NewzIntel.com

Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: How can London benefit from devolution?

    Source: Mayor of London

    Tomorrow, as part of its investigation into London’s place in the Government’s proposed devolution reforms, the GLA Oversight Committee will build on its examination of London’s current devolution settlement.

    This meeting will consider priority areas for London in any new devolution settlement and assess the opportunities available to London through the English Devolution White Paper and the proposed devolution framework in the English Devolution Bill.  The following areas will be covered:

    • Opportunities for London in the English Devolution White Paper
    • Decision making and coordination with London boroughs
    • Integrated Settlement
    • Fiscal devolution
    • Potential new powers and amendments to the GLA Act
    • Scrutiny arrangements

    The guests are:

    Panel 1 – approx. 11:00am – 12:05pm

    • Cllr Claire Holland – Chair of London Councils
    • Professor Tony Travers – Professor in Practice and Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy

    Panel 2 – approx. 12:10pm – 1:00pm

    • Richard Watts – Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of London

    The meeting will take place on Wednesday 9 July from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

    Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

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

    Follow us @LondonAssembly.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia’s census is getting a stress test – keeping it going is good for everyone

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Allen, Demographer, POLIS Centre for Social Policy Research, Australian National University

    GoldPanter/Shutterstock

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics will roll out a large-scale census test next month.

    About 60,000 households will take part across the country to stress test the bureau’s collection processes and IT systems, ahead of next year’s full scale census. The survey questions change little, if at all, between the dry run and the census proper.

    The population count will offer Australians an opportunity to reflect on who we are and the stories we share.

    It comes at a time when traditional censuses are coming under threat worldwide.

    Dying days of census

    Census plays a significant part of the story of humanity. Jesus was born in a stable because a census ordered by Caesar Augusta had brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem.

    They have changed down the centuries. But some things remain the same: the data collected is crucial for taxation, political representation and socio-economic indicators.

    But national head counts are costly and cause enormous headaches for governments.

    Vintage census television ad.

    In other countries, censuses are being killed off, replaced with information compiled by other means, such as administrative government data and population surveys. Think of the overseas versions of Medicare, Centrelink and the Tax Office.

    National statistical offices in the United Kingdom and New Zealand have both flagged the end of traditional censuses

    The UK Office of National Statistics had been preparing for census replacement since 2011, only backtracking after a public backlash.

    Devastating under-enumeration of Maori New Zealanders in 2013 and 2018 meant administrative data was needed to supplement the 2023 NZ census. National data agency, Stats NZ, has now called it quits on traditional census altogether.

    Funding cuts in Canada saw dual short- and long-form questionnaires which resulted in the partial collection of crucial socio-economic data akin to a sample survey. Statistics Canada now uses administrative and survey data to help meet its official statistics program.

    Do we still need the census?

    Replacing the census was floated a decade ago when dwindling government funding saw the Australian Bureau of Statistics struggling to “keep the lights on”.

    Worried after 2016’s “censusfail”, the agency sought to ensure legislatively required data could be achieved even in the absence of a census. The bureau collected population and housing data using experimental administrative data, proving a national census isn’t necessarily needed for population estimates.

    Costs associated with running a five-yearly head count and the decline in the social licence to collect such data are routinely used as justifications for replacing the census. Why conduct a wartime-like undertaking when you don’t have to?

    The threat to the traditional census comes as no surprise to data scientists. Data is now ubiquitous, covering nearly every aspect of our lives – loyalty rewards, public transport cards and even frequent flyer points.

    But there’s so much heavy lifting only a census can do and it’s crucial to helping Australia understand its diverse population.

    More than just numbers

    Data helps contextualise our lives.

    Data made me feel less alone as a young person. I could see I wasn’t the only person doing it tough. Poverty wasn’t my fault, rather a wider structural problem politicians and policymakers failed to understand.

    Being missed by the 1996 census as a homeless teen drives me to ensure Australia’s national census snapshot reflects the needs of the country.

    Data holds powerful truths and has the capability to heal through information. Who we are, how and where we live, our commonalities and differences, and what might come next.

    The Australian Bureau of Statistics is finding increasingly creative ways to communicate and bring Australians along for the ride.

    Its outreach through social media makes data more accessible and fun.

    The paraphernalia promoting previous censuses make it clear how much the agency is invested in ensuring complete coverage of all people. A significant departure from the stuffy practices of national statistical offices overseas.

    Small solar powered census-at-school calculators have been given to pupils to help increase awareness among linguistically diverse communities. This is recognition children complete the census questionnaire in some families.

    Desks of cards gifted to homeless people sleeping rough attests to the bureau’s dedication to ensuring all people are counted, no matter where or how they live

    Behind The News’s take on the census.

    More inclusive family photograph

    But it hasn’t always been plain sailing for the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

    Last year’s unprecedented government interference in the independent conduct of the bureau resulted in proposed questions on sexuality and gender diversity being dumped from the 2026 census.

    Scheduled testing was cancelled and related printed materials were likely pulped.

    A public outcry forced a government back down with the sorry saga clearly demonstrating a myriad of critical data cannot be collected by other means.

    The upcoming census family photograph will be more inclusive – Australians will have the opportunity to have their gender identity and sexual orientation reflected in the tally.

    Family ancestry information will be broadened, and the questionnaire itself will better reflect Australian households overall.

    The alternative to a census is a private, behind-closed-doors collation of personal information by government.

    The good news is Australia’s census is alive and well and keeping up with the times.

    Liz Allen worked as a graduate at the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2006. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council for work examining grandparenting in Australia. Liz is a member of the National Foundation of Australian Women Social Policy Committee.

    – ref. Australia’s census is getting a stress test – keeping it going is good for everyone – https://theconversation.com/australias-census-is-getting-a-stress-test-keeping-it-going-is-good-for-everyone-261077

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Londoners want an Assembly with more bite

    Source: Mayor of London

    66% of Londoners believe London Assembly powers should be
    strengthened or maintained if the office of the Mayor were given more devolved powers.

    In a YouGov survey commissioned by the GLA Oversight Committee as part of its investigation into London’s place in the Government’s proposed devolution reforms, Londoners answered questions about the powers of the Mayor of London and the cross-party London Assembly.

    When asked whether the London Assembly should get more or fewer powers if the office of the Mayor were to be given more devolved powers, a total of 66% of Londoners considered the Assembly’s position should be either maintained or increased – with 36% believing the London Assembly should get more powers and 30% thinking the role should stay the same. Only 5% think that the Assembly should have fewer powers.

    If the office of the Mayor of London were given more control over taxes raised in London, 41% of Londoners expressed support for the office of the Mayor of London to have control over a tourism levy (a potential tax on overnight stays or a surcharge on visitor attractions for overseas visitors).

    In terms of potential future devolved powers, regulating private rented accommodation (26%), NHS services (25%), and the criminal justice system and policing (25%) were three of the areas in which Londoners expressed strongest support for the office of the Mayor of London receiving more devolved powers, if they had to choose.

    Chair of the GLA Oversight Committee, Bassam Mahfouz AM, said:

    “As a world-leading global city, we’re looking at the question of devolution for London through the binoculars of how it compares to cities across the globe and how they exercise their powers.

    “This survey was our chance to hear directly from Londoners—and the message was clear. There’s considerable support for stronger powers, not just for the Office of Mayor, but also for the Assembly to hold them to account.

    “In addition to that, there was strong backing for some sort of tourism levy, just like other top destinations.

    “But most importantly, Londoners want to see the Office of the Mayor empowered to deliver on the issues that clearly matter to them, including regulation of the private rented sector and over the criminal justice system and policing.

    “All of this will feed into our report into how London’s powers could shape up over the next 25 years, which will be published once the investigation has been completed.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Zoë Garbett response to the UK Supreme Court gender ruling

    Source: Mayor of London

    In response to the recent UK Supreme Court ruling, I want to express my unequivocal support and solidarity with the trans community in London.  

    Prior to this ruling, trans people already faced stark inequality. 57 per cent of trans people avoid going to the doctor when unwell, many have reported being denied same-gender officers during police searches, which can be invasive and distressing, and trans people often face discrimination when seeking housing and employment.  

    This shameful ruling works to further marginalise and exclude trans people, using the Supreme Court judgment as a tool to deny people access to basic facilities and vital services.  

    The fact that no trans organisations were represented at the Supreme Court ruling is extremely concerning. Many trans organisations and individuals have reported that the hearing was set up in a hostile way that discouraged their participation. How can we listen to a ruling that purposefully excluded the most marginalised group in our society in a decision that directly affects them?  

    Regardless of the various interpretations of the ruling, the message is clear – trans people are under attack.  

    Since the ruling, I, along with many fellow London Assembly Members, have received numerous emails from concerned constituents, anxious about the growing normalisation of transphobia and how this new judgment will impact their daily lives.  

    Disappointingly, the Mayor has remained silent, but now more than ever, in the face of vicious attacks and growing hostility, the Mayor must make a clear and public commitment to protect the rights and safety of all trans people.  

    As the Prime Minister publicly denies trans identities as he refutes his earlier statement from 2022 that “trans women are women”, and confidence in public bodies is justifiably shaken, London’s trans community deserves a Mayor actively advocating for their dignity, including the public bodies overseen by the Mayor. He has the power to ensure they do not implement harmful policies in light of this ruling; any decent Mayor would use this power to defend marginalised people under assault. 

    London is a city that attracts millions around the world, and it should be a welcoming and safe place for both trans visitors and trans Londoners alike.  

    I believe this ruling is discriminatory and could give people the license to push their bigotry and hate, but that doesn’t mean we have to go along with it. We don’t have to accept this interpretation of what gender is or isn’t, and we absolutely can and should resist it. 

    Zoë Garbett 

    Green Party London Assembly Member 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Susan Hall AM Appointed Conservative Group Leader

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Conservative Group at City Hall has today announced that Susan Hall AM has been appointed as their new leader.

    In her new role, Hall will lead the Conservative opposition at City Hall, holding the Mayor’s administration to account whilst championing Conservative policies for the capital.

    Susan Hall AM said:

    “I am deeply honoured to lead City Hall’s Conservatives Group. London faces significant challenges, from tackling crime to delivering affordable housing, and Londoners deserve strong opposition that offers genuine alternatives.

    “My priority will be ensuring that City Hall focuses on the issues that matter most to ordinary Londoners – safer streets, value for taxpayers’ money, and practical solutions rather than ideological pursuits. We will be constructive where appropriate but firm in our scrutiny of the Mayor’s decisions.”

    The new Conservative leader will formally take up her position with immediate effect.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Assembly calls for ‘inclusive, safe and accessible’ streets in Mayoral plans for Oxford Street

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor’s plans for Oxford Street should recognise the urgency of the climate crisis and prioritise streets that are inclusive, safe, and accessible for all Londoners.

    The London Assembly has today called on the Mayor to maximise the public purpose the Mayoral Development Area (MDA) and the Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) can provide.

    Len Duvall OBE AM, who proposed the substantive motion, said:

    “The London Assembly Planning and Regeneration Committee’s scrutiny of the plans and its response to the Mayor’s consultation greatly assisted the wider Assembly in today’s debate.

    “The contribution of all Assembly Members also reflected the variety of opinions held by Londoners.”

    Caroline Russell AM, who proposed the amendment, said:

    “Pedestrianising Oxford Street is a huge step toward reimagining one of London’s most iconic streets for the public good, but how we pedestrianise matters just as much as whether we do it at all.

    “Transparency, inclusivity, and climate positivity should be at the forefront of this project and I’m glad the Assembly agrees with me and supported my amendment.

    “The Mayor must embed these principles throughout the transformation of Oxford Street so it becomes an accessible and distinctive space for all Londoners and visitors to enjoy.”

    The full text of the motion is:

    That the Assembly notes the Mayor’s Proposal to designate a Mayoral Development Area for Oxford Street. The Assembly also calls on the Mayor to maximise the public purpose the MDA and the MDC can provide by:

    • recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and so make the MDC a climate positive development;
    • ensure the MDC is truly publicly-owned and publicly-controlled in perpetuity, so space can be preserved for free public use, and small businesses and creative industries can flourish;
    • prioritising implementing Healthy Streets that are inclusive, safe and accessible for all Londoners, including providing world class public toilets; and
    • ensuring there is a routine inclusion of transparency clauses in all contracts and written agreements entered into by the Oxford Street MDC, for the purpose of both public interest and Assembly scrutiny.

    The meeting can be viewed via webcast or YouTube.

    Follow us @LondonAssembly

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Belarus, real monetary incomes of the population increased by 10.5 percent in the five months since the beginning of 2025 — Belstat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    MINSK, July 15 (Xinhua) — Real disposable cash income of the population of Belarus for the period from January to May 2025 amounted to 110.5 percent compared to the same period last year. The relevant information was published by the Belarusian National Statistical Committee (Belstat) on Tuesday.

    In the total volume of monetary income of Belarusians, wages accounted for 66%, transfers to the population (including pensions, benefits, scholarships) – 22.2%, income from entrepreneurial and other activities – 7.3%, income from property and other income – 4.5%.

    Real disposable incomes are presented net of taxes, fees and contributions and adjusted for the consumer price index for goods and services. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Meets with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in north China’s Tianjin Municipality on Tuesday.

    Wang Yi, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, said that under the leadership of the two heads of state, Chinese-Kazakh relations are experiencing the best period in their history.

    The head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that China has always given Kazakhstan an important place in its diplomacy with neighboring countries and hopes to firmly support each other, strengthen political mutual trust and create more new bright points of cooperation together with the Kazakh side.

    Noting that Kazakhstan is a founding member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), Wang Yi indicated that China is ready to work with Kazakhstan and other SCO member countries to successfully hold the organization’s summit in Tianjin.

    M. Nurtleu, for his part, emphasized that Kazakhstan fully supports all cooperation initiatives put forward by China and is ready to make a positive contribution to the holding of the Tianjin SCO summit.

    According to him, Kazakhstan is ready to work with China to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two states, prepare for high-level exchanges, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in such areas as economics, trade, investment, energy, railways and the construction of industrial parks, strengthen cultural and humanitarian exchanges and promote the continuous progress of bilateral relations. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coming up next week at the London Assembly w/c July 7

    Source: Mayor of London

    PUBLICATION

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee

    The annual Affordable Housing Monitor tracks the Mayor’s progress against his affordable home delivery targets.

    PUBLIC MEETINGS

    Monday 7 July

    Internal Audit Reports

    Audit Panel – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 2pm

    The Audit Panel will examine internal and external audit reports, as well as the Greater London Authority (GLA) Corporate Risk Register, the Draft Annual Governance Statement and expenses and taxable benefits. The guests are:

    • Mark Woodley – Group Audit Lead, MOPAC
    • Dianne Tranmer – Executive Director Corporate Resources & Business Improvement, GLA
    • Fay Hammond – Chief Finance Officer, GLA
    • Vicky Ridley-Pearson – Director of Digital, Digital Experience Unit, GLA
    • Stephen Reid – Partner & Head of UK Government and Public Sector Audit, EY
    • Jacob McHugh – Senior Manager, EY
    • David Esling – Head of Audit Assurance – Risk Management, MOPAC

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Tuesday 8 July

    Fare evasion

    Transport Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Transport Committee will ask what Transport for London (TfL) is doing to tackle fare evasion and learn more about the impact it has on staff.  The guests are:

    Panel 1 -10am – 11.30am

    • Jared Wood – London Transport Regional Organiser, RMT
    • Michael Roberts – Chief Executive, London TravelWatch

    Panel 2 – 11.30am – 1pm

    • Siwan Hayward OBE – Director of Security, Policing and Enforcement, TfL
    • Jonathan Gronow – Analysis Manager, TfL

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]

    Wednesday 9 July

    London’s place in the Government’s Devolution Reforms

    GLA Oversight Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    This third meeting of the GLA Oversight Committee investigation on devolution will aim to identify priority areas for London in any new devolution settlement and assess the opportunities available to London through the English Devolution White Paper and the proposed devolution framework in the English Devolution Bill.  The guests are:

    • Councillor Claire Holland, Chair of London Councils
    • Professor Tony Travers, Professor in Practice and Associate Dean of the LSE School of Public Policy
    • Richard Watts, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    Thursday 10 July

    Affordable Housing Monitor

    Housing Committee – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Housing Committee will meet with representatives from London boroughs, housing associations, and a supported housing provider to discuss the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme.

    These discussions will follow the release of the Affordable Housing Monitor and aim to gather feedback on the existing programme and insights into what investment partners hope to see in the next one. The guests are:

    Panel 1 – 10.00am-11.15am

    • Tom Oliver – Development Programme Director, Peabody
    • Tracey Cullen – Chief Executive & Board Member, Croydon Churches Housing Association
    • Barbara Richardson – Managing Director at Square Roots
    • Heather Thomas – Chief Executive at Sapphire Independent Housing

    Panel 2 – 11.25am-12.40pm

    • Alice Lester MBE – Director of Regeneration, Growth and Employment at the London Borough of Brent
    • Osama Shoush – Housing Strategic Lead, Southwark Council

    MEDIA CONTACT: Josh Hunt on 07763 252 310 / [email protected]
     

    Friday 11 July

    Mayor’s Question Time

    All Assembly meeting – The Chamber, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, 10am

    The Mayor of London will face questions from London Assembly Members, in Mayor’s Question Time (MQT). Topics will include:

    • Manifesto Pledges
    • Counterterrorism Approach
    • Contaminated land in London
    • Disability Equality Champion

    The guest is:

    • Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London

    MEDIA CONTACT: Alison Bell on 07887 832 918 / [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative steps up experience-sharing, reviews subsidy impacts

    Source: WTO

    Headline: Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform initiative steps up experience-sharing, reviews subsidy impacts

    Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, coordinator of the FFSR initiative, summarized the progress made on the three key pillars of the initiative’s work in 2025. Noting the strong interest in experience-sharing under the third pillar — “identifying and addressing harmful fossil fuel subsidies” — she encouraged participating members to continue exchanging ideas and to draw lessons from others’ reforms and complementary strategies to address social and developmental challenges.
    As part of the dedicated discussion on fossil fuel reforms, the Philippines shared its experiences on energy market and fossil fuel subsidy reform, including in support of the transition to sustainable energy solutions, while aligning with development priorities. The World Bank presented two new databases that enable users to track changes in retail fuel prices and related subsidy policies across countries in a timely manner. These tools are designed to support global efforts to address challenges associated with fuel pricing and subsidies, particularly in the context of volatile market conditions.
    In further discussions under the third pillar, co-sponsors examined the trade and environmental impacts of fossil fuel subsidies passed through to emissions-intensive industries. The International Energy Agency (IEA) presented its latest energy investment report, which indicated that fossil fuel subsidy support to industry had remained constant, despite a significant global shift towards increased clean energy investment.
    The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shared key findings from a recent study on the implications of government support for aluminium smelting and steelmaking. The study concludes that reforming such support offers a cost-effective way to reduce emissions while freeing public resources for more sustainable uses. The WTO Secretariat also presented a 2024 working paper on the trade effects of carbon pricing policies, which contains analysis of the potential impacts of different carbon pricing policies, including removal of fossil fuel subsidies, on comparative advantage in carbon-intensive industries.
    Co-sponsors thanked members and stakeholders for the valuable insights shared, which underscored the importance of strengthening fossil fuel subsidy reform through collective efforts. They emphasized the persistent scale and impact of fossil fuel subsidies, even amid increasing investment in clean energy. The empirical evidence presented confirmed that such subsidies distort comparative advantages and global trade, reinforcing the relevance of the FFSR initiative’s focus on subsidy reform. Co-sponsors also proposed ways to improve the understanding and classification of different types of fossil fuel subsidies.
    Under the first pillar — “Enhanced transparency” — several co-sponsors, including Colombia, Norway and Switzerland, provided updates on their respective efforts to compile information on fossil fuel subsidies and related reforms as part of their recent or upcoming Trade Policy Reviews. The WTO Secretariat presented data from members’ questions and answers related to fossil fuel subsidies and their reform, based on 18 Trade Policy Reviews conducted in 2024 and 2025. The findings reflect increased transparency on the topic, in part as a result of the non-exhaustive list of sample questions to be asked at TPRs adopted by the FFSR initiative co-sponsors at MC13.
    Under the second pillar — “Crisis support measures” — the coordinator highlighted ongoing efforts to compile information on temporary fossil fuel support measures introduced during the 2022–2023 energy crisis, with the aim of developing a practical set of guidelines to help members design any future such measures effectively. Co-sponsors reaffirmed the usefulness of the work on planned guidelines to help ensure that such measures remain targeted, transparent and temporary.
    In conclusion, Ambassador Kelly noted that the next FFSR meeting, scheduled for 2 October 2025, will continue to promote experience-sharing and maintain a focus on the three core pillars of the work programme.
    The FFSR initiative seeks to achieve the rationalization, phasing-out or elimination of harmful fossil fuel subsidies through the use of existing mechanisms or the development of new pathways to reform. It encourages WTO members to share information and experiences to advance discussions at the WTO. More information about the FFSR initiative is available here.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Spain: Indra Group to step up research and development of defence and space technologies with €385 million in EIB financing

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    • Credit marks EIB’s largest financing operation in Spain to strengthen EU security and defence capabilities.
    • Financing to enable Indra to build a technological research and development centre, Indra Technology Hub, and push ahead in radar, electronic defence and other technologies.
    • Agreement supports technological innovation in Europe and is part of the EIB Group’s efforts to strengthen European security and defence capabilities, one of its cross-cutting priorities. It also contributes to the TechEU initiative.

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €385 million financing agreement with Spanish technology company Indra Group to boost research, development and innovation of cutting-edge technologies for the defence and space sector. This is the largest EIB’s financing agreement in Spain to date to strengthen the European Union security and defence capabilities.

    The loan is aimed at spurring cutting-edge technologies in areas such as radar, electronic defence, electro-optics, command and control communications and advanced digitalisation. The EIB support will enable Indra to build an integrated technology centre in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid region. The planned Indra Technology Hub will be equipped with laboratories and advanced manufacturing technologies to serve the defence and space sector.

    The financing agreement was signed today at the EIB headquarters in Luxembourg. EIB President Nadia Calviño and Vice-President Robert de Groot attended the event along with Indra Chaiman Angel Escribano.

    “Today we are signing a strategic agreement with Indra to boost research and development of cutting-edge technologies. In the current geopolitical context, it is more important than ever to strengthen Europe’s security capabilities, with a pan-European approach and strategic projects. Investing in innovation and technology is investing in security, and the EIB’s support is key to enabling companies to develop projects that contribute to the security of all Europeans,” said Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.

    “This agreement is about turning new ideas into real capabilities across Europe’s defence and space ecosystem,” said EIB Vice-President de Groot. “Space in particular has a critical role in Europe’s security and defence. By backing Indra’s innovation and supporting the creation of its Technology Hub, we are helping Europe stay ahead of the curve in technology, in resilience and in its ability to act with greater autonomy in a fast-changing world.”

    The project will boost the competitiveness of European industry and strengthen the resilience of the EU aerospace, security and defence supply chain. It supports the EIB’s  goal of strengthening European security and defence capabilities as well as the priorities included in its Strategic Roadmap to strengthen the European security and defence industry and accelerate digitalisation and technological innovation. It also contributes to the EIB’s TechEU initiative.

    “The EIB’s financing will boost our industrial and technological development supporting our ’Leading the Future’ strategic plan and our vision of becoming a key player in Europe’s security, defence and aerospace sectors,” said Indra Chairman Ángel Escribano. “The support of this public funding will enable Indra to accelerate the deployment of our industrial and innovation capabilities as well as strengthen our leadership in the security and defence field amidst the new European sovereignty environment.”

    EIB Group support for European security and defence

    Since 2024, the EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), has significantly stepped up its support for European security and defence. This line of activities is now a permanent cross-cutting public policy goal for the Group and one of its eight strategic priorities for 2024-2027.

    The Group has updated its lending policy, broadening the eligibility criteria and the range of security and defence projects it can finance. It has also set up a Security and Defence Office to ensure a rapid and effective response to project proposals.

    The EIB Group aims to allocate 3.5% – or about €3.5 billion  – of its total planned financing for 2025 to security and defence projects.

    As a result of ongoing fruitful dialogue with industry, financial intermediaries, defence ministries and key institutions such as the European Commission, the European Defence Agency and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the Group currently has a solid pipeline of 80 projects contributing to Europe’s security and defence capabilities.

    For more information on EIB support for the European security and defence sector, click here.

    Background information

    EIB

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

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

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

    In Spain, the EIB Group signed €12.3 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. In France, the EIB Group signed €12.6 billion of new financing for more than 100 high-impact projects in 2024. This financing is contributing to the green and digital transition of both countries, economic growth, competitiveness and improved services for residents.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of the organisation’s headquarters for media use are available here.

    Indra Group

    Indra Group (www.indracompany.com) is a holding company that promotes technological progress, which includes Indra, a leading global defence, air traffic and space company; and Minsait, a leader in digital transformation and information technologies in Spain and Latin America. Indra Group drives a safer, more secure and connected future through innovative solutions, trusted relationships and the best talent. Sustainability is part of its strategy and culture, in order to respond to present and future social and environmental challenges. At year-end 2024, Indra Group had revenues of 4,843 million euros, local presence in 49 countries and commercial operations in more than 140 countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fourth NASA-Enabled Private Flight to Space Station Completes Safely

    Source: NASA

    The NASA-supported fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, Axiom Mission 4, completed its flight as part of the agency’s efforts to demonstrate demand and build operational knowledge for future commercial space stations.
    The four-person crew safely returned to Earth, splashing down off the coast of California at 5:31 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. Teams aboard SpaceX recovery vessels retrieved the spacecraft and astronauts. 
    Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, and ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary, completed about two and a half weeks in space.
    The Axiom Mission 4 crew launched at 2:31 a.m. on June 25, on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Approximately 28 hours later, Dragon docked to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module. The astronauts undocked at 7:15 a.m. on July 14, to begin the trip home.
    The crew conducted microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities. The spacecraft will return to Florida for inspection and processing at SpaceX’s refurbishing facilities. Throughout their mission, the astronauts conducted about 60 science experiments, and returned science, including NASA cargo, back to Earth.
    A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies participated in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration.
    The private mission also carried the first astronauts from Poland and Hungary to stay aboard the space station.
    The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth orbit economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, enabling the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    News Media Contacts:Claire O’Shea Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 claire.a.o’shea@nasa.gov
    Anna Schneider Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Luxembourg’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan: Latest state of play – 15-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Luxembourg’s national recovery and resilience plan (NRRP) was initially to be financed by the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) with a total of €93.4 million in grants. This allocation accounted for around 51 % of the plan’s total estimated value (€183.1 million), while a further 46 % of the costs were to be covered by the national budget, and 3 % from other EU co-financing. The NRRP has since been adjusted, first to factor in the European Commission’s 2022 recalculations of the grants available to Member States, bringing Luxembourg’s new RRF total to €82.7 million. In May 2024, Luxembourg submitted a newly revised NRRP, including a REPowerEU chapter with its additional allocation, and modifying existing measures. In February 2025, the country submitted another revised version of plan with no financial implications. The estimated total EU contribution to the NRRP stands at €241.1 million, of which €177.3 million have been dedicated to REPowerEU measures (including a €128.5 million transfer from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve to the RRF). Luxembourg’s RRF allocation remains the smallest in the EU in absolute figures, and the lowest as a share of grants relative to gross domestic product (GDP) (0.4 % of GDP in 2019). Luxembourg has so far received €90.2 million in RRF grants (pre-financing and two payments). The NRRP aims to address Luxembourg’s structural issues. The measures included complement and build on priorities laid out in the national economic stimulus package from May 2020. The central objective is to support social cohesion and the promotion of a modern, attractive economic environment while responding to climate and environmental challenges. The REPowerEU chapter seeks to advance Luxembourg’s green transition, helping it meet EU energy-related recommendations. With 80.1 % of the funds going to climate objectives and 37.5 % to the digital transition (the latter excluding REPowerEU), the NRRP will contribute to EU efforts in these areas. The European Parliament participates in interinstitutional forums for cooperation and discussion on the implementation of the RRF, and scrutinises the Commission’s work. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States. Fifth edition. The ‘NGEU delivery’ briefings are updated at key stages throughout the lifecycle of the plans.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Venezuela: Enforced disappearances amount to crimes against humanity

    Source: Amnesty International –

    • Venezuelan authorities commit enforced disappearances as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population, particularly those they consider dissidents, which amount to crimes against humanity. 
    • Out of the 15 cases of people forcibly disappeared that Amnesty International has documented since July 2024, 11 remain subjected to enforced disappearance, including Venezuelans and citizens of the United States, France, Spain, Ukraine, Colombia and Uruguay.
    • The International Criminal Court and national courts exercising universal jurisdiction should investigate and – where sufficient evidence exists – prosecute those allegedly responsible, up to the highest authorities.

    The Venezuelan authorities have committed, and continue to commit, enforced disappearances as part of their policy of repression of dissidents and those they perceive as such, Amnesty International said in its report Detentions without a trace: The crime of enforced disappearance in Venezuela, which analyses the situation of 15 individuals forcibly disappeared between the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and 15 June 2025.

    Based on this new report and the organization’s body of research over the past decade, Amnesty International concludes that these serious human rights violations and crimes under international law are committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population in Venezuela.

    “Once again, the Venezuelan authorities are demonstrating that their cruelty knows no bounds. Enforced disappearance means not knowing where your family member is, what condition they are in, or even if they are alive or dead. It is a crime that puts the life and integrity of the forcibly disappeared person at grave risk and subjects their family to constant suffering, marked by the uncertainty, anguish and daily torment of being left to wonder their loved one’s whereabouts,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    “The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action. As an international crime, it not only entails the responsibility of the state, but also the criminal responsibility of the individual officials who commit it.”

    The international community cannot normalize or ignore the human rights crisis in Venezuela. The scale and gravity of the crimes committed in the country – particularly the enforced disappearance of people – must stir the conscience of the world, and propel international justice into action.

    Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.

    Amnesty research is grounded on international human rights law, according to which three elements must be cumulatively present for an enforced disappearance to be established: (1) the detention of a person; (2) by agents of the State, or persons acting with the authorization, support or acquiescence of the State; (3) the official denial of the detention or the concealment of the fate or whereabouts of the detained person.

    The time frame of the report begins with the presidential election of 28 July 2024 and covers the repression that followed the disputed result announced by Nicolás Maduro’s government. The government’s strategies to suppress expressions in favor of political change followed a familiar and recurring pattern, although on a previously unseen scale: 25 people lost their lives, at least 2,200 people were arbitrarily and unlawfully deprived of their liberty, and possibly hundreds of them were subjected to enforced disappearance with their detention denied or their fate or whereabouts concealed. In the case of the 15 people whose enforced disappearance was investigated by Amnesty International, the General Directorate of Military Counterintelligence (DGCIM, in Spanish), the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN, in Spanish) and the Bolivarian National Guard stand out as the main state agencies responsible for such arbitrary detentions.

    The whereabouts of 11 of the 15 forcibly disappeared persons, whose cases were investigated by Amnesty International, remain unknown. They are Andrés Martínez, Damián Rojas, Danner Barajas, Dennis Lepaje, Eudi Andrade, Fabián Buglione, Jorgen Guanares, Jose María Basoa, Lucas Hunter, Rory Branker and Yevhenii Petrovish Trush. Only the whereabouts of four people were established: Alfredo Díaz, who was subjected to enforced disappearance for four days; Eduardo Torres, who was forcibly disappeared for eight days; and Rosa Chirinos and Raymar Pérez, who were forcibly disappeared for four months.

    At the time this report was finalised, at least 46 people were possibly forcibly disappeared, according to information collected by the organization Foro Penal.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650 Million Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam

    Source: US FBI

    An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging two men for their alleged roles in operating and promoting OmegaPro, an international investment scheme that defrauded victim investors of over $650 million.

    According to court documents, Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, was a founder, strategic consultant, and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, led OmegaPro’s operations in Latin America and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico.

    “As alleged, the defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting these bad actors and pursuing justice for their many victims. Thanks to the dedicated work of our multiagency and international law enforcement partners, we are leading efforts to combat these complex and insidious digital asset investor scams.” 

    “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants operated a global fraud scheme through OmegaPro that deceived investors with false promises of extraordinary returns, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of victim funds,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to dismantling international financial schemes that target U.S. victims — including here in Puerto Rico — and to recovering illicit proceeds through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.”

    “The FBI will not stand by while the American public is defrauded,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Through coordination with our partners, these individuals will have to defend their actions in a court of law.”

    “This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,” said Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin – stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency. These weren’t just scams; they were precision-engineered betrayals. Our job is to stand up for those who’ve been exploited and continue our cross-agency collaboration until those responsible are brought to justice.”

    “This case highlights the critical role international partnerships play in dismantling transnational financial fraud schemes that exploit global markets and victimize unsuspecting investors,” said International Operations Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains committed to working with our partners worldwide to disrupt criminal networks that weaponize emerging technologies to conceal illicit profits and defraud the public.”

    Sims and co-conspirators established OmegaPro in or about January 2019, and Reynoso joined a few months later, in or about April 2019. As alleged, the defendants and others operated and promoted OmegaPro as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme for investors to purchase “investment packages,” which the defendants and others falsely promised would generate 300% returns over 16 months through foreign exchange (forex) trading by elite traders. Investors were instructed to purchase these investment packages using virtual currency.

    According to court documents, Sims allegedly misled victims by vouching for OmegaPro’s trading performance and the skills of the hired traders and by falsely advertising the safety of investment in OmegaPro. Reynoso allegedly falsely and misleadingly represented that OmegaPro was operating pursuant to a legitimate license and, at other times, that OmegaPro was not subject to any country’s legal rules. The indictment alleges that Sims and Reynoso, together with co-conspirators, hosted lavish OmegaPro promotional events and trainings all over the world including, for example, projecting the OmegaPro logo onto the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at an event in Dubai. The objective of these promotional events allegedly was to convince existing and prospective investors that OmegaPro was a legitimate enterprise that offered a path to wealth and a luxurious lifestyle.

    Further, Sims, Reynoso, and their co-conspirators used social media to display their expensive vacations and cars, as well as their designer clothes and watches. The indictment alleges that through the defendants’ and others’ misrepresentations, OmegaPro raised over $650 million in virtual currency from thousands of investors. After OmegaPro announced that it had suffered a network hack, Reynoso and others told victims in or about January 2023 that their investments were secure and that OmegaPro was transferring their investments to another platform called Broker Group. Despite these representations, victims were unable to withdraw money from either their OmegaPro accounts or their accounts at Broker Group, resulting in millions in victim losses.

    The more than $650 million in funds raised from victims allegedly was first sent to virtual currency wallet addresses controlled by OmegaPro executives and then allegedly transferred to OmegaPro insiders and high-ranking promoters to disperse the funds and obscure their origins. As alleged, Sims and Reynoso both profited millions from this scheme.

    Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

    The FBI, IRS-CI, and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, HSI Bangkok, HSI Bogota, HSI Frankfurt, HSI Istanbul, HSI London, HSI Miami, HSI New Delhi, HSI The Hague, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), an alliance between the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs from the U.K., and IRS-CI.

    Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried for the District of Puerto Rico and on detail to the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case.

    If you believe you were potentially victimized by OmegaPro or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit the FBI’s Victim Witness website at forms.fbi.gov/victims/omegaprovictims or contact OmegaProVictims@fbi.gov.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Criminal liability of the President of the European Commission and the European Commissioners – P-002848/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002848/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Jacek Ozdoba (ECR)

    • 1.Which country has jurisdiction to bring criminal proceedings against the Commission President and the Commissioners in connection with the performance of their duties and for decisions taken in their capacity as Commissioners?
    • 2.Who pays the costs of defending Commissioners if criminal proceedings are brought against them?

    Submitted: 11.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Arrangements for the review of the Digital Services Act – P-002681/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002681/2025/rev.1
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Fernand Kartheiser (NI)

    In her answer to priority question P-001672/2025[1] on the review of the Digital Services Act in November 2025, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen discusses a number of points that raise questions as to how the assessment will be conducted. Those questions require clarification.

    • 1.What is ‘the ongoing work of the Simplification Package’, what exactly does that work entail and what methodology will be used for the review process?
    • 2.What are the ‘variety of stakeholders’ (civil society organisations, companies and regulatory authorities) and the ‘other relevant analysis’ on which it intends to base its evaluation report?
    • 3.Can the Commission specify the amount and budget years during which the ‘stakeholders’ referred to in paragraph 2 received funding? What ‘other relevant analysis’ has also received Commission funding?

    Submitted: 2.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/P-10-2025-001672-ASW_EN.html
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor of London statement following Government Spending Review

    Source: Mayor of London

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’ve been determined to stand up for London and it’s good news that we have won extra resources for transport and housing. I have been campaigning for years for a multi-year deal for City Hall and for Transport for London and I welcome this agreement.

    “However, I remain concerned that this Spending Review could result in insufficient funding for the Met and fewer police officers. It’s also disappointing that there is no commitment today from the Treasury to invest in the new infrastructure London needs. Projects such as extending the Docklands Light Railway not only deliver economic growth across the country, but also tens of thousands of new affordable homes and jobs for Londoners. Unless the government invests in infrastructure like this in our capital, we will not be able to build the numbers of new affordable homes Londoners need. 

    “As Mayor, I’ll continue to make the case to the government that we must work together for the benefit of our capital and the whole country. The way to level up other regions will never be to level down London. I’ll continue to fight for the investment we need so that we can continue building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Augmented foresight: The transformative power of generative AI for anticipatory governance – 15-07-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    This briefing explores the potential of generative AI in supporting foresight analysis and strategic decision-making. Recent technological developments promise an increased role for large language models (LLMs) in policy research and analysis. From identifying trends and weak signals to fleshing out rich scenario narratives and bringing them to life in experiential and immersive ways, generative AI is empowering foresight analysts in their endeavour to anticipate uncertainties and support policymakers in preparing better for the future. As generative agents powered by LLMs become more adept at mimicking human behaviour, they could offer foresight practitioners and policy analysts new ways to gain additional insights at greater speed and scale, supporting their work. However, to effectively integrate generative AI and LLMs into foresight practice, it is crucial to critically evaluate their limitations and biases. Human oversight and expertise are essential for ensuring the reliability and validity of AI-generated outputs, as well as the need for transparency, accountability, and other ethical considerations. It is important to note that, while generative AI can augment human capabilities, it should not be seen as a replacement for human involvement and judgment. By combining human expertise with generative AI capabilities, foresight analysts can uncover new opportunities to enhance strategic planning in policymaking. A proactive and informed approach to adopting generative AI in foresight analysis may lead to more informed, nuanced, and effective strategies when dealing with complex futures.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Mayor and LTA partner to open tennis up to thousands more Londoners

    Source: Mayor of London

    • New £500,000 investment from Mayor and LTA will open up the sport to at least 5,500 Londoners in areas with limited opportunities to play
    • Three-year collaboration on Rally Together London will help grow and diversify tennis workforce by training 250 young people to help deliver the sport, over 50% of whom will be women
    • Sadiq has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025, as women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club for first time in over 50 years

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today announced a new partnership with the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association) that will open up the sport to more people across London.

    The new three-year collaboration will see a £500,000 investment from the Mayor and the LTA into Rally Together London, a programme which will train 250 people from under-represented backgrounds to join the tennis workforce and facilitate sessions for local communities, with a minimum of 50% to be female.

    The programme will help at least 5,500 more young people to play the sport, who may never otherwise have played. This capitalises on the return this year of women’s tennis to the Queen’s Club as part of the HSBC Championships, and will help open up access to the sport across the whole city.

    Rally Together London will recruit, train and deploy 200 tennis activators to deliver the sport.[1] These activators will help grow the LTA’s Barclays Free Park Tennis programme [2] which offers free, weekly sessions with equipment provided on public park courts, and LTA SERVES[3] which takes tennis to the heart of local communities for young people who may never otherwise have played.

    Through the partnership, a cohort of 50 new tennis coaches will be supported to achieve their LTA Assistant (Level 1) and Instructor (Level 2) qualifications[5] to help grow participation in parks and community venues, and create employment opportunities, again with a particular focus on growing the number of female coaches in the sport.

    The wider partnership will see the Mayor and LTA work together on various initiatives and campaigns to promote women’s tennis and women’s sport across the capital, such as the recent launch of the HSBC Championships with a pop-up tennis court on the city’s iconic Trafalgar Square. The announcement comes as a women’s tennis tournament returned this week to the iconic Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the HSBC Championships 2025 [4] running through to 15 June.

    Many of the world’s best women’s tennis players are competing in West London, including Britain’s own 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu and British No.1 Katie Boulter.

    They are joined by global stars including reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova, reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys and Paris 2024 Olympic Champion Qinwen Zheng. The line up also features former Wimbledon champions in Petra Kvitova and Elena Rybakina.

    The Mayor has declared London the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 [6]. In addition to the HSBC Championships, the capital is also set to host the Women’s Rugby World Cup final at Twickenham Stadium, which will have a world-record attendance for a standalone women’s rugby XV’s event, as well as football, basketball, rugby league, hockey, cricket, netball, athletics and triathlon.

    Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to be partnering with the LTA to introduce tennis to thousands of Londoners who otherwise might not have had the opportunity.

    “The really exciting aspect of this partnership is that we will be reaching young people across the capital and specifically young women, as we create new opportunities for them to play tennis, train as coaches and get jobs in the industry.

    “I am thrilled we are announcing this new partnership as women’s tennis returns to the renowned Queen’s Club for the first time in more than 50 years, with the world’s best players competing in our city at the HSBC Championships.

    “London is the undisputed global capital for women’s sport in 2025 and I am determined to bring even more sporting events to our city as we continue working to build a better, healthier, more prosperous London for everyone.”

    LTA Chief Executive, Scott Lloyd, said: “As women’s tennis returns to the Queen’s Club, this partnership with the Mayor of London will make a significant difference in opening access to our sport for communities across the whole of London.

    “We know that London is a tennis city, with iconic events like the HSBC Championships engaging and inspiring the next generation to pick up a racket and play on accessible community facilities, including park courts in every London Borough.

    “This partnership will help open up tennis and its benefits to even more people, by growing the number of LTA activators and coaches and ensure that the tennis workforce is reflective of the diversity of the capital.

    “In particular, we are excited by the opportunity to grow the female tennis workforce, which will in turn help provide opportunities for more women and girls to pick up a racket and play.”

    Naomi, an LTA SERVES Activator from Badu Sports based in East London, said” “Tennis is an amazing sport, and I’ve seen the impact that it can deliver for young people in London first-hand, helping them get active, developing skills and confidence.

    “It’s great that this new partnership between the LTA and Mayor of London will help give more young people across the city access to the sport — particularly as tennis has historically not been fully inclusive or accessible to underrepresented groups.”

    “Not only is tennis a great sport to play, but it can also help young people to develop their skills as a volunteer or coach, and even be an opportunity for paid employment.

    “I hope that as a result of this new partnership we will see more women and girls getting into tennis.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Revision of the Tobacco Products Directive: protecting local industry, ensuring a level regulatory playing field and tackling unfair competition in the overseas regions – E-002784/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002784/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Marie-Luce Brasier-Clain (PfE)

    Economic actors in Réunion are greatly concerned about the revision of the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.

    Between 2022 and 2025, local taxation increased by 20 %, while the dock dues rate reached 70 %, making Réunion the most taxed region of France in relation to its revenue.

    Some of the measures mentioned in the report on the application of Directive 2014/40/EU[1] could further increase costs for local producers, who are already struggling, while also encouraging smuggling.

    • 1.Can the Commission ensure that the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive will take into account the economic realities of the outermost regions, in accordance with the EU’s strategy[2], by introducing appropriate exemptions?
    • 2.Does the Commission intend to publish the evaluation study that is currently being carried out[3]?
    • 3.Will the Commission undertake to include a territorial impact assessment[4] and to strengthen controls on imported products in order to both ensure the directive is applied fairly, and tackle unfair competition?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    • [1] COM(2021) 249 final.
    • [2] COM(2022) 198 final.
    • [3] Study commissioned by the Commission as part of the revision of the Tobacco Products Directive.
    • [4] Tool #34 – the ‘better regulation’ toolbox, 2023.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Implementation of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 – E-002805/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002805/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Michał Kobosko (Renew)

    Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/1141 introduces a 96-hour time limit for the processing of fishery products at temperatures below 0°C. Although seemingly technologically neutral, these rules have an impact on processing plants that use stiffening technology as an integral part of their production process.

    The largest plants of this type are located in Poland, including in Ustka and Słupsk. They employ thousands of people in a region with limited opportunities for economic development. The fish processing industry, which is a pillar of the local labour market, has been forced to undergo a costly reorganisation of its production. I have received information that producers from other Member States have not implemented the same rules. These rules have a direct impact on jobs, investment and the socio-economic stability of less industrialised areas.

    In light of the above:

    • 1.Has the Commission carried out an analysis of the impact of Regulation 2024/1141 on employment and the economic situation in EU regions where fish processing is a key local industry?
    • 2.Did the Commission take into account in its impact assessment that the new rules will almost exclusively affect specific plants located in less industrialised regions, and does the Commission intend to adopt compensatory or support measures for local communities affected by this regulation?
    • 3.Has the Commission carried out an assessment of the implementation of this regulation throughout the EU? If so, which countries were included in the detailed assessment and what methodology was used?

    Submitted: 9.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – EU accession negotiations with Albania – P-000165/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    In its 2024 Albania report[1], the Commission positively noted the continued implementation of justice reform and the vetting, leading to significant improvements in the functioning of the judiciary, including strengthening its independence.

    The Commission also recommended that Albania ensures further improvements in accountability, quality and efficiency, addressing identified shortcomings[2].

    EURALIUS[3], was an EU funded project with over EUR 20 million allocated for the period 2005-2022, implemented by consortia involving authorities from several Member States, that played an important role in supporting the roll out and implementation of justice reform.

    The Commission has taken note of the decision of the Albanian government to impose a ban on TikTok, following concerns over risks to users’ well-being.

    As a candidate country, Albania is expected to progressively align its legislation with the EU digital acquis. The introduction of a temporary ban is a sovereign decision by Albania.

    The Commission will continue to assist Albania in its EU alignment to ensure that any measure is compatible with EU acquis and European standards.

    EU enlargement is a merit-based process. Based on the revised enlargement methodology[4], negotiations on Cluster 1: Fundamentals are opened first and closed last.

    Related progress, including on the functioning of the judiciary, public administration reform, fight against corruption and organised crime, determine the overall pace of negotiations.

    On 11 October 2024, the EU adopted its Common Position for negotiations on this cluster[5], based on the progress made, which sets out benchmarks Albania has to meet in these areas.

    • [1] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/albania-report-2024_en.
    • [2] Id., p. 5.
    • [3] https://www.euralius.eu/index.php/en/about-us2.
    • [4] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/system/files/2020-02/enlargement-methodology_en.pdf.
    • [5] EU Common Position on Cluster 1: Fundamentals Albania: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/AD-18-2024-INIT/en/pdf.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – ‘No kids’ ideology, European population decline and an increasing reliance on immigration: is this the civilisational strategy we have adopted? – E-002762/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002762/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Catherine Griset (PfE), Virginie Joron (PfE), Julien Leonardelli (PfE), Fabrice Leggeri (PfE), Julie Rechagneux (PfE), Gilles Pennelle (PfE), Rody Tolassy (PfE), André Rougé (PfE), Jean-Paul Garraud (PfE), Pascale Piera (PfE), Mathilde Androuët (PfE), Séverine Werbrouck (PfE), Thierry Mariani (PfE), Irmhild Boßdorf (ESN), Georgiana Teodorescu (ECR)

    Europe’s demographic winter poses fundamental questions for the future of our societies, on both the economic and civilisational fronts. The Draghi report predicts an annual decline of almost two million people of working age between now and 2040, which European politicians want to offset with immigration.

    At the same time, some campaigns that have been supported or shared promote ‘childfree’ or ‘no kids’ lifestyles, touting them as emancipating, or even morally superior.

    While freedom of choice in family life is of course guaranteed in the EU, it is legitimate to question the potential contradictions between such cultural representations and several Member States’ population targets.

    • 1.Can the Commission specify which birthrate and parenthood initiatives and projects it funds and indicate whether follow-up is carried out to prevent antinatalist lifestyles being implicitly promoted in the cultural and educational content it supports?
    • 2.Does it recognise that the changing demographics cannot be solved by immigration alone?
    • 3.Does it intend to promote, in the spirit of European cultural sovereignty, a policy to boost birth rates that focuses on the family and passing on values and heritage from one generation to the next?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Turkish law that allows the killing of roaming dogs and cats – E-001682/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The welfare and management of stray dogs are not regulated at EU level.

    The Commission provides financial support to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) for the implementation of the platform on animal welfare for Europe[1] and its fourth action plan (2024-2026), which aims to improve animal welfare, through priority topics, including stray dog population control.

    Türkiye, as a member of WOAH and of the platform, participates in training and capacity-building activities related to dog population management, all of which are supported by the Commission. The goal of the platform is to help member countries progressively comply with WOAH standards on animal welfare.

    The Commission also supports WOAH’s work to adopt and revise the existing standards, such as those related to dog population management.

    As a WOAH member, Türkiye should implement international animal welfare standards, including those on stray dog population management[2].

    • [1] https://rr-europe.woah.org/en/Projects/animal-welfare-platform-europe/.
    • [2] i.e. Chapter 7.7: Dog population management of WOAH Terrestrial Animal Health Code.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Unilateral termination of cooperation with Israeli universities – E-002761/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002761/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Auke Zijlstra (PfE)

    Recently, reports surfaced in the media that Dutch universities are terminating cooperation with universities in Israel, often on the grounds of ‘defence aspects’. Much of this cooperation takes place under the umbrella of Horizon Europe and is partly funded by this EU programme. Israel has a legitimate association agreement with the EU. That being so, I should like to ask:

    • 1.The decision to end participation in a consortium funded by Horizon Europe can be taken only on the basis of Article 32(2) of the model grant agreement, and the partner(s) should be heard. A decision is then taken on the basis of the consortium agreement. Can the Commission confirm that unilateral termination of a consortium by Dutch universities is not in line with Horizon Europe requirements?
    • 2.Can the Commission confirm that university research in the field of defence is allowed within the context of Horizon Europe, in accordance with Article 22(1) of the relevant regulation: ‘Any legal entity, regardless of its place of establishment and including legal entities from non-associated third countries or international organisations, may participate in actions under the Programme, provided that the conditions laid down in this Regulation have been met together with any conditions laid down in the work programme or call for proposals’?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Possible softening of EU digital rules as part of an agreement with the USA – P-002815/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Priority question for written answer  P-002815/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Petra Steger (PfE), Mary Khan (ESN)

    According to an exclusive report in the Wall Street Journal on 20 June 2025, the United States and the European Union are apparently on the verge of an agreement on several points of discord[1]. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA) are likely to soften the very EU digital laws that the Commission recently praised as the cornerstones of the digital decade[2]. The German Handelsblatt also reports that a joint committee has been set up to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules in future[3]. In particular, the abolition or at least substantial mitigation of the DSA, which is misused as an ideologically motivated censorship tool to suppress unwelcome opinions in the digital space under the guise of the fight against disinformation, is long overdue. If US President Trump were to succeed in rolling back this attack on freedom of expression which the DSA represents, he would also be successfully defending free speech in Europe, which is the Achilles’ heel of any genuine democracy.

    • 1.Has the Commission negotiated with the US Government to abolish or water down the DMA or DSA?
    • 2.Is the Commission planning to set up a joint committee to give US tech companies a say in the application of market rules?
    • 3.What specific DSA provisions are up for discussion and what reductions in staff numbers does the Commission anticipate as a result of a possible reduction in regulatory intervention?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://www.wsj.com/economy/trade/u-s-eu-near-deal-on-non-tariff-trade-irritants-455c42f1
    • [2] https://www.derstandard.at/story/3000000275377/eu-kommission-will-trump-besaenftigen-und-setzt-die-digitalregeln-aus
    • [3] https://www.handelsblatt.com/politik/international/handelsstreit-eu-will-es-us-tech-konzernen-ploetzlich-leichter-machen/100137164.html
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Exemptions to the ban on the destruction of unsold consumer products – E-002831/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002831/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Rasmus Nordqvist (Verts/ALE), Alice Kuhnke (Verts/ALE)

    Under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), the destruction of unsold consumer products is recognised as an environmental problem, and the destruction of unsold apparel, clothing accessories and footwear is prohibited. To ensure the measure is proportionate, the regulation allows for exemptions where products cannot be reused and must be recycled or treated as waste. These exemptions are to be defined by the Commission in a delegated regulation.

    However, the Commission’s draft delegated regulation, currently under consultation[1], proposes broad exemptions – including products deemed unsellable due to intellectual property rights issues, such as branding that cannot be removed, or licensing agreements that restrict resale after a certain period. Additional exemptions proposed by the Commission include products deemed unrepairable or rejected by social enterprises after donation attempts.

    These provisions risk creating a back door for companies to continue destroying functional goods.

    • 1.Why is the Commission proposing such broad exemptions to a rule intended to prevent unnecessary waste?
    • 2.How will the Commission ensure that companies do not misuse these exemptions to continue business-as-usual practices and perpetuate the status quo of overproduction and waste, contrary to the objectives of the ESPR?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14591-Sustainable-products-exemptions-to-prohibiting-the-destruction-of-unsold-apparel-and-footwear_en.
    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Severe earthquake response capacity – E-002828/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002828/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Mihai Tudose (S&D)

    The EU’s stockpiling and medical countermeasures preparedness strategies, adopted to strengthen the Union’s crisis response capacity along with health security, are to be welcomed – despite the incomprehensible delay in this.

    What specific measures is the Commission considering, as part of these strategies, to strengthen the crisis response force for deployment in the event of severe earthquakes in EU countries?

    Submitted: 10.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Potential fraud in the biofuel feedstock supply chain – E-002771/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002771/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Nicolás González Casares (S&D)

    The Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) lays down the criteria for ensuring that biofuels are sustainable. However, recent press reports have indicated potential fraud through false feedstock declarations (Part A and Part B of Annex IX). Although both REDII and ReFuelEU Aviation include anti-fraud measures, including limiting the amount of feedstock listed in Part B of Annex IX that can be counted, such practices undermine the EU’s climate goals, distort the market, generate unfair competition, and can have negative environmental and social repercussions. Bearing in mind that the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council discussed this issue at its meeting of 16 June 2025, and in the light of the risks involved, I would ask the Commission:

    • 1.Can it provide details of the additional measures it intends to take to improve the traceability and effective control of these feedstocks?
    • 2.Does it plan to revise Regulation (EU) 2022/996 to strengthen the existing voluntary certification schemes?
    • 3.Has it considered the negative impact the recent proposals to simplify sustainability reporting and due diligence requirements could have on the data declared in these value chains?

    Submitted: 8.7.2025

    Last updated: 15 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –