NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia has clarified the criteria for obtaining the status of a qualified investor

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The income level has been specified as an independent criterion for obtaining the status of a qualified investor: it must be at least 12 million rubles per year over the past 2 years. In combination with other criteria – complicated testing, education or an academic degree – the requirement is reduced to 6 million rubles. Income from the sale of real estate will not be taken into account. Such parameters are defined inindication Bank of Russia, which was registered by the Ministry of Justice.

    According to the educational criterion, instead of the current requirement for higher economic education, a list of specialties and areas of training is established, including in combination with the income or property criterion. Thus, a person can become a qualified investor if he received an education in the specialty “Accounting, Analysis and Audit” or “Taxes and Taxation” and his average annual income is 6 million rubles. International certificates, which are already used as requirements for investment advisers, have been added to the list of certificates taken into account when recognizing an investor as qualified.

    The parameters of the property criterion have not changed: now the minimum amount of assets that a person must own is 12 million rubles, and from January 1, 2026, it will increase to 24 million rubles. But in combination with other criteria, the requirements will be 2 times less – 6 million and 12 million rubles, respectively.

    The regulation will come into force on July 28, 2025.

    Preview photo: Vitalii Vodolazskyi / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The government will reimburse new regions for the costs of restoring power grids.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Document

    Order dated July 15, 2025 No. 1906-r

    In 2025, 324.5 million rubles will be allocated from the Government’s reserve fund to reimburse the costs of upgrading distribution networks in the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, Zaporizhia and Kherson regions. An order to this effect has been signed.

    Five distribution networks have been updated in new regions recently. Among other expenses, the purchase of specialized equipment, as well as tools, special clothing and personal protective equipment will be reimbursed.

    The work is being carried out within the framework of the program for the socio-economic development of the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Luhansk People’s Republic, the Zaporizhia region and the Kherson region, which was approved by the Government in April 2023.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Government meeting (2025, No. 24).

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    1. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of one-time financial assistance in the form of a subsidy from the federal budget to the budget of the Republic of Tatarstan

    The draft order is aimed at providing financial support for the implementation of the investment project “Complex for the production of large-tonnage LNG compressor units” in the single-industry town of Zelenodolsk.

    2. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to Rosaviatsia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing subsidies from the federal budget to Russian airports

    The draft order is aimed at partial reimbursement of expenses for ordinary activities and interest on credit agreements or loan agreements during the period of introduction of the temporary flight restriction regime to airports in the southern and central parts of Russia for December 2024 – June 2025.

    3. On the allocation of budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Transport of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation within the framework of the state program of the Russian Federation “Development of the transport system”

    The funds are needed to implement the project “Construction of the Bagaevsky hydroelectric complex on the Don River. Objects of the 2nd stage (main period).”

    4. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the purpose of providing another inter-budget transfer from the federal budget to the budget of the Orenburg Region

    The draft order is aimed at reimbursing the regional budget for the costs incurred in financial support for the implementation of social support measures for citizens whose residential premises were lost and/or damaged as a result of the emergency caused by the spring floods of 2024.

    5. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations to the Ministry of Construction of Russia in 2025 from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation for the provision of a subsidy from the federal budget within the framework of the federal project “Assistance to the development of infrastructure of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation (municipalities)” to the budget of the Saratov region for the purpose of implementing the project “Bank protection of the Volgograd reservoir on the section from the first berth to the solarium “Zaton” city of Saratov (stages 2, 3)”

    The adoption of the draft order will ensure the creation of a full-fledged coastal protection belt and the use of the embankment as a center of public and cultural activity in Saratov.

    6. On the allocation of budgetary appropriations from the reserve fund of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia in 2025

    The draft order is aimed at providing the Federal Corporation for the Development of Small and Medium-Sized Entrepreneurship joint-stock company with a subsidy from the federal budget for the implementation of projects aimed at developing special economic zones and single-industry municipalities of the Russian Federation (single-industry towns).

    Moscow, July 16, 2025

    The content of the press releases of the Department of Press Service and References is a presentation of materials submitted by federal executive bodies for discussion at a meeting of the Government of the Russian Federation.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: The Bank of Russia is improving approaches to calculating standards.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Central Bank of Russia –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    From August 18, 2025, banks will begin calculating capital adequacy standards according to new instructions from the Bank of Russia No. 220-I And No. 221-I.

    The new rules imply the transition of all banks with a universal license to a finalized (more risk-sensitive) approach to calculating capital adequacy standards. The standard approach will be retained for banks with a basic license and non-bank credit institutions.

    Other important changes include:

    — the criteria for classifying borrowers as investment grade have been improved (in particular, a condition has been added for having a credit rating of at least “A”), to which a reduced risk weight is applied;

    — differentiated risk weights have been introduced for loans to subjects and municipalities of Russia depending on the level of credit rating from Russian rating agencies, and in its absence, on the level of debt sustainability as assessed by the Ministry of Finance of Russia (in the future, it is planned to completely switch to credit ratings);

    — risk weights for mortgage loans at the construction stage are equal to those used for mortgages on completed housing, and those, in turn, are calibrated based on default statistics;

    — when calculating macroprudential premiums, a single multiplicative approach will be applied both for banks using approaches to risk assessment based on internal ratings and for other banks;

    — further important steps have been taken to address the problem of credit concentration: firstly, under repo transactions the risk will be considered to be on the issuer of securities accepted as collateral if the borrower’s rating is below “AA”; secondly, banks will be able to transfer the concentration risk from the borrower to a reliable guarantor/surety/issuer of securities accepted as collateral.

    The changes will help to more accurately assess risks, will help to level the playing field for competition, and will also support balanced growth in lending to the economy.

    To make it easier for banks to adapt to the new regulations, some of the innovations will only apply to new loans, that is, those issued after August 18, 2025.

    Preview photo: focal point / Shutterstock / Fotodom

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Commission Communication on the state of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and Poland’s position on the Pact – P-002909/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002909/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mariusz Kamiński (ECR)

    In Commission Communication COM(2025)319 of 11 June 2025, entitled ‘State of play on the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum’[1], it was noted that 25 Member States had submitted their national implementation plans for the migration pact. At the same time, it was stated that all Member States, with the exception of Hungary, had ‘regularly engaged with the Commission on the implementation of the Pact’.

    In footnote 13, the Commission clarifies that ‘Hungary communicated to the Commission that it does not intend to prepare a NIP. Poland submitted its position on the implementation of the Pact’.

    On the basis of the above information, it can be concluded that, unlike Hungary, Poland has not declared an intention not to prepare a national implementation plan and that it has been regularly engaging with the Commission in this regard.

    In the light of the foregoing:

    • 1.On the basis of which document submitted by Poland and which of its points did the Commission come up with the assessment set out in footnote 13?
    • 2.On what basis did the Commission include Poland among the Member States that ‘regularly engaged’ with the Commission on the implementation of the pact?
    • 3.How does the Commission assess the current state of implementation of the Pact on Migration by Poland?

    Submitted: 16.7.2025

    • [1] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52025DC0319
    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – REGI – Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto – 17.07.25 – Committee on Regional Development

    Source: European Parliament

    Hearing of Executive Vice-President-designate Raffaele Fitto © European Union 2024 – EP

    The Committee on Regional Development had a presentation from the Executive Vice-President Fitto for Cohesion and Reforms of the Commission’s proposals on cohesion policy 2028-2034 at its meeting on Thursday 17 July 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission decides to refer MALTA to the Court of Justice of the European Union for not correctly applying EU law in relation to port workers 

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 Jul 2025 The European Commission decided to refer Malta to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to fulfil its obligations under the EU treaties in relation to its port workers regime.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting on current food security crisis in Gaza (17/07/2025) – Delegation for relations with Palestine

    Source: European Parliament

    The Delegation met on Thursday, 17 July 2025, from 09.00-10.00 in Brussels to hold an exchange of views on the current food security crisis in Gaza with Mr Moner Murtaja, Humanitarian Policy Expert.

    The meeting was held in camera.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Commission refers HUNGARY to the Court of Justice of the European Union for contradicting the Union’s position on intra-EU arbitrations under the Energy Charter Treaty

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 17 Jul 2025 Today, the Commission decided to refer Hungary to the Court of Justice of the European Union for contradicting the Union’s position on intra-EU arbitrations under the Energy Charter Treaty and not abiding to the case law of the Court of Justice.  

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Financing of international institutions under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe – E-002850/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002850/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI)

    Under the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument – Global Europe, the International Criminal Court and other international institutions receive direct financing from the European Union. In the case of the former, it is estimated that half of its budget is borne by the EU.

    • 1.Could the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) indicate the precise wording of this strategic partnership and the steps taken to ensure that this financing does not negatively affect the independence of the court?
    • 2.Could the VP/HR also specify the period of time for which the funds are granted and under what conditions they are allocated, as well as share relevant documentation regarding the financing, including the amounts involved?
    • 3.More generally, could the VP/HR specify the nature, duration and scope of the relationship with the International Criminal Court, including the forms of cooperation involved (such as political dialogue or technical assistance)?

    Submitted: 12.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public health risk: legionella detected in tourist facilities – E-002834/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002834/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

    This tourist season, alarming rates of legionella have been detected in the tap water of a number of tourist facilities, mainly in Crete. Legionellosis poses a serious threat to public health, especially in areas with high numbers of visitors and high temperatures, such as southern Europe. The national authorities carry out periodic checks, but questions arise as to the effectiveness of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184 on the quality of water.

    In view of the above, can the Commission say:

    • 1.Is the Commission aware of the presence of legionella in tourist facilities in Crete and of its rates of detection in water?
    • 2.Will it strengthen prevention by means of stricter checks and additional financial support to Member States for monitoring and prevention systems?
    • 3.How does it assess the adequacy of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2020/2184, and is there a single European system for recording and monitoring legionellosis in tourist areas?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Allocation of funds to South African wine while European sector rocked by crisis – E-002765/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002765/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Anna Maria Cisint (PfE)

    The recent news of the allocation of EUR 15 million from the EU’s Cooperation Fund to the South African wine industry is causing outrage among European producers, particularly those from countries where the sector is being rocked by crisis, such as France, which has been denied support for its grubbing-up campaign.

    While that action is the product of agreements signed years ago, it seems paradoxical in the current day and age to provide third countries, whose producers compete with European producers, with funding for wine production, at a time when wine consumption is falling throughout Europe and the threat of tariffs is hampering trade.

    The decision to reduce common agricultural policy (CAP) resources, opening the doors to the European market through agreements with Mercosur, thus weakening our supply chains and further undermining the EU’s credibility in the eyes of our farmers, also appears completely out of line with the current state of European farming.

    In the light of the above:

    • 1.Does the Commission not consider it appropriate to completely revise its approach to European farming, both in the current context and in view of the upcoming budgetary discussions on the CAP?
    • 2.Which countries outside the EU have received EU funds in the last three years for their farming and wine sectors?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Smart factories and a cleaner future

    Source: European Investment Bank

    Learnica is part of LTH Castings Group, a Slovenian company that is one of the leading European suppliers to the automotive industry, with clients such as Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, BMW and Continental. Learnica and other companies in the Western Balkans are preparing for new EU fees on carbon emissions, known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, which will start in 2026.

    The mechanism is a new tool that puts a carbon price on goods imported into the European Union. The EU goal is to be be carbon neutral by 2050. North Macedonia is not part of the European Union, but its products are used in EU goods and will count toward this new carbon fee. EU firms must track and report emissions that are created by their products inside and outside the European Union. As of January 2026, EU manufacturers will need to purchase certificates to cover these emissions.

    “Achieving carbon neutrality is one of our core strategic goals,” Jovčevska says. “We have embedded this objective into every investment and improvement made in our production processes over the past ten years.”

    Learnica is located in Ohrid, a city known for its rich cultural heritage. The town sits on the edge of Lake Ohrid, one of Europe’s deepest and oldest lakes, which is home to a unique aquatic ecosystem that includes many species highly sensitive to pollution and climate change.

    “We wanted to reduce the negative impact that an industry such as ours can have on the environment, especially given the importance of Ohrid to Macedonians,” Jovčeska says.

    To limit its environmental impact, Learnica uses “green” aluminium made from recycled materials, which takes 95% less energy to produce than aluminium made from primary raw materials. The company has also introduced several other green initiatives, such as producing heat from melting furnaces, installing solar panels to generate electricity, and developing a water-cooling system that purifies and recycles water used in the manufacturing process.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unacceptable Libyan grievances against Greece and the attempt to create faits accomplis in the Eastern Mediterranean – P-002851/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002851/2025
    to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
    Rule 144
    Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)

    On 20 June 2025, the Permanent Mission of Libya to the UN issued a Note Verbale accusing Greece of a ‘serious breach of international law’, arguing that Greek permits for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete allegedly infringe Libya’s ‘sovereign rights’.

    Invoking the blatantly illegal Turkish-Libyan memorandum of understanding, both non-officially recognised Libyan governments are attempting to challenge Greek sovereignty and denying the influence of the Greek islands – even Crete itself – in maritime zones, in breach of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). This is a dangerous escalation, which is part of the broader strategy of the Turkish and Libyan governments to destabilise the Eastern Mediterranean and challenge the lawful rights of an EU Member State.

    In view of the above, can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy say:

    • 1.Will she strongly condemn the non-existent Libyan grievances and the invocation of an illegal memorandum that grossly violates international law?
    • 2.How does she intend to actively defend Greece’s sovereignty and sovereign rights, while protecting the EU’s strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean against such destabilising practices?

    Submitted: 13.7.2025

    Last updated: 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Swearing-in ceremony for new recruits of the Intelligence System for the Security of the Republic

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    15 Luglio 2025

    The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, and the Director General of the Security Intelligence Department (‘DIS’), Vittorio Rizzi, addressed today’s swearing-in ceremony for the new recruits of the Intelligence System for the Security of the Republic, held at Palazzo Dante in Rome. The ceremony was also attended by Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers Alfredo Mantovano, the Director of the Internal Intelligence and Security Agency (‘AISI’), Bruno Valensise, and the Director of the External Intelligence and Security Agency (‘AISE’), Giovanni Caravelli.

    [The swearing-in ceremony]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Global oil prices likely to decline, India ready for any sanctions fallout: Hardeep Puri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Thursday expressed confidence that global oil prices could see a decline in the coming months. He also played down concerns about possible US sanctions over India’s continued purchase of oil from Russia.

    “The price of oil will come down as more sources of supplies are coming. We have enough oil around,” Puri said, underlining India’s strategy of tapping into a wider pool of suppliers to ensure energy security.

    In response to questions about potential US secondary sanctions on countries importing Russian energy, Puri said he was “not worried at all.”

    “If something happens, we will deal with it,” he said, adding, “Ek darwaza band hota hai to doosra khul jata hai” (When one door closes, another one opens).

    The minister highlighted that India has significantly broadened its oil import network. “India has diversified the sources of supplies from 27 to 40 countries now. 16 per cent of oil market growth has come from India, and studies show it may go up to 25 per cent.”

    Addressing the global dependence on Russian oil, Puri said that Russia accounts for 10 per cent of global crude production. “Our analysis shows that if Russia were not included, prices would have gone up to 130 dollars a barrel. Even Turkey, China, Brazil, and the EU have purchased oil and gas from Russia,” he said.

    ANI

  • Drone attack targets Tawke oilfield in Iraq’s Kurdistan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A drone attack targeted an oilfield operated by Norwegian oil and gas firm DNO in Tawke, in the Zakho Administration area of northern Iraq, on Thursday, the Kurdistan region’s counter-terrorism service said.

    The attack is the second on the DNO-operated field since a wave of drone attacks began early this week.

    DNO, which operates the Tawke and Peshkabour oilfields in the Zakho area that borders Turkey, temporarily suspended production at the fields following explosions that caused no injuries, the counter-terrorism service said.

    DNO did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

    This week’s drone attacks have reduced oil output from oilfields in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region by between 140,000 to 150,000 barrels per day, two energy officials said on Wednesday, as infrastructure damage forced multiple shutdowns.

    The Ain Sifni oilfield, operated by U.S.-based Hunt Oil, was attacked on Wednesday in the Dohuk region of northern Iraq.

    Hunt Oil said that none of its team members were injured and its facilities are shut down while it assesses the damage.

    No group has so far claimed responsibility. However, Iraqi Kurdistan security sources said initial investigations suggest the drone came from areas under the control of Iran-backed militias.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Giving 16 and 17-year-olds the vote is a long-overdue step towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy say Greens

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    by Green Party

    Responding to the government’s announced plans to give votes to 16 and 17 year olds, Green Party MP, Ellie Chowns said: 

    “On this one, Labour have got it right. Giving 16- and 17-year-olds the vote is a long-overdue step towards a stronger, more inclusive democracy. Young people have powerful voices and a vital stake in decisions about their future — it’s only right that they have a say at the ballot box.

    But if Labour are serious about renewing our democracy, this must be just the beginning. We need to go further — that means scrapping the undemocratic House of Lords, and finally delivering proportional representation so that every vote counts.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection

    A new world-leading biosecurity centre in Essex will protect the UK from emerging publicd health threats and boost economic growth.

    • World-leading biosecurity centre in Harlow, Essex to protect the UK against emerging public health threats
    • Multi-billion-pound government investment will make National Biosecurity Centre the largest of its kind in Europe
    • Will create around 1,600 new jobs to support construction and enhance collaboration between scientists and the life sciences sector

    People in the UK will be better protected from future pandemics and biosecurity threats thanks to government investment into a new, world-leading biosecurity centre in Harlow, Essex.

    The National Biosecurity Centre (NBC) will increase the speed and scale of research into dangerous pathogens and life-saving vaccines, boosting healthcare and economic growth, and protecting UK national security.

    The government is investing billions of pounds in the project, including £250m over this Parliament, for vital research and testing that is currently split across UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sites in Porton Down and Colindale under one roof.

    Once complete, the NBC will be the largest in Europe, creating around 1,600 new jobs to support construction of the site and enabling the development of new treatments and vaccines that could save countless lives.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    This transformational investment in the UK’s national biosecurity will better protect the British public from future health emergencies, boost the life sciences sector and create new jobs.

    COVID-19 taught us how crucial it is to be able to respond quickly to new emerging threats, and the new National Biosecurity Centre will allow us to do exactly that — ensuring Britain remains a world-leader in pandemic preparedness.

    Harlow will become a scientific hub, with The National Biosecurity Centre exploring new ways to treat illnesses, improve people’s health and save more lives.

    By backing innovation, research and life sciences, we will make our NHS fit for the future, and cement the UK as a life sciences superpower as part of our Plan for Change.

    The NBC will create 1,600 extra jobs to support construction of the site and enabling closer collaboration between leading scientists and the life sciences sector.

    The investment is part of a series of ways in which this government is making the UK a life sciences powerhouse to improve access to life-changing and innovative treatments for patients, as set out in the 10 Year Health Plan. This follows the launch of a new digital hub for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in Leeds to ensure that life-saving healthcare innovations reach patients faster.

    We’re taking the lessons from COVID-19, boosting our world-leading vaccine manufacturing and research capabilities, and separately to Harlow, taking part in a national exercise later this year to make sure our preparations are watertight. Through the Pandemic Agreement, we’re also improving the world’s collective ability to prevent, prepare for, detect and respond to global disease threats and £108 billion in life sciences sector also protects us against future pandemics, as well as creating jobs and driving economic growth.

    Dyfed Alsop, interim UKHSA chief executive, said: > > This is fantastic news for the UK and will mean that we can continue to offer the best possible protection for people’s health for generations to come. > > A brand-new facility at Harlow will bring together our world leading public health science and emergency response capabilities, putting us in a stronger position to protect the public and keep people safe. > > This marks a significant investment in our future, ensuring that the UK remains a world leader in health security and that we are better prepared against a growing range of health threats.

    The NBC will create exciting new partnerships between UKHSA scientists and industry – paving the way for potential research breakthroughs, including in the realm of infectious diseases, environmental health, and behavioural sciences. Harlow will deliver state of the art highly secure laboratories that will be used to research the most dangerous and new diseases.

    Being physically closer to industry partners in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor will furthermore strengthen collaborations.

    Science Minister Lord Vallance said:

    The National Biosecurity Centre will help to strengthen the UK life sciences sector for decades to come, by backing our world-renowned researchers with highly advanced facilities to develop life-saving treatments in the face of new health threats.

    By enabling further collaboration between researchers at the cutting-edge and industry, the new hub can help drive the economic growth that benefits us all, building on the highly skilled new jobs already being delivered, and supporting our Plan for Change.

    The new facility will form part of a new network of National Biosecurity Centres recently announced under the 2025 National Security Strategy. This network will strengthen and formalise existing collaborations between UKHSA, the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) to bolster the UK’s resilience to deliberate, accidental or naturally occurring biological incidents. It follows the announcement last month of investment of more than £1 billion in a new campus in Weybridge to research and respond to animal and zoonotic diseases.

    Work to prepare NBC for operation will begin as soon as possible, with the first facilities due to open by the mid-2030s and the whole site scheduled to be in operation by 2038.

    By enhancing the UK’s resilience against biological threats, the opening of NBC will strengthen our national security – one of the essential foundations underpinning our Plan for Change.  

    Notes to editors:

    • Further information on the Network of National Biosecurity Centres: Network of National Biosecurity Centres – GOV.UK
    • The decision to open the new site in Harlow was made following an extensive review of the best ways to deliver the specialist laboratories that the UK needs, including the possibility of redeveloping existing sites.
    • UKHSA will continue operating from Colindale and Porton until the new Centre in Harlow is fully up and running, to ensure a safe and effective transition.
    • The DSTL site at Porton Down is not affected by this new development and will remain operational.
    • Of the total multi-billion investment in the Centre, £250 million will be spent by the Government over this Parliament alone to kickstart delivery. The exact total amount of funding for the Centre will be confirmed in due course.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nearly 1,200 cared for children supported to do well in school

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Thursday, 17th July 2025

    More than 1,160 children and young people in Stoke-on-Trent who are cared for – or were previously cared for – have been given extra help over the past year to succeed in their education.

    The city council’s Virtual School has helped young people in lots of ways, including building confidence, supporting schools with implementing strong support plans, providing funding for interventions and resources.

    It also offers advice and guidance to help prepare for the next stage of education and providing training to help schools understand the needs of children, who are care experienced and have a social worker.

    The specialist team behind the Virtual School support young people who are, or have been, in care. They work with schools, carers and social workers to ensure cared for children get the support they need to do well and feel confident in the classroom.

    Their work also focuses on improving outcomes for children and the use of bespoke Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for looked after children continues to form the basis for support and delivering outcomes.

    The Virtual School also leads on a number of city wide projects to upskill schools in Relational Approaches in Education (RAiE), raising attainment for disadvantaged youngsters, as well as a summer transition programme for those leaving secondary school.

    One of the most successful schemes has been the RAiE Project, which focused on schools adopting relational approaches and understanding children who suffer with attachment and trauma difficulties. So far, 46 schools have taken part over the last three years and seven of them have Bronze Awards, five have Silver Awards and the New Guild Trust has just won the 2025 Alex Timpson Attachment Award for the Midlands.

    Another impactful project is the summer programme run with YMCA North Staffordshire to help teenagers transition and get ready to start college or training in September. Over the last two years, 90 per cent of those young people who have attended have been in education, employment and training in the September.

    The summer sessions included college visits, CV writing and team-building activities.

    Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We’re proud to support cared for children by giving them the tools and confidence they need to achieve their goals – that support can change lives.

    “The Virtual School has achieved great things in the last year and has had a profound positive impact on children and young people in the city.

    “Outcomes for many young people have been improved thanks to the hard work of the service and not only does this improve life chances for our young residents, but it also helps with tackling inequality in the city and building empowered communities.”

    Looking ahead, plans are in place to:

    • Improve attainment for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
    • Improve school attendance
    • Improve support for children and young people at risk of being not in education, employment or training
    • Make sure children’s views are heard and acted on

    The work is part of the council’s ongoing commitment to helping every cared for child achieve their full potential.

    For more information on the Virtual School, visit the website: www.stoke.gov.uk/virtualschool

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Jimmy Discovers Employment

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A Dundee man has set sail on a new career after receiving all hands on deck support from the Council’s employability service.

    Jimmy Moran, 60, was previously a training instructor at Michelin for around 25 years before the factory closed in 2020 and has secured new employment as a ship’s crew maintenance worker at the RRS Discovery.

    Dundee Heritage Trust (DHT), who run Captain Scott’s famous Antarctic ship at Discovery Point, were looking to employ someone to maintain the attraction and support the ongoing preservation of the vessel.

    Jimmy visited the Adult Employability Service after a recommendation from a friend and with the help of the team at various sessions started getting interviews. Despite a few knock-backs Jimmy received constant reassurance and conversations about how his experiences were a strength.

    While attending a job shop, run by the service, he noticed the position at DHT appear online and the team helped him apply for the role, get an interview and follow up with the trust about progress.

    Speaking about his experience Jimmy said: “The support I received from the employability service was very good. They always got in touch with me when any job arose that they thought I may be interested in.

    “I was previously working at Michelin and unfortunately the factory closed. I was looking for something totally different from my past roles and to be able to use my people skills, jovial personality and do something more fun!”

    Jimmy beat around 70 other applicants to the job, and he puts this down to the support of council’s employability service who gave him the determination and desire to go for the job despite the barriers he thought he would face.

    “One of the barriers I was thinking about was my age and another was the type of jobs available. With the support of the team however I managed to get an interview with Dundee Heritage Trust to work on the RRS Discovery. When I was then offered the job, I was over the moon.”

    The RRS Discovery is currently going through conservation work to restore the 124 year old polar vessel and Jimmy is using his skills to help the contractors while also learning from them about their work.

    Jimmy added: “As part of my job I do a lot of work on the ship such as painting, varnishing, building, cutting, sanding and cleaning alongside day-to-day general maintenance of Discovery Point. I’m very fortunate to now be in a job I enjoy so this is my plans until I retire. The way I look at it, I will always be a part of the history of the ship”

    Ali Gellatly is the ship and facilities director at Dundee Heritage Trust. 

    Speaking about Jimmy and the employment process he said: “We were approached by the employability service to have a meeting to discuss the role and find out more. We then went through the normal interview process with a practical element, which Jimmy absolutely excelled at, and we felt like a perfect fit for us.

    “Jimmy is one of those people where he is more than happy to help anyone he can. The ship’s crew is vital but it’s not always easy to employ the right person. Having Jimmy joining us was an absolute win.”

    Employer Recruitment Incentive (ERI) funding was put in place to further secure the role, purchase equipment and help the heritage trust towards the extensive training Jimmy received. 

    Ali added: “The funding Jimmy came with was really useful for us and made sure he had everything he needed right from the start.”

    “We would absolutely have someone again through the employability service. The feedback and updates we get from them are really helpful as well as the constant contact, knowing there is someone you can speak to with any issues.”

    Jimmy added, “I would absolutely recommend the service for anyone looking for a job, they are very passionate about what they do, they are very considerate, and they will help you the best they can.”

    Jimmy and Ali have filmed videos speaking about their experiences and these can be found on the Council’s YouTube channel.

    Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener Councillor Steven Rome said: “I am very pleased to hear about Jimmy’s success in getting a job with Dundee Heritage Trust through the council’s employability service and offer my congratulations to him and everyone involved.

    “His work on board the RRS Discovery in maintaining this important asset for this city is not only evidently appreciated by his employers but by me and I’m sure everyone who visits.

    “It is clear to me that the employability team provide an excellent, professional and dedicated service and I would encourage anyone looking for employment to get in touch.”

    More information about the employability services the council support people with can be found on the Dundee City Council website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

    Source: Government of South Africa

    States announce several measures to halt the Gaza genocide at Bogotá conference

    In a significant multilateral initiative, a coalition of countries from various regions has agreed on six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures aimed at restraining Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories and upholding international law.

    The Emergency Conference of The Hague Group, jointly organised by the governments of Colombia and South Africa as co-chairs, brought together 30 nations from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. 

    “In the deliberations at the Bogotá conference, all 30 participating States unanimously agreed that the era of impunity must end – and that international law must be enforced without fear or favour through immediate domestic policies and legislation – along with a unified call for an immediate ceasefire,” a joint statement issued at the end of the conference read. 

    To initiate this process, 12 countries from around the world – Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Indonesia, Iraq, Libya, Malaysia, Namibia, Nicaragua, Oman, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and South Africa – convened in Bogotá, Colombia, for two days. 

    READ | Israel’s disregard for ICJ rulings undermines global governance, says Dangor

    The countries committed to immediately implement six measures through their domestic legal and administrative systems. 

    The leaders have scheduled a meeting for 20 September, coinciding with the 80th United Nations General Assembly, to invite more countries to join this initiative. Consultations with governments worldwide are currently underway.

    The countries have since announced several measures to be adopted based on the States’ domestic legal and legislative frameworks. This includes a ban on arms shipments to Israel, a prohibition on ships transporting such arms, and a review of public contracts to identify any links to companies benefiting from the Israeli occupation. 

    In addition, the group supports “universal jurisdiction mandates”, which would enable States or international bodies to prosecute serious international crimes, regardless of where they occurred.

    “These 12 States have taken a momentous step forward,” said UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, Francesca Albanese. 

    “The clock is now ticking for States – from Europe to the Arab world and beyond – to join them.”

    The conference agreed to set a deadline for States’ final decisions by September 2025, in line with the 12-month timeframe mandated by United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/ES-10/24, adopted on 18 September 2024.

    That resolution called on all States to take effective action on Israel’s violations of international law, including accountability, sanctions, and cessation of support — within one year of adoption.

    “We came to Bogotá to make history – and we did,” said Colombian President Gustavo Petro. 

    “Together, we have begun the work of ending the era of impunity. These measures show that we will no longer allow international law to be treated as optional, or Palestinian life as disposable.” 

    South Africa’s International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, said what they have achieved is a collective affirmation that no State is above the law. 

    “The Hague Group was born to advance international law in an era of impunity. The measures adopted in Bogotá show that we are serious and that coordinated State action is possible,” said Lamola. 

    The Executive Secretary of The Hague Group, Varsha Gandikota-Nellutla, said the conference marks a turning point – not just for Palestine, but for the future of the international system.  

    “For decades, States, particularly in the Global South, have borne the cost of a broken international system. In Bogotá, they came together to reclaim it, not with words, but with actions.” – SAnews.gov.za

    Gabisile

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Patients with long-term conditions to receive help from charities

    Hundreds of thousands of patients with long-term conditions will be automatically referred to specialist charities at the point of diagnosis.

    • Better support to understand and manage conditions from day one, improving quality of life and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits, supporting an NHS fit for the future as part of the Plan for change
    • Announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit – the service is yet another example of how the government is working with civil society to deliver for working people

    Hundreds of thousands of people diagnosed with long-term health conditions will receive extra help and support from expert charities, under a new service announced by the Prime Minister today (Thursday 17 July).

    Diagnosis Connect will ensure patients are referred directly to trusted charities and support organisations as soon as they are diagnosed – providing personalised advice, information and guidance to help them manage their condition and feel more in control. This support is designed to complement, not replace, their usual NHS care. It recognises the vital role that civil society plays in helping repair the health of the nation.

    With one in four people in the UK living with two or more long-term conditions this early, tailored support is vital. Patients living with multiple health issues often face the greatest challenges and the highest risk of complications. By helping people understand and manage their conditions from day one, the new service will help reduce flare-ups, improve quality of life and avoid unnecessary hospital visits.

    The service, due to be launched in 2026, will support a quarter of a million people in its first two years focusing on areas like diabetes, mental health and lung conditions. It will be scaled up to reach hundreds of thousands more over the coming years.

    The initiative, developed by the Richmond Group, was announced by the Prime Minister at the Civil Society Summit at the Science Museum, where he launched a new Civil Society Covenant to build stronger partnerships between government and charities, faith organisations, philanthropists, social investors and grassroots groups to deliver real results for working people.

    Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:

    Being diagnosed with a long-term condition can be overwhelming. People are often handed a leaflet or a phone number and left to find help themselves—right when they’re feeling scared, confused and unsure where to turn.

    We’re changing that. Just as people with cancer or dementia are often guided to well-known charities for specialist advice and support, this new service will make sure patients with other long-term conditions are directly referred to trusted organisations from the moment they’re diagnosed.

    It’s about making it far easier to give people the emotional support, practical guidance and confidence they need to manage their condition and live fuller, more independent lives. Our Plan for Change is delivering for patients and making an NHs fit for the future.

    In its first stage, launching in 2026, Diagnosis Connect will focus on patients diagnosed in primary care—such as at their GP surgery. Patients will be automatically connected with specialist charities that offer helplines, information, local support groups and services tailored to their condition.

    As the programme expands, a digital referral system will allow NHS teams in all healthcare settings—including hospitals—to connect patients to a broad network of voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations.

    Initially, the service will focus on key areas such as diabetes, lung conditions and mental health, with further conditions added over time.

    As part of the government’s 10 Year Health Plan to shift the health service from analogue to digital, patients will be sent a text or push notification via the NHS App with information about relevant support groups and charities should they wish to seek further help.

    Juliet Bouverie OBE, CEO of the Stroke Association said:

    240 people of all ages wake up to stroke every day in the UK having lost the ability to move, speak or even swallow with lifelong repercussions for their mental health and quality of life. As the UK’s only stroke-specific support charity, we know the huge difference it makes to people affected by stroke to get information, help, and guidance easily and accessibly when they need it most. 

    We have recently been trialling a similar programme to ensure people affected by stroke know about our services right from the point of diagnosis. So, we’re confident that Diagnosis Connect can help transform the early stages of recovery and rehabilitation for the 1.4 million stroke survivors in the UK today and their loved ones. As the Government reforms the country’s healthcare, charities, like ourselves, have real potential to be an invaluable support for those who need us.

    Gemma Peters, Chief Executive Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support, said:

    We welcome today’s commitment from the Government to work in partnership to ensure support is available for people from day one. From the moment someone hears the words ‘you’ve got cancer’ lives are turned upside down and having the right support in place is vital.

    Currently, there are almost 3.5 million people living with cancer across the UK and too many people face unacceptable differences in their experiences of diagnosis, treatment, and care because of who they are or where they live. This has to change. Better is possible and through our work with the government we want to ensure that everyone living with cancer gets the best care the UK has to offer.

    Macmillan is here for everyone. No matter your question or your needs specially trained advisers are available on our Support Line and more ways to get support can also be found on our website.

    Duleep Allirajah, Chief Executive of The Richmond Group of Charities, said:

    We are delighted that the government, as part of its 10 Year Health Plan, has committed to this pioneering digitally enabled service, helping more people diagnosed with health conditions to manage through expert support from charities.

    Being diagnosed with a health condition can be a time of worry, questions and fears for the future. It’s when access to the right kind of support makes all the difference. Charities provide vital guidance, understanding and support to individuals, through personalised information, helplines, access to specialists and links to others who also live with the condition.

    The Richmond Group of Charities helped develop this proposal for automatic referrals to specialist charity support. We look forward to this becoming second-nature, so that all people with long-term conditions can benefit from support when they need it.

    Partner comments:

    Chris Larkin, Associate Director of Services at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

    There are currently around one million people in the UK living with dementia. A third of those are undiagnosed, leaving them to face the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment that a diagnosis can bring.

    For those who do manage to access a diagnosis, they tell us that finding the right support can often feel like trying to navigate a maze, with multiple dead ends and wrong turns. 

    Diagnosis Connect has the potential to hand families a map and steer them in the right direction, towards people who understand dementia, guiding them from diagnosis through to end of life.

    Alzheimer’s Society’s services are a lifeline for people affected by dementia. We’re ready to work with the Government and share our knowledge from supporting people through one of the hardest times in their lives.

     Sarah Sleet, Chief Executive at Asthma + Lung UK, said:

    We are delighted to see Diagnosis Connect being taken up by the government, an approach Asthma + Lung UK has already championed as a game-changer for people newly diagnosed with lung conditions. As the NHS shifts its focus from moving more care out of hospital and into the community, ensuring people have access to advice and support to manage chronic health conditions is crucial. It makes absolute sense for the government to work in partnership with health charities to do this, capitalising on our vast expertise and community connections.

    Respiratory illness is the leading cause of emergency hospital admissions, yet levels of basic care for lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are worryingly low.  Signposting people to organisations like Asthma + Lung UK from the moment they are diagnosed can make all the difference. We know that with the right support and information, people are better able manage their lung conditions, meaning they can stay well and out of hospital. We all have a role to play in supporting the NHS and keeping patients safe and supported. Asthma + Lung UK is committed to doing our part, together with other charities.

    Dr David Chaney, Director of Services, Community and Improvement at Diabetes UK, said:

    Being diagnosed with diabetes can be an overwhelming and often lonely experience. It can be difficult to know where to turn. Getting the right support from day one can make all the difference, giving people the best chance of living well with diabetes and reducing their risk of developing devastating complications in the future.

    We’re delighted to see the Government harnessing the support offered by charities, through Diagnosis Connect. By connecting people to charities from the moment of diagnosis, this initiative will help embed early, compassionate support into everyone’s diabetes journey, so no-one faces a life-changing diagnosis alone.

    Nick Moberly, Chief Executive at the MS Society, said:

    We’re really pleased the government is supporting Diagnosis Connect. More than 150,000 people live with MS in the UK, and this new service has real potential to ensure everyone gets timely information and vital support at diagnosis to help them live well with MS.

    This first stage is a positive step forward in better connecting the NHS to charities. Together with the Richmond Group we look forward to developing Diagnosis Connect to help provide personalised advice, information and guidance to our communities in England.

    Helen Buckingham, Chair of National Voices, said:

    Being diagnosed with a new and potentially serious health condition can be an overwhelming, burdensome and sometimes frightening experience. We know from our members that providing support at the point of diagnosis is vital to ensuring that people have the skills and confidence to manage their condition, reducing the risk of deterioration.

    The VCSE sector, properly funded, can play an important part in making the 10 Year vision a reality. This is just one example of the value of enabling the sector to perform their unique role in the health system; supporting the people they advocate for. We hope to see many more.

    David Newbold, Director of Community at Parkinson’s UK, said:

    We are pleased to see the government launch the first phase of Diagnosis Connect. This new initiative builds on the great work of many charities in supporting people as soon as they are diagnosed with a health condition.

    Since 2019, we have been trialling our own pioneering service, Parkinson’s Connect, which refers newly diagnosed people to our community of support. So we believe Diagnosis Connect will supercharge our service, ensuring no one is left uncertain of where to turn when diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

    We look forward to working with the DHSC and the NHS to shape and deliver this vital new programme.

    Rachel Power, Chief Executive, The Patients Association said:

    This is a welcome initiative that rightly recognises the vital role expert charity support plays in helping patients manage long-term conditions. Our work shows that patients living in underserved neighbourhoods often struggle to get the information they need and face barriers when communicating with healthcare professionals. Early access to trusted charities at the point of diagnosis can make a real difference.

    For it to truly succeed, the referral system needs to capture the full diversity of support available, from established national charities to grassroots community organisations. Done right, this could help reduce health inequalities and be transformative for all patient outcomes.

    Mark Winstanley, Chief Executive of Rethink Mental Illness, said:

    When people are struggling with their mental health, it can be hard to know where to turn. Charities like Rethink Mental Illness and Mental Health UK offer trusted, user-informed advice and support, built with and regularly reviewed by the people it’s designed to help. Diagnostics Connect will help ensure people get the best possible guidance when they need it most.

    Our work in areas like Somerset, Sheffield and Tower Hamlets has shown the positive impact of the NHS working in partnership with charities and community groups to create smoother pathways to care. This initiative is an important step forward, strengthening the third sector’s vital role in complementing the NHS and ensuring people get the support they need.

    Deborah Alsina, Chief Executive, Versus Arthritis said:

    More than 450,000 people are diagnosed with arthritis every year, so it is essential they can access the right information, care and support swiftly.

    As the UK’s leading arthritis charity, we are encouraged by the Government’s new initiative to connect people at the point of diagnosis with expert charities like Versus Arthritis.

    Living life in the grip of the pain and fatigue caused by arthritis can leave people isolated and too often kickstart a downward spiralling of both mental and physical health. Early intervention and support at this crucial time will enable people to manage their condition and navigate the health system with greater confidence. We look forward to working with the Government and our partners in the Richmond Group of Charities to deliver this important new service.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grants applications for Norwich cultural projects now open

    Source: City of Norwich

    Published on Thursday, 17th July 2025

    Cultural groups and community enterprises that deliver events, festivals and creative activities in Norwich are being invited to apply for a Norwich City Council culture grant.

    The grants are part of the council’s commitment to ensure the city continues to flourish as a creative and vibrant place over the next decade, working with others in the arts and cultural sector as part of the Norwich Creative City Compact.

    In the past year, culture grants have been awarded to a range of organisations including Sewell Barn Theatre, Frozen Light and Heritage Open Days.

    This year, organisations are invited to apply for grants of between £ between £500 and £7,500 by completing the application form by Friday 1 August. Applicants should read the guidance notes alongside the application form for further information.

    Cllr Claire Kidman, cabinet member for culture said:

    “Norwich is such a creative city and we are delighted to support groups and projects that enrich our vibrant cultural scene.

    “Our grant scheme has a proud history of enabling local talent and ideas to come to life; bringing people together and enriching lives.”

    Visit Small Culture Grants 2025-26 | Get Talking Norwich to apply and find out more.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Nuclear fusion boost as government sets to unblock planning rules

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Nuclear fusion boost as government sets to unblock planning rules

    Government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules.

    • Government backs innovation and growth with plan to develop National Policy Statement to unblock fusion projects 

    • forms part of golden age of nuclear plans through the government’s clean energy superpower mission 

    • UK will become the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules – helping support thousands of skilled jobs as part of the Plan for Change

    New clean energy jobs and growth for British businesses are set to be unlocked as the government confirms the UK will be the first country in the world to develop fusion-specific planning rules. 

    The plans will see fusion introduced into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime, putting fusion energy projects on the same footing as other clean energy technologies such as solar, onshore wind and nuclear.  

    This will drive growth and unlock benefits for places such as Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire and South Yorkshire where the fusion industry is already supporting thousands of jobs – revitalising industrial heartlands with the clean energy of the future.  

    Currently, fusion projects must submit an application to the local authority with no set timelines for approval and no guidance on which sites are appropriate – hindering the technology’s development in the UK.  

    The introduction of a National Policy Statement will provide clarity to developers and streamline the planning process for fusion, giving applicants clearer guidance on where and how quickly projects can be developed. This will give industry certainty, break down regulatory barriers and get projects built quicker to cement the UK’s position at the forefront of the global race for fusion. 

    The Spending Review also delivered a commitment to invest over £2.5 billion in fusion research and development. This includes progressing with the STEP programme (Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production) which aims to develop and build a world-leading fusion power plant by 2040 in Nottinghamshire, creating thousands of new jobs with the potential to unlock limitless clean power. 

    A thriving fusion industry in the UK will support the growth of other technologies, including superconductors, robotics and advanced materials, which in turn will provide highly-skilled jobs for British scientists, engineers and construction workers as part of the Plan for Change.  

    The government’s clean energy mission is the only route to energy security, lower bills and good jobs for the country, and by setting out clearer planning rules for investors, the UK will maintain its optimum position for fusion industry investment.  

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    The future of fusion energy starts now. We are backing the builders not the blockers – paving the way for the UK to become a clean energy superpower and ensuring that limitless fusion energy plays a key role in our future clean energy mix.  

    We are ensuring the clean energy of the future gets built in Britain, supporting the creation of highly skilled jobs and driving growth into our industrial heartlands as part of our Plan for Change.

    This clarity for investors follows a major backing of £61.9 billion for clean homegrown power in the Spending Review, in which a golden age of nuclear was confirmed with the selection of Rolls-Royce SMR as the preferred bidder to build the UK’s first small modular reactors and £14.2 billion investment to build Sizewell C. 

    Developing the fusion NPS will also help fusion energy projects move faster along the process from identifying sites to the start of construction. 

    This follows the government’s £20 million investment into the ‘Starmaker One’ British fusion investment fund which is expected to unlock £100 million of private investment in the UK – driving economic growth. 

    Tim Bestwick, CEO, UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), said: 

    The inclusion of fusion energy in the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project regime is a clear indication of the government’s support for fusion. 

    Fusion promises to be a safe, sustainable part of the world’s future energy supply and the UK has a huge opportunity to become a global hub of fusion and related technology. 

    Fusion-specific planning rules will help provide certainty about investing in UK fusion developments, and strengthen the UK’s position as a leader in the quest to commercialise fusion energy.

    Notes to editors 

    The government plans to consult on a detailed National Policy Statement for fusion energy by March 2026. 

    Consultation response on Scope of Fusion Energy National Policy Statement

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 50 killed in hypermarket fire in Iraq’s Wasit province

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BAGHDAD, July 17 (Xinhua) — About 50 people were killed in a massive fire at a hypermarket in Kut, the capital of Iraq’s Wasit province, provincial governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mahi said on Thursday.

    “We have lost about 50 people, including men, women and children, in a tragic fire at a hypermarket,” the governor wrote on his Facebook page.

    The official declared three days of mourning for the victims of the fire.

    “We will not be lenient towards anyone directly or indirectly responsible for this incident. The circumstances of what happened are suspicious. We will announce the results of the preliminary investigation to the public within 48 hours,” he said. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Beam Global and Platinum Group Leadership Attend Formal Signing Ceremony in Abu Dhabi to Create Beam Middle East LLC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN DIEGO, July 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Beam Global, (Nasdaq: BEEM), a leading provider of innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions for the electrification of transportation and energy security, today announced that management from Beam Global, Beam Europe and the Platinum Group LLC, performed the official signing ceremony creating Beam Middle East in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    As previously reported, Beam Global and the Platinum Group will form a new entity, Beam Middle East LLC, which will sell and manufacture Beam Global’s patented sustainable infrastructure solutions for transportation electrification, energy storage, energy security, and smart city development across the Middle East and African regions. Beam Middle East will be headquartered in Omniah Tower in Masdar City, a pioneering sustainable urban community and world-class business and technology hub, where Platinum Group has recently signed a strategic agreement. Masdar City is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, strategically positioned at the center of the country’s drive toward a net-zero future by 2050.

    The official signing ceremony took place today, July 17, in Abu Dhabi. Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global, signed the agreement on behalf of Beam Global, and Dr. Hanai Atatreh, Group Director, signed on behalf of Platinum Group, in the presence of Dr. Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. Also in attendance were members of Beam Global’s management and board of directors, Platinum Group’s board of directors, members of the press, and regional dignitaries.

    “This special occasion marks the formal commencement of our joint venture with the Platinum Group in this very promising region,” said Desmond Wheatley, CEO of Beam Global. “The high quality of the surroundings and attendees bodes well for our future here. We have the right products at the right time in the right place and our new company, formed with the Platinum Group, could not be better positioned. This is a proud day for Beam Global, and I am delighted that we are partnered with such esteemed personages as those in the Platinum Group.”

    “The Platinum Group seeks out the highest quality, most timely and relevant companies in each of the industries we target. Beam Global’s unique and patented products are ideally suited to provide value to governments and businesses, as the Gulf region and beyond transitions to clean and sustainable technologies,” Dr. Ali Nasser Sultan Al Yahbouni Al Daheri, CEO of Platinum Group. “We are looking forward to ensuring that our new joint venture with Beam Global, forming Beam Middle East, is a highly successful enterprise with wins in the Middle East and increasingly in Africa. With abundant sunshine and fast-growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and energy storage, the region is perfect for Beam Global’s solutions. Energy security and smart cities solutions like those offered by Beam Middle East are at the forefront of government planning. Our timing is right, and our partnership is formed on mutual benefit from growth and success. We are delighted to have Beam Global as part of our growing family of businesses.”

    Photographs and other content related to the signing ceremony will be released by the company shortly.

    About Platinum Group LLC
    Platinum Group UAE is a diversified, multi-billion-dollar conglomerate operating in energy, real estate, finance and investing, healthcare, information technology, sports and entertainment, food services and legal services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Chaired by His Royal Highness Sheikh Mohammed Sultan Bin Khalifa Al-Nahyan, son of the former ruler of Abu Dhabi, the Group is recognized for its well-established and trusted relationships across government and industry. Platinum Group UAE is headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with offices in Dubai and Sharjah. For more information visit, PlatinumGroupUAE.com.

    About Beam Global
    Beam Global is a clean technology innovator which develops and manufactures sustainable infrastructure products and technologies. We operate at the nexus of clean energy and transportation with a focus on sustainable energy infrastructure, rapidly deployed and scalable EV charging solutions, safe energy storage and vital energy security. With operations in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, Beam Global develops, patents, designs, engineers and manufactures unique and advanced clean technology solutions that power transportation, provide secure sources of electricity, save time and money and protect the environment. Beam Global is headquartered in San Diego, CA with facilities in Broadview, IL and Belgrade and Kraljevo, Serbia. Beam Global is listed on Nasdaq under the symbol BEEM. For more information visit, BeamForAll.com, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and X.

    Forward-Looking Statements
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Police protection for New Caledonian politicians following death threats

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    New Caledonian politicians who inked their commitment to a deal with France last weekend will be offered special police protection following threats, especially made on social media networks.

    The group includes almost 20 members of New Caledonia’s parties — both pro-France and pro-independence — who took part in deal-breaking negotiations with the French State that ended on 12 July 2025, and a joint commitment regarding New Caledonia’s political future.

    The endorsed document envisages a roadmap in the coming months to turn New Caledonia into a “state” within the French realm.

    It is what some legal experts have sometimes referred to as “a state within the state”, while others say this was tantamount to pushing the French Constitution to its very limits.

    The document is a commitment by all signatories that they will stick to their respective positions from now on.

    The tense but conclusive negotiations took place behind closed doors in a hotel in the small city of Bougival, near Paris, under talks driven by French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls and a team of high-level French government representatives and advisers.

    It followed Valls’ several unsuccessful attempts earlier this year to reach a consensus between parties who want New Caledonia to remain part of France and others representing the pro-independence movement.

    Concessions from both sides
     But to reach a compromise agreement, both sides have had to make concessions.

    The pro-French parties, for instance, have had to endorse the notion of a State of New Caledonia or that of a double French-New Caledonian nationality.

    Pro-independence parties have had to accept the plan to modify the rules of eligibility to vote at local elections so as to allow more non-native French nationals to join the local electoral roll.

    They also had to postpone or even give up on the hard-line full sovereignty demand for now.

    Over the past five years and after a series of three referendums (held between 2018 and 2021) on self-determination, both camps have increasingly radicalised.

    This resulted in destructive and deadly riots that broke out in May 2024, resulting in 14 deaths, more than 2 billion euros (NZ$3.9 billion) in damage, thousands of jobless and the destruction of hundreds of businesses.

    Over one year later, the atmosphere in New Caledonia remains marked by a sense of tension, fear and uncertainty on both sides of the political chessboard.

    Since the deal was signed and made public, on July 12, and even before flying back to New Caledonia, all parties have been targeted by a wide range of reactions from their militant bases, especially on social media.

    Some of the reactions have included thinly-veiled death threats in response to a perception that, on one side or another, the deal was not up to the militants’ expectations and that the parties’ negotiators are now regarded as “traitors”.

    Since signing the Paris agreement, all parties have also recognised the need to “sell” and “explain” the new agreement to their respective militants.

    Most of the political parties represented during the talks have already announced they will hold meetings in the coming days, in what is described as “an exercise in pedagogy”.

    “In a certain number of countries, when you sign compromises after hundreds of hours of discussions and when it’s not accepted [by your militants], you lose your reputation. In our country . . . you can risk your life,” said moderate pro-France Calédonie Ensemble leader Philippe Gomès told public broadcaster NC La Première on Wednesday.

    Pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) chief negotiator Emmanuel Tjibaou was the first to face negative repercussions back in New Caledonia.

    Tjibaou’s fateful precedent
     “To choose this difficult and new path also means we’ll be subject to criticism. We’re going to get insulted, threatened, precisely because we have chosen a different path,” he told a debriefing meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

    In 1988, Tjibaou’s father, pro-independence leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou, also signed a historic deal (known as the Matignon-Oudinot accords) with pro-France’s Jacques Lafleur, under the auspices of then Prime Minister Michel Rocard.

    The deal largely contributed to restoring peace in New Caledonia, after a quasi-civil war during the second half of the 1980s.

    The following year, he and his deputy, Yeiwéné Yeiwéné, were both shot dead by Djubelly Wéa, a hard-line member of the pro-independence movement, who believed the signing of the 1988 deal had been a “betrayal” of the indigenous Kanak people’s struggle for sovereignty and independence.

    ‘Nobody has betrayed anybody’
     “Nobody has betrayed anybody, whichever party he belongs to. All of us, on both sides, have defended and remained faithful to their beliefs. We had to work and together find a common ground for the years to come, for Caledonians. Now that’s what we need to explain,” said pro-France Rassemblement-LR leader Virginie Ruffenach.

    In an interview earlier this week, Valls said he was very aware of the local tensions.

    “I’m aware there are risks, even serious ones. And not only political. There are threats on elections, on politicians, on the delegations. What I’m calling for is debate, confrontation of ideas and calm.

    “I’m aware that there are extremists out there, who may want to provoke a civil war . . . a tragedy is always possible.

    “The risk is always there. Since the accord was signed, there have been direct threats on New Caledonian leaders, pro-independence or anti-independence.

    “We’re going to act to prevent this. There cannot be death threats on social networks against pro-independence or anti-independence leaders,” Valls said.

    Over the past few days, special protection French police officers have already been deployed to New Caledonia to take care of politicians who took part in the Bougival talks and wish to be placed under special scrutiny.

    “They will be more protected than (French cabinet) ministers,” French national public broadcaster France Inter reported on Tuesday.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign

    UK leading a new era of diaspora-driven growth in Ghana

    The British High Commission in Accra has officially launched the “London to Accra Economic Growth Campaign” – a bold, series of activities aimed at strengthening economic ties between the UK and Ghana, by leveraging the two countries’ greatest shared asset, the British Ghanaian diaspora. 

    The launch took place at a vibrant reception attended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, alongside 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders from the business communities both in Ghana and the UK. 

    London to Accra transcends symbolism. It is about unlocking untapped opportunities. The campaign will raise awareness of the role that the British Ghanaian diaspora plays in driving economic growth through their people-to-people connections, creativity and cultural relations between the two cities, London and Accra, and for that matter the two countries, Great Britain and Ghana. It will also highlight the range of support available to help entrepreneurs strengthen their trade and investment activities between the two capitals. 

    Kicking off with the launch, the campaign will include a series of webinars focused on doing business between the UK and Ghana, a digital storytelling series showcasing diaspora success stories, and a roadshow of diaspora-led businesses in Accra. The culmination of this bold campaign will be the inaugural Diaspora Economic Growth Summit in January 2026 in Accra. This flagship event will serve as both the grand finale and the beginning of a new tradition in diaspora economic collaboration. 

    Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Accra, set the tone at the launch saying: 

    The London to Accra campaign is a practical approach to supporting the UK’s growth mission. Our two capitals are not just linked by culture. These connections are increasingly economic, with entrepreneurs building businesses that bridge both capitals and create prosperity in both nations. By strengthening these connections, we are creating new pathways for investment and economic growth that benefit citizens in both countries.

    The launch event featured a panel discussion with key figures including Ghana’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Otchere Darko; Pamela Bassah, Head of Diaspora Relations and Strategic Partnerships at the British High Commission; Dr. Vanessa Apea; CEO of Accra London Health Centre; Giselle Agyare, Country Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade in Ghana; and Shirgade Laryea from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. The discussion highlighted the wide range of support available through initiatives such as Growth Gateway. 

    The campaign follows the success of the annual Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer, which began in January 2023 and has become a cornerstone event for the British Ghanaian community. The 2025 edition attracted over 500 stakeholders from the UK-Ghana diaspora, business community, and Government of Ghana, demonstrating the strong appetite for greater engagement between the two countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham City Council tenants make big savings thanks to a new money saving app

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Thursday, 17th July 2025

    Birmingham City Council tenants are enjoying discounts at over 100 national retailers, thanks to a new money-saving app called Housing Perks.

    Earlier in the year, the council conducted a trial partnership with Housing Perks. This app provides tenants with exclusive offers and discounts at retailers such as Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrisons, and Argos. 

    During the trial around 5,000 tenants downloaded the app, which generated savings for these households of £17,722.

    The trial has been a success, and the council is looking to continue with Housing Perks while implementing a new feature where tenants are able to put their savings towards rent arrears payments.

    Councillor Nicky Brennan, Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said:

    “We are committed to doing all we can to support our tenants through the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and I am pleased to add the Housing Perks app to our other cost-of-living support.

    “Housing Perks provides our tenants with discounts on everyday essentials and big one-off costs.

    “We understand how challenging it can be budgeting and managing household bills, so we are implementing a new feature that gives tenants the option to pay any savings made through the app directly to their rent account. By doing this, tenants can keep on top of rent payments while doing their weekly shop or buying petrol.

    “By linking tenants’ everyday spending to rent payments, we hope this will provide an additional way to help tenants who are struggling during this cost-of-living crisis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –