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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Phillips 66 Files Preliminary Proxy Statement for 2025 Annual Meeting

    Source: Phillips

    HOUSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) today announced that it has filed its preliminary proxy materials with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with its upcoming 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
    In today’s filing, the Phillips 66 Board of Directors:
    Announces the nomination of two new candidates bringing critical financial and operational capabilities to the Board:A. Nigel Hearne, a 35-year veteran of the energy industry with direct refining operations leadership, bringing deep downstream and integration expertise; and Howard I. Ungerleider, a highly strategic former President and Chief Financial Officer with extensive chemicals experience.
    Nominates John E. Lowe and Robert “Bob” W. Pease as directors:Lowe, a strategic leader with more than 40 years of leadership in midstream, refining and chemicals businesses; and Pease, a director identified in partnership with Elliott Investment Management (“Elliott”), whose expertise in refining operations strengthens the Board’s oversight of efficiency improvements and strategic execution.
    Announces it again intends to seek shareholder approval of a management proposal to approve the declassification of the Boardat the 2025 Annual Meeting, a proposal that the Company has previously put forth five times over the past decade.
    Reiterates unanimous support for the Company’s strategyto drive compelling, consistent returns for shareholders through operational excellence and effective allocation of capital across a leading integrated downstream business with a differentiated portfolio in highly attractive markets.
    Unanimously recommends that shareholders use the WHITE proxy card or the WHITE voting instruction form to vote FOR only the four nominees recommended by the Board, and AGAINST Elliott’s proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, that the Board adopt a policy to implement the required annual resignation of all directors, and as the Board recommends on all other proposals.
    Glenn F. Tilton, the Board’s lead independent director, said, “As a board, we regularly evaluate all ideas that may maximize shareholder value and have a proven history of acting decisively on value enhancing opportunities when it is in the best interests of our shareholders. Our priority is ensuring we have the right mix of skills so that we are best positioned to oversee the Company’s strategy and to deliver consistent and long-term value for our shareholders. The Board encourages new perspectives, welcomes debate and regularly engages with shareholders to solicit their feedback.”
    Tilton continued, “After careful consideration of Elliott’s nominees and several conversations with Elliott’s representatives over multiple years, we have determined that the dissident nominees do not possess skills or experiences not represented on the Board already or that would directly drive further shareholder value creation. Further, Elliott’s inconsistent approach and evolving demands would introduce undue risk by prioritizing uncertain short-term gains over a disciplined, long-term strategy. The Board reiterates its commitment to rigorously evaluating the portfolio and strategic alternatives to maximize long-term shareholder value while avoiding decisions driven by short-term market fluctuations and speculative valuations.”
    Phillips 66 Nominates Proven Leaders Who Strengthen Highly Engaged Board
    Over the past four years, Phillips 66 has welcomed five new independent directors to the Board, including two in 2024. Today, Phillips 66 is nominating four director candidates, including two new nominees:
    A. Nigel Hearne: With more than 35 years of experience in the energy industry, including extensive international upstream and downstream operating experience, he is a proven leader who will provide extremely valuable insights in overseeing Phillips 66’s execution of its strategic priorities. Hearne is currently the Chief Operating Officer of Harbour Energy and was recently Executive Vice President of Oil, Products & Gas at Chevron Corporation where he oversaw the entire value chain and was responsible for maximizing value from their global integrated model. He began his career in downstream operations, overseeing refineries in the United States and globally.
    Howard I. Ungerleider: An experienced public company board member, Ungerleider is a highly strategic former President and Chief Financial Officer with deep insight into the chemicals business. He served in leadership roles at Dow for more than 30 years and managed the financial complexities of the historic merge-and-spin of DowDuPont, an $86 billion holding company comprised of The Dow Chemical Company and DuPont, from September 2017 to April 2019. His financial expertise and broader leadership through strategic transformations will be a meaningful addition to the Board and its oversight of the Company’s strategy.
    John E. Lowe: As a respected strategic leader in the energy industry, he brings extensive expertise from an over 40-year career with leadership positions across midstream, refining, upstream and chemicals businesses. Through his various roles as an executive, strategic advisor and board member for upstream, midstream and downstream energy companies, he provides valuable insights into strategic, operational and regulatory considerations for Phillips 66’s strategic transformation and overall strategy.
    Robert W. Pease:Through his 38-year career in the energy industry, he has held numerous leadership roles, particularly in downstream businesses. He brings deep refinery operations experience to the Board, which bolsters the Board’s ability to oversee the Company’s focus on optimizing the cost structure and operational efficiency of its refining assets, along with valuable perspectives on shifting market demand and through-cycle positioning which are important for the Company to set its long-term strategy.
    “The addition of Nigel and Howard will add fresh insights from proven global leaders who not only have direct experience in our industry – they notably bring unique perspectives from their careers that are highly relevant to our position in the industry and our long-term strategy,” said Tilton. “Together, Nigel, Howard, Bob and John represent a unique set of skills and experiences. Nigel and Howard’s skills will complement those of our existing directors and can challenge our strategy and represent what is best for our shareholders,” Tilton added.
    Tilton concluded, “Our transformative strategy is in its early stages, and we are confident we have the right chief executive officer, leadership team and strategic plan in place to continue delivering sustainable value creation, as noted last year by one of our largest shareholders, Elliott Management. The Board takes a highly engaged approach to overseeing the Company’s strategy that involves thoughtfully reviewing operations and challenging management to further maximize long-term shareholder value.”
    Phillips 66’s Board of Directors is Committed to Declassification
    At the 2025 Annual Meeting, Phillips 66 is seeking shareholder approval of a proposal to approve the declassification of the Board by amending the Company’s certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as it has done five times before over the past decade. The Board continues to believe it is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders to properly declassify the Board. Elliott is seeking shareholder approval of a request for the Board to adopt a policy to implement a required annual resignation of all directors. Elliott’s proposal is merely a distraction and contravenes several elements of the Company’s organizational documents, in violation of well-established principles of Delaware corporate law.
    The Board strongly urges shareholders who wish to properly declassify the Board in accordance with the Company’s governing documents to vote AGAINST Elliott’s proposal and in support of management’s proposal.
    Elliott’s Proxy Fight
    As stated in the March 5 public letter to shareholders, Phillips 66 has sought to engage with Elliott since 2023 to hear its ideas and work constructively toward a shared goal of long-term value creation.
    This constructive dialogue led to the addition of Bob Pease to the Board with Elliott stating: “We (Elliott) have worked collaboratively with Phillips 66 on the Board’s appointment of Bob, who will bring extensive experience in refining and the energy industry more broadly.”
    However, attempts to reach agreement on adding another mutually agreed director have been met with challenges.
    Following a period of silence, Elliott issued a series of public attacks on the Board and management team and, for the first time in its discussions with Phillips 66, proposed the idea of a separation. Phillips 66 sought to re-engage Elliott in constructive dialogue to find a path forward that would benefit all shareholders.
    At the latest meeting, Elliott representatives indicated there were no immediate next steps and opted not to present their nominees for interviews at that time, despite the Board’s willingness to engage. The Board and leadership team of Phillips 66 stand ready to engage constructively when Elliott is ready.
    In the coming weeks, Phillips 66 will provide more information about its highly qualified board candidates, its strong management team and its proven strategy to create long-term shareholder value. The Company will also provide details regarding how Elliott’s nominees and its proposed changes at Phillips 66 present significant risks to shareholder value.
    Keeping Our Shareholders Informed
    Phillips 66’s definitive proxy materials will soon be mailed out to shareholders and will include a WHITE proxy card or a WHITE voting instruction form with voting instructions. Your vote for all four Phillips 66 nominees on the WHITE proxy card or WHITE voting instruction form will be critical. Shareholders and other stakeholders can stay informed about the 2025 Annual Meeting and related updates by visiting: Phillips66Delivers.com.
    Phillips 66 strongly urges shareholders to simply discard and NOT vote using any Gold proxy card or Gold voting instruction form that may be sent by Elliott.
    About Phillips 66
    Phillips 66 (NYSE: PSX) is a leading integrated downstream energy provider that manufactures, transports and markets products that drive the global economy. The company’s portfolio includes Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, Marketing and Specialties, and Renewable Fuels businesses. Headquartered in Houston, Phillips 66 has employees around the globe who are committed to safely and reliably providing energy and improving lives while pursuing a lower-carbon future. For more information, visit phillips66.com or follow @Phillips66Co on LinkedIn.
    Forward-Looking Statements
    This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws relating to Phillips 66’s operations, strategy and performance. Words such as “anticipated,” “committed,” “estimated,” “expected,” “planned,” “scheduled,” “targeted,” “believe,” “continue,” “intend,” “will,” “would,” “objective,” “goal,” “project,” “efforts,” “strategies” and similar expressions that convey the prospective nature of events or outcomes generally indicate forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements included in this news release are based on management’s expectations, estimates and projections as of the date they are made. These statements are not guarantees of future events or performance, and you should not unduly rely on them as they involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements include: changes in governmental policies or laws that relate to our operations, including regulations that seek to limit or restrict refining, marketing and midstream operations or regulate profits, pricing, or taxation of our products or feedstocks, or other regulations that restrict feedstock imports or product exports; our ability to timely obtain or maintain permits necessary for projects; fluctuations in NGL, crude oil, refined petroleum, renewable fuels and natural gas prices, and refining, marketing and petrochemical margins; the effects of any widespread public health crisis and its negative impact on commercial activity and demand for refined petroleum or renewable fuels products; changes to worldwide government policies relating to renewable fuels and greenhouse gas emissions that adversely affect programs including the renewable fuel standards program, low carbon fuel standards and tax credits for renewable fuels; potential liability from pending or future litigation; liability for remedial actions, including removal and reclamation obligations under existing or future environmental regulations; unexpected changes in costs for constructing, modifying or operating our facilities; our ability to successfully complete, or any material delay in the completion of, any asset disposition, acquisition, shutdown or conversion that we have announced or may pursue, including receipt of any necessary regulatory approvals or permits related thereto; unexpected difficulties in manufacturing, refining or transporting our products; the level and success of drilling and production volumes around our midstream assets; risks and uncertainties with respect to the actions of actual or potential competitive suppliers and transporters of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels or specialty products; lack of, or disruptions in, adequate and reliable transportation for our products; failure to complete construction of capital projects on time or within budget; our ability to comply with governmental regulations or make capital expenditures to maintain compliance with laws; limited access to capital or significantly higher cost of capital related to illiquidity or uncertainty in the domestic or international financial markets, which may also impact our ability to repurchase shares and declare and pay dividends; potential disruption of our operations due to accidents, weather events, including as a result of climate change, acts of terrorism or cyberattacks; general domestic and international economic and political developments, including armed hostilities (such as the Russia-Ukraine war), expropriation of assets, and other diplomatic developments; international monetary conditions and exchange controls; changes in estimates or projections used to assess fair value of intangible assets, goodwill and property and equipment and/or strategic decisions with respect to our asset portfolio that cause impairment charges; investments required, or reduced demand for products, as a result of environmental rules and regulations; changes in tax, environmental and other laws and regulations (including alternative energy mandates); political and societal concerns about climate change that could result in changes to our business or increase expenditures, including litigation-related expenses; the operation, financing and distribution decisions of equity affiliates we do not control; and other economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors affecting Phillips 66’s businesses generally as set forth in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Phillips 66 is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
    Additional Information
    On March 26, 2025, Phillips 66 filed a preliminary proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) and accompanying WHITE proxy card with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) in connection with its 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “2025 Annual Meeting”) and its solicitation of proxies for Phillips 66’s director nominees and for other matters to be voted on. The Proxy Statement is in preliminary form and Phillips 66 intends to file and mail to shareholders of record entitled to vote at the 2025 Annual Meeting a definitive proxy statement and other documents, including a WHITE proxy card. Phillips 66 may also file other relevant documents with the SEC regarding its solicitation of proxies for the 2025 Annual Meeting. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement or other document that Phillips 66 has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with any solicitation by Phillips 66. PHILLIPS 66 SHAREHOLDERS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT (AND ANY AMENDMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ACCOMPANYING WHITE PROXY CARD AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT SOLICITATION MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Shareholders may obtain copies of the Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements to the Proxy Statement and other documents (including the WHITE proxy card) filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC without charge from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed by Phillips 66 with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Phillips 66’s investor relations website at https://investor.phillips66.com or upon written request sent to Phillips 66, 2331 CityWest Boulevard, Houston, TX 77042, Attention: Investor Relations.
    Certain Information Regarding Participants
    Phillips 66, its directors, its director nominees and certain of its executive officers and employees may be deemed to be participants in connection with the solicitation of proxies from Phillips 66 shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at the 2025 Annual Meeting. Information regarding the names of such persons and their respective interests in Phillips 66, by securities holdings or otherwise, is available in the Proxy Statement, which was filed with the SEC on March 26, 2025, and will be included in Phillips 66’s definitive proxy statement, once available, including in the sections captioned “Beneficial Ownership of Phillips 66 Securities” and “Appendix C: Supplemental Information Regarding Participants in the Solicitation.” To the extent that Phillips 66’s directors and executive officers who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation have acquired or disposed of securities holdings since the applicable “as of” date disclosed in the Proxy Statement, such transactions have been or will be reflected on Statements of Changes in Ownership of Securities on Form 4 or Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 filed with the SEC. These documents are or will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

    Source: Phillips 66

    MIL OSI Economics –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon closure update21 March 2025 The installation of the steel strapping is progressing well and is expected to be completed in the coming days. Once in place, this will allow for ongoing monitoring of any settling or movement in… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    21 March 2025

    The installation of the steel strapping is progressing well and is expected to be completed in the coming days. Once in place, this will allow for ongoing monitoring of any settling or movement in the structure. 

    Following this, geological surveys will be conducted to assess the voids beneath the site. Work remains on schedule, and further updates will be provided as progress continues.

    We have now collated all relevant information including a upcoming schedule of works here: https://www.gov.je/Travel/Roads/RoadClosures/Pages/RougeBouillon.aspx​ 

    The situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls and buildings that are severely cracked and have been subject to significant movement following a burst watermain. The property and external walls were rendered unsafe with voids created under the structures. Multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment, Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies. 

    The team of professionals, working on behalf of the property owners and their insurance companies, has devised a plan to stabilise the property and then demolish the external walls. 

    • Step 1: a Contractor working on behalf of the owner of 28 Clarendon Road will install steel strapping around the building 
    • Step 2: the structural engineers, assisted by geotechnical engineers will investigate soil conditions under the foundations 
    • Step 3: the external structures and boundary walls will be demolished 
    • Step 4: re-open Rouge Bouillon once it has been determined that it is safe to do so.

    The project remains under constant review to ensure the best and safest outcome. 

    Routes and safety assurance 

    Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. 

    We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure, however the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors: 

    • Reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians. 
    • Allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory. 
    • Reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns. 

    We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible. 

    Public impact 

    We understand that the closure has significant impacts on daily travel and local businesses. The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated. 

    Next steps 

    A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Children and Young People’s Survey report published26 March 2025 ​​The 2024 Jersey Children and Young People’s Survey report has been released today by Statistics Jersey.   Every Jersey child in school years 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were invited to take part in the… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    26 March 2025

    ​​The 2024 Jersey Children and Young People’s Survey report has been released today by Statistics Jersey.   

    Every Jersey child in school years 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 were invited to take part in the survey during school time in the Autumn Term of 2024. Home-educated students also had the opportunity to take part. Translations into Portuguese and polish were also available to the students.  Student participation was voluntary and anonymous. 

    Conducted independently by Statistics Jersey, the survey included topics requested by a range of stakeholders across government to support their work in children’s services. 

    Questions were age appropriate and covered a range of social topics such as health, food, exercise, bullying, alcohol, smoking and drugs. New topics this year included questions on religion, leisure time, criminal child exploitation and attitudes to gender stereotypes. Some sections (e.g. drugs and sex) were not included, or were amended, for the younger children’s versions of the questionnaire. 

    The survey in various forms has been run since 1998, enabling changes in behaviours and attitudes to be monitored over time. The results from the survey will allow everyone in the Island to better understand life from a child’s perspective, and help in the decision-making of those providing services to children.  

    Statistics Jersey wishes to thank the young people who took part in the survey. 

    2024 Jersey Children and Young People’s Survey report​​​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Girls Active leaders aiming to ‘up the game’ for girls in sport

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Kyle Savage and Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport NI pictured with Girls Active Ambassadors at the recent Girls Active Inspiration Day at Dromore Community Centre.

    ‘Girls Active’ is an initiative developed by the Youth Sport Trust, which supports schools to increase girls’ engagement and enjoyment in PE, school sport and physical activity.

    The programme encourages teachers and girls to work together, empowering them to take positive action through influencing, leadership and inspiring their peers.

    Joining over 60 primary school girls aged 9-12 years at the recent ‘Girls Active Inspiration Day’ at Dromore Community Centre, was Irish Olympian Kerry O’Flaherty, who shared her own personal journey in sport from competing at the Commonwealth Games to the European and World Championships in the 3000m. Kerry encouraged each girl to believe in themselves and reinforced the message that “it’s never too late to take part in sport!”

    With funding from Sport NI, through the Community Planning Investment Programme 24/25, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council has once again teamed up with the Youth Sport Trust to deliver this programme with local primary schools.

    Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Kyle Savage said: “We are seeing a very welcome popularity in female sports across our borough. Physical fitness and mental wellbeing go hand-in-hand with academic achievement, and as such, ‘Girls Active’ offers girls the chance to get involved in the design and delivery of activities that will appeal to their peers and boost interest and participation in sports within their schools. I wish all the girls involved in the programme every success.”

    Throughout the event, the girls took part in a range of activities including dance and exercises, team building games and workshops focusing on leadership, marketing and action planning. The action plans developed on the day will help the girls and teachers work together to engage more girls to be active within their schools.

    Richard Archibald, Interim CEO at Sport NI said: “We are delighted to support Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council with their Girls Active programme. Our Community Planning Investment programme is supporting councils across Northern Ireland to provide more opportunities for people to participate in sport and physical activity in their local areas. 

    “Sport has the power to change lives; it supports our physical and mental health, boosts confidence and provides an environment to make new friends. At Sport NI we want girls to find their place and Be Seen, Be Heard and Belong in sport and I hope this programme kickstarts a lifelong involvement in sport for the girls who took part.”

    For more information, please email Amanda Mogey, Sports Development Officer,

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stay Safe on Shared Paths

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    26/03/25

    With weather improving over spring, people using shared paths in Dundee are being urged to show consideration for others as more walkers, wheelers and cyclists take to the network. 

    The reminder is being issued by a senior councillor, who is encouraging people to get out and make the most of Dundee’s shared paths, which include the 26-mile Green Circular. 

    Councillor Siobhan Tolland, depute convener of Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure, said: “Dundee has many shared paths that are a great way of travelling round the city and I hope as many people as possible get out and enjoy them during the coming months.  

    “I’d like to take this opportunity to remind them to show consideration to other users of these paths. 

    “This network is a great asset to help improve health and wellbeing and I would like it to remain a safe environment for everyone.” 

    Top tips for shared paths include: 

    • When it’s dark, or in dull conditions, make sure you are visible to others, cyclists should use lights at night. 

    • Be particularly careful at junctions, bends, entrances onto the path, or any other ‘blind spots’ where people could appear in front of you without warning. 

    • Please be aware, especially of more vulnerable users such as older people, people with small children, people in wheelchairs, or the hearing or visually impaired.   

    • When riding a bike, ring a bell well in advance if approaching people from behind, but remember, this might not always be enough to alert people that you’re coming. 

    More details on Dundee’s shared paths can be found on the City Council’s website here  

    Leader tours new Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy

    Leader tours new Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy

    Dundee City Council leader Councillor Mark Flynn visited the site of the new Drumgeith Community Campus and Greenfield Academy on Wednesday March 19 to see progress on the £100 million…

    19/03/25

    Dundee’s traditional Christmas offering announced

    Dundee’s traditional Christmas offering announced

    Dundee City Council has announced its plans for the city’s 2025 festive period including the return of a Christmas tree to City Square, a Christmas lights switch-on event and the continuation of…

    17/03/25

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Heathrow expansion – the impact on London’s surface transport

    Source: Mayor of London

    In 2017, Transport for London (TfL) estimated that £10-15bn would be needed to improve surface access – all the ways in which passengers, communities, staff and goods travel to and from the airport – to enable a third runway at Heathrow Airport.1

    Tomorrow, the London Assembly Transport Committee will ask guests from TfL, Heathrow Airport, Network Rail and the Heathrow Area Transport Forum about the implications of the expansion of Heathrow on surface access at the airport and the impact on London’s wider public transport network.

    The Committee will also ask guests from Heathrow about last week’s closure of the airport.

    The guests are:

    • Sophie Chapman, Surface Access Director, Heathrow Airport
    • Tim Leach, Head of Surface Access Strategy and Sponsorship, Heathrow Airport
    • Christina Calderato, Director of Transport Strategy and Policy, Transport for London
    • Marcus Jones, Route Director, Western, Network Rail
    • Anthony Smith, Chair, Heathrow Area Transport Forum

    The meeting will take place on Thursday 27 March from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

    The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Baroness Finn resigns from the Committee on Standards in Public Life

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Baroness Finn resigns from the Committee on Standards in Public Life

    Baroness Finn, the Conservative member of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, has resigned from the Committee with effect from 26 March 2025.

    © House of Lords / photography by Roger Harris

    Doug Chalmers, Chair of the Committee, thanked Baroness Finn for her service to the Committee over the past three years.

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    Published 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Academic Council of the State University of Management discussed the development strategy and the future of education

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On March 25, 2025, the next meeting of the Academic Council of the State University of Management was held.

    Traditionally, we started with the congratulatory part. Rector Vladimir Stroyev presented letters of gratitude from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for their contribution to the development of practice-oriented education, the development of the federation within the framework of the “Service Learning” program to Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov and Associate Professor of the Department of Management in International Business and Tourism Industry Svetlana Grishaeva.

    Vladimir Vitalyevich also congratulated the birthday boys of the month and thanked Elena Shtyreva, an employee of the Institute of Distance Education of the State University of Management, for 55 years of continuous work at the State University of Management.

    “I also want to join in the congratulations and say “thank you” on behalf of all the institute’s employees for their daily work and contribution to the development of the institute. I know where she gets this character from, her grandfather was the deputy commander of Vasily Chapaev’s division,” Sergei Lenshin, director of the Fine Arts Department of the State University of Management, congratulated Elena Arkadyevna.

    After the completion of the formal part, those gathered moved on to considering the issues on the agenda.

    Deputy Director of the Department of Academic Policy and Implementation of Educational Programs Olga Zhuravleva presented a summary report on the self-assessment of the main areas of the university’s activities for 2024.

    “For the first time, we worked on the report together with the Center for Prospective Development, which allowed us to better present the overall picture. The indicators have mostly increased and are impressive. The University is successfully developing in most indicators. However, there are also growth points and challenges of modern society that we need to work with more actively,” Olga Zhuravleva noted.

    Director of the Center for Prospective Development Tatyana Gordeeva spoke about the results of the implementation of the State University of Management Development Program for 2024.

    “2024 has become a fundamental year in the formation of the organizational foundations of the development program. At the same time, today we are already working on its implementation in the context of the emerging new system of higher education. What it will be like is still unknown, but we must keep this in mind. In addition, there are risks of reducing off-budget admission to humanitarian programs, which are key for the State University of Management today. Therefore, today it is important to focus on the effective implementation of the development tasks that we have defined for ourselves in order to form the necessary reserve for participation in new national projects and the implementation of our ambitious goals,” Tatyana Gordeeva emphasized.

    Vladimir Stroev noted the importance of not only taking into account indicators in areas, but also making proposals for their improvement, which he expects from every employee.

    “The issue of the development program is not simple, it is connected with many indicators that are used in different systems and different issues. And all our reports must be treated responsibly, not only noting positive results, but also expressing criticism in case of their failure. These data are a reason to think about what we are doing now and what will happen to us tomorrow. It would be good not just to fulfill the indicators, but also to exceed them, or be close to this,” concluded Vladimir Vitalyevich.

    Director of the Institute of Economics and Finance Galina Sorokina reported on the results of the institute’s work for 2024.

    “The institute has shown growth in almost all areas, so it is especially pleasant to make a report. The number of not only admitted students has grown, but also those who transferred from other universities. The number of foreign students has also grown, with Vietnamese students predominating. The number of educational programs implemented by the institute is also growing. A program on behavioral economics is being developed, which will be carried out jointly with the Central Bank and Rosfinmonitoring,” Galina Petrovna noted.

    Vice-Rector Pavel Pavlovsky informed those gathered about the implementation of the Youth Policy Strategy at the State University of Management.

    “The State University of Management is undoubtedly one of the leading universities in the implementation of youth policy. We became the first university in Moscow for educational work, and in Russia we took 3rd place among universities with a population of 5 to 10 thousand people. In 2024, 47 federal projects were held on the basis of the State University of Management. This year, we initiated the All-Russian student competition “Family History. Immortal Memory”, expanded the geography of the All-Russian project “Course for Business and Entrepreneurship” that we are implementing, which will be held not only in the International Children’s Center “Artek” and the All-Russian Children’s Center “Ocean”, but also in the All-Russian Children’s Centers “Smena” and “Orlyonok”. And, of course, the All-Russian KVN School, “University Shifts” and other important events await us,” Pavel Vladimirovich shared.

    Vice-Rector Dmitry Bryukhanov proposed creating a Preparatory Department for Foreign Citizens, which was unanimously supported by the council members.

    At the end of the meeting, Vladimir Stroyev called on those gathered to prepare not only for the 2025 admissions campaign, but also to think about admissions in 2026 and make their proposals.

    “This year, the admission campaign is still under the old system, but next year a new model will be adopted, and we must be ready. It is time to prepare proposals for our areas in a given situation, including in the event of a stressful situation. We must have specific solutions for each issue,” the rector of the State University of Management concluded.

    In addition, the meeting discussed the nomination of GUU employees to participate in the All-Russian competition “Golden Names of Higher Education”, approval of new DPO programs, tuition fees and other work issues.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 03/26/2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strengthening investment and competitiveness in EU telecom networks – E-000467/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Addressing market fragmentation, boosting investments and enhancing Europe’s position in gigabit and 5G connectivity are core objectives as outlined in the White Paper ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’[1].

    They are required to achieve the ambitious digital infrastructure targets for the Digital Decade by 2030, ensure more modern, secure and resilient networks across the EU and complete the single market for connectivity.

    The Commission is fully aware that Europe is far behind on the Digital Decade targets. That is why, as it is indicated in the communication ‘A Competitiveness Compass for the EU’[2], the Commission will propose a Digital Networks Act (DNA), which aims to improve market incentives to build the digital networks of the future, reduce burden and compliance costs, and improve digital connectivity for end-users, by fostering a Single Market for connectivity and a more coordinated EU spectrum policy.

    The Commission Work Programme 2025[3] stresses that the most important precondition for a thriving digital economy is reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure and confirms that the DNA will facilitate cross-border network operation and service provision, enhancing industry competitiveness and improving spectrum coordination.

    Against this background, to address technology and market trends, the Commission will review the current regulatory framework with the objectives of modernisation, simplification and harmonisation in mind.

    • [1]  COM(2024) 81 final.
    • [2]  COM(2025) 30 final.
    • [3]  COM(2025) 45 final.
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Effectiveness of online tools against disinformation – E-000327/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the Digital Services Act (DSA)[1] providers of very large online platforms (VLOPs) and very large online search engines (VLOSEs) are required to assess the risks to which their service gives rise in relation to civic discourse, electoral processes and public security, and to put in place measures to mitigate such risks, while protecting the fundamental rights of their users and of persons affected by their services, in particular the right to freedom of expression under the EU Charter of Fundamental rights[2].

    The DSA does not prescribe fact-checking as a measure mitigating such risks. Rather, providers of VLOPs and VLOSEs are required to put in place reasonable, proportionate and effective mitigation measures, tailored to the specific systemic risks identified, which may include fact-checking.

    Adherence to the Code of Conduct on Disinformation (the Code)[3], may constitute an appropriate risk mitigation measure in relation to the risk of disinformation.

    The Code is a set of voluntary commitments to which providers of online platforms may adhere to address the risks that arise from the dissemination of disinformation online.

    Adherence to a code of conduct does not in itself presume compliance with the DSA. The effectiveness of specific mitigation measures needs to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

    The Commission also provides substantial support to initiatives involving civil society organisations such as the European Digital Media Observatory[4].

    The Commission is continuously monitoring the compliance of VLOPs and VLOSEs with the DSA and can open proceedings, should this be necessary.

    • [1] Regulation (EU) 2022/2065 of the Parliament and the Council (OJ 2022/2065).
    • [2] Enshrined in Article 11 of the Charter on freedom of expression.
    • [3] https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/code-conduct-disinformation
    • [4] https://edmo.eu/
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Shortcomings in the transposition of European Directive (EU) 2024/1385 into Greek national legislation on combating violence against women and domestic violence – E-000366/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Directive (EU) 2024/1385[1] requires Member States to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the requirements of the directive by 14 June 2027.

    The Commission is fully committed to support Member States in the transposition of the directive. Starting from May-June 2025 and throughout the transposition period, the Commission will organise several workshops with Member States’ representatives to steer the timely, full and correct transposition and implementation of all the obligations included in the directive.

    The Commission will assist Member States in the best ways possible to ensure such correct transposition. Following the end of the transposition period in June 2027, the Commission will facilitate a transposition check.

    If the Member States have not fulfilled their implementation obligations, the Commission could start an infringement procedure.

    • [1] Directive (EU) 2024/1385 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 May 2024 on combating violence against women and domestic violence, OJ L, 2024/1385, 24.5.2024.
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – New Spanish registration system for tourists – E-000066/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is currently assessing the said Royal Decree in the light of EU data protection law. To that end, the Commission is in contact with the Spanish authorities to gather more information, which is a standard approach when compliance of national laws with EU law is at stake.

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – ‘Demographic change in Europe: a toolbox for action’ – question on assistance to national authorities in addressing demographic change – E-000216/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Since demography is a cross-cutting issue and with no direct legal basis for EU-level policy interventions, the Demography Toolbox focuses on integrating demographic considerations into various funding schemes and initiatives across policy domains.

    The Commission supports Member States in funding demographic studies and support programs through instruments such as the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The ESF+ is investing in people and helping to address the demographic challenges.

    The total budget is of EUR 142 billion for 2021-2027. It supports e.g. employment measures, access to services, e.g. long-term care and childcare, and education and skills.

    The ERDF has been supporting EU regions to address their challenges to growth and prosperity, including demography, for decades.[1]

    The Technical Support Instrument assists national authorities with their strategies addressing demographic change.[2]

    Under the Talent Booster Mechanism[3], the ‘Smart adaptation of regions to demographic transition’ is aimed at all EU regions in demographic decline. It offers technical assistance to Castilla y León and Extremadura to adapt to demographic transition and invest in talent development.[4]

    Through the European Statistical System, the Commission supports Member States to enhance their population and housing statistics and to implement the future legal framework for European statistics on population and housing.

    To enhance the analysis and research on demographic change the Commission has developed the Atlas of Demography[5]. The launch of the regional section of the Atlas in the second half of 2025 will include analyses and projections of demographic decline for EU regions and municipalities.

    • [1] In 2021-2027, EUR 7.2 billion from the ERDF are invested into improving healthcare and long-term care, EUR 5.6 billion in education and training, and EUR 40.5 billion are supporting connectivity. EUR 41 billion are supporting territorial strategies fostering urban and rural linkages, new economic opportunities and access to services.
    • [2] Responding to a specific request from Spain, the Commission launched the ‘REFORM: 25ES20 — Integrated approaches to address the Demographic Challenge in Spain’, see https://reform-support.ec.europa.eu/our-projects/flagship-technical-support-projects/tsi-2025-flagship-tackling-demographic-change-through-supporting-skills-labour-market-and-social_en
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/communities-and-networks/harnessing-talent-platform_en
    • [4] The initiative more widely supports access to knowledge and funding opportunities to regions and cities from the Technical Support Instrument (TSI), the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) and European Urban Initiative (EUI), which are already materialising with many projects on the ground all across Europe.
    • [5] https://migration-demography-tools.jrc.ec.europa.eu/atlas-demography
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – The need for a systematic collection of comprehensive and comparable data on gender-based violence in the EU – E-002926/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In accordance with Article 44 of Directive 2024/1385[1], Member States are required to disaggregate data by sex, age group of the victim and the offender (child/adult), type of offence and the relationship between the victim and the offender.

    As a minimum, Member States are required to collect statistics on annual numbers of reported offences and convictions of violence against women and/or domestic violence; the number of victims who have been killed; the number and capacity of shelters per Member State, as well as the number of calls to national helplines.

    The European Institute for Gender Equality will continue supporting Member States, including by establishing common standards for the collection of administrative data.

    The Commission is assisting Member States in the correct implementation of the directive and its provisions, including the aforementioned data collection requirement.

    Directive 2024/1385 also requires Member States — in line with the Istanbul Convention — to endeavour to conduct population-based surveys at regular intervals to assess the prevalence of and trends in all forms of violence covered by the directive. In 2020, Eurostat developed a common questionnaire and methodology for the EU gender-based violence survey.

    The indicators, as well as the aggregated results of this survey with data for all Member States and the EU average are publicly available on the Eurostat website.[2]

    The Commission relies on the Member States to cooperate with Eurostat to produce regular, high quality and comparable data on gender-based violence in the future, as well as use this methodological manual developed by Eurostat to conduct their own population-based surveys.

    • [1] To be transposed by June 2027.
    • [2] EU gender-based violence survey 2024, Eurostat, https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/web/products-statistical-reports/w/ks-01-24-012
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Potential security risks and geopolitical implications of the Iran-Venezuela alliance for the EU – E-000309/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The High Representative/Vice-President (HR/VP) is aware that Venezuela cooperates with Russia on defence matters, conducting joint military exercises and receiving military training.

    Iran has maintained oil deals with Caracas in order to circumvent sanctions and obtain financial resources. The EU monitors those developments closely.

    The rapprochement between Caracas, Moscow and Tehran is of concern due to potential impact on democratic stability in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region and on the EU-LAC partnership.

    As the HR/VP said at the Munich Security Conference[1], the EU has to keep united and work with allies, including the United States, to counter the attempts of Russia, Iran and others to team up against the EU.

    For this reason, it is crucial to continue supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people, to promote an enabling environment for civil society and to uphold human rights.

    Working together with key international and regional partners is essential to foster a Venezuelan-led democratic resolution to the crisis.

    In doing so, the EU will pursue targeted engagement to address concerns and facilitate meaningful dialogue on human rights and the transition to democracy.

    The EU will continue to protect shared values and mutual interests in Latin America. The EU has mobilised all its foreign policy instruments to foster democracy in Venezuela, including targeted sanctions against those responsible for undermining democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and by putting in place an embargo on arms and equipment used for repression.

    • [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/munich-security-conference-press-remarks-high-representativevice-president-kaja-kallas-upon-arrival_en?channel=eeas_press_alerts&date=2025-02-14&newsid=0&langid=en&source=mail
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Cumulative impact of the Świnoujście container terminal on Natura 2000 areas – P-000765/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The implementation of the EU environmental legislation is primarily the responsibility of the national authorities, which should ensure that permits for projects are fully compliant with EU law.

    According to the available information, on 31 January 2025 the General-Director of Environmental Protection (GDEP) issued a decision[1] amending the decision[2] of the Regional Director of Environmental Protection (RDEP) in Szczecin setting the environmental conditions for development of the container terminal in the port of Świnoujście. The decision of the GDEP sets, among others, further environmental obligations for the project.

    According to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report[3] and additional clarifications provided to the Commission by the Polish authorities before the Commission issued its opinion pursuant to Article 6(4) of the Habitats Directive[4], possible impacts of the project were analysed also in relation to the marine Natura 2000 sites[5].

    It was concluded, however, that the project would have significant negative effects only on the terrestrial habitat types within the site PLH320019 Wolin i Uznam. Based on provided evidence the Commission had no reasons to question the findings of the authorities.

    According to information provided by the authorities the construction of the waterway is a separate project as it will serve not only the new container terminal but all ports in the Świnoujście area.

    According to the authorities[6], the project will be subject to an EIA including on the Natura 2000 sites. The Commission has published guidance documents[7], which may be used by the national authorities to ensure application of the Habitats[8] and EIA Directives[9] in conformity with the jurisprudence of the Court of Justice of the EU.

    • [1]  D00Ś-WDŚIII.420.2.2023.AL.34.
    • [2]  W0NS-0Ś.420.29.2020.KK.46.
    • [3]  Developed pursuant to Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21.
    • [4] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7.
    • [5]  PLH990002 and PLB990003.
    • [6]  https://www.gov.pl/web/infrastruktura/jest-umowa-na-studium-wykonalnosci-nowego-toru-podejsciowego-do-portu-w-swinoujsciu
    • [7] https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/nature-and-biodiversity/natura-2000/permitting-procedure_en
      https://environment.ec.europa.eu/law-and-governance/environmental-assessments/environmental-impact-assessment_en#law
    • [8] Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, OJ L 206, 22.7.1992, p. 7-50.
    • [9] Directive 2011/92/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on the assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment, OJ L 26, 28.1.2012, p. 1-21, as amended by Directive 2014/52/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 April 2014, OJ L 124, 25.4.2014, p. 1-18.
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Paragon spyware scandal and the surveillance of European journalists and civil society organisations – P-000589/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the recent reports on the use of Paragon. Its position on the use of spyware is clear: any attempts to illegally access citizens data, including journalists and political opponents, is unacceptable, if confirmed.

    The Commission closely followed the Committee of Inquiry to investigate the use of the Pegasus and equivalent surveillance spyware (PEGA).

    Based on the PEGA report and recommendations, as well as its own fact-gathering exercise, the Commission will decide on the most appropriate way forward.

    The data protection and privacy acquis offers comprehensive protection to the confidentiality of communications and users’ personal data.

    EU data protection law is applicable to the processing of personal data by private entities, even where such processing is required for national security purposes.

    Under the ePrivacy Directive[1], the interception or surveillance of communications is prohibited without the consent of the user. While restrictions are permitted for important public objectives, they are subject to conditions and safeguards.

    The Law Enforcement Directive[2] is also applicable when competent authorities process personal data for law enforcement purposes. Supervisory authorities also have effective powers to examine any allegations of misuse, and data processed can also be subject to judicial review.

    On 8 August 2025, Article 4(3)(c) of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA)[3] will become applicable. This and other safeguards in EMFA should ensure free and independent media across the EU and protect them against interference. The Commission will use all the tools at its disposal to ensure effective compliance with this provision.

    • [1] Directive 2002/58/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2002 concerning the processing of personal data and the protection of privacy in the electronic communications sector (Directive on privacy and electronic communications), OJ L 201, 31.7.2002, p. 37.
    • [2] Directive (EU) 2016/680 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, and on the free movement of such data, and repealing Council Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA
      OJ L 119, 4.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024R1083
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Lack of transparency, misuse of public funds and assurance of sound management in European institutions – E-000405/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE) provides financial support for the functioning of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), supporting civil society’s participation to policy making. The Commission has no indication that ongoing LIFE operating grants breach the LIFE Regulation[1] or the EU Financial Regulation[2].

    Operating grants are awarded competitively, and applicants submit proposals that include the description of their work-programmes of activities in areas under the LIFE Regulation.

    This description is annexed to the grant agreement. The work programme may mention, among other activities, advocacy activities. The Commission does not prescribe the specific activities.

    The Commission agrees that funding agreements involving specifically detailed activities directed at EU institutions and some of their representatives, even if they do not breach the legal framework, may entail a reputational risk for the EU.

    To mitigate this risk, the Commission issued guidance[3] clarifying which activities should not be mandated as a requirement for EU financing.

    The Commission adheres strictly to its transparency obligations[4] by publishing information about LIFE recipients and the amounts received in the Financial Transparency System[5] and on the LIFE website[6]. In addition, the Commission proactively shares the objectives and outcomes of funded projects on the Funding and Tenders Portal[7].

    Furthermore, interest representatives are required to report their lobbying activities and main funding sources as well as the amount of each contribution above EUR 10 000 exceeding 10% of their total budget in the Transparency Register[8].

    • [1] LIFE Regulation https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2021/783/oj/eng
    • [2] Financial Regulation https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202402509
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/common/guidance/guidance-funding-dev-impl-monit-enforce-of-eu-law_en.pdf
    • [4] Article 38 of the Financial Regulation requires publishing information about recipients and does not require the disclosure of advocacy activities funded through grant agreements.
    • [5] Financial T ransparency System https://ec.europa.eu/budget/financial-transparency-system/index.html
    • [6] https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/programmes/life_en
    • [7] EU Funding and Tenders Portal https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/home
    • [8] Transparency Register https://transparency-register.europa.eu/index_en
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Strained state of affairs around migration in the Basque Country – E-002747/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is aware of the challenges raised by migration in various regions of Spain, including the Basque Country.

    To address migration management challenges in Spain, the Commission is providing financial support, in particular with the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF). EUR 568.2 million have been allocated to Spain under AMIF for the period 2021 to 2027. In addition, the European Union Asylum Agency and Frontex provide operational support to Spain.

    The Commission is in regular contact with the Spanish national authorities to assess possible further needs and stands ready to provide support. The Commission is also making available additional EU funding to Spain to implement the Pact.

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – US restrictions on AI chip exports to EU Member States – P-000495/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The United States (US) Interim Final Rule on a Framework on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Diffusion[1] (‘AI Diffusion measures’) restricts the export of advanced AI models and semiconductors. Exemptions to the restrictions depend on the ‘Tier’ or ‘category’ of country.[2]

    The AI Diffusion measures go against the principles of the Single Market: the free movement of goods (advanced AI semiconductors) and services (AI-enabled services).

    The Commission believes that it is also in the US’ economic and security interest that the EU buys advanced AI chips from the US without limitations. The EU cooperates closely, in particular in the field of security, and represents an economic opportunity for the US, not a security risk.

    The Commission shared its concerns about these measures in a statement issued on 13 January 2025[3] immediately after the adoption of the US AI Diffusion measures.

    The Commission is committed to the integrity of the Single Market and ensuring that trade restrictions do not undermine its functioning or the EU’s legitimate technological ambitions in the field of AI.

    The Commission works closely with the Member States to prepare a reply to the US Bureau of Industry and Security within the consultation period until 15 May 2025, and will further engage in discussions with the US administration to find an appropriate solution.

    In its engagement with the US, the Commission advocates for a non-discriminatory approach for EU Member States, which is key to safeguarding the integrity of the EU Single Market and the future of the AI ecosystem.

    At the same time, recognising the strategic importance of building AI chip capabilities in Europe, the Commission already supports initiatives in AI chip design and is committed to driving their manufacturing, as set out in the Competitiveness Compass.

    • [1] https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/01/15/2025-00636/framework-for-artificial-intelligence-diffusion
    • [2]  Tier 1: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden.
      Tier 2: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/statement_25_255
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – A Europe ready for war by 2030 – P-001202/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001202/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Friedrich Pürner (NI)

    On 19 March 2025, the Commission presented the White Paper on European Defence and the ReArm Europe Plan/Readiness 2030. A total of EUR 800 billion are to be invested in programmes such as ‘ReArm Europe’ and ‘Security Action for Europe’ (SAFE EU). The Commission President emphasised that the era of the peace dividend was over and that the EU would have to switch to a war economy. The aim is to make Europe fit for war by 2030 – a choice of words that could stir up fears among the population and make them receptive to the announced ‘turning point’.

    Although Article 41(2) of the Treaty on European Union prohibits military and defence expenditure from the EU budget, the Commission is planning this massive increase in military hardware. Moreover, the plans are to be adopted in an expedited procedure, deliberately without the involvement of the European Parliament, which is responsible for budgetary approval and budget review.

    • 1.On what legal basis does the Commission justify restricting the European Parliament’s co-decision powers, thereby weakening democratic scrutiny by elected Members?
    • 2.How does the Commission reconcile the proposal to upgrade military hardware and the coordination thereof with the EU Treaty, particularly with regard to the principle of subsidiarity?
    • 3.What specific measures, points of contact and control mechanisms will be put in place to avoid mistakes such as those made in the acquisition of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic – in particular under the responsibility of the Commission President – and how does the Commission ensure transparency and the enforcement of accountability in the use of funds under these programmes?

    Submitted: 20.3.2025

    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Increasing customs duties on products imported from Russia and the impact on the agricultural sector in the EU – P-001208/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-001208/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Inese Vaidere (PPE)

    Since 2022, when Russia started its full-scale invasion and brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has implemented multiple rounds of sanctions and increased trade tariffs to reduce trade with the aggressor. However, there are still Russian products flowing into the EU market, including fertilisers, consequently fuelling the Russian war machine.

    Due to significantly lower production costs, Russian fertiliser producers continue to undercut the prices of producers in the EU and other countries. This has resulted in a worrisome dependency on cheap Russian fertilisers, posing a significant risk to food security in the EU as agricultural production is dependent on an unpredictable aggressor.

    In this context, I ask the Commission:

    • 1.The implementation of the proposed regulation on the modification of customs duties on imports of certain goods from Russia and Belarus[1] will reduce the importation of fertiliser products from Russia. However, there are concerns it may potentially lead to increased fertiliser prices in the EU, directly impacting farmers. What action will the Commission take to mitigate any damage to farmers in the EU?
    • 2.As Russia continues to wage its brutal war of aggression in Ukraine, is the Commission planning on expanding the scope of measures and increasing import tariffs for more categories of products (e.g. other types of fertiliser, or fishery products)?

    Submitted: 21.3.2025

    • [1] Commission proposal of 28 January 2025 for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus (COM(2025)0034).
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Start of trials in relation to Tunisian conspiracy case – E-001073/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-001073/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tineke Strik (Verts/ALE)

    On 4 March 2025, the trial in relation to case 36/6835 started in Tunisia. This case concerns the prosecution of 40 individuals, including political opponents, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, who stand accused of several serious charges, including ‘conspiracy against the internal and external security of the State’. Some of these individuals have been in pre-trial detention since 10 February 2023. Experts refer to the case as ‘the conspiracy case’ and have expressed concerns about the instrumentalisation of judicial institutions for political purposes by the Tunisian authorities and the lack of independence of the Tunisian courts. Human Rights Watch expressed concerns[1] about the lack of evidence and several major legal flaws.

    • 1.What is the Commission’s view on case 36/6835, and does it have sufficient trust in the independence of the Tunisian judiciary to guarantee the right to fair trial for the individuals charged, and on what basis?
    • 2.Has the Commission engaged in dialogue with the Tunisian authorities about this specific case and will the Delegation of the EU to Tunisia monitor the trial?
    • 3.Can the Commission provide an overview of the specific funding, including under the EU-Tunisia Memorandum of Understanding, directly or indirectly benefiting the Tunisian Ministries of Justice and the Interior?

    Submitted: 12.3.2025

    • [1] https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/03/05/abusive-conspiracy-trial-opens-tunis.
    Last updated: 26 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on energy-intensive industries – B10-0199/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Giorgio Gori, Wouter Beke, Jana Nagyová, Mariateresa Vivaldini, Brigitte van den Berg, Benedetta Scuderi
    on behalf of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy

    B10‑0199/2025

    European Parliament resolution on energy-intensive industries

    (2025/2536(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to the report of September 2024 by Mario Draghi entitled ‘On the future of European competitiveness’,

    – having regard to the report of April 2024 by Enrico Letta entitled ‘Much more than a market’,

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘The Clean Industrial Deal: A joint roadmap for competitiveness and decarbonisation’ (COM(2025)0085),

    – having regard to the Commission communication of 26 February 2025 entitled ‘Action Plan for Affordable Energy’ (COM(2025)0079),

    – having regard to the question to the Commission on energy-intensive industries (O‑000010/2025 – B10‑0000/2025),

    – having regard to Rules 142(5) and 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    – having regard to the motion for a resolution of the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy,

    A. whereas energy-intensive industries (EIIs) account for a significant share of the EU’s economy and play a key role in job creation, especially in areas and regions where they are concentrated; whereas EIIs are crucial for the EU’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness, as well as for decarbonisation, taking into account their energy footprint;

    B. whereas the transition to a decarbonised economy and a clean energy system must lead to reducing energy prices and must take into account all available technologies that contribute to reaching the EU’s net zero goal for 2050 in the most cost-efficient way, avoiding lock-in effects and taking into account the different energy mix across Member States, including with regard to renewables and nuclear;

    C. whereas electrification is at the centre of the decarbonisation of EIIs; whereas EIIs include sectors that use fossil resources to meet temperature, pressure or reaction requirements, such as chemicals, steel, paper, plastics, mining, refineries, cement, lime, non-ferrous metals, glass, ceramics and fertilisers, for which greenhouse gas emissions are hard to reduce because they are intrinsic to the process or because of high capital or operating expenditure costs or low technological maturity;

    D. whereas the energy price gap between the EU and the US and China undermines the competitiveness of the EU’s industries; whereas elevated and volatile fossil fuel prices heavily affect electricity prices and the affordable cost of renewable energy sources is not transferred to energy bills;

    E. whereas an insufficiently integrated energy union poses further challenges to EIIs, in particular in relation to the lack of cross-border interconnections and the limited availability of clean energy, owing to lengthy permitting procedures or high capital or operating expenditures, as well as grid congestion;

    F. whereas the emissions trading system (ETS) provided long-term investment signals and helped bring down the emissions of ETS sectors by 47 %; whereas the energy market has profoundly changed since the introduction of the ETS, especially after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the shift from pipeline gas to liquid natural gas (LNG); whereas a lack of carbon market transparency risks hampering EIIs’ competitiveness; whereas ETS revenues are used unevenly across Member States, failing to adequately support EIIs’ decarbonisation;

    G. whereas unnecessary regulatory burdens and lengthy permitting procedures undermine the business case for investing in decarbonisation in Europe; whereas the concept of overriding public interest is provided for in EU legislation; whereas complex and fragmented EU funding impedes timely investment in net-zero technologies and digitalisation, in particular for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

    H. whereas the lack of necessary private investment risks hindering EIIs’ decarbonisation; whereas relying excessively on State aid can have the unwanted consequences of exacerbating disparities and distorting competition across the EU;

    I. whereas the EU’s dependencies and limited access, both in quantity and quality, to primary and secondary raw materials pose significant challenges to EIIs; whereas circularity and efficiency can help reduce the annual investment needs in industry and in energy supply; whereas currently, ferrous metals exported to non-EU countries account for more than half of all EU waste exports, raising concerns about their sound treatment;

    J. whereas unfair competition from non-EU countries, including subsidised overcapacity, poses a great challenge to EU companies; whereas many regions around the world do not currently have ambitious decarbonisation targets, thus increasing the risk of carbon leakage;

    K. whereas a profound transformation of EIIs cannot succeed without the involvement of local and regional communities, workers and social partners, which are heavily affected by the transition;

    1. Reiterates its commitment to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives and to stable and predictable climate and industrial policies;

    2. Calls on the Member States to accelerate permitting and licensing processes for clean energy projects, ensuring administrative capacity, and to facilitate grid connections to enable clean, on-site energy generation, especially in remote areas; stresses that the growth of renewables and electrification will require massive investment in grids and in flexibility, storage and distribution networks; calls on the Commission to develop, beyond the concept of overriding public interest, solutions for speeding up decarbonisation projects;

    3. Believes that further action is needed to implement the electricity market design (EMD) rules, especially to promote power purchase agreements (PPAs) and two-way contracts for difference (CfDs) to reduce volatility and energy costs for EIIs; calls on the Commission to propose urgent measures to address current barriers to the signing of long-term agreements, especially for SMEs, using risk reduction instruments and guarantees, including public guarantee such as by the European Investment Bank (EIB); suggests that additional ways to decouple fossil fuel prices from electricity prices be explored, in the framework of the EMD, including with the aim of boosting long-term contracts in line with the affordable energy action plan, and by advancing the analysis of short-term markets to 2025;

    4. Calls on the Commission to assess the possibility of scaling up best practice for EIIs from Member States, such as Italy’s energy release; calls on the Commission to develop recommendations for reducing the exposure of consumers, and especially EIIs, to rising energy costs, such as by reducing taxes and levies and harmonising network charges, while ensuring public investment in grids;

    5. Calls for the enhancement of energy system integration, in particular in relation to cross-border interconnections, to ensure clean and resilient energy supply; asks for increased investment in flexibility, such as storage, including pumped storage hydropower and heat and waste heat storage, and demand response, to optimise grid stability; recalls the importance of energy efficiency in bringing costs down;

    6. Underlines the need to phase out natural gas as soon as possible; stresses that some sectors cannot rely substantially on electrification in the short to medium term; calls on the Member States – over the same time span and for these limited sectors – to develop measures to address gas price spikes in duly justified cases; calls on the Commission to develop tools to ensure gas supply at a mitigated cost, by enabling demand aggregation, building on AggregateEU, and joint gas purchasing, while keeping decarbonisation objectives; highlights the importance of encouraging stable contracts with gas suppliers, diversifying supply routes and improving market transparency and stability, in line with current legislation; calls for an impact assessment in the upcoming ETS review to analyse the relationship between the gas market and CO2 prices and the role of the market stability reserve and its parameters;

    7. Calls on the Commission to support EIIs in adopting clean and net-zero technologies, including hydrogen, and energy-efficient production methods by strengthening funding mechanisms and ensuring that ETS revenue is used effectively by Member States; calls for EU-level support to be complemented by State aid that allows for targeted support to EIIs, while preserving a level playing field within the single market;

    8. Calls for InvestEU to be topped up before the next multiannual financial framework (MFF) and for leftover Resilience and Recovery Facility loans to support investment in EII decarbonisation; notes that the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform already allows for flexibility within current programmes but that this is insufficient; insists that the upcoming MFF increase funding to support EIIs, building on the Innovation Fund and the Connecting Europe Facility – Energy or through the competitiveness fund; stresses that the European Hydrogen Bank and the carbon contracts for difference programme need to be scaled up; calls on the Commission to build on the Net-Zero Industry Act[1] in the upcoming decarbonisation accelerator act, to streamline the processes for granting permits and strategic project status;

    9. Stresses the need to simplify bureaucratic procedures to enhance the attractiveness of private investment and support EIIs’ transition; believes that both InvestEU and the EIB are pivotal in catalysing private financing, especially through de-risking measures;

    10. Emphasises the need to secure access to critical raw materials; stresses that the upcoming circular economy act should improve resource efficiency, including through better waste management of products containing critical raw materials, as well as fostering the demand and availability of secondary raw materials; stresses the need to define those secondary raw materials that are strategic and that should be subject to export monitoring, such as steel and metal scrap, and to tackle any imbalance in their supply and demand, including by exploring export restrictions; insists on the effective enforcement of the Waste Shipment Regulation[2];

    11. Calls on the Commission to make full and efficient use of trade defence instruments; calls on the Commission to find a permanent solution to address unfair competition and structural overcapacity, before the expiry of current steel safeguard measures in 2026; calls on the Commission to engage with the US in relation to the announced tariffs on EU imports and avoid any harmful escalation;

    12. Stresses that an effective implementation of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is essential to ensure a level playing field for EU industries and prevent carbon leakage, taking into account the impact of the parallel phasing out of the ETS free allowances and the risk of increased production costs; calls on the Commission to address the risks of resource shuffling and circumvention of the CBAM; asks, furthermore, for the implementation of an effective solution for EU exporters and an analysis of the possible extension to further sectors and downstream products, preceded by an impact assessment;

    13. Calls for the creation of lead markets for clean and circular European products, via non-price criteria in EU public procurement, such as sustainability and resilience and a European preference for strategic sectors, as well as by creating voluntary labelling schemes and minimum EU content requirements in a cost-effective way;

    14. Highlights the importance of a just transition to assist areas heavily reliant on EIIs, by keeping and creating quality jobs through upskilling and reskilling programmes for workers and through the effective use of regional support mechanisms, such as the Just Transition Fund and the Cohesion Fund; stresses that public support will be pivotal for the transition of EIIs and that this support should be tied to their commitment to safeguarding employment and working conditions and preventing off-shoring; welcomes the Union of Skills initiative to ensure a good match between skills and labour market demands;

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

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest news – Meeting of the DLAT Delegation on 24 March 2025 – Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

    Source: European Parliament

    The last meeting of the Delegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly (DLAT) took place on 24 March 2025.

    It was mainly focused on Security and Justice in Latin America and the Caribbean: state of play, prospects and European cooperation in this field with the participation of representatives of El PAcCTO, Europol and Eurojust.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMENDMENTS 179-190 – Draft opinion Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus – PE771.920v02-00

    Source: European Parliament

    AMENDMENTS 179-190 – Draft opinion Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the modification of customs duties applicable to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus
    Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
    Mireia Borrás Pabón

    Source : © European Union, 2025 – EP

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The Polytechnic hosted a forum of student dormitory councils

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    At the end of March, more than 200 people gathered at the student council forum, the largest and most significant event for all activists of the student self-government of SPbPU dormitories. The event was held in the Student Club. The forum was organized by United Student Council of SPbPU Dormitories.

    The forum is not just an event within the walls of the Polytechnic University, it is a platform that has been uniting hundreds of people, dozens of student councils of dormitories and several universities for the fourth year. The forum is aimed at improving the quality of the results of our self-government, interaction and exchange of experience, increasing legal literacy, as well as creating connections between members of our organization, – noted the chairman of the United Student Council of the Polytechnic Dormitories Thomas Shochenmayer.

    This year the event was held on four tracks.

    Track one was a student council competition, where teams demonstrated their experience in self-government and developed competencies.

    Track two is a competition for class leaders, in which the students presented their projects to improve the quality of life of students in dormitories.

    Track three is the SPbPU OSS award. Its goal is to stimulate the work of student councils, identify and encourage best practices in 11 nominations (Leisure, Comfort, Adaptation, Rights, Self-realization, Health, Ecology, Safety, Work with foreign students, Information work, Corporate culture).

    Track 4 – “Lead with your heart”. A track aimed at improving the communication skills of potential leaders to improve their effectiveness in interacting with administrative bodies and other student organizations, as well as providing participants with effective tools for managing in dormitories.

    The training covered the most relevant topics for activists.

    “Values and motivation” (Anna Kalugina, director of the psychological support center “Tochka Opory”). “Teamwork and healthy communication” (Angelina Kulanova, acting director of the Student Club). “Grants without panic, or how to win from A to Z” (Maxim Ruzakov, head of the cultural and mass department of the OSS). “The art of negotiations” (Thomas Shochenmayer, chairman of the OSS SPbPU).

    The guys learned about team building, values and motivation for their activities. In practice, they solved cases, learned to negotiate, and also experienced the entire life cycle of the Dormitory Council.

    The forum has become larger. More strong teams, real leaders have appeared. It is now much more difficult to determine the best. New nominations have been added. The interest from universities in St. Petersburg and other cities has grown, – said Galina Melekhova, Deputy Director of the SPbPU Student City for Educational Work.

    The event was attended by over 30 guests from other universities: SPbGLTU, NovSU, SPSU and VShTE. They took part in the training track, and the chairmen of the student councils of the Mining University and the Higher School of Technology and Energy became experts of the competition.

    Director of the SPbPU Student City Vyacheslav Olshevsky emphasized: From year to year, the level of the forum is noticeably growing, gaining momentum, being brighter, more powerful, stronger. The guys get the necessary skills, pump up their competencies in various areas, especially in student self-government.

    All teams tried very hard to win, their performances were very bright, memorable. The jury had a difficult task: to determine the best among the best.

    Winners of the student council competition.

    1st place – hostel #3 2nd place – hostel #19 3rd place – hostel #6

    The team of foreign students from Dormitory No. 13 has been an active participant in the forum for the second year. Their projects were recognized as the best in three award nominations at once. The other winners were the teams from Dormitories No. 6 and No. 16.

    Svetlana Bakhtina from dormitory #6 won the competition among the seniors. Felix Zhumaliev from dormitory #11 came in second, and Karina Mokerova from dormitory #5 came in third.

    Link to the SSO forum group

    Photo: SPbPU Youth News Service

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Schoolchildren solved real engineering problems at the Polytechnic Olympiad

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The final stage of the Polytechnic Olympiad took place on March 23. On this day, more than one hundred schoolchildren took part in the in-person round, which took place simultaneously at three educational sites – at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, at the AMTEK Lyceum (Cherepovets), and at the specialized educational and scientific center of the North Caucasus Federal University (Stavropol).

    The Polytechnic Olympiad has been held since 2010. Over the years, it has become a platform for testing the knowledge and skills of thousands of students in subjects such as mathematics, chemistry, physics and computer science. The Olympiad has long established itself as one of the main competitions among high school students seeking to connect their lives with technical professions. However, in 2025, the concept of the event underwent significant changes. Polytechnic, being one of the leading engineering universities in the country, decided to focus on engineering sciences. This is due to the desire to prepare future engineers to solve real production problems that they will face after graduation.

    At the selection stage, the participants received an unusual task – they had to pass an interview at PolyTechCorp. To get to the final, the guys had to demonstrate knowledge in various areas of modern engineering. They researched the properties of complex materials, studied the features of modern alloys and composite materials, understood the operation of circuits and circuits, analyzed their characteristics and looked for optimal solutions. One of the tasks was the design of mechanisms and calculation of motion trajectories, which allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the real atmosphere of an engineer’s work.

    The finalists have already become part of a large engineering team, where they faced specific tasks similar to those that real engineers solve when creating and manufacturing products. One of the key tasks was to detect errors in the interns’ drawings. This allowed them not only to test their theoretical knowledge, but also to develop practical skills in analyzing and finding solutions under limited time.

    The tasks of the final stage tested not only the level of theoretical preparation of schoolchildren, but also the ability to apply the acquired knowledge in practice. That is why the organizers allowed the participants to use any available sources of information, which made the competition even closer to real engineering activities.

    The Olympiad tasks seemed difficult but interesting to me. It was exciting to try myself in the role of a real engineer and take part in the production stages. Thanks to this experience, I feel more confident in technical disciplines and understand where I want to move on, – shared his impressions a participant in the final stage.

    The results of the Olympiad will be known in April. The winners and prize winners will be invited to a ceremonial award ceremony, where they will receive gifts and diplomas. A prize place in the Olympiad allows schoolchildren to receive 10 additional points when entering the Polytechnic University, which significantly increases the chances of successful enrollment.

    We are glad to see how the children show interest in engineering. Our goal is to create conditions in which schoolchildren can apply their knowledge in practice and feel like real professionals. It is important that the Olympiad tasks are based on real engineering problems that students will face in the future. Such events help to form a new generation of engineers ready for the challenges of the modern world, – noted the organizer of the Polytechnic Olympiad Evgeniya Lyzlova.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: United Nations – Adoption of the resolution on the UN Decade of Action on Nutrition (25.03.25)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    France and Brazil welcome the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption, following more than 100 co-sponsorships, of a resolution extending the United Nations Decade of Action on Nutrition until 2030. The resolution, on their initiative, supports political momentum at every level to eradicate all forms of malnutrition, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 Agenda.

    On 27 and 28 March, France is hosting the Nutrition for Growth summit, which promotes a cross-cutting approach to development in the health, agriculture, water, hygiene and sanitation sectors. Malnutrition is a scourge that strikes every country in the world, with grave consequences, affecting nations’ human capital and development potential: 45 million children suffer from acute malnutrition and 150 million are plagued by chronic malnutrition. Overweight and obesity, as well as undernutrition in elderly people, are rapidly becoming more widespread.

    France and Brazil are committed to food and nutrition security through concrete initiatives such as the School Meals Coalition, the Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty and the momentum generated by the Nutrition for Growth summit to identify new sources of funding and mobilize the international community.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    March 27, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Seafront accessibility improved with new beach huts

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Available for booking through the Seafront Services webpage, these specially designed beach huts are equipped with essential amenities including a kettle, fridge, cupboard, deck chairs, and decorative items, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

    Key features of the accessible beach hut include an accessible path leading down the beach towards the sea, and ramps providing entry from the promenade into the beach hut.

    This initiative has been made possible through prioritising projects like this and the new sensory room at Exploria in the Council’s budget. This underscores Portsmouth City Council’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and fostering an inclusive environment for residents and visitors alike.

    Cllr Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said: “It’s great to be able to offer these accessible beach huts. Through these projects we are making sure that when people need additional help to live their lives, it is there for them. This is a really important step into making Portsmouth accessible and inclusive for all.”

    For information on how to book an accessible beach hut, please visit Beaches and seafront – Portsmouth City Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    March 26, 2025
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