Category: Europe

MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation, Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility with Morocco

Source: IMF – News in Russian

March 18, 2025

The IMF Executive Board concluded the 2025 Article IV Consultation and approved the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement with Morocco, allowing for the immediate disbursement of SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million).
The Moroccan economy continued to show resilience despite another year of drought, with real GDP growth projected to slow modestly to 3.2 percent in 2024 amid strong domestic demand. Growth is expected to accelerate over the medium term, driven by stronger investment and the continued structural reforms.
Saving part of the revenue windfall from tax reforms would help strengthen fiscal buffers and protect against future shocks; while a new strategy to sustainably boost jobs and improve market competition would help address the increased unemployment linked to job displacement in the agricultural sector.

Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded on March 17 the 2025 Article IV consultation^[1] with Morocco and completed the Third Review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) arrangement, which was approved in September 2023 (see PR 23/327). The completion of the Third Review allows the authorities to draw SDR 375 million (about US$ 496 million), bringing total disbursement under the RSF arrangement to SDR 937.5 million (about US$ 1.24 billion).

In 2024, the Moroccan economy was resilient to yet another year of drought. Robust domestic demand helped offset weak agricultural output and economic activity is expected to have slowed only modestly to 3.2 percent in 2024. The current account deficit widened somewhat, whereas unemployment remained elevated at about 13 percent, mainly reflecting the impact of job losses in the agricultural sector. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, supported by a new series of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda.

Inflation decelerated further in 2024, mainly as the impact of supply shocks faded. This prompted Bank Al-Maghrib (BAM) to lower the policy rate twice in June and December. The dirham continued to move within the fluctuation band of ±5 percent.

The central government fiscal deficit improved more than envisaged in the 2024 Budget. The 2024 overall deficit closed at 4.1 percent of GDP, about 0.2 percent of GDP less than projected in the 2024 Budget. This reflects better-than-expected tax revenues that more than offset higher spending. The reform of the Organic Budget Law envisages the introduction of a new fiscal rule based on a medium-term debt anchor.

The implementation of the announced structural reform agenda has continued. Further steps were taken to restructure SOEs, operationalize the Mohammed VI Investment Fund, and implement the new Charter of Investment.

Morocco continued to make progress in bolstering its resilience to climate change under the RSF arrangement. Measures implemented under the third and final review of the RSF arrangement aim to better protect underground water resources, prepare the ground for a change in tariffication of water, improve the regulatory setting of the electricity market to encourage private sector’s production of renewable energy, and reinforce fiscal and financial systems’ resilience to climate change-related risks.

Following the Executive Board’s discussion on Morocco, Mr. Kenji Okamura, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, issued the following statement:

“The Moroccan economy continued to show resilience to negative shocks, a testament to the country’s very strong economic policies and frameworks. Despite renewed drought conditions, economic activity slowed only modestly to an estimated 3.2 percent in 2024, down from 3.4 percent in 2023, thanks to robust domestic demand. GDP growth is expected to accelerate to about 3.7 percent over the next few years, driven by a new cycle of infrastructure projects and the continued implementation of the structural reform agenda. These reforms are essential to making growth stronger, more resilient, job-rich, and more inclusive.

“The RSF arrangement concluded with the implementation of six of the seven measures scheduled for the third and final review. These measures will help improve the management of scarce water resources, further liberalize the electricity sector, and address the climate risks on the stability of the fiscal position and the financial system. The gradual introduction of the carbon tax was not implemented as the authorities needed to undertake further analysis of its impact and deeper consultations with public and private stakeholders.”

Morocco: Selected Economic Indicators, 2020–30

Population: 36.8 million; 2024			Per capita GDP: $3,817; 2023
Quota: SDR 894.4 million			Poverty rate: 4.8 percent; 2013
Main exports: automobiles, phosphate and derivatives; 2023
Key export markets: France and Spain (42% of total trade); 2023
	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	2026	2027	2028	2029	2030
					Proj.
Output (annual percent change)
Real GDP growth	-7.2	8.2	1.5	3.4	3.2	3.9	3.7	3.6	3.6	3.6	3.6
Real nonagricultural GDP growth	-7.2	7.0	3.2	3.6	4.1	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7	3.7

Employment (percent)
Unemployment	11.9	12.3	11.8	13.0	13.3	13.2	12.9	12.4	12.1	11.9	11.8

Prices
Inflation (end of period)	-0.3	3.2	8.3	3.4	0.7	2.1	2.2	2.2	2.1	2.0	2.0
Inflation (period average)	0.7	1.4	6.6	6.1	0.9	2.2	2.3	2.2	2.1	2.0	2.0

Central government finances (percent of GDP) 1/
Revenue	27.0	25.1	28.4	27.9	30.1	30.4	29.4	28.1	28.1	28.1	28.1
Expenditure	34.1	31.0	33.8	32.3	34.2	34.3	32.8	31.4	31.3	31.2	31.2
Fiscal balance	-7.1	-5.9	-5.4	-4.5	-4.1	-3.9	-3.4	-3.3	-3.2	-3.1	-3.1
Public debt	72.2	69.4	71.5	69.5	70.0	68.9	67.7	66.8	66.2	65.6	65.1

Money and credit (annual percent change)
Broad money	8.4	5.1	8.0	4.0	7.9	4.6	4.6	4.6	4.6	4.6	4.6
Claims to the economy 2/	4.9	3.8	7.1	5.3	6.9	4.5	4.1	4.2	4.2	4.2	4.2
Balance of payments
Current account (percent of GDP)	-1.2	-2.3	-3.5	-0.6	-1.5	-2.0	-2.2	-2.6	-2.9	-3.1	-3.3
Exports of goods (in U.S. dollars, annual percent change)	-4.4	34.4	15.1	-0.5	8.6	6.6	7.3	6.9	6.8	6.7	6.7
Imports of goods (in U.S. dollars, annual percent change)	-12.0	32.1	21.9	-2.6	8.0	8.1	7.5	7.4	7.3	6.4	6.2
Merchandise trade balance (percent of GDP)	-12.8	-14.0	-20.2	-17.3	-17.3	-17.8	-18.0	-18.3	-18.6	-18.6	-18.5
FDI (percent of GDP)	0.8	1.1	1.2	0.2	0.7	1.4	1.5	1.6	1.6	1.7	1.7
Gross reserves (months of imports)	7.2	5.8	5.3	5.4	5.2	5.2	5.2	5.2	5.1	5.1	5.2
External Debt (percent of GDP)	54.2	45.5	46.9	50.2	47.8	49.2	50.0	50.9	50.2	54.0	57.3
Exchange rate
REER (annual average, percent change)	1.4	1.6	-3.2	0.9	…	…	…	…	…	…	…
Memorandum Items:
Nominal GDP (in billions of U.S. dollars)	121	142	131	144	155	166	177	188	199	212	225
Net imports of energy products (in billions of U.S. dollars)	-5.3	-8.4	-15.1	-12.0	-11.5	-12.1	-12.3	-12.8	-13.2	-13.7	-14.1
Local currency per U.S. dollar (period average)	9.5	9.0	10.2	10.1	9.9	…	…	…	…	…	…

Sources: Moroccan authorities; and Fund staff estimates.

–––––––––––

1/ Include grants.

2/ Includes credit to public enterprises.

[1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

PRESS OFFICER: Wafa Amr

Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/18/pr-2568-morocco-imf-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult-3rd-review-under-rsf

MIL OSI

MIL OSI Russia News –

March 19, 2025

MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni addresses Senate ahead of European Council meeting on 20-21 March

Source: Government of Italy (English)

Vai al Contenuto Raggiungi il piè di pagina

18 Marzo 2025

The President of the Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, today provided the Senate with the official communications regarding the European Council meeting to be held on 20 and 21 March, and responded to the points raised during the general discussion.

[President Meloni responds to the points raised by the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

[President Meloni addresses the Senate – Video available in Italian only]

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted over Notting Hill drive-by shooting

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted following a drive-by shooting in Notting Hill.

Nathan Tokosi, 25 (10.11.99), of Grove Street, Lewisham, was convicted of attempting to murder a 27-year-old man on Monday, 20 November, 2023.

He was also found guilty of two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life. A jury at the Old Bailey returned their verdict on Tuesday, 18 March.

Detective Constable Hannah Forrest, from the Met’s Specialist Crime South team, said: “This was a savage attack, with the victim requiring emergency surgery after being shot in the body, mouth and head. The verdict in this case shows that this violent criminality will not be tolerated on London’s streets.

“Tokosi is a highly dangerous individual, who had – at the time of the shooting – only just been released from prison after serving time for a separate offence.

“I would like to pay tribute to the investigation team in this case, who were able to build a compelling forensic case against Tokosi. This proved indispensable at trial.”

At 02:05hrs on Monday, 20 November 2023, police responded to reports of a drive-by shooting in Clydesdale Road, Notting Hill.

A car had pulled up to another car, with one of the passengers discharging a firearm. Officers attended and subsequently found the victim – who was severely injured – at his home address.

A stolen car was found abandoned in Allington Road, Queen’s Park. Nearby, police located a black bag containing a handgun and ammunition. Forensics officers attended, and found Tokosi’s DNA inside the vehicle.

Tokosi was arrested in Lewisham on Friday, 16 February, 2024, after his car was stopped by police. Following this, his address was searched and a further firearm plus ammunition was found.

Having been remanded in custody, he was charged with attempted murder, two counts of possession of a firearm and two counts of possession of ammunition.

Tokosi will be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date, which is yet to be set.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: New report calls for return of human remains – but UK museums lack the resources to act

Source: The Conversation – UK – By William Carruthers, Lecturer, School of Philosophical, Historical, and Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Essex

Shutterstock/David Herraez Calzada

The display of human remains in museums has long been a contentious issue. Last week, the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Afrikan Reparations (APPG-AR) published a report on the African human remains collected by British museums during, and due to, colonialism and the slave trade.

Introduced by the MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy (the APPG-AR’s chair), and produced by Afford (The African Foundation for Development), the publication of the report, Laying Ancestors to Rest, is another high-profile and meaningful intervention in an area where developments now seem inevitable.

The report makes a number of recommendations. First, that the sale of human remains should be made illegal in the UK. It also suggests that the Human Tissue Act of 2004 should be amended to make stipulations about remains older than 100 years.

This would include banning their public display without consent from the Human Tissue Authority and ensuring that museums obtain a licence from the authority for their storage. It’s further recommended that the UK parliament’s culture, media and sport committee should launch an inquiry into restitution.

Laying Ancestors to Rest should be welcomed. It seems likely to be successful in achieving at least one of its recommendations. Calling for a ban on the trade in human remains in Britain, as the report does, is not particularly controversial.

However, the report’s blanket approach towards banning the display of human remains without consent is, in the present environment, unlikely to succeed.

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

The report itself hints at the reasons for this. The success of its recommendations rests on the financial health of the UK’s museum landscape. Resources matter, not least in terms of the relationships which those resources allow museums to build.

Instead of a blanket response, developments in this area are likely to be piecemeal – both due to the significant effort required to carry out the task effectively and the limited resources many museums have to do so. In that sense, it is unclear whether calling for a blanket ban now is all that useful, other than as a wake-up call.

This point is not to absolve museums for their historical part in this situation. It is though, to argue that work in understanding the collections of human remains held by British museums – where they come from, who they might belong to – has, at times (and certainly not in all circumstances), been happening. It is also to clarify what the often slow-paced norms of effective understanding and restitution are.

In 2020, for example, the University of Oxford’s Pitt-Rivers Museum removed its well-known collection of tsantsa (shrunken heads) from display. The removal happened with a view to working with Shuar and Achuar delegates to decide on the best way forward with regard to the care and display of the human remains. That work continues.

In 2020 the Pitt-Rivers Museum removed its well-known collection of shrunken heads from display.
Shutterstock/John Wreford

A few years earlier, Laura Peers, then curator of the Americas collections at the museum, wrote about the slow, quiet and bureaucratic process of returning a single femur “collected by a missionary as a medical curiosity, from an Indigenous nation with whom I have longstanding professional and personal relationships”.

Such work is, when it happens, painstaking and careful. Even with the best of intentions, it is not a fast process

Funding restitution

The often-halting nature of that work is likely to continue. Museum professionals – particularly newer museum professionals – know that this work has to happen and are, I would argue, in large part invested in doing it.

In a contemporary funding environment marked by almost continuous cuts, even the most dedicated staff will find their actions curtailed. They may, in some cases, be able to remove remains from display, as the report recommends (and as the Pitt Rivers Museum has done).

However, securing consent for the limited display of mummified Egyptian bodies, for instance, will be challenging. Without funding, it is difficult to build the relationships necessary for conversations about consent, ownership and restitution.

In his afterword to the report, Dan Hicks of the University of Oxford writes that “this is a time of immense hope and optimism for British museums”. The problem is that that hope in part rests on the funding that he also admits has been subject to “austerity and swingeing cuts”.

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The contradiction is not difficult to see – particularly when the report’s recommendations are similar to the 2018 one written for French collections by cultural researchers Felwine Sarr and Bénédicte Savoy.

The Restitution of African Cultural Heritage: Toward a New Relational Ethics, which was commissioned by the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has been widely read. It has catalysed thinking beyond current international legal norms when it comes to restitution.

Yet progress on the goal of restitution even in France has been slow, at least in part due to the time involved in building the new relationships that the report calls for. There is also the question of whether attitudes regarding restitution within African countries are consistent. By February 2024, France had returned only 26 objects to Benin and one (a sword) to Senegal.

Worse still, the legislative picture across British collections remains complex. Collections such as the Pitt Rivers Museum have been able to move on restitution because they are university collections. As such, they are subject to different legislation than “national” collections such as the British Museum or the V&A, which were established by acts of parliament and are funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

As the V&A’s director, Tristram Hunt, recently wrote, the UK’s national museums remain in “debilitating stasis” on restitution. Hunt argues that this is the case because these collections are hampered by the proscriptions of the 1983 National Heritage Act. That act – by rule or by choice, dependent on your view – effectively forbids such collections from disposing of objects, including human remains.

As Laying Ancestors to Rest recommends, this situation needs to change. The likelihood is, however, that any change will come more slowly and with more deliberation even than the report itself acknowledges is necessary.

Progress on this issue is by no means impossible. But without real political will and without the money to back it up, a blanket approach to the display and restitution of human remains in British museums remains difficult to enforce.

William Carruthers works for the University of Essex as Lecturer in Heritage.

– ref. New report calls for return of human remains – but UK museums lack the resources to act – https://theconversation.com/new-report-calls-for-return-of-human-remains-but-uk-museums-lack-the-resources-to-act-252547

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Nuclear deterrence: can Britain and France take on America’s role in defending Europe against Russian aggression?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul van Hooft, Research Leader, Defence and Security, RAND

European doubts about deterrence predate the current US administration. Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and its growing reliance on nuclear coercion to ward off Nato support, brought the importance of nuclear weapons to the foreground again for the first time since the cold war.

Even after the invasion, the US continued to prioritise the Indo-Pacific. It questioned the sufficiency of its nuclear arsenal as China’s weapon stockpile grew and delivery systems improved.

A bipartisan US congressional commission concluded that the Chinese and Russian arsenals should be seen as a joint “two-nuclear-peer” problem, with North Korea an additional disrupting presence.

Within this context, European leaders are floating alternatives for deterrence in Europe. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has again affirmed that the French nuclear deterrent has a “European dimension”.

The Polish president, Andrzej Duda, registered his interest in the idea of the French deterrent being extended to include its European allies. But he also signalled that his country might want to develop its own deterrent.

The incoming German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has also noted the need to engage with the French and British deterrents. So, could French and British nuclear weapons be enough to deter Russia and reassure European allies?

Russia has roughly as many weapons as the US. Its arsenal comprises approximately 1,700 deployed strategic weapons and 1,000-2,000 other lower-yield, “smaller” so-called “tactical” nuclear weapons, and another 2,500 non-deployed weapons.

This is vastly more than France and the UK which have 290 and 225 respectively, or 515 in total.

Yet, with those numbers both European states should have sufficient strategic weapons to cause unacceptable damage to Moscow and St Petersburg. Their weapons are carried by constantly patrolling nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines – which, are concealed in the ocean far away and are therefore highly likely to survive a first-strike attack. These weapons should be considered credible deterrents for existential threats to either France or the UK.

Unlike the US, France and the UK are in Europe and cannot consider their security distinct from each other or from Europe. The US, meanwhile, had to have a large and flexible arsenal with tactical nuclear weapons, and a large conventional presence in Europe simply to mount a credible argument, not least to its European allies, that it would actually protect Europe, with nuclear weapons as a last resort.

The importance of needing to convince Russia of how serious Nato is about deterrence is a matter of record. When they met in Paris in June 1961, the then French leader, General Charles de Gaulle, expressed doubts to the then US president, John F. Kennedy, as to how serious the US was about its defence of Europe, particularly given the uncertainty at the time of the future security of Berlin.

De Gaulle asked asked Kennedy: “Would you trade New York for Paris?”. His point was that if he wasn’t convinced, would the Russians be? So it’s not just about numbers of warheads. It’s about the defensive posture overall.

Likely scenarios

The issue is not existential deterrence but scenarios where French and British survival are not directly threatened. Neither has the option to escalate with so-called “tactical” (or non-strategic) weapons when non-vital interests are at risk – though France could fire a Rafale-launched nuclear “warning shot”.

Meanwhile, Russia has 1,000–2,000 “tactical” nuclear weapons, which, despite the misleading term, are still entirely capable of levelling a city.

In case of a conflict in Europe, these could provide military and signalling options between doing nothing and catastrophic escalation. Rather than a full-scale invasion, Russia is more likely to test Nato’s unity by pressuring a Baltic state and using nuclear threats to deter any Nato allies intervening in support. France and the UK would struggle to credibly threaten use of strategic weapons in response.

Europe’s solution may lie in advanced conventional weapons to deter Russian aggression by building the ability to raise the costs in early stages of a conflict through what is called a strategy of denial. Such capabilities include long-range precision strikes, fifth generation airpower – such as the American F-35 fighter and the French, German and UK alternatives presently being developed – and integrated air and missile defence.

Given the poor performance of Russia’s own air and missile defence in Ukraine, they could target Russian military units attacking or operating within Nato territory, their reinforcements and their logistics, while denying Russia’s use of missiles. Europe is already investing in cruise missiles, as well as developing their own European long-range strike approach and missile defence.

Through precision, stealth and low-altitude flight, these weapons could also threaten strategic targets deep in Russia – potentially a more viable, less destabilising alternative to expanding French and British nuclear arsenals, or adding a third nuclear power in Europe.

No time to waste

Politically, however, there is a need for more than hardware. European states should find an institutional forum to coordinate deterrence. This means either convincing France to return to Nato’s nuclear planning group or creating another council for European deterrence with France, the UK, and other key European states like Germany and Poland.

Those and other European armed forces could also conduct conventional operations in support of nuclear operations exercises together with France and the UK, specifically the French air force with its air-launched warheads.

Simply put, there are material and political solutions to European deterrence problems if the US turns out to be preoccupied by events in Asia. The real constraint that France and the UK, and the rest of Europe, now face is how to build both the hardware and habits of conventional and nuclear deterrence in Europe in little or no time at all.

Paul van Hooft received a Stanton Nuclear Security Foundation research grant in 2018.

– ref. Nuclear deterrence: can Britain and France take on America’s role in defending Europe against Russian aggression? – https://theconversation.com/nuclear-deterrence-can-britain-and-france-take-on-americas-role-in-defending-europe-against-russian-aggression-252338

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Press Release – Expressions of Interest – Jersey Ferry Tuesday 18 March 2025

Source: Channel Islands – States of Alderney

Press Release
Date: 18th March 2025

Economic Development seeks Ferry Service operator between Jersey and Alderney

The Economic Development Committee recognises the importance of connectivity to the island and is keen to expand ferry service offerings to Alderney.
In keeping with the States established procurement procedures, and to demonstrate value for money to local taxpayers, the States is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a seasonal ferry service between the Island and Jersey for the 2025 summer season.

The opportunity is open to ferry service providers with vessels of up to 12-passenger capacity to operate between the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May until the end of September.
The successful applicant will also have an option to extend to 2026 subject to review by both parties.

It is envisaged that a minimum service for the Alderney-Jersey route would involve at least four rotations per week to accommodate overnight stays in Alderney.
At this stage, potential providers are being asked to provide basic details to the States including vessel, proposed timetable and fares and what support the service may require from the States. Once initial submissions have been received, a more detailed process will be carried out to select the provider in time to commence the service in May.

Details about the EOI and the procurement process can be found at the link: CHttpHandler.ashx

Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Stuart Clark said ‘the seasonal ferry services to Guernsey for visitors and residents alike have been an important factor in Alderney’s transport offering. The limited travel links to Jersey have also been well noted and the Committee feels that direct links to Jersey is a market that should be tested and exploited.’

Closing date for submission of EOI is March 28th 2025.

Ends

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Overchuk spoke at the plenary session of the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk spoke at the plenary session of the XXXIV Congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs.

The main topics of discussion at this year’s RSPP congress were key areas of interaction between business and government and proposals for the participation of the business community in achieving national development goals for the country and implementing national projects.

From the transcript:

A. Overchuk: Dear colleagues!

Thank you very much for the invitation and the opportunity to speak before the congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. The success of our economy and the country as a whole truly depends on those present in this hall.

Entrepreneurship involves competition for access to resources and markets, whether nationally or internationally. It is this activity that provides the source of progress, income and wealth for individual households, businesses and nations.

We are participants in the formation of a new world with new trade and economic ties and priorities.

The Russian economy is adapting to deal with that part of the world that has higher rates of economic growth, good demographics, and wants to work with us. And the Government is facilitating this adaptation.

We see our main task in this process as providing Russian industrialists and entrepreneurs with the best competitive conditions for doing business throughout the entire international value chain, that is, at every stage of the process of creating a product or service and delivering it to consumers.

Within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Union State of Russia and Belarus, our actions are aimed at expanding opportunities for our exporters, as well as improving the balance of supply and demand in our common domestic market. Work here is carried out in several areas – this is customs and tariff protection of the domestic market of the Eurasian Economic Union; the formation of common markets and a barrier-free environment in the single customs territory of the EAEU; the development and creation of international transport corridors; the formation of a network of free trade agreements and non-preferential agreements on trade and economic cooperation and the adoption of technical regulations and standards of the EAEU by other countries.

Within the framework of the single customs space of the EAEU, we strive to respond flexibly to the market situation and accordingly regulate single customs tariffs and import volumes.

Imported goods and services are part of international value chains and also affect supply and prices in the domestic consumer market. This has a dampening effect on inflation, affects interest rates and labor costs, and is ultimately reflected in production costs.

Cheap imports can pose threats by displacing domestic producers, reducing employment and income levels, and slowing economic growth. Here, we strive first and foremost to stand on the side of our producers’ interests, giving priority to import substitution and strengthening our economic and technological independence.

To solve this problem, as well as to stimulate the development of production and economic ties and trade between our countries, the EAEU has launched a support mechanism in the form of subsidizing the interest rate on loans issued by banks for the development of industrial cooperation projects covering three or more EAEU member states. The first two fairly large projects have already been approved. Options for expanding this mechanism to the agro-industrial complex are being considered. I urge Russian entrepreneurs, in conjunction with partners from EAEU member states, to actively use this already existing support mechanism.

We monitor the balance of supply and demand in the consumer market, primarily the food market, which underlies the cost of the consumer basket. This is one of the elements in determining the level of inflation, which affects the key rate and the cost of lending for business.

In order to influence the cost of the consumer basket within the EAEU, in addition to tariff measures, over the past two or three years we have begun to apply such a mechanism as a joint indicative balance of supply and demand for individual types of agricultural crops. The EAEU today determines balances for such types of goods as grain, sunflower seeds, sunflower oil and sugar.

In the event of a reduction in the supply of certain types of goods on the national markets of individual EAEU member states, the EEC Council takes targeted tariff measures. At the same time, decisions to reduce tariffs are taken only after it becomes clear that an increase in supply on the EAEU domestic market is only possible through imports from outside the union. We call for close cooperation with both manufacturers and associations of manufacturers, that is, with businesses.

Due to the similarity of the structures of our economies within the EAEU, we often compete with our union partners in foreign markets. This affects the reduction of our producers’ income. Now our partners are realizing the benefits of coordinating efforts to promote exports, and we already have positive examples. We will support and develop such initiatives if it is beneficial to our business.

Within the EAEU, we are forming common markets for goods, services, capital and labour. We have made significant progress in the electric power market. In December 2024, we recorded that the gas market in the EAEU had already taken shape in the form in which it actually exists. Within the Union State, we are reaching agreements on a common oil market and will continue to develop this within the EAEU.

Common markets within the Union State and the EAEU not only expand opportunities for the sale of goods and services, but also create healthier competitive conditions.

We will continue to work to reduce and eliminate barriers that hinder the formation of single markets throughout the Eurasian Economic Union, as provided for in our major agreement.

As the largest economy in the EAEU, Russia is a premium market. And business representatives from EAEU partner states closely monitor changes in the Russian regulatory framework and quickly identify decisions that prevent them from entering our market, if such appear. We would like our business community to more actively enter the markets of other EAEU member states and promptly provide us with information on violations of EAEU law, if such arise.

Based on economic and geopolitical realities, we focus on ensuring transport and logistics connectivity of our market with the markets of the global South. A program for the modernization and construction of international checkpoints is being implemented. We are working on the construction of the Rasht-Astara railway section in Iran, which will ensure uninterrupted connectivity of the ports of the Russian northwest with Iranian ports in the Indian Ocean.

We are discussing the modernization of the Ulaanbaatar railway that runs through Mongolia. We are using existing routes and seeking from our partners to improve tariff conditions for our shippers.

A pilot project was launched to use electronic international consignment notes for international road freight transportation within the single customs territory of the EAEU. To protect the internal market of the Union State, navigation seals began to be used for transit products.

I would like to draw attention to the Agreement on the Unified Customs Transit System of the EAEU concluded in December 2024 and the fact that states that are not members of the union can also join this agreement. This will allow external partners to be involved in certain aspects of the customs regulation of the union, which will help reduce the time spent on the passage of goods.

In the context of illegal sanctions, we rely more on internal forces, we are pursuing a policy of import substitution, but we also strive to rely on the opportunities that are provided to us by trade regimes within the Union State of Russia and Belarus, the EAEU, the CIS, as well as those states with which we are establishing free trade zones. And we strive to develop trade with friendly countries.

The world is beginning to notice the successes of our integration association. They see that the EAEU is becoming a center of attraction for states located to the south of the post-Soviet space, such as Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Mongolia, the ASEAN countries, the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, and African states. We are building closer trade relations with them, including in the form of free trade agreements.

For example, just the day before yesterday, the Islamic Republic of Iran notified the Eurasian Economic Commission of the completion of the procedures necessary for the entry into force of a full-scale free trade agreement between the EAEU and Iran. The agreement will enter into force on May 15, and this means that for the EAEU member states, the export market will increase by 85 million consumers. At the same time, Iranian producers will gain access to the common market of the EAEU member states, which is more than 180 million people, which will lead to improved competition in our markets.

Similar work is currently underway with a number of other countries. By the end of the year, we can expect that the EAEU may sign two more free trade agreements. I believe that our business community should carefully study these new opportunities.

In conclusion, I would like to say that this year an action plan for the implementation of the EAEU Declaration for 2030–2045, “The Eurasian Economic Path,” is being prepared for adoption. I would like the members of the Business Council to participate more actively in this work.

Thank you for your attention.

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 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed the national project “Youth and Children” with State Duma deputies

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

March 18, 2025

Dmitry Chernyshenko discussed the national project “Youth and Children” with State Duma deputies.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the passport of the national project “Youth and Children” and the results of the implementation of youth policy for 2024 during a meeting of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy.

Dmitry Chernyshenko congratulated those present on the Day of Reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia, thanked the State Duma deputies who work in the regions, locally, and also emphasized the importance of cooperation.

“The national project “Youth and Children” covers a huge audience. This is over 50 million people, or a third of the population of our country, and taking into account those involved and involved – parents, teachers and mentors – half of all citizens. The goals and objectives that are spelled out in the national project are based on the successful implementation of the national projects “Education” and “Science and Universities”. As promised to President Vladimir Putin, we took the best and supplemented it with tools for modernizing the most important areas of life in our country. The success of Russia and its future depend on the level of education, and science is the basis of technological development – this is what the head of state says,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted.

Thanks to the national project “Science and Universities”, 940 youth laboratories and 15 world-class scientific and educational centers have been created, in which about 330 billion rubles of extra-budgetary funds have been invested. The instrument base of scientific organizations has been updated by more than 60%. The indicators of the national project “Education” have been met. In total, during its implementation throughout the country in more than 1.5 thousand schools, this helped to create about a million new places for children.

Since this year, many instruments that have proven their effectiveness are being implemented within the framework of the state programs “Education Development” and “Scientific and Technological Development”, as well as the new national project “Youth and Children”. It includes 9 federal projects and 165 events. They will ensure the achievement of the national goal – the realization of the potential of each person, the development of their talents, the education of a patriotic and socially responsible person.

Among the tasks for 2030, the Deputy Prime Minister indicated that 45% of young people should be involved in volunteer and social activities and 85% should support traditional spiritual and moral values. In addition, 75% of young people will be involved in events aimed at professional self-realization, 12 leading schools for gifted children will be opened and more than 8 thousand schools will be overhauled, at least 2 million specialists in blue-collar jobs for key sectors of the economy will be trained, another 800 youth laboratories and 50 advanced engineering schools will be created, 25 university campuses will be built and 800 dormitories will be renovated.

According to Dmitry Chernyshenko, among the important tasks of the national project “Youth and Children” is the formation and development of a patriotically minded generation of Russian citizens capable of ensuring the sovereignty, competitiveness and future of Russia based on traditional spiritual and moral values defined by the decree of the President.

In conclusion, Dmitry Chernyshenko answered questions, including about the development of the mentoring institute, a comprehensive system of measures to support volunteering, and the implementation of additional professional education programs. He also gave a number of instructions, including analyzing existing measures to support mentors in the regions, developing proposals for creating regional and municipal programs for such support, and taking into account comments when developing the draft Concept for the Development of Mentoring in the Russian Federation until 2030.

The event was attended by the head of the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs Grigory Gurov, Deputy Minister of Education Irina Shvartsman, Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Andrei Omelchuk, as well as State Duma deputies.

“The national project “Youth and Children” is aimed at achieving the national goal of Russia’s development – the realization of the potential of each young person, their talents, the education of a patriotic and socially responsible person. It consists of nine federal projects, three of which are under the jurisdiction of Rosmolodezh, others – under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia. The total budget of the national project is over 3.7 trillion rubles. The opportunities that are opened up to the audience of the national project cover all stages of growing up and becoming a young person,” said Grigory Gurov.

He also said that the main measures of the national project include the presidential program “Region for the Young”, projects of the platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities”, year-round youth educational centers, development of the volunteer ecosystem, implementation of international programs, support for children’s and youth initiatives within the framework of thematic projects and competitions, construction of modern schools and campuses, development of infrastructure for training specialists in blue-collar jobs, support for student families, increasing the prestige of Russian education in the world, and others.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science Andrey Omelchuk noted that federal projects implemented by the ministry are aimed at significantly updating the educational infrastructure and involving students in professional and scientific activities.

“Special attention is paid to such programs as Priority 2030, as well as the creation of a network of campuses and advanced engineering schools, youth laboratories. They contribute to the development of universities and the training of engineering personnel for the implementation of technological projects. In addition, international initiatives are planned to attract foreign students, which will strengthen Russia’s position in the global educational space,” he added.

Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Youth Policy Artem Metelev noted that, at the initiative of the committee, five results were included in the national project “Youth and Children”. One of them should be the adoption of a law aimed at systematizing and expanding support measures for youth and children’s non-profit organizations.

“The goal is to improve the mechanism of state support for sectoral NPOs, create a digital registry and a clear list of support measures at all levels. All this is being done so that the “third sector” is also integrated into achieving the goals and objectives of the national project “Youth and Children”, and the support provided to it is linked to specific results and social effects,” said Artem Metelev.

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 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Appoints State DOL Commissioner

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced his appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Joined by her family and supporters, she will be sworn into office on April 4th and serve the remainder of the term won by Bruce Thompson in 2022, who sadly passed away last November.

“Marty and I are proud to make this historic announcement and to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her new leadership role that will benefit our entire state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area. I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia.”

“Marty, the girls, and I also want to thank Louis DeBroux and the leadership team at the Department of Labor who have kept the Department moving forward after the painful loss of Bruce Thompson last year,” Governor Kemp continued. “Their hard work and uninterrupted commitment to the people of our state will not be forgotten.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth, tap into our state’s talent and enhance Georgia’s competitiveness,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “I’m grateful to Governor Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. I look forward to working alongside my fellow constitutional officers and Team Georgia as champions of our great state.”

“Bárbara is an excellent choice for Commissioner of Labor,” said former Governor Nathan Deal. “She brings years of experience in economic development, workforce, and higher education to the job. Bárbara will join a talented team helping ensure our state continues to be the best place for business, raise a family, and call home.”

“I want to extend my congratulations to Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her appointment to serve as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “As we continue to mourn the loss of our dear friend and former Commissioner Bruce Thompson, we warmly welcome Ms. Rivera Holmes. Her role as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, along with her extensive background in business and workforce development, make her a great fit to take on this important role. I look forward to working with her on key issues impacting Georgia’s businesses, workforce, and overall economic success.”

“The Georgia House is incredibly excited to welcome Bárbara Rivera Holmes into her new role as Commissioner of Labor,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Her wealth of experience in economic development and small business advocacy will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s workforce in every corner of the state.”

“Bárbara Rivera Holmes has been for many years a fierce advocate for Georgia’s workforce and economic development, and she’s been a strong partner in our fight to combat fraud and cybercrimes in Southwest Georgia and beyond,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We’re proud to join in congratulating her on this historic appointment, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and build a business.”

“I am thrilled to congratulate my friend and a Great Georgian, Bárbara Rivera Holmes, on her historic appointment to serve as Georgia Labor Commissioner,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “As a longtime resident of Albany, I know Bárbara has a deep understanding of Georgia’s No. 1 industry, and she knows that for Georgia’s farm families, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby – it is our way of life. I’m excited to welcome Barbara to our fantastic team of Constitutional Officers, and I look forward to working together to deliver for Georgia farmers and consumers alike.”

“With a long history of hard work and strong leadership, there is no doubt that Bárbara Rivera Holmes will create lasting, positive changes in our state,” said Insurance Commissioner John King. “She brings an incredible depth of experience and understanding of the challenges Georgians face, and I look forward to working with her to move Georgia towards a brighter future.”

“I’ve known Bárbara Rivera Holmes for quite a while now and I congratulate her on her appointment,” Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw said on behalf of his fellow Commissioners. “She is one of the true champions of South Georgia and the entire state. Her dedication to community service, economic development, and higher education will certainly provide her a solid base as she begins work as our newest Labor Commissioner.”

“I commend Governor Kemp for appointing Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Her expertise in economic development has positively impacted many lives in Southwest Georgia, and I’m optimistic about her extending that success statewide. I also want to express my gratitude to Louis DeBroux for his leadership in continuing the work of our friend Bruce Thompson and working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Georgians.”

“I wish to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her historic appointment as Georgia’s Commissioner of Labor, and I look forward to the valuable perspective she’ll bring to the role as someone rooted in rural Georgia,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “Education and workforce concerns are so closely intertwined, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Rivera Holmes to ensure a prosperous future for our students and our state as a whole.”

“As a former regent for the University System of Georgia, Bárbara Rivera Holmes understands the university system provides talent flow for industry,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Combined with her longtime experience leading the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, she knows how to build community, solve business challenges, and partner with decision-makers, employers, and innovators. We look forward to working with her closely as she develops a workforce for Georgia’s future.”

Bárbara Rivera Holmes is president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. Under her leadership, the organizations build economic opportunity, community, and a path forward for Albany’s future by solving businesses’ greatest challenges, working with decisionmakers to inform smart policy, and partnering with employers and educators to build a modern and adaptive workforce.

Previously, she served as Vice President of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), overseeing the development of its brand, marketing campaigns, and its successful business retention and expansion program which facilitates existing industry job creation and capital investment in Albany-Dougherty County.

Prior to her work at the ADEDC, Holmes was the senior business writer with The Albany Herald, where she earned four Georgia Associated Press awards for excellence in journalism. In 2018, she was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and also served as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force to help design the state’s innovation blueprint. Earlier this year, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Holmes to the House Rural Development Council.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes is fluent in Spanish. She graduated as a double major from Florida Southern College, where she studied Journalism and Spanish. Holmes lives in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Ranks Second Among Universities Participating in the Priority 2030 Program

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

The HSE team successfully defended the university development program before the Council for Support of Development Programs for Higher Education Organizations and took second place among the participants.Priority-2030” In total, 119 universities will receive support, including 100 in the main track.

The Council for Support of Development Programs for Universities Participating in Priority 2030, chaired by the Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov, approved the list of participants in the main track of the program.

Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko said that the updated architecture of the Priority 2030 program evaluates the target model of the university and its focus on achieving technological leadership by our country. “An important result is the strengthening of the connection between universities and the real sector of the economy,” he says.

A distinctive feature of the current council is the new view of universities on their development programs. The focus of universities was on specific projects for interaction with industry, noted the head of the Ministry of Education and Science Valery Falkov.

From 2025, the focus of the Priority 2030 program is on achieving technological leadership for Russia, including through the implementation of strategic technological projects of universities – projects whose goal is to accelerate the transition of research results in various fields of science and technology into technological innovations with high commercial potential and significant impact on society.

HSE, along with ten other universities, entered the first group of the ranking of universities participating in the Priority 2030 program, taking second place.

In the updated HSE Development Program identified three strategic technology projects planned for implementation by 2030 and for the future up to 2036: “National Center for Socio-Economic and Scientific-Technological Forecasting”, “Complex of Technologies for Trusted 6G Communication Systems” and “Multi-Agent Platform for AI Solutions for Industry Tasks”.

HSE Vice-Rector Elena Odoevskaya noted that the university is implementing its unique strategy and “our results are noticeable not only in Russia, but also beyond its borders.”

“The quality of our programs, research and development is confirmed by the demand among students, businesses and the state. Our result at the defense is a victory for the entire university, which would not have been possible without the involvement of the entire team in developing the development program and achieving our target indicators for the university’s development,” she emphasized.

Nikita Anisimov, Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics

“For the Higher School of Economics, the course on creating new technologies is a strategy that has been consistently implemented by our research teams since 2021. Successful defense within the framework of the Priority program is in many ways a recognition of the correctness of this approach. Today, we set ourselves the ambitious task of increasing the capitalization of our intellectual potential by an order of magnitude in the next five years, primarily through the creation and patenting of new technological developments. For HSE, this is a real challenge, because we are not a technological university created to solve such problems, but a multidisciplinary university with some of the best competencies in the country in the socio-economic and humanities.”

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 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft Ability Summit 2025: Accessibility in the AI era
Source: Microsoft

Headline: Microsoft Ability Summit 2025: Accessibility in the AI era

Today, we hosted the 15th annual Microsoft Ability Summit, with over 20,000 attendees from 164 countries coming together virtually to discuss the future of AI and accessibility. Microsoft has a long-standing commitment to investing in accessibility, grounded in our business model and going back over three decades from the earliest accessibility features in Windows 95 and continuing today with new hardware and software functionalities powered by AI. We are innovating faster than ever before and people with disabilities continue to lead the way.

Accessibility is a fundamental right for people with disabilities and makes technology easier for everyone. We see this reflected in how customers are using Microsoft technologies around the world. Copilot for Microsoft 365 is unlocking workplace productivity like never before, more than 10 million people use Edge each month to have the web Read Aloud, over 1 million people use Immersive Reader to make webpages easier to read and partners like Tobii Dynavox and Special Olympics are bringing AI to people with disabilities globally. And these are just some of the highlights of what we shared today!

Here’s a quick summary of the new accessibility products, features and programs announced at the 2025 Ability Summit.

What’s new in 2025?

We announced that the Xbox Adaptive Joystick is now available for purchase exclusively at Microsoft Store. With more than 429 million players with disabilities worldwide, we know each player has unique needs and preferences for how they choose to play. The Xbox Adaptive Joystick is a singular, wired controller primarily designed to meet the needs of players with limited mobility. Its versatility helps players seamlessly incorporate it into their existing gaming setups. Built with the Gaming and Disability community who inform the development of Xbox products from the beginning. The joystick joins our family of adaptive accessories including the mouse, pen, adaptive kit and Xbox Adaptive Controller. For more details visit Xbox Support.

And all our Microsoft hardware comes in packaging designed to be accessible and sustainable. No more plastic clamshells! To help others with accessible packaging, today at the Summit, the Packaging and Content Team at Microsoft published its Accessible Packaging Design Guide, which offers practical guidelines, best practices and strategies to create accessible packaging and foster a trusted customer experience.

At the Summit, Microsoft teams and partners also shared ways they are working to further advance accessibility through technology:
- Tobii Dynavox is integrating Microsoft Neural Voice, a capability of Azure AI Speech, into their assistive communication solutions. This AI-powered feature gives more personal options for individuals who use assistive communication devices using eye gaze. Neural Voices are available in over 50 languages within their apps TD Talk and TD Phone.
- Microsoft Teams will improve for those using Sign Language View. Later this year, Teams will be able to identify when someone is using sign language and feature them prominently as a speaker in the meeting. These video customizations are part of our ongoing product development to help deliver clear and accessible communication for everyone.
- Copilot is powering neurodiverse talent. Recently, an EY study found that Copilot helped 76% of neurodiverse employees perform better at work by enhancing communication, memory recall and focus. At the Summit, we shared how new simple features like Team Reflow and PowerPoint Designer are helping people do their work. See four early adopters of Copilot in New York share their stories.
YouTube Video
- AI comes to Narrator. Rich image descriptions powered by AI will be coming to Narrator in Windows Insider Preview this spring and Azure AI Foundry announced new UI improvements to reduce cognitive load.
- Over 5 million learners around the world have participated in our Accessibility Skilling program and we’re grateful to our partners including Teach Access, Computacenter UK and the City of New York. The free, virtual training includes the latest on AI and is available for organizations to use in their learning management systems.
- Speech recognition improved up to 60%. The Speech Accessibility Project, led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, unlocked a breakthrough improving accuracy gains for non-standard speech, and the Azure platform team demonstrated how developers can leverage GitHub Copilot to write accessible code.
- Special Olympics shared how Copilot has been a game-changing training companion for their coaches and athletes with intellectual and development disabilities for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
All this progress is possible because of the people who design technology with accessibility in mind. In this way, technology benefits everyone, creating a more productive and efficient workplace. It is beautiful to see that reflected in this profile of Dave Dame, Senior Director of Accessibility and Human Factors at Microsoft, where he shared how accessible technology helps him thrive as a leader.

Onward

For over 30 years, Microsoft has focused on accessibility in our products. Accessibility makes our tools and technologies easier for everyone and accelerates innovation for the world. From the introduction of Sticky Keys and speech recognition in Windows 95 to Seeing AI in 2016 and beyond, accessibility innovations have benefited people in ways we designed for and ways we could have never expected. Just think about how closed captions are now invaluable for everyone watching videos and calls.

AI has the potential to create significant advancements across every sector of our economy and society. We will continue to be grounded and responsible in our approach as we work to get the latest technology to the people who can benefit from it the most.

Whether this is your first or fifteenth Ability Summit, thank you for joining and we hope you picked up a new feature, skill or nugget that helps you, your community or your organization get the most out of technology. All content will be available to watch after the event.

Let’s move forward together.

Tags: accessibility, AI, AI for Accessibility, Azure, Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft Ability Summit, Microsoft Teams, XBOX
MIL OSI Economics –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: The ceasefire in Gaza Palestine must be immediately restored

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

In the early hours of 18 March, Israeli forces launched strikes right across the Gaza Strip, Palestine, shattering the ceasefire which had been in place since mid-January 2025. In Gaza, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) teams have so far received hundreds of wounded patients, and many more who arrived at facilities dead on arrival.

MSF is urging Israel not to restart hostilities and to immediately restore the ceasefire and lift a two-week long blockade on supplies. Responding to the latest developments, Claire Magone, General Director of MSF France, issued the following comments:

“We are horrified by the attacks launched by Israel today on the people of Gaza, shattering the nearly two-month-old ceasefire. Out of the hundreds killed, according to the Ministry of Health, MSF received 75 dead on arrival and scores of wounded in just three of the facilities we support.

Our staff were completely taken by surprise and found themselves once again having to deal with influxes of mass casualties, many of whom were children.

In line with the tactics that the Israeli authorities have applied since October 2023, they have once again chosen to collectively punish the people of Gaza – with the explicit approval of their closest ally, the United States – striking with an intensity not seen since the early stages of the war. For over 15 months, before the ceasefire, people in Gaza were indiscriminately killed, mutilated, wounded, and displaced.

Israeli forces undertaking these latest ruthless attacks and evacuation orders make us fear that a new phase of military operations in Gaza is about to begin. Palestinians in Gaza will simply not be able to withstand this, neither physically nor mentally. Their hopes of recovering at least part of their previous lives are being shattered.

Since the ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, people have been struggling to restore the basics of their day to day lives after a drawn out, devastating military campaign, which has annihilated the very fabric of society in Gaza. Israel has once again cut access to humanitarian aid and basic goods.

MSF calls for the ceasefire to be immediately restored and for Israel to not restart its campaign of destruction and the nightmarish, massive bombing on the people of Gaza. MSF also calls for the blockade to be lifted, and for people to regain unrestricted access to basic supplies and aid. Injured people and patients requiring urgent medical care should be allowed to seek care outside of Gaza, provided their right to a safe and dignified return is granted.”

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MIL OSI NGO –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Security Council Press Statement on UN Interim Security Force for Abyei Detention, Abduction and Looting by Rapid Support Forces

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Christina Markus Lassen (Denmark):

The members of the Security Council unequivocally condemned the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) 28 February detention of over 60 UN peacekeepers, armed abduction of eight civilian personnel and looting of a United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) logistics convoy consisting of eight vehicles and 280,000 litres of fuel, following a routine fuel delivery to the Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mission’s (JBVMM) headquarters in Kadugli.

The members of the Security Council further expressed deep alarm over threats to the safety and security of UNISFA peacekeepers and civilian personnel. The members of the Security Council condemned all forms of violence against UN personnel and civilians, including targeted kidnapping, and reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes, reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law, and called for the Rapid Support Forces to be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council urgently called for the immediate return of UNISFA trucks and fuel. They also called on all parties to allow UNISFA to implement its mandated tasks in full and without interference, including providing support to the Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mission.

The members of the Security Council commended the UNISFA Acting Head of Mission/Force Commander’s efforts to successfully return all victims to safety. They reiterated their full support to UNISFA and expressed their appreciation for UNISFA’s troop- and police-contributing countries.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week Nine Under the Gold Dome

Source: US State of Georgia

By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

We’re in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative Session, and things are getting down to the wire. Last Thursday was Crossover Day, the last chance for bills to clear their first major hurdle. With less than 10 legislative days left, Senate Republicans are doubling down to push through real, commonsense legislation that puts Georgians first and stands up to the continued nonsense coming from the radical left.

Over the next three weeks, we’ll work in House committees to get Senate bills across the finish line. That means defending Georgia values, making our communities safer, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and pushing back against the destructive policies that have left hard-working Georgians struggling to make ends meet. I’m proud to report that my bill, SB 35, made it through the House Committee on Insurance and is one step closer to becoming law. This legislation increases the number of days’ notice required to be given to a policyholder before the nonrenewal of their homeowners’ insurance policy, which helps Georgians maintain coverage and address any concerns with their provider. SB 35’s progress is a win for our district, and I’ll keep you updated as we get it over the finish line.

On Thursday, the Senate took up the House’s budget recommendations for 2025-2026. Let’s be clear: this is your money. You work hard to put food on the table, and it’s our job to make sure the government isn’t wasting a single penny of it. Our Senate Appropriations Subcommittees focus on holding agencies accountable and making sure taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely. We’re cutting waste, prioritizing law enforcement and ensuring your kids can get their education safely.

Beyond the budget, we ramped up committee work to pass meaningful, conservative legislation. I supported House Bill 182 in the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. This bill, originally introduced by Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R–Armuchee), would ensure that group life insurance policies cannot exclude active-duty service members solely based on that military status. Currently, an active-duty service member can get into an accident driving to the grocery store but lack coverage by group life insurance. This legislation streamlines insurance policies so that normal incidents affecting everyday Georgians will also be protected for the men and women actively serving our country. This is exactly the type of policy we need, emphasizing real solutions to real problems.

I’m also carrying House Bill 81 to better support the mental health of our students. HB 81 allows Georgia to join the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, making it easier for skilled professionals outside the state to fill the gaps in our schools. Many students lack access to mental health resources, particularly in rural areas, and this bill is a critical step toward improving the quality of care for students statewide.

Finally, the Senate proudly welcomed our United States Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, to the State Capitol. Secretary Rollins held a round table with state legislators to hear about issues affecting Georgia’s farmers and ranchers, including H-2A policies, which govern the temporary agricultural employment of foreign workers. We also discussed President Donald J. Trump’s planned tariffs, with Secretary Rollins assuring our farmers that Georgia’s agricultural community will likely receive assistance to protect our state’s strong interstate and global trade relations. In combination with federal disaster relief soon headed to revitalize areas affected by Hurricane Helene, Secretary Rollins’ visit proves promising for the future of our rural communities, and I wish her the best in her new role.

Whether it’s small business owners, law enforcement officers, or hard-working Georgians just trying to make a living, your voices are why I’m here. We need more of you stepping up, speaking out, and staying engaged because the fight for Georgia’s future isn’t just happening at the Capitol—it’s happening in our communities, our schools and at our kitchen tables.

With just a few weeks left in this session, if you have concerns, ideas, or just want to know more about what’s happening under the Gold Dome, reach out. Your voice matters, and I’m here to make sure it’s heard.

# # # #

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The 30,000 year old vulture that reveals a completely new type of fossilisation

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Valentina Rossi, Postdoctoral researcher, Palaeontology, University College Cork

Fossilised feathers of the wing of a Pleistocene Vulture from central Italy. Edoardo Terranova, CC BY-SA

A surprising discovery in the feathers of a fossil vulture from central Italy has revealed that volcanic deposits can preserve delicate tissue structures in unprecedented detail, offering new insights into the fossilisation process.

In 1889 in the foothills of Mount Tuscolo, 25km south-east of Rome, farm workers discovered something extraordinary. While digging the ground for a new vineyard, they encountered a layer of bedrock with a strange void. This contained the skeleton of a large bird, including apparent imprints of its plumage on the surrounding rocks.

The bizarre find prompted the landowner to call in the renowned Italian geologist Romolo Meli. By the time of Meli’s arrival on site, however, the workers had consigned most of the fossil blocks to the waste pile, and many were broken.

After salvaging most of the rocks, Meli identified the specimen as a fossilised griffon vulture. He also noted that the preservation of the plumage was unusual considering the host rock was volcanic.

Read more:
Pompeii: ancient remains are helping scientists learn what happens to a body caught in a volcanic eruption

Meli produced a report about the discovery later that year, and then the fossil vulture faded into obscurity and most of the rock samples were lost. All that remains today are blocks containing the plumage of one wing and the imprint of the bird’s head and neck.

A few years ago, advances in analytical approaches to studying fossils prompted researchers to become more interested in the specimen, which probably dates from around 30,000 years ago. In 2014 one of us (Dawid Iurino) led a new study using CT scanning (computed tomography) of the imprint of the head and neck.

This revealed three-dimensional details of the bird’s eyelids, tongue and the texture of its skin and neck (see the video below). Such fine preservation of biological features exceeds even that of the victims of Pompeii.

In our new study, we then examined the feathers and it became clear that we were looking at something out of the ordinary. Our preliminary microscope analyses surprisingly revealed that the feathers, which have an orange colour that contrasts with the host rock, were preserved in three dimensions.

Three-dimensional fossil feathers are more commonly found in amber, whereas those in rocks are normally two-dimensional thin layers of dark-coloured organic matter.

Yet there were still important unanswered questions around how the feathers were preserved in a volcanic deposit, so we carried out some further investigations.

A new way to fossilise

The fossil feather.
Edoardo Terranova, CC BY-SA

A more detailed microscopic analysis revealed that this three-dimensional preservation extended to the delicate branches of the feathers. We could even see feather structures that were less than one micron (0.001mm) wide, specifically tiny cell organelles (part of a cell) called melanosomes whose pigments contribute to the colouration of feathers.

Even stranger was the fact that the fossil feather was made of a mineral called zeolite. This mineral is not associated with any other fossil tissues, revealing a means of fossilisation that has never been recorded before. It came about because zeolite forms via the dissolution of volcanic ash and glass.

The fossil’s level of tissue detail, plus the chemical composition of the feathers, indicates some important differences between the pyroclastic flows that entombed the vulture and the flow that buried Pompeii.

The ancient residents of Pompeii were buried alive by hot fast-moving, turbulent flows of gas and ashes known as pyroclastic flows, at temperatures exceeding 500°C. At these temperatures, their soft tissues were vaporised, leaving only skeletons and charcoal.

On the other hand, we do not know exactly how the vulture died. It may have been asphyxiated by toxic clouds of volcanic gas, or may have been killed directly by the pyroclastic flow. What we do know is that the flow was relatively cool because it was diluted with water or far from the volcanic source.

The processes by which the volcanic sediment hardened into rock and formed zeolite happened relatively quickly (within days), which may explain why delicate structures such as feathers can preserve well in three dimensions. This opens up the possibility that many other ash-rich volcanic rocks may contain remarkable fossils, and are therefore exciting new targets for palaeontological research.

Valentina Rossi received funding from The Palaeontological Association (UK) and The Paleontological Society (USA). She is currently receiving funding from the European Research Council (H2020-ERC-CoG-1010003293-PALAEOCHEM awarded to Prof. Maria Mcnamara).

Maria McNamara receives funding from the European Research Council and Research Ireland.

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

– ref. The 30,000 year old vulture that reveals a completely new type of fossilisation – https://theconversation.com/the-30-000-year-old-vulture-that-reveals-a-completely-new-type-of-fossilisation-252400

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Carr, Lecturer in History and Politics, Anglia Ruskin University

The Blue Water Bridge border crossing connects Michigan in the US with Ontario in Canada. ehrlif/Shutterstock

During his election campaign, US president Donald Trump claimed the word tariff is “more beautiful than ‘love’”. Now in office, Trump has targeted his closest neighbours and trading partners with those self same policies. He initially concentrated his levies on Canada, China and Mexico – two of which share land borders with the US – before implementing blanket tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports.

History shows us the impacts these policies can have. In 1932, during Neville Chamberlain’s time as British chancellor, the country slapped what became 40% levies on key exports (including cattle, butter and other agricultural products) from the then Irish Free State. These were promptly met by Irish retaliation on British goods including coal and steel.

A trade war ensued – and lasted in some form for almost six years.

As with Trump today, raising tariffs is often partly about some other policy goal. As far as the British-Irish trade war goes, I show in my new book Britain and Ireland From the Treaty to the Troubles that the initial beef (pun intended) was over a decades-long debt obligation. These annuities, as they were known, were predominantly owed by Irish farmers to Anglo-Irish landowners, and were widely disliked.

In early 1932 Éamon de Valera secured electoral victory in Ireland for his Fianna Fáil party, partly on the basis of refusing to hand over this money. At £5 million, it was a significant sum for a government that took in around £25 million annually.

Instead, de Valera planned to use the annuities for domestic purposes. He wanted to reward his agricultural and working-class electoral bases principally in Ireland’s west, as well as win over new voters with the nationalist and anti-English nature of his message.

The legality of the annuities dispute was ambiguous. But de Valera withheld the money, and to recoup the missing millions the British imposed tariffs and punitive quotas. This was swiftly followed by retaliatory measures from Dublin – just as Trump’s moves have seen reaction from abroad.

The stakes were high. A massive 92% of Irish exports went to the UK, and civil servants in Dublin fretted about the knock-on effects. In the short term, they were right to. Exports of cattle, bacon and other goods collapsed, and emergency domestic subsidy was needed to plug the gap.

Irish attempts to land a major trade deal with the US by way of compensation went nowhere, and Britain remained its key customer for decades.

Yet, unlike Trump, de Valera had a clear end goal into which the tariff war fitted rather well. He wanted to retool Irish farming away from livestock towards crops, and invest in Ireland’s nascent industry elsewhere. This included expanding the country’s energy independence and kick-starting its manufacturing sector.

The retained annuities and the increased political capital his government gained from the trade war both helped with these objectives.

It took until about 1937, after two more election wins and a referendum victory for de Valera, for British leaders to accept that the Irish public broadly backed their leader. They realised that a bilateral agreement was necessary.

The dispute was finally ended in April 1938. As the ink dried on a deal that saw tariffs dropped in exchange for a one-off payment from Dublin and the return of three ports to Ireland, the British media hailed the achievement of Chamberlain – now prime minister.

But this reaction also tells us something. Initially, Chamberlain was portrayed as a genius who had clearly won. But then critics pointed to it being a rather better deal for de Valera (the £10 million one-off sum was nowhere near the £100 million the British had a nominal claim for).

In this new stance, it had been a great deal precisely because Chamberlain had been so magnanimous. A terrible deal was actually a great deal. Some of that mentality could be seen in reactions to the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler a few months later.

All told, the consequences had been significant. Perhaps 3% of the Irish economy was lost.

In the meantime, Irish immigration to Britain consequently ticked up as people looked for work. Smuggling at the Northern Irish border ballooned, leading to additional costs to police a frontier where cattle were hurried across unmanned fields and rivers to avoid the tariff.

Guinness even moved production to London in order to avoid future tariffs.
gabriel12/Shutterstock

Major Irish-based industry, including Guinness and Ford, moved operations to the London periphery (Park Royal and Dagenham respectively) to avoid any future duties. Although Ford kept some tractor production in Cork in the south of Ireland, for large parts of its European and imperial business the only way was now Essex.

All this meant economic dislocation and diplomatic animosity at a point where the geopolitical outlook was troubled – not an unfamiliar story. Although Ireland remained neutral during the second world war – the ultimate show for de Valera of its independence – intelligence cooperation and the service of Irish men and women in the Allied war effort illustrated that the two countries just about muddled through.

But today, tariffs provoking wider turmoil remains a big worry. As former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau noted, Trump’s actions are “a very dumb thing to do” and could lead to “exactly what our opponents around the world want to see … a dispute between two friends and neighbours”.

Trump may also be wise to note that de Valera’s position was bolstered when he could claim that he was being bullied by a more powerful neighbour. In the past few weeks, the Canadian Liberal Party has surged back in the polls, partly on the back of the same dynamics. The little guy sometimes swings back.

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

– ref. What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s – https://theconversation.com/what-trump-could-learn-from-the-british-and-irish-trade-war-of-the-1930s-252128

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: EU Response to US – Russia Peace Talks: We Need a Fair and Just Peace

Source: European Commission (video statements)

Ukraine is part of the solution, and we will continue to work toward that objective. The peace negotiations must reflect Ukraine’s needs as well as Europe’s. Europe is ensuring Ukraine remains in a strong position through military, humanitarian, and financial support. We need a strong Ukraine. This is peace through strength. Europe is fully committed to supporting Ukraine.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh7Gjhif0Ps

MIL OSI Video –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Young people to benefit from creative education boost
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Young people to benefit from creative education boost

New package announced to support young people to access high-quality arts education and enrichment activities as well as AI and tech opportunities.
Young people across the country will have greater access to high-quality arts education, wider creative and sporting activities as well as opportunities to gain in-demand skills in AI and tech under plans announced today (18 March) by the Education Secretary.

The announcements will help deliver the government’s Plan for Change to break the link between background and success, driving high and rising school standards so every child can achieve and thrive.

The plans include the development of a National Centre for Arts & Music Education which will promote opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of music hubs. An Enrichment Framework will also be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts, covering a wide range of extra-curricular activities from sport to debating and volunteering. Alongside this, a new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will advise the government on what changes can be made to prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future.

It comes as the curriculum and assessment review expert panel, led by Professor Becky Francis, publishes its interim report and sets out its next steps to develop a curriculum and assessment system that will set young people up with the essential knowledge they need for life and work.

The Education Secretary has also confirmed today that compulsory tests, checks and assessments that ensure children leave primary school with solid foundations in reading, writing and maths will remain a core part of the curriculum and assessment system. This is in recognition of the role they play in providing crucial information to schools, parents and government on pupils’ progress and helping to close the gap between disadvantaged children and their peers.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

I welcome the important progress Becky Francis and her expert review are making to drive forward work to take the curriculum into the modern era and help deliver on the government’s Plan for Change.

That means keeping what’s working and evolving what’s not. The report is clear on the importance of primary school assessment, which are simply non-negotiable if we are going to keep pushing standards up for every child and close the attainment gap.

High standards must also mean greater opportunities and a curriculum fit for the world of today and tomorrow. Our new National Centre for Arts and Music, alongside a renewed focus on giving young people the AI and technical skills they need, are significant steps on the path to making sure every child, wherever they grow up, leaves school truly ready for life and work.

Plans announced today include:

The appointment of a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support the delivery of high-quality arts education through a new online training offer for teachers, promoting opportunities for children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school – including through the government’s network of Music Hubs – and boost partnerships between schools and cultural providers.

To support schools to offer pupils high-quality creative and other extra-curricular activities, a new Enrichment Framework will be developed in collaboration with a panel of experts. The Framework is expected to cover a wide range of activities which could be anything from sport to gardening, board games to school bands, or debating to volunteering.

A new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group made up of sector and digital experts will also be established. The group will advise the government on what changes can be made to improve the AI and digital skills talent pipeline, prepare children and young people for the jobs of the future, and drive better teaching and learning through the use of AI and Technology. The group will report to the Education Secretary before the end of the academic year.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said:

Arts and music bring people together and are enjoyed by communities across the country. We want every child and young person to have equal opportunities to access a high quality arts and music education, to ensure creativity can be explored by all and not just the privileged few.

The government’s new National Centre for Arts and Music Education will ensure more children and young people’s untapped potential can be unleashed, improving the pipeline of talent for our world class creative industries.

Darren Henley CBE, CEO of Arts Council England said:

This bold innovation will nurture England’s next generation of creators, performers and audiences, levelling the playing field for all young people whatever their background. Subjects like art and design, dance, drama and music are central to every child’s education. They come with the added bonus of equipping young people for life by boosting their creativity, their confidence and their social skills. A National Centre for Arts and Music Education is a vital initiative, and we welcome it wholeheartedly.

Kate Varah, Executive Director and Co-CEO, National Theatre

Access to excellent arts teaching and experiences at school should be a right for all young people to fuel a creative nation. The National Theatre welcomes today’s announcement from the Department for Education that it will establish a new National Centre for Arts & Music Education, recognising the need to support high quality arts provision in schools. We look forward to consulting with the DfE on the remit of the new Centre and its relationship to the arts sector. It’s brilliant to see the Government’s clear focus on the value of the arts in schools and the need to ensure equity of access for all young people.

Ruth Marvel OBE – CEO The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Enrichment activities and high-quality personal development are a crucial part of a well-balanced, enriched education for all young people – helping them to develop essential skills for life and work, explore their individual interests and talents, and build meaningful relationships with trusted adults and peers.

We are therefore delighted that Government has responded to calls from DofE, NCS and our partners across the youth and education sectors and today announced it will develop an enrichment framework. The framework, together with best practice guidance and benchmarks, will support schools and colleges to deliver a high-quality enrichment offer for all young people. We look forward to working with the Government, alongside other expert partners, to develop this essential framework.

The plans come alongside wider measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to deliver high-quality teachers in every classroom, delivering on the government’s Plan for Change by breaking down barriers to opportunity and giving every child and young person the best life chances.

Last year the government launched a Review of the curriculum and assessment system, led by Professor Becky Francis, to look closely at the key challenges to attainment for young people, and the barriers which hold children back from the opportunities and life chances they deserve – in particular those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged, or with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND).

The curriculum and assessment review interim report highlights the value of primary assessment, citing its importance in supporting children’s transition from primary to secondary, establishing whether children have learned the national curriculum and the role of assessment in holding schools to account.

Alongside the review, the government is also continuing to drive high and rising school standards so every family can be confident they have access to a good local school for their child.

This includes through the landmark Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which will ensure there are high-quality teachers in every classroom, there is a floor on pay and no ceiling, so all teachers can rely on a core offer and all schools can innovate to attract and retain the best talent.

These measures, alongside new regional improvement teams and Ofsted reforms, will make sure every child has an education as good as the best.

The bill will also ensure that, once the curriculum has been revised to take account of the recommendations of the review, all state schools – including academies who currently do not have to follow the national curriculum – will be required to teach the national curriculum up to age 16. This will give parents certainty over their children’s education and allow all children to benefit from the strengthened curriculum, whatever type of school they go to.

Notes to Editors

Primary school tests and assessments include the phonics screening check (taken in year 1 at age five or six), the multiplication tables check, (taken in year 4 at aged eight or nine) as well as maths, reading and grammar, punctuation and spelling tests and assessments taken in year 6 (aged 10 or 11 just before pupils leave primary school).

The National Centre for Arts and Music is expected to be established in September 2026, with a delivery lead appointed through an open procurement. It will be expected to:

Promote arts education – including signposting to industry-backed careers guidance, and to opportunities to support children and young people to pursue their artistic and creative interests in school, including through our national network of Music Hubs.

Support excellent arts teaching – through a new online CPD offer for primary and secondary school teachers, and support to access the brilliant teacher development provision available from cultural providers.

Support partnerships – bolstering collaboration between schools and the many arts and cultural organisations with fantastic offers for children and young people, to maximise those opportunities for the most children, no matter where they live.

The DfE, working closely with DCMS, has committed to publishing the new Enrichment Framework by the end of the year. Building on the work of the sector, we will develop the framework alongside a working group consisting of experts from schools, youth, sports and arts organisations and research bodies. The framework will highlight effective practice on enrichment by:

identifying and reflecting practice in the best schools to set out what a high-quality enrichment offer looks like – we will consider with the sector whether standardised benchmarks and tools can form a useful part of that support.

providing advice for schools with how to plan a high-quality enrichment offer more strategically and intentionally and how to make use of specific programmes to increase access to sport and arts

The new Digital, AI and Technology Task and Finish Group will advise on how the school and college education system in England can ensure that every child and young person is equipped to thrive in an AI and digital world, creating strong foundations for access to more specialist AI and digital pathways and making the most of the opportunities to use AI and educational technology to drive better teaching and learning. We intend that this work will commence shortly and conclude before the end of the academic year.

DfE media enquiries

Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300

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Published 18 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s press encounter following the informal meeting on Cyprus

Source: United Nations secretary general

From the very start of my mandate, I have been committed to the security and wellbeing of the Cypriots, the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots.

And today was another attempt to find a way forward.

These discussions were held in a constructive atmosphere, with both sides showing clear commitment to making progress and continuing dialogue.

Mr. Tatar and Mr. Christodoulides have agreed the following group of initiatives to build trust: opening four crossing points; demining; creation of a technical committee on youth; initiatives on the environment and climate change, including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone; and the restoration of cemeteries.

We agreed to have in this format the next meeting end of July, and I will appoint a Personal Envoy to prepare the next steps.

Question : Mr. Secretary-General, based on today’s developments, what you have announced, basically more confidence building measures, so are you confident that the two sides will be able to eventually move forward, to actually having substantive talks as regards the solution of the Cyprus problem?

Secretary-General : I think it is important to note that even before Crans-Montana, and we are talking about 2017 until now, there was no real progress on any aspect. And today, there was meaningful progress. And I hope that the confidence-building measures or the initiatives to build trust, together with the decision to have very soon a next meeting, and the acceptance by all of the appointment of a [Personal] Envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, demonstrates the sense of commitment and the sense of urgency that I believe were extremely important. It is a new atmosphere.

Question: Mr. Secretary-General. Ms. Holguin will continue her job, or you will appoint a new representative?

Secretary-General: I will appoint a new [personal] envoy. It is not yet chosen. Before the meeting, I didn’t even know if I would be able to appoint an envoy.

Question: Good afternoon, Secretary-General. What, if anything, can the UN do about the situation in Gaza right now? Thank you.

Secretary-General: Unfortunately, we are witnessing a situation in which we had an intolerable level of suffering for the Palestinian people, with the air strikes that killed hundreds of people. We have humanitarian aid still blocked. And I believe that the role of the UN is to do everything to convince the parties and to have the international community pressing for three essential aspects: First, for the ceasefire to be fully respected. Second, for humanitarian aid to have access to Gaza in an unimpeded way. And third, for the unconditional release of hostages. And we will not, we will not give up on these objectives.

Thank you very much.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Cyprus talks show ‘new atmosphere’ between divided island’s leaders: Guterres

Source: United Nations 2

18 March 2025 Peace and Security

UN-led efforts to kick-start talks on the divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus have resulted in agreements on new trust-building measures.

There’s a positive “new atmosphere” surrounding the discussions, Secretary-General António Guterres said on Tuesday.

Speaking in Geneva after a second day of informal talks, the UN chief underscored his commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of the Cypriots – the Greek Cypriots and the Turkish Cypriots – “from the very start of my mandate…today was another attempt to find a way forward”.

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Ersin Tatar, leader of the Turkish Cypriots, had gathered in Geneva along with guarantors Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom at the request of the UN chief.

Common ground

“Mr. Tatar and Mr. Christodoulides have agreed the following group of initiatives to build trust,” he said, listing “opening of the four crossing points, demining, creation of a technical committee on youth, initiatives on the environment and climate change including the impacts on mining areas; solar energy in the buffer zone and the restoration of cemeteries”.

The UN has pushed for negotiations towards a settlement of the issues which led to the division of the island, with the Security Council authorising a UN peacekeeping force in 1964, UNFICYP.

In the absence of a permanent agreement, the force remains on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, a buffer zone and to support humanitarian activities.

Previous push for progress

Mr. Guterres attempted to bring the two sides together in 2017 at the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana but talks ultimately broke down. A further push was made in 2021.

In contrast, the latest discussions saw “meaningful progress”, the UN chief insisted. “I hope that the confidence-building measures or the initiatives to build trust, together with the decision to have very soon a next meeting and the acceptance by all of the appointment of a Special Envoy on Cyprus to prepare the next steps, demonstrates the sense of commitment and the sense of urgency that I believe were extremely important. It’s a new atmosphere.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Wealthy Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS

Source: United States Department of Justice 2

A Miami man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others to defraud the United States by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in undisclosed Swiss bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in dozens of secret Swiss accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank Bonhôte, and Bank Julius Baer. The accounts were held in his own name, in the names of sham structures, and, in one instance, a pseudonym. Over the years, Rotta earned tens of millions of dollars of income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns and that he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He caused a substantial tax loss to the IRS.

Rotta employed increasingly elaborate schemes to keep his accounts hidden. Over the years, he kept his accounts open, in part, by falsely representing that he was not a U.S. citizen, leveraging his Brazilian citizenship to claim he was a Brazilian citizen residing in Brazil.

Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta closed his UBS account and moved his funds to Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte.

In 2011, after the IRS obtained records related to one of Rotta’s Swiss accounts, Rotta nominally changed the documentation of his accounts at Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte to make it appear that his co-conspirator, a Brazilian national and resident, owned the assets in the accounts. Despite the change, Rotta continued to control the assets and transferred millions of dollars out of those accounts for his use.

Shortly after Rotta changed the account documentation, the IRS began auditing Rotta. During the audit, Rotta falsely denied that he owned the assets in the foreign financial accounts and, instead, claimed that the millions of dollars he withdrew from the accounts were non-taxable loans from foreign nationals. Rotta provided the IRS with fake promissory notes and false affidavits from the foreign nationals to corroborate his claims. During the audit, Rotta continued to use the funds in his foreign accounts to fund his lifestyle in the United States, but to conceal his use of the funds from the IRS, he often routed transfers from his foreign accounts through nominee accounts and attorney trust fund accounts in the United States.

The IRS did not believe Rotta’s story and assessed millions of dollars of additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta sought to reverse the assessments by filing a false petition in U.S. Tax Court. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, the nominee account owners traveled to the United States to retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys.

In 2017, after Rotta presented evidence that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the “loan repayments” were fake: the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid went back into accounts that Rotta controlled shortly after the IRS dismissed the suit. Also as part of the conspiracy, Rotta had his U.S.-based attorneys create sham trust structures that he used to transfer his assets to the United States without alerting the IRS. On paper, it appeared that Rotta’s co-conspirator funded the trusts for Rotta’s benefit. In reality, Rotta funded the trusts with transfers from Swiss accounts.

In 2019, Rotta became aware that the IRS would receive additional account records from Switzerland that contradicted the false claims that he had previously made. To avoid criminal liability, Rotta applied to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who failed to comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate, and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may offer a path to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. Rotta made false statements in his submission, including falsely claiming that the assets in the Swiss accounts mostly belonged to others, and that any funds provided to Rotta were non-taxable gifts. Rotta also claimed that the nominee account owner gifted Rotta money because the nominee had no children to benefit from the funds. In fact, the nominee had two children.

Rotta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., and dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Tax Division, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida, are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: AGNICO EAGLE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF 100% OF O3 MINING

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

(All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO, March 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle“) and O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII), (OTCQX: OIIIF) (“O3 Mining“) are pleased to jointly announce that Agnico Eagle has today completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common shares of O3 Mining (the “Common Shares“) pursuant to the amalgamation (the “Amalgamation“) of O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle Abitibi Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle. O3 Mining is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle.

The Amalgamation constituted the subsequent acquisition transaction contemplated by Agnico Eagle’s board-supported take-over bid to acquire O3 Mining. Under the Amalgamation, shareholders of O3 Mining, other than Agnico Eagle, will receive $1.67 in cash per Common Share (the “Consideration“).

It is expected that the Common Shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange on or around March 20, 2025 and O3 Mining will file an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.

Additional Information and How to Receive the Consideration

Additional information concerning the Amalgamation is contained in the notice of special meeting and management information circular of O3 Mining (the “Circular“) dated February 13, 2025. The Circular is available under O3 Mining’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

In order to receive the Consideration (less applicable withholdings), each registered shareholder must properly complete and duly execute the letter of transmittal enclosed with the Circular and deliver such letter of transmittal, together with all other necessary documents and instruments to Odyssey Trust Company, in its capacity as depositary for the Amalgamation, at the address specified in the letter of transmittal and otherwise in accordance with the instructions contained in the letter of transmittal. Non-registered shareholders whose Common Shares are registered in the name of an investment advisor, broker, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary must contact such intermediary for instructions and assistance in exchanging their Common Shares for the Consideration.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7187 or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

Information for Warrantholders

Any warrants to acquire Common Shares (the “Warrants“) that remain outstanding may be exercised prior to the expiry time thereof in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Indenture governing the Warrants, as amended, and will receive on exercise, in lieu of Common Shares, $1.67 in cash. The Warrant Indenture has been amended by a supplemental indenture to give effect to the foregoing. In connection such amendment, the exercise form to be used by holders of outstanding Warrants has been amended and replaced with an amended exercise form attached as Appendix E to the Circular. For additional information, please contact investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com or call (416) 947-1212.

About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations about future events as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are based on estimates of management by Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining, at the time they were made, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing for the delisting of O3 Mining from the TSX Venture Exchange and for O3 Mining to cease to be a reporting issuer; and the receipt of $1.67 in cash on the exercise of Warrants. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, expectations relating to the timing for the delisting of the Common Shares and O3 Mining (or its successor) filing an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable securities laws; and expectations concerning the outstanding Warrants. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining caution that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining believe, or believed at the time, to be reasonable expectations and assumptions, there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining, nor Agnico Eagle nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining do not undertake, and assume no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Agnico Eagle or any of its affiliates or O3 Mining.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

SOURCE O3 Mining Inc.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Wealthy Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS

Source: United States Attorneys General 13

A Miami man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others to defraud the United States by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in undisclosed Swiss bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in dozens of secret Swiss accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank Bonhôte, and Bank Julius Baer. The accounts were held in his own name, in the names of sham structures, and, in one instance, a pseudonym. Over the years, Rotta earned tens of millions of dollars of income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns and that he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He caused a substantial tax loss to the IRS.

Rotta employed increasingly elaborate schemes to keep his accounts hidden. Over the years, he kept his accounts open, in part, by falsely representing that he was not a U.S. citizen, leveraging his Brazilian citizenship to claim he was a Brazilian citizen residing in Brazil.

Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta closed his UBS account and moved his funds to Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte.

In 2011, after the IRS obtained records related to one of Rotta’s Swiss accounts, Rotta nominally changed the documentation of his accounts at Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte to make it appear that his co-conspirator, a Brazilian national and resident, owned the assets in the accounts. Despite the change, Rotta continued to control the assets and transferred millions of dollars out of those accounts for his use.

Shortly after Rotta changed the account documentation, the IRS began auditing Rotta. During the audit, Rotta falsely denied that he owned the assets in the foreign financial accounts and, instead, claimed that the millions of dollars he withdrew from the accounts were non-taxable loans from foreign nationals. Rotta provided the IRS with fake promissory notes and false affidavits from the foreign nationals to corroborate his claims. During the audit, Rotta continued to use the funds in his foreign accounts to fund his lifestyle in the United States, but to conceal his use of the funds from the IRS, he often routed transfers from his foreign accounts through nominee accounts and attorney trust fund accounts in the United States.

The IRS did not believe Rotta’s story and assessed millions of dollars of additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta sought to reverse the assessments by filing a false petition in U.S. Tax Court. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, the nominee account owners traveled to the United States to retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys.

In 2017, after Rotta presented evidence that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the “loan repayments” were fake: the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid went back into accounts that Rotta controlled shortly after the IRS dismissed the suit. Also as part of the conspiracy, Rotta had his U.S.-based attorneys create sham trust structures that he used to transfer his assets to the United States without alerting the IRS. On paper, it appeared that Rotta’s co-conspirator funded the trusts for Rotta’s benefit. In reality, Rotta funded the trusts with transfers from Swiss accounts.

In 2019, Rotta became aware that the IRS would receive additional account records from Switzerland that contradicted the false claims that he had previously made. To avoid criminal liability, Rotta applied to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who failed to comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate, and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may offer a path to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. Rotta made false statements in his submission, including falsely claiming that the assets in the Swiss accounts mostly belonged to others, and that any funds provided to Rotta were non-taxable gifts. Rotta also claimed that the nominee account owner gifted Rotta money because the nominee had no children to benefit from the funds. In fact, the nominee had two children.

Rotta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., and dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Tax Division, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida, are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: More than $5B paid out to independent developers since launch of ID@Xbox

Source: Microsoft

Headline: More than $5B paid out to independent developers since launch of ID@Xbox

With GDC kicking off, our team is in San Francisco to celebrate with independent developers who continue to inspire us every day with their ambition, creativity, and passion. In the past year alone, ID@Xbox has seen over 1,000 games launch, including fan favorites like Balatro, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and Phasmophobia, bringing new experiences to console and PC communities.

Since ID@Xbox was launched in 2013, more than $5 billion have been paid to independent developers from all over the world. We’re also proud to offer developers the ability to use our platform to maximize the opportunity to reach an audience across multiple screens.

As announced last week, over 1,000 titles are now supporting Xbox Play Anywhere (XPA). When players purchase an XPA game, they can play on Xbox and Windows 10/11 PCs at no additional cost, bringing their saves, progress and achievements across devices. This means players can access their favorite games in more places which has led to these titles getting 20% more play time.

Today, Xbox offers more places than ever to play independent games: Xbox consoles, gaming PCs, and laptops, Windows handhelds like the ASUS ROG Ally X or Legion Go, mobile phones, tablets, Samsung and Amazon FireSticks enabled by the Cloud – all of these are an Xbox, and all a potential home for your next favorite ID@Xbox title like Another Crab’s Treasure, Neva, and Animal Well.

In addition to offering more ways for people to play, the Developer Acceleration Program (DAP) is ensuring that we have content that speaks to everyone. The program fosters innovation for over 200 teams and creators from different countries around the world. We help developers by hosting information sessions with studios, providing port and prototype funding, and helping to reduce costs of bringing games to Xbox and building new ideas. The Xbox Excellence Award-winning Botany Manor and the recently released Mullet Madjackare recent DAP titles, both of which are available today with Xbox Game Pass.

Our mission with ID@Xbox has always been to empower teams to achieve more with Xbox. Over the years, our program has evolved to bring ID@Xbox games to players on more screens and in new ways through Game Pass and Stream Your Own Game. We’re focused on helping independent teams enable Xbox Play Anywhere to reach more players – allowing seamless play across console, PC, and cloud. No matter where people choose to play, we’re working with developers to make the most of the features unique to that device or screen. Looking ahead, our lineup is incredible with upcoming games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Descenders Next, and FBC: Firebreak to play across the whole Xbox universe… and of course Hollow Knight: Silksong too!

Today, we’re excited to host developers from 10 countries at our annual hands-on preview event for press and creators. Among them are 11 Xbox Play Anywhere and six Xbox Game Pass titles, including Winter Burrow from Pinecreek in Denmark, Detective Dotson from Masala Games in India, and Promise Mascot Academy from Kaizen Works in the UK.

Our team is thrilled to work with so many developers around the world to bring you unique and innovative experiences. Whether players buy, stream, or discover their next favorite game through Xbox Game Pass, now is the perfect time to join the Xbox community.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen Foster, Associate Professor, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University

Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable.

A recent Angus Reid poll found three in four Canadians want to see the country’s military strengthened in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st state. In early March, former prime minister Justin Trudeau committed publicly to increasing military spending.

While it makes sense for a country feeling vulnerable to invasion to look at recruiting new soldiers and increasing its arsenal, there is an additional facet of national defence that is too often overlooked: food preparedness.

Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are already “stoking a new nationalism” in Canadians and sparking interest in buying local, but food should be part of the national defence conversation, too.

The double edge of globalization

The globalization of food systems, in Canada and the rest of the world, has intensified since the Second World War. This has brought some benefits, such as year-round access to fresh produce, but it has also made Canada’s food systems vulnerable to the whims of its trading partners.

Academics focused on food security and sovereignty have long raised concerns about import-dependence on key nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.

Even in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic shone a harsh light on food supply chains in Canada, research showed that the production of fresh produce was declining while imports were increasing.

Now, faced with both a trade war and annexation threats, Canada must confront whether its domestic food systems can feed its population in a crisis — economic, political, environmental or otherwise.

Food systems and national defence

Trade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Some, like Sweden, are making plans to take stock of the capacity and resilience of their food systems, and actively working toward a system that can sustain the lives of their citizens in a crisis.

Sweden’s total goods trade accounted for 67 per cent of its GDP in 2023, compared to Canada’s 53 per cent. Despite its high level of trade dependence, Sweden has put food at the heart of the country’s total defence approach to national security.

Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems.

The Swedish government, in its defence resolution, states: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.”

This approach is not focused only on individual or household levels of preparedness — that is, whether people have enough in their pantries — but also includes the overall preparedness of the systems that produce, process and distribute food.

Canada, with its heavy reliance on global trade and the U.S. as a primary trading partner, would do well to take note.

Food sovereignty in Canada

There are hundreds of scholars and thousands of community entities working to make Canada’s food systems more sustainable and resilient in the face of financialization, farmland consolidation and the globalization of supply chains.

In Québec, for example, there is a growing movement to mobilize and empower producers, community entities, the agrifood sector, policymakers and additional stakeholders to build more resilient, territorial food systems across the province.

Read more:
Making our food fairer: Don’t Call Me Resilient EP 12

Canadian experts play a key role in global discussions on food systems resilience, with scholars contributing to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s Building Resilient Food Systems draft report. This report is designed to help countries make their food systems more resilient, equitable and sustainable.

Yet Canada’s efforts are not co-ordinated, empowered or moving fast enough in the push for greater food sovereignty. The point is not to abandon trade, but to manage it more strategically.

Both international and domestic markets are crucial for Canadian farmers, and many local companies are devoted to importing everyday goods like coffee, tea and bananas under fair trade and agroecological conditions.

Trade relations, however, are about more than economics; they involve building political partnerships with Mexico, the European Union, Asian countries and beyond — something Canada needs now more than ever.

Sweden has already recognized this. Its food preparedness strategy involves deepening co-operation with like-minded Nordic countries and collaborating around the supply, transport, stockpiling and testing of food.

Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

To ensure Canada can feed itself in a crisis, the government must invest in domestic production, processing and distribution infrastructure. This would create more efficient, connected local markets that removes some of the burden of buying local from individuals.

Read more:
Boycotting U.S. products allows Canadians to take a rare political stand in their daily lives

The Canadian government must also promote diversification in production and export. Canada needs to move away from monoculture farming and toward more regional networks and agroecological approaches. These approaches are more resilient to both crops themselves and the diverse markets they open up, reducing Canada’s dependence on single trading partners like the U.S.

Key agricultural policies such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership need to go beyond the long-standing focus on prioritizing export markets. They must also invest in infrastructure and partnerships in Canada to strengthen their support of Canadian producers, ranchers, fisheries and food system players at home, to help them work together at a regional scale.

Correcting power imbalances in our food systems is also critical. Greater local and regional autonomy over how food is produced, processed and distributed would help with this. These strategies would make Canada less vulnerable to supply chain disruption.

Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.

But while we fight annexation from the kitchen table, we must recognize it doesn’t start there; it starts at a higher level. Only better policy, infrastructure and systemic change can prepare Canada to be more proactive and resilient in the face of world crises — economic or otherwise.

Karen Foster receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She is the director of the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

Alicia Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

Gavin Fridell receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. He is a member of the Trade and Investment Research Project at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Kathleen Kevany receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, for the Food Impact Network research and knowledge mobilization for the handbook of sustainable diets; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for food waste prevention work, and Mitacs for internships on food procurement and food environment analysis.

I am advised to Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) an NGO.

– ref. Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence – https://theconversation.com/why-canada-must-treat-its-food-system-as-a-matter-of-national-defence-251118

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, this afternoon.
The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece Kyriakos Mitsotakis this afternoon.

The leaders discussed the Coalition of the Willing call that the Prime Minister chaired on Saturday, and both leaders agreed that all must work together to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position.

The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Mitsotakis on the upcoming military planning meeting taking place this week in the UK.

He reiterated that Europe’s defence and security is paramount, and both leaders agreed that the political momentum must continue to achieve a peace that will be secure and that will last.

The Prime Minister underscored that the ball is in President Putin’s court and that Russia must come to the table to accept the US ceasefire deal.

They agreed to stay in touch.

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Published 18 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Deputy Lord Mayor Designate announced

Source: City of Plymouth

Lord Mayor Designate Councillor Kathy Watkin has announced that Councillor Chip Tofan will be her Deputy for the year.

Chip was born in Iasi, Romania, graduating from Iasi Gheorghe Ashachi University, with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and now runs his own business providing consultancy services.

Chip was first elected to Plymouth City Council in May 2022, representing Eggbuckland Ward.

During his time as a councillor, Chip has been a member of different committees including Scrutiny, Licensing, Natural Infrastructure and the Growth Scrutiny Panel.

Councillor Tofan said: “I am really pleased that Kathy has asked me to be her Deputy for the next year, I look forward to joining her at civic events and meeting residents of Plymouth, it truly is an honour.

“I am happy to extend my passion for helping the community from the Eggbuckland ward to the wider community.”

Lord Mayor Designate, Councillor Kathy Watkin, said: “I am thrilled that Chip has agreed to be my Deputy for the next year, I look forward to us working together.

“I have known Chip for many years as a friendly, community minded gentleman.

“Of Romanian heritage, he gained his UK citizenship in Plymouth. As such, he is uniquely placed to understand the challenges facing people of diverse languages and cultures we welcome to Plymouth and can demonstrate that with hard work and commitment anyone can achieve their goals in this great city.

“Although a relative newcomer to Plymouth City Council he is very enthusiastic about the challenge offered by being Deputy Lord Mayor of Plymouth and will be a huge support to me in my mayoral year.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grave of Missing Windsor Soldier of World War One Identified in Belgium
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

News story

Grave of Missing Windsor Soldier of World War One Identified in Belgium

More than a century after his death, the previously unmarked grave of Corporal of Horse (CoH) Charles Edward Dean has finally been identified and marked.
The headstone of Corporal of Horse Dean (Crown Copyright)

A rededication service, organised by the MOD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), also known as the ‘War Detectives’, was held at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s (CWGC) Bedford House Cemetery, Belgium, this morning (18 March 25).

JCCC Caseworker, Alexia Clark, said:

I am grateful to the researcher who originally submitted evidence suggesting the location of Charles Dean’s grave. In rededicating his grave today, we have reunited his mortal remains with his name, ensuring that his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Corporal of Horse Charles Edward Dean, 1877 – 13 May 1915

Charles Edward Dean was born in 1877 to James Albert Dean and his wife Fanny, in Wiltshire. James was a boiler maker, and Charles grew up with six siblings – four older and two younger.

In 1900 Charles joined the Household Cavalry, signing up for 12 years long service with the Life Guards on 9 March. He had been promoted to the rank of Corporal by the time he married Ada Josephine Taylor in Rotherhithe on 25 April 1908. Shortly after the wedding Charles and Ada moved to Windsor where they had four children together – Edward born in 1908, Ada in 1910 (who died in infancy), Elsie in 1912 and Charles who was born two weeks after his father’s death in May 1915.

Being a regular soldier, Charles was put into action quickly on the outbreak of war in 1914, and we know that the first detachment of the 2nd Life Guards sailed for Belgium on 6 October 1914. By May 1915 the Life Guards were in the Ieper (Ypres) area, digging trenches and receiving instruction on how to use gas masks, following the first use of gas in the area just a few weeks earlier. On the night of 12 -13 May they were tasked with relieving The Buffs from the trenches near Potijze. The Battalion War Diary is scant on information about what happened that night, but in total 35 men of the 2nd Life Guards lost their lives on these two days, Charles being one of them. Half of these men have no known grave to this day.

In July 1921 a casualty of the war was discovered by the teams looking for field graves. His resting place was not marked in anyway, but was near Crump Farm, between Potijze and Verlorenhoek. The team responsible for documenting the discovery of the body and ensuring his reburial could find nothing to identify him by name, so they recorded instead that he was an unknown Serjeant Major of the 2nd Life Guards – a description they derived from his clothing, the crown and chevrons on his uniform, and his numerals. Two other men from the 2nd Life Guards were also recovered from the same spot. All three were buried a few miles from where they were found at Bedford House Cemetery. Only one of the three was identified by name, Lance Corporal WH Butler who was carrying a disc with his name on it. The third man had only a numeral which meant he could be identified as a member of the 2nd Life Guards, but no rank could be attributed to him.

In 2020 a case was submitted to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission in which a researcher claimed to have identified the unknown ‘Sergeant Major’. They correctly pointed out that this rank does not exist in the Household Cavalry, but that the same insignia can be attributed to the rank of Corporal of Horse. Research showed that only one man of this rank was missing in this area at this time, and as such he could be identified as Charles Edward Dean.

The service was supported by serving soldiers of the Household Cavalry.

Captain Charles Carr-Smith, Musician Benjamin Kinch, Padre Thomas Sander & Captain Henry Tregear of the Household Cavalry (Crown Copyright)

The service was conducted by the Reverend Tom Sander, Chaplain to The Household Cavalry.

The Reverend Sander said:

It is an honour to officiate at these services of rededication for fallen servicemen who gave their lives in the service of our country. In these services we unite their final resting place with their earthly name and, what was once known only to God, is now known in the sign of all. May their names be held in everlasting remembrance, and may they rest in peace and rise in glory.

The headstone was replaced by CWGC. Director for the Central and Southern Europe Area at the CWGC, Xavier Puppinck, said:

We are honoured to mark the final resting place of Corporal of Horse Charles Edward Dean. We thank the researcher and all those involved who helped to confirm Corporal Dean’s previously unmarked grave. His sacrifice is now formally recognised with a new headstone, and we are committed to preserving his grave, along with those of his comrades, in perpetuity.

Corporal of Horse Dean’s family stand with the Military Party behind his headstone (Crown Copyright)

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Published 18 March 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update which remains critical to improving human rights in Venezuela and ensuring accountability.

The human rights situation in Venezuela remains grave. Over seven months have passed since the presidential election, and the Venezuelan authorities have still not produced any credible evidence of votes cast. The subsequent repression against political figures, journalists, trade unionists, and civil society continues. This has contributed to a culture of fear as fundamental freedoms continue to be eroded.

The continued reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and deaths in detention are alarming and unacceptable. Despite some conditional releases, over 1,000 Venezuelans and foreign nationals remain arbitrarily detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.

We continue to support a Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that will respect each and every vote cast on 28 July. Venezuela needs a strong civil society and tolerance for democratic opposition to support democratic normalisation.

Señora Valiñas,

What is your assessment of the state of civic space in Venezuela and what are your recommendations to address this?

Updates to this page

Published 18 March 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Surge of Right-Wing Politics, Online Hate, Patriarchy Fuelling Violence Against Women, Commission Told

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

The Commission on the Status of Women held an interactive dialogue today on gender-based violence, stigma, and stereotypes, focusing on the role of men and boys in ending the crisis, policy and legal responses to technology-facilitated violence, and the growing threat to women’s rights amid a “resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics”.

The Commission’s two-week annual session has centered on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 conference on women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights. Two other interactive dialogues were held today on accountability and on the role of the Commission on the Status of Women in implementing the Platform for Action.

Delphine Schantz, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), moderating the first interactive dialogue, said that every 10 minutes a woman or girl is killed “by someone close to her”. A third of women killed by intimate partners had previously reported some form of violence. She emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about necessary societal changes and to lead the implementation of effective prevention policies, including measures to combat the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

Emma Fulu, the Equality Institute, stated that the most effective national action plans adopt a holistic approach to combat gender-based violence, integrating prevention, response, early intervention, and a strong emphasis on healing and justice. National plans are often laid out in “beautiful documents” but lack clear, dedicated budgets for implementation. “And we know that prevention requires sustained, long-term investment,” she stressed. It is important to continue to learn “what’s working and what’s not”, she went on to say. From Fiji to Peru, she said, civil society and women’s organizations have been instrumental in ensuring that national plans deliver and Governments are held accountable.

Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

Selma Hadžihalilović, CURE Foundation, warned that “women face attacks by religious groups and increasing religious fundamentalism in our region”, also noting widespread discrimination and stigma against gender-based violence survivors, women and girls from LGBT communities, and women and girls with disabilities. “We have to work on strengthening our institutions and support systems,” she said. Additionally, despite some progress, women’s representation in political decision-making processes remains inadequate. “As we say in Bosnia, you always make one step forward and two steps back,” she stated, calling for comprehensive legal reforms that effectively outlaw gender-based violence and all forms of violence against women.

Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

Clarice Tavares, InternetLab, said that technology-facilitated gender-based violence takes many forms, including political violence against women and the non-consensual dissemination of images. In Brazil’s last local elections women — who only made up 15 per cent of the candidates running — received nearly 70 per cent of the offensive and aggressive comments on social media. “It has become clear that women running for public office are unequally target,” she said. Men receive negative comments based on their political actions, but women are attacked because of their bodies and their personal lives. Online violence has direct and profound consequences on women’s lives. In Brazil, criminal laws focused on addressing different forms of online gender-based violence have passed in recent years, almost all of them named after survivors. However, there is a lack of trust in the system, she said, also urging the need to hold platforms accountable.

Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

Laisa Bulatale, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, said that Pacific women and girls face some of the highest levels of violence in the world. An estimated 60 per cent of women and girls have experienced violence by intimate partner and family member. Men make up over 90 per cent of perpetrators of violence against women and girls. “Violence against women and girls is reinforced by community acceptance, deep rooted gender stereotypes, harmful social norms and practices and impunity for perpetrators,” she emphasized. The root cause of violence against women and girls is negative patriarchal values. Without this recognition and understanding, approaches and intervention to engage men and boys will not work and will only exacerbate harmful social norms. The Fiji Government’s national action plan on preventing violence against women and girls recognizes patriarchy as a root cause of violence in its official documents. “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable,” she added.

Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights

“Around the world, we are witnessing a resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics that actively undermines women’s rights,” said Joy Watson, Coalition of Feminists for Social Change. She warned that women’s rights organizations are under attack globally — many are being forced to shut down, while others are expected to do more with fewer resources, struggling to “make money stretch” as the scale and complexity of gender-based violence continue to grow. Women’s rights organizations are invaluable in bringing evidence-based insights into the design of policies. “If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we need more than just words — we need funding that matches the scale of the crisis,” she said. Women’s organizations need accountability that doesn’t buckle under political pressure.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025

Category: Europe

IMF Communications Department

MEDIA RELATIONS

Funding restitution

Likely scenarios

No time to waste

What’s new in 2025?

Onward

Israeli authorities must stop use of aid as a tool of war in Gaza

“People in Gaza still need an immediate and massive scale-up of humanitarian supplies”

“I really worry about what will happen to people’s mental health in Gaza. The ceasefire needs to hold.”

A new way to fossilise

Young people to benefit from creative education boost

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Common ground

Previous push for progress

The double edge of globalization

Food systems and national defence

Food sovereignty in Canada

Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

PM call with Prime Minister Mitsotakis of Greece: 18 March 2025

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Grave of Missing Windsor Soldier of World War One Identified in Belgium

Corporal of Horse Charles Edward Dean, 1877 – 13 May 1915

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UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

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Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights