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  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Commend San Marino on Aligning Citizenship Rights with International Standards, Ask about Temporary Special Measures and Incentives to Encourage Female Employment

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its consideration of the combined first to fifth periodic reports of San Marino, with Committee Experts commending the State party on ensuring equal transmission of citizenship for maternal and paternal lines, while raising questions on temporary special measures and incentives to promote female employment.

    One Committee Expert commended the State party for the efforts and improvements made to align citizenship rights of a small landlocked nation with international standards, ensuring that the rules for transmission of citizenship for maternal and paternal lines were now aligned.

    A Committee Expert asked what kind of temporary special measures were already implemented in legislation and in the judicial branch?  What temporary special measures had been adopted in the area of parity to achieve increased representation of women?  Were there any examples of positive discrimination for women in fields such as the military?  Another Expert said there was an ongoing debate in the country about how to enforce the political participation of women in San Marino.  How did San Marino plan to achieve parity in public life. 

    One Committee Expert asked what was being done to facilitate women’s return to employment? Was there a wage gap?  Could more information be provided regarding measures to increase work life balance and incentivise employers to employ women? 

    On temporary special measures, the delegation said measures to guarantee women’s political life in the country were linked to two laws.  Women made up 50 per cent of the public administration.  Women’s representation within the judiciary was fully granted; a few years ago, the President of the San Marino court was a woman. San Marino did not intend to use the instrument of quotas again, as the results did not justify its existence, and the quotas were intended to be a temporary measure. 

    The delegation said San Marino had been providing incentives for female employment for several years, including that employers would pay less tax for female workers. As of 2025, the labour force in San Marino was better balanced, with the gender gap reduced.  If a female worker had a child and wished to return to work, she could transform her contract into one that was parttime.  This was a key provision which would help women balance their professional and private lives. 

    Introducing the report, Marcello Beccari, Permanent Representative of San Marino to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said significant progress had been made to combat gender-based violence in recent years.  On 29 October 2024, the Congress of State adopted delegated decree no. 161 on amendments to law no. 97 of 20 June 2008 – prevention and repression of violence against women and gender violence – and subsequent amendments and to the Criminal Code, which aimed to ensure a more effective system of prevention, protection and support for victims of violence.  In particular, the definition of violence against women and gender-based violence was rephrased.  The Authority for Equal Opportunities was responsible for keeping and disseminating data on gender-based violence.

    In closing remarks, Mr. Beccari thanked the Committee for the dialogue which had enabled the State to review the legislation and all areas where discrimination against women could occur.  The institutions of San Marino were actively engaged in the implementation of the Convention.

    In her closing remarks, Marianne Mikko, Committee Vice-Chair, thanked the delegation of San Marino for the constructive dialogue, which had provided further insight on the situation of women in the country. 

    The delegation of San Marino was comprised of representatives of the Ministry of Justice; the Ministry of Employment; the Department of Foreign Affairs; the Department of Institutional and Internal Affairs; the Department of Health and Social Security; the Department of Education and Culture; the Office of the French Border; the Single Court; the Gendarmerie Corp; the Office for Gender Violence and Minors; the Authority for Equal Opportunities; and the Permanent Mission of San Marino to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women’s ninety-first session is being held from 16 June to 4 July.  All documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, 26 June to begin its consideration of the fifth periodic report of Chad (CEDAW/C/TCD/5).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the the combined initial to fifth periodic reports of San Marino (CEDAW/C/SMR/1-5).

    Presentation of Report

    MARCELLO BECCARI, Permanent Representative of San Marino to the United Nations Office at Geneva, said the ratification of the Convention in 2003 had been long-awaited by San Marino society, in light of the undeniable steps forward that the country had made since the 1960s.  Unfortunately, women’s rights in San Marino had been denied for centuries: women had had, de jure and de facto, a position inferior to that of men.  San Marino women exercised their voting right for the first time only in 1964, and it was only in 1974 that they could be elected in the general elections and become members of the San Marino Parliament. 

    At the end of the 1990s, a serious discrimination experienced by San Marino women persisted: only men could transmit San Marino citizenship, which made it impossible for the children of a San Marino woman to become San Marino citizens if the father was not a San Marino citizen.  This discrimination was finally eliminated in 2000.  It was only at this time that the country aligned its legal system with the requirements of the Convention. 

    Significant progress had been made to combat gender-based violence in recent years. On 29 October 2024, the Congress of State adopted delegated decree no. 161 on amendments to law no. 97 of 20 June 2008 – prevention and repression of violence against women and gender violence – and subsequent amendments and to the Criminal Code, which aimed to ensure a more effective system of prevention, protection and support for victims of violence.  In particular, the definition of violence against women and gender-based violence was rephrased.  The Authority for Equal Opportunities was responsible for keeping and disseminating data on gender-based violence.  The data was provided by all the institutions that come into contact with women victims of violence, including the courts, the mental health service and the counselling centre, the Minors’ Protection Service, and all three police forces. 

    San Marino authorities recently implemented comprehensive policies with the adoption of two national plans for the prevention of gender-based violence, including all competent institutional and civil society actors: the comprehensive national plan to combat violence against women 2024–2026, and the multi-year national plan on the elimination of violence and harassment and discrimination in the world of work to implement International Labour Organization Convention no.190 on the elimination of violence and harassment in the world of work.  The 24-hour on-call service of Social Workers and Psychologists was introduced and regulated, and the Emergency Centre was set up, where victims, including those with children, could receive psychosocial, health and legal assistance. 

    Every year on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, San Marino organised numerous meetings and initiatives to raise awareness, including a recent media campaign “the new languages of violence”.  The University of San Marino organised compulsory vocational training courses annually for a wide range of professionals, including magistrates, police forces, professional associations, socio-health services, school staff and family mediators.  The University also actively collaborated with schools to foster an innovative and inclusive educational approach.

    An initiative speared by civil society, the law regulating civil registered partnerships (law no. 147 of 20 November 2018), allowed same-sex couples to obtain a form of legal recognition of their relationship equivalent to marriage. Another action which originated from civil society was the Referendum for the decriminalisation and legalisation of the voluntary termination of pregnancy in February 2021.  One year after the historic overwhelming result which saw more than 77 per cent of San Marino citizens vote in favour of decriminalising abortion, the San Marino Parliament approved law no. 147 of 7 September 2022 regulating voluntary termination of pregnancy.  This law contained the necessary amendments to the Criminal Code for both the decriminalisation of the act and the protection of the procedure.

    Despite the progress that had been made in recent years, some challenges persisted in San Marino in the area of elimination of discrimination against women, particularly when it came to eliminating gender stereotypes.  Mr. Beccari said he would ensure the dialogue was open, useful and fruitful. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    ERIKA SCHLÄPPI, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said this was the first report submitted by the State party.  It was regretful that no reports had been received from civil society. Were the Convention’s provisions directly applicable in San Marino?  Were they referred to in practice in the courts?  What had been done to raise the visibility of the Convention?  Were there any plans to revise article 4 paragraph 1 of the San Marino Constitution to include other forms of discrimination, including gender identity?  Were there plans to introduce a body of laws preventing discrimination in the private and public spheres?  How did the San Marino authorities integrate a gender perspective in the legislative process? 

    What legal procedures could women currently use for submitting complaints about discriminatory acts?  What were the possible barriers for women to make use of existing legal remedies?  How were judges and lawyers trained to ensure gender equality in administrative procedures?  The Committee was concerned about the lack of disaggregated data in San Marino.  It was welcomed that authorities were considering taking measures to improve the data collections system.  What were the plans to improve data collection in the areas of gender equality? What were the timelines?  Did the State plan to enact a comprehensive law to prohibit discrimination?   

    Responses by the Delegation 

     

    The delegation said civil society organizations were informed about the drafting report and had several opportunities to get in touch.  Work had been carried out on the report with the San Marino Union for Women. Women’s rights were a topic close to the heart of San Marino citizens.  The Authority for Equal Opportunities conducted important work on the issue of violence against women.  The data on cases of violence was quite thorough.  San Marino was going through a process to join the European Union and it was hoped that once they had joined, a body on data gathering could be established. Data gathering was currently a weak point for the State and they would appreciate any specific advice from the Committee in this regard. 

    Work was underway to create a statistical body, and in the meantime, an office was charged with data collection and gathering.  Article 4 contained a list of protections which was not exhaustive.  This was to simplify the way such protection was worded. The Convention was fully applicable to San Marino’s legal body.  The State had signed the Istanbul Convention.  Women who were victims of violence could directly submit a complaint to the police, which would be passed on to the court.  There were nine police brigades which controlled the whole territory in San Marino, and there was an office dedicated to gender-based violence against minors.  A complaint could be received by the main police station, and victims needed to be informed of their rights.  Personnel of the gender-based violence office attended a three-week training course, in collaboration with the Italian police. 

    Data was gathered by the Authority on Equal Opportunities on gender-based violence and violence against minors, as well as discrimination in the world of work.  A new office, the Office of Statistics, was being created, which would act as a house for data, and would be used to answer questions from international bodies.  The State was striving to have data collected by all different agencies, including the police forces, to have a global vision on the issue.   

    While direct reference to the Convention was not that common, the legal framework of the State fully supported the provisions of the Convention. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said San Marino had demonstrated a commitment to promoting gender equality through several institutional frameworks, including the Commission for Equal Opportunities, which addressed a broad range of discrimination, including gender, disability and sexual orientation.  Could the State party clarify the mandate and resource allocations for the Commission and the Authority for Equal Opportunities?  What were the responsibilities of each body? How were they coordinated?  How were gender perspectives currently integrated into public policy?  The Authority for Equal Opportunities managed a fund for victim support.  Could updated information be provided on human and financial resources available for the bodies responsible for gender equality? Were steps being taken to ensure sustainability in line with their growing mandates? 

    San Marino had a vibrant civil society, with groups including the San Marino Union for Women contributing to reforms.  How were women’s organizations formally included in the development and monitoring of gender equality policies?  What measures were taken to ensure the participation of civil society organizations in national platforms?  Could an update be provided on the process and timeline for establishing a national human rights institution?  How would it ensure compliance with the Paris Principles?

    Another Expert asked what kind of temporary special measures were already implemented in legislation and in the judicial branch?  What temporary special measures had been adopted in the area of parity to achieve increased representation of women?  Were there any examples of positive discrimination for women in fields such as the military? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said there needed to be a radical mind shift within San Marino society. Education at schools and universities played a key role in this regard.  If men felt they had a right to discriminate against women, it meant they were not being educated properly.  This applied to other challenges, including racism and intolerance towards minorities. 

    Work was being done to create an Office of the Ombudsman in San Marino.  The office was expected to be operational in 2026.  The key elements of the office, including monitoring, combatting discrimination, complaints mechanisms, and mediation, among others, had already been identified.  The Ombudsman would have an independent budget and would have a six-year mandate. 

    The State endorsed civil society organizations in fighting gender-based violence and discrimination.  A petition called for the creation of mechanisms to combat discrimination.  A register was being developed for civil society organizations active in the field of women’s rights to facilitate work with these organizations.  San Marino was a small State and its services were fully adequate.  The victims’ reception centre had a 24/7 hotline which provided assistance. 

    A decree had set norms for the employment of specific roles, with incentives for the employment of women.  In April 2025, the gap between men and women was significantly reduced, highlighting the effectiveness of these norms. 

    San Marino was in the process of developing an independent human rights commission, in line with the Paris Principles. The bill would come into force in 2025 and become operative in 2026. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    An Expert asked how the effectiveness of training was being assessed?  What complaints mechanisms existed for discrimination against minority women?  Why was psychological harm not considered to be a criminal case?  Had the campaigns targeting men been assessed?  Was the State considering covering witnesses? Did judges, lawyers and law enforcement receive mandatory training in this regard?

    It was welcomed that the State provided services, including shelters for victims of violence.  Could women with disabilities and migrant women have access to these services?  Were there enough of these services?  What economic, labour and housing initiatives were provided for victims?  How many judicial sentences regarding gender-based violence had been handed down?  What period of time elapsed between the complaint and the finalised sentence? What public funds did civil society organizations currently receive when they provided assistance and support to victims?  How many victims of violence and their children had received reparation?  What kind of reparation did they receive?

    Another Committee Expert said the strong demand for foreign labour in the State created opportunities for trafficking.  The State party had reported that no investigations had been launched to date regarding trafficking cases.  When was the State party expecting to finalise work on the national action plan on trafficking?  What funds would be allocated to ensure its success?  How would the State party ensure that all relevant stakeholders were up to speed concerning their role in the fight against trafficking?  What steps was the State party taking to put in place national procedures and mechanisms to ensure the referral of trafficking victims?  Several sectors of the economy had been identified as being susceptible to trafficking, including domestic work.  Was the State party planning to follow the recommendation to raise awareness of the risk of trafficking among the general public?  Was the State party planning to decriminalise sex work?

    Responses by the Delegation 

     

    The delegation said San Marino was carrying out activities to improve its expertise in the area of trafficking.  The State currently had no cases directly relating to human trafficking, demonstrating the phenomenon was limited in the country, possibly due to its limited size, as well as the control and efficacy of law enforcement agencies.  The national strategy for combatting trafficking was currently being drafted.  Since trafficking cases were non-existent in San Marino, it was unlikely the topic would be addressed extensively in training courses, but it would be mentioned. The anti-violence network included magistrates and representatives of the legal system and law enforcement agencies. 

    Since the visit of the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings to San Marino, there had been no indication of risks or cases reported. Work was carried out in collaboration with the Italian State in terms of training opportunities, and new modules were being designed for labour inspectors.  The Labour Inspectorate carried out direct interviews with the home carers and had reported no issues in this regard.  The State would continue to remain vigilant about trafficking, particularly for high-risk sectors, but at present this risk was not prevalent.

    Psychological violence was included in the decree of 2024, which addressed domestic violence against women.  It was defined as any intentional behaviour which impacted the psychological integrity of women.  In 2024, there were four orders of protection enacted by the judge.  Parliament recently adopted a law regarding the duration of trial, which would ensure an improvement in the duration of cases pertaining to violence. 

    Over the last year, training had been dedicated to preventive action against discrimination. The State had a duty to punish perpetrators, and to ensure their rehabilitation.  The union contract had been signed for the 24-hour availability of social servants, for cases of discrimination or violence.  A protocol was in place with the authorities and Order of Psychologists, where psychologists received a financial contribution for completing mandatory training for victims of violence. 

    The State had a list of pro-bono lawyers who could assist victims, but were also working on a specific agreement with the Bar Association, to ensure that victims had legal assistance.  This assistance would be entirely covered by the Authority of Equal Opportunities.  A project was underway to support women victims of violence who did not have access to an income.  Two years ago, a training module was created for journalists to raise awareness about gender stereotypes in the media, with work carried out directly with the Association of Journalists.

    A new emergency centre was created in 2024 and had been operating 24/7, welcoming women victims of violence and their children, as well as unaccompanied minors.   

    Questions by Committee Experts

    An Expert said the crime of trafficking affected all countries; was size of the country considered an acceptable excuse for the lack of trafficking cases? 

    A Committee Expert said there was an ongoing debate in the country about how to enforce the political participation of women in San Marino.  How did San Marino plan to achieve parity in public life.  How did the State party explain the low representation of women in the cabinet?  Were there legal or policy measures in place to ensure the representation of women? What would be done to increase the number of women in leading positions in the public administration and the judiciary? 

    One Committee Expert commended the State party for the efforts and improvements made to align citizenship rights of a small landlocked nation with international standards, ensuring that the rules for transmission of citizenship for maternal and paternal lines were now aligned.  The Committee also welcomed the approval concerning the “amendment on citizenship” to remove the obligations for applicants to renounce their existing citizenship.  However, it was regretful that there was no data in the report enabling the Committee to assess the impact of these acts.  It was also concerning that San Marino was yet to ratify key conventions relating to stateless persons. 

    What was the number of women who had obtained citizenship through naturalisation compared to men?  Was the State party considering abolishing the requirement of the interdiction of dual citizenship?  What support mechanism were in place to ensure eligible individuals were able to access the right to San Marino citizenship?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said approximately 50 per cent of the San Marino population lived abroad. Until the year 2000, San Marino citizenship could only be transmitted through the paternal line.  Those who held San Marino citizenship could hold others as well.  The obligation to renounce other nationalities was linked to the naturalisation process.

    Some diplomats believed there were in fact too many women in the diplomatic core, as there had been significant progress in this regard.  Measures to guarantee women’s political life in the country were linked to two laws.  Women made up 50 per cent of the public administration.  Women’s representation within the judiciary was fully granted; a few years ago, the President of the San Marino court was a woman.  San Marino did not intend to use the instrument of quotas again, as the results did not justify its existence, and the quotas were intended to be a temporary measure.  Instead, the State had introduced a cultural mind shift through better awareness raising.  Measures had been introduced to support families, to allow all citizens to participate in the life of the country. 

    The judiciary had strong female representation, with six female representatives.  The coordinator for the civil administrative sector was a woman.   Psychical criteria had been adjusted for entering the gendarmerie corps, meaning there were new female recruits.  In 2025, 25 per cent of officers within the gendarmerie where female, which was a common trend across all law enforcement agencies.  Women had been able to ascend within law enforcement agencies, with women colonels responsible for several units. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the Committee commended the State party for achieving literacy rates for both women and men at a rate of 100 per cent.  Was the education system full inclusive to migrant girls and girls with disabilities?  The Committee congratulated the State party for ensuring that equality and inclusion started from primary school.  How did San Marino’s schools directly address topics of human rights, gender stereotypes, racism and gender equality?  Were human rights and gender equality issues explicitly addressed in education curricula? What were the specific recommendations made to prevent cyber bullying against women and girls?  Could sex disaggregated data be provided regarding access to financial aid for students? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said San Marino had two dedicated decrees related to education, including for students with learning disabilities.  There were training courses for teachers to ensure they could provide support to students with disabilities and deal with individual cases. Indications were introduced in all San Marino institutions, from kindergarten to secondary school.  Even at university level, courses offered to students related to gender-based violence and racial discrimination.  The curriculum of schools included specific projects for awareness raising.  This initiative was also passed on to families involved in this approach. 

    On 5 July, an exhibition entitled “Open Dreams” would open, gathering works of elementary and secondary school students, created during school projects relating to human rights and gender parity.  This exhibition would be open to the San Marino people and was part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization celebration for education for peace. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert said the Committee appreciated policies aimed at better integrating women into the labour force, including the one focusing on women over 50.  However, it was concerning that women were underrepresented in the labour market, but overrepresented in part time jobs. Around 95 per cent of those dismissed during the COVID-19 pandemic were women.  Could the State party provide disaggregated statistical data on the employment of women? Why were women the majority of those who lost their employment in the pandemic?  What was done to facilitate their return to employment?  Was there a wage gap?  Could more information be provided regarding measures to increase work life balance and incentivise employers to employ women? 

    What percentage of fathers had benefitted from parental leave since its introduction? What measures were taken to strengthen childcare and support services?  What was being done to strengthen the monitoring of labour conditions of vulnerable groups?  What measures were being taken to combat sexual harassment in the workplace?  What was being done to increase the low numbers of women in leadership positions in the private sector?  Was there a specific law prohibiting sexual harassment in the workplace? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said in San Marino law, selection of an individual for employment was based on merit and the candidate’s skillset.  San Marino’s labour market was fully open, meaning employers were free to make their selection specific to the profile they were looking for.  The labour inspectorate would then provide opportunities for the unemployed.  San Marino had been providing incentives for female employment for several years, including that employers would pay less tax for female workers. 

    As of 2025, the labour force in San Marino was better balanced, with the gender gap reduced. If a female worker had a child and wished to return to work, she could transform her contract into one that was part-time.  There were fiscal incentives for employers who were ready to hear needs of their female workers.  This part time contract was valid for the first three years of the child’s life and could be extended for an additional three years.  This was a key provision which would help women balance their professional and private lives.  There were no distinctions in the area of training and lifelong learning between men and women. 

    San Marino had adopted the International Labour Organization convention on workplace discrimination, and the State had adopted a national action plan in this regard. There were several types of paternal leave.  The San Marino legal system encouraged fathers to request permission to accompany children to the doctor and for other needs.  The legal system also provided for parental leave for foster children. 

    Discriminatory acts in San Marino were punishable under the law.  If this occurred in a work environment, the sentence would be further strengthened.  There were harsher punishments for sexual violence when it occurred in a work environment. 

     

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert asked what the State party was doing to ensure the right of minorities to health?  What were the current challenges faced by the Women’s Health Centre?  How was its sustainability guaranteed?  What measures were taken to ensure sexual and reproductive health, as well as modern, free and low-cost contraceptive measures, especially for more disadvantaged groups?  How was appropriate information provided on how to access appropriate gynaecological and obstetric care? 

    Forced sterilisation was sanctioned under the Penal Code but could be authorised on the grounds of psycho-social disability.  What measures would be taken to combat this harmful practice?  Had changes been made to the Penal Code which recognised exceptions to the general prohibition of abortion, including incest and rape?  How many women had access to legal abortion in 2023 and 2024?  What steps were being taken by the State party to have a team to support female victims of gender violence?  How were women’s needs in mental health being taken into account? 

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the law to support families included rights for mothers, fathers, natural and adopted children.  For years, the Women’s Health Centre had been working to support women, including counselling them.  This was a dedicated body which fought to protect women, their children, and families. The Centre offered counselling for women and couples, providing them with information and contraceptives. Activities in schools were tailored depending on the age of the pupils. 

    The Constitutional Court in San Marino had issued a ruling on the desire to de-penalise abortion, reflecting the mind shift already present in society.  Screenings for cancer risks were directly managed by the San Marino hospital.  The Women’s Health Centre was tasked with prevention and monitoring of such risks. There was no forced sterilisation in the country.  Close monitoring of contraception occurred under the supervision of medical personnel. 

    A series of events were organised in schools dedicated to sexuality, which were optional for elementary school pupils and mandatory for older pupils.  The content of these events differed depending on the age of the students.  Training courses had been developed to raise awareness among younger populations about sexual health.  These interventions had been favourably welcomed by San Marino households.  In 2023, a new hub providing psychological support was opened, accessible to all pupils.  Mental health support was available through the hub.  Adolescents and young people could freely access the human papillomavirus vaccine. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on law no. 158 of 2022, which provided a regulatory framework for the protection and support of women who went through pregnancy and postpartum in conditions of psychological, economic and social discomfort, as well as single pregnant women, and single parent families.  How many single pregnant women and single-parent families had benefited since the adoption of the law in November 2022? 

    Had the State party considered instituting surveillance and monitoring mechanisms to specifically track progress in inclusive social security systems?  What laws and policies had been implemented to promote women’s entrepreneurship, access to economic assets, and business ownership?  Were there government-led programmes that provided support to women entrepreneurs? Were there training or capacity building initiatives in key sectors like financial technology, e-commerce, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and robotics, where women remained underrepresented?  What actions were being taken to increase the number of women in leadership roles within sports and cultural institutions? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said a new law provided favourable conditions for both male and female entrepreneurs.  More and more women were opting for activities in the e-commerce space.  Employers and employees could have access to the family allowance.  This was provided by the State to better support childcare.  Law 158 from 2022 supported pregnant women and single parent families.  The State was currently considering a reform bill which resulted in further allowances to support households with young children, particularly new fathers, to close the gap between men and women in the household. 

    In 2024, there were 22 cases of voluntary abortion in the country.  The San Marino Olympic Committee promoted equality.  In 2024, the University of San Marino organised a day focusing on sports and disability, using sports as a tool for inclusion and equality.  This special day was open to all sports operators and coaches in the country to raise awareness regarding inclusion and combatting all kinds of discrimination in sports. 

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said around five per cent of the State resided in rural areas, being predominantly involved in agriculture or domestic work.  Could information on the social conditions of rural women in San Marino be provided?  San Marino had 258 migrant workers employed in the private sector as caregivers or badanti. The Committee noted with satisfaction the establishment of the one stop shop set up to provide assistance to these badanti.  What was currently being done to prevent violence against badanti? 

    What measures were in place to ensure inclusive employment for women with disabilities? Since June 2019, discrimination on the ground of gender identity was expressly banned in San Marino.  What steps were being taken to recognise same sex marriage for citizens? 

    A Committee Expert asked for more information on forced sterilisation which had been imposed on women with disabilities over the past five years, possibly authorised by a legal guardian? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said it was difficult to distinguish between urban and rural areas in San Marino. All people living in San Marino enjoyed universal health coverage.  A desk had been organised for badanti to answer questions and deal with issues affecting them, and for families who wished to benefit from their services. There was no discrimination towards badanti in the country; efforts were made to protect their work. 

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    A Committee Expert welcomed the law which allowed a judge to order the removal of the aggressor in cases of gender-based violence, among other initiatives.  How did the courts deal with custody and the visiting rights of parents?  How were the best interests of a child taken into account from a gender perspective? How many children had been able to receive their mothers surname since 2016?  What mechanisms existed to provide oversight for family mediation procedures and ensure the Convention standards were respected? 

    Responses by the Delegation 

    The delegation said the interests of minors were always protected when it came to custody matters.  Judges would take into account the circumstance of violence within the household. When it came to separation between the parents, mediation was ruled out if there was violence within the household. 

    Closing Remarks

    MARCELLO BECCARI, Permanent Representative of San Marino to the United Nations Office at Geneva and head of the delegation, thanked the Committee for the dialogue which had enabled the State to review the legislation and all areas where discrimination against women could occur.  The institutions of San Marino were actively engaged in the implementation of the Convention.  The recommendations by the Committee would be carefully considered.

    MARIANNE MIKKO, Committee Vice-Chair, thanked the delegation of San Marino for the constructive dialogue, which had provided further insight on the situation of women in the country.  

    ___________

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

     

    CEDAW25.017E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: In Dialogue with Kazakhstan, Experts of the Human Rights Committee Commend the Abolition of the Death Penalty, Ask about Excessive Use of Force during 2022 Demonstrations and Internet Censorship

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Human Rights Committee today concluded its consideration of the third periodic report of Kazakhstan on how it implements the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, with Committee Experts commending the State’s abolition of the death penalty, and raising issues concerning excessive use of force by law enforcement officials during demonstrations in January 2022 and internet censorship.

    Changrok Soh, Committee Chairperson, and other Committee Experts commended Kazakhstan for its abolition of the death penalty and ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant.

    A Committee Expert cited reports of excessive use of force during demonstrations in January 2022 that resulted in the deaths of several peaceful protesters.  Investigations into these incidents were reportedly insufficient. What measures would the State party take to hold perpetrators to account, and provide adequate remedies to victims and their families?

    Another Committee Expert said Kazakhstan had not amended legislation allowing the Prosecutor General to shut down websites without court approval.  Provisions designed to protect children from cyberbullying were reportedly misused to censor and restrict information, as were internet blackouts. Could the delegation comment on these issues?

    Botagoz Zhaxelekova, Vice-Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, said that, as part of national action plans, systemic efforts had been made to enhance human rights protections.  These included the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol, aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, without reservations.  Kazakhstan was currently working with countries in Central Asia and Mongolia to make the region the first death penalty-free zone.

    In the ensuing discussion, the delegation said that the 2022 incident was a mass uprising that led to numerous injuries to law enforcement officials.  Investigations had been initiated into the incident, with nine officials sentenced for the excessive use of arms.  Monitoring visits had led to the release of around 400 people who were arbitrarily detained.

    On internet censorship, the delegation said this year, around 1,000 warning letters were issued to website operators calling for illegal content to be removed.  If it was removed, the site was not blocked.  Internet services could only be suspended in emergency situations and when there was an extreme threat to public safety, such as during the January 2022 events.  The 2023 law on online platforms was based on the European Union’s digital services act. It was geared toward the liberalisation of the online sphere.

    Ms. Zhaxelekova, in concluding remarks, thanked the Committee for the constructive dialogue, and all those who had facilitated the dialogue.  The Committee’s recommendations would be considered by the State and incorporated into future human rights action plans, she said.

    In his concluding remarks, Mr. Soh said the delegation had engaged actively in the dialogue, which had addressed judicial independence, the prohibition of torture, and the rights of vulnerable groups, among other topics.  The Committee expressed particular concern regarding the lack of accountability for the January 2022 events and restrictions on civil society and freedom of assembly.  It hoped that the dialogue would translate into increased protection of civil and political rights in Kazakhstan.

    The delegation of Kazakhstan was made up of representatives of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population; Ministry of Culture and Information; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Justice; Court Administration; Anti-Corruption Agency; Prosecutor General’s Office; and the Permanent Mission of Kazakhstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Human Rights Committee’s one hundred and forty-fourth session is being held from 23 June to 17 July 2025.  All the documents relating to the Committee’s work, including reports submitted by States parties, can be found on the session’s webpage.  Meeting summary releases can be found here.  The webcast of the Committee’s public meetings can be accessed via the UN Web TV webpage.

    The Committee will next meet in public at 3 p.m. on Thursday, 26 June to begin its consideration of the initial report of Guinea Bissau (CCPR/C/GNB/1).

    Report

    The Committee has before it the third periodic report of Kazakhstan (CCPR/C/KAZ/3).

    Presentation of the Report

    BOTAGOZ ZHAXELEKOVA, Vice-Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, said international obligations were an integral part of Kazakhstan’s national legal system.  The provisions of the Covenant took precedence over national legislation, and the State’s primary priority was the protection of citizens’ rights.

    During the reporting period, the State made far-reaching reforms aiming to consolidate democracy and build a just Kazakhstan. In 2022, constitutional reforms reinforced human rights protections for all Kazakh citizens, moving the State from a super-Presidential form of Government to a Presidential Republic with a strengthened Parliament.  The President could now serve only a single seven-year term and could not seek re-election. Rural mayors were now directly elected, and regional authorities had been granted greater autonomy. 

    The role of the lower house of Parliament in forming the Government had been strengthened – Parliament’s consent was now required for the appointment of the Prime Minister and other members of the Government.  The lower house was also empowered to hear reports from the Government, including on human rights issues.

    In addition, the registration process for political parties had been simplified; the electoral process had been improved; and the registration threshold had been reduced fourfold, from 20,000 to 5,000 members.  For the first time, six political parties, including opposition parties, were represented in the lower house.  Nearly half of the members of Parliament had been newly elected, including independent candidates.  A 30 per cent quota for women, youth, and persons with disabilities was introduced for the allocation of party list mandates.  The Mazhilis (lower house of Parliament) now included 18 women, six persons with disabilities, and eight individuals under the age of 35.

    The Constitutional Court had been re-established as a key mechanism for protecting rights and freedoms.  All citizens could appeal to it free of charge, and interpretation services were available.  To date, the Court had issued over 500 rulings and 71 final decisions.  In 20 per cent of reviewed cases, legal provisions were found to be unconstitutional.

    Constitutional law had expanded the powers of the Human Rights Commissioner, who could now directly address the President, both chambers of Parliament, and the Government with proposals to improve human rights mechanisms and initiate systemic legislative measures.  The Ombudsman was empowered to file lawsuits to defend the rights of an unlimited number of individuals, access all penal institutions freely, interview any person, and intervene in cases of rights violations. Regional Ombudspersons for the rights of children and for socially vulnerable groups had also been appointed across the country.

    Extensive work had been carried out in the field of lawmaking.  Laws adopted during the reporting period included the law on peaceful assemblies, which introduced a notification-based system for assemblies; a law decriminalising defamation; a law granting citizens and civil society organizations the right to oversee Government and quasi-public entities; a law obliging the Government to respond to petitions that received more than 50,000 signatures; a law expanding journalists’ rights to access and disseminate information; and the Social Code, which guaranteed equality and the inadmissibility of discrimination in all areas of life and increased State social benefits by 15 per cent. 

    Other laws adopted included a law aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence, which led to the annual number of crimes against women decreasing by 2.5 times; legislation increasing penalties for crimes against the sexual integrity of children; a law granting public monitoring commissions and the national preventive mechanism unrestricted access to all closed facilities in the country without prior notice and establishing criminal liability for cruel and inhuman treatment; and a law on combatting human trafficking.

    As a result of preventive measures, the number of registered torture cases had declined each year.  In 2024, the number fell by 40 per cent.  Since 2020, a Compensation Fund for Victims of Torture had been operating, and over the past five years, more than 3,000 compensation payments had been made.

    Kazakhstan was also taking measures to protect its citizens abroad.  From 2019 to 2021, the country carried out special operations repatriating 754 individuals from Syria, including 526 children and citizens of neighbouring countries.  All children received passports and women were supported to return to a normal life.

    As part of national action plans, systemic efforts had been made to enhance human rights protections.  A total of 94 actions had been planned, more than 75 per cent of which had already been implemented.  These included the ratification of the Second Optional Protocol to the Covenant, aimed at the abolition of the death penalty, without reservations.  This commitment was also enshrined in the Constitution.  Kazakhstan was currently working with countries in Central Asia and Mongolia to make the region the first death penalty-free zone.  In 2023, Kazakhstan also ratified two Optional Protocols: one to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and another to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

    To ensure the effective implementation of decisions and requests from United Nations committees, a working group was established in 2022.  It included representatives from the main State authorities.  Kazakhstan had responded positively to decisions on individual communications by United Nations committees, including through the payment of compensation in the cases of Gerasimov, Bayramov and Malykhin. 

    The State party had also incorporated the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner Volker Türk, who visited Kazakhstan in 2023, into a comprehensive action plan on human rights and the rule of law.  The action plan focused on protecting the rights of women, children, and persons with disabilities; combatting domestic violence; strengthening labour rights; and safeguarding freedom of association.

    The Government has been actively engaging with civil society on all major reforms.  One notable example of this engagement was the “Dialogue Platform for the Human Dimension” under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  Since 2013, more than 50 meetings had been held, and their outcomes were reflected in three human rights action plans, including recently adopted laws on combatting human trafficking, the criminalisation of domestic violence, and the fight against torture.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the Committee welcomed Kazakhstan’s abolition of the death penalty and its ratification of the Second Optional Protocol in 2022, as well as the strengthening of the Constitutional Court in 2023 and the establishment of several mechanisms and institutions.  The Committee had, in recent years, issued a substantial number of Views concluding violations of the Covenant by the State party, but had received disturbing information that most of these had not been followed up.  Would the State party extend the mandate of the interagency working group, which was tasked with analysing these Views?  What measures had been taken to give full effect to the Committee’s recommendations?  How were members of the judiciary trained on international procedures?

    The adoption of the international treaties act enhanced the role of international treaties in the national legal order. Did the Covenant have direct effect? The Committee welcomed national plans related to human rights.  How effective had implementation of these plans been?  Domestic courts had assessed a substantial number of cases involving the Covenant.  Had these courts directly implemented the Covenant?  Was training on the Covenant for the judiciary compulsory?  How was the public educated on the Committee’s work?

    The Committee welcomed that the Human Rights Commission’s mandate had been expanded but noted that it had “B” status since 2012. Had the State worked to have it accredited with “A” status?  What were the obstacles in this regard?  How did the State party guarantee a transparent and independent procedure for appointing members of the Commission?  How did the Commissioner monitor the implementation of the Covenant?  Could the Commissioner be held accountable for inaction?  The State party had invested in the national preventive mechanism against torture, but this institution depended on the Human Rights Commission to carry out its operations and reportedly needed to announce visits to places of detention in advance.  How would the State party strengthen the mechanism?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed the significant changes to the national framework, including the establishment of the national Anti-Corruption Agency.  There were concerns about the influence of public officials over this institution. What measures were in place to ensure the independence of the Agency?  Media reportedly faced political pressure when reporting on corruption, with some having been imprisoned.  What measures were in place to protect media personnel investigating corruption?

    The law on countering extremism included a vague definition of “extremism” that allowed for arbitrary interpretation.  Would this definition be revised?  Were media personnel pressured to expose colleagues’ actions to reduce sentences against them?  Did the State party plan to remove people convicted of non-violent crimes from the list of people accused of financing terrorism?  Which objective standards were used in courts to define extremist activities?  The Committee called for statistics on persons tried for extremist crimes.

    The Committee welcomed legal safeguards against surgical sterilisation, but was concerned about uneven access to contraception and high rates of teenage pregnancy.  What steps had been taken to expand access to affordable contraceptives and family planning programmes?  The Committee was concerned by reports of forced sterilisation and abortion, particularly targeting persons with disabilities, and gender stereotypes embedded in school curricula.  What measures were in place to address these issues and develop adequate sexual and reproductive health education?

    A Committee Expert said that demonstrations in December 2011 resulted in the deaths and injuries of civilians, and reported torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals put under trial related to these protests.  Investigations into these incidents and many alleged perpetrators of human rights violations were reportedly insufficient.  What measures would the State party take to hold perpetrators to account, and provide adequate remedies to victims and their families?  How many investigations had been carried out thus far and what convictions had been handed down?

    The Committee welcomed measures taken to address the high suicide rate in detention centres, but this high rate reportedly persisted.  What further measures were planned to reduce the suicide rate and to investigate all deaths in custody?

    One Committee Expert said that the State party’s laws on discrimination did not address all forms of discrimination included in the Covenant, despite high levels of discrimination against certain groups in the State party.  Efforts to revise anti-discrimination laws seemed to have stalled.  Was there a plan to revive these?

    The Committee welcomed the State party’s efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.  Would it remove discriminatory language in its laws related to persons with disabilities?

    In 2020, the Dungan community experienced ethnic violence resulting in deaths, injuries, property damage, and the displacement of thousands of community members.  Law enforcement authorities reportedly ignored these incidents, delaying investigations and prosecutions.  What progress had been made in setting up a reconciliation committee and in providing remedies to victims?

    There were credible reports of violence and discrimination targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex individuals. Why had organizations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons been denied formal registration and the right to peaceful assembly?  The Kazakhstan Union of Parents had submitted a petition seeking to ban “propaganda” related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons.  How had the Government responded to this petition?  Public funding had been removed from gender reassignment surgery and the minimum age for such procedures had been raised to 21.  How would the Government support persons who sought such surgery?

    Another Committee Expert welcomed that Kazakhstan’s law prohibited gender-based discrimination, but expressed concern that women accounted for only 27 per cent of the Mazhilis, and had limited representation in decision-making positions in public and private bodies.  There was a major salary gap between men and women, and the law did not ensure equal pay for equal work.  What measures had the State party taken to ensure substantive equality between men and women and to address discrimination in access to education, land and property rights?  How did the State party promote women’s representation in decision-making bodies and managerial roles?  What measures were in place to address the gender pay gap?

    The Committee welcomed that the State party had financed gender equality initiatives, but noted that the gender equality strategy had been replaced with the gender and family policy.  The 2009 law on domestic violence was limited to violence by immediate family members.  What legislative and other measures had been taken to combat violence against women and girls?  How had the State party tackled the rise in domestic violence observed during the COVID-19 pandemic?  How was it addressing issues such as forced and early marriages and ensuring a victim-centred approach to investigations and prosecutions? 

    Stigma surrounded reporting of cases of domestic and gender-based violence and police were reportedly reluctant to act on such cases. How did the State party encourage reporting of violence by victims, ensure adequate funding for victim support services, and collect data on complaints, investigations and sentences? What measures were in place to strengthen awareness raising campaigns on violence against women targeting public officials and civil society?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the Covenant was directly applicable in Kazakhstan and took precedence over domestic legislation. Over the past eight years, over 7,000 decisions were handed down by the courts that referenced the Covenant. Training seminars on Covenant rights were held for members of the judiciary.  The Government had made good progress on the human rights action plan, having implemented around 75 action points thus far, including actions promoting gender equality and women’s representation in decision-making bodies, as well as the investigation of torture.

    The Ombudsperson’s status was enshrined in the Constitution.  It did not report to Government bodies and had immunity in carrying out its activities. Its financial independence was guaranteed and it had direct access to all Government bodies.  In 2023, the Ombudsperson representatives carried out more than 700 monitoring visits and issued over 600 recommendations, some 70 per cent of which were implemented.  An assessment of institutional capacity was carried out in 2023 by the Human Rights Commissioner towards its accreditation with “A” status by the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions.

    The independent national preventive mechanism consisted of 126 members, a large percentage of whom were representatives of non-governmental organizations.  They were elected through a transparent process by the coordination council.  The Ombudsperson was working on improving the professional knowledge of the mechanism’s members.  Its annual budget was spent exclusively on its needs.  It had unlimited access to all detention centres in the country and did not need prior permission to conduct visits.

    The Anti-Corruption Agency was independent. It had held several high-level officials accountable for corruption and had seized several millions of dollars in assets from those officials, investing those assets directly in Government programmes such as school construction projects.  The Agency provided free consultations with citizens periodically and worked with citizen volunteers who monitored corruption.

    The State ensured the safety of journalists who investigated corruption, providing all assistance necessary to those journalists. Journalists had broad rights to receive answers to their questions from public officials and to attend public events.

    The concepts of “extremism” and “terrorism” defined in national legislation and the Constitution were in line with those of international law.  The State party welcomed the Committee’s recommendations for improving these laws. All inclusions in the list of organizations linked to terrorism financing were based on the sentences of judges.  Around 1,000 persons had been removed from the list after review, including persons already serving sentences under the Criminal Code and persons found to have given up extremist views.

    Kazakhstan’s Health Code guaranteed the right to reproductive healthcare.  Women had the right not to be subjected to forced abortions or sterilisation and had access to all sexual and reproductive health services.  Gynaecologists determined whether terminations of pregnancy were necessary.  Minors could seek terminations with the written permission of their parents. Family planning and contraception services were provided by the State.  Medical, out-patient and in-patient services had been established in rural areas – 308 medical facilities had been built last year. Events were held that promoted reproductive health and aimed to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies.  Increased access to maternal health services had led to a reduction in maternal mortality and the number of abortions.

    The Prosecutor’s Office had conducted investigations into the events of December 2011, as had monitoring bodies from the United Nations.  The Government had allowed representatives of non-governmental organizations and the media to attend trials related to these events.  Some 1,100 witness testimonies were conducted as part of investigations, which led to the sentencing of 13 officials.  All persons who had been arrested were now released. Investigations found that there was no evidence of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment of arrested persons by public officials.  One official had been charged with granting officers permission to use lethal firearms, which led to the death of 12 persons.  These victims’ families had been granted damages by the courts.

    Discrimination was not allowed on grounds of sex, ethnicity, race, status, property or religion, among other characteristics. The State party had created a committee promoting inter-ethnic harmony, which had developed guidelines on access to legal remedies for victims of discrimination and recommendations for improving legislation on discrimination. 

    All citizens were equal before the law and no person could be subject to discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.  Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community had access to all fundamental rights.  The State party had agreed to conduct research on the impact of propaganda related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons in response to the petition it had received.  Sex changes were regulated by domestic law; persons aged 21 or over with legal capacity had the right to change their sex.

    Some 87 persons had been convicted for having taking part in mass unrest in 2020 affecting the Dungan community, damaging property and obstructing the actions of the police.  All victims had had their property restored.

    The law on persons with disabilities granted persons with category two disabilities priority access to public housing. National standards were in place that supported access to infrastructure and services for persons with disabilities. The accessibility level of buildings was mapped by the State party, and more than 124,000 buildings had been adapted to promote accessibility.

    In April 2024, a law was adopted that aimed to protect women and girls from violence.  There was criminal liability for battery and bodily harm.  Police were obliged to investigate all suspected cases of domestic violence, even when there was no report.  The punishment for sexual violence had been increased to up to life imprisonment.  Forced marriage was punished with up to 10 years imprisonment.  Measures were in place to ensure that victims could file complaints.  The Government funded a specific unit on combatting domestic violence and provided training to officials on responding to domestic violence.  Courts issued restraining orders and instructions relating to behaviour in domestic violence cases as required.  Mobile units responded in a timely manner to reports of violence; they had worked with more than 100,000 families.

    The share of women in local assemblies was 22.7 per cent. There were three women ministers and eight women vice-ministers, and the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court was a woman.  Some 53 per cent of judges were women.  The State party was working actively to ensure that the quota of 30 per cent female candidates was respected.

    The ideology of the gender equality strategy had not changed.  The State party was working with United Nations agencies to promote gender-sensitive budgeting and establish bodies within ministries with gender-related mandates.

    Around 15 per cent of senior public officials were women. Since 2018, some 7,000 women had served in military operations and 15 Kazakh women had served in United Nations peacekeeping roles.  Equal pay for equal work for men and women was enshrined in the Constitution. Discrimination on any grounds was not allowed.  The Labour Code prohibited discrimination on the grounds of gender.  Women who felt they had been discriminated against could turn to the courts to seek remedies.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert welcomed that the procedure for follow-up on Views had led to legal changes and the payment of compensation to victims.  The Expert also welcomed efforts made by the State party to inform the public about the Committee’s work.  Another Committee Expert welcomed measures promoting access to registration for civil society organizations.  One Committee Expert commended the participation of 15 Kazakh women in United Nations peacekeeping operations, and the increasing number of women in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    CHANGROK SOH, Committee Chairperson, said he was impressed by the abolition of the death penalty and progress in improving the representation of women, but noted that there were still issues that needed to be addressed.

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on how the State party promoted the independence of the Ombudsperson, despite the President’s role in appointing its members; investigations into individual cases of killings and claims of torture occurring during December 2011 protests and reparations provided to victims’ families, and whether an official public apology had been issued for these human rights violations; whether the State party would formally recognise the right of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons to protection from discrimination; details on planned revisions to discrimination legislation; the status of research into propaganda related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons; whether a law on gender-based harassment would be promulgated soon; and resistance to laws on violence against women from conservative segments of society.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the national preventive mechanism carried out more than 500 monitoring visits per year.  It had issued more than 16,000 recommendations to institutions as of 2020, of which 44 per cent had been implemented.

    An investigation was carried out into events related to December 2011 protests.  There was no evidence of the acts of torture that were alleged, preventing judicial investigation of those allegations.  The investigations into the murder of 12 individuals and the injury of six determined that arms were used with unlawful intent, inflicting grievous bodily harm, but not necessarily murder.  One official had refused to provide medical care to an injured person and was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

    Issues related to discrimination legislation and the petition on propaganda related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons would be considered once research into these issues was completed. Civil society was invited to join discussions related to the petition and other Government measures.

    National legislation allowed for liability for various forms of harassment.  Last year, changes were brought to the Criminal Code banning sexual activity with minors under age 16.  The Government was assessing the effectiveness of current legislation on gender-based violence, which would be revised in 2027.

    The 2022 constitutional law on the Human Rights Commissioner expanded the powers of the Ombudsperson and the mandate of the Human Rights Commissioner.  The findings of the visits of the national preventive mechanism were published in its annual report.  As a result of its findings, disciplinary actions had been taken against over 440 officials.  In addition to the national preventive mechanism, members of Parliament, judges, prosecutors and the Commissioner for the Rights of the Child could also visit places of detention without prior authorisation. 

    The Ombudsperson could participate in discussions on national reports for human rights treaty bodies.  They had not exercised their right to appeal to the Constitutional Court, as they had been able to address all complaints they had received through other legal recourses.  This did not indicate a refusal to exercise this authority.

    The Labour Code prohibited discrimination against women and regulated workers’ rights to respect and dignity. Employers were obliged to ensure safe and healthy working conditions.  Workers could submit complaints of workplace harassment to the Workplace Ethics Committee or to the police.

    There were 170 suicides in prisons between 2017 and 2024.  For each case, an investigation was carried out to determine the causes, and around 150 officials had been sanctioned for not fulfilling their care duties. Training was provided to prison guards on identifying at-risk inmates and preventing suicides, and to prisoners on promoting self-confidence and preparing for release.  Several additional measures had been implemented in prisons to prevent suicides.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    A Committee Expert said the State party did not have a specific law on the use of force and firearms by officials.  Did it plan to enact such a law that was in line with international standards?  There were allegations of excessive use of force during January 2022 protests, which had led to the death of several peaceful protesters.  Did the State party plan to conduct thorough, independent investigations into these allegations, hold perpetrators to account, and provide adequate remedies for victims?  The mass detention of protesters reportedly led to disappearances, and detainees had been denied access to lawyers and medical care.  What further steps would the State party take to ensure that all detainees were informed of their rights, provided access to a lawyer and medical treatment, and to investigate all allegations of mistreatment of detainees and hold those responsible accountable?

    Peaceful assemblies held without advanced authorisation were typically dispersed by authorities, with demonstrators arrested. How would the State party bring its administrative detention practices in line with international standards? Courts had a high rate of extending pre-trial detention.  How did the State party ensure that pre-trial detention was used only as a last resort, and in line with international standards?

    Another Committee Expert said that the State party had not sufficiently responded to the Committee’s previous recommendation to align legal definitions of torture with those of the Convention against Torture. Despite the high number of torture cases, few effective punishments were imposed on perpetrators, and some persons who reported torture were punished for the crime of reporting false information. What steps had been taken to bring the definition of torture in the Criminal Code in line with international standards and ensure timely investigations?  How many complaints of torture had been filed, legal proceedings launched, and officials punished?

    Kazakhstan had not amended legislation allowing the Prosecutor General to shut down websites without court approval. Provisions designed to protect children from cyberbullying were reportedly misused to censor and restrict information, as were internet blackouts.  Could the delegation comment on these issues?  Laws adopted in 2023 and 2024 expanded State control over free speech, resulting in politically motivated trials against journalists and political opposition figures.  What steps had been taken to fully decriminalise defamation?  Could the State party provide statistics on detentions of journalists and human rights defenders?  What had the working group on the protection of human rights defenders achieved?

    A Committee Expert commended steps to transfer prison health services from the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Health.  How was the State party supporting drug-dependent inmates and working to ensure the availability of sufficient medical equipment in prisons?  Were medical staff trained in detecting torture? Military schools were excluded from the mandate of the national preventive mechanism.  Did the State party intend to address this?

    The Committee was concerned that the right to conscientious objection to military services was not defined in law.  Were there plans to define this in law and establish an alternative to military service?  What steps had been taken to revise religious law to ensure full compliance with the Covenant?  The Committee was concerned by reports that some individuals had been imprisoned for engaging in non-violent religious expression.  How did the State party ensure that persons were not detained solely for expressing religious beliefs?

    What steps had been taken to remove complex registration requirements for non-governmental organizations and trade unions, and to prevent excessive State control of the activities of those organizations?

    Minorities continued to face discrimination and limited access to decision-making positions.  What was the legal and administrative framework covering political parties?  What steps had been taken to promote the effective participation of members of the Roma community in political life?

    One Committee Expert commended the State party for the 2024 law on combatting trafficking in persons and the amendment to article 128 of the Criminal Code.  How did the State party ensure the effective implementation of these reforms? There were reports of a lack of training for labour inspectors on trafficking.  How were inspectors trained to detect trafficking?  How did the State party ensure that the cases of all potential trafficking victims were assessed before deportation, and that all migrant children were properly registered and documented?  The Committee welcomed efforts to enhance trafficking penalties, but was concerned that trafficking offences were often not appropriately classified, leading to lower penalties.  Would this be addressed?

    There was no de facto procedure for processing asylum applications and authorities were reportedly reluctant to grant asylum to persons of Russian or Uzbek nationality.  Reportedly, migrants had been detained without being given access to legal representation.  Was the State party addressing these issues?  How did it ensure protection against refoulement?  Individuals were required to renounce their citizenship to apply for Kazakh nationality.  Would the State revise this law to prevent the risk of statelessness?

    What State services were provided to victims of domestic violence, including children?  Could children obtain these services independently of their parents? The Committee was concerned that the State party had not prohibited all forms of corporal punishment.  Would this be done?  Could children file complaints of mistreatment with the Human Rights Commissioner?  Workers at an orphanage had been caught on video beating children.  How was the State party working to prevent such abuse and promoting the foster family system?  Children born outside of medical institutions to undocumented parents did not receive birth certificates.  Would the State party address this issue?

    Another Committee Expert asked how the State party guaranteed the independence of Supreme Court judge candidates, who were nominated by the President, and of lawyers?  There were reports of corruption throughout the judicial system. How was the State fighting this? Had any judicial officials been found guilty of corruption?  Attorneys were not automatically appointed to suspects, and did not always get access to all case files.  How would this be addressed?  How were suspects made aware of their rights?  How did the State party prevent cases being unduly declared “secret”?  What percentage of court cases were now solely held online?  How did the State ensure proper proceedings in online cases?

    To what extent were spontaneous assemblies possible in Kazakhstan?  How did the State party ensure that notification procedures did not create delays or restrictions preventing assemblies?  Could people appeal restrictions on assemblies?  Foreigners were prohibited from participating in assemblies.  How did the State party ensure that foreigners’ assembly rights were respected?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that in cases of mass violence, the State had the authority to use force to ensure public security.  The 2022 incident was a mass uprising that led to numerous injuries to law enforcement officials.  Investigations had been initiated into the incident, with nine officials sentenced for the excessive use of arms.  Changing the law on the excessive use of force was unnecessary, as the law functioned effectively.  All persons affected by violence related to this incident were provided with appropriate medical assistance, including detainees. Monitoring visits had led to the release of around 400 people who were arbitrarily detained.  There were 29 minors who had been detained after carrying out serious offences; they had since been released.

    There were 1,500 peaceful assemblies organised legally between 2017 and 2024.  Some 400 planned demonstrations had been cancelled because authorities had responded to complaints before the demonstration was held.  Some 1,000 demonstrations held during the reporting period were deemed unlawful as protesters had failed to respect notification deadlines or to correctly submit notification documents.  The State party continued to inform the public about notification procedures; this had led to a two-fold decrease in the number of illegal assemblies between 2022 and 2024.  Organisers of such assemblies were brought to court only in exceptional circumstances; in most cases, they were issued fines or warnings.  Law enforcement bodies needed to provide alternative proposals if the location for a planned demonstration was already being used by another event.

    As of 2019, exemption from liability for torture was not possible in Kazakhstan, nor were suspended sentences for perpetrators of torture.  There were 40,000 video cameras placed in detention centres to prevent torture. There had been a downward trend in the number of torture cases reported, from around 800 in 2019 to around 100 in 2024. More than 200 officials had been convicted of torture offences, and no officials found guilty of torture had received amnesties.  Housing and compensation payments were provided to the families of victims of torture. The State party intended to increase the amount of compensation provided to victims of torture ten-fold.

    This year, around 1,000 warning letters were issued to website operators calling for illegal content to be removed.  If it was removed, the site was not blocked. Internet services could only be suspended in emergency situations and when there was an extreme threat to public safety, such as during the January 2022 events.  The 2023 law on online platforms was based on the European Union’s digital services act.  It was geared toward the liberalisation of the online sphere.

    Defamation had been downgraded to an administrative offence.  There had been a downward trend in the number of cases of defamation in recent years. In 2024, only four cases of spreading misinformation were registered.  Journalists and activists were not prosecuted for defaming public officials.  Persons could not be charged for defaming public or private institutions.

    All persons who entered prisons were provided with a medical assessment.  Detainees requiring specialised assistance were brought to outpatient clinics, and they were isolated when they showed symptoms of contagious diseases.  Legal amendments were made to allow detainees with serious diseases to serve their sentences in appropriate facilities or to have their sentences commuted.

    Over the past few years, there had been an increase in religious practitioners and missionaries, and a decrease in the number of people fined for religious activities.  In the first quarter of this year, only 46 people had been fined. Kazakhstan recognised the right to practice and disseminate religion.  Only persons who practiced religion for financial or extremist purposes were sanctioned.  Legislation on religion was in line with the Covenant.  Members of religious institutions could be released from the obligation to carry out military service.

    Kazakhstan was a multi-ethnic State.  It had a special quota for members of the Senate who were representatives of different ethnic groups.  There were no limitations on the political participation of ethnic groups.

    The national preventive mechanism operated under the Ombudsperson, but maintained operational independence.  Work was underway to expand the national preventive mechanism’s mandate to include facilities under the aegis of the Ministry of Defence.  A draft law on the national preventive mechanism was currently under discussion with State authorities.

    In 2023, the State adopted a law reducing the number of members needed to form a public association to three.  There were no restrictions on organizations receiving foreign funding.  To date, 543 trade unions had been registered.  Political parties’ activities could be restricted when they threatened public order, but such restrictions were temporary.  Liquidation of political parties could only be forced by a court order.

    A law on combatting trafficking in persons was introduced in 2024, which aimed to bring the State’s mechanisms for combatting trafficking in line with international standards, and to increase identification and support for victims.  New offences had been established linked to trafficking, including related to procuring a minor for prostitution and online trafficking. Some 170 labour inspections had been held thus far this year.  These had led to the identification of trafficking victims and the disbanding of organised crime groups, the members of which were held criminally liable. Over 190 victims had been identified and punishments of up to 20 years imprisonment were issued to perpetrators.

    Legislation on refugees and asylum seekers was in line with international law.  Kazakhstan abided by the principle of non-refoulement.  Refugees had the right to seek medical assistance and education, and could apply for permanent or temporary residence in the State. Kazakhstan did not permit the extradition of individuals whose asylum requests were under consideration. Individuals had the right to appeal extradition requests to the Supreme Court.  Kazakhstan was a party to the Shanghai Convention on Combatting Terrorism, Separatism and Extremism, which included provisions specifying that signatories needed to respect international norms related to non-refoulement.

    Only citizens could participate in demonstrations in Kazakhstan; foreigners and stateless persons could not.  However, they could pursue other means to lodge complaints with the State.  Police did not monitor whether demonstrators were foreigners or not.

    The Judicial Office provided free legal assistance to persons involved in court cases.  Many court cases took place online.  Artificial intelligence helped judges to automate routine cases, allowing for the analysis of millions of cases and for the maintenance of judicial standards.  Court materials were provided in accessible formats.

    The State party had revised the judiciary’s financing model, allowing the judicial administrative body to set the budget. This had led to a large increase in the judicial budget.  There were sanctions imposed for judges who engaged in corrupt practices.  Cases of corruption were assessed by a judicial panel.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    Committee Experts asked follow-up questions on criteria used to determine whether to send warning letters to citizens regarding online content; alternatives to residential care facilities being developed; plans to prohibit corporal punishment; whether spontaneous protests were possible; whether persons who did not respect notification laws were restricted from filing future notifications; how the judiciary ensured that artificial intelligence was used in a safe manner that protected citizens’ rights; whether the Government intended to abolish the registry of organizations with foreign funding sources; and planned reforms to the registration process for non-governmental organizations.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said there was a specialised structure that monitored the information space and detected violations of Kazakh law.  When violations were detected, warning letters were sent to offending parties, often through social network operators, that explained why the content was illegal and needed to be removed.

    The State paid particular attention to the rights of children.  New legislation discouraged corporal punishment.  The number of beatings of children recorded by the State had been falling year-on-year; last year, there were only 250 cases.  Thorough investigations were carried out into complaints of corporal punishment in residential homes.  Video surveillance tools were installed in schools and kindergartens.  There was a hotline for reporting violence and providing consultations to children.

    There was no plan to amend the registry of organizations funded by foreign sources, which was developed in line with international principles.  The State party did not plan to develop a bill on foreign agents.

    All judicial services that used artificial intelligence had been assessed in terms of their implications on security.  They were implemented by the judiciary independently.  The State party had implemented use of electronic monitoring bracelets in around 1,000 cases as an alternative to pre-trial detention.

    Closing Remarks

    BOTAGOZ ZHAXELEKOVA, Vice-Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan and head of the delegation, expressed gratitude to the Committee for the constructive dialogue, and to all those who had facilitated the dialogue.  The State party welcomed the 22 alternative reports submitted by Kazakh civil society organizations, which it had reviewed carefully.  The Committee’s recommendations would be considered by the State and incorporated into future human rights action plans.  The State party thanked the Committee for its contributions to human rights in Kazakhstan and around the world.

    CHANGROK SOH, Committee Chairperson, expressed sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the constructive dialogue. The delegation had engaged actively in the dialogue, which had addressed judicial independence, the prohibition of torture, the right to peaceful assembly, and the rights of vulnerable groups, among other topics.  The Committee expressed particular concern regarding the lack of accountability for the January 2022 events and restrictions on civil society and freedom of assembly.  It hoped that the dialogue would translate into increased protection of civil and political rights in Kazakhstan.

    ___________

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

     

     

    CCPR25.010E

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Olli Hellmann, Associate Professor of Political Science, University of Waikato

    The winter school holidays will mean families across Aotearoa New Zealand will be looking for indoor activities to entertain children. With millions of visitors each year, museums focused on the country’s history will inevitably play host to local and international visitors.

    Museums tend to enjoy a high level of trust among the public. They’re widely seen as neutral, factual sources of historical knowledge.

    But like all forms of storytelling, museums present the past in particular ways. They narrate events from a certain group’s or individual’s perspective and explain why events unfolded in the way they did.

    In this respect, museums are not so different from historical films. Consider the different ways two recent movies – 1917 and the remake of All Quiet on the Western Front – narrate the first world war.

    In 1917, the storyteller takes the British side, encouraging viewers to invest in the bravery and endurance of British soldiers. But All Quiet on the Western Front is narrated from a German perspective, inviting viewers to grieve for German soldiers as victims of a political system that glorified war.

    Museum exhibitions tell stories in a similar way. Visitors should be asking not just what story is told, but why.

    Spoiler alert: it often has to do with national identity. Museums tell particular stories of the past because these stories support a particular image of New Zealand as a nation.

    Four questions for your next museum visit

    At its core, every story has two basic ingredients: actors and events. To turn these into a compelling narrative, the storyteller connects the events into a plot, so they build on each other. The storyteller also transforms actors into characters by giving them particular traits — brave, selfish, wise, cruel and the like. Museums do this, too.

    As you move through a museum exhibition, try asking yourself the following questions:

    1. Which historical events are included — and which are left out?

    Every story begins somewhere. Museums choose which events to include and which to leave out, shaping how visitors understand what happened and why.

    Take Te Papa’s Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibition. It opens with the landing at ANZAC Cove but skips over events in the lead-up to WWI — such as Britain’s earlier moves to seize Ottoman territories like Cyprus and Egypt.

    Leaving these out helps frame Gallipoli as a noble – albeit tragic – “coming of age” for New Zealand. But in reality, ANZAC soldiers were fighting to support Britain’s imperial ambitions in the Middle East.

    2. How are events organised into a plot?

    Museums don’t just say “this happened, then that happened”. They link events into a larger plot — a chain of cause and effect that explains how one thing led to another. This can happen through text, but also through spatial layout, lighting, sound and other techniques that guide visitors through rising and falling moments of narrative tension.

    Often, museums use familiar plot types to connect events. One common example is the quest narrative — a story in which heroes must navigate unknown terrain, and where mistakes are part of the journey and threaten to derail the mission. It’s a bit like The Lord of the Rings: a journey full of challenges, wrong turns and personal growth.

    At Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, Aotearoa New Zealand’s Treaty story is told using this quest structure. The Treaty is presented as something unique and unfamiliar and the British, confronted with this unknown, fall back on familiar colonial practices — the “mistake” that led to the New Zealand wars.

    Because this misstep is treated as part of the learning curve typical of any quest, the exhibition avoids harder questions about this violent part of history, and instead preserves the image of Aotearoa New Zealand as fundamentally tolerant and respectful.

    3. Who are the main actors in the story — and who is missing?

    Every story needs protagonists, and whose perspective frames the story matters. In many smaller regional museums, history is still told almost entirely from the viewpoint of European settlers. But what about Māori experiences of colonisation? Or the histories of Chinese communities and other migrants who arrived in the 1800s?

    By focusing narrowly on European settlers as the main actors, these museums present a one-sided view of the past and construct an image of New Zealand as a European nation — one that expects others to assimilate.

    4. How are the main actors characterised — and how are we meant to feel about them?

    It’s not surprising that museums portray some actors positively and others less so. What’s more revealing is how certain individuals are elevated as symbols of the nation and how museums invite us to form personal connections with them.

    In Te Papa’s Gallipoli exhibition, visitors can open drawers and boxes containing soldiers’ personal belongings. This intimate activity encourages us to feel close to these figures — not just learning about them, but identifying with them as embodying national qualities: bravery, resilience and a commitment to peace.

    Why does this matter?

    Historical museum narratives aren’t necessarily inaccurate — but, much like historical movies, they are selective. They highlight certain events, actors and cause-and-effect chains to tell a particular kind of story. Often, that story supports a specific idea of what it means to be an Aotearoa New Zealander.

    By reading museum exhibitions with a critical eye, visitors can better understand not just the past, but how storytelling shapes national identity in the present — and imagine how it might be shaped differently.

    Olli Hellmann 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. Whose story is being told — and why? 4 questions museum visitors should ask themselves this school holidays – https://theconversation.com/whose-story-is-being-told-and-why-4-questions-museum-visitors-should-ask-themselves-this-school-holidays-259538

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia – A10-0110/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on the 2023 and 2024 Commission reports on Georgia

     

    (2025/2024(INI))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 30 October 2024 entitled ‘2024 Communication on EU enlargement policy’ (COM(2024)0690), accompanied by the Commission staff working document entitled ‘Georgia 2024 Report’ (SWD(2024)0697),

     having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community and their Member States, of the one part, and Georgia, of the other part[1],

     having regard to Article 78 of the Georgian Constitution, which requires that all possible measures be taken to ensure Georgia’s full integration into the EU and NATO,

     having regard to the final report of 20 December 2024 of the election observation mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on the parliamentary elections held in Georgia on 26 October 2024,–  having regard to the Council conclusions of 27 June 2024 on Georgia and of 17 December 2024 on enlargement,

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Georgia,

     having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0110/2025),

    A. whereas in December 2023, the European Council granted Georgia candidate status on the understanding that the relevant nine steps set out in the Commission recommendation of 8 November 2023 and primarily relating to reforms in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights would be taken;

    B. whereas the situation in Georgia has deteriorated significantly since the publication of the 2024 Commission report on the country on 30 October 2024, particularly as a result of the actions of the Georgian Government;

    C. whereas Georgia has been experiencing democratic backsliding in recent years and in particular since the parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024, which failed to meet international democratic standards and comply with Georgia’s OSCE commitments, and resulted in an illegitimate parliament composed of only one political party, Georgian Dream; whereas Russia has systematically interfered in democratic processes in Georgia; whereas the fraudulent elections included voter intimidation, vote buying and harassment of election observers;

    D. whereas on 28 November 2024, Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would delay initiating accession talks with the EU and reject its financial assistance until the end of 2028, disregarding the country’s constitutional commitment to European integration and effectively undermining Georgia’s sovereign Euro-Atlantic aspirations, which have the strong support of the Georgian people;

    E. whereas concerns over the direction in which the country is heading and the decision to pause the efforts to start accession negotiations sparked large-scale protests across the country, with protesters demanding new, free and fair elections, the return of the country to its European path, an end to political violence and repression, investigations into and accountability for the serious human rights violations committed against protesters by law enforcement agencies, and the release of political prisoners; whereas protests have been taking place every day without interruption since 28 November 2024; whereas pro-EU protests have significantly increased across Georgia in 2025, with tens of thousands of citizens demonstrating against the government’s perceived shift away from EU integration; whereas these self-organised and spontaneous protests involving all segments of Georgian society underscore the Georgian people’s strong commitment to European values and democratic governance;

    F. whereas in response to the peaceful protests, the Georgian authorities began an unprecedented violent crackdown on demonstrations, accompanied by the unlawful use of force, torture and other ill-treatment by the de facto authorities; whereas since November 2024, at least 62 people have been criminally charged in connection with their participation in pro-European protests and 54 remain in pre-trial detention; whereas more than 500 people have been detained under administrative procedures, some 300 of whom have reportedly been subjected to torture or other forms of inhuman and degrading treatment and at least 157 of whom have suffered visible signs of serious physical injury;

     

    G. whereas the de facto Georgian Dream authorities systematically subject civil society and independent media to pressure, legal restrictions and physical violence; whereas at least 138 incidents of media freedom violations have been documented in the context of pro-European protests or related events since November 2024, and a total of 174 media professionals have been the target of state repression; whereas at least 30 reporters have suffered repeated violations, including physical assaults, damage to professional equipment, administrative fines, criminal charges and judicial harassment; whereas journalist Mzia Amaglobeli is currently in pre-trial detention on trumped-up charges;

     

    H. whereas the Georgian authorities have been restructuring or eliminating structures within the Georgian civil service responsible for pro-European reforms and dismissing professionals and civil servants en masse, in particular those who have criticised government policies, expressed pro-European views and condemned violence against peaceful demonstrators;

     

    I. whereas the illegitimate Georgian parliament has established the Temporary Parliamentary Investigative Commission on the Activities of the Regime and Political Figures of 2003-2012, which was the period when President Mikheil Saakashvili was at the helm and paving the way for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic ambitions; whereas this commission is a tool for the further persecution of political opponents, especially leaders of opposition movements; whereas on 22 May 2025, Zurab ‘Girchi’ Japaridze, the leader of the Girchi – More Freedom party and one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, was arrested for refusing to appear before this politically motivated commission created and controlled by Georgian Dream, whose long-term ambition is to eradicate political opposition in Georgia; whereas on 29 May 2025, Nika Melia, another leader of the Coalition for Change, was arrested one day before he was due to appear in court for refusing to appear before the Temporary Parliamentary Investigative Commission;

     

    J. whereas, in order to maintain and further increase its grip on power, the ruling Georgian Dream party has unilaterally and without consultation adopted changes to the municipal electoral system for the elections to the city councils in October 2025; whereas the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe has recommended repealing these changes and the leaders of the main opposition parties have announced that their parties will not participate in those elections; whereas reforms to the formation process of the Central Election Commission further compromise election integrity, limit citizen participation and restrict the ability of observers and media to effectively monitor the electoral process;

     

    K. whereas despite progress towards a more equal and inclusive society, deep-rooted inequalities and stereotypes persist, resulting in high levels of gender-based violence, severe restrictions for persons with disabilities and violence and harassment against the LGBTI community; whereas due to insecurity at home, many LGBTI people choose to flee the country; whereas Georgia’s legal definition of rape does not comply with the standards set in the Istanbul Convention;

    Suspension of Georgia’s EU integration

    1. Reiterates its solidarity with the Georgian people and its unwavering support for their legitimate European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations and wish to live in a prosperous and democratic country, as expressed in mass protests that continue despite brutal crackdowns by the authorities; remains ready to assist the Georgian people in achieving these goals; strongly condemns the violent repression, arbitrary and politically motivated detention without sufficient legal grounds and the reported systemic torture of peaceful protesters, civil society actors, political opponents and media representatives; demands that the Georgian authorities refrain from using force, respect the freedoms of assembly and of expression and annul the recently adopted draconian legislation aimed at stifling popular protests, notably through extortionate fines; expresses its particular concern regarding the growing number of political prisoners and reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of all of them; calls for all acts of violence to be effectively and credibly investigated and for those responsible to be held accountable; expresses concern about the lack of independence within the judiciary, with high-placed judges with links to the Georgian Dream overseeing politically motivated court proceedings against peaceful protesters and government critics;

    2. Expresses deep regret over the fact that the ruling Georgian Dream party failed to use the historic opportunity granted to Georgia, as a candidate country, to progress on its European integration path, noting that European integration continues to be supported by an overwhelming majority of the population; recalls that candidate status was granted to Georgia with the benefit of the doubt, despite the already concerning trajectory of the Georgian Dream government’s actions, which were increasingly at odds with European values and democratic principles; underlines that Georgia under Georgian Dream’s rule has not moved forward, and has in fact even regressed, on the key provisions of the nine steps indicated by the Commission, despite the authorities’ claims to the contrary; stresses that Georgia’s EU integration process has effectively been suspended as a result of the continued democratic backsliding in the country and the rigged October 2024 parliamentary elections amounting to a clear turning point towards an authoritarian regime, the ensuing illicit capture of the state institutions and democratic safeguards, and the adoption of a series of anti-democratic legislative acts that run counter to the values and principles upon which the EU is founded; concurs with the European Council’s conclusions of 27 June 2024 that a failure to reverse the current course of action jeopardises Georgia’s EU path and urges the Georgian Dream to return to the course of democratic reforms and Euro-Atlantic integration;

    3. Deplores the dismissal of approximately 700 civil servants since December 2024 due to their participation in or support for pro-European protests; stresses that such retaliation erodes public trust in democratic institutions, violates freedom of expression and association, and contributes to the deepening authoritarian tendencies of the current regime; calls on the Georgian authorities to abide by labour law standards and to allow civil servants to register a trade union in order to protect them from the unjustified restriction of their labour rights; expresses its concern about the growing politicisation of civil service appointments, and calls for a repeal of the amendments to the Law on Public Service adopted in December 2024 that remove the competition rule for the appointment of civil servants and instead grant direct appointment powers to the heads of public institutions; reiterates that these amendments constitute worrying backsliding from the successful public service reform that was implemented by Georgia under the EU-Georgian Association Agreement and calls for their repeal; 4.  Stresses the need for an immediate and comprehensive audit of the EU’s policy towards Georgia given the ongoing democratic backsliding and the increasingly repressive political and legislative environment that constitutes a regression for many of Georgia’s democratic achievements and successful EU reforms, fundamentally weakens democratic institutions and further consolidates power in the hands of the ruling party; calls, in this regard, on the Commission to review the implementation of the EU-Georgia Association Agreement in the light of the blatant breach of Georgia’s obligations regarding the general principles laid down in Article 2, namely respect for democratic principles, human rights and fundamental freedoms; reiterates that non-fulfilment of these obligations may result in the conditional suspension of economic cooperation and the privileges afforded by the Agreement;

    5. Deplores the fact that high-level ruling party officials, members of parliament and government-affiliated media regularly spread manipulative narratives, disinformation and conspiracy theories about the EU, its Member States, leaders and politicians, as well as European integration; stresses that the ruling party’s regime continues its purposefully deceitful and ambiguous discourse, fuelling the false belief among parts of the Georgian public that it remains in favour of European integration; regrets the fact that the media and information environment is being suppressed and dominated by TV and media outlets supported by Georgian Dream, which spread false narratives about EU integration, thereby emulating and playing into Russian-inspired propaganda and facilitating polarisation in society;

     

    6. Underlines the responsibility of Bidzina Ivanishvili and other officials and political leaders, including Irakli Kobakhidze, Shalva Papuashvili, Vakhtang Gomelauri, Mayor of Tbilisi and Georgian Dream Secretary General Kakha Kaladze, and the former Georgian Dream chair Irakli Garibashvili, for the deterioration of the political process in Georgia by enabling democratic backsliding resulting in the autocratic consolidation of power and by acting against the country’s constitutional objective of Euro-Atlantic integration; calls, therefore, for immediate and targeted personal sanctions to be imposed against Bidzina Ivanishvili, his family members and his companies and calls for the EU, in cooperation with other jurisdictions, in particular the United Kingdom, to freeze his financial assets; deplores the obstruction by the Hungarian and Slovak Governments of the Council decisions on the imposition of sanctions against individuals responsible for democratic backsliding in Georgia; condemns the unilateral actions by the Hungarian Government seeking to legitimise Georgian Dream;

     

    Continued backsliding on democracy and the rule of law and the autocratic consolidation of power

     

    7. Reiterates its position that the settlement of the current political and constitutional crisis in Georgia can only be achieved by way of new parliamentary elections, which should be held in the next few months in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international and independent domestic observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process that would reflect the true will of the people;

    8. Stresses that it does not recognise the self-proclaimed authorities established by the Georgian Dream party following the rigged parliamentary elections of 26 October 2024 and that it considers Georgia to be a state captured by the illegitimate Georgian Dream regime; consequentially rejects any decisions taken by the body that has taken control of the country, such as the rushed adoption of amendments to the Code on Administrative Offences, the Criminal Code and the Law on Assemblies and Manifestations; regrets the fact that the parliament of Georgia is a one-party parliament formed on the basis of fraudulent elections, which is incompatible with a pluralistic parliamentary democracy and the standards expected from an EU candidate country; welcomes the rejection of Georgian Dream’s credentials in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, which resulted in the withdrawal of the Georgian delegation;

    9. Deplores the continued attempts by the ruling Georgian Dream party to persecute political opponents, including through their illegal arrest and detention, threats and physical attacks; reiterates its calls for an end to politically motivated hostilities, an improvement to the political environment and the building of trust and cross-party dialogue;

     

    10. Condemns the unlawful prosecution of political opponents by the investigative committee of the de facto Georgian parliament under the leadership of the Georgian Dream party, which disproportionately targets the actions of the government that ended its mandate more than twelve years ago; highlights the political nature of the ‘investigation’, noting that the Georgian Dream party has been in power since 2012 but launched the investigative committee in parallel with its attempts to ban genuine opposition parties; notes with concern the statements by the chair of the investigative committee, Tea Tsulukiani, spreading Russian narratives; strongly condemns the arrest of Zurab ‘Girchi’ Japaridze and Nika Melia, and the threats to arrest  other politicians, and considers these individuals to be political prisoners;

     

    11. Expresses deep concern over recent declarations by leaders of the ruling Georgian Dream party indicating their intention to declare opposition parties – primarily the United National Movement – unconstitutional; recalls that the United National Movement played a pivotal role in initiating and advancing Georgia’s European integration process; notes the parallels between the conduct of the Georgian Dream de facto authorities and the current Kremlin regime, which cemented its rule by outlawing opposition parties; condemns the draft amendment to the Organic Law on Political Associations of Citizens and to the Law on the Constitutional Court adopted on 13 May 2025, which would empower the Constitutional Court to effectively and arbitrarily ban all opposition parties;

     

    12. Strongly reiterates its demand for the immediate release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili on humanitarian grounds for the purpose of seeking the necessary medical treatment abroad; emphasises that the Georgian authorities bear full responsibility for his health and well-being and must be held accountable for any harm that befalls him; calls, furthermore, on the Georgian Dream authorities to ensure that Members of the European Parliament are granted unhindered access to Mikheil Saakashvili;

     

    13. Underlines that the policy of non-recognition of the legitimacy of the one-party parliament and the president appointed by it should continue until there is a tangible change in the political course of Georgia and new free and fair parliamentary elections are held; calls for the EU’s and the Member States’ representatives and members of parliament to refrain from meetings with representatives of the regime, starting with the current de facto president; continues to recognise Salome Zourabichvili as the legitimate President of Georgia and representative of the Georgian people; praises her efforts to peacefully steer the country back towards a democratic and European path of development;

     

    14. Points out that the upcoming municipal elections in autumn 2025 present yet another test for the resilience of Georgia’s democracy and political pluralism; calls on the opposition to seize the opportunity presented by these elections to reflect the unity of the Georgian people in favour of democracy and the rule of law, as already demonstrated in the peaceful protests against the manipulation of the parliamentary elections and repression; calls for the municipal elections to be held in an improved electoral environment, overseen by an independent and impartial election administration and monitored through diligent international observation to guarantee a genuinely fair, free and transparent process;

     

    15. Is deeply concerned, in this context, by the further deterioration of the electoral system and the overall democratic environment ahead of the municipal elections, in particular the fast-tracked adoption of new amendments to Georgia’s Organic Law and to the Election Code in December 2024 that undermine the principle of equal suffrage and aim to solidify the ruling party’s dominance at all levels of governance; recalls that these amendments have been criticised by the Venice Commission and calls for them to be repealed; calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States to consider imposing additional individual sanctions against Georgian officials if the upcoming municipal elections fail to meet the criteria for fair and free elections;

     

    16. Strongly condemns the continuing and deliberate destruction of the environment for Georgia’s vibrant civil society, with the adoption of several pieces of restrictive Russian-style legislation, including on the transparency of foreign influence, threats, and stigmatisation by the authorities; strongly denounces the new legislative initiative that requires the registration of all civil society organisation grants with the government and that obliges foreign donors to obtain executive approval to disburse grants to local organisations; regrets the recent decision by the authorities to freeze the bank accounts of crowdfunding initiatives and campaigns in support of political prisoners and their families; calls on the authorities to immediately cease the intimidation, threats, politically motivated prosecutions and physical assaults against civil society representatives, political leaders, civil activists, journalists and media workers in Georgia; condemns the arbitrary and unjustified refusal of several European journalists’ entry to Georgia;

    17. Condemns the recent adoption, without due public consultation, of legislation that enables further political persecution, limits the right of assembly, and further shrinks the space for civil society, independent media and the opposition to operate freely, including the Russian-style foreign agent law, the amendments to the Law on Public Service, the amendments to the Law on Grants, the Foreign Agents Registration Act, as well as new restrictive amendments to the Broadcasting Law; calls for the Georgian authorities to repeal these legislative changes; stresses that Georgian Dream’s political conduct, including its strategic alignment with the Russian Federation and the accelerated adoption of tools characteristic of authoritarian regimes, mirrors such developments within Russia itself;

     

    18. Commends the work of Georgia’s civil society in the past months, providing free legal aid, documenting serious human rights violations and taking the lead on domestic and international litigation to seek justice and accountability against a background of continued attacks, the criminalisation of civic space, and disinformation campaigns against the work of civil society;

     

    19. Stresses the urgent need to support Georgia’s civil society and independent media in the light of the growing repression and the suspension of the activities of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), and therefore asks the Commission to increase financial support and disburse it without any further delay; calls for the EU’s funding mechanisms to be adjusted to take into account the needs that arise in a more hostile and anti-democratic environment and for funds to be reallocated to directly support civil society organisations, independent media and human rights defenders; stresses further, in this regard, that the Member States should be ready to receive and support Georgian civil society organisations and independent media outlets so that they can continue their work in exile;

     

    20. Stresses that beyond Georgian Dream’s rejection of Georgia’s EU integration, it rejects more generally international human rights law and democratic standards, while speedily moving along the negative trajectory previously witnessed in Russia; is deeply concerned, specifically, that this will have further trickle-down effects on the rights and well-being of women, minorities, migrants, persons with disabilities, LGBTI people, people living below the poverty line, and other vulnerable or at-risk groups; strongly condemns the adoption of anti-LGBTI legislation by the Georgian parliament in October 2024, which mirrors authoritarian, Russian-style policies and violates the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, and calls for it to be repealed; calls for the reinstatement of gender quotas that were abolished by the parliament of Georgia in April 2024; calls on the EU Member States, when assessing asylum applications, to adequately take into account the fact that Georgia now has one of the most repressive anti-LGBTI laws in Europe; is concerned about the lack of protection of ethnic and religious minorities in Georgia;

     

    21. Reiterates that the measures taken by the EU so far in response to the flagrant democratic backsliding and reneging on previous commitments do not reflect the severity of the situation in Georgia and its consequences across the region; regrets the lack of proactive measures taken and the generally limited and delayed reaction by the Council and the Commission; stresses that the absence of unanimity among the Member States should not prevent those willing to take appropriate and effective measures from doing so; calls on the EU’s leadership to urgently rally like-minded Member States to take coordinated action and thereby surmount the political obstacles to adopting EU-wide sanctions;

    22. Calls for the EU and its Member States to introduce, on a bilateral and coordinated basis, personal sanctions against key Georgian Dream political leaders, officials and the regime’s enablers in the administration, business, media, justice system, law enforcement agencies and the electoral commission who are responsible for democratic backsliding, electoral fraud, human rights violations and the persecution of political opponents and activists; further calls for sanctions to extend to mid- and lower-level public officials responsible for implementing repressive measures against the regime’s opponents and to maintain them until Georgian democracy is adequately restored; welcomes the imposition of bilateral sanctions by Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Czechia, Germany and Poland, as well as by like-minded partners such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Ukraine, and invites other EU Member States to follow suit; calls for the consideration of further restrictive measures, such as SWIFT cut-off or sectoral sanctions, aimed at cutting off the financial flows and sources of income of the Georgian Dream regime;

     

    23. Welcomes the Council’s decision to suspend visa-free travel for Georgian diplomats and officials as a first step in response to the persistent negative developments in Georgia; reiterates its call on the Commission and the Council to review Georgia’s visa-free status, with the possibility of suspending it if the relevant benchmarks and standards on democratic governance and freedoms are not met because of the ruling party’s actions; stresses that Georgian Dream is fully responsible for any consequences stemming from the possible suspension of the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens; stresses the importance of visa-free travel for Georgian civil society actors, human rights activists and journalists, among others, both for travelling to the EU to inform European actors of developments in Georgia, but also for enabling them to quickly leave the country, as many face political persecution by the authorities;

    Alignment on foreign policy matters

    24. Deplores the fact that Georgian Dream is undoing decades of progress towards democracy, the rule of law and Euro-Atlantic integration and is alienating its allies, which had supported it throughout the process; regrets that Georgia has made no progress on implementing the EU’s recommendations on foreign, security and defence policy and that the level of Georgia’s alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP) remains remarkably low, at 49 %, demonstrating its lack of commitment to European integration; emphasises that progress in the EU accession process requires full alignment with the EU’s CFSP, in line with the expectations for all candidate countries; regrets the fact that Georgia does not participate in the EU’s crisis management missions and operations under the common security and defence policy; regrets the fact that misalignment of Georgia’s foreign policy is leading to self-isolation and that Georgian Dream’s repressive regime is worsening the instability in the South Caucasus region and the Black Sea;

    25. Notes that Georgia, under the current government, is moving in a direction that puts it at risk of becoming a Russian vassal state like Belarus; regrets the fact that, at a time when the democratic world is standing in strong support of Ukraine against the Russian Federation’s unprovoked war of aggression, the current Georgian authorities are increasingly aligning themselves with Kremlin policies and rhetoric, thereby contributing to historical revisionism; notes that Georgia has not aligned with the vast majority of sanctions against Russia, Belarus and Iran, but has claimed that it has cooperated with the EU to prevent sanctions circumvention; expresses its concern, however, over reports alleging Georgia’s role in facilitating the evasion of EU sanctions against Russia; calls, therefore, on the Commission to conduct a thorough investigation into such allegations;

     

    26. Notes also with concern the recent strategic turn by the Georgian Dream government towards China and its increasing cooperation with Iran; notes the Georgian Dream’s public support for Chinese geostrategic initiatives and strengthened bilateral economic relations, including the award of the Anaklia deep-sea port construction project to a Chinese-led consortium; emphasises that such a move contradicts Georgia’s stated commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration; underscores that the Anaklia project now risks becoming a vehicle for increasing Chinese political, financial and economic leverage in the region, thereby further distancing Georgia from its strategic partners in the West; calls, in this regard, on the Commission and the Member States to review and, if necessary, suspend or redirect funding for regional connectivity projects; expresses serious concern about Georgia’s increased multifaceted cooperation with Teheran, which can lead to Georgia’s further isolation;

     

    27. Warns that Georgia’s ongoing turn towards authoritarianism and increasing alignment with Russia constitutes a growing threat to European security, particularly in view of Georgia’s strategic location and access to the Black Sea, which is critical to Russia projecting power in the region; underlines that the ruling Georgian Dream party’s strategy may be replicated elsewhere as a playbook for hybrid state capture; is concerned about regional repercussions and warns that the credibility of European action in the wider South Caucasus is at stake, especially in anticipation of the forthcoming EU Black Sea strategy;

     

    28. Is deeply concerned about Georgian Dream’s collaboration, rapprochement and ideological convergence with Russia and other authoritarian regimes, despite Russia’s creeping occupation of Georgia’s territory; denounces Georgian Dream’s promotion of and participation in Russian disinformation and manipulation, including the weaponisation of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine as a propaganda tool, which are at odds with the undiminished and extraordinarily high public support for the country’s Euro-Atlantic integration; regrets the lack of cooperation with the EU in the fight against foreign information manipulation and interference;

    29. Reiterates its strongest condemnation of Russia’s ongoing occupation of Georgia’s regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and the continued ‘borderisation’ process, which constitutes a violation of Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity; urges the Georgian government to maintain a clear and consistent position on Russian aggression and calls for the EU to remain actively engaged in conflict resolution, human rights monitoring and support for affected communities;

    30. Recommends the reinforcement of the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM) with increased resources and a broader mandate to monitor foreign interference and border destabilisation; urges the Member States to ensure adequate funding and personnel for the EUMM to respond to the current political and security crisis;

    31. Notes that support from the European Peace Facility, worth EUR 30 million, was rightfully suspended in 2024 in response to the democratic backsliding in Georgia and that no support is planned for 2025; highlights that this suspension will have detrimental consequences on the national stability and security of Georgia; reiterates that any future financial support can only be authorised with the stipulation that the self-declared Georgian regime step down and fair and impartial elections be held;

     

    °

    ° °

    32. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili and the self-appointed authorities of Georgia.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT containing a motion for a non-legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part – A10-0111/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT NON-LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION

    on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part

    (10724/22 – C10‑0057/2024 – 2022/0184M(NLE))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part (10724/22),

     having regard to the request for consent submitted by the Council on 27 June 2024 in accordance with Articles 207 and 209, in conjunction with Article 218(6), second subparagraph, point (a), and Article 218(7) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (C10‑0057/2024),

     having regard to the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part[1] (EPCA),

     having regard to the Joint Roadmap for Deepening Ties between the EU and Central Asia of 23 October 2023,

     having regard to the joint communication by the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 15 May 2019 entitled ‘The EU and Central Asia: New Opportunities for a Stronger Partnership’ (JOIN(2019)0009),

     having regard to the Commission’s assessment reports on the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) with Kyrgyzstan,

     having regard to the first EU-Central Asia summit on 4 April 2025,

     having regard to the 11th High-Level Political and Security Dialogue between the European Union and the countries of Central Asia, held in Brussels on 5 June 2024,

     having regard to the joint press statement of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Sadyr Zhaparov, and the then President of the European Council, Charles Michel, published on 3 June 2023,

     having regard to the 14th Human Rights Dialogue, held in Bishkek on 25 June 2024,

     having regard to the 19th meeting of the EU-Kyrgyzstan Cooperation Council, held in Brussels on 15 November 2022,

     having regard to the opinions of the Venice Commission on recent legal amendments abridging the freedom of the press and hampering the work of non-governmental organisations in Kyrgyzstan,

     having regard to reports on Kyrgyzstan published by human rights organisations, such as the 2022, 2023 and 2024 annual world reports by Human Rights Watch,

     

     having regard to the International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR) briefing on the protection of fundamental freedoms and civic space in Kyrgyzstan, published in February 2025,

     having regard to its resolution of 17 January 2024 on the EU strategy on Central Asia[2],

     having regard to its previous resolutions on Kyrgyzstan, notably that of 19 December 2024 on the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the case of Temirlan Sultanbekov[3],

     having regard to the visit of the delegation of its Subcommittee on Human Rights to Kyrgyzstan from 25 to27 February 2025,

     having regard to the statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, following his official visit to Kyrgyzstan from 19 to 20 March 2025,

     having regard to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

     having regard to its legislative resolution of […] on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and the Kyrgyz Republic, of the other part,

     having regard to Rule 107(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (A10-0111/2025),

    A. whereas Kyrgyzstan occupies an important position in Central Asia, a region of increasing geopolitical significance that the EU has recognised as a key partner with which it engaged in structured dialogue at the first EU-Central Asia summit;

    B. whereas the EU and Kyrgyzstan have been partners since the country gained independence in 1991, and have established a comprehensive legal framework for their cooperation through the EU-Kyrgyzstan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, signed in 1999;

    C. whereas the EU and Kyrgyzstan have recently agreed to deepen their partnership by signing an Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), which represents a modern and ambitious framework for strengthening dialogue and cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, sustainable development and connectivity, research and innovation, education, the environment and climate change, as well as the rule of law, human rights and civil society;

     

    D. whereas the EPCA could also facilitate stronger cooperation on foreign and security policy, including conflict prevention and crisis management, risk reduction, cybersecurity, regional stability, disarmament, non-proliferation, arms control and arms export control;

     

    E. whereas the EPCA, which enhances the existing Partnership and Cooperation Agreement of 1999, was signed on 25 June 2024; whereas the EPCA requires Parliament’s consent for it to enter into force;

    F. whereas Kyrgyzstan has benefited from unilateral and preferential access to the EU market through the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) since 2016; whereas Kyrgyzstan has acceded to 27 international conventions related to labour and human rights, environmental and climate protection, and good governance in order to be able to benefit from this scheme;

     

    G. whereas the EU has allocated EUR 98 million to support governance and digital transformation, human development and a green and climate-resilient economy in Kyrgyzstan over the 2021-2027 period, aligning with the National Development Strategy of the Kyrgyz Republic;

     

    H. whereas the EU has allocated EUR 12 million to enhance the quality of legislation and increase the efficiency, independence, professionalism and capacities of the judiciary and services of the justice sector in Kyrgyzstan, thereby signalling its willingness to invest in stable growth that is consistent with the rule of law; whereas concerns over the independence of the judiciary persist, with politically motivated cases that target individuals critical of the government; whereas the 2021 reform of the Criminal Code of the Kyrgyz Republic has reintroduced the heavily criticised 1997 version of the Code, which gives greater power to law enforcement while reducing citizens’ rights;

     

    I. whereas the EPCA stipulates that the EU and Kyrgyzstan shall cooperate to strengthen civil society and its role in the economic, social and political development of an open democratic society;

     

    J. whereas Kyrgyzstan ranks 100th in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index of the Institute for Economics and Peace, and has been classified as a country with ‘no impact’ of terrorism;

     

    K. whereas, despite the Government of Kyrgyzstan repeatedly expressing its commitment to the principles of democracy and respect for human rights and the rule of law, human rights organisations have called attention to democratic backsliding and hardening authoritarian practices and persecution of civil society organisations in Kyrgyzstan in recent years, including during the negotiation of the EPCA and since its signing, with Transparency International and Freedom House finding that Kyrgyzstan has turned from a bastion of democracy with a vibrant civil society to a consolidated authoritarian regime that uses its justice system to target critics and whose authorities further undermine the balance of power and the system of checks and balances;

    L. whereas Kyrgyzstan ranks 146 out of 180 countries in Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index; whereas, at President Japarov’s initiative, the law on public procurement was amended to allow state-owned enterprises to circumvent tendering procedures; whereas there is no proper oversight of public spending due to a lack of access to such information; whereas state funds and national resources are used by the ruling elites to consolidate their power, silence dissent and resist reform;

     

    M. whereas human rights defender, investigative journalist and founder of the Temirov Live media outlet, Bolot Temirov, has been stripped of his Kyrgyz citizenship and forced to leave the country in retaliation for his work investigating widespread corruption; whereas at least 11 of his colleagues were arrested in January 2024, including Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, Azamat Ishenbekov, Aike Beishekeyeva and Aktilek Kaparov;

     

    N. whereas in March 2025, independent journalist and activist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova was arrested and remains in detention in retaliation for her social media posts critical of the government;

     

    O. whereas Kyrgyz Government propaganda has used false narratives to discredit independent media in the eyes of society and to portray them as ‘enemies of the people’ and ‘slaves of the West’;

     

    P. whereas in recent years, democratic standards and human rights have deteriorated alarmingly in Kyrgyzstan; whereas Kyrgyzstan has fallen from 72nd to 144th place in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index; whereas it ranks as the country that has had the sharpest decline in press freedom leading up to 2025;

     

    Q. whereas the Kyrgyz authorities seek to shut down Aprel TV; whereas, as stated by the Committee to Protect Journalists, the prosecutors’ filing indicates that the authorities seek to shut down the media outlet on the basis of allegations that the outlet’s critical reporting portrays the authorities ‘in an unfavourable light’ and ‘undermines the authority of the government’;

     

    R. whereas Parliament expressed its concern about the persecution of opposition parties and independent media in its resolutions of 13 July 2023[4] and of 19 December 2024; whereas the persecution of members of the Social Democrats party (SDK) persists, despite repeated calls to ensure free and fair elections; whereas the leader of the SDK, Temirlan Sultanbekov, and two other members, Irina Karamushkina and Roza Turksever, remain in detention; whereas there is cause for concern about Temirlan Sultanbekov’s medical condition following his prolonged hunger strike;

    S. whereas the Russian-style ‘foreign representatives’ law, adopted by the Kyrgyz Parliament in March 2024, which requires non-profits that receive funding from abroad and engage in broadly defined political activity to register as ‘foreign representatives’, discriminates against and stigmatises journalists, human rights activists and other non-profit workers and subjects them to intrusive oversight, burdensome reporting requirements and excessive fines; whereas this law mimics repressive legislation in other authoritarian regimes and can be considered a precursor to further attempts to suppress independent civil society and media;

    T. whereas the crackdown on human rights has targeted LGBTIQ+ people in particular; whereas Kyrgyzstan’s new legislative landscape, along with the broader political shift and repression, has effectively decimated the work of LGBTIQ+ rights organisations and activists, with key organisations completely shut down; whereas on 14 August 2023, Kyrgyzstan enacted discriminatory provisions against the LGBTIQ+ community under the pretext of protecting minors from ‘harmful information’; whereas the anti-discrimination bill recently considered by the Kyrgyzstan Supreme Council failed to include sexual orientation and gender identity as protected categories;

     

    U. whereas the law adopted on 6 October 2023 giving the President of Kyrgyzstan the power to overturn rulings of the Constitutional Court if they conflict with his own interpretation of ‘moral values’ fundamentally weakens the separation of powers – a foundational element of the rule of law – and constitutes a hollowing out of judicial independence in Kyrgyzstan;

    V. whereas Kyrgyzstan is increasingly investing in the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment, particularly through key national frameworks such as the National Strategy on Gender Equality until 2030; whereas Kyrgyzstan still faces high rates of domestic violence, over 20 % of marriages in Kyrgyzstan occur through ‘ala kachuu’ (bride kidnapping) and women hold only 22 % of parliamentary seats despite existing gender quotas; whereas, on average, women earn 25 % less than men, as they are predominantly employed in low-paying sectors such as education, healthcare and social services;

     

    W. whereas the Kyrgyz authorities have engaged in actions that limit freedom of speech in the country and have arrested, put in long pre-trial detention or imprisoned journalists, bloggers, poets and regular social media users for criticising the country’s leadership or the situation in the country, and have also closed down an award-winning investigative media outlet;

     

    X. whereas Kyrgyzstan ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2014; whereas tentative steps have been taken towards improving accessibility for persons with disabilities and introducing the concept of inclusive education, though challenges remain, in particular concerning the institutionalisation of persons with disabilities;

     

    Y. whereas the law on ‘false information’, enacted on 24 August 2021, has been used to target independent media and individuals critical of the government; whereas on 10 April 2025, the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan approved amendments to the law that provide for administrative sanctions for the dissemination of ‘false information’ on social media;

     

    Z. whereas the Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan is currently considering the re-criminalisation of the possession of ‘extremist’ materials, which has previously been misused against peaceful religious practitioners, and which, on account of the bill’s vague wording, could be used to silence legitimate political speech;

     

    AA. whereas two new laws on freedom of religion came into force on 1 January 2025; whereas these laws maintain the ban on all unregistered exercise of freedom of religion or belief and make it impossible for communities with fewer than 500 adult members to gain legal status;

     

    AB. whereas the negligence of the Kyrgyz law enforcement authorities in response to a campaign of intimidation and harassment has forced journalists and human rights workers to flee the country;

     

    AC. whereas the Kyrgyz authorities have silenced, arrested, detained and extradited refugees fleeing Russia for protesting against the war in Ukraine, contravening Kyrgyzstan’s obligation under the UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees not to return people to countries where their life or freedom is under threat on account of their political views, or where there are substantial grounds for believing that they would be in danger of being subjected to serious human rights violations such as torture or other forms of cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment;

     

    AD. whereas the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan signed a border demarcation agreement on 13 March 2025, which legally recognises the borders between the two countries and allows for the development of interstate roads and energy infrastructure, contributing to regional stability and opportunities for enhanced cross-border cooperation on energy, transport and trade; whereas the border agreement itself has not been made public or open to public consultations;

    AE. whereas the leaders of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan signed the Khujand Declaration of Eternal Friendship on 31 March 2025;

     

    AF. whereas the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has drawn attention to the concerning signs of democratic backsliding in Kyrgyzstan in recent years, with particular emphasis on the increasing restrictions on civil society and independent journalism;

     

    AG. whereas Central Asia has yet to create horizontal regional frameworks free from the dominance of external actors pursuing their own geopolitical gains;

     

    AH. whereas Kyrgyzstan has historically close and intertwined relations with Russia, with both being members of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Collective Security Treaty Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States; whereas in October 2023, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek during Putin’s first foreign trip since the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him; whereas Kyrgyzstan, along with other Central Asian countries, has become a transit point for circumventing sanctions imposed on Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine; whereas exports of advanced technology and dual-use items to Kyrgyzstan – which are then exported to Russia – have significantly increased; whereas Kyrgyzstan has either abstained from voting or sided with Russia on votes on numerous UN resolutions on human rights and, in particular, on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine;

     

    AI. whereas OJSC Keremet Bank, based in Kyrgyzstan, was involved in a sanctions evasion scheme with Russian state-owned defence bank Promsvyazbank Public Joint-Stock Company (PSB), where it facilitated cross-border transfers on behalf of PSB; whereas in 2024, the Kyrgyz Ministry of Finance sold a controlling stake in Keremet Bank to a Russian oligarch with ties to the Russian Government; whereas the United States has imposed sanctions on Keremet Bank;

     

    EU-Kyrgyzstan EPCA

    1. Despite the shared interests in strengthening the EU-Kyrgyzstan important political and trade relations, is concerned by the deteriorating situation of human rights, democracy and the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan, particularly in the context of the completion of negotiations and the signing of the EPCA; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities, in this context, to respect and uphold fundamental freedoms, in particular media freedom and freedom of expression, and to foster an environment of cooperation and involvement of civil society and local communities in public consultations and decision-making processes; underlines the importance of Parliament’s close involvement in monitoring the implementation of all parts of the EPCA; calls for an effective evaluation by both parties to the agreement, to be conducted within three years, of the implementation of its essential elements, with clear human rights benchmarks and time frames; calls on the Commission to present to Parliament the outcome of such evaluations; expects that, given the recent backsliding on these fronts and ahead of the EPCA vote in the European Parliament and its subsequent implementation, the Kyrgyz Government will take some concrete steps towards addressing the pressing concerns outlined in this report, such as releasing political prisoners and repealing recently adopted repressive legislation; considers that a negative assessment of the implementation of these essential elements could lead to Article 316 of the EPCA being triggered;

    EU-Kyrgyzstan relations

    2. Welcomes the long-standing and strategic relations between the EU and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the increasing cooperation and exchanges; recalls that Kyrgyzstan is the EU’s third-largest trading partner in Central Asia; reiterates its commitment to work together with the country and with its partners in Central Asia to ensure peace, security, stability, prosperity, democracy and sustainable development;

    3. Welcomes the outcomes of the first EU-Central Asia summit held in Samarkand on 4 April 2025; welcomes their commitment to regional and global stability, to the promotion and protection of the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to addressing climate action, connectivity and education; notes also the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting held in Ashgabat on 27 March 2025;

     

    4. Highlights the need for cooperation in promoting green initiatives based on a sustainable market economy, private sector innovation, and long-term environmental stewardship, early warning systems for natural disasters, low-carbon development and the transition to renewable energy sources; highlights Kyrgyzstan’s initiatives to promote the mountain agenda on global platforms, including the preservation of mountain ecosystems, the protection of the environment  and the development of sustainable tourism and mountain communities; stresses that investments in Kyrgyzstan’s green energy goals would significantly contribute to reducing the country’s regional energy dependence and to tackling environmental challenges; commends the Kyrgyz Republic’s involvement in the Team Europe Initiative on Water, Energy and Climate Change;

    5. Supports Kyrgyzstan’s efforts towards sustainable development, aligning its initiatives with the country’s National Development strategy for 2018-2040, alongside the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the EU strategy for Central Asia; recalls that the EU-Kyrgyzpartnership prioritises governance and digital transformation in order to enhance transparency and efficiency in public administration;

     

    6. Welcomes Team Europe initiatives seeking to build a green and climate-resilient economy in order to address environmental challenges and promote sustainable growth; highlights the recent signing of the agreement between the Kyrgyz Ministry of Finance and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which will strengthen the Kyrgyz Climate-Resilient Water Services Programme;

     

    7. Calls on the Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to continue promoting joint cooperation initiatives in strategic areas such as energy infrastructure, in particular the hydropower sector, sustainable development and culture, while also building on the positive experiences of the Member States already active in the region;

     

    8. Highlights the importance of enhancing cooperation on critical raw materials, which have been identified as strategically important for ensuring secure, sustainable and diversified supply chains; takes note of the endorsement of the EU-Central Asia Joint Declaration of Intent on Critical Raw Materials at the first EU-Central Asia summit, and of Kyrgyzstan’s proposal to establish a partnership with the EU for the development of critical raw materials;

     

    9. Notes that the Erasmus+ programme has been instrumental in facilitating academic exchanges; welcomes the EU’s support for digitalisation and education in the country, and calls for the creation of a programme for the exchange of entrepreneurs in the field of digital transformation and the green transition; stresses the importance of fostering convergence and coordinated reforms in higher education, such as by aligning the Kyrgyz National Qualifications Framework with the European Qualifications Framework; highlights the need to foster academic and cultural exchanges between Kyrgyzstan and the EU Member States and the active involvement of Kyrgyz young people in non-formal education and civil society programmes; underlines the importance of strengthening academic and vocational exchanges, building on the 2024 education agreement;

     

    10. Welcomes the EU’s increased support for young people, gender equality and human rights in Kyrgyzstan, with the aim of empowering youth and women’s organisations, strengthening the country’s Ombudsman’s Office and enhancing the capabilities of its National Centre for the Prevention of Torture; expresses serious concern about attempts to dissolve the National Centre for the Prevention of Torture;

     

    11. Recalls that the EU has already allocated EUR 12 million to support the reform of Kyrgyzstan’s judicial system, confirming the EU’s commitment to the country’s institutional development; stresses the importance of continuing to invest in institution building, transparency and the independence of the judiciary;

     

    12. Expresses its concern, in view of the widespread corruption in Kyrgyzstan, about the transparent and efficient use of the EUR 98 million in EU assistance for the 2021-2027 period; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to publish detailed reports on the use of EU funds and to strengthen cooperation with international anti-fraud bodies, such as the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), in order to uphold global fund management standards and implement robust anti-fraud measures that protect the EU’s financial interests; calls on the Commission and other relevant EU institutions to ensure the highest possible level of oversight of the use of EU funds and to consider allocating additional resources to strengthen the financial and operational capacity of Kyrgyz agencies involved in their management;

     

    13. Stresses the importance of enhanced information exchange on terrorist threats, full compliance with international counterterrorism financing standards and the implementation of robust measures to prevent the acquisition, transfer and use of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear materials for terrorist purposes;

     

    14. Underlines the importance of engaging all relevant stakeholders, facilitating cooperation between competent agencies and bringing national laws in line with international transparency standards in order to investigate financial crimes and promote good corporate governance; urges the Kyrgyz authorities to step up their efforts in eradicating corruption and not to use the fight against it as an excuse for cracking down on civil society and government critics;

     

    15. Calls on the Kyrgyz Republic to review its technical regulations and strengthen collaboration on standards, metrology, market surveillance, accreditation and conformity assessment procedures to facilitate mutual market access, deepen bilateral trade with the EU and ensure fair treatment of investors; urges Kyrgyzstan to avoid restrictive measures that could disadvantage EU investors;

     

    Regional cooperation and global challenges

    16. Considers Central Asia to be a region of strategic interest for the EU in terms of security, connectivity, energy diversification, conflict resolution and the defence of the multilateral, rules-based international order, especially in a historical moment marked by profound geopolitical change; encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia on political, economic and security matters in line with the values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law that underpin EU external action; highlights that any further EU cooperation with Central Asian countries cannot be achieved at the expense of these values; emphasises the need for increased dialogue and collaboration on foreign and security policy issues, including cybersecurity, regional stability, crisis management, disarmament and arms control, in line with the principles of international law and the UN Charter;

    17. Underlines that the EU and Central Asia are facing profound global and regional geopolitical shifts and challenges; stresses, in this regard, the need to work towards long-term, structured and mutually beneficial cooperation on matters of common interest; strongly encourages the EU to intensify its engagement with Central Asia, given the region’s geostrategic importance, and to promote a strategic partnership with Central Asian countries by expanding cooperation at political and economic level; welcomes the increased high-level contact between the EU and Central Asia;

    18. Highlights the growing momentous challenges to multilateralism and a rules-based order for both the EU and the Kyrgyz Republic, such as Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine; notes, with concern, the neutral stance of Kyrgyzstan and other countries in the region towards the conflict, and encourages the Kyrgyz authorities to uphold international norms and contribute to regional efforts to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity; notes Russia’s influence in the region despite efforts by Central Asian countries to diversify their foreign relations; regrets that Kyrgyzstan has not condemned Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine;

    19. Deplores the active role of Kyrgyz companies and banks, such as Keremet Bank, in helping Russia to evade sanctions and obtain technology and dual-use goods for its war effort against Ukraine; urges the Kyrgyz authorities to take further measures to stop the transit of sanctioned goods to Russia through Kyrgyz territory, such as enforcing stricter licensing requirements and conducting due diligence on companies involved in the trade of dual-use goods; highlights that failure to address the export of dual-use technologies could lead to secondary sanctions; calls on the Commission to assess the current level of sanctions evasion by Russia with the help of actors in Central Asian countries, and to propose concrete solutions for addressing this; recommends the establishment of a working group focused on monitoring and tracking the trade of dual-use goods;

     

    20. Regrets that, despite its stated commitment to respect democratic principles, the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, as agreed in the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with the EU, Kyrgyzstan does not align its positions with those of democratic countries, in particular the EU Member States, when voting at the UN General Assembly;

     

    21. Deplores the fact that the Turkish Cypriot secessionist entity was granted observer status by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and was present at the OTS summit in Bishkek; reiterates that, as part of the Joint Declaration following the first EU-Central Asia summit in Samarkand, the Central Asian states, including the Kyrgyz Republic, are committed to the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions – 541 (1983) and 550 (1984);

     

    22. Recognises the need to strengthen relations to foster deeper, closer and values-based cooperation in facing common threats and achieving shared goals worldwide;

    23. Welcomes initiatives aimed at strengthening the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and takes note of the Coordination Platform for the Corridor;

    24. Highlights the EU’s role as an important donor of aid to the region; stresses the need to increase the EU’s efforts in its support for development cooperation in Central Asia, in particular in Kyrgyzstan under the newly signed EPCA;

     

    25. Welcomes the border agreement reached between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan and its recent ratification; urges both parties to take the necessary steps to implement the agreement, including by triggering consultations with the local populations, and to adopt measures to strengthen cross-border cooperation and support the border communities that have been hit hardest by the recent cross-border conflict; welcomes the EU’s financial support for the construction of facilities in the Sughd region of Tajikistan, which borders Kyrgyzstan; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to investigate the serious crimes, documented by independent observers, that took place during the September 2022 armed conflict and to hold those responsible to account;

    26. Welcomes the first trilateral summit bringing together Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan without mediation by external actors; welcomes Central Asian aspirations to strengthen their regional ties and set up a horizontal cooperation architecture in the region without the assertive involvement of external powers;

     

    Human rights, democracy and the rule of law

    27. Stresses that respect for human rights, democracy and the rule of law strengthens stability, sustainable development and security, as they establish legal certainty, predictability and strong institutions; recalls that strong democratic legal frameworks and institutions foster innovation, trade, investments and economic expansion, while ensuring inclusive development and equal access to social and economic rights, and reducing social inequalities, and are indispensable in building resilient societies capable of resisting authoritarian influence and external destabilisation;

    28. Encourages Kyrgyzstan to enact comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation that includes sexual orientation, gender, disability and ethnicity as protected categories; stresses that the protection of minorities in Kyrgyzstan requires a multifaceted strategy that addresses the root causes of discrimination, including existing obstacles in accessing justice;

     

    29. Welcomes the legislative acts to enhance protection against domestic, sexual and gender-based violence; calls on the Kyrgyz Government to ensure that the law is consistently enforced and perpetrators are formally charged with the relevant crimes, and to maintain efforts towards eliminating gender-based and domestic violence;

     

    30. Is concerned about the entry into force of new legislation restricting freedom of religion or belief in Kyrgyzstan, as it increases state surveillance and control over religious groups by creating a state registry for religious entities and buildings, introduces fines for wearing certain religious attire, such as the niqab, in state institutions and public places, and increases oversight of religious education; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure freedom of religion or belief is protected in the country, in line with international human rights standards and commitments under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights;

     

    31. Encourages the Kyrgyz Government to develop a national action plan for human rights with the involvement of civil society, in line with the recommendations made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights;

     

    32. Calls on the Kyrgyz Government to unconditionally release all wrongfully imprisoned or detained journalists, bloggers and activists, including Kanyshai Mamyrkulova and those affiliated with Temirov Live, such as Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, and Aike Beishekeyeva and Aktilek Kaparov, and to drop all charges against them, as well as to restore Bolot Temirov’s citizenship and refrain from other unlawful practices; condemns the sentencing in October 2024 of journalists Azamat Ishenbekov and Makhabat Tajibek kyzy, from the Temirov Live platform known for its investigations into corruption, to five and six years in prison respectively; highlights the opinion of the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention recognising the detention of Temirov Live’s journalists as arbitrary; welcomes the pardoning of journalist and Temirov Live employee Azamat Ishenbekov, and of activist Zarina Torokulova, who were convicted on charges of ‘inciting mass unrest’;

    33. Urges the Kyrgyz Government to ensure adherence to the principles of free and fair elections by safeguarding the rights to contest and campaign, while maintaining administrative neutrality towards all political parties throughout the current election cycle, in line with international standards; strongly condemns the Kyrgyz Government’s campaign of intimidation and legal persecution against opposition parties, particularly the SDK, which was removed by the Kyrgyz authorities from the November 2024 local elections in Bishkek; notes that discussions on electoral reform have taken place in the Kyrgyz Parliament;

     

     

    34. Strongly deplores the detention of Temirlan Sultanbekov, Irina Karamushkina and Roza Turksever on 13 November 2024, and calls on the Kyrgyz Government to urgently end their politically motivated prosecution by dropping all restrictions imposed on their respective sentences; condemns the fact that the proceedings against them have been marred by dubious practices, a lack of legal protections since the start and the violation of their right to due process; recalls that an audio recording of unknown origin, serving as the primary evidence and lacking judicial authorisation, is what initiated the investigation; laments that their trials have been held in a closed-door format without any audio or video recordings; denounces the fact that the conditions for their release on probation are disproportionate and violate their right to participate in public affairs;

    35. Urges the Kyrgyz Government to refrain from pursuing politically motivated prosecutions or exerting undue pressure on political opposition and dissenting voices, such as the SDK; emphasises that political pluralism is a necessary component of any modern democracy and must be respected to maintain long-term legitimacy and stability;

     

    36. Urges the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly by lifting the ban on protests in Bishkek city centre, which was initiated in response to a request from the Russian embassy to end anti-war protests outside its premises in 2022;

     

    37. Welcomes the acquittal of Klara Sooronkulova, Gulnara Dzhurabayeva, Asya Sasykbayeva and other members of the Committee for the Protection of the Kempir-Abad Water Reservoir; urges the Kyrgyz Government to drop its appeal of the decision of the court of first instance, and bring the politically motivated prosecution to an end;

    38. Strongly condemns, and urges the Kyrgyz authorities to end, the recent crackdown on civil society and to foster an environment of cooperation, with the involvement of civil society and local communities in public consultations and decision-making processes; deplores, in particular, the politically motivated detention of human rights activist Rita Karasartova, and calls for her urgent release; deplores further the seizure of the house of imprisoned human rights activist Kanyshai Mamyrkulova; expresses its admiration for Kyrgyz civil society and independent media which, despite the persecution and at great personal risk, remains one of the most vibrant civil societies in Central Asia;

     

    39. Calls on the EU Member States and the EU institutions to support Kyrgyz civil society organisations, human rights defenders and lawyers, LGBTIQ+ and environmental activists, independent media and bloggers, to express their grave concern over the deterioration of human rights in the country in all their exchanges with the authorities of Kyrgyzstan, and to reassess the country’s GSP+ benefits and adopt appropriate measures, including sanctions under the EU’s global human rights sanctions regime (‘EU Magnitsky Act’) as a last resort, if Kyrgyzstan continues to disregard its commitments to international conventions;

     

    40. Deplores several recent cases of individuals critical of the Kyrgyz Government living outside of Kyrgyzstan facing the threat of extradition to Kyrgyzstan, where they risk politically motivated arrest, imprisonment and torture in retaliation for their criticism; denounces the case of exiled activist Tilekmat Kurenov who was recently extradited from the United Arab Emirates to Kyrgyzstan, where he had previously been subjected to politically motivated imprisonment, torture and threats because of his activism;

     

    41. Urges the Kyrgyz Government to revoke the Russian-style ‘foreign representatives’ law, which severely impairs the ability of civil society to carry out legitimate public interest work and operate without undue interference and harassment while ensuring a safe working environment, and which contradicts Kyrgyzstan’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and its commitments as an EU partner under the EPCA; urges the Commission to ensure that the EU’s programmes and initiatives are not compromised by the proposed laws, which may limit freedom of expression and curtail the activities of non-governmental organisations;

    42. Urges Kyrgyzstan to respect and protect media freedom and pluralism, which are fundamental conditions for democracy, refraining from forcibly closing independent media outlets, as in the case of Kloop, or levelling unsubstantiated allegations against them due to their investigative and critical reporting; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to allow independent media professionals to carry out their work, to guarantee journalists and reporters will not face retaliatory persecution for their professional activities, including investigative journalism, and to provide adequate protection to reporters that might be harassed for their reporting; calls on the Commission and the EU Member States to ensure the continued operation of the Kyrgyz Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty service;

    43. Calls on the EEAS and the EU Delegation in Kyrgyzstan to conduct active public diplomacy and address false narratives spread by the Kyrgyz authorities, in particular those that misrepresent EU values and policies with the aim of discrediting independent media and civil society; urges EU and Member State diplomats in Kyrgyzstan to attend politically motivated trials and to provide support to the unjustly persecuted individuals and their families;

     

    44. Condemns the Kyrgyz authorities’ attempts to shut down Aprel TV by revoking its broadcasting license and terminating its social media operations on the basis of an investigation by Kyrgyzstan’s State Committee for National Security; laments these actions in a context of shuttering media outlets on illegitimate grounds;

     

    45. Expresses concern about the re-criminalisation of libel and insult laws and calls on the Kyrgyz Government not to abuse these provisions to target journalists and legitimate political opposition; invites the authorities to review this legislation in accordance with the Venice Commission’s recommendations;

     

    46. Urges the Kyrgyz authorities to revoke the law on ‘false information’ and the law prohibiting ‘LGBT propaganda’, which contravene Kyrgyzstan’s obligations under international law and have been systematically used to silence critical voices, including journalists and civil society actors; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to ensure that the mass media law is fully in line with international standards and does not result in violations of the freedoms of media or expression;

    47. Calls on the Kyrgyz Government to protect journalists, non-governmental organisation workers and activists from intimidation and harassment, including those facing death threats and other threats to their safety while in prison, and calls on the EU Delegation to closely monitor such threats and report regularly on the situation of at-risk individuals; deplores the government raids, blocking of news sites and prosecution of journalists and bloggers; condemns the court’s closure of the organisation behind the Kloop investigative platform over its alleged ‘negative’ coverage; regrets President Japarov’s call for the Kyrgyz Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to be shut down, accusing the Kyrgyz service of spreading misinformation;

    48. Urges the Kyrgyz Government to refrain from criminalising the possession of ‘extremist’ materials, as human rights watchdogs have warned that this could lead to the further deterioration of freedom of speech in Kyrgyzstan, given the potential for abuse of the law, and to maintain clear legal safeguards to prevent the misuse of laws that penalise public incitements of extremist activity; urges Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Council to uphold the right to freedom of expression and recalls that countering ‘false information’ cannot lead to a crackdown on independent media, the opposition and others critical of the government;

    49. Urges the Kyrgyz Government to strengthen the rule of law, separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary in line with international standards, to establish processes to measure judicial performance, improve public oversight and increase transparency within the judiciary, and to enhance the engagement of the judiciary with civil society and other branches of government; calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to step up their efforts in guaranteeing equal access to justice, the right to a fair trial and the fulfilment of the right to due process;

     

    50. Is concerned by the high number of pre-trial detention cases, which has been highlighted by the Kyrgyz Ombudsperson Dzhamilia Dzhamanbaeva, and echoes the Ombudsperson’s call on Kyrgyz law enforcement and judiciary bodies to adhere to international standards, including the UN Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures;

     

    51. Notes the penitentiary system reforms carried out in recent years, mainly comprising the development of probation, the digitalisation of different processes and the introduction of alternative preventive measures; regrets, however, cases of mistreatment of prisoners and encourages the Kyrgyz authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure that prisoners do not experience inhuman or degrading treatment or conditions, and receive adequate healthcare in safe and secure conditions;

     

    52. Underlines the need to develop new legislation in the field of administrative law and justice, including the reform of public administration and alternative dispute resolution, and to strengthen the professional capacities of public administration and judiciary representatives, which could be partly achieved by adopting e-governance systems;

     

    53. Asks the Kyrgyz authorities to uphold the independence of the legal profession and ensure that lawyers are not subjected to interference or harassment as a result of fulfilling their professional duties, including the defence of their clients in politically sensitive cases;

     

    54. Commends Kyrgyzstan’s participation in the Central Asia Rule of Law Programme, which supported national efforts to prevent and fight corruption and money laundering, and raised awareness about human rights standards among legal professionals, among other matters;

     

    55. Notes the return of the controversial Land Code to the Kyrgyz Parliament by President Japarov, following public protests against it;

     

    °

    ° °

    56. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments and parliaments of the Member States and of the Kyrgyz Republic.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: REPORT on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure – A10-0107/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    MOTION FOR A EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT RESOLUTION

    on European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure

    (2025/2007(INI))

    The European Parliament,

     having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), in particular Articles 173, 179 and 190 thereof,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2025 entitled ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’ (COM(2025)0030),

     having regard to the Commission communication of 11 February 2025 entitled ‘Commission work programme 2025: Moving forward together: A Bolder, Simpler, Faster Union’ (COM(2025)0045),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2023/1781 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 September 2023 establishing a framework of measures for strengthening Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem[1] (the Chips Act),

     having regard to Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union[2] (NIS 2 Directive),

     having regard to the detailed report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) entitled ‘Foresight Cybersecurity Threats For 2030 – Update 2024’, published in March 2024,

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/2847 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2024 on horizontal cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements[3] (the Cyber Resilience Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2019/881 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity) and on information and communications technology cybersecurity certification and repealing Regulation (EU) No 526/2013[4] (the Cybersecurity Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2025/38 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 laying down measures to strengthen solidarity and capacities in the Union to detect, prepare for and respond to cyber threats and incidents[5] (the Cyber Solidarity Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2025/37 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 December 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2019/881 as regards managed security services[6],

     having regard to the Commission White Paper of 21 February 2024 entitled ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’ (COM(2024)0081),

     having regard to Mario Draghi’s report of 9 September 2024 entitled ‘The future of European competitiveness’,

     having regard to Enrico Letta’s report of 17 April 2024 entitled ‘Much more than a market’,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 2 July 2024 entitled ‘State of the Digital Decade 2024’ (COM(2024)0260),

     having regard to Decision (EU) 2022/2481 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 establishing the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030[7],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/903 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 March 2024 laying down measures for a high level of public sector interoperability across the Union[8] (the Interoperable Europe Act),

     having regard to Directive (EU) 2019/1024 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on open data and the re-use of public sector information (recast)[9],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/795 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 February 2024 establishing the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), and amending Directive 2003/87/EC and Regulations (EU) 2021/1058, (EU) 2021/1056, (EU) 2021/1057, (EU) No 1303/2013, (EU) No 223/2014, (EU) 2021/1060, (EU) 2021/523, (EU) 2021/695, (EU) 2021/697 and (EU) 2021/241[10],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2023/2854 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2023 on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data and amending Regulation (EU) 2017/2394 and Directive (EU) 2020/1828[11] (the Data Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1309 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2024 on measures to reduce the cost of deploying gigabit electronic communications networks, amending Regulation (EU) 2015/2120 and repealing Directive 2014/61/EU[12] (the Gigabit Infrastructure Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 June 2024 laying down harmonised rules on artificial intelligence[13] (the Artificial Intelligence Act),

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/1153 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 July 2021 establishing the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1316/2013 and (EU) No 283/2014[14],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/694 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2021 establishing the Digital Europe Programme and repealing Decision (EU) 2015/2240[15],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/695 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing Horizon Europe – the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, laying down its rules for participation and dissemination, and repealing Regulations (EU) No 1290/2013 and (EU) No 1291/2013[16],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2021/696 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 28 April 2021 establishing the Union Space Programme and the European Union Agency for the Space Programme[17],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2023/588 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2023 establishing the Union Secure Connectivity Programme for the period 2023-2027[18],

     having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021 establishing the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe and repealing Regulations (EC) No 219/2007, (EU) No 557/2014, (EU) No 558/2014, (EU) No 559/2014, (EU) No 560/2014, (EU) No 561/2014 and (EU) No 642/2014[19],

     having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 of 13 July 2021 on establishing the European High Performance Computing Joint Undertaking and repealing Regulation (EU) 2018/1488[20],

     having regard to Council Regulation (EU) 2024/1732 of 17 June 2024 amending Regulation (EU) 2021/1173 as regards a EuroHPC initiative for start-ups in order to boost European leadership in trustworthy artificial intelligence[21],

     having regard to Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (recast)[22],

     having regard to Regulation (EU) 2024/1183 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 April 2024 amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 as regards establishing the European Digital Identity Framework[23],

     having regard to the joint communication from the Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of 21 February 2025 to the European Parliament and the Council entitled ‘EU Action Plan on Cable Security’ (JOIN(2025)0009),

     having regard to the Commission communication of 29 January 2020 entitled ‘Secure 5G deployment in the EU – Implementing the EU toolbox’ (COM(2020)0050),

     having regard to the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade, which commits ‘to promote a European way for the digital transformation, putting people at the centre’,

     having regard to the Commission communication of 30 December 2021 entitled ‘Criteria for the analysis of the compatibility with the internal market of State aid to promote the execution of important projects of common European interest’ (IPCEIs) (COM(2021)8481),

     having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

     having regard to the report of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (A10-0107/2025),

    A. whereas technological sovereignty should be seen as the whole value chain from excellence in research to creating better competition and achieving greater European sovereignty;

    B. whereas the EU relies on non-EU countries for over 80 % of digital products, services, infrastructure and intellectual property;

    C. whereas a few technological companies hold concentrated power over key digital markets and control over underlying internet infrastructure, including operating systems, computing, artificial intelligence (AI), search engines, social media capacity, digital advertising and payment services;

    D. whereas our technological sovereignty will greatly depend on Europe’s ability to create the market conditions needed for European companies to flourish and compete with each other, thereby increasing the quality of their products;

    E. whereas the EU is at risk of failing to meet its digital decade targets and objectives, including the adoption of cloud, big data and AI;

    F. whereas European firms contribute a minor share to global research and development (R&D) in software, internet technologies and electronics, while the United States and China lead in these sectors;

    G. whereas the Commission’s Digital Compass, Digital Decade Policy Programme, and Competitiveness Compass are essential frameworks for strengthening Europe’s digital ecosystem, securing technological leadership and ensuring long-term economic resilience;

    H. whereas digital infrastructure is composed of hardware elements related to connectivity, including fibre, 5G and 6G, submarine cables, satellites and spectrum, and computing, including semiconductors, data centres, HPC and quantum technologies, and of software elements including identity solutions, the Internet of Things, and cloud and AI systems, as well as the intermediary layer including advertising, search engines, payments and communication systems;

    I. whereas the EU’s competitiveness will increasingly depend on the digitalisation of all sectors, supported by resilient, safe and trustworthy digital infrastructure; notes, in this context, that the digital single market is a vital asset as it can enable companies to grow and scale up;

    J. whereas the full potential of the digital single market remains untapped, with intra-EU trade in digital services representing just 8 % of GDP, which is significantly lower than the 25 % for trade in digital goods;

    K. whereas the availability of eID schemes and digital public services and access to e-Health records are increasing, but there are still significant gaps in the provision of privacy preserving, fully user-centric, accessible and sovereign digital public services among Member States due to differences in the adoption of eID;

    L. whereas eID is currently available to 93 % of the EU’s population, but achieving 100 % of digital public services for citizens and businesses by 2030 remains challenging;

    M. whereas interoperability and interconnectedness would enhance the competitiveness of the European economy and might benefit from policies such as open-source first and public money, public code, and the implementation of common and open standards;

    N. whereas digital infrastructure is of key importance for EU industry, including the automotive industry and the possible development of connected and autonomous  vehicles; whereas robust data and communications infrastructure is needed to support a secure ecosystem for connected and autonomous vehicles;

    O. whereas fibre-optic networks form one of the backbones of the EU’s digital infrastructure, enabling high-speed internet, 5G networks and future technological improvements;

    P. whereas the EU is behind on the roll-out of 5G to meet its 2030 targets, with still limited fibre coverage of only about 64 % of European households being included;

    Q. whereas investment needs in state-of-the-art connectivity in the EU are immense;

    R. whereas resolving challenges related to access to land and grids is key to the successful deployment of digital infrastructure;

    S. whereas the EU GOVSATCOM initiative aims to ensure the long-term availability of secure, reliable and cost-effective governmental satellite communication services for EU and national public authorities that manage critical security infrastructure and missions;

    T. whereas chips play a crucial role in increasing the technological competitiveness and resilience of Europe;

    U. whereas the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Deal and the 2025 Commission Work Programme make little to no mention of semiconductor technologies despite their critical importance for the EU’s industrial ambition;

    V. whereas the Chips Act was an ad hoc adaptation mechanism aimed at addressing certain challenges regarding semiconductor shortages; whereas its areas of action are mostly limited to advanced semiconductors; whereas EU engagement on legacy semiconductors is insufficient; whereas the revision of the Chips Act is expected in September 2026;

    W. whereas the existing European regional clusters in the semiconductor sector have a role to play and should be further strengthened;

    X. whereas processors, memory technologies, graphics processing units (GPUs), and quantum chips are critical to Europe’s digital infrastructure and supply chain security;

    Y. whereas cloud services are fundamental to a wide range of computational activities and computing services that have become an essential enabler of competitiveness;

    Z. whereas federated models could enhance the competitiveness of the EU market by facilitating the emergence of significant European alternatives, building on local market expertise and presence;

    AA. whereas large-scale AI infrastructure, such as AI gigafactories, is essential for enabling open and collaborative development of the most complex AI models;

    AB. whereas the AI value chain is still under development and tackling the development of AI models is only part of it; whereas European AI solutions may be developed using Europe’s public and private computing infrastructure, driving innovation, and start-ups and small companies should be in particular beneficiaries of access to public computing infrastructure;

    AC. whereas AI models that can be run on widely available hardware at moderate costs allow a greater number of actors to shape how AI systems are created and used, providing more immediate value in applications and enabling a more democratic use of AI;

    AD. whereas at the moment, the roll-out, marketing and deployment of AI is often shaped by a small number of big tech companies; whereas some AI features are not being rolled out in the EU at the same time as in non-EU countries, creating a competitive disadvantage for European businesses and consumers;

    AE. whereas data centres are an essential part of an advanced digital society, as enablers of distributed processing and effective data storage;

    AF. whereas trusted capacity and availability of data storage is essential for European resilience and development; whereas most data centres in Europe are not owned by European companies;

    AG. whereas building and operating large-scale data centres requires substantial investment;

    AH. whereas around 9 % of global electricity consumption results from data centres, cloud services and connectivity;

    AI. whereas submarine cables are critical infrastructure for global connectivity, economic stability and security, carrying over 99 % of international communications through them, and they remain vulnerable to physical damage, cyberthreats and geopolitical risks;

    AJ. whereas secure and resilient digital infrastructure is crucial, particularly considering the increasing number of cyberattacks against the EU, its Member States and its industry and society;

    AK. whereas the EU toolbox for 5G security is important for preventing cyberespionage and strengthening the resilience of supply chains in the EU’s digital infrastructure;

    AL. whereas 21 % of businesses cite compliance and legal uncertainties as a barrier to digital investment;

    AM. whereas the ‘one in, one out’ approach ensures that all burdens introduced by Commission initiatives are considered and that administrative burdens are offset by removing burdens of equivalent value in the same policy area;

    AN. whereas the energy consumption challenges in AI, cloud and quantum computing, as well as data centres, require the integration of sustainability into digital infrastructure strategies;

    AO. whereas data centre power consumption is projected to nearly triple by the end of this decade, increasing from approximately 62 terawatt-hours (TWh) today to more than 150 TWh, thus escalating from 2 % to 5 % of total European power consumption;

    AP. whereas the digital skills gap remains a major concern, with only 54 % of European citizens possessing at least basic digital skills – well below the 80 % target set in the digital decade policy programme;

    AQ. whereas the shortage of ICT professionals in the EU is projected to reach 12 million by 2030, falling significantly short of the EU’s target of 20 million skilled workers;

    AR. whereas the 2024 State of the Digital Decade report and the Draghi report both stress the urgent need to invest in digital and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills to preserve Europe’s technological capabilities and global competitiveness;

    AS. whereas 60 % of EU companies report difficulties in recruiting skilled workers in areas such as AI, cybersecurity and clean technologies, posing a significant barrier to innovation, competitiveness and the green and digital transitions;

    AT. whereas current labour market developments, including global lay-offs and political instability outside the EU, create an opportunity to attract high-skilled digital talent to the EU;

    AU. whereas increasing competitiveness and resilience require appropriate funding; whereas public funding can act as a catalyst and private investment and competitive market forces are key for the long-term development of digital infrastructure;

    AV. whereas a robust, agile and excellence-driven research and innovation (R&I) ecosystem is essential to ensure the EU’s global competitiveness and leadership in strategic technologies, such as quantum and AI;

    AW. whereas standardisation is at the core of genuine European digital and technological sovereignty; whereas the importance of standards is growing due to increasing technological competition across the world, particularly with the United States and China;

    AX. whereas the EU is committed to negotiating comprehensive digital trade agreements (DTAs) to promote secure, resilient and competitive digital infrastructure development with partner countries;

    AY. whereas the Commission has announced landmark DTAs with South Korea and Singapore, setting an important precedent for future agreements;

    AZ. whereas Parliament and the Council have agreed on the ‘EU horizontal provisions on Cross-border data flows and protection of personal data and privacy in the Digital Trade Title of EU trade agreements’, which was endorsed by the Commission and remains an important tool in relation to digital trade and the establishment of new DTAs;

    General introduction

    1. Underlines that European sovereignty is the ability to build capacity, resilience and security by reducing strategic dependencies, preventing reliance on foreign actors and single service providers, and safeguarding critical technologies and infrastructure; calls for the development of a comprehensive risk assessment framework to monitor and address dependencies across the digital value chain; underlines that such a framework should serve as a basis for ensuring EU preparedness and resilience by enhancing European industrial policy and boosting domestic R&D and manufacturing capabilities in strategic technologies;

    2. Believes that technological sovereignty is the capacity to design, develop and scale up digital technologies needed for the competitiveness of our economy, the welfare of our citizens and the EU’s open strategic autonomy in a globalised world; believes that this includes ensuring the EU’s ability to make autonomous decisions, engaging with trusted non-EU countries and entities, diversifying and strengthening supply chains and promoting the concept of openness and interoperability to ensure that Europe remains an attractive hub for investment;

    3. Recognises the increasing concentration of power in non-EU companies, which constrains Europe’s ability to innovate, compete and maintain control over its digital economy, society and democracy; is concerned by excessive dependencies on non-EU actors in critical areas such as cloud infrastructure, semiconductors, AI and cybersecurity – where market concentration and foreign control threaten to undermine Europe’s competitiveness, democratic resilience and security;

    4. Believes that the EU’s industrial tech ambitions should focus on the key strategic technologies of the future, such as semiconductor technologies or quantum, that contribute to the EU’s open strategic autonomy and are essential for our green, digital and defence transitions;

    5. Recognises the shift in the geopolitical landscape and the resulting opportunity for market demand for European products and services; sees this as a window of opportunity to position Europe as a global leader in trusted and secure digital solutions;

    6. Underlines the need to foster a supportive regulatory environment that encourages innovation, investment and the development of cutting-edge technologies in Europe, while protecting EU end users from the consequences of extraterritoriality;

    7. Recognises the need for a comprehensive European industrial policy for the digital ecosystem, integrating all relevant policy domains such as market access, standardisation, R&D, investment, trade and international cooperation; calls on the Commission to develop this comprehensive policy with the aim of reducing harmful strategic dependencies, strengthening domestic value chains and ensuring a secure, trustworthy and innovation-driven digital ecosystem that adheres to European values;

    8. Recalls that the high-tech product and digital services markets depend heavily on external supply chains, posing risks to sovereignty and resilience; stresses the importance of boosting industrial capacity and technological expertise in emerging and disruptive technologies to support the EU’s open strategic autonomy;

    9. Emphasises that boosting Europe’s technological sovereignty in the era of rapid technological development requires enhancing innovation and commercialisation in order to build the necessary capabilities; highlights that Europe must transform itself into a globally attractive and agile business environment by reducing bureaucracy, enhancing regulatory predictability and fostering entrepreneurship and risk-taking;

    10. Recognises that open strategic autonomy and democratic resilience must be at the core of the Commission’s agenda and that a comprehensive approach must integrate procurement, funding and long-term institutional frameworks to establish sovereign digital infrastructure in critical domains;

    11. Calls on the Commission to analyse and establish a comprehensive list of critical dependencies in digital infrastructure and technologies, assessing, at minimum, storage services, identity and payment systems, communication platforms, as well as the software, protocols and standards that support them, and to propose measures to promote market access for products and services with a strong positive impact on the EU’s technological sovereignty, resilience and sustainability; believes, in that regard, that the use of specific award criteria in public procurement may be promoted in areas where such critical dependencies exist; believes that such criteria can help incentivise competition and strengthen European technological sovereignty by facilitating the procurement of European digital products and services, where possible;

    Digital public infrastructure

    12. Strongly believes that digital infrastructure is the backbone of our economy and that there should therefore be a base layer of digital public infrastructure (DPI) that ensures sovereignty and a competition-friendly market environment; observes that the market has not developed this base layer in many important areas, which has resulted in monopolies and reliance on foreign actors; underlines that in order to fill this gap, the EU should take the lead in creating a strong foundation for DPI by creating layers of digital technologies consisting of semiconductors, connectivity solutions, cloud infrastructure, software, data and AI; believes that European DPI should be founded on fair and competitive economic models and also use governance models where neither private companies nor governments maintain centralised control; is of the opinion that it should be built on common and open standards, embrace interoperability and interconnectedness, so as to prevent user and vendor ‘lock-ins’, and spur innovation by facilitating new market entrants, and that it should also ensure privacy and security by default;

    13. Believes that the deployment of DPI should be focused on areas where critical dependencies exist, as identified in the Commission’s comprehensive list; calls on the Commission to prepare a detailed and comprehensive plan for establishing European DPI by identifying technologies that are best suited to European action, and urges the Commission and the Member States to dedicate appropriate resources to deploying European DPI;

    14. Stresses that European DPI should be stimulated by coordinated action at EU level to ensure the presence and competitiveness of European providers as well as a competitive market environment; underlines that these objectives will not be achieved through regulation alone and will require significant public investment; recognises that the forthcoming multiannual financial framework (MFF) should therefore include additional funding for this purpose, focusing on EU added value and financing the base layer of European DPI;

    15. Recognises that as part of the forthcoming MFF, the EU must commit to increased spending to achieve technological sovereignty; underlines that this should include a dedicated envelope for the development and deployment of the DPI layers identified in the Commission’s comprehensive list, as well as additional funds to ensure a competition-friendly market environment in other digital areas;

    16. Believes that the funding under the forthcoming MFF should prioritise active capacity-building in key hardware, software and service areas, including high-performance computing, quantum computing, encryption and communication, connectivity, cloud, data, web and AI ecosystems, and digital libraries;

    17. Is of the opinion that European DPI should be based on EU values and remain open to like-minded non-EU partners; calls on the Commission and the Member States to sustain their efforts and add more impetus to the process with the UN Development Programme on DPI;

    18. Recognises e-government services as a key enabler of efficient, secure and accessible public service delivery, which should be designed to facilitate digital identification, government data sharing and public sector payments without distorting markets or undermining existing private sector solutions; emphasises that the EU’s approach to e-government services should focus on strengthening digital government-to-citizen and government-to-business interactions, while ensuring trust, interoperability and accessibility; believes, therefore, that secure and seamless access to public services requires a trustworthy e-identification framework and welcomes the announcement of a ‘business wallet’ aimed at significantly simplifying the interconnection between businesses and public authorities;

    19. Calls on the Commission to further develop public interest data platforms, enabling secure cross-border data sharing between public and private entities for use cases, in particular, in healthcare, urban planning and environmental monitoring; calls, furthermore, on the Commission to promote interoperability between public interest and industry-specific data platforms, ensuring the seamless flow of data while minimising administrative burdens; notes that this could be achieved by leveraging existing market-driven solutions that foster innovation, maintain trust and uphold privacy and security standards;

    20. Recognises that under the current legal framework, European citizens have the right to control their personal data and that data generated within the EU must be processed in accordance with EU law; stresses that safeguarding privacy and personal data is essential for building trust in the digital economy, allowing European consumers to engage with confidence, regardless of where their data is processed; highlights that European companies – particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) – must be able to make use of data in a lawful, ethical and secure manner to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness;

    Digital infrastructure

    21. Highlights that digital infrastructure is the backbone of Europe’s economy and society and that its importance will continue to grow; calls on the Commission to include in the requested list of critical dependencies a comprehensive assessment of the composition of European digital infrastructure in order to adequately analyse the state of play, assess risks and coordinate action;

    22. Believes that in order to strengthen digital infrastructure, it is essential to implement capacity-building initiatives in critical areas at EU level; considers that these initiatives should focus on developing a base layer of public infrastructure, such as a network of AI gigafactories and a European web index model; is of the opinion that this base layer will empower companies to develop their business models and boost technological sovereignty; points to the digital solutions created by the EU, such as the EU digital identity, that can offer innovative infrastructure for the EU’s digital economy;

    23. Recognises the strategic importance of critical digital infrastructure and the need to strengthen their security and resilience; understands that critical digital infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, cables (terrestrial and submarine), cellular network towers, satellite communication systems, spectrum and radio equipment, cloud servers that contain sensitive information and data centres that process sensitive information, as well as certain software elements, including security software that protects critical networks and data centres;

    24. Highlights the need to ensure that this infrastructure falls under EU jurisdiction, meaning that it fully adheres to EU law; stresses the importance of privacy and security-by-design; calls on the Commission. therefore, to introduce legislation to mitigate risks posed by high-risk vendors from non-EU countries, including risks posed by foreign-controlled energy resource providers;

    25. Calls on the Commission, while preparing future legislative proposals and the forthcoming MFF, to concentrate efforts on deepening the single market, in line with the recommendations made in Enrico Letta’s report entitled ‘Much more than a market’ and in Mario Draghi’s report on ‘The future of European competitiveness’, with the aim of unlocking the potential of the digital single market;

    26. Takes note of the recommendations laid down in these two reports that the EU needs a paradigm shift from promoting connectivity in the EU to establishing a single market for electronic communications and connectivity; supports a simplified, harmonised and innovation-friendly telecommunications framework that ensures fair competition and the accessibility of infrastructure;

    27. Welcomes the Commission’s white paper on how to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs, which outlines three pillars: creating the ‘3C Network’ – ‘Connected Collaborative Computing’, completing the digital single market, and secure and resilient digital infrastructure for Europe;

    28. Views the white paper and the subsequent consultation process as part of the preparation of the legislative initiatives planned for this term, including the Digital Networks Act; calls on the Commission to take a more holistic view of digital infrastructure throughout this process and to acknowledge that digital infrastructure comprises many elements beyond mere connectivity; underlines the need to accompany any new digital policy measure with an impact assessment;

    29. Urges the Commission to simplify and harmonise telecommunications rules as part of the forthcoming Digital Networks Act and the broader Digital Package;

    30. Calls on the Commission to introduce an EU cloud and AI development act to strengthen European data infrastructure and the promotion of European cloud providers; underlines that this act should aim to actively build a European single market for cloud and AI;

    31. Acknowledges that deploying cutting-edge digital infrastructure across the EU requires substantial investment and recognises that both public and private funding are essential for achieving this goal; expresses concern over the persistent shortage of venture capital and investment financing in Europe, which undermines technological sovereignty; calls on the Commission to significantly scale up public-private investment instruments, including venture capital, strategic platforms and dedicated funding tools for start-ups and scale-ups in critical technology sectors; highlights the importance of leveraging public procurement to support the deployment and scaling of open and interoperable digital solutions and of ensuring that private capital, competition and innovation become the main drivers of Europe’s digital transformation over the medium and long term;

    High-speed connectivity

    32. Is of the opinion that the upcoming Digital Networks Act must support the objective of providing all EU consumers with high-quality connectivity by 2030, especially in remote and rural areas, as well as removing administrative barriers for the roll-out of 5G, 6G and secure, high-speed broadband;

    33. Recognises the increasing convergence of telecommunications infrastructure with cloud and edge technologies, and sees the potential of open radio access networks to deliver advanced technological solutions, reduce costs and enhance the interoperability of connectivity; believes that the future of connectivity lies in the complementarity of diverse technologies such as 5G/6G, Wi-Fi and satellite, where seamless integration benefits both businesses and consumers;

    34. Recognises that with cloud and edge services at the core of their transformation, connectivity networks are evolving rapidly into platforms for innovation and will increasingly depend on cloud computing, AI, virtualisation and other technologies;

    35. Calls for ambitious targets in the development and innovation of wireless communication networks, acknowledging the need for a broad-based approach that includes cloud computing, AI, edge computing and quantum computing; emphasises that the innovation ecosystem for electronic communications, especially for vertically integrated telecoms, should remain market-driven, and insists that future regulatory measures be based on thorough, knowledge-based impact assessments of existing regulations;

    36. Recognises that competition between operators of all sizes remains a key driver of investment in connectivity networks; calls on the Member States to ensure that copper networks are switched off progressively in favour of fibre-optic or 5G technologies, in particular where regular maintenance or updates of the network are needed, thus ensuring that the shift is carried out in an attainable manner and allowing providers to plan logistically and financially in advance;

    37. Stresses that all consumers in the EU should have access to adequate quality, reliable and affordable connectivity, thus contributing to increased demand for connectivity services; calls on the Commission and the Member States to expand and upgrade digital networks, especially in rural areas, and to support public-private investments in broadband and 5G/6G deployment, while maintaining cybersecurity standards and secure-by-design principles;

    38. Is convinced that, as digital connectivity infrastructure such as fibre, 5G and 6G will be crucial for future industrial competitiveness, the forthcoming MFF should include funds for the large-scale deployment of network infrastructure, bridging the existing deployment gap to achieve the 2030 Digital Decade targets, creating pan-European 5G coverage for citizens’ use and ensuring the successful deployment of Industry 4.0 tools;

    Fibre

    39. Stresses the importance of accelerating the deployment of fibre-optic networks and modern wireless communications systems that can deliver fast, secure and reliable digital services;

    40. Recognises that the need to prioritise direct fibre connections for homes, businesses and public institutions is crucial to ensure ultra-fast and reliable connectivity, in addition to network roll-outs with public works, such as roads, water and electricity, to streamline fibre roll-out;

    41. Welcomes the introduction of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, which responds to the growing needs for faster, reliable and data-intensive connectivity; recognises the importance of the shared use of ducts and poles for deploying very high capacity networks to optimise resources and reduce costs; urges the Member States to streamline permitting processes and harmonise regulations to lower financial and administrative barriers to the expansion of fibre infrastructure;

    5G and 6G

    42. Believes that private investments are essential for deployment of electronic communication networks, 5G and 6G that are advanced enough in terms of transmission, speed, storage capacity, edge computing power and interoperability;

    43. Stresses that the enforcement and implementation of the Gigabit Infrastructure Act is further necessary for the creation of a one-stop shop for permits and a centralised digital permitting process to reduce delays in infrastructure deployment and to ensure uniform rules for infrastructure access, pricing and environmental impact assessments; calls, in this regard, for strong efforts in this area;

    44. Takes the view that the EU needs strong cybersecurity protection in all critical infrastructure sectors, with stricter measures to de-risk high-risk vendors in 5G and 6G networks, ensuring dense deployment of small cells and macro towers, particularly in urban and rural areas with inconsistent coverage, and ensuring the sustainability and energy efficiency of the infrastructure so as to support Europe’s global competitiveness in the digital economy;

    Spectrum

    45. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to work towards enhanced coordination of spectrum allocations, in particular through earlier identification and the harmonisation of the release of new frequencies, starting with 6 GHz frequencies; calls for a radio spectrum policy that promotes investment in Europe, including through the harmonisation of spectrum assignment policies across the Member States to accelerate 5G deployment based on best practices, the promotion of longer license durations and access to new spectrum such as the upper 6 GHz band in order to meet future demand and enable 6G; believes that a shared effort from public and private entities is necessary in order to increase the competitiveness of Europe and not lag behind the fastest growing networks in the world, i.e. in China and South Korea;

    Satellites and satellite communication systems

    46. Underlines the importance of satellite-based communications in developing EU digital infrastructure, increasing its resilience, strengthening the capabilities of EU actors, and reducing dependence on non-EU providers, particularly in the area of defence; highlights the need to provide alternative connectivity solutions for consumers in remote and rural areas;

    47. Highlights the strategic role of the EU space programme, as one of the pillars of EU sovereignty, in providing state-of-the-art and secure positioning, navigation and timing services for Galileo and EGNOS and cost-effective satellite communication services for GOVSATCOM; notes that this allows the EU and its Member States to have greater sovereignty in their satellite capabilities, including geopositioning, earth observation, space surveillance and connectivity; welcomes, in particular, the EU GOVSATCOM and IRIS2 programmes, which aim to ensure the short- and long-term availability of secure, reliable and cost-effective governmental satellite communication services for EU and national public authorities that manage critical security infrastructure and missions;

    48. Deplores the strong dependence on non-EU data for the tracking and surveillance of space objects; stresses the need for Europe to urgently reinforce its own capabilities and infrastructure in space situational awareness (SSA) to ensure open strategic autonomy and security; calls on the Commission and the Member States to significantly increase investment in EU-owned surveillance and tracking assets, and to develop effective mechanisms for information-sharing among the Member States, enabling Europe to independently monitor and protect its critical space infrastructure;

    49. Stresses the importance of private sector involvement in launcher technologies to further accelerate the deployment of IRIS2; stresses the importance of fostering a robust and competitive European space launch sector through greater private sector involvement and support for upstream and downstream industries; calls on the Commission to promote a European space industrial policy that strengthens sovereignty in space technologies and services by reducing strategic dependencies and improving the operational governance of European space programmes;

    50. Calls, to this end, for concrete measures to facilitate the provision of satellite services throughout Europe, including by defining common procedures and conditions; calls, in parallel, for fair competition, with clear and enforceable rules for all satellite constellations accessing the EU market;

    51. Notes that there are currently several issues with latency in satellite networks and recognises that the integration of satellite networks with 5G and, in the future, 6G technologies is pivotal in extending the reach and reliability of terrestrial networks;

    High-performance computing (HPC) systems

    52. Recognises the progress made in recent years in enhancing HPC; calls on the Commission to continuously integrate and enhance the computing power at EU HPC centres, in particular, enhancing the training of AI models and preparing for future advancements in supercomputing;

    53. Calls on the Commission to develop a coordinated strategy to bridge the gap between Europe’s cutting-edge HPC technology and its practical, scalable deployment across industries, including by creating a public network for supercomputing; notes that this strategy should foster collaboration between public institutions and private sector partners, including SMEs, to ensure that Europe’s HPC capabilities become a key driver of economic competitiveness and technological sovereignty;

    54. Highlights that HPC centres must ensure accessibility for developers and deployers of AI foundation models, generative AI and applied AI; notes that EuroHPC Centres should be available for these use cases and particularly for SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups; emphasises that this must be seamlessly complemented by initiatives to enable the development and deployment of AI in the EU;

    55. Welcomes the creation of new AI factories; underlines that AI factories will upgrade EuroHPC supercomputers to deliver computing capacity for AI and support start-ups and scale-ups in the training and large-scale development of general-purpose and trustworthy AI models;

    Hardware for computing: semiconductors, chips and quantum chips

    56. Believes that urgent action is needed to boost EU domestic semiconductor manufacturing, improving supply chain resilience by forming strategic global partnerships, encouraging start-ups and innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration in advanced semiconductor development and providing financial incentives, regulatory support and market access;

    57. Emphasises the need for legal certainty to support semiconductor development, ensuring secure supply chains for critical raw materials and avoiding disruptions caused by investment uncertainties;

    58. Urges to give utmost political importance to ensuring a sufficient supply of AI chips in the EU and to make it a focal point of EU digital industry policies; notes the increase in demand for AI chips driven by expanding applications in cloud computing, edge devices, autonomous systems and generative AI;

    59. Calls on the Commission to react to the new geopolitical realities and the use of digital supply chains as pressure tools; urges the Commission to find a negotiated solution to the US ban on the export of AI chips to 16 EU Member States;

    60. Calls on the Commission to put advanced AI chips, including their design and production, at the core of the revision of the Chips Act; calls on the Commission to present the revision this year, featuring a long-term strategy rooted in current geopolitical realities that builds European strategic indispensability through technological leadership, adequate production capabilities and a strong R&D ecosystem, which will be essential to secure European sovereignty in increasingly troubled times; believes that it is crucial to strengthen the interactions among research, training, suppliers and robust public infrastructure to accelerate the path from research, development, testing and finally full-load production;

    61. Believes that the EU should enhance its efforts on quantum chip development if it intends to accelerate the time-to-market for EU industrial innovation in quantum technology;

    62. Calls on the Commission to support the manufacturing within the EU of widely used chips e.g., for electronic devices and cars; calls for support for the development of chips that reduce the energy consumption of the digital sector;

    63. Underlines the need to support the performance of the circular economy and recalls that information and communications technology products and other electronics are part of the priority product groups in the working plan to be adopted by April 2025 under Regulation (EU) 2024/1781[24];

    64. Believes that additional funding under the forthcoming MFF must be allocated to the development of semiconductor production capacities and other next-generation semiconductor technologies and processes (e.g. photonic chips, wide-bandgap chips, as well as design, manufacturing, testing, assembly and advanced packaging) within the EU;

    Cloud services

    65. Recognises that there is a market need for sovereign solutions that offer enhanced levels of control over data for certain categories of sensitive data and acknowledges the risks associated with reliance on single dominant providers; calls for a strategy for reducing reliance on foreign cloud providers, while fostering European alternatives;

    66. Notes that the discussions on the EU Cybersecurity Certification Scheme for Cloud Services have not brought any results; points out that there are sovereignty considerations, in particular related to the extraterritoriality of binding legal regimes, that cannot be solved through technical discussions; calls on the Commission to propose a definition of sovereign cloud and its scope of application in the planned cloud and AI development act;

    67. Notes the need to secure data storage and computational power, and distributed computing infrastructure; calls on the Commission to ensure that cloud users have the ability to choose solutions that meet their needs by urgently removing barriers to switching and diversifying providers through multi-cloud strategies, and by fostering a competitive European cloud market, thereby reducing reliance on single providers and enhancing digital sovereignty;

    68. Calls on the Commission to leverage initiatives such as 8ra and IPCEI CIS to advance decentralised cloud and edge infrastructure, which are enablers of sovereignty and contribute to reducing reliance on foreign providers and ensuring resilience while enhancing operational flexibility within Europe;

    AI systems

    69. Welcomes the InvestAI initiative, including the AI gigafactories; emphasises the need for Europe to position itself as a global leader in AI model training, scientific research and quantum computing advancements; is committed to further supporting AI development by launching initiatives such as AI factories to provide computing power for start-ups, scale-ups and researchers;

    70. Calls on the Commission to further support the design and development of European AI and to adopt policies and measures that will enable European industrial sectors to benefit from their data and AI deployment;

    71. Emphasises that the delayed deployment of AI-driven innovations hinders technological progress, market competitiveness and digital transformation within the EU;

    72. Expects that the public-private financing model will unlock unprecedented private investment in AI that will open up access to supercomputers for start-ups and industry to supercomputers;

    Quantum

    73. Recognises the urgent need to define a clear roadmap for quantum technology development, including quantum computing and quantum encryption, ensuring that public and private investments lead to tangible commercial applications;

    74. Calls on the Commission to conduct an assessment of existing national quantum sandbox frameworks and how existing legislation applies to them in order to prevent market fragmentation; welcomes the announcement of the Quantum Strategy and Quantum Act in the Commission’s Competitiveness Compass;

    75. Urges the Commission to ensure that the Quantum Act, accompanied by an impact assessment, positions Europe as the leading region for quantum excellence and innovation by investing in R&D and innovation, mobilising funding to scale up the European quantum ecosystem, capabilities and production, and ensuring Europe’s leading quantum research is commercialised in Europe; underlines that it should deliver tangible technological applications by fostering policies that accelerate technological maturity and facilitate the transition from research to commercial success;

    76. Calls for targeted investments, industry collaboration and regulatory frameworks that support the development, scaling and market adoption of quantum technologies across key sectors;

    77. Calls for a coordinated EU strategy for post-quantum cryptography to protect data from future cyberthreats;

    Data centres

    78. Calls on the Commission to support ecosystems for sharing industry-specific data within industrial sectors, fostering collaboration and driving innovation, while maintaining data sovereignty and ensuring compliance with EU regulations, as outlined in the Data Act; urges the Commission for strong enforcement to ensure that dominant market players do not impose unfair terms on SMEs and mid-sized enterprises when accessing and sharing data;

    79. Believes that there is a need to ensure interconnected infrastructure that would allow data centres to work together efficiently under common standards with high-speed connectivity, while flexibility, security and scalability would be maintained; believes this interconnected system would help in ensuring distributed redundancy so that data and services remain available even in the event of a data centre failure;

    80. Calls on the Commission to prioritise interoperability across platforms, enabling the seamless integration of data across businesses and sectors, in alignment with the requirements of the Data Act, which mandate data portability and interoperability obligations for cloud and edge services; stresses the need for the robust enforcement of these provisions to prevent vendor lock-in and ensure that European industrial ecosystems can leverage data-driven innovation without technical or contractual barriers;

    81. Recalls the Commission’s plan to make data centres climate-neutral and highly energy efficient by 2030; sees the need to improve the integration of data centres with the energy system, focusing on heat reuse and providing flexibility services to the electricity grid needs; recognises the need to incentivise research for cooling and energy-efficient processors, while special attention should be given to supporting EU data centres; urges the Commission to ensure clear and consistent implementation of existing legal requirements for data centre operators across EU legislation and the Member States;

    82. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase and target public investment and to incentivise private investment in digital infrastructure to enable the growth and modernisation of data centres;

    Submarine cables

    83. Calls on the Commission to take coordinated action to protect submarine cables and reinforce cable security and repair capabilities; stresses the need for continued investment in the construction of new submarine cables to ensure redundancy; welcomes the EU’s role in co-financing such projects to enhance digital infrastructure and connectivity across the Member States; calls on the Commission to explore potential synergies between the maintenance of undersea digital and energy infrastructure;

    84. Emphasises the importance of improving EU and Member State repair capabilities and response mechanisms to handle submarine cable disruptions, which are essential for maintaining secure and uninterrupted communications; underlines the importance of international cooperation in repairing sabotaged cables and facilitating the necessary investments, and calls for the establishment of an EU-based rapid-response repair fleet to ensure swift recovery and operational continuity in the event of disruptions; calls on the Commission to carry out an assessment of regulatory measures to ensure fair access and security, regardless of whether the infrastructure is privately or publicly owned;

    85. Welcomes the adoption of the action plan on cable security, which will be organised around four pillars: prevention, detection, response and repair, and deterrence; highlights the importance of its full and timely implementation; urges, in the current geopolitical context, increased investment in technologies to strengthen the security and resilience of subsea and offshore infrastructure;

    86. Calls on the Commission to promote R&I to enable advanced technological innovations in cable security, including early warning systems and AI-driven threat assessments;

    87. Urges the Commission to review available instruments designed to better leverage private investments in support of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs); calls on the Commission to include submarine cable projects in the list of IPCEIs; recognises the need to streamline and simplify the application and administrative process governing IPCEIs;

    Cybersecurity

    88. Recalls the legislative work carried out over the previous legislative term aimed at significantly improving cybersecurity in the EU; welcomes, in particular, the adoption of the Cyber Resilience Act, the Cyber Solidarity Act and the NIS2 Directive; stresses the need for the harmonised and timely implementation and enforcement of these measures;

    89. Calls on the Commission to present an evaluation report on the Cybersecurity Act and to propose a legislative act to review it in order to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity framework, with a particular focus on the interplay between sovereignty and security; calls, furthermore, on the Commission to enhance the protection of strategic and critical infrastructure and prevent foreign interference from entities subject to extraterritorial legislation, as well as accelerating the adoption process for EU cybersecurity certification schemes; calls for ENISA’s mandate to be strengthened to coordinate crisis response, oversee cybersecurity certification for critical infrastructure and ensure uniform implementation of cybersecurity standards across the single market;

    90. Emphasises the importance of the upcoming European internal security strategy in strengthening cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection;

    91. Notes with concern that, according to the second report on Member States’ progress in implementing the EU toolbox on 5G cybersecurity, 14 Member States have yet to implement any restrictions on high-risk suppliers, posing significant security vulnerabilities; calls for the full implementation of the EU toolbox for 5G security in order to reduce reliance on high-risk vendors; calls on the Commission to make the toolbox binding, specifically with regard to high-risk vendors in critical infrastructure;

    Simplification

    92. Notes that to achieve true technological sovereignty, the EU must have viable commercial alternatives; stresses that the EU must urgently pursue a comprehensive agenda of simplification and bureaucracy reduction to foster an innovation-friendly environment capable of supporting competitive European alternatives to dominant global digital players; underlines that excessive administrative burdens, fragmented regulatory frameworks, an incomplete digital single market and overly complex compliance procedures disproportionately impact European start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs, limiting their capacity to compete at global level; recognises that the EU should therefore prioritise regulatory streamlining and the deepening of the digital single market, ensuring that legislation is proportionate, innovation-driven and does not stifle the development of European technological solutions;

    93. Emphasises the need for new legislative proposals to be aligned with better regulation principles, ensuring that any new digital policy measure that affects competitiveness is accompanied by an impact assessment, including a competitiveness, SME and small mid-cap check that evaluates whether a given legislative instrument is necessary, proportionate and does not create unnecessary burdens for businesses, especially SMEs, and thus its effects on competitiveness, investment prospects and consumer welfare;

    94. Highlights that the simplification of EU legislation must not endanger any of the fundamental rights of citizens and businesses and thus jeopardise regulatory certainty; believes that any simplification proposal should not be rushed or proposed without proper consideration, consultation and an impact assessment;

    95. Welcomes the Commission’s commitment to fully implement the principle of burden reduction for companies in EU legislation; calls on the Commission, therefore, to enhance its efforts by aiming to remove more cost and administrative burdens for businesses compared to the benefits that would be derived from any new regulatory requirements introduced at EU level in the same policy area, so that barriers to market entry are removed to help European companies to scale and grow;

    96. Calls on the Commission to ensure consistent simplification, implementation and enforcement of EU digital legislation through the Digital Package, streamlining definitions and reporting procedures, assessing ways to alleviate reporting obligations and reducing the gap between industry and government;

    97. Believes that supporting companies and innovators to stay in Europe by developing the EU as an attractive and agile business environment is key to enhancing technological sovereignty; emphasises, in that regard, that excessive regulation and administrative burdens should be avoided and that EU rules should be clear, consistent, predictable, proportionate and technologically neutral, thus maintaining a globally competitive regulatory environment; believes that new public procurement methods and the development of regulatory sandboxes and test beds should also contribute to an innovation-friendly framework;

    98. Welcomes the Commission’s proposal of a 28th legal regime, recognising that a single, harmonised set of EU-wide rules will be a game changer for digital investment and innovation; believes that reducing regulatory fragmentation across 27 national legal regimes will boost private investment, lower compliance costs and accelerate the deployment of next-generation digital infrastructure, products and services; encourages the Commission to ensure that this framework specifically addresses regulatory barriers in the digital sector, such as permitting and cross-border data flows, in order to create a true digital single market;

    99. Urges the Commission to create a single point of contact to simplify the application process for private-sector access to EU funding mechanisms, ensuring that private companies, SMEs and start-ups can more easily participate in digital investment programmes;

    Energy

    100. Emphasises that data centres will put additional pressure on electricity grids, making it imperative to reinforce them through anticipatory investments; stresses that data centres can also help stabilise the grid by participating in demand-side flexibility; calls for measures to incentivise such contributions based on the implementation of the revision of the European electricity market reform;

    101. Calls on the Commission and the Member States to propose and implement instruments that ensure orderly planning of the escalating energy demand from data centres, facilitating their strategic placement near available energy sources and thus minimising reliance on the broader grid infrastructure;

    102. Recognises that fibre is more energy efficient than traditional copper networks; acknowledges the importance of reducing energy consumption in data transmission and ensuring long-term stability and efficiency;

    103. Calls on the Commission to ensure a reliable and sufficient clean energy and net-zero technology supply to support the digital infrastructure of the future;

    Skills

    104. Recognises the urgent need for more skilled professionals in digital fields to meet the EU’s strategic objectives; calls on the Member States to develop national strategies and incentives to retain European talent and attract the world’s best digital professionals, thereby strengthening the EU’s innovation capacity and technological leadership;

    105. Stresses the importance of closing the digital and STEM skills gap to enhance technological resilience, innovation capacity and open strategic autonomy; calls on the Member States to strengthen investments in digital education, upskilling and reskilling, particularly in areas essential for the green and digital transitions; supports prioritising investments that address digital skills shortages, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, data analysis and clean technologies, in order to support innovation and technological sovereignty;

    106. Calls for coordinated strategies at national level to improve access to high-quality STEM education, promote lifelong learning and attract talent to ICT and related fields; encourages partnerships between public institutions, industry and educational providers to ensure alignment between curricula and evolving market needs;

    107. Calls for intensified efforts to improve digital literacy and skills across all demographics, focusing on early STEM education, vocational education and training, and lifelong learning in digital technologies; recommends aligning national education and training strategies with the EU Digital Decade goal of 80 % of the population possessing basic digital skills by 2030, with a focus on gender-inclusive policies to increase women’s participation in ICT and STEM fields; calls on the EU institutions to take concrete steps to uphold the commitments referred to in the European Declaration on Digital Rights and Principles for the Digital Decade, both within the EU framework as in the Union’s cooperation with third countries;

    108. Supports the establishment of a common EU certification framework for digital and technical skills to improve the recognition and portability of qualifications among the Member States;

    109. Encourages the European Investment Bank and national development institutions to support digital talent retention by co-investing in European deep-tech start-ups, ensuring that EU-funded innovation remains within the region and contributes to Europe’s technological sovereignty;

    Research and innovation

    110. Recognises the importance of bridging the gap between research and commercialisation and calls on the Commission to enhance the valorisation of innovation within the EU;

    111. Believes that Europe’s ability to transform research into market-ready solutions is critical for building necessary capabilities and reducing reliance on non-EU technologies;

    112. Emphasises that funding needs to be strategically allocated to accelerate the development and market introduction of solutions that strengthen Europe’s technological resilience and drive innovation; underlines the importance of a more agile, excellence-based funding structure, particularly in improving the translation of research into industrial applications; calls for increased investment in R&I to strengthen Europe’s knowledge and technological capabilities and insists that EU research, development and innovation (RDI) funding be based on open competition and excellence;

    113. Highlights the need for policies that support industrial innovation, including targeted investment in key strategic technologies where Europe can lead globally, such as quantum computing, in order to build an innovation ecosystem;

    114. Believes that private investment in RDI is of utmost importance and calls for the EU to create incentives that effectively leverage private funding for the development of critical technologies, including through public-private partnerships;

    115. Stresses the urgent need for stronger incentives to mobilise private sector capital for technology-driven innovation; encourages the Member States to introduce targeted fiscal incentives, regulatory simplification and risk-sharing instruments designed to attract private equity to the technology and digital sectors; highlights the need to streamline cross-border capital flows within the single market to facilitate access to finance for innovative European start-ups;

    Standards

    116. Strongly believes that promoting interoperability and EU standards is paramount to fostering competitiveness in the technology sector, as it ensures that products can be connected and work with each other, thus fostering innovation and open markets; recalls that both interoperability and common technological standards pave the way for the functioning of the single market;

    117. Underlines that the Commission must increase its engagement in existing global standardisation structures and focus on the international uptake of European standards through a bottom-up approach, avoiding centralisation;

    Partnerships

    118. Welcomes the EU’s commitment to negotiating DTAs that facilitate secure and competitive digital infrastructure development with partner countries; encourages the Commission to increase efforts in negotiating DTAs with additional partner countries;

    119. Calls on the Commission to accelerate technical cooperation in multilateral forums such as the G7, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the World Trade Organization (WTO) so as to develop global standards for digital governance, AI regulation, cross-border data flows and emerging technologies;

    120. Urges the Commission to advance negotiations on a permanent solution to the WTO moratorium on e-commerce to prevent the introduction of digital tariffs, ensuring international digital trade remains open, predictable and conducive to innovation;

    °

    ° °

    121. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ghana, Eswatini forge stronger ties during King Mswati III’s state visit

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    Ghana rolled out the red carpet for His Majesty King Mswati III of the Kingdom of Eswatini, signalling a strong mutual desire to deepen bilateral relations and promote the cause of African unity and trade.

    President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang officially welcomed the King and Queen at the presidency’s forecourt with a vibrant display of Ghanaian music and dance.

    Following the ceremonial reception, President Mahama and King Mswati III engaged in bilateral talks in the Credentials Hall, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation. The agreement will provide a formal framework for enhancing cooperation across various sectors.

    In his remarks, President Mahama welcomed the Eswatini delegation, emphasising the significance of the visit in cementing the existing ties. “We’re very honoured to have you on this visit,” President Mahama stated. “We believe that this visit would cement the ties and relationship between our two countries.”

    President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s historical role as the first sub-Saharan nation to gain independence and its contribution to liberation struggles across the continent, welcoming the King to the “country of freedom and justice.” He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to fostering closer ties among African nations, recalling the vision of Ghana’s first president, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, for African unity.

    The Ghanaian President also emphasised the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) protocol, which Ghana has ratified. The protocol enables the free movement of goods and services across African markets. He hoped the bilateral discussions would strengthen cooperation and leverage the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA.

    “Your visit and the bilateral discussion that will take place after will form the framework for the cooperation between our two countries,” President Mahama remarked.

    President Mahama also stated that the King’s visit would feature a significant cultural exchange. The king is scheduled to visit the Asante Kingdom to meet his “brother,” His Royal Majesty the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who had previously visited the Presidency in anticipation of the King’s arrival.

    – on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Recaps Successful Title Sponsorship of American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    American Rebel Light and NHRA Exceed Expectations with Brand Building and Product Penetration as American Rebel Light Outsells Top 2 National Brands Combined

    NASHVILLE, TN, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel, reports that the American Rebel Light Beer title sponsorship of the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals June 20 – 22 at Virginia Motorsports Park in Richmond, VA exceeded expectations. American Rebel Light was available at all concession locations selling beer at Virginia Motorsports Park as well as in the American Rebel Light Party Tent and the American Rebel Light Trackside Bar. CEO Andy Ross performed two concerts during the race weekend and the Sunday concert was covered on the FOX broadcast. The American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals Finals were broadcast on the FOX broadcast network on Sunday, June 22, and re-aired Monday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 25. Additional re-airings of the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals are scheduled for Thursday, June 26 from 9 – 11 pm Eastern on FS2 and Friday, June 27 from 3 – 5 am Eastern on FS1. Viewership of the American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals is expected to approach two million.

    American Rebel Light Beer outsold the top 2 national brands during the race weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park, benefiting from the trackside signage and brand integrations throughout the track. The American Rebel Party Tent was a huge success as race fans escaped from the heat to enjoy a cold Rebel Light. The FOX broadcast announcers and the track PA announcers made frequent references to American Rebel Light and the NHRA drivers were very complimentary of the American Rebel Light title sponsorship during their on-camera interviews and the drivers and crew spotlighted American Rebel Light beer in victory lane celebrations.

    “The NHRA does it right,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “Everyone is very appreciative of our involvement as title sponsor and everyone from the drivers, their teams and the track express their thanks to American Rebel Light and make sure they have our beer visible and they all are brand ambassadors for us. Everyone knows the sponsor needs to get value for their investment, and they deliver. The buzz at the track and the FOX nationwide broadcasts generate significant interest from potential distributors, bar owners, alcohol buyers for retail and convenience chains and the end customer walking into their local stores and asking for American Rebel Light by name.”

    “The success of this weekend will continue after we leave town,” said American Rebel Beverage President Todd Porter. “Our neon signs and product integration will stay in place and we’ll continue to benefit from this weekend the rest of this racing season and beyond. We were the title sponsor for the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in late April and they are still selling our beer very well, one of their top sellers.”

    Race fans aged 21 and older had the chance to enjoy American Rebel Light – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer at the track concession stands that sold beer. The American Rebel Light Virginia NHRA Nationals introduced American Rebel Light to the state of Virginia and laid a foundation for the expansion of distribution throughout the state.

    American Rebel Light Beer debuted their new television commercial during the FOX Qualifying and Finals broadcasts, airing eight times over the weekend.

    “The support from FOX and the NHRA has been great,” said Andy Ross. “When I watched the re-air of the Finals, I was blown away that the band and I got some coverage. We get lots of compliments from the NHRA and the drivers and their teams for providing entertainment during some of the breaks. It’s really an honor to play for race fans. They are the perfect demographic for the American Rebel brand.”

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    American Rebel Light is more than just a beer – it’s a celebration of freedom, passion, and quality. Brewed with care and precision, our light beer delivers a refreshing taste that’s perfect for every occasion.

    Since its launch in September 2024, American Rebel Light Beer has rolled out in Tennessee, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, North Carolina, Florida, Indiana and now Virginia and is adding new distributors and territories regularly. For more information about the launch events and the availability of American Rebel Beer, please visit americanrebelbeer.com or follow us on our social media platforms (@americanrebelbeer).

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

    For more information about American Rebel Light Beer follow us on social media @AmericanRebelBeer.

    For more information, visit americanrebelbeer.com.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebel.com/investor-relations.

    Watch the American Rebel Story as told by our CEO Andy Ross visit The American Rebel Story

    Media Inquiries:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@Precisionpr.co
    917-280-7329

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our continued sponsorship of high profile events, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2025. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Global: Moving Notting Hill Carnival to Hyde Park would wrench it from the community and history at its heart

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maggie Inchley, Reader in Contemporary Theatre and Performance, Queen Mary University of London

    Shutterstock/JessicaGirvan

    Today’s Notting Hill Carnival, first held in its streets in 1966 when it was led by a Trinidadian steel band, is a glorious cultural blend. It’s a hotch-potch of traditions, music, dancing and food which commemorates the history of black British communities and integrates others.

    But the future of Notting Hill Carnival is now in doubt amid concerns that the event doesn’t have the funding to ensure the safety of attendees.

    One touted solution is to move the carnival to another location. Writing in the Guardian last year, retired black Met superintendent Leroy Logan recommended a more open space, such as Hyde Park. Policing would be far easier there, with walled boundaries removing escape routes for potential “trouble makers”.

    But holding the carnival in Hyde Park could alter the way that the carnival is enjoyed in ways that would be fundamental to the community it comes from.

    My research in creative performance with communities explores the joy that comes from participating in events and activities that celebrate our collective strengths and differences. I look at the important issues of lived experiences and cultural heritage in events like Carnival.


    This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.


    The Russian philosopher Mikhail Bakhtin (1895-1975) wrote of a “carnival sense of the world”. For Bakhtin, carnival was an unleashing of energies, in which hierarchies disappeared, and people were free to mix with each other.

    For his critics, the liberating energy that Bakhtin describes can be too easily co-opted to dominant cultures, especially where carnival can be made to serve the market’s insatiable appetite. While the democratising dynamics of carnival are valuable, it is also important to consider the particular histories and places in which its traditions and practices have developed. Even joy is contingent on place and context.

    The Notting Hill Carnival is currently free to over 1.5 million visitors. Controlling access would severely contract its size and almost certainly lead to commercial exploitation, reducing its renowned inclusivity.

    What’s more, the right to be publicly seen and heard carries intense symbolic significance for the Caribbean community. This is profoundly important in the wake of the 2018 Windrush scandal, in which the government tried to remove many black citizens who had lawfully lived and worked in Britain for decades under the terms of the British Nationality act of 1948.




    Read more:
    Unravelling the Windrush myth: the confidential government communications that reveal authorities did not want Caribbean migrants to come to Britain


    Many of this Windrush generation, a large number of whom lived in Notting Hill and north Kensington, made a huge contribution to the rebuilding of the British economy, having been invited to the country in the wake of the second world war. In their daily lives however, they suffered racism and harassment which undermined the right they had to make their homes as British citizens.

    The history of the carnival

    It is important to recognise that the sights and sounds of the Notting Hill Carnival are tied to the history of black people’s displacement and exploitation by white enslavers and colonialists. An exuberant street presence is a culturally distinctive statement of resistance and heritage.

    Author Dan Hancox has written about the fact that enslaved people in the Caribbean were not permitted to take part in the European colonialists’ Mardis Gras balls.

    Crowds at the Notting Hill Carnival.
    Shutterstock/Turgut Cetinkaya

    In 18th century Trinidad, a ritual called Cannes Brulees (sugarcane burning), in which sticks were used to perform the rhythms of African drumming, reconnected these transplanted peoples with their places of origin, and sounded an act of resistance.

    Liberation is still enacted today in the right to make music and dance through the streets. Interviewed by Hancox in 2023, CEO of the Notting Hill Carnival Trust, Matthew Philip, pointed to the significance of the newly emancipated black presence in Trinidad’s streets, from which they had been banned by their colonial masters, and their joyful mockery of the white governing class.

    Any considerations of safety at the Notting Hill Carnival must also consider how – despite this exuberantly joyful community celebration of black diasporic culture – the event has been commonly portrayed as a flash-point of racial tensions.

    Social geographer Peter Jackson has pointed to the racialised media representation of “black youth” after unrest in 1976, during which carnival goers clashed violently with a heavy police presence.

    Steve McQueen’s 2020 drama Mangrove portrayed the tensions with the police in the 1970s. In a notable scene outside Trinidadian immigrant Frank Crichlow’s restaurant, the film captured the combination of resistance and joy expressed in West Indian music and dancing. Crichlow was part of the Mangrove Nine, the group of black activists who were tried in 1971 at the Old Bailey for inciting a riot, after repeated police raids on Crichlow’s restaurant.

    The trailer for Mangrove.

    The group’s acquittal was an important milestone in the history of the rights of black people to live and work without harassment in the London area they were trying to make their home under difficult conditions.

    When West Indian migrants came to Notting Hill they were housed in slum conditions. They were charged extortionate rents, often in dilapidated properties once built for the wealthy. Having lived through this and built a thriving community, black residents have in recent decades been forced to move out following the area’s “regentrification”. The trend again points to the displacement of black and working class populations, this time at the housing market’s convenience.

    To relocate the carnival from the streets of Notting Hill would risk continuing these histories of displacement of black communities, and ignore the huge symbolic significance of street celebration to black people in Britain and beyond.

    Unquestionably, the government must act in the interest of public safety. As it considers the best ways to protect attendees, it will no doubt also assess the carnival’s considerable social and economic benefits

    To guarantee these, officials must work with communities whose heritage and citizenship is bound up with the carnival. They need to balance issues of safety with those of access and heritage, and with the need to express a joy that emerges not entirely spontaneously, but from long and complex histories of displacement, relocation and resistance.

    Maggie Inchley 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. Moving Notting Hill Carnival to Hyde Park would wrench it from the community and history at its heart – https://theconversation.com/moving-notting-hill-carnival-to-hyde-park-would-wrench-it-from-the-community-and-history-at-its-heart-259587

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI Global: Learning German has many benefits for young people – and it’s not as hard as its reputation suggests

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sascha Stollhans, Professor of Language Education and Linguistics, University of Leeds

    Marienplatz, Munich. frantic00/Shutterstock

    As the government is exploring a new EU youth mobility scheme and working towards a renewed association with the Erasmus+ programme, a world of opportunity may be opening up once again for young people in the UK. Studying or working abroad is not just an enriching experience – it’s a powerful step towards building intercultural competence and a successful career in today’s globalised world.

    The German-speaking countries are among Europe’s most influential cultural and political forces and have therefore been an attractive destination for young Brits. And learning German could be the gateway to a period of cultural immersion.

    Learning a language has many professional, cultural and intellectual benefits. With almost 100 million first-language speakers across several countries, German is one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe. Germany is not just Europe’s largest economy but also the third largest economy in the world. Knowing German can give you a competitive edge with employers and even boost your salary prospects.

    More than that, learning a language gives you unique insights into different cultures, societies and perspectives, as new research on learning German that I have carried out with colleagues shows. It helps you look beneath the surface and connect with people on a deeper level.


    No one’s 20s and 30s look the same. You might be saving for a mortgage or just struggling to pay rent. You could be swiping dating apps, or trying to understand childcare. No matter your current challenges, our Quarter Life series has articles to share in the group chat, or just to remind you that you’re not alone.

    Read more from Quarter Life:


    Understanding German also enriches your cultural experiences, as you will be able to enjoy German-language literature, philosophy, music, film and TV – all in their original form. Of course it will also be useful if you are planning to travel, study or work in a German-speaking country.

    While there are all these benefits, German is sometimes thought of as a difficult language to learn. However, there are many reasons why it’s not actually as hard as some may think.

    Shared roots with English

    German and English both belong to the Germanic language family and have a shared history. This means that there are many “cognates” (words that are historically related and therefore similar). These are often easy to guess for English speakers, particularly once you are familiar with some of the patterns.

    Can you read it?
    travelview/Shutterstock

    You can probably work out what the German words “Apfel” and “Pfeffer” mean (apple and pepper). In cognates, German pf and ff often correspond to a p sound in English. Some knowledge of the history of languages can help learners spot (and explain) these patterns and identify cognates more easily. This is one of the many reasons why my colleagues and I have been arguing that all language learners should be introduced to some basics of linguistics, the scientific study of language.

    It gets easier

    German grammar sometimes has the reputation to be particularly complicated. It can’t be denied that it can be challenging at times, and unfamiliar grammatical concepts in any language can take a while to get your head around.

    The interesting thing about German grammar is that it is quite “frontloaded”. This means that learners will encounter many of those challenging new concepts – such as grammatical gender, cases and some specific word order rules – right at the beginning. You need to understand these basics to a certain extent to be able to produce even quite simple sentences.

    It is worth persevering, though, as German grammar gets easier further down the line. German tenses, for example, are quite straightforward. Whereas in English we differentiate between “she read”, “she has read”, and “she was reading”. There is only one form to learn in German: “sie hat gelesen”.

    Similarly, when it comes to pronunciation, there are some sounds in German that will be unfamiliar to English speakers to start with, such as the “umlaute” ä, ö and ü, and the ways in which ch and r are pronounced. It takes some practice to master these. However, the correspondence between spelling and pronunciation is much more predictable and consistent in German than it is in English.

    Take, for example, the different ways to pronounce -ough in the words “through”, “thorough” and “tough”. Such examples can be really challenging for learners of English. You won’t find such tricky differences in German.

    German has a word for it

    German is famous for its long words. These often consist of two or more words joined together to create a new compound word. While compounds are fascinating in themselves, they also tend to be very descriptive, which can be helpful for language learners.

    For example, if you know the words for “sick” (“krank”) and “house” (“Haus”), you basically know the word for “hospital” too (and you can definitely guess its meaning when you encounter it): “Krankenhaus”. And could you work out that “Spielzeug” (literally “play stuff”) means “toy”?

    Learning a language is never without its difficulties, and German is no exception. However, my experience of teaching German at British universities has shown me that German is much more accessible to English speakers than some might think.

    Many people enjoy the intellectual challenge of learning a new language and find it a highly rewarding experience, and it may be a gateway to some time spent in a German-speaking country. So give it a go, and don’t let the thought of learning German cause you any angst!

    Sascha Stollhans 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. Learning German has many benefits for young people – and it’s not as hard as its reputation suggests – https://theconversation.com/learning-german-has-many-benefits-for-young-people-and-its-not-as-hard-as-its-reputation-suggests-253263

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI: Highest Payout Online Casino 2025 from WildCasino: Announcing the Latest Crypto & Bitcoin Online Casinos for Big Wins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Willemstad, Curaçao, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The online casino industry is entering a bold new era in 2025, thanks to the explosive growth of digital currencies and cutting-edge gaming technology. 

    Today, Wild Casino proudly announces its position as the premier destination for players seeking the highest payouts, seamless cryptocurrency integration, and a world-class gaming experience.

    With a strong commitment to innovation and player-centric features, Wild Casino is revolutionizing the way enthusiasts enjoy online gambling. 

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    Wild Casino’s launch signals a new benchmark for security, fairness, and entertainment in the online gaming landscape. View Wild Casino High Payout Casino Latest Promotions

    Players now have the opportunity to maximize their winnings while enjoying the convenience and anonymity that only crypto-friendly platforms can provide.

    For those eager to experience the future of online gambling—where big wins and next-level privacy go hand in hand—Wild Casino is leading the way in 2025.

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    Online casinos have changed a lot in recent years, but few have managed to stand out the way Wild Casino does in 2025. 

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    If you’re searching for a casino that pays well and welcomes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins, Wild Casino might just be your new favorite.

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    What Makes a High Payout Online Casino?

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    The growing popularity of real money online casinos that support cryptocurrencies is no coincidence. Crypto and Bitcoin casinos are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for players seeking convenience, privacy, and speed. One of the most significant advantages is how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds. Unlike traditional payment methods—which often require days to process online casino payouts—crypto transactions are usually completed within minutes, getting your winnings to you faster.

    Security and privacy are other major draws. Many of the best payout online casinos that accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies require minimal personal information. This lets you enjoy your favorite online casino games while keeping your identity and financial details secure. Additionally, crypto payments are typically free from the high fees associated with bank cards and wire transfers.

    Another benefit is accessibility—players from all over the world can join in, regardless of their local banking regulations. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies eliminates the need to worry about regional restrictions or currency conversion hassles, making the gaming experience at real money casinos smoother and more inclusive.

    Ultimately, if you’re looking for a modern, efficient, and player-friendly way to enjoy high RTP games, crypto and Bitcoin casinos are among the very highest paying online casinos available today.

    How to Choose the Best Paying Online Casinos for Crypto and Bitcoin

    With so many casino sites and offshore online casinos available in 2025, finding the best paying online casino for your real money gaming can feel overwhelming. The first step is to make sure the platform is fully licensed and operates where online casinos are legal. This ensures your chosen casino is committed to fair play, transparency, and player protection, providing you with a safe online casino experience.

    Variety is another key factor. The top online casino platforms offer a robust selection of the best online casino games, including high RTP online slots, table games, and live dealer games. If you want to maximize your chances for big wins, always check the RTP and look for the best payout casino games—these titles consistently return more to players and are a hallmark of any best paying online casino.

    Bonuses and promotions can greatly enhance your experience and bankroll. Look for casino sites that provide generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and exclusive offers for crypto users. The best online casino brands often reward Bitcoin or Ethereum deposits with extra perks like free spins or reload bonuses, giving real money online players even more value.

    Payment methods are also crucial when evaluating payout online options. The best online casino sites support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast, secure, and private deposits and withdrawals. Quick and reliable payout online processes are especially important for real money online casino fans who want immediate access to their winnings.

    Customer support is another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. Reputable casino sites provide 24/7 assistance via live chat or email, ensuring you can get help with anything from bonuses to payout online questions. Finally, always check player reviews and independent ratings to confirm the casino delivers the best online casino experience and that the online casino pays out winnings promptly and fairly.

    Wild Casino: A Top Online Casino for High Payouts and Crypto Gaming

    When it comes to the best paying online casinos for crypto and Bitcoin in 2025, Wild Casino is earning widespread recognition as a top online casino and a leader in the industry. Wild Casino is fully licensed and compliant with all regulations, so you can play with confidence knowing you’re at a site where online casinos are legal and player safety is a priority.

    Wild Casino’s game selection is second to none, offering hundreds of real money online slots, classic table games, and an impressive range of live dealer games. Whether you love spinning the reels or taking a seat at a real-time blackjack table, you’ll find some of the best payout casino games available. This platform is especially popular for its consistently high RTP rates, giving players a real shot at substantial returns. With so many best online casino games to choose from, there’s something for every type of player.

    Crypto enthusiasts will appreciate how easy Wild Casino makes it to deposit, play, and withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other digital currencies. Not only are crypto transactions fast and secure, but the casino’s payout online process is remarkably efficient—winners often receive their funds within hours. This commitment to speedy payouts is a big reason why so many real money online players choose Wild Casino as their go-to destination.

    Bonuses are another strong point. New players can take advantage of generous welcome offers, especially when depositing with crypto, while regulars enjoy reload bonuses, free spins, and special tournament rewards. These online casino bonuses give everyone more chances to play and win.

    Customer support is available 24/7 and the site is fully optimized for mobile, so you can enjoy the best online casino experience from anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to real money casinos, Wild Casino makes it easy to enjoy the best paying online casino games, fast payouts, and first-class support—all in a secure, crypto-friendly environment.

    How to Maximize Your Winnings at High Payout Online Casinos

    If you want to make the most out of your experience at high payout online casinos like Wild Casino, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, always take the time to review game RTP percentages. Focus on slots and table games with the highest payout rates to tilt the odds in your favor. Blackjack, for example, is known for its favorable odds when played with the right strategy.

    Take full advantage of the casino’s bonuses and promotions. Welcome bonuses, reload offers, and free spins can significantly boost your bankroll and extend your playtime. However, always read the terms and conditions to understand wagering requirements and withdrawal limits associated with these offers.

    Effective bankroll management is key to sustainable gambling. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, regardless of how hot or cold your streak is. This disciplined approach ensures you never bet more than you can afford to lose and helps you enjoy your gaming sessions without stress.

    Don’t overlook progressive jackpot games, which can offer life-changing payouts. While the odds of hitting a massive jackpot are slim, someone has to win eventually—and it might just be you. Lastly, stay informed. Casinos like Wild Casino often run special promotions, tournaments, and events. Participating in these can give you extra chances to win big and add an extra layer of excitement to your experience.

    Safety, Security, and Fair Play in Crypto Casinos

    Playing at a reputable crypto casino like Wild Casino comes with a host of safety and security benefits. The platform uses state-of-the-art SSL encryption to protect all transactions and personal data, ensuring your information is never at risk. Many games at Wild Casino are independently audited for fairness, and the results are published for maximum transparency.

    Fair gaming is another advantage of crypto casinos. This technology leverages blockchain to allow players to verify the randomness and fairness of each game outcome. It’s a level of transparency rarely matched by traditional online casinos and is a big reason why so many players trust platforms like Wild Casino.

    Responsible gambling is also a priority. Wild Casino offers various tools to help players stay in control, including deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support organizations. If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, these resources are there to help you get back on track.

    Don’t Miss Out—Claim Your Welcome Bonus and Explore Wild Casino’s Latest High Payout Games Now!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the highest payout percentage available at online casinos?
    Some games at Wild Casino feature RTPs as high as 98% or more, particularly certain slots and table games. Always check each game’s info to find the best odds.

    Are crypto casinos legal and safe?
    Wild Casino is fully licensed and adheres to strict regulatory standards, making it both legal (where online gambling is allowed) and safe to play at.

    How do I deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin?
    Simply register at Wild Casino, navigate to the cashier section, and select Bitcoin as your payment method. The site provides clear instructions for both deposits and withdrawals, and most transactions are processed almost instantly.

    Can I play anonymously at Wild Casino?
    While some basic information is required to comply with licensing regulations, Wild Casino allows you to play with a high degree of privacy, particularly when using cryptocurrencies.

    High Payout Online Casinos Summary

    The future of online gambling shines brightly in 2025, with high payout crypto casinos like Wild Casino leading the way. 

    Embracing digital currencies, offering top-notch games with excellent RTPs, and prioritizing player security, Wild Casino delivers a superior gaming experience. 

    By choosing the right casino, focusing on high payout games, and playing responsibly, you can maximize your chances for big wins and enjoy all the excitement that online gambling has to offer. 

    If you’re ready to explore the best in crypto gaming, Wild Casino is your ticket to big wins and a world-class casino adventure.

    Media Contact: Alan Jarvis

    Project name : Wild Casino

    Company Website: https://wild-casino.live/

    Email: support@wild-casino.live

    Phone: (08) 8326 3976

    Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

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    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Highest Payout Online Casino 2025 from WildCasino: Announcing the Latest Crypto & Bitcoin Online Casinos for Big Wins

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Willemstad, Curaçao, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    The online casino industry is entering a bold new era in 2025, thanks to the explosive growth of digital currencies and cutting-edge gaming technology. 

    Today, Wild Casino proudly announces its position as the premier destination for players seeking the highest payouts, seamless cryptocurrency integration, and a world-class gaming experience.

    With a strong commitment to innovation and player-centric features, Wild Casino is revolutionizing the way enthusiasts enjoy online gambling. 

    By embracing popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Wild Casino empowers players with lightning-fast transactions, enhanced privacy, and access to a new generation of high payout games. 

    This marks a significant leap forward for players who demand both excitement and the opportunity for substantial wins. 

    Wild Casino’s launch signals a new benchmark for security, fairness, and entertainment in the online gaming landscape. View Wild Casino High Payout Casino Latest Promotions

    Players now have the opportunity to maximize their winnings while enjoying the convenience and anonymity that only crypto-friendly platforms can provide.

    For those eager to experience the future of online gambling—where big wins and next-level privacy go hand in hand—Wild Casino is leading the way in 2025.

    Wild Casino 2025: Where High Payouts Meet the Crypto Revolution

    Online casinos have changed a lot in recent years, but few have managed to stand out the way Wild Casino does in 2025. 

    Unlock Exclusive Promotions—Sign Up Now and Play Top Bitcoin Casino Games for Big Wins!

    This is a site that truly puts players first, whether you’re spinning the reels for fun or looking to cash in big. 

    What really sets Wild Casino apart is its commitment to high payouts and a seamless crypto-friendly experience. 

    If you’re searching for a casino that pays well and welcomes Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital coins, Wild Casino might just be your new favorite.

    Crypto-Friendly Banking: Fast, Private, and Stress-Free

    • A Home for Crypto Gamblers Wild Casino has embraced cryptocurrencies like few others in the industry. Not only can you make deposits and withdrawals using major coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, but the process is refreshingly simple. It’s clear the team behind Wild Casino understands what crypto users want: speed, privacy, and flexibility.
    • Quick and Convenient Transactions One of the biggest gripes players have with online casinos is how long it can take to cash out. That’s not a problem here. Crypto deposits show up almost instantly, and withdrawals are processed within hours—sometimes even faster. You also avoid a lot of the fees and red tape that come with traditional payment methods.
    • Keeping Your Details Private Another perk of using crypto at Wild Casino is the added layer of privacy. While the casino complies with licensing regulations and collects the basic info, using digital currencies means you don’t have to share sensitive banking details. For many players, that peace of mind is priceless.

    Ready for Huge Wins? Start Playing at Wild Casino, the Leading Crypto Casino of 2025!

    High Payouts: More Money Back in Your Pocket

    Generous RTP Across the Board

    Let’s talk about what most players care about: payouts. Wild Casino is known for offering games with some of the highest Return to Player (RTP) percentages around. Whether you’re spinning slots or playing blackjack, you’ll find plenty of options with RTPs in the 96–98% range. Over time, that can make a real difference in your bankroll.

    A Game Library That Delivers

    There’s no shortage of choice here. Wild Casino’s lineup includes hundreds of slots, dozens of table games, and a truly impressive live dealer section. Slot fans can chase big progressive jackpots or stick with classic games, while table game lovers will appreciate the variety of blackjack, roulette, and baccarat on offer. The live casino brings the excitement of a real casino floor right to your screen, and it’s all optimized for mobile if you prefer to play on the go.

    Bonuses and Promotions: Crypto Players Get Extra Love

    Welcome Offers That Stand Out

    If you’re new to Wild Casino, you’re in for a treat. The welcome bonus is especially generous for those depositing with crypto, often giving you a bigger match or extra spins compared to regular payment methods. It’s a great way to get started with a boosted bankroll.

    Regular Rewards for Loyal Players

    Wild Casino doesn’t forget about you after your first deposit, either. There are plenty of reload bonuses, ongoing promotions, and tournaments to keep things interesting. Crypto users sometimes get access to exclusive deals, so it pays to keep an eye on the promo page.

    User Experience: Smooth Sailing on Any Device

    Easy to Navigate

    It’s clear Wild Casino has put thought into its website design. Everything from signing up to finding your favorite games is straightforward. The site is responsive, loads quickly, and works just as well on your phone or tablet as it does on a desktop.

    Support When You Need It

    Customer support is available 24/7 through live chat and email. The team is friendly and helpful, which is always reassuring if you ever hit a snag or have a question about your account.

    Security, Fairness, and Responsible Gaming

    Licensed, Audited, and Transparent

    Wild Casino operates with a proper gaming license and has its games independently audited for fairness. This means you can play knowing the odds are real and the outcomes are random. Security is also a top priority, with SSL encryption protecting your personal and financial data at all times.

    Commitment to Safe Play

    Responsible gambling isn’t just a buzzword here. Wild Casino provides tools for setting deposit limits, taking breaks, or self-excluding if you ever need to. There’s also plenty of information for those seeking help, showing a genuine commitment to player wellbeing.

    Is Wild Casino Worth a Try in 2025?

    If you’re looking for a casino that combines high payouts with a modern, crypto-friendly approach, Wild Casino ticks all the boxes. Fast and private banking, generous bonuses, a wide selection of games, and a trustworthy reputation make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced players. Whether you’re hoping to win big or just want a fun, secure place to play, Wild Casino is one of the best options out there in 2025. Give it a spin—you might just find your new favorite gaming home.

    What Makes a High Payout Online Casino?

    When we talk about the highest paying online casinos, we’re referring to platforms that consistently offer players better odds and bigger returns on their bets. The main factor to look for is the Return to Player (RTP) percentage, which measures how much of the money wagered on online casino games is paid back to players over time. For example, if a slot machine boasts a 97% RTP, it means that, on average, $97 of every $100 wagered is returned to players.

    This is why finding the best payout online casino is so important for anyone who wants to maximize their wins. Higher RTPs translate to more favorable online casino payouts and a greater chance of success, especially when playing for real money. Whether you prefer spinning slots, trying your luck at the blackjack tables, or joining a live dealer game, choosing a casino known for high payout rates can make your gaming sessions more rewarding and stretch your bankroll further.

    Real money online casinos that prioritize transparent RTPs and fair gaming are the ones that attract savvy players. These casinos also tend to offer attractive online casino bonuses and a wide selection of real money casino games, giving you even more opportunities to play and win.

    Why Play at a Crypto or Bitcoin Online Casino?

    The growing popularity of real money online casinos that support cryptocurrencies is no coincidence. Crypto and Bitcoin casinos are rapidly becoming the go-to choice for players seeking convenience, privacy, and speed. One of the most significant advantages is how quickly you can deposit and withdraw funds. Unlike traditional payment methods—which often require days to process online casino payouts—crypto transactions are usually completed within minutes, getting your winnings to you faster.

    Security and privacy are other major draws. Many of the best payout online casinos that accept Bitcoin or other digital currencies require minimal personal information. This lets you enjoy your favorite online casino games while keeping your identity and financial details secure. Additionally, crypto payments are typically free from the high fees associated with bank cards and wire transfers.

    Another benefit is accessibility—players from all over the world can join in, regardless of their local banking regulations. The decentralized nature of cryptocurrencies eliminates the need to worry about regional restrictions or currency conversion hassles, making the gaming experience at real money casinos smoother and more inclusive.

    Ultimately, if you’re looking for a modern, efficient, and player-friendly way to enjoy high RTP games, crypto and Bitcoin casinos are among the very highest paying online casinos available today.

    How to Choose the Best Paying Online Casinos for Crypto and Bitcoin

    With so many casino sites and offshore online casinos available in 2025, finding the best paying online casino for your real money gaming can feel overwhelming. The first step is to make sure the platform is fully licensed and operates where online casinos are legal. This ensures your chosen casino is committed to fair play, transparency, and player protection, providing you with a safe online casino experience.

    Variety is another key factor. The top online casino platforms offer a robust selection of the best online casino games, including high RTP online slots, table games, and live dealer games. If you want to maximize your chances for big wins, always check the RTP and look for the best payout casino games—these titles consistently return more to players and are a hallmark of any best paying online casino.

    Bonuses and promotions can greatly enhance your experience and bankroll. Look for casino sites that provide generous welcome bonuses, ongoing promotions, and exclusive offers for crypto users. The best online casino brands often reward Bitcoin or Ethereum deposits with extra perks like free spins or reload bonuses, giving real money online players even more value.

    Payment methods are also crucial when evaluating payout online options. The best online casino sites support a wide range of cryptocurrencies, ensuring fast, secure, and private deposits and withdrawals. Quick and reliable payout online processes are especially important for real money online casino fans who want immediate access to their winnings.

    Customer support is another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. Reputable casino sites provide 24/7 assistance via live chat or email, ensuring you can get help with anything from bonuses to payout online questions. Finally, always check player reviews and independent ratings to confirm the casino delivers the best online casino experience and that the online casino pays out winnings promptly and fairly.

    Wild Casino: A Top Online Casino for High Payouts and Crypto Gaming

    When it comes to the best paying online casinos for crypto and Bitcoin in 2025, Wild Casino is earning widespread recognition as a top online casino and a leader in the industry. Wild Casino is fully licensed and compliant with all regulations, so you can play with confidence knowing you’re at a site where online casinos are legal and player safety is a priority.

    Wild Casino’s game selection is second to none, offering hundreds of real money online slots, classic table games, and an impressive range of live dealer games. Whether you love spinning the reels or taking a seat at a real-time blackjack table, you’ll find some of the best payout casino games available. This platform is especially popular for its consistently high RTP rates, giving players a real shot at substantial returns. With so many best online casino games to choose from, there’s something for every type of player.

    Crypto enthusiasts will appreciate how easy Wild Casino makes it to deposit, play, and withdraw using Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and other digital currencies. Not only are crypto transactions fast and secure, but the casino’s payout online process is remarkably efficient—winners often receive their funds within hours. This commitment to speedy payouts is a big reason why so many real money online players choose Wild Casino as their go-to destination.

    Bonuses are another strong point. New players can take advantage of generous welcome offers, especially when depositing with crypto, while regulars enjoy reload bonuses, free spins, and special tournament rewards. These online casino bonuses give everyone more chances to play and win.

    Customer support is available 24/7 and the site is fully optimized for mobile, so you can enjoy the best online casino experience from anywhere. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to real money casinos, Wild Casino makes it easy to enjoy the best paying online casino games, fast payouts, and first-class support—all in a secure, crypto-friendly environment.

    How to Maximize Your Winnings at High Payout Online Casinos

    If you want to make the most out of your experience at high payout online casinos like Wild Casino, there are a few strategies you can employ. First, always take the time to review game RTP percentages. Focus on slots and table games with the highest payout rates to tilt the odds in your favor. Blackjack, for example, is known for its favorable odds when played with the right strategy.

    Take full advantage of the casino’s bonuses and promotions. Welcome bonuses, reload offers, and free spins can significantly boost your bankroll and extend your playtime. However, always read the terms and conditions to understand wagering requirements and withdrawal limits associated with these offers.

    Effective bankroll management is key to sustainable gambling. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it, regardless of how hot or cold your streak is. This disciplined approach ensures you never bet more than you can afford to lose and helps you enjoy your gaming sessions without stress.

    Don’t overlook progressive jackpot games, which can offer life-changing payouts. While the odds of hitting a massive jackpot are slim, someone has to win eventually—and it might just be you. Lastly, stay informed. Casinos like Wild Casino often run special promotions, tournaments, and events. Participating in these can give you extra chances to win big and add an extra layer of excitement to your experience.

    Safety, Security, and Fair Play in Crypto Casinos

    Playing at a reputable crypto casino like Wild Casino comes with a host of safety and security benefits. The platform uses state-of-the-art SSL encryption to protect all transactions and personal data, ensuring your information is never at risk. Many games at Wild Casino are independently audited for fairness, and the results are published for maximum transparency.

    Fair gaming is another advantage of crypto casinos. This technology leverages blockchain to allow players to verify the randomness and fairness of each game outcome. It’s a level of transparency rarely matched by traditional online casinos and is a big reason why so many players trust platforms like Wild Casino.

    Responsible gambling is also a priority. Wild Casino offers various tools to help players stay in control, including deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support organizations. If you ever feel that your gambling is becoming problematic, these resources are there to help you get back on track.

    Don’t Miss Out—Claim Your Welcome Bonus and Explore Wild Casino’s Latest High Payout Games Now!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    What is the highest payout percentage available at online casinos?
    Some games at Wild Casino feature RTPs as high as 98% or more, particularly certain slots and table games. Always check each game’s info to find the best odds.

    Are crypto casinos legal and safe?
    Wild Casino is fully licensed and adheres to strict regulatory standards, making it both legal (where online gambling is allowed) and safe to play at.

    How do I deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin?
    Simply register at Wild Casino, navigate to the cashier section, and select Bitcoin as your payment method. The site provides clear instructions for both deposits and withdrawals, and most transactions are processed almost instantly.

    Can I play anonymously at Wild Casino?
    While some basic information is required to comply with licensing regulations, Wild Casino allows you to play with a high degree of privacy, particularly when using cryptocurrencies.

    High Payout Online Casinos Summary

    The future of online gambling shines brightly in 2025, with high payout crypto casinos like Wild Casino leading the way. 

    Embracing digital currencies, offering top-notch games with excellent RTPs, and prioritizing player security, Wild Casino delivers a superior gaming experience. 

    By choosing the right casino, focusing on high payout games, and playing responsibly, you can maximize your chances for big wins and enjoy all the excitement that online gambling has to offer. 

    If you’re ready to explore the best in crypto gaming, Wild Casino is your ticket to big wins and a world-class casino adventure.

    Media Contact: Alan Jarvis

    Project name : Wild Casino

    Company Website: https://wild-casino.live/

    Email: support@wild-casino.live

    Phone: (08) 8326 3976

    Scharlooweg 39, Willemstad, Curaçao

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Nerve Calm: Exploring the Science and Safety Behind a Popular Natural NerveCalm Supplement

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BOCA RATON, FL, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In 2025, the conversation around nerve health is changing. Once seen as a niche concern limited to aging adults or those with severe physical injuries, nerve discomfort is now understood as a growing issue with broader implications for stress management, lifestyle health, and aging wellness. Amidst this shift, one product is making quiet but measurable strides: Nerve Calm.

    As its name suggests, Nerve Calm is built around a singular mission—supporting calmer, more resilient nerve function through scientifically informed, natural means. As millions of individuals report experiences with tingling sensations, sharp discomfort in extremities, and general nerve sensitivity, this supplement is emerging as a thoughtful response to a rising need.

    What Is Nerve Calm?

    Nerve Calm is a nutraceutical formula developed to promote neurological wellness, especially in cases involving nerve overactivity, age-related degeneration, or inflammation-linked sensitivity. Unlike conventional nerve medications, which may involve dependency or numb broad nerve pathways, Nerve Calm offers a natural, non-pharmaceutical alternative.

    The formula contains carefully selected bioactive compounds that work together to support calm nerve signaling, ease physical tension, and encourage circulation to nerve-rich tissues—particularly in the hands, feet, lower back, and neck.

    Built for daily use, Nerve Calm targets the root systems of nerve dysfunction, aiming to support the body’s inherent capacity to repair and rebalance itself. This includes modulating inflammation, improving nerve insulation, and providing essential micronutrients for neurological resilience.

    Why Modern Lifestyles May Be Harming Nerve Health

    According to official website, In today’s hyper-connected world, the average adult spends more hours seated, staring at screens, and consuming processed foods than ever before. This shift has quietly taken a toll—not only on cardiovascular health and metabolism but also on the nervous system. Repetitive postures, nutrient-depleted diets, chronic inflammation, and constant digital stimulation are emerging as key contributors to nerve-related discomfort and dysfunction.
    Poor circulation, blood sugar instability, and vitamin deficiencies—especially B-vitamins—can lead to compromised nerve signaling over time. What once seemed like occasional tingling or fatigue may gradually evolve into persistent burning sensations, numbness, or unexplained nerve sensitivity.
    Compounding this challenge is the body’s natural aging process, which slows down cellular repair and heightens vulnerability to oxidative stress. These modern pressures accelerate wear and tear on nerve pathways, even among individuals without a clinical diagnosis.
    This is where Nerve Calm enters the conversation—not as a reactionary treatment, but as a proactive solution. Its formula was developed to address the root causes of modern nerve stress, replenishing nutrients, reducing inflammation, and supporting neurological resilience in the face of daily strain. In short, Nerve Calm responds to a modern problem with a modern, natural answer.

    How Nerve Calm Works

    Nerve Calm works by influencing several critical mechanisms of nerve health:

    1. Reducing Neuroinflammation: Chronic inflammation is one of the top contributors to nerve discomfort. Nerve Calm includes anti-inflammatory compounds such as turmeric extract (standardized to curcumin) and alpha-lipoic acid that may help ease pressure on irritated nerve endings.
    2. Supporting Myelin Regeneration: Healthy nerves are coated in a protective layer called myelin. Deficiencies in B-vitamins—especially B1 (thiamine), B6, and B12—can lead to myelin breakdown. Nerve Calm supplies these nutrients in bioavailable forms to assist with restoration and conduction efficiency.
    3. Enhancing Circulation: Poor blood flow can reduce nutrient delivery to nerve tissues. Nerve Calm includes botanicals that promote microcirculation, helping improve oxygen and nutrient access to peripheral nerves.
    4. Balancing Nervous System Activity: Adaptogens like passionflower and feverfew support stress resilience and help modulate the body’s stress response, which can otherwise intensify nerve signal sensitivity.

    By addressing these areas simultaneously, Nerve Calm creates an environment that promotes long-term nerve comfort, rather than masking symptoms.

    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    Science Behind Its Key Ingredients

    Every ingredient in NerveCalm has been selected based on clinical studies and peer-reviewed research in neurology and integrative medicine. Some of the standout components include:

    • Corydalis yanhusuo: A staple of traditional Chinese medicine, Corydalis has been shown to modulate nerve signaling pathways and help ease mild neuropathic symptoms—a natural, historically grounded option for nerve calming.
    • Marshmallow Root (Althaea officinalis): Rich in soothing mucilage, this botanical forms a gentle barrier around irritated nerve tissues and supports inflammatory response regulation.
    • California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): Traditionally used as a nerve tonic, studies suggest it aids in relaxation without heavy sedation—helping promote restorative nerve balance.
    • Prickly Pear Extract (Opuntia spp.): A powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize oxidative stress around nerve fibers, protecting against environmental and metabolic wear.
    • Passionflower Extract: Linked to increased GABA and mild nervous-system relaxation, it provides gentle support to overstimulated nerves as part of the fast-acting complex.
    • Magnesium Glycinate: Known for its bioavailable, gut-friendly form, magnesium aids healthy nerve conduction and muscular relaxation—crucial for overall nerve comfort. 

    By combining these ingredients, NerveCalm delivers a multi-phase, science-backed strategy: it soothes, shields, and supports nerves—promoting gradual restoration and lasting calm without relying on pharmaceuticals.

    Who Created Nerve Calm?

    As per official website getnervecalm.com, The development of NerveCalm was guided by a multidisciplinary team of specialists in nutritional neuroscience, integrative health, and herbal pharmacology. According to the brand’s internal sources, the formula emerged from a two-year development process that analyzed over 300 studies on nerve function, neuroinflammation, and supplement-based nerve recovery.

    Nerve Calm’s parent company operates under a wellness philosophy rooted in three principles:

    • Clinical integrity: Only evidence-supported ingredients make the final formulation.
    • Clean formulation: Free from synthetic fillers, stimulants, and common allergens.
    • Accessibility: Designed to be easy to use, even for aging populations with limited mobility or complex medication schedules.

    The team’s collective mission was simple but impactful: to offer an over-the-counter solution that aligns with the body’s natural systems, without side effects that could interfere with daily life.

    How to Use It Safely

    Nerve Calm is formulated for once- or twice-daily use, depending on the individual’s need and physician recommendations. The capsules are:

    • Easy to swallow
    • Free of stimulants and sedatives
    • Safe to take with or without food

    The company advises users to take Nerve Calm consistently for 30 to 90 days to experience the full spectrum of its benefits. This timeframe allows for cumulative absorption of the nutrients and herbs, supporting gradual but stable improvement.

    Individuals already using prescription medications for nerve discomfort should consult their healthcare provider to ensure there are no interactions. However, because Nerve Calm is stimulant-free and based on nutrients with GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, it integrates easily with most wellness plans.

    Visit Official Website To get More Information

    Expert Insights on Nerve Support

    Medical and naturopathic experts have long emphasized the importance of nerve maintenance—particularly after age 40, when cellular renewal begins to slow. According to Dr. Karen Meyer, a nutritional neurologist and board-certified integrative practitioner:

    “Many of my patients with nerve discomfort are surprised to learn how nutrient deficiencies, unmanaged stress, and even blood sugar imbalance can affect nerve signaling. Supplements like Nerve Calm, which combine anti-inflammatory agents with B-complex vitamins, offer an approach that supports both short-term relief and long-term nerve wellness.”

    Her perspective reflects a broader shift in clinical practice—one where natural, preventive interventions are being used alongside (or in place of) pharmaceutical approaches, especially for milder to moderate cases.

    Real-World Applications for Adults 40+

    Adults over the age of 40 make up the majority of Nerve Calm’s user base—and for good reason. This is the demographic most commonly affected by nerve-related issues such as:

    • Peripheral tingling in hands and feet
    • Postural nerve compression from sedentary work
    • Age-related nerve degeneration
    • Lingering nerve sensitivity after injury or surgery

    Many users have also reported benefits related to mobility, grip strength, and improved comfort during nighttime rest—times when nerve discomfort is often at its peak. For those in physically demanding professions, such as tradespeople or nurses, Nerve Calm also offers ongoing maintenance support after long hours of movement and strain.

    Safety, Manufacturing, and Quality Control

    As per official website getnervecalm.com, From a safety standpoint, Nerve Calm is formulated under strict manufacturing protocols. Each capsule is produced in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility in the United States, ensuring consistency and regulatory compliance.

    Key safety measures include:

    • Third-party lab testing for purity and potency
    • Non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly sourcing
    • No artificial preservatives or chemical binders

    Moreover, the product is shelf-stable for 18–24 months and comes in recyclable packaging with clear usage instructions, making it both eco-conscious and user-friendly.

    The absence of known allergens, soy, or dairy makes Nerve Calm widely suitable for most dietary restrictions, while its lack of sedating ingredients ensures it won’t interfere with work, driving, or cognitive clarity.

    Where to Buy Nerve Calm in 2025

    As of mid-2025, Nerve Calm is available exclusively through the official website. This direct-to-consumer model was adopted to maintain pricing integrity and reduce the risk of counterfeit products—a growing concern in the supplement space.

    Each order is backed by a satisfaction guarantee and ships in discreet packaging. Bulk orders, monthly subscriptions, and single-bottle purchases are all supported, with discounts for first-time users and bundled options for long-term plans.

    The company recommends avoiding third-party marketplaces to ensure authenticity and ingredient quality. Counterfeit or expired products sold on unauthorized sites may not match clinical safety standards or batch test requirements.

    Nerve Calm and Sleep: Supporting Restorative Regeneration

    Nighttime is when the nervous system repairs and resets. Yet, for many experiencing nerve discomfort, sleep is when symptoms peak—resulting in restless legs, tingling hands, or jolts of pain that disrupt deep rest.
    Nerve Calm’s botanical adaptogens and anti-inflammatory nutrients may help calm nighttime nerve agitation, promoting better-quality sleep without drowsiness or medication hangovers.
    Its support for blood flow and oxygen delivery also complements the body’s natural nocturnal repair cycles, making it a wellness ally for those seeking regenerative rest.

    Closing Thought: A Quiet Evolution in Nerve Support

    Nerve Calm’s rise isn’t marked by celebrity endorsements or aggressive advertising. Instead, its strength lies in the quiet endorsement of those who use it—older adults reclaiming restful nights, professionals easing daily discomfort, and wellness practitioners recommending it as a safe alternative to aggressive interventions.

    As the landscape of neurological self-care continues to evolve, the success of Nerve Calm speaks to a broader cultural and scientific movement. One that values precision nutrition, natural support, and respectful integration with the body’s own healing capabilities.

    In a world where overstimulation and chronic stress affect nearly every system, Nerve Calm offers something rare: a supplement that works in harmony with the nervous system rather than against it.

    For more information, educational content, and direct purchasing, visit the official Nerve Calm website.

    Contact: NerveCalm

    4700 NW BOCA RATON BLVD 202 – BOCA RATON FL 33431

    Phone: 1-302-496-4906

    International Order Phone Support: +44 1704 320405

    Order Support – support@beneonature.com

    Websitehttps://getnervecalm.com/

    Legal Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. Readers should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problem or condition. Individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, medication, or health program.

    While the content in this article has been carefully researched and reviewed, no guarantee is given regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk. The publisher, authors, and syndication partners assume no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content or for any consequences arising from its use.

    The product discussed in this article, NerveCalm, is a dietary supplement intended to support overall wellness. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

    This article may contain views and opinions which do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or its affiliates. All products or services referred to are presented without any warranty of any kind, either express or implied.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Easy Tribal Loans for Bad Credit with Guaranteed Approval By Loans At Last

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Loans at Last, a trusted name in alternative online lending, has officially unveiled its Tribal Loans for Bad Credit Guaranteed Approval service — a specialized loan product aimed at supporting Americans with limited or poor credit histories. With a focus on easy approval, fast funding, and no teletrack checks, this new offering empowers financially vulnerable individuals to access emergency cash when traditional options fall short.

    >>See If You Qualify for a Tribal Payday Loans – Apply Today >>

    “When life hits hard, credit scores shouldn’t stand in the way,” said Alicia Moreno, Head of Consumer Lending at Loans at Last. “Our tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval option allows people to get the help they need without being judged by their past.”

    Why Tribal Loans for Bad Credit Are Changing the Game

    In today’s economic climate, millions of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck. For those with bad credit, getting approved for emergency funding can be a challenge. Loans at Last bridges this gap by working with licensed tribal direct lenders who can legally offer tribal payday loans and installment loans outside conventional lending restrictions.

    Unlock $255 Emergency Cash with No Credit Check – Start Here >>

    With no credit check tribal loans and guaranteed approval, the process is simple, fast, and designed for urgent needs such as medical bills, car repairs, or rent.

    Key Features of Loans at Last Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    • Guaranteed Approval: Qualifying is based on income—not credit score—ensuring access for borrowers with bad or no credit.
    • No Teletrack, No Hard Pulls: Choose tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval no teletrack for a smooth application without impacting your credit.
    • Easy Online Application: Apply in under 5 minutes with minimal paperwork through a mobile-optimized platform.
    • Same-Day Processing: Many borrowers receive funds in their accounts within 24 hours of approval.
    • Flexible Repayment Terms: Select between tribal payday loans and tribal installment loans for bad credit direct lenders, based on your cash flow.

    Empowering Borrowers Through Tribal Lending Partnerships

    Unlike traditional banks, tribal lenders operate under sovereign tribal law, which allows them to offer more flexible lending practices. Loans at Last partners only with trusted tribal loans no credit check direct lender networks, ensuring every borrower experiences transparency, privacy, and fairness.

    With options like the easiest tribal loans to get and easy tribal loans for bad credit, Loans at Last gives hope to people who’ve been turned away elsewhere.

    Tribal Loans for Bad Credit: Who Qualifies?

    These loans are especially beneficial for:

    • Individuals with a credit score below 600
    • Those with no traditional credit history
    • Borrowers seeking tribal installment loans for bad credit direct lenders
    • People needing emergency loans without hard checks or in-person visits

    “We designed this with real people in mind—those who’ve faced hardship, not because of poor choices, but because of life’s unpredictability,” added Moreno. “Everyone deserves a second chance.”

    Transparent, Responsible Lending Built on Trust

    Loans at Last believes in financial clarity. Before borrowers accept any offer, they receive:

    • A clear breakdown of loan terms, repayment schedules, and total costs
    • Access to budgeting tools and repayment calculators
    • Support from a U.S.-based customer service team that respects your time and privacy

    Security is paramount: all applicant data is encrypted using bank-level protections, ensuring safe transactions from start to finish.

    Beyond $255: Guaranteed Tribal Loans Up to $1,500

    While many tribal loan providers offer short-term amounts, Loans at Last expands its guaranteed tribal loans bad credit portfolio to include advances up to $1,500 for those who qualify. These tribal installment loans feature longer terms and lower monthly payments, offering more manageable financial solutions without the trap of constant rollovers.

    About Loans at Last

    Loans at Last is a U.S.-based online lending facilitator committed to helping underserved Americans access short-term tribal and non-tribal lending solutions with speed, fairness, and security. By partnering with tribal loans no credit check direct lenders, the platform empowers borrowers with bad credit to rebuild their financial stability through transparent loan products and consumer-first policies.

    Disclaimer:
    Loans at Last is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. All loan approvals, rates, and terms are determined by third-party tribal direct lenders based on their underwriting guidelines. Same-day funding is not guaranteed and is subject to lender processing timelines. Borrow responsibly.

    Project Name: Loans At Last
    Registered Office Address: 1095 Sugar View Dr Ste 500 Sheridan, WY 82801
    Company Website: https://loansatlast.com/
    Email: smith@loansatlast.com
    Phone: 307-777-7311
    Contact person name: Smith
    contact person email: smith@loansatlast.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    • Date:2025-06-20
    • Data Source:Department of European Affairs

    June 20, 2025  

    No. 216  

    On the afternoon of June 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung took a delegation of journalists from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to visit the cast of Zeelandia, a Taiwan original musical. Minister Lin spoke about Taiwan’s leading technology and rich culture and expressed hope that the cultural activities being held as part of the 2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe would help the nations of Europe see a side of Taiwan other than technology.

     

    In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had partnered with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum (NPM) to put together the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. In September and November, pieces from the NPM collection would be exhibited in the Czech Republic and France, respectively, he stated, while other performing arts activities would be held across Europe. Minister Lin continued by expressing hope that this would help European nations better understand Taiwan’s rich culture. He stressed that while Taiwan was a technology island, it was also a culture island that married cultural assets with a creative spirit, which would be highlighted by the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. 

     

    The minister then explained that the events were being held under the banner “From Tech to Culture, Taiwan Leads the Future,” while the logo for the event was inspired by Roman columns and bore the word Taiwan symbolizing an IC design. Minister Lin said that this was an expression of how Taiwan and Europe were inextricably linked via cultural exchanges. 

     

    Musical cast members then led Minister Lin and the visiting journalists in singing a traditional Siraya song to experience for themselves the beauty of Taiwan’s culture. The musical Zeelandia takes as its backdrop Fort Zeelandia in the 17th century. The performance tells the story of how the cultures of Han, Siraya, and Dutch people came together, underscoring the unbreakable cultural and historical bonds linking Taiwan and Europe. The musical is being performed from June 20 to 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center. 

     

    In the future, MOFA will continue to promote cultural diplomacy to highlight Taiwan’s core values of freedom, openness, and inclusion. It will use culture as a bridge linking Taiwan to the world’s democracies, so as to jointly encourage the greater cultural flowering of free and democratic societies. (E) 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI: GL Advances High-Speed Multi-Port Ethernet Testing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GL Communications Inc., a global leader in telecom testing solutions, addressed the press regarding their multi-port testing for high-speed network environments. As networks continue to grow in speed and complexity, the ability to test multiple ports simultaneously becomes essential. GL’s PacketExpert™ 100G enables testing across several high-speed Ethernet ports in parallel. This allows network engineers to verify performance and reliability more efficiently, while also saving space and reducing equipment needs in labs and production setups.

    [Refer to packetexpert100g-multiport.jpg]

    Vijay Kulkarni, CEO of GL Communications, states, “GL’s PacketExpert™ 100G is a scalable, multi-functional network testing appliance for comprehensive Ethernet and IP testing at speeds up to 100 Gbps. It integrates a high-performance PC with specialized NICs, GL’s PacketExpert™ software, and optimized hardware for processing, storage, and cooling. The system supports 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, 50 Gbps, and 100 Gbps Ethernet ports, with up to eight ports capable of simultaneous wirespeed traffic generation and reception.”

    A web-based interface allows multiple users to remotely access and control devices, enabling centralized management of large multi-port test setups. Python scripting further enhances efficiency by enabling repeatable, scalable, and fully remote execution of complex test scenarios.

    Multi-port testing is essential to validate that devices with multiple high-speed ports can simultaneously handle diverse traffic streams at full line rate without errors or degradation—ensuring reliable, high-density performance in real-world environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G supports flexible multi-port configurations using dual 100G ports with breakout cables and adapters. A single 100G port can be split into four 25G ports via a QSFP28 to 4 × SFP28 cable (4 x 25G), while a 40G port can be split into four 10G ports using a QSFP to 4 × SFP+ cable (4 x 10G), enabling simultaneous multi-rate testing without additional hardware.

    [Refer to Port Settings for 4 x 25G Mode and Port Settings for 4 x 10G Mode]

    In 4 × 25G or 4 × 10G modes, PacketExpert™ 100G activates four independent ports (Port 1 to Port 4) for concurrent Ethernet interface testing. This setup reduces device and cable requirements, saves rack space, and boosts efficiency in lab and production environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G supports up to eight 100G ports in a 4U rack-mount chassis using multiple network interface cards, enabling extensive multi-port scalability. It performs Bit Error Rate Testing (BERT) and RFC 2544 throughput and latency measurements on up to 8 ports for 100G, 50G, 40G, and 1G, and up to 16 ports for 10G and 25G. The platform handles up to 128 unique streams (16 per port), scalable to 256 streams for 10G and 25G, allowing comprehensive ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564) service activation testing.

    With flexible multi-rate port breakout, high-density scalability, and wide stream support, PacketExpert™ 100G is a critical tool for validating multi-port Ethernet performance in demanding network environments.

    The solution offers a full suite of test applications from physical to transport layers. These include Bit Error Rate Testing for verifying physical link integrity, Smart Loopback Testing for quick link verification, RFC 2544 for standardized benchmarking of throughput, packet loss, latency, and burst performance, ExpertSAM™ (ITU-T Y.1564) for validating SLAs across multiple streams, and Multi-Stream Traffic Generator and Analyzer (MTGA) for simulating and monitoring real-world traffic. These applications support testing across Layer 2 (Ethernet), Layer 2.5 (VLAN or MPLS), Layer 3 (IPv4 or IPv6), and Layer 4 (UDP), ensuring networks are fully prepared for high-speed, multi-service deployments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G provides advanced support for SyncE, enabling precise clock synchronization validation in high-speed Ethernet networks. It continuously monitors the incoming clock’s Quality Level using background heartbeat messages and instantly flags any degradation—crucial for time-sensitive applications like mobile backhaul, data centers, and industrial networks.

    Using Precision Time Protocol (PTP), PacketExpert™ 100G synchronizes accurately with the network’s master clock, ensuring proper time alignment across devices. This is essential for timing-critical tests such as RFC 2544 latency and ExpertSAM™ SLA validation, delivering reliable and repeatable delay and jitter measurements in complex Ethernet and IP environments.

    PacketExpert™ 100G includes robust Python APIs for automation and regression testing, ideal for continuous integration workflows. Users can remotely configure ports, run tests like BERT, RFC 2544, and Y.1564, and collect results programmatically. The platform supports parallel test execution across multiple ports and devices (1G to 100G), with real-time result monitoring and alerting—ensuring fast, repeatable, and fully automated validation of high-speed Ethernet networks.

    [Refer to Multi-port Python Script]

    About GL Communications Inc.,

    GL Communications is a global provider of telecom test and measurement solutions. GL’s solutions verify the quality and reliability of Wireless, Fiber Optic, TDM and Analog networks.

    Warm Regards,

    Vikram Kulkarni, PhD

    Phone: 301-670-4784 x114

    Email: info@gl.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin accompanies European press delegation to experience Taiwan’s culture, promotes Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe

    Date:2025-06-20
    Data Source:Department of European Affairs

    June 20, 2025  
    No. 216  

    On the afternoon of June 19, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung took a delegation of journalists from the Czech Republic, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to visit the cast of Zeelandia, a Taiwan original musical. Minister Lin spoke about Taiwan’s leading technology and rich culture and expressed hope that the cultural activities being held as part of the 2025 Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe would help the nations of Europe see a side of Taiwan other than technology.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) had partnered with the Ministry of Culture and the National Palace Museum (NPM) to put together the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. In September and November, pieces from the NPM collection would be exhibited in the Czech Republic and France, respectively, he stated, while other performing arts activities would be held across Europe. Minister Lin continued by expressing hope that this would help European nations better understand Taiwan’s rich culture. He stressed that while Taiwan was a technology island, it was also a culture island that married cultural assets with a creative spirit, which would be highlighted by the Taiwan Cultural Year in Europe. 
     
    The minister then explained that the events were being held under the banner “From Tech to Culture, Taiwan Leads the Future,” while the logo for the event was inspired by Roman columns and bore the word Taiwan symbolizing an IC design. Minister Lin said that this was an expression of how Taiwan and Europe were inextricably linked via cultural exchanges. 
     
    Musical cast members then led Minister Lin and the visiting journalists in singing a traditional Siraya song to experience for themselves the beauty of Taiwan’s culture. The musical Zeelandia takes as its backdrop Fort Zeelandia in the 17th century. The performance tells the story of how the cultures of Han, Siraya, and Dutch people came together, underscoring the unbreakable cultural and historical bonds linking Taiwan and Europe. The musical is being performed from June 20 to 29 at the Taipei Performing Arts Center. 
     
    In the future, MOFA will continue to promote cultural diplomacy to highlight Taiwan’s core values of freedom, openness, and inclusion. It will use culture as a bridge linking Taiwan to the world’s democracies, so as to jointly encourage the greater cultural flowering of free and democratic societies. (E) 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: AI-Generated Scams Claim 62% More Victims Year-Over-Year Despite Declining Consumer Concern, New Sift Report Reveals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sift, the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses, today released its Q2 2025 Digital Trust Index, revealing a troubling disconnect between consumer confidence and actual vulnerability to AI-generated fraud. The report exposes a dangerous “confidence paradox” where scam sophistication is outpacing consumer awareness, creating unprecedented risks for businesses and their customers.

    The Confidence Paradox: When Familiarity Breeds Vulnerability

    Despite growing familiarity with GenAI, the data reveals a concerning trend: 27% of those targeted by GenAI have been successfully scammed, a 62% increase from 2024. This surge occurs even as consumer concern about AI fraud has dropped significantly—from 79% in 2024 to just 61% today, an 18-point decrease that signals dangerous complacency.

    Scam sophistication is outpacing consumer defenses. According to the Sift-commissioned survey, 70% of consumers say scams have become harder to detect in the past year. Yet paradoxically, overall fear of AI-powered fraud is declining, creating a perfect storm for cybercriminals.

    Generational Divide: Digital Natives Most at Risk

    The report reveals a striking generational paradox. Gen Z and Millennials—the demographics most comfortable with AI technology—report the highest confidence in identifying scams (52% and 44%, respectively) yet are successfully victimized at alarming rates (30% and 23%). In contrast, Gen X and Baby Boomers express lower confidence (30% and 13%) but demonstrate more cautious online behavior, resulting in lower scam success rates (19% and 12%).

    Enterprise Risk: Consumer Data Practices Expose Businesses

    Beyond individual fraud, the report uncovers significant enterprise security risks. Despite widespread privacy concerns, 31% of consumers admit to entering personal or sensitive information into GenAI tools. Among this group, the most commonly shared data includes email addresses (55%), phone numbers (49%), home addresses (44%), and financial information (33%). Most alarmingly, 14% admitted to sharing company trade secrets, creating dual exposure for both individuals and their employers.

    Behavioral Patterns Reveal Cybercriminal Operations

    Analysis of Sift’s Global Data Network, which processes over 1 trillion events annually, reveals distinct behavioral signatures that differentiate fraudsters from legitimate users. Key findings include:

    • Fraudsters use 36% more payment methods than legitimate users
    • Criminal networks employ 20% fewer IP addresses, suggesting coordinated operations
    • Peak fraud activity occurs during late-night hours (10 p.m. to 5 a.m. local time) when many fraud teams are offline


    The Business Imperative

    “AI-generated scams and deepfakes are proliferating with speed and concerning sophistication, leaving even the most informed consumers at risk,” said Kevin Lee, SVP of Customer Experience, Trust & Safety at Sift. “Businesses must fight fire with fire—using AI to secure identity trust at every customer touchpoint, which ultimately creates better consumer experiences, mitigates fraud, and fosters profitable growth.”

    The full findings from Sift’s Q2 2025 Digital Trust Index are available here

    About Sift
    Sift is the AI-powered fraud platform delivering identity trust for leading global businesses. Our deep investments in machine learning and user identity, a data network scoring 1 trillion events per year, and a commitment to long-term customer success empower more than 700 customers to grow fearlessly. Brands including DoorDash, Yelp, and Poshmark rely on Sift to unlock growth and deliver seamless consumer experiences. Visit us at sift.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact:
    Victor White
    VP, Corporate Marketing, Sift
    press@sift.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple Sports serves up tennis, just in time for Wimbledon

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Sports serves up tennis, just in time for Wimbledon

    June 25, 2025

    UPDATE

    Apple Sports serves up tennis, just in time for Wimbledon

    The free iPhone app is also introducing a brand-new personalized home experience for fans

    Apple Sports — the free app for iPhone that gives sports fans access to real-time scores, stats, and more, delivered with speed and simplicity — today added tennis to its growing list of supported sports.

    Tennis fans can access live scores for Grand Slam® and 1000-level tournaments, and can track every point across all men’s and women’s singles matches, beginning with Wimbledon. Fans can stay updated on a player’s progress throughout the tournament, with live scores delivered incredibly fast in the same way fans have been loving from Apple Sports, plus get results from every match from the first round through the finals. Fans can follow all of the action as the tournament and season unfolds.

    With Live Activities, Apple Sports delivers real-time updates directly to a user’s iPhone Lock Screen and Apple Watch.1 Game Card Sharing lets fans share their excitement for any matchup across all supported leagues.

    Today, Apple Sports also introduced a brand-new home experience, making it easier than ever for fans to personalize and follow their favorite teams and leagues. Events and matchups are now grouped by league, with intuitive controls for fans to set their preferred order, ensuring their top leagues appear first. Favorite teams always appear at the top, giving fans instant access to the scores and updates they care about the most.

    About Apple Sports Apple Sports gives fans a simple and fast way to stay up to speed on the teams and leagues they love. Designed for speed and simplicity, the app’s personalized experience puts users’ favorite leagues and teams front and center, featuring an easy-to-use interface designed by Apple. Users can customize their scoreboards on Apple Sports by following their favorite teams, tournaments, and leagues. Fans can easily navigate between scores and upcoming games, explore play-by-play information and lineup details, and tap to go to the Apple TV app to watch live games from Apple and connected streaming apps.2 Apple Sports also seamlessly syncs with favorites selected within the My Sports experience, including in the Apple TV app and Apple News. Apple Sports is available to download in the App Store in the U.S., the UK, and Canada. Availability and features may vary by country, region, or device. Apple Sports is free to use and is available for all iPhone models running iOS 17.2 or later.

    1. To get Live Activities, fans must be on compatible Apple devices running iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.
    2. A subscription is required for some services. Availability and content may vary by country or region.

    Press Contacts

    Olivia DeJesse

    Apple

    oliviad_22@apple.com

    Sam Citron

    Apple

    citron@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Discover Sask Parks: June 25 – July 9

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 25, 2025

    Visitors can enjoy an entire summer of camping, glamping, hiking and fun at the lake in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. There is also engaging family programming scheduled throughout the week.

    Take a moment to create new memories and experience nature to the fullest. Here are a few special events occurring over the next two weeks; all are free with a valid Park Entry Permit:   

    Canada Day

    July 1, many parks

    11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    Celebrate Canada Day in Sask Parks! Have fun in the sun and join park interpreters for lawn games, fun crafts, scavenger hunts and sweet treats throughout the day. 

    Many Saskatchewan Provincial Parks are hosting Canada Day festivities.

    Discover participating parks.

    SaskExpress: Lost in a Musical

    Welcome SaskExpress back as they embark on a five-park tour with a new musical showcase, Lost in a Musical. Join the SaskExpress cast from 2 to 3:30 p.m. before each show for their Workshop in the Park and learn a song and dance to perform with the cast during the show from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

    July 4, Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

    July 5, Greenwater Lake Provincial Park.

    July 6, Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park.

    July 11, Great Blue Heron Provincial Park.

    July 12, Good Spirit Lake Provincial Park.

    July 13, Pike Lake Provincial Park.

    Echo Lake Plywood Regatta and Waterfest

    July 5, Echo Valley Provincial Park

    10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

    Teams of four people will build a boat from plywood and race along the mighty waters of Echo Lake competing against other teams to see who can be the first to cross the finish line. While teams prepare for the race, visitors can participate in more than 50 activities and demonstrations that will be on the shore and on the water.

    Learn more.

    Trade Days

    July 12, Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park

    1 to 5 p.m.

    Step back in time and experience life at Fort Carlton Provincial Historic Park. Join park interpreters in exploring the daily life of fur trappers and traders, experience Indigenous cultural presentations and more!

    Learn more.

    There are many other things to do and see in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. Visit the Sask Parks Event Calendar to find all events and programs.

    Make memories close to home this summer in Saskatchewan Provincial Parks. To book a campsite, visit: SaskParks.com.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man found guilty of murdering a teenage boy in Hainault sword attack

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who attacked a schoolboy with a sword and injured police as they bravely pursued him in Hainault has been convicted of murder.

    Daniel Anjorin was just 14 when he was murdered in the street in the brutal rampage in April last year, which also saw several members of the public and two Met Police officers seriously injured.

    Following a complex investigation by Met homicide detectives, Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37 (11.04.88) of Satanita Close, Canning Town, appeared for a trial which started on Tuesday, 3 June and lasted for just over three weeks.

    At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 June, Monzo was found guilty of seven offences, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (having been cleared of the more serious count of attempted murder), aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

    Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the East Area where this incident happened, said outside court this afternoon:

    “The horrific events on 30 April last year in Hainault sent shockwaves through our community and had a devastating and lasting impact on so many.

    “First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin – a talented, gentle, bright young man. A much-loved son and brother, brutally murdered simply walking to school at what should have been the start of a normal day at the start of a promising life.

    “Marcus Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill a number of people.

    “It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack.

    “A number of other local people were also attacked, seriously injured and threatened that day – and I would like to acknowledge their bravery and resilience in giving evidence in this case.

    ”As we heard in court, police officers and paramedics were on the scene within minutes of Monzo assaulting Daniel.

    “I am in no doubt that the actions of those officers who arrived to pursue and attempt to detain Monzo saved lives and prevented more harm.

    “I commend them for their extraordinary bravery – some setting out to deal with that call before their shift had even begun.

    “PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield bravely pursued Monzo through a series of alleyways while he was armed with a sword.

    “The injuries Monzo inflicted on her were brutal and life-changing.

    “Inspector Moloy Campbell was also seriously injured while attempting to detain Monzo.

    “These officers are a credit to the Metropolitan Police Service and we continue to support them during their recovery.

    “Many officers on scene that day put their lives on the line and put their duty to protect others above their own personal safety.

    “This is what our police officers do every day and they deserve our respect and admiration – we should never take this for granted.

    “This has been an incredibly complex investigation and our detectives have been meticulous, compassionate and professional throughout.

    “We thank the witnesses who were no doubt terrified by the harrowing scenes and who have made a vital contribution to our investigation.

    “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay my respects to Daniel’s family.

    “There are no words, really, to express how sorry we are for your loss or how much admiration we have for your courage and dignity.

    “It is hard to comprehend the unimaginable pain that you must have suffered in the last year.

    “I can only hope today’s verdict brings some semblance of justice and relief, and you are now able to grieve in some peace.

    “Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

    The series of brutal attacks started at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 with the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man as he was walking to work from Hainault station.

    Police started receiving reports at 06:52hrs that a van had collided with the fence of a house in Thurlow Gardens and that someone had been stabbed.

    Officers were on the scene within minutes.

    CCTV would later show Monzo deliberately driving a grey van into his first victim, catapulting him into a nearby garden.

    Monzo pursued the man, slashing him in the neck with a Samurai sword before he bravely escaped.

    Monzo then turned his attention to innocent schoolboy Daniel who was walking down the quiet, residential street he lived on.

    He was wearing his school sports clothes, backpack and headphones and had just waved goodbye to his mother.

    Daniel was attacked by Monzo from behind just after 07:00hrs, moments after police had started receiving reports of the earlier collision.

    Later during the investigation, police would gather witness statements which would describe Monzo running up behind Daniel and swinging the sword towards him.

    Officers took further statements from witnesses who helped build a picture of the scene before emergency services arrived.

    Body worn video on officers showed them deploying PAVA incapacitant spray in the direction of Monzo, before PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was seen chasing him with a Taser down an alley, where he ruthlessly injured her.

    She suffered a fractured skull and life-changing injuries, including severe nerve damage.

    Monzo then gained entry to a family home, where a man was asleep with his wife and child, assaulting the father before running into a waiting group of officers outside.

    Several other officers continued their pursuit of the killer and brought the rampage to a close by Tasering him and recovering his sword within 22 minutes.

    Monzo was arrested at the scene.

    Police set up an extensive crime scene covering all six incidents, which were forensically examined across the route Monzo had run.

    Specialist officers were deployed to search the area, as well as photograph the scene and forensically lift key evidence, such as the Monzo’s van, where they found Daniel’s backpack.

    Officers conducted a search of Monzo’s home where they recovered two air pistols, and a number of mobile phones which were downloaded and reviewed.

    They also found a quantity of cannabis which the defence referenced as a factor in the defendant’s psychotic episodes, where he suffered schizophrenia-like symptoms.

    Detectives built enough evidence to charge Monzo on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

    He pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Katana Sword and possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Tanto Katana Sword at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 May.

    He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 27 June.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man found guilty of murdering a teenage boy in Hainault sword attack

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man who attacked a schoolboy with a sword and injured police as they bravely pursued him in Hainault has been convicted of murder.

    Daniel Anjorin was just 14 when he was murdered in the street in the brutal rampage in April last year, which also saw several members of the public and two Met Police officers seriously injured.

    Following a complex investigation by Met homicide detectives, Marcus Arduini Monzo, 37 (11.04.88) of Satanita Close, Canning Town, appeared for a trial which started on Tuesday, 3 June and lasted for just over three weeks.

    At the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 25 June, Monzo was found guilty of seven offences, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (having been cleared of the more serious count of attempted murder), aggravated burglary and possession of an offensive weapon.

    Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads policing in the East Area where this incident happened, said outside court this afternoon:

    “The horrific events on 30 April last year in Hainault sent shockwaves through our community and had a devastating and lasting impact on so many.

    “First in our thoughts is Daniel Anjorin – a talented, gentle, bright young man. A much-loved son and brother, brutally murdered simply walking to school at what should have been the start of a normal day at the start of a promising life.

    “Marcus Monzo set out that morning under the influence of cannabis, with a clear intention to kill a number of people.

    “It didn’t matter who they were and sadly, he targeted Daniel in a cowardly and brutal attack.

    “A number of other local people were also attacked, seriously injured and threatened that day – and I would like to acknowledge their bravery and resilience in giving evidence in this case.

    ”As we heard in court, police officers and paramedics were on the scene within minutes of Monzo assaulting Daniel.

    “I am in no doubt that the actions of those officers who arrived to pursue and attempt to detain Monzo saved lives and prevented more harm.

    “I commend them for their extraordinary bravery – some setting out to deal with that call before their shift had even begun.

    “PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield bravely pursued Monzo through a series of alleyways while he was armed with a sword.

    “The injuries Monzo inflicted on her were brutal and life-changing.

    “Inspector Moloy Campbell was also seriously injured while attempting to detain Monzo.

    “These officers are a credit to the Metropolitan Police Service and we continue to support them during their recovery.

    “Many officers on scene that day put their lives on the line and put their duty to protect others above their own personal safety.

    “This is what our police officers do every day and they deserve our respect and admiration – we should never take this for granted.

    “This has been an incredibly complex investigation and our detectives have been meticulous, compassionate and professional throughout.

    “We thank the witnesses who were no doubt terrified by the harrowing scenes and who have made a vital contribution to our investigation.

    “Finally, and most importantly, I would like to pay my respects to Daniel’s family.

    “There are no words, really, to express how sorry we are for your loss or how much admiration we have for your courage and dignity.

    “It is hard to comprehend the unimaginable pain that you must have suffered in the last year.

    “I can only hope today’s verdict brings some semblance of justice and relief, and you are now able to grieve in some peace.

    “Our thoughts remain with all those who have been impacted by this terrible incident.”

    The series of brutal attacks started at 06:45hrs on Tuesday, 30 April 2024 with the attempted murder of a 33-year-old man as he was walking to work from Hainault station.

    Police started receiving reports at 06:52hrs that a van had collided with the fence of a house in Thurlow Gardens and that someone had been stabbed.

    Officers were on the scene within minutes.

    CCTV would later show Monzo deliberately driving a grey van into his first victim, catapulting him into a nearby garden.

    Monzo pursued the man, slashing him in the neck with a Samurai sword before he bravely escaped.

    Monzo then turned his attention to innocent schoolboy Daniel who was walking down the quiet, residential street he lived on.

    He was wearing his school sports clothes, backpack and headphones and had just waved goodbye to his mother.

    Daniel was attacked by Monzo from behind just after 07:00hrs, moments after police had started receiving reports of the earlier collision.

    Later during the investigation, police would gather witness statements which would describe Monzo running up behind Daniel and swinging the sword towards him.

    Officers took further statements from witnesses who helped build a picture of the scene before emergency services arrived.

    Body worn video on officers showed them deploying PAVA incapacitant spray in the direction of Monzo, before PC Yasmin Mechem-Whitfield was seen chasing him with a Taser down an alley, where he ruthlessly injured her.

    She suffered a fractured skull and life-changing injuries, including severe nerve damage.

    Monzo then gained entry to a family home, where a man was asleep with his wife and child, assaulting the father before running into a waiting group of officers outside.

    Several other officers continued their pursuit of the killer and brought the rampage to a close by Tasering him and recovering his sword within 22 minutes.

    Monzo was arrested at the scene.

    Police set up an extensive crime scene covering all six incidents, which were forensically examined across the route Monzo had run.

    Specialist officers were deployed to search the area, as well as photograph the scene and forensically lift key evidence, such as the Monzo’s van, where they found Daniel’s backpack.

    Officers conducted a search of Monzo’s home where they recovered two air pistols, and a number of mobile phones which were downloaded and reviewed.

    They also found a quantity of cannabis which the defence referenced as a factor in the defendant’s psychotic episodes, where he suffered schizophrenia-like symptoms.

    Detectives built enough evidence to charge Monzo on Wednesday, 1 May 2024.

    He pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Katana Sword and possession of an offensive weapon with respect to a Tanto Katana Sword at the Old Bailey on Friday, 2 May.

    He will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 27 June.

    MIL Security OSI

  • MIL-OSI: Excelitas Appoints Lynn Swann to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PITTSBURGH, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Excelitas®, a leading provider of advanced, life-enriching technologies that make a difference, serving global market leaders in the life sciences, advanced industrial, next-generation semiconductor and avionics sectors, today announced the appointment of Lynn Swann to its Board of Directors.

    A celebrated business leader, broadcaster and former professional athlete, Swann brings a wealth of business acumen, leadership experience and public service to the role. He currently serves on the boards of Apollo Global Management, Inc. (NYSE:APO) and its retirement services subsidiary, Athene Holding, Ltd. He has previously served on the boards of Xylem Inc., Evoqua Water Technologies, Fluor Corporation, Caesars Entertainment, American Homes 4 Rent and H.J. Heinz Company. His addition to the Excelitas board underscores the company’s commitment to attracting accomplished, high-integrity leaders who bring diverse perspectives and proven governance experience to support its continued growth and innovation.

    “We are honored to welcome Lynn to the Excelitas Board,” said Ron Keating, President and CEO of Excelitas. “Lynn’s unique blend of leadership, integrity and public engagement aligns perfectly with our core values. His insights will be invaluable as we continue to expand our global footprint and deliver on our corporate purpose to Enrich Life and be Innovation Driven.”

    About Excelitas
    Excelitas is a leading provider of advanced, life-enriching technologies that make a difference, serving global market leaders in the life sciences, advanced industrial, next-generation semiconductor and avionics end markets. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, USA, Excelitas is an essential partner in the design, development and manufacture of advanced technologies, offering leading-edge innovation in sensing, detection, imaging, optics and specialty illumination for customers worldwide. Excelitas is at the forefront of addressing many of the relevant megatrends impacting the world today, including precision medicine, industrial automation, artificial intelligence and connected devices (IoT).

    Connect with Excelitas on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram, or visit our website at www.excelitas.com for more information.

    Excelitas® is a registered trademark of the Excelitas group of companies. All other products and services are either trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

    Contacts:
    Dan Brailer
    Vice President Investor Relations and Communications
    dan.brailer@excelitas.com
    +1 (412) 977- 2605

    Scott Orr 
    Senior Director of Global Marketing
    scott.orr@excelitas.com   
    +1 (781) 996-5925 

    Cheryl Reynhout or Jill Anderson
    On Behalf of Excelitas
    SVM Public Relations
    excelitas@svmmarcom.com
    +1 (401) 490-9700

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Checking in on New England fisheries 25 Years after ‘The Perfect Storm’ movie

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stephanie Otts, Director of National Sea Grant Law Center, University of Mississippi

    Filming ‘The Perfect Storm’ in Gloucester Harbor, Mass.
    The Salem News Historic Photograph Collection, Salem State University Archives and Special Collections, CC BY

    Twenty-five years ago, “The Perfect Storm” roared into movie theaters. The disaster flick, starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, was a riveting, fictionalized account of commercial swordfishing in New England and a crew who went down in a violent storm.

    The anniversary of the film’s release, on June 30, 2000, provides an opportunity to reflect on the real-life changes to New England’s commercial fishing industry.

    Fishing was once more open to all

    In the true story behind the movie, six men lost their lives in late October 1991 when the commercial swordfishing vessel Andrea Gail disappeared in a fierce storm in the North Atlantic as it was headed home to Gloucester, Massachusetts.

    At the time, and until very recently, almost all commercial fisheries were open access, meaning there were no restrictions on who could fish.

    There were permit requirements and regulations about where, when and how you could fish, but anyone with the means to purchase a boat and associated permits, gear, bait and fuel could enter the fishery. Eight regional councils established under a 1976 federal law to manage fisheries around the U.S. determined how many fish could be harvested prior to the start of each fishing season.

    Fishing has been an integral part of coastal New England culture since its towns were established. In this 1899 photo, a New England community weighs and packs mackerel.
    Charles Stevenson/Freshwater and Marine Image Bank

    Fishing started when the season opened and continued until the catch limit was reached. In some fisheries, this resulted in a “race to the fish” or a “derby,” where vessels competed aggressively to harvest the available catch in short amounts of time. The limit could be reached in a single day, as happened in the Pacific halibut fishery in the late 1980s.

    By the 1990s, however, open access systems were coming under increased criticism from economists as concerns about overfishing rose.

    The fish catch peaked in New England in 1987 and would remain far above what the fish population could sustain for two more decades. Years of overfishing led to the collapse of fish stocks, including North Atlantic cod in 1992 and Pacific sardine in 2015.

    As populations declined, managers responded by cutting catch limits to allow more fish to survive and reproduce. Fishing seasons were shortened, as it took less time for the fleets to harvest the allowed catch. It became increasingly hard for fishermen to catch enough fish to earn a living.

    Saving fisheries changed the industry

    In the early 2000s, as these economic and environmental challenges grew, fisheries managers started limiting access. Instead of allowing anyone to fish, only vessels or individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements would have the right to fish.

    The most common method of limiting access in the U.S. is through limited entry permits, initially awarded to individuals or vessels based on previous participation or success in the fishery. Another approach is to assign individual harvest quotas or “catch shares” to permit holders, limiting how much each boat can bring in.

    In 2007, Congress amended the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to promote the use of limited access programs in U.S. fisheries.

    Ships in the fleet out of New Bedford, Mass.
    Henry Zbyszynski/Flickr, CC BY

    Today, limited access is common, and there are positive signs that the management change is helping achieve the law’s environmental goal of preventing overfishing. Since 2000, the populations of 50 major fishing stocks have been rebuilt, meaning they have recovered to a level that can once again support fishing.

    I’ve been following the changes as a lawyer focused on ocean and coastal issues, and I see much work still to be done.

    Forty fish stocks are currently being managed under rebuilding plans that limit catch to allow the stock to grow, including Atlantic cod, which has struggled to recover due to a complex combination of factors, including climatic changes.

    The lingering effect on communities today

    While many fish stocks have recovered, the effort came at an economic cost to many individual fishermen. The limited-access Northeast groundfish fishery, which includes Atlantic cod, haddock and flounder, shed nearly 800 crew positions between 2007 and 2015.

    The loss of jobs and revenue from fishing impacts individual family income and relationships, strains other businesses in fishing communities, and affects those communities’ overall identity and resilience, as illustrated by a recent economic snapshot of the Alaska seafood industry.

    When original limited-access permit holders leave the business – for economic, personal or other reasons – their permits are either terminated or sold to other eligible permit holders, leading to fewer active vessels in the fleet. As a result, the number of vessels fishing for groundfish has declined from 719 in 2007 to 194 in 2023, meaning fewer jobs.

    A fisherman unloads a portion of his catch for the day of 300 pounds of groundfish, including flounder, in January 2006 in Gloucester, Mass.
    AP Photo/Lisa Poole

    Because of their scarcity, limited-access permits can cost upward of US$500,000, which is often beyond the financial means of a small businesses or a young person seeking to enter the industry. The high prices may also lead retiring fishermen to sell their permits, as opposed to passing them along with the vessels to the next generation.

    These economic forces have significantly altered the fishing industry, leading to more corporate and investor ownership, rather than the family-owned operations that were more common in the Andrea Gail’s time.

    Similar to the experience of small family farms, fishing captains and crews are being pushed into corporate arrangements that reduce their autonomy and revenues.

    Consolidation can threaten the future of entire fleets, as New Bedford, Massachusetts, saw when Blue Harvest Fisheries, backed by a private equity firm, bought up vessels and other assets and then declared bankruptcy a few years later, leaving a smaller fleet and some local business and fishermen unpaid for their work. A company with local connections bought eight vessels from Blue Harvest along with 48 state and federal permits the company held.

    New challenges and unchanging risks

    While there are signs of recovery for New England’s fisheries, challenges continue.

    Warming water temperatures have shifted the distribution of some species, affecting where and when fish are harvested. For example, lobsters have moved north toward Canada. When vessels need to travel farther to find fish, that increases fuel and supply costs and time away from home.

    Fisheries managers will need to continue to adapt to keep New England’s fisheries healthy and productive.

    One thing that, unfortunately, hasn’t changed is the dangerous nature of the occupation. Between 2000 and 2019, 414 fishermen died in 245 disasters.

    Stephanie Otts receives funding from the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program through the U.S. Department of Commerce. Previous support for fisheries management legal research provided by The Nature Conservancy.

    ref. Checking in on New England fisheries 25 Years after ‘The Perfect Storm’ movie – https://theconversation.com/checking-in-on-new-england-fisheries-25-years-after-the-perfect-storm-movie-255076

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Checking in on New England fisheries 25 Years after ‘The Perfect Storm’ movie

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stephanie Otts, Director of National Sea Grant Law Center, University of Mississippi

    Filming ‘The Perfect Storm’ in Gloucester Harbor, Mass.
    The Salem News Historic Photograph Collection, Salem State University Archives and Special Collections, CC BY

    Twenty-five years ago, “The Perfect Storm” roared into movie theaters. The disaster flick, starring George Clooney and Mark Wahlberg, was a riveting, fictionalized account of commercial swordfishing in New England and a crew who went down in a violent storm.

    The anniversary of the film’s release, on June 30, 2000, provides an opportunity to reflect on the real-life changes to New England’s commercial fishing industry.

    Fishing was once more open to all

    In the true story behind the movie, six men lost their lives in late October 1991 when the commercial swordfishing vessel Andrea Gail disappeared in a fierce storm in the North Atlantic as it was headed home to Gloucester, Massachusetts.

    At the time, and until very recently, almost all commercial fisheries were open access, meaning there were no restrictions on who could fish.

    There were permit requirements and regulations about where, when and how you could fish, but anyone with the means to purchase a boat and associated permits, gear, bait and fuel could enter the fishery. Eight regional councils established under a 1976 federal law to manage fisheries around the U.S. determined how many fish could be harvested prior to the start of each fishing season.

    Fishing has been an integral part of coastal New England culture since its towns were established. In this 1899 photo, a New England community weighs and packs mackerel.
    Charles Stevenson/Freshwater and Marine Image Bank

    Fishing started when the season opened and continued until the catch limit was reached. In some fisheries, this resulted in a “race to the fish” or a “derby,” where vessels competed aggressively to harvest the available catch in short amounts of time. The limit could be reached in a single day, as happened in the Pacific halibut fishery in the late 1980s.

    By the 1990s, however, open access systems were coming under increased criticism from economists as concerns about overfishing rose.

    The fish catch peaked in New England in 1987 and would remain far above what the fish population could sustain for two more decades. Years of overfishing led to the collapse of fish stocks, including North Atlantic cod in 1992 and Pacific sardine in 2015.

    As populations declined, managers responded by cutting catch limits to allow more fish to survive and reproduce. Fishing seasons were shortened, as it took less time for the fleets to harvest the allowed catch. It became increasingly hard for fishermen to catch enough fish to earn a living.

    Saving fisheries changed the industry

    In the early 2000s, as these economic and environmental challenges grew, fisheries managers started limiting access. Instead of allowing anyone to fish, only vessels or individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements would have the right to fish.

    The most common method of limiting access in the U.S. is through limited entry permits, initially awarded to individuals or vessels based on previous participation or success in the fishery. Another approach is to assign individual harvest quotas or “catch shares” to permit holders, limiting how much each boat can bring in.

    In 2007, Congress amended the 1976 Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to promote the use of limited access programs in U.S. fisheries.

    Ships in the fleet out of New Bedford, Mass.
    Henry Zbyszynski/Flickr, CC BY

    Today, limited access is common, and there are positive signs that the management change is helping achieve the law’s environmental goal of preventing overfishing. Since 2000, the populations of 50 major fishing stocks have been rebuilt, meaning they have recovered to a level that can once again support fishing.

    I’ve been following the changes as a lawyer focused on ocean and coastal issues, and I see much work still to be done.

    Forty fish stocks are currently being managed under rebuilding plans that limit catch to allow the stock to grow, including Atlantic cod, which has struggled to recover due to a complex combination of factors, including climatic changes.

    The lingering effect on communities today

    While many fish stocks have recovered, the effort came at an economic cost to many individual fishermen. The limited-access Northeast groundfish fishery, which includes Atlantic cod, haddock and flounder, shed nearly 800 crew positions between 2007 and 2015.

    The loss of jobs and revenue from fishing impacts individual family income and relationships, strains other businesses in fishing communities, and affects those communities’ overall identity and resilience, as illustrated by a recent economic snapshot of the Alaska seafood industry.

    When original limited-access permit holders leave the business – for economic, personal or other reasons – their permits are either terminated or sold to other eligible permit holders, leading to fewer active vessels in the fleet. As a result, the number of vessels fishing for groundfish has declined from 719 in 2007 to 194 in 2023, meaning fewer jobs.

    A fisherman unloads a portion of his catch for the day of 300 pounds of groundfish, including flounder, in January 2006 in Gloucester, Mass.
    AP Photo/Lisa Poole

    Because of their scarcity, limited-access permits can cost upward of US$500,000, which is often beyond the financial means of a small businesses or a young person seeking to enter the industry. The high prices may also lead retiring fishermen to sell their permits, as opposed to passing them along with the vessels to the next generation.

    These economic forces have significantly altered the fishing industry, leading to more corporate and investor ownership, rather than the family-owned operations that were more common in the Andrea Gail’s time.

    Similar to the experience of small family farms, fishing captains and crews are being pushed into corporate arrangements that reduce their autonomy and revenues.

    Consolidation can threaten the future of entire fleets, as New Bedford, Massachusetts, saw when Blue Harvest Fisheries, backed by a private equity firm, bought up vessels and other assets and then declared bankruptcy a few years later, leaving a smaller fleet and some local business and fishermen unpaid for their work. A company with local connections bought eight vessels from Blue Harvest along with 48 state and federal permits the company held.

    New challenges and unchanging risks

    While there are signs of recovery for New England’s fisheries, challenges continue.

    Warming water temperatures have shifted the distribution of some species, affecting where and when fish are harvested. For example, lobsters have moved north toward Canada. When vessels need to travel farther to find fish, that increases fuel and supply costs and time away from home.

    Fisheries managers will need to continue to adapt to keep New England’s fisheries healthy and productive.

    One thing that, unfortunately, hasn’t changed is the dangerous nature of the occupation. Between 2000 and 2019, 414 fishermen died in 245 disasters.

    Stephanie Otts receives funding from the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program through the U.S. Department of Commerce. Previous support for fisheries management legal research provided by The Nature Conservancy.

    ref. Checking in on New England fisheries 25 Years after ‘The Perfect Storm’ movie – https://theconversation.com/checking-in-on-new-england-fisheries-25-years-after-the-perfect-storm-movie-255076

    MIL OSI Analysis

  • MIL-OSI: Alectra Inc. recognized by Corporate Knights as one of Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. is ranked among Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens for 2025 by Corporate Knights, marking its seventh consecutive year on the list. Alectra placed second among transmission and distribution utilities and 11th overall in the annual ranking.

    The Best 50 Corporate Citizens list evaluates companies across up to 25 ESG indicators—ranging from carbon emissions and clean revenue to diversity and governance.

    “Being named one of Canada’s Best 50 Corporate Citizens for the seventh year in a row is an incredible honour,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “This recognition affirms Alectra’s ongoing commitment to making a measurable, positive contribution to the environment, our customers, and the communities we serve.”

    On June 13, Alectra released its Environmental, Social, and Governance report titled “Discovering the Possibilities”, showcasing significant progress toward its long-term sustainability goals while continuing to deliver reliable, affordable energy services to more than one million homes and businesses across Ontario.

    Key achievements include:

    • GHG Emissions Reduction: achieved a 21.1 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2023.
    • Grid Modernization: Invested $460 million in grid renewal and replacement projects to modernize the electricity grid.
    • Community Investments: Allocated $1.39 million through the AlectraCARES Community Support Program, supporting over 150 local health, housing and food security initiatives.

    For more information on the full methodology behind the Best 50 Corporate Citizens ranking, please visit https://www.corporateknights.com/issues/2025-06-best-50-issue/these-50-canadian-corporations-are-carving-out-a-more-sustainable-future/.

    For information on Alectra’s commitment to sustainability visit Alectra’s 2024 Sustainability Report here: alectra.com/annual-sustainability-report.

    About Alectra’s Family of Companies

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    Our mission is to be an energy ally, helping our customers and the communities we serve to discover the possibilities of tomorrow’s energy future.

    X: https://twitter.com/alectranews

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com |
    Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1-833-MEDIA-LN

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d05ed8e2-7d95-47b5-8b5b-afc27918e4d3

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: IdentiFlight Partners with Aerovantage to Offer AI-Driven Bird Protection in Chilean Wind Farms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOUISVILLE, Colo., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boulder Imaging has announced a strategic partnership with Aerovantage, the official distributor of IdentiFlight in Chile, to expand its global reach and enhance wildlife conservation within the wind energy sector. With a shared commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship, Aerovantage will spearhead Boulder Imaging’s deployments of IdentiFlight in Chile’s rapidly growing renewable energy industry.

    As Chile accelerates its transition to renewable energy, Aerovantage brings specialized expertise in environmental technology solutions, including bird detection systems, environmental monitoring, and sustainable engineering. This collaboration will advance the IdentiFlight mission to mitigate the impact of wind energy on biodiversity, with the system achieving 99 percent accuracy and reducing bird fatalities in wind farms by over 85 percent across 12 countries on five continents.

    “Chile’s commitment to renewable energy must go hand in hand with protecting its rich biodiversity,” said Ricardo Jorquera, President of Aerovantage. “Our country is home to unique and vulnerable bird species, and the growth of wind energy requires innovative conservation measures. Partnering with IdentiFlight to deploy these advanced systems in Chilean wind farms ensures that our renewable energy expansion is sustainable and responsible.”

    “Working with Aerovantage allows us to deliver innovative solutions that reflect our shared values of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Carlos Jorquera, Founder, CEO, and CTO of Boulder Imaging. “As someone with deep ties to Chile, this partnership carries special meaning for me. It is especially meaningful to see our technology contribute to the advancement of renewable energy and the protection of biodiversity in this region.”

    Developed by Boulder Imaging, IdentiFlight is a cutting-edge bird detection and informed shutdown-on-demand system designed to minimize the environmental impact of wind energy projects. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and optical sensor technology, IdentiFlight detects, identifies, and assesses risks to sensitive bird species, such as the Andean condor and the Chilean flamingo. If the system determines that a collision risk exceeds a predetermined threshold, IdentiFlight will trigger a temporary shutdown of impacted wind turbines, balancing energy production with environmental protection.

    The first IdentiFlight station in Chile is scheduled to be installed in 2025. This system has been trained to detect and identify over 100 bird species worldwide and plans to add 30 new species unique to South America by the end of the year.

    Join the Movement for Sustainable Wind Energy
    To learn more about IdentiFlight’s innovative conservation technology, visit www.identiflight.com.
    To collaborate on conservation and wind energy projects in Chile, visit www.aerovantage.cl.

    About Boulder Imaging
    Founded in 1995, Boulder Imaging develops and delivers innovative machine vision and artificial intelligence solutions that redefine quality assurance. With unmatched speed, accuracy, and scalability, its inspection systems address complex challenges in industries such as renewable energy, automotive, architectural products, and security paper. Headquartered in Colorado, Boulder Imaging is dedicated to advancing machine vision technology to meet global inspection needs.

    For more information, visit www.boulderimaging.com.

    About Aerovantage
    Aerovantage is a leader in environmental technology solutions, focused on integrating advanced engineering with sustainable practices. With expertise in bird detection systems, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy solutions, Aerovantage supports industries in achieving growth while preserving Chile’s natural ecosystems. The company is committed to leveraging technology to address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation.

    For more information, visit www.aerovantage.cl.

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Tawney Eisenbraun
    Marketing and Communications Manager
    sales@identiflight.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/742acbcf-9b53-4750-9ba4-70c0fbd12b8a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: IdentiFlight Partners with Aerovantage to Offer AI-Driven Bird Protection in Chilean Wind Farms

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOUISVILLE, Colo., June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boulder Imaging has announced a strategic partnership with Aerovantage, the official distributor of IdentiFlight in Chile, to expand its global reach and enhance wildlife conservation within the wind energy sector. With a shared commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with environmental stewardship, Aerovantage will spearhead Boulder Imaging’s deployments of IdentiFlight in Chile’s rapidly growing renewable energy industry.

    As Chile accelerates its transition to renewable energy, Aerovantage brings specialized expertise in environmental technology solutions, including bird detection systems, environmental monitoring, and sustainable engineering. This collaboration will advance the IdentiFlight mission to mitigate the impact of wind energy on biodiversity, with the system achieving 99 percent accuracy and reducing bird fatalities in wind farms by over 85 percent across 12 countries on five continents.

    “Chile’s commitment to renewable energy must go hand in hand with protecting its rich biodiversity,” said Ricardo Jorquera, President of Aerovantage. “Our country is home to unique and vulnerable bird species, and the growth of wind energy requires innovative conservation measures. Partnering with IdentiFlight to deploy these advanced systems in Chilean wind farms ensures that our renewable energy expansion is sustainable and responsible.”

    “Working with Aerovantage allows us to deliver innovative solutions that reflect our shared values of sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Carlos Jorquera, Founder, CEO, and CTO of Boulder Imaging. “As someone with deep ties to Chile, this partnership carries special meaning for me. It is especially meaningful to see our technology contribute to the advancement of renewable energy and the protection of biodiversity in this region.”

    Developed by Boulder Imaging, IdentiFlight is a cutting-edge bird detection and informed shutdown-on-demand system designed to minimize the environmental impact of wind energy projects. Utilizing advanced artificial intelligence and optical sensor technology, IdentiFlight detects, identifies, and assesses risks to sensitive bird species, such as the Andean condor and the Chilean flamingo. If the system determines that a collision risk exceeds a predetermined threshold, IdentiFlight will trigger a temporary shutdown of impacted wind turbines, balancing energy production with environmental protection.

    The first IdentiFlight station in Chile is scheduled to be installed in 2025. This system has been trained to detect and identify over 100 bird species worldwide and plans to add 30 new species unique to South America by the end of the year.

    Join the Movement for Sustainable Wind Energy
    To learn more about IdentiFlight’s innovative conservation technology, visit www.identiflight.com.
    To collaborate on conservation and wind energy projects in Chile, visit www.aerovantage.cl.

    About Boulder Imaging
    Founded in 1995, Boulder Imaging develops and delivers innovative machine vision and artificial intelligence solutions that redefine quality assurance. With unmatched speed, accuracy, and scalability, its inspection systems address complex challenges in industries such as renewable energy, automotive, architectural products, and security paper. Headquartered in Colorado, Boulder Imaging is dedicated to advancing machine vision technology to meet global inspection needs.

    For more information, visit www.boulderimaging.com.

    About Aerovantage
    Aerovantage is a leader in environmental technology solutions, focused on integrating advanced engineering with sustainable practices. With expertise in bird detection systems, environmental monitoring, and renewable energy solutions, Aerovantage supports industries in achieving growth while preserving Chile’s natural ecosystems. The company is committed to leveraging technology to address environmental challenges and promote biodiversity conservation.

    For more information, visit www.aerovantage.cl.

    CONTACT INFORMATION
    Tawney Eisenbraun
    Marketing and Communications Manager
    sales@identiflight.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/742acbcf-9b53-4750-9ba4-70c0fbd12b8a

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Payday Loans for Bad Credit in 2025: Wizzay Launches New $255 Payday Loan Service with Same Day Approvals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wizzay has rolled out a fast, stress-free solution for U.S. consumers seeking 1 hour payday loans no credit check guaranteed approval, even if they’ve been previously declined by traditional banks. As more Americans depend on emergency loans to cover everyday expenses, Wizzay offers a 100% online, secure, and free platform that requires no paperwork or credit checks.

    Supported by a network of high-rated direct lenders and a smart matching system, Wizzay makes it easier than ever to obtain 1 hour payday loans online no credit check guaranteed approval, often transferring funds in under 60 minutes after approval. Whether you’re facing a surprise car repair, overdue rent, or an unexpected medical bill, the platform connects you to same day payday loans online focused on speed, convenience, and accessibility.

    << Check Your Eligibility for a $255 Same-Day Payday Loan – Apply Here >>

    Bridging Financial Gaps with $255 Same-Day Payday Loans and No Credit Checks

    As cost-of-living pressures mount across the U.S., many families are only one unexpected bill away from financial strain. Traditional financial institutions often require hard credit pulls, lengthy paperwork, and minimum loan thresholds that exclude vulnerable borrowers. Wizzay’s $255 same-day payday loan simplifies the process with a five-minute application, no credit check option, and rapid approval based on income and banking history.

    What Makes the $255 Same-Day Loan Stand Out?

    • Lightning-Fast Funding: Most applicants receive their money within hours.
    • Optional No Credit Check: No FICO inquiry required for eligible applicants.
    • Seamless Online Process: Mobile-optimized form requiring only essential information.
    • Upfront Cost Clarity: Borrowers see exact fees and repayment details before signing.
    • Flexible Repayment: Convert payday loans to installment plans to avoid rollover cycles.

    Inclusive Lending for Borrowers with Bad Credit

    Credit challenges shouldn’t prevent responsible borrowers from accessing urgent help. Wizzay bases approvals on verified income and banking activity, not just credit scores, making the $255 loan more accessible for those with past financial setbacks. The platform’s bad credit-friendly framework also includes transparent disclosures to avoid hidden costs.

    For those needing higher amounts, Wizzay supports personal loans with guaranteed approval of up to $1,000, further expanding access to affordable credit and helping consumers sidestep predatory lenders.

    << Secure $255 Emergency Funds Instantly – No Credit Check Needed >>

    A Commitment to Responsible Lending

    Speed should never come at the cost of clarity or trust. Wizzay enhances the borrowing experience with tools that support smarter financial decisions:

    • Itemized Fee Breakdowns: Every borrower receives a transparent summary of loan costs.
    • Budgeting Resources: On-site calculators and guides help plan repayments effectively.
    • Income-Centered Approval: Focuses on current banking behavior over outdated credit scores.
    • Advanced Security: Data is protected using encrypted, industry-standard systems.

    “Transparency is foundational to our approach,” A Wizzay spokesperson emphasized. “We want borrowers to feel informed and confident—not rushed or confused—when considering a $255 payday loan with no credit check.”

    Beyond $255: Guaranteed Loan Options

    In addition to the $255 offering, Wizzay partners with a nationwide network of licensed lenders to offer guaranteed personal loans for bad credit. These loans—up to $1,000—feature straightforward eligibility criteria and customizable terms, giving borrowers more flexibility without relying on FICO scores or suffering from excessive interest rates.

    About Wizzay

    Wizzay is a digital lending platform that connects borrowers with a vetted network of third-party lenders offering payday and personal loan products. While not a direct lender, Wizzay facilitates fast, secure loan matching for amounts ranging from $100 to $5,000. Applications are completed entirely online in just minutes, with some borrowers receiving funds by the next business day. The platform supports borrowers with low or no credit history and uses bank-level security to safeguard sensitive information.

    Contact Information

    Company: Customer Acquisition LLC
    Email: support@wizzay.com
    Address: Springates Building, Lower Government Road, Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

    Disclaimer: Wizzay is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Loan approval, rates, and terms are determined by third-party lenders based on applicant eligibility. Borrowers are encouraged to check all loan terms carefully and only borrow amounts they can afford to repay. Same-day funding is dependent on bank processing times and may vary by applicant.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Unveils 2025 Bespoke AI Appliances in India; Debuts Innovative Bespoke AI Laundry Combo

    Source: Samsung

    From L – R: Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances Business, Samsung India ; John S.W. Park, Corporate Vice President, Digital Appliance Business, Samsung India; & JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia.
     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today introduced its 2025 Bespoke AI appliance lineup, built on four distinct consumer benefits: Easy, Care, Save and Secure to enrich and simplify your lives with AI. These experiences are powered by Samsung’s new AI Home screen interface, Bixby voice assistant with two-way natural communication, Samsung Knox security, and seamless SmartThings connectivity, delivering hyper-personalised, energy-efficient, and secure smart home solutions for modern Indian households.
    At the heart of the new lineup is the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, a category-defining innovation that sets a new standard for convenience and intelligent automation in home laundry care.
     
    The 2025 range expands Samsung’s AI Home ecosystem across key appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, and washing machines. With intuitive touchscreen displays, upgraded voice intelligence, and inclusive accessibility features, the line-up offers a truly connected, easy-to-use, and secure smart home experience for all. The AI Home screen sits at the center of this innovation – a smart display and interaction hub that transforms home management. Built into select appliances, AI Home enables real-time appliance insights, control over connected appliances, entertainment, and even family communication – all from a single interface. With its user-friendly design, AI Home makes it easier than ever to unlock the full potential of Samsung’s Bespoke AI appliances.
     
    The upgraded Bixby voice assistant enhances control through voice commands and introduces new capabilities like Voice ID[1], which recognizes individual users and switches to their Samsung accounts for a personalized experience. Additionally, new SmartThings services like Family Care enhance home safety by sending alerts to family members in unusual situations such as when no activity has been detected at a scheduled time, offering peace of mind and proactive care.
     
    To bring its AI Home vision for 2025 to life, Samsung is focused on delivering a trusted, intelligent, and future-ready experience for users. A key part of this commitment is the integration of enhanced Samsung Knox security across a wide line-up, giving users the confidence to enjoy their AI-powered connected homes with complete peace of mind.
     
    Another major priority is future-proofing appliances. With Smart Forward, Samsung’s software update service via SmartThings, users can continue to receive the latest features and performance upgrades on their existing devices without needing to buy new ones.
     
    The Bespoke AI line-up is driven by four key values that directly benefit consumers: Easy, Save, Care, and Secure.
     

    Easy: Bespoke AI appliances now simplify your tasks by using AI and seamless connectivity to automate daily chores via AI Home, Bixby, and SmartThings. For example, AI Home enables automated routines, remote control, and real-time monitoring. Bixby allows users to ask detailed questions about appliances and control them using natural, two-way voice commands, without the need for a nearby phone or speaker.
    Save: Bespoke AI appliances are engineered to help consumers save energy and time. AI Energy Mode helps manage power consumption. AI Vision Inside in refrigerators tracks food items and expiry dates, suggesting recipes to avoid waste. AI Wash features on the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo and Top Load washers optimize cycles based on soil levels and load types, saving valuable time and water.
    Care: Bixby assists with appliance care and maintenance alerts, while SmartThings notifies users of any motion, smoke, or leaks detected through its’ connected 3rd party devices. Bespoke AI ensures peace of mind with features such as inactivity alerts at a loved one’s home, helping families feel reassured from afar.
    Secure: Samsung Knox ensures multi-layered protection with a visualized dashboard across appliances and smartphones. Five Samsung products including the Bespoke AI Family Hub and Bespoke AI Laundry Combo have been verified to level ‘Diamond’ from UL Solutions’ IoT Security Ratings.

     
    “We are proud to bring the 2025 Bespoke AI digital appliances line-up to India, where innovation meets intention. These are not just smart appliances; they are intuitive companions built for Indian homes. Whether it is a child exploring the refrigerator via AI Vision Inside, a working couple managing laundry remotely, or an elderly user interacting with the appliance, we have designed every touchpoint to be personal, seamless and secure. With a strong focus on the four core values: Easy, Save, Care, and Secure, our vision is to deliver interconnected AI appliances that seamlessly integrate into the household reflecting a forward-thinking approach to innovation that is quickly becoming a reality,” said JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia
     
    “With the 2025 range, we are offering appliances that understand lifestyles, protect personal data, and deliver real-world convenience with AI Home. Whether it’s through AI Vision Inside, Knox-powered security, or inclusive design, our new line-up is a powerful step towards homes that are truly smart, safe, and human-centric. We are confident our Bespoke AI appliances will revolutionize modern Indian households so that consumers ca experience the comfort of seamless smart home living,” said Ghufran Alam, Vice President, Digital Appliances Business, Samsung India.

    The 2025 Bespoke AI Home Appliance Line up

    Bespoke AI Laundry Combo All-in-One: The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is a space-saving, ultra-capacity all-in-one appliance that seamlessly combines washing and drying in a single unit. It eliminates the hassle of transferring clothes between machines, allowing users to save time and prevent odours from lingering after wash cycles. Powered by AI Wash & Dry[2], the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo senses laundry weight, fabric type, and soil levels[3], automatically adjusting water, detergent, wash time, and drying conditions for each load. This ensures optimal cleaning performance and personalized laundry experience without the guesswork.

     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo features advanced heat pump drying technology that gently and efficiently dries clothes at lower temperatures by recycling warm air. The heat pump system optimizes heat transfer and reduces drying time by up to 60%[4] and energy consumption by up to 75%[5], while reducing shrinkage and fabric damage. With the Super Speed cycle, users can wash and dry a load in just 98 minutes.
     
    Its 7-inch AI Home LCD display provides an intuitive interface for cycle selection, monitoring, and control, delivering personalized suggestions based on usage patterns and seasonal habits. The display also shows energy and water consumption reports and offers a full view of connected appliances at home via Map View. The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is also verified to level ‘Diamond’ from UL Solutions, highlighting Samsung’s industry-leading device security.
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo comes with upgraded Bixby, which understands complex, conversational voice commands. Additionally, the Flex Auto Dispense System is able to store detergent for up to 32 loads[6], while the Auto Open Door automatically releases humid air after a cycle ends to prevent damp smells and enhance freshness.
     

    Bespoke AI Refrigerator with AI Home: The new Bespoke AI Refrigerator is equipped with AI Vision Inside, which can recognize up to 37 fresh food items, allowing users to remotely view the interior, track expiry dates, and receive smart recipe suggestions. It can also recognize up to 50 pre-saved processed food items, largely expanding the variety of items it can manage. The new refrigerator comes with a 9-inch AI Home Display, which serves as a personalized dashboard for notes, schedules, entertainment, and full appliance control, transforming the refrigerator into the central hub of the smart kitchen. Featuring an Auto Open Door for effortless access, it is designed for convenience and better organisation. It also provides easy hands-free control by just using your voice to control settings, select functions or ask questions through Bixby. The refrigerator also includes access to SmartThings Energy which can help monitor your energy consumption in real-time

     

    The Bespoke AI Double Door Refrigerator line-up features improved smart capabilities with AI Energy Mode, SmartThings Home Care and Wi-Fi connectivity, designed to offer remote access, intelligent energy savings and real-time maintenance updates via the SmartThings app. This range delivers comprehensive cooling tailored to meet consumer needs, such as longer freshness with Twin Cooling Plus technology, everyday flexibility with Convertible 5-in-1 Modes, and enhanced hygiene with Active Fresh Filter+ eliminating up to 99.99% of harmful bacteria.

     

    Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner: The Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner offers Customized Cooling, AI Fast & Comfort Cooling, and Quick Remote, making temperature control effortless and intuitive. With AI Energy Mode, the system intelligently adjusts compressor speed based on room temperature and consumers’ usage patterns, helping reduce energy consumption by up to 30%[7]. The WindFree technology delivers comfortable cooling through 23,000 micro-holes without cold drafts, ensuring consistent, gentle airflow without direct blasts of air, while the AI engine learns usage behavior to continuously enhance efficiency and comfort.

     

    Bespoke AI Top Load Washer: Equipped with AI Wash[8], these machines intelligently detect the fabric type and weight to automatically recommend the optimal settings for each load. Leveraging an advanced AI algorithm, the cycle adjusts key parameters—such as water level, agitation intensity, and wash and rinse duration—delivering up to 25% more fabric care[9]. Building on this technology, features like Ecobubble, Hygiene Steam & Stain Wash (with inbuilt heater), Super Speed, AI Energy Mode, and SmartThings integration, AI VRT+ further enhance the laundry experience.

     
    Smarter, Safer, More Inclusive Living
    The 2025 Bespoke AI digital appliances range is a testament to inclusive, human-centric design. With universal design at its core, the line-up ensures technology adapts to users—not the other way around. Features like the expanded Auto Open Door function across key appliances, accessible control panels, screen readers, enlarged fonts, and Bixby’s Voice ID support make operation easier for users with limited mobility or visual impairments. Built-in microphones and voice-based alerts further enable a seamless, easy to use experience.
     
    Price & Availability
    Samsung’s 2025 Bespoke AI appliance range is now available across leading online and offline retail channels, including Samsung Exclusive Stores, Samsung.com as well as major e-commerce platforms.
     
    The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo is priced at INR 319000, offering all-in-one washing and drying convenience with smart automation. The Bespoke AI WindFree Air Conditioner starts at INR 36000, while the Bespoke AI Double Door Refrigerator is available from INR 44000 onwards. For those seeking smart laundry solutions, the Bespoke AI Top Load Washer starts at INR 24500 for the 8kg model. The Bespoke AI French Door Refrigerator with integrated AI Home display will be available from July onwards.
     
     
    [1] Each user must register for a Samsung Account on screen appliances in advance. Voice ID should be registered either on the refrigerator, or Galaxy mobile devices and then transferred to the refrigerator. (Limited to Galaxy S24 and subsequent models where Voice ID can be registered.)
    [2] AI Wash & Dry’s detection and sensing capabilities are based on our deep learning models trained using predefined set of data and may yield inaccurate or incorrect results. New datasets may be introduced to our learning models from time to time to enhance its accuracy
    [3] A turbidity sensor operates for all weights, while fabric sensing operates for 8lbs and under. Actual results may vary depending on individual use. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.
    [4] Based on internal testing of the cycle time when drying an IEC 3kg load with Cotton cycle. Results: BESPOKE AI Laundry Combo model with a heat pump (WD21B6400KV) = 78 minutes vs. WD21B6400KV/** combo model with a condenser  = 202 minutes, which is a reduction of 60%. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents.
    [5] Based on internal testing and verified by KATRI (Korea Apparel Testing Research Institute) of the cycle energy consumption when drying an IEC 3kg load with Cotton cycle.
    Results: BESPOKE AI Laundry Combo model with a heat pump (WD21B6400KV) = 0.8kWh vs.  WD21B6400KV/** combo model with a condenser = 3.6kWh, which is a reduction of 75%. Individual results may vary based on actual load contents.
    [6] Expected number of loads: Detergent compartment can hold general detergent for up to 17 loads. Flex compartment can hold one of the following: softener for up to 19 loads, general detergent for up to 15 loads or specialty detergent for up to 36 loads.
    [7] The testing was conducted in Samsung’s 132m² residential environment laboratory at a temperature of 35°C/24°C (dry bulb/wet bulb, KS C 9306: air conditioner). Results provided to and interpreted by Intertek, comparing the power consumption between AI Energy mode on and off in AI Comfort mode on the AR07D9181HZN model. Actual savings may vary by usage patterns and environment and the set temperature may increase by up to 2 degrees. Requires the use of the SmartThings App and a Samsung account.
    [8] Fabric sensing uses an AI algorithm to sense 3 fabric types (Normal, Delicates, Towels) for loads up to 3kg. Mixed fabrics may reduce detection accuracy. Actual results may vary depending on individual use. To prevent wear, wash like fabrics together.
    [9] Based on internal testing with WA80F/24, using IEC 3kg load, comparing a normal cycle. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.

    MIL OSI Economics