotely, and profitably. We’ve eliminated the barriers so anyone can participate in XRP’s future growth.”
    Markets may shift—but daily mining income can remain steady.

    Join the XRP mining revolution today at: https://pfmcrypto.net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: American Tower Corporation (ATC) Kenya Partners with Mawingu Foundation to Launch Digital Communities

    Source: APO

    • Through American Tower’s Digital Communities program, the three-year partnership will provide technology-equipped spaces that offer digital literacy for youth, vocational training for adults, and access to healthcare services.
       
    • The initiative will benefit institutions such as vocational training centers, dispensaries, secondary schools and special schools, directly impacting over 50,000 beneficiaries.

    ATC Kenya (www.AmericanTower.com/en-KE), a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure, and the Mawingu Foundation—the social impact arm of Mawingu Networks Limited—are proud to announce a strategic partnership aimed at bridging the digital divide across Kenya. This partnership will provide underserved and unserved communities with access to connectivity, digital learning materials, modern equipment, and essential digital skills.

    This initiative will benefit a wide range of institutions including Vocational Training Centers (VTCs), dispensaries, secondary schools, special schools, and surrounding communities. The program is expected to directly impact more than 50,000 individuals over the life of the partnership.

    Central to this effort is ATC’s Digital Communities program, which offers technology-equipped spaces that deliver digital literacy for youth, vocational and financial training for adults, and access to healthcare services. By combining this model with the Mawingu Foundation’s community reach and expertise, the partnership aims to foster inclusive development and equitable access to digital opportunities.

    “At ATC Kenya, we are driven by our commitment to bridging the digital divide and by the belief that connectivity—especially in underserved and unserved areas—is essential to transforming lives and empowering communities,” said George Odenyo, CEO of ATC Kenya. “This is why partnerships with entities like the Mawingu Foundation are vital to achieving our vision of building a more connected Kenya.”

    Mawingu CEO, Farouk Ramji, noted that “As Mawingu Foundation, we believe that closing the digital divide must start where the gap is widest, and this is in the heart of rural and peri-urban communities that we are dedicated to transforming. The Digital Communities initiative is proof that with the right partnerships, we can deliver meaningful, sustainable internet access where it matters most.”

    The collaboration will focus on identifying and supporting institutions most in need, ensuring that digital tools and connectivity are accessible where they can make the greatest impact. By addressing educational disparities and promoting digital inclusion, the partnership is set to create lasting change across Kenya.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of American Tower Corporation.

    Media Contacts:
    American Tower
    media.relations@americantower.com

    Mawingu Foundation
    press@mawingu.co

    About ATC Kenya:
    ATC Kenya is a subsidiary of American Tower Corporation, one of the largest global telecommunications Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate.

    ATC Kenya owns and operates over 4,200 telecommunications sites across the country, helping mobile network operators and other telecommunication providers confidently deliver communications connectivity to consumers throughout Kenya. For more information, visit: www.AmericanTower.com/en-KE

    About Mawingu Foundation:
    Mawingu Foundation is the philanthropic and community development arm of Mawingu, dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved regions of Africa. The Mawingu Foundation is committed to expanding access to meaningful internet connectivity, digital infrastructure, and learning tools that empower youth, educators, and community institutions.

    Through strategic partnerships and on-the-ground initiatives, Mawingu Foundation focuses on enabling inclusive access to knowledge, opportunity, and innovation, ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation inspects the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh and witnesses the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for mine victims and affected people

    Source: APO


    .

    In continuation of implementing the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to localize the prosthetics and assistive devices industry and support mine victims in Matrouh Governorate, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, visited the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh to follow up on its efforts to support the injured and mine victims in the governorate, in cooperation with the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, and witnessed the delivery and maintenance of 100 prosthetic limbs for the injured people of the governorate who were affected by the mines.

    During the visit, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat listened to the people of Matrouh who were affected by mines and held a dialogue about the mechanism for applying for a prosthetic limb, the manufacturing timeline, and obtaining it, reaffirming the government’s keenness to provide prosthetic devices with the highest levels and standards of efficiency, enabling the injured to reintegrate into society. She also emphasized the government’s interest in supporting development efforts in border governorates, whether through the investment plan or the presidential initiative “Decent Life.”

    The Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation also inspected the process of manufacturing and fitting prosthetic devices at the Prosthetics Center by the center’s officials, stressing the need to adhere to the highest standards of efficiency and ensure continuous maintenance of prosthetic devices for the people of Matrouh.

    Furthermore, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the keenness to maximizing the efforts exerted by the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh, in coordination with the relevant entities, especially the Armed Forces Center for Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation, and Rheumatology, to provide all aspects of support to the people affected by mines in Matrouh Governorate, by enabling them to reintegrate into society and overcome challenges that prevent their effective participation in various aspects of life.

    H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat added that the ministry, in cooperation with the relevant national entities and in implementation of the directives of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, is working on developing the Prosthetics Center in Matrouh in collaboration with the German side, in a way that contributes to enhancing its efficiency and strengthening its role in localizing the prosthetics industry in Egypt.

    Last week, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat signed the reciprocal letters for the feasibility study grant for the National Prosthetic System Development Project, amounting to 1.52 million Chinese yuan, which aims to position Egypt as a regional hub in the Middle East and Africa for providing prosthetic limbs and assistive devices for people with disabilities, as well as acquiring manufacturing capability according to internationally approved standards.

    It is worth noting that in 2007, the Executive Secretariat for Mine Clearance was established at the ministry under Ministerial Decree No. (125) to act as a national coordination and contact point among all entities concerned with mine clearance and the development of the North West Coast, whether governmental, private sector, or civil society, and to mobilize the financial resources necessary to implement its activities. Its current geographical scope of work covers the NorthWest Coast and its desert hinterland, from El-Hammam in the east to El-Salloum in the west and Siwa to the south.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation – Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Germany announces €10 million euro investment in Africa’s development

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Germany announces €10 million euro investment in Africa’s development

    German Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil has announced that Germany will provide an initial contribution of €10 million towards the Group of Twenty (G20) Compact for Africa initiative, which promotes private investment in Africa.

    “This is not only a strategic investment, it is one that can boost the growth, create business opportunities and reduce pressure on public budgets in important Member States,” Klingbeil said on Thursday in Durban during the G20 Finance Track Meeting. 

    Established under the German G20 Presidency in 2017, the initiative’s primary objective is to increase attractiveness of private investment through substantial improvements of the macro, business and financing frameworks.

    Under the G20 Finance Track, the Compact for Africa is governed through the G20 Africa Advisory Group (AAG), co-chaired by Germany and South Africa. 

    The African Development Bank Group, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank Group coordinate the initiative. 

    “To help these partners, with the support of the Compact with Africa, Germany will provide an initial contribution of €10 million to the World Bank’s Trust Fund this year.

    “We are convinced that this is a worthwhile investment and we will be pleased to see other G20 members to join us, therefore, we call on all G20 partners to consider making their own contribution to the World Bank Trust Fund to help ensure the Compact’s long term success.

    “Only through our joint efforts we can truly unlock the potential of the Compact with Africa and make a lasting impact for the benefit of our African partners and the global community,” Germany’s Vice-Chancellor said.

    According to Klingbeil, Compact members have higher levels of foreign direct investments.

    “It is important to recognise the initiative’s full potential impact is still emerging, partly due to unexpected external challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global uncertainties.

    “This highlights the necessities for continued political and financial commitment to unlock the Compact’s full potential for sustainable and inclusive growth across Africa,” he said.

    The German Vice-Chancellor emphasised that Germany’s new government wants to deepen its engagement with South African partners.

    “We will continue to provide strong support with the Compact but more generally we also want to engage in new thinking about development partnerships.

    “The German government has committed itself to establish a new North-South Commission to set up an international forum where experts from politics, civil society, business and research can meet on a regular basis to search for new and efficient solutions. I envision the independent experts from relevant areas from all parts of the world coming together on a regular basis,” he said.

    The new German government agreed to establish a new North-South Commission to jointly suggest new North-South policies for a multipolar world.

    Klingbeil stressed the importance of the Global North and Global South working together on equal footing while also highlighting the need for equitable partnerships and mutual respect between developed and developing nations. 

    “It’s important that we don’t have a platform where the North is telling the South what to do. We have to come together on the same level to find common answers to address the challenges we are facing in the world.

    “At the same time, we will continue to make use of the existing instruments of the G20 Compact with Africa is one of them, it’s dynamic and results driven initiative that demonstrates the power of partnerships and peer to peer learning,” Klingbeil said.

    Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana indicated that the Compact for Africa has grown into a dynamic initiative that has mobilised over $191 million dollars in private capital, supported by the development of bankable projects and improved access to services for over 13.5 million people.

    “It has also fostered a peer learning network among participating countries supported by institutions like the African Centre for Economic Research and provided a structured framework for reform through regular monitoring and technical assistance.

    “As we look ahead, the success of the Compact with Africa will depend on our collective commitment. We must ensure that this initiative remains country-owned, reform driven and result orientated,” the Minister said.

    Godongwana called on governments, multilateral institutions and the private sector to create enabling conditions for sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    “Africa’s development trajectory is at a crossroad, while the continent is rich in opportunity, it continues to face significant challenges ranging from infrastructure deficit and climate vulnerability to constrained fiscal space and limited access to long term private capital

    “In this context, the compact with Africa initiative remains a promising platform for fostering reformed driven investment partnership between African countries and the private sector,” he said.

    South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024, which runs to 30 November 2025, under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability”. – SAnews.gov.za

    nosihle

    MIL OSI Africa –