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Category: Europe

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Baroness Hazarika: Lord Speaker’s Corner | House of Lords | Episode 25

    Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements)

    From politics to comedy to campaigning against anti-social behaviour, broadcaster Ayesha Hazarika is the latest guest on Lord Speaker’s Corner.

    Baroness Hazarika grew up in Coatbridge, Scotland and is the first person of Indian Assamese heritage to join the House of Lords. She rose to become a senior adviser to Labour figures including Harriet Harman and Ed Miliband, playing a crucial role preparing them for PMQs:

    ‘I think Prime Minister’s Questions gets a very bad rap, because it does often become quite Punch and Judy, but I think it’s a really important function of our democracy. There are not many democracies around the world where the principal politician in the land is called to the same spot week in, week out, and faces questions on any topic from any Member of Parliament across the country.’

    In this episode, Baroness Hazarika talks about her unlikely career path from politics to stand-up comedy and broadcasting, and back to politics. She also explains to Lord McFall how she will use her new political platform to campaign against anti-social behaviour and crime:

    ‘I don’t like calling this low-level crime, because I don’t think it’s low-level crime. But I think this stuff is not easy, but the more we talk about it and the more we press government ministers, that puts the pressure on them to keep on keeping this a priority.’

    Finally, Baroness Hazarika tells Lord McFall about receiving the phone call to offer her a place in the Lords, explaining ‘I really couldn’t believe it, because if you’re somebody like me from my background and you’ve loved politics your whole life, it’s a real honour to be asked to join the House of Lords for the party that you have served and the party you love.’

    She shares that this wasn’t the first thought that went through her head though, saying ‘The person said, “I’m calling on behalf of Keir Starmer. This is really serious. Are you by yourself? I think you better sit down.” And the first thing I thought was, “Oh my goodness, what have I been saying on my social media? Am I about to get cancelled, or am I about to get suspended from the Labour Party? Have I said something terrible?’

    See more from the series https://www.parliament.uk/business/lords/house-of-lords-podcast/

    #HouseOfLords #UKParliament #LordSpeakersCorner #LordsMembers

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Greens welcome Rosebank and jackdaw court ruling

    Source: Green Party of England and Wales

    Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer MP has welcomed a Scottish court ruling that government approval of the giant new Rosebank and Jackdaw developments was unlawful because it did not account for the significant emissions that would be caused by burning the fields’ oil and gas.

    Carla Denyer said: “This is a victory not just for the campaigners who have been fighting against new oil drilling at Rosebank and Jackdaw, but for common sense. The science is clear and the stakes are high: there can be no new oil and gas developments if we are to have a chance of staying within safe climate limits.

    “We’ve already seen the effects of at least 1.2°C degrees of global heating: from record-breaking heatwaves on almost every continent and deadly floods taking people’s lives and livelihoods across the world. In this context, it would be morally scandalous to allow fossil fuel companies like Equinor to start extracting from new fields – for the sake of their own profits and regardless of the consequences for the rest of us.

    “Aside from being a climate crime, opening new oil and gas fields like Rosebank goes entirely against what’s needed to strengthen the UK’s energy security, lower bills, and protect workers – which is to invest in a rapid and fair transition to renewable industries which have a long-term future.

    “If this government is serious about protecting us from the climate crisis and securing a liveable future for our children, it will revoke Rosebank’s license so that there is absolutely no question of this development going ahead. It must also refuse consent for the 13 other oil and gas drilling projects licensed by the previous government, and send a clear signal to the fossil fuel industry that they have no future in the UK.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Tuberculosis cases in England continued to increase in 2024

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    UK TB cases rise 12.9% in 2024, continuing upward trend.

    The latest provisional annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that reported notifications of tuberculosis (TB) in England increased by 12.9% compared to 2023, continuing the upward trend over the last few years.

    England remains a low-incidence country for TB, but the TB notification rate in England rose from 8.5 per 100,000 population in 2023 to 9.5 per 100,000 in 2024.

    81.5% of all TB notifications in 2024 were in people born outside the UK but there was an increase in both UK-born and non UK-born populations.

    Tuberculosis continues to be associated with deprivation and is more common in large urban areas. The largest increases in TB notifications in 2024 were recorded in London and West Midlands. Among UK-born individuals, TB is more common in those experiencing homelessness, drug or alcohol dependency, and contact with the criminal justice system.

    Dr Esther Robinson, Head of the TB Unit at UKHSA, said:

    TB remains a serious public health issue in England.

    The infection is preventable and curable. If you have moved to England from a country where TB is more common, please be aware of the symptoms of TB so you can get promptly tested and treated through your GP surgery.

    Not every persistent cough, along with a fever, is caused by flu or COVID-19. A cough that usually has mucus and lasts longer than 3 weeks can be caused by a range of other issues, including TB. Please speak to your GP if you think you could be at risk.

    TB is the world’s leading cause of death from a single infectious agent, having surpassed coronavirus (COVID-19). It is a bacterial infection that most frequently affects the lungs, which is when it is infectious.

    Symptoms of TB include:

    • a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks
    • high temperature
    • night sweats
    • loss of appetite
    • weight loss

    TB can also be found in other parts of the body besides the lungs, with symptoms including swollen glands and joints. More information on the symptoms of TB and what to do is available.

    TB can spread through close contact with people who have the infection and have symptoms (active TB). When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time. It can be treated with a long course of antibiotics but can be serious, particularly if not treated.

    A TB test for infectious TB in the lungs is part of the visa requirements for anyone coming to stay in the UK for 6 months or more if they are coming from certain countries where TB is common. However, the bacterium that causes TB can also lie dormant for many years – something known as latent TB. To detect people with latent TB infection, a testing and treatment programme is in place in higher incidence areas of England for new arrivals from higher incidence countries.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University Signs Agreement with Russian National Guard Military Academy

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On January 29, a cooperation agreement was signed between Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University and the Military Order of Zhukov Academy of the National Guard Troops of the Russian Federation. The universities plan to cooperate in the field of robotics, as well as in educational, scientific and other areas.

    The Polytechnic University and the Military Academy of the Russian Guard are going to cooperate in various areas. This includes the development and implementation of joint projects and events in the field of robotics; scientific and methodological assistance in the framework of research, educational and project work; involving cadets in the development and application of professional robotics; organizing robotics classes using methodological developments and consulting support; preparing for competitions; training and advanced training of specialists, etc.

    The agreement was signed by the rector of SPbPU Andrei Rudskoy and the head of the Military Academy of the Russian Guard Andrei Kiiko.

    Our efforts will be aimed at implementing joint projects and events in the field of robotics with the participation of cadets, providing assistance in servicing and repairing equipment, as well as preparing for all-Russian competitions in robotics areas. I would like to note separately that as part of the implementation of the agreement, we will pay special attention to methodological assistance and mentoring in research and project activities. I am confident that the synergistic effect of cooperation between the Polytechnic University and the Academy of the National Guard Troops will directly contribute to the security and defense capability of our country, – commented Andrey Rudskoy.

    The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Council of Rectors of Universities of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, Rector of the St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technology and Design Alexey Demidov, Rector of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia Sergey Tarasov, Acting Rector of the Baltic State Technical University “Voenmech” named after D. F. Ustinov Alexander Shashurin, Chairman of the Public Chamber of the Leningrad Region Alexander Gabitov, and Special Representative of the Governor of St. Petersburg German Shirokov.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of Dom Prosper Guéranger

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of Dom Prosper Guéranger, 30.01.2025
    The following is the Message sent by the Holy Father Francis to the Reverend Fr. Dom Geoffrey Kemlin, Abbot of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes and president of the Congregation of Solesmes OSB on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of Dom Prosper Guéranger:

    Message of the Holy Father
    To the Very Reverend Father Dom Geoffroy Kemlin
    Abbot of Saint-Pierre de Solesmes
    and President of the Congregation of Solesmes OSB
    As you celebrate this year the 150th anniversary of the death of your founder, Dom Prosper Guéranger, I am pleased to join in your thanksgiving. I wish to express my encouragement and my affectionate closeness to those who have committed their lives in the wake of this servant of the Church, or who are working to make his life and work better known. Benedic anima mea Domino. This verse from Psalm 102 was one of the last words he spoke before committing his soul to the hands of the Father on 30 January 1875.
    In evoking Dom Guéranger, my predecessors have underlined the various expressions of his charism received for the edification of the whole Church: his role as restorer of Benedictine monastic life in France, his liturgical knowledge placed at the service of the People of God, his ardent piety towards the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, his work in support of the definition of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception and that of papal infallibility, his writings in defence of the freedom of the Church. I would also like to highlight two aspects of this charism that correspond to two current needs of the Church: fidelity to the Holy See and the Successor of Peter, particularly in the area of liturgy, and spiritual paternity.
    Dom Guéranger was undoubtedly one of the first architects of the Liturgy Movement, the fruit of which would be the Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium of the Second Vatican Council. The historical, theological and ecclesiological rediscovery of the liturgy as the language of the Church and an expression of its faith was at the heart of his work, first as a diocesan priest and then as a Benedictine monk. This rediscovery inspired in particular his publications favouring the return of the dioceses of France to the unity of the Roman liturgy, and it was this rediscovery that prompted him to write the volumes of L’année liturgique in order to make available to priests and lay people the beauty and riches of the liturgy, which is “the first wellspring of Christian spirituality” (Apostolic Letter Desiderio desideravi, no. 61). He strongly affirmed that “the prayer of the Church is the most pleasing to the ear and heart of God, and therefore the most powerful. Happy, then, is he who prays with the Church” (Preface to L’année liturgique). May the example of Dom Guéranger inspire in the hearts of all the baptised not only love for Christ and his Bride, but also filial trust and docile collaboration cum Petro et sub Petro, so that the Church, faithful to her living Tradition, may continue to raise “one and the same prayer capable of expressing her unity” (Apostolic Letter Desiderio desideravi, no. 61).
    I would also like to evoke another aspect of the charism of Dom Guéranger: spiritual paternity. Attentive to the work of the Holy Spirit in souls, Dom Guéranger wanted only one thing: to help them in their search for God. Shaped by the Benedictine Rule and divine praise, his gentle and joyful confidence in God touched the hearts of the monks who came to gather around him, the nuns who benefited from his teachings, but also the men and women with responsibilities in the Church and society, and above all the fathers and mothers of families, the children, the little ones and the humble who sought his spiritual advice. In times of peace, as in times of adversity, they all found in him the strengthening or renewal of their faith, a taste for prayer and love of the Church. May his example of docility to the Holy Spirit and of service inspire and guide many of the faithful in the ways of the Lord, “meek and humble of heart” (Mt 11:29).
    I pray that the work of the Servant of God Dom Guéranger may never cease to produce fruits of holiness in all the faithful, and that it may also remain a living witness to the fruitfulness of monastic life at the heart of the Church.
    It is with this wish that I impart my Blessing to you, Reverend Father, and to your brothers of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre, to those of the Congregation of Solesmes, and to all those who will take part in the commemorations of the return to God of Dom Prosper Guéranger.
    From Saint John Lateran, 2 January 2025
    FRANCIS

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study of COVID-19 infection and abnormal brain proteins

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    An observational study published in Nature Medicine looks at a link between abnormal brain proteins and COVID-19 infection.

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and President of the British Neuroscience Association said:

    “This paper from Duff and colleagues examined blood samples from 626 people who had COVID-19 infection and 626 people who did not have COVID-19 for markers associated with Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes. The scientists compared the levels of several Alzheimer’s-associated blood proteins before and after the pandemic and found that one of the markers had worsened more in people who had COVID-19 infections than in people who were not infected with COVID-19. This study was very well conducted and adds to the data suggesting that infections may play a role in initiating or accelerating neurodegenerative diseases. However, it is important to note that this type of study cannot conclusively prove that COVID-19 directly caused Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain. Further, the presence of amyloid pathology in the brain, which is hinted at by the blood results, is not a guarantee of future dementia symptoms as many people have amyloid pathology in their brains without experiencing symptoms.  While this is an important piece of research, more work is needed to understand links between infections like COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease.”

    ‘Plasma proteomic evidence for increased β-amyloid pathology after SARS-CoV-2 infection’ by Eugene P. Duff et al. was published in Nature Medicine at 10:00 UK time on Thursday 30th January. 

    DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03426-4

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Tara Spires-Jones: I have no direct conflicts with this study but I do work in the same National UK Dementia Research Institute as several of the authors and have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Sweden and Colombia sign law enforcement agreement

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Sweden and Colombia sign law enforcement agreement – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice

    Published

    On 28 January, Sweden signed a bilateral law enforcement agreement with Colombia during Maria Malmer Stenergard’s visit to Colombia.

    On behalf of the Government, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard signed a bilateral law enforcement agreement at a ceremony in Bogotá on 28 January together with Colombia’s Minister of Justice Ángela María Buitrago and Minister of National Defence Iván Velásquez. 

    The agreement aims to increase cooperation between Sweden and Colombia in the fight against cross-border organised crime, terrorism, drug trafficking and cybercrime. It also paves the way for increased information exchange, cooperation on capacity building and the exchange of experiences. 

    “Organised crime is a cross-border problem that requires international cooperation with our partners around the world. The Government looks forward to working together with Colombia in this area of vital importance to both our countries,” says Ms Malmer Stenergard. 

    This cooperation agreement that we have now concluded with Colombia is essential to further strengthening our agencies’ efforts to combat serious crime. It’s widely acknowledged that drug smuggling, especially of cocaine, helps finance serious organised crime that severely undermines individuals’ sense of security and integrity, and which is also a systemic threat to our free and open society as a whole. Cross-border problems demand cross-border solutions, and this cooperation is a key part of that,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.

    The law enforcement agreement is part of the bilateral partnership agreement between Sweden and Colombia signed in June 2024 by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, during his visit to Sweden.

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Resistance and decisive action – Sweden’s national strategy against organised crime

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Resistance and decisive action – Sweden’s national strategy against organised crime – Government.se

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    Press release from Ministry of Justice

    Published

    The Swedish Government has adopted Sweden’s first comprehensive national strategy against organised crime. The strategy serves as a direction for the work against organised crime, with the purpose to reduce vulnerabilities exploited by criminals. The national strategy presents priorities and identifies central actors.

    Organised crime poses a serious threat to the Swedish society. The deadly violence and the criminal financial structures used by organised crime actors, and parallel social structures at local level, affect the safety and security of Swedish citizens. Also, the impact of organised crime damages citizens’ trust in public institutions. The national strategy against organised crime that the Swedish Government adopted on 1 February 2024 calls for resistance and action, and it highlights what is necessary in the fight against organised crime. 

    Sweden’s national strategy against organised crime targets five key areas: 

    • Criminal careers must be stopped. 
    • Criminals’ access to illegal firearms and explosives must decrease.
    • The criminal economy must be reduced. 
    • Society must be robust enough to resist the threat of criminal influence. 
    • The system related to identities and identification must be reliable, and government agencies’ possibilities to exchange information must be improved. 

    “With this strategy, we are bringing together a broad range of actors at national, regional and local levels, as well as the private sector and civil society, to combat crime. We need to be proactive, and it is essential that all parts of society contribute – this is not a task for law enforcement only. The national strategy will further amplify the impact of the Government’s decisions and legislative reforms,” says Minister for Justice Gunnar Strömmer.  

    Press contact

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New report published highlighting the value of seabed mapping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report reveals the significant economic and environmental benefit of seabed mapping within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

    The report, developed by Eunomia Research & Consulting (Eunomia) defines the cost benefit relationship of seabed mapping to the UK economy. It highlights the potential benefits of seabed mapping in environmental conservation, compliance with legislation, and in varying maritime sectors like shipping, offshore energy, and coastal leisure.

    The report estimates that the average total benefits of seabed mapping in the UK EEZ is around £8.9 billion, compared to an estimated annual investment of £103 million each year. This represents a remarkable average estimate of cost benefit ratio of £86 benefit for every £1 spent.

    The majority of the value derived from seabed mapping efforts are from market sectors such as offshore energy and shipping, trades, and ports, with the remainder stemming from non-market sectors, such as environmental protection and legislative compliance.

    The importance of seabed mapping

    Seabed mapping has the potential to drive growth and innovation across a range of maritime sectors by improving navigational safety, supporting job creation and facilitating economic development.

    This data is critical to a range of maritime sectors and their associated value. For example, accurate seabed mapping is essential for the development of navigational charts to enable the safe passage of vessels and support maritime trade. Elsewhere, such data is critical for sectors like offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, defence, and telecommunications, by identifying and surveying suitable sites for development.

    Beyond market applications, seabed mapping also contributes to environmental protection and marine resource management. This data helps establish conservation areas to protect marine habitats, while also monitoring levels of erosion and seabed landslides. In tandem, it plays a vital role in helping the UK government to comply with various regulations and legislations.

    Thanks to collective initiatives such as the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), the UK has a coordinated approach to the collection and management of bathymetric and marine data. However, advancements in seabed mapping technologies in recent decades have allowed for a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the seafloor.

    Foundation data for maritime decisions

    With the maritime industry making up a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, the UKHO commissioned this project with the goal of improving the quality, access and coverage of seabed mapping data across the UK EEZ. This aligns with the UKHO’s goal to support maritime decision making and the safe passage of vessels at sea.

    David Parker, Head of Hydrographic Programmes, commented:

    Mapping the seabed isn’t just about uncovering what lies beneath our ocean’s surface – it is a foundation data set for supporting economic growth, protecting our vital ecosystems, and steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more sustainable future.

    We hope the findings of this report demonstrate the tangible value in having comprehensive, accurate mapping of the seabed for the many organisations in the UK that collect this data and rely upon it for responsible decision making.

    You can download and view the report using the link below:

    Cost Benefit Analysis of Seabed Mapping (PDF, 992 KB, 51 pages)

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Applications now open for OIT’s 2025 Policy Fellowship

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Open Innovation Team (OIT) is inviting applications for its 2025 Policy Fellowship programme, an academic mentoring scheme for civil servants grades SEO-G6.

    The OIT is a cross-government unit that works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy, helping colleagues review evidence, engage experts, develop policy and evaluate impact.

    Our Policy Fellowship is a bespoke, flexible, part-time mentoring programme that supports officials by providing help and expert insight to answer a specific policy question. Over the course of six months, civil servants will work under the supervision of an academic mentor in a relevant field to research and produce an output based on their policy area. Mentors are drawn from OIT partner institutions: Brunel University London, the University of Essex, Lancaster University, the University of Surrey and the University of York.

    What you’ll gain:

    • In-depth support and insight from leading academics
    • New contacts across academia and the civil service
    • Practical skills in data analysis and interpretation
    • Enhanced subject knowledge in your chosen field

    This is the third round of the Fellowship – in 2023/24, nine civil servants from five different departments were paired with academics from four universities. An example of one of their research outputs can be found here.

    This year’s programme offers an expanded range of research topics, including (but not limited to) education, health & social care, AI and digital, environment and sustainability, government, and business, work and employment.

    The Policy Fellowship was a really insightful experience – it gave us the chance to test our ideas with academics and structure our research effectively. Regular check-ins kept us on track, and we delivered an internal report that supported our department’s policy work.

    It was great to collaborate beyond government and gain fresh perspectives from academics, who were really understanding and supportive. I’d recommend the fellowship to policy officials looking to fill evidence gaps—or even map them out!

    Georgina Kaye, Policy Advisor Digital Strategy Division, Digital Data and Technology, Department for Education

    How to apply:

    • The application window opens on 30 January and closes 24 February.
    • Full details about the Fellowship and the application process can be found in our Q&A pack, and you can email fellowship@openinnovation.gov.uk if you have any questions.

    Key documents:

    • Q&A pack – in this document you can learn more about the OIT and the Fellowship, along with eligibility criteria and all the information you’ll need to apply: [link needed]
    • Open Innovation Fellowship Application Form

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Fire risk! City residents urged to dispose of batteries responsibly

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    The council has seen an increase in the number of batteries put in household and recycling bins for collection and this can have dangerous consequences.

    Batteries can explode if damaged or crushed, causing fires which burn very quickly due to other waste in the bin and putting everything around them in danger.

    This can cause serious damage to bin lorries, delay collections and put the lives of those in the cab at risk.

    Batteries are found in a wide range of items including vapes, toothbrushes, toys, phones, laptops and even musical greeting cards.

    Residents across Wolverhampton are being urged to please dispose of their batteries correctly to avoid putting people in danger.

    The council’s Household Waste and Recycling Centres (Tips) at Shaw Road and Anchor Lane accept batteries, as do many supermarkets and shops.

    They can also be picked up for free under our small electricals collection service. Batteries need to be placed in a small clear plastic bag, such as a sandwich bag, and put on top of your household waste or recycling bin by 6.30am on your collection day. Bags need to be tied.

    Residents can find out about the service at Small electricals recycling.

    Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “This is a very serious issue for our waste crews and one that can be solved by people thinking before they dispose of their batteries, and other items which may contain them.

    “These types of battery fires spread rapidly and can damage refuse vehicles, but more importantly, can threaten the lives of our workers.

    “We need to send out a strong reminder to people of the importance of safe recycling. Please, please dispose of your batteries safely and think of the safety of others.”

    Figures released last year by the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the campaign group Recycle Your Electricals showed that battery fires in bin lorries and at waste sites in the UK had reached an all time high.

    More than 1,200 fires were recorded in 2023, an increase of 71% from 700 in 2022. Their research also stated that 6bn batteries were thrown away in the last year, over 3,000 a minute.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Defense Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Recent Media Queries Concerning the Military on January 17, 2025 2025-01-21 The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    On the morning of January 17, 2025, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    I have one piece of information at the top.

    According to the cooperation plan between the Chinese and French militaries, General Wu Yanan, Commander of the PLA Southern Theatre Command and Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific had a video phone call on the morning of January 17. They had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common interest.

    Question: After an earthquake struck the city of Rikaze in Xizang, President Xi Jinping made important instructions. The PLA and the PAP are actively involved in rescue and disaster relief efforts. Please share more information on it.

    Wu Qian: On January 7, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Rikaze in Xizang Autonomous Region and caused heavy casualties. President Xi Jinping attached great importance to the disaster relief work and gave important instructions. He emphasized that every effort be made to search for and rescue survivors, treat the injured, and minimize fatalities.

    Military organs and troops at all levels resolutely implemented the important instructions of President Xi and the CMC, making all out efforts to protect the safety of people’s lives and property and ensure social stability. The CMC Joint Operations Command Center promptly activated the emergency response mechanism and guided the PLA Western Theater Command and PAP troops to organize ground and air forces to effectively carry out rescue operations. As of January 15, the PLA and the PAP had all together deployed 2,055 service members and 869 militia personnel, 20 transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as 297 sets of vehicles and engineering equipment. They have rescued 27 people, relocated 2,756 people, set up 21 field medical support stations, treated and provided medical service to 22,359 injured, constructed 2,812 tents or portable houses, provided more than 95,000 portions of hot meals, transported disaster relief supplies of over 4,300 tons, and cleared more than 4,700 cubic meters of debris.

    When the people are affected by disasters, the military will come to their rescue. When the military and the people unite, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. The Tibetan for “Hello, PLA” echoing through the earthquake-stricken area reflects the profound bond between the military and the people. Standing together with the people in earthquake-stricken areas, the people’s military put into practice the fundamental mission of serving the people wholeheartedly with concrete actions, and built an unbreakable great wall of steel to protect the people.

    Question: Since the beginning of 2025, the PLA and the PAP have commenced their annual military training, making an all out effort to meet the military’s centenary goal. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: In 2025, military training will focus on responding to real security threats, enhance training under real combat scenarios, strengthen exercises on joint operations system, and fully leverage the deterring and conflict-preventing functions of military training. We will implement the arrangements made at the on-site meeting on basic training and the on-site meeting on combined training, conduct training in accordance with the new basic training outline, and address challenging issues by extensively conducting cross-service mixed formations training. We will give priority to training on new equipment such as new-type fighter jets, vessels and missiles, actively explore training in emerging fields such as unmanned systems and intelligent technologies, and create new growth points for combat capabilities. We will use more “technology+” and “cyber+” methods to solve training problems and advance innovations in technology-enhanced training. We will continue to carry out joint exercises and training with the armed forces of relevant countries and regions on more subjects, expand the scale of forces, increase joint training time, actively participate in international military sports competitions, and promote in-depth and practical training exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries.

    Question: General Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, led a delegation to visit Malaysia and Indonesia. Please brief us more on the bilateral military relations between China and these two countries.

    Wu Qian: General Liu Zhenli, member of the CMC and Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, visited Malaysia and Indonesia from January 6 to 12. During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, such as the relations between the two countries and militaries, and international and regional situation. The visit aimed at implementing the important consensus reached between the leaders of China and these two countries, enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and elevate the mil-to-mil relationship to new heights.

    Both Malaysia and Indonesia are friendly neighbors of China across the sea. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of these two countries, China-Malaysia and China-Indonesia relations have witnessed rapid and comprehensive growth, and started a new chapter of building a community with a shared future. As an important part of bilateral relationship, the mil-to-mil relations have also made positive progress. Sound exchanges and cooperation have been realized in high-level exchanges, joint training and exercises, maritime security, and multilateral coordination under the ASEAN framework. We stand ready to work together with the two militaries to further consolidate strategic mutual trust, strengthen personnel exchanges, extend substantive cooperation, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, work together to implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make joint contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and beyond.

    Question: The first Type 076 amphibious assault ship PLANS Sichuan had its launching and commissioning ceremony recently in Shanghai, which received wide media coverage around the world. According to media of the Taiwan region, the ship has astonishing capabilities for three-dimensional landing operations, and the deployment of the ship would be the most dangerous moment for Taiwan. Some foreign news outlets also claimed that the ship will break regional balance of military power and bring unstable factors. What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: It is a common practice for countries around the world to develop weapons and equipment in accordance with their national defense requirements. China’s independent development and construction of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a normal arrangement consistent with China’s national security needs and the overall development of the PLA Navy. The goal is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and better protect peace and stability in the region and beyond. The vessel is a new-type amphibious assault ship independently developed by China. It applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment. The ship has strong capabilities for amphibious and far-seas operations. After its launching, the ship will conduct equipment adjustments, mooring trials and sea trials.

    China stays committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The launching of the ship is a normal arrangement in the development of the PLA Navy. It is not targeted at any specific entity, region or country.

    Question: According to media reports, China’s military exchanges with foreign countries witnessed solid progress with many highlights in the year 2024. Please brief us more information.

    Wu Qian: In 2024, officers, soldiers and civilian personnel engaged in military diplomacy carried forward our fine traditions and made innovative efforts in our undertaking, and continued to improve the quality and efficiency of international military cooperation. First, shaping a favorable strategic environment. Staying in line with the directions set by head-of-state diplomacy, the Chinese military maintained close and practical military cooperation with Russia; progressively restored strategic communications and institutionalized dialogues with the US; deepened strategic communications with European countries, and engaged in exchanges with defense authorities and militaries from dozens of other countries. Second, safeguarding national sovereignty and security. We lodged diplomatic representations and released information in a timely way to respond to provocations and violations made by certain countries on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, refuting the wrong words and deeds of relevant parties. Third, expanding multilateral diplomacy. As the host, the Chinese military successfully held the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the West Pacific Naval Symposium. We also actively participated in multilateral events like the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Defense Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to make our voice heard on multilateral stages. Fourth, deepening cooperation on joint training and exercises. For the first time, our troops participated in Exercise Peace Unity in Africa and Exercise Formosa in Brazil, which contributed to regional peace and stability. Fifth, fulfilling the responsibilities of a major country. China’s Blue Helmets (peacekeepers) stayed on their combat posts in war zones; Channel 16 (of the PLAN vessel-protection task forces) remains a code for peace in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the coast of Somalia; the Ark Peace, the PLAN hospital ship provided medical services to people of 13 countries in Asia and Africa; and humanitarian demining courses were organized for Cambodia and Laos. The Chinese military has been taking concrete actions to deliver hope, warmth and strength.

    In the new year, staff for military diplomacy will continuously act on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in promoting military diplomacy. We will uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and go all out to achieve the centenary goal of the PLA.

    Question: According to media reports, the Chinese military’s oxygen supply support system for plateau units has achieved initial results in recent years, effectively meeting the oxygen needs of troops stationed at high altitudes. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: President Xi and the CMC have always cared for the well-being and health of officers and soldiers stationed on the plateau regions, and have paid close attention to the issue of providing them with adequate oxygen supply. In recent years, we have developed a plateau oxygen supply support system covering large areas, establishing permanent storage points and a tiered distribution network. This system ensures that our troops on the plateau have access to oxygen during routine duties and can carry portable oxygen supplies during mobile operations. The transition from using oxygen solely for life-saving purposes to using it for improving health and conducting operations has significantly decreased the incidence of plateau-related diseases and acute altitude sickness among military personnel.

    First, we have constructed more permanent oxygen production and supply stations, and equipped more oxygen generators to high-altitude units, making oxygen supply available at the soldiers’ bedside. Second, mobile oxygen production facilities, like oxygen-generating cabins, have been deployed to mission areas, effectively overcoming the challenge of sustaining oxygen supply in remote locations. Third, portable individual oxygen supply devices have been issued to to troops, allowing for flexible utilization based on mission requirements. Fourth, we have intensified our efforts in technological innovation, initiating multiple projects for the development of new oxygen production and supply equipment.

    It is cold in the border areas, yet the troops there are full of passion. For a long time, border defense troops stationed on the plateau have guarded the borders in extremely harsh conditions, making great sacrifices for the country and the people. Their dedication to the country will never be forgotten, and their well-being always tugs at the heartstrings of the people.

    Question: It is reported that a naval vessel recently rescued a sick fisherman while performing a mission in the waters of Huangyan Dao. Could you please give us more details about it?

    Wu Qian: Recently, a Chinese fisherman on Qiongqionghai 03003, who was fishing near Huangyan Dao, suddenly suffered from gastric bleeding. The replenishment ship Qinghaihu of the PLA Navy, which was operating in the vicinity, promptly responded and transferred the ailing fisherman aboard for initial medical treatment. It then navigated to waters east of Yongxing Dao, where a rescue helicopter from the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-center airlifted the fisherman to the People’s Hospital of Sansha City for further treatment. The fisherman has now been discharged from the hospital and is in stable condition. The Chinese military will continue to protect the safety of the people’s lives and property and contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

    Question: According to the “Taiwan Central News Agency”, Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region recently said that countries like China and Russia threaten the rule-based international order and undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Therefore, Taiwan needs to continue to raise “defense budget” and enhance “defense capabilities.” What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: Lai Ching-te and his kind have betrayed their ancestors and what he said was far away from the truth. International documents including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation have confirmed that the Taiwan region should be returned to China. Such fact is an important part of the post-WWII international order. The victory and outcome of the WWII must be respected and safeguarded. There is no other status of the Taiwan region in the international law than being a part of China.

    The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”. It is now the biggest source of chaos that undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia Pacific. We warn the Lai Ching-te administration and separatists for “Taiwan independence” that any attempt to seek independence by force is just like holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction. Those seeking “Taiwan independence” will never have a good end. The PLA will spare no effort to fight separatism and promote national reunification. We have full confidence that the Taiwan region will return to the motherland and will have a better future after its return.

    Wu Qian: The Chinese Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake is just around the corner. In Chinese tradition, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and vitality It also implies adapability and the conquering of the unyielding with the yielding. As families reunite to bid farewell to the past and embrace the future, I would like to extend warm New Year wishes to you all on behalf of my colleagues. Rest assured that the Chinese military will continue to stand by your side, offering warmth and protection. We will always be the sturdy support you can count on. May our country prosper and our people live in harmony.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Youth Justice Statistics: record lows in custody and first time entrants

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Youth Justice Annual Statistics for 2023 to 2024 were published today. There are fewer first time entrants and children in custody, but court delays remain a concern.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for 2023 to 24.

    The Youth Justice Statistics for England and Wales reveal a mix of promising trends and areas requiring urgent attention.

    Key findings include:

    • the number of children entering the system for the first time (first-time entrants (FTE)) fell to its lowest level on record (8,300)
    • stop and searches of children by the police decreased by 4% (103,100)
    • court sentences outnumbered Youth Cautions for the first time – 55% of FTEs received a sentence at court compared with 48% in the previous year – this marks an increasing shift toward diversion and alternative approaches to youth justice
    • the numbers of children in custody has fallen by 3% against the previous year and is the lowest number on record (430)
    • the average time from offence to court completion rose to 225 days, the highest on record, highlighting an ongoing challenge for the justice system and victims
    • while there were encouraging decreases in the numbers and proportions of Black children at various stages in the system, the proportion of Mixed ethnicity children in custody has doubled over the last 10 years
    • almost two-thirds (62%) of children remanded to youth detention accommodation did not go on to receive a custodial sentence, this raises significant concerns
    • The proven reoffending rate for children increased to 32.5%, a 0.3 percentage point increase on the previous year, while the number of children and the number of children who reoffended both increased for the first time in the last 10 years.
    • There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease.

    In addition to the above findings, arrests of children remained stable, even as adult arrests increased by 8%. Despite widespread media coverage and the consequential public perception that children are responsible for a disproportionate amount of criminal activity, arrests of children accounted for just 8% of total arrests.

    There were reductions in knife and weapon offences, a fall of 6% compared with the previous year and the sixth consecutive year-on-year decrease. Although 20% higher than 10 years ago, this shows that local efforts to bring down offences involving weapons are having an impact.

    Court timeliness

    The average time it takes from offence to court completion has not bounced back and is on average 4 days longer than what we saw during the pandemic when there were court closures.

    This is very troubling because delays place a significant strain on children and victims who are looking to move forward in their lives and potentially delaying justice and delaying them from accessing the right support at the right time.

     We believe that the court system needs major changes. We’re working with the Crown Prosecution Service and HM Courts and Tribunals Service to advocate for the Child First framework, which focuses on creating fair and efficient processes for children, cutting down delays, and achieving better results for everyone involved.

    Tackling over-representation

    There were encouraging improvements in reducing the over-representation of children from Black and Mixed ethnicities. However, we must be clear, any over-representation is unacceptable.

    It is of particular concern that the proportion of children with a Mixed ethnicity in custody has doubled over the last decade. This is a stark reminder of the need for systemic reform.  

    We will continue to build partnerships, promote good practice and provide targeted support in community-based solutions such as through the London Accommodation Pathfinder (the LAP). The LAP prioritises boys of Black or Mixed  heritage facing remand to custody and supports them in a more appropriate and effective community setting.

    We continue to have significant concerns about the high use of remand, which means that hundreds of children experience the negative effects of custody and then go on to receive a community sentence, or no sentence at all. This creates additional trauma and exposure to criminality for the children, and also leads to unnecessary risk and costs for the general public.

    Keith Fraser, Chair of the Youth Justice Board, said:

    There are many positives within this report. The numbers of stop and searches and children entering the system for the first time fell once again after increasing in the previous year. The numbers of children in custody continued to fall, knife and weapon offences have reduced for the sixth consecutive year, and arrests and youth cautions/sentences have remained stable at a time when adult arrests rose by 8%.

    We must continue to build on these trends. The evidence tells us that the best way to prevent prolonged offending is to prevent bringing children into the justice system in the first place. This is the route to positive child outcomes, less crime, fewer victims and safer communities.

    I want to express my gratitude to everyone in the youth justice sector for their dedication and hard work. These reductions show that change is possible. Together, we can build on this momentum to ensure better outcomes for all children.

    Youth Justice Board media enquiries

    Youth Justice Board for England and Wales
    Clive House
    70 Petty France
    London
    SW1H 9EX

    Email comms@yjb.gov.uk

    For out-of-hours press queries 020 3334 3536

    Ends

    Notes to editors

    1. These statistics look at data for the youth justice system in England and Wales for the year ending March 2024 (where available). The publication considers the number of children (those aged 10 to 17) in the system, the offences they committed, the outcomes they received, their demographics and the trends over time.
    2. Youth Custody Statistics also incorporate young adults who have remained in the youth estate,
    3. In addition to the report, there is a summary infographic which highlights the main findings.
    4. This release includes dashboards showing local level data. The YJB does not comment on regional data or localised themes as often there are contexts specific to areas and communities which provide more valuable insight into local youth justice. The relevant local authority would be best placed to respond to requests for comment.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poverty relief charity under investigation for ‘high risk’ handling of funds

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The Charity Commission has launched a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association.

    The charity regulator for England and Wales is investigating the Iraqi Welfare Association (IWA) about its use of ‘high-risk’ methods to transfer and spend funds. Wider serious concerns held by the regulator include possible unmanaged conflicts of interest, failing to file accounts on time, failure to adhere to the charity’s Governing Document and acting outside of the purposes the charity was registered with.

    The IWA was set up to relieve poverty amongst the Iraqi community, particularly through the provision of advice and interpreting services to Iraqi refugees. Its wider purposes include providing classes and training to the Iraqi community, to relieve sickness, and protect and preserve public health and provide facilities for recreation.

    The Commission started proactively engaging with the IWA to assess how the charity was managing risks associated with working in Iraq. Iraq is deemed a ‘high-risk’ country by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Its engagement continued due to the charity’s failure to submit accounts for four consecutive years (FYE 2019, 2022, 2021 and 2022).

    The engagement has been escalated to a statutory inquiry after it found the charity was transferring funds overseas using a ‘Hawala’ system. The regulator also found the charity’s director was using his personal bank account to make payments on behalf of the charity. Using a personal bank account and transfer methods outside the formal banking system poses a risk to possible loss or misuse of funds.

    The inquiry will also investigate potential conflicts of interest regarding decisions around salary payments and a contract with a connected private company.

    The inquiry will:

    • Consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with their legal duties and responsibilities
    • Determine whether the charity’s funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with the charity’s stated objects.
    • Assess the administration, governance and management of the charity by its trustees.

    The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge.

    It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were.   

    ENDS 

    Notes to editors:

    • The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
    • On 17 January 2025, the Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Iraqi Welfare Association under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011.
    • A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation. An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
    • Hawala is a system for moving funds, or their equivalent value, to a third party (‘the Hawala agent’) in another geographic location, where there may be no formal banking facilities, or limited access to them, without necessarily involving the formal banking system.

    Press office

    Email pressenquiries@charitycommission.gov.uk

    Out of hours press office contact number: 07785 748787

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Patriotic action “Nevsky landing” started in Polytechnic

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    A ceremonial assembly was held in the research building of Technopolis Polytech, where the youth patriotic campaign “Nevsky Desant” was launched. The guys performed bright numbers, received vouchers for the season and heard parting words.

    On behalf of the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, Alexander Belsky, the student detachment fighters were greeted by his deputy, Pavel Itkin.

    It is gratifying that the student brigade movement is actively developing in the Northern capital. Participants of the youth patriotic action “Nevsky Desant” make a worthy contribution to the revival of this wonderful tradition. For ten years now, they have been inspiring young men and women of St. Petersburg with their example. And today we see how many caring young people live in our city. I sincerely thank you for your noble work and service to society, – Pavel Itkin read out the address.

    “Nevsky Landing” is a regional stage of the all-Russian patriotic action “Snow Landing”. This year the season of the action is called “Snow Landing of the RSO. Victory Landing” and is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Therefore, special attention will be paid to targeted assistance to WWII veterans, children of war and families of participants in the special military operation, as well as the improvement of memorials and memorable places.

    2025 is the year of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, a holiday associated with the movement of student brigades. Those who defended our country and returned home in 1945, already in 1947 went to the construction site as part of the first linear student brigades, which originated in our city, – noted Maxim Pasholikov, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies of SPbPU, at the assembly.

    The campaign is rapidly gaining momentum. This year, 29 teams of over 700 people will go to help in the settlements of the Leningrad Region and the Republic of Karelia. Five teams will represent the Polytechnic University. These are “Russian Knight”, “Peter the Great”, “Ilya Muromets”, “Prince Gagarin” and “Evpatiy Kolovrat”.

    From January 24 to February 16, students will conduct career guidance work with schoolchildren, help pensioners, veterans and those in need – remove snow and garbage, chop wood, repair houses. In addition, the fighters will hold creative evenings and concerts for everyone.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How to become the main hero of the Polytechnic? New rules for admission to the university have been issued

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The admission rules are the most important document for applicants. It reflects the calendar, the list of required documents for admission and the list of entrance examinations. This year, the document approved by the Academic Council of SPbPU was published on the university website on January 20. This year, 3,375 budget places have been allocated for full-time bachelor’s and specialist’s degree programs and 3,399 contract places (full-time, part-time, and correspondence forms of study). For future master’s students, 2,376 budget places have been offered for more than 170 educational programs.

    The new admission procedure regulated a fairly large number of points that largely affect the organizational issues of the admission campaign at the university. For our applicants, essentially nothing has changed. But at the same time, we emphasize that in some areas of training, the list of entrance examinations has changed, in connection with the release of a new order “On approval of the list of entrance examinations for admission to study in higher education programs – bachelor’s programs and specialist programs”. I would like to note that this year we unified the minimum passing subjects for the entire university and reduced the threshold for a number of subjects. This does not mean that it has become easier, it suggests even tougher competition for budget places. As the most important changes in the admission procedure, I would note the refusal to provide the original document on education and replacing it with consent for enrollment and, the second point, the establishment of control figures for admission to the contract form of education, which cannot change during the admission campaign, – commented on the new rules the responsible secretary of the admissions committee of SPbPU Vitaly Drobchik.

    The application period for admission in 2025 will begin on June 20, a date that remains unchanged.

    The list of individual achievements determines for what merits applicants can receive up to 10 points in addition to the sum of their USE or entrance examination scores. For example, a certificate with honors gives an applicant an additional 10 points to the USE score. This year, the list of individual achievements has been expanded with Olympiads, competitions, and educational programs. You can find out what you can get additional points for this year inRules in Appendix No. 4.

    And those who plan to enroll under the target quota will face an innovation. The participation of applicants in career guidance events of customers of target training or training in specialized classes of enterprises will be considered as an individual achievement and will serve as a reason for awarding an additional 5 points, which are added to the points for other individual achievements and with the points for exams.

    The number of areas in which one can simultaneously participate in the admissions competition has not changed – an applicant can choose up to 5 areas of training. Each selected area must be arranged in order of enrollment priority.

    Digitalization does not bypass admission to universities, so applicants from distant corners of Russia do not need to come to the university to submit documents to the Polytechnic. This year, as last year, future polytechnics will be able to submit documents using the super service “Online University Admission” on the State Services portal.

    Students entering the university after school this year are admitted based on the results of three Unified State Exams. Most areas of training offer the opportunity to choose a Unified State Exam subject: for example, when entering technical areas, applicants will need to pass either physics or computer science in addition to specialized mathematics and Russian language. The list of entrance examinations is published inRules in Appendix No. 1.

    The key change was the return of consents for enrollment. If previously applicants submitted consent to be enrolled in a university for a specific area, then this year the consent will become an analogue of an education document and will apply to the university as a whole. Consent can be submitted on the State Services portal as an electronic mark or to the university on paper.

    As for the Master’s program, there are no changes in the admission procedure this year. Students can enroll in the Master’s program in three ways: by winning a portfolio competition, becoming a winner or medalist of the All-Russian Olympiad “I am a Professional”, becoming a winner of the All-Russian engineering competition, or successfully passing an interdisciplinary exam. For the 2025 admissions campaign, 20 new Master’s programs have been developed, including the digital Master’s programs “Industrial and Civil Engineering” and “Russian as a Foreign Language and Intercultural Communication”, as well as the program for training teaching staff “Physics and Applied Mathematics in Science and Education”.

    To help applicants understand the admission rules, an online Open Day was held on January 26. The hosts of the live broadcast were the responsible secretary of the SPbPU Admissions Committee Vitaly Drobchik and a student of the Civil Engineering Institute Valeria Bublikova. Valeria introduced the viewers to the university and told them about the eventful student life. And Vitaly Viktorovich spoke about the changes in the admissions campaign in 2025 and answered questions from applicants.

    This year, the concept of the admission campaign of the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University sounds like “You are the main character!” And the main character is our applicant, who then becomes a student of the university and creates a new history of the university with us.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to Cochrane review of the effectiveness of anti-depressants versus placebo for generalized anxiety disorder

    Source: United Kingdom – Science Media Centre

    A Cochrane review looks at the effectiveness of antidepressants for anxiety disorder. 

    Dr Gemma Lewis, Senior Research Associate in Psychiatric Epidemiology, University College London (UCL), said:

    “This is a high-quality piece of research, which combined data from 37 studies. This approach (meta-analysis) allows scientists to provide more precise estimates than just replying upon smaller individual studies. Meta-analyses are often considered the best way of informing guidelines for clinical practice. Importantly, the individual studies were generally of good quality too.

    “The authors only included Randomised placebo-controlled trials. This type of study is the best way of evaluating whether a treatment is effective. The randomised design eliminates the possibility of confounding.

    “One limitation of the data is that most studies only followed people for up to 12 weeks. In reality, we know that many people use antidepressants for much longer than this, often for several years. In the future, we need trials that follow people for longer periods. Another limitation of the data is that most studies only included people with a clinical diagnosis of anxiety, which is quite severe. In reality, many people are prescribed antidepressants in primary care for milder symptoms of anxiety as milder symptoms can still be debilitating.

    “GAD is the most common mental health problem, and it can be very debilitating. However, in research, and also perhaps clinically, it is often neglected, particularly when compared to depression. The antidepressants were generally well accepted by people who used them although some people of course experienced side effects, as is the case with most medications. These findings reinforce the usefulness of antidepressants for treating symptoms of anxiety as well as depression.”

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers, Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy and Neurosciences, Amsterdam UMC, said:

    “The Cochrane review confirms what science has long shown: antidepressants work for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), with SSRIs and SNRIs consistently outperforming placebo. Their effects are meaningful, with a low number needed to treat (NNT), and dropout rates are comparable to placebo. However, antidepressants continue to face disproportionate skepticism, whether it is for GAD or depression. If these results were for heart disease or diabetes treatments, they’d be celebrated. Instead, antidepressants are often unfairly stigmatized, fueling misinformation which can deter people from seeking treatment that can have added value. Antidepressants aren’t a cure-all, but they are an essential, effective tool. Let’s shift the narrative from fear to facts: science should guide treatment, not stigma.”

     

    Prof Katharina Domschke, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Freiburg, Germany, said:

    “This is a comprehensive, long awaited update on the efficacy of antidepressants versus placebo in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). 

    “SSRIs and SNRIs, the first line treatment options for anxiety disorders according to all international guidelines, were shown to have a significant benefit of a placebo. 

    “The study is methodologically strong, applied a conservative outcome measure (greater than 50% reduction in Hamilton Anxiety score), excluded regular benzodiazepine use and controlled for study quality. 

    “Limitations of the present study comprise its limitation to adult patients and the wide range of treatment duration (4 to 28 weeks). 

    “Interestingly and importantly, no difference in overall acceptability was discerned between antidepressants and placebo. 

    “The presently reported effect sizes are very convincing, particularly in light of a recent study by Bschor et al. in JAMA Psychiatry 2024 reporting very high pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes in pharmacological studies in GAD.

    “The present results are very important and ought to increase patients’ trust in the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of GAD. “

    Prof Peter Tyrer, Professor of Community Psychiatry, Imperial College London, said:

    “The findings of this review are unequivocal – antidepressants are effective in the treatment of generalised anxiety in the short-term.  But in responding to this evidence the long-term implications have to be considered also. Here the conclusions of efficacy have to be tempered. Long-term treatment, as noted in the review,  is often the norm,  and there is increasing concern that patients have difficulties in stopping antidepressants because of withdrawal problems. Bearing in mind that the main reason why antidepressants were preferred to benzodiazepines (drugs that are equally effective in treating generalised anxiety) was the dependence risk, we just seem to have shifted the problem of adverse effects from one class of drugs to another.  Brief resolution does not effect a cure”.

    ‘Antidepressants versus placebo for generalised anxiety disorder’ by Kopcalic et al. was published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews at 01:00 UK time on Thursday 30th January 2025.

    DOI: 10.1002.14651858.CD012942.pub2

    Declared interests:

    Prof Christiaan Vinkers “No COIs”

    Prof Katharina Domschke “None”

    Prof Peter Tyrer “None”

    For all other experts no response to or request for COIs was received

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: West Africa: INTERPOL border operation nets 45 arrests, seizures worth millions

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    30 January 2025

    Operation Screen targets international crime networks threatening regional security

    LYON, France – An INTERPOL-coordinated border security operation in West Africa has resulted in 45 arrests and the seizure of drugs, counterfeit medicines, and stolen vehicles worth millions of dollars.

    Held from 21 October to 24 November, Operation Screen West Africa 2024 brought together law enforcement agencies from 12 West African countries to strengthen border security and disrupt transnational organized crime networks.

    The operation notably led to the detection of a suspected Islamic State member at the Mali-Niger-Burkina Faso tri-border area and thwarted the plans of a North African suspect planning to transit through Europe to join ISIS in Syria.

    Frontline officers at land, air and sea border points were provided with INTERPOL Mobile Devices (IMDs) to access INTERPOL’s critical global intelligence, enabling them to conduct in real time over 1.3 million checks against INTERPOL’s databases.

    Checks against INTERPOL’s Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database detected 82 individuals travelling on stolen and irregular passports. Mauritanian authorities also launched an investigation into the international trafficking of French and Spanish passports.

     

    Over 1.3 million checks against INTERPOL’s databases were carried out by frontline officers, including in Togo.

    Weapons and ammunitions were seized in Côte d’Ivoire during the operation.

    Senegalese sea patrols participated in the INTERPOL-coordinated border security operation.

    Additionally, 11 suspects wanted internationally under INTERPOL Red Notices were arrested during the operation.

    Operational seizures included:

    • 1.6 tonnes of cocaine worth over USD 50 million in Cabo Verde

    • 10 tonnes of amphetamines in Burkina Faso

    • 33 types of counterfeit medicines in Benin and Togo

    • 40 tonnes of substandard pharmaceuticals in Côte d’Ivoire

    Over 100 luxury vehicles stolen in Canada and European countries were also recovered, exposing a network that trafficked stolen cars to West Africa. Almost 50 per cent of the stolen vehicles originated from Canada, where data sharing via INTERPOL’s database has helped identify over 1,500 stolen Canadian vehicles worldwide since February 2024.

    The proceeds from these stolen vehicles often fund organized crime activities, including arms smuggling, drug trafficking, and terror networks.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s Police Commissaire Divisionnaire Ami Flora Savane Fanny said:

    “By addressing critical challenges that transcend borders, Operation Screen has demonstrated the power of international collaboration in combating the scourges of organized crime and terrorism which undermine the security of our populations and weaken the foundations of our institutions.”

    Mohamed Moussa, INTERPOL’s Operation Screen Coordinator, added:

    “This operation marks a critical step in disrupting transnational organized crime networks that threaten regional stability and undermine efforts to build peace and foster development across West Africa.”

    Note to Editors

    The 12 participating countries were Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

    The operation fell under Project I-CT Shield, funded by the German Foreign Federal Office.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK patients enabled access to transformative new medicines in shortest time possible via new, integrated Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway 

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.

    Full details have been published today of the refreshed UK-wide Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP), that will offer a clearer, more streamlined and integrated process for developers to help get transformative new medicines to patients in the National Health Service (NHS) in the shortest time possible. 

    The new ILAP has been launched by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the Health Technology Appraisal Bodies (the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC)) and the NHS.  

    It is the only example globally of an end-to-end access pathway, where a medicine developer can work collaboratively with the national health system, the regulator, and health technology assessment bodies from the early stages of clinical development.   The ILAP was first launched in January 2021 to offer developers of promising new medicines a single platform to collaborate with the MHRA and the UK Health Technology Assessment (HTA) bodies to accelerate the time taken for innovative medicines to get to patients.  

    The UK life sciences ecosystem within which the ILAP sits has since evolved. In response to feedback from stakeholders and the recommendations of the Pro-innovation Regulation of Technologies Review, ILAP partners have worked together to refresh the pathway.  

    The ambition of this new pathway is to support the rapid development of transformative medicines that can be introduced into the NHS to address unmet clinical needs for patients and healthcare professionals at the earliest opportunity, without compromising on standards of safety, quality, and effectiveness. 

    The new ILAP will bring a number of key improvements compared to the original pathway, including: 

    • Involving the NHS as a core partner, focused on operational planning and system preparedness for the introduction of innovative new medicines into the NHS for the benefit of patients. 

    • Better quality bespoke services through more selective entry and dialogue between the ILAP partner organisations and the developers. 

    • Predictable delivery timelines enabling developers to plan more effectively and engage with ILAP more productively.  

    • Early interaction with patients and the NHS to facilitate smoother routes for routine access and system-wide adoption. 

    • A single point of contact provided for each product. 

    • Future proofing to help accelerate access to transformational products by including support for drug-device combinations. 

     The ILAP partners will be taking an iterative approach, allowing the pathway to be refined, adapted and improved over time in response to an evolving life sciences landscape, and patient and stakeholder feedback.  

    Dr June Raine, MHRA Chief Executive said:  

    “It is exciting now to share the full details of the refreshed ILAP, which will help to get transformative medicines to the NHS more quickly.   

    “This new ILAP is clearer, more streamlined and joined up than its predecessor, making the UK a more attractive place to develop and launch innovative products and, most importantly, helping to get transformative medicines to the patients who need them in the shortest possible time. 

    “This is a great example of how collaboration with our healthcare partners, industry and patients can help us refine and refresh our services and deliver world-leading services for the benefit of public health.” 

    Fiona Bride, NHS England’s Interim Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Medicines Value and Access, said:   

    “NHS England is delighted to be a core partner in the new Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway, which will accelerate cutting-edge medicines into the hands of frontline NHS clinicians for the benefit of their patients. 

    “We are committed to collaborating with the pharmaceutical industry and other healthcare system partners to take the opportunity this world-first end-to-end medicines pathway creates, strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in medical innovation.” 

    Professor James Coulson, AWTTC Clinical Director said: 

    “AWTTC are delighted to continue its collaboration with our ILAP partners and look forward to working together on the refreshed pathway. 

    “ILAP has the potential to deliver timely, effective, and innovative medicines to our patients. We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to ensure these goals are achieved.” 

    Dr Sam Roberts, Chief Executive of NICE said:  

    “The launch of this revised offer marks a significant milestone for the Innovative Licensing and Access Pathway (ILAP).

    “As an organisation committed to getting the best care to people fast, we welcome any initiative that helps developers get transformative medicines into the NHS. The collaboration between partner organisations, industry and patients has really helped shape this new offer, and so we look forward to continuing this close working and delivering the ambitions of the ILAP.” 

    Dr Scott Muir, SMC Chair said: 

    “SMC is pleased to be an active participant in the ILAP, representing the NHS in Scotland. 

    “We will continue to work together with our ILAP partners to enable clinically and cost effective, new and innovative medicines to reach patients more quickly.” 

    Dr Richard Torbett the CEO from ABPI said: 

    “The ABPI is pleased to see the launch of the new ILAP offer which we hope will result in the delivery of rapid integration of the most innovative new medicines, through a synergised path from regulation, HTA and subsequent NHS adoption.

    “The principles that underpin ILAP have broader application for a strong UK life sciences ecosystem. The ABPI stands ready to support the development of measurable markers of success and to actively contribute to the plans to evolve the pathway in the future.” 

    To be eligible for the ILAP, applicants must submit medicines that have not yet entered their confirmatory trial, which will give more opportunity to benefit from the support offered within the pathway.  

    Entry to the ILAP is open to both commercial or non-commercial developers (UK based or global) and will open to new applications in March 2025. 

    Further information about the ILAP and how to apply can be found on the MHRA website.

    Notes to editors 

    The ILAP is a UK-wide initiative, comprising the following partners: 

    Supporting partners include: 

    • Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) 

    • Department of Health Northern Ireland 

    • National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) 

    • Office for Life Sciences (OLS) 

    • Scottish Government 

    • Welsh Government

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Russia continues to cause immense civilian suffering in Ukraine: UK statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Ambassador Holland condemns the civilian suffering caused by Russia’s strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and indiscriminate attacks on cities.

    Thank you, Mr. Chair.  It has been six weeks since the Council last discussed this agenda item.  During these six weeks, regrettably, Russia has continued the same pattern of behaviour we have seen for almost three years.  A pattern of behaviour that is indefensible and inconsistent with Russia’s international commitments, including under the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and the Helsinki Final Act.

    On 25 December, a day of significance for many Christians in Ukraine, Russia launched a massive missile attack against energy infrastructure, killing an energy worker, and leaving hundreds of thousands in the Dnipro and Kharkiv regions without heating for days.

    Ukrainians had to endure 13 widescale missile attacks against their energy infrastructure in 2024. Not only has this threatened civilian access to power, water and heating over winter, but by targeting transmission equipment critical to the safe and secure operation of nuclear power plants, Russia has posed serious threats to nuclear safety as well.

    We have already seen the first such attack of 2025, with Russia hitting sites primarily in the west of Ukraine, including gas storage facilities on 15 January.

    The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine concluded that these attacks on energy infrastructure constituted the war crime of excessive incidental civilian harm and potentially a crime against humanity.

    It is not just these attacks that raise serious concerns about Russia’s respect for its obligations under international humanitarian law.  The UN has also raised concerns about Russia’s indiscriminate attacks against the civilian population.

    During our recess, on 8 January, a Russian attack in Zaporizhzhia city caused the highest number of civilian casualties from a single incident for almost two years.  Two Russian glide bombs struck a crowd outside an industrial facility, killing 13 civilians and injuring 110.  The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said: “It was entirely foreseeable that using such weapons in a city during the day would result in significant civilian casualties … It is hard to see how this attack could be in compliance with the obligation to minimise civilian harm.”

    The UN estimates that there have been more than 30,000 civilian casualties since the Russian state launched its unprovoked war.  Approximately 10,500 killed and more than 20,000 injured.  These are a conservative estimate.  The true figure is likely far higher.

    2024 was a difficult year for Ukraine with attacks against the civilian population and its energy infrastructure.  And Russia has started 2025 in the same vein.  And just as we did in 2024, the UK will stand with Ukraine in 2025 and beyond. This unbreakable bond was formalised earlier this month through the signing of a landmark UK-Ukraine 100 Year Partnership.  We will continue to give political, economic, military and moral support to ensure Ukraine prevails, to secure the lasting peace that the Ukrainian people deserve and the security that our continent demands.  Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 30 January 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Weight-loss without the sickness? Scientists seek to bypass popular obesity drug’s side effects How to harness the potential of weight-loss drugs without some of the unwelcome side-effects is the subject of a £1.2 million research project getting underway at the Rowett Institute and University College London.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Lora HeislerHow to harness the potential of weight-loss drugs without some of the unwelcome side-effects is the subject of a £1.2 million research project getting underway at the Rowett Institute and University College London.
    Semaglutide, which acts in the brain to reduce food intake, has fast become one of the most effective pharmaceutical weapons in the global battle against obesity.
    GLP1-based obesity medicines are the subject of intense public debate as governments seek to harness their public health potential.
    But semaglutide’s positive impact on weight loss is sometimes offset by nausea and vomiting, which can reduce its benefits by putting patients off sticking to a course of treatment.
    Now a team led by Professor Lora Heisler of the University of Aberdeen’s Rowett Institute and Professor Stefan Trapp at UCL  – funded by the Medical Research Council – will spend three years identifying where semaglutide acts in the brain to influence specific aspects of food intake such as meal size, healthier food choices, delaying digestion and dampening the “feel-good” food effect, and also where it acts to produce the unpleasant nausea side effects.
    The project will involve careful statistical analysis of the resulting data by research colleagues from Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland (BioSS).
    Answering these questions will fill large gaps in our current understanding of precisely how the drug works.

    We can only now do these types of studies because of the latest technological advances, and we expect our results will provide the blueprint to develop even better obesity medications in the future.” Professor Lora Heisler

    Professor Heisler’s laboratory at the Rowett Institute recently identified a cluster of brain cells that can be harnessed to reduce food intake and body weight – without the nausea, the common side effect of this class of obesity medicines.
    Speaking about the new project, Professor Heisler said: “There is huge interest in how the brain targets of semaglutide (Wegovy) and similar drugs such as tirzepatide (Mounjaro) could be switched on in a slightly different or more targeted way. Drugs that can do this could work better, have effects that last longer and produce specific therapeutic obesity treatment benefits without the nausea side effect.
    “This research could also lead to new drugs that are produced as pills instead of injectables, thereby reducing costs and increasing availability.
    “We can only now do these types of studies because of the latest technological advances, and we expect our results will provide the blueprint to develop even better obesity medications in the future. “
    Professor Trapp added: “While semaglutide and similar drugs have been very effective in helping people with diabetes and show much promise in helping people to lose weight, we still do not know that much about how exactly they work in the brain.
    “My lab has done extensive research for years into the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in the brain, which semaglutide targets, so we hope by mapping out the drug’s mechanism more precisely, we will be able to develop more effective drugs with fewer side effects.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Payments statistics: first half of 2024

    Source: European Central Bank

    30 January 2025

    The European Central Bank (ECB) today published statistics on non-cash payments for the first half of 2024.[2]The statistics comprise indicators on access to and use of payment services, payment cards and terminals by the public, as well as volumes and values of transactions processed through retail and large-value payment systems. This press release focuses on developments in the euro area as a whole, although statistics are also published for all euro area countries as well as non-euro area reporting countries. EU and euro area aggregates are also published.[3]

    Payment services[4]

    In the first half of 2024, the total number of non-cash payment transactions[5] in the euro area increased by 7.4% to 72.1 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding total value increased by 1.9% to €113.5 trillion. Card payments accounted for 56% of the total number of transactions, while credit transfers accounted for 22%, direct debits for 15% and e-money payments for 6%. The remaining 1% comprised cheques, money remittances and other payment services (see annex, Table 1).

    Chart 1

    Use of the main payment services in the euro area

    (number of transactions in billions, graph on the right-hand-side refers to half-yearly data)

    Source: ECB.
    Note: Data have been partially estimated for periods prior to 2010, as methodological changes were implemented in those years and some data are not directly available. The historical estimations done by the ECB ensure comparability of figures over the entire period. Statistics were also collected for cheques, money remittances and other payment services which together accounted for 1% of the total number of non-cash euro area payment transactions in the first half of 2024.

    Data on payment services

    Card payments

    In the first half of 2024 the number of card payments within the euro area increased by 10.3% to 40.1 billion compared with the first half of 2023. The corresponding total value of card payments rose by 7.0% to €1.5 trillion, reflecting an average value of around €39 per transaction. The split in the share of remote and non-remote[6] transactions in the total number of card payments was 18% to 82%, while the split in terms of value was 28% to 72%. The number of contactless card payments initiated at a physical electronic funds transfer point of sale terminal increased by 13.2% to 25.8 billion compared with the first half of 2023, with the corresponding total value rising by 13.1% to €0.7 trillion. As a result, their share in the total number of non-remote card payments accounted for 79%, while the corresponding share in terms of value was 62%. At the national level, Lithuania continued to have the largest share of card payments as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 78% (see annex, Table 2).

    Credit transfers[7]

    In the first half of 2024 the number of credit transfers within the euro area increased by 7.7% to 15.7 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding total value increased by 1.7% to €105.2 trillion. As higher-value payments are usually made by credit transfer[8], they accounted for 93% of the total value of non-cash payments. The ratio of transactions initiated electronically to those initiated using paper forms was around 16 to 1, while in terms of value the ratio was around 12 to 1. At the national level, Latvia had the largest share of credit transfers as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 37% (see annex, Table 2).

    Direct debits

    In the first half of 2024 the number of direct debits within the euro area increased by 2.7% to 11.0 billion compared with the first half of 2023, and the corresponding total value rose by 5.8% to €5.3 trillion. Of the total number of direct debits, those with an electronic mandate accounted for 12% whereas those with consent given in other forms accounted for 88%, while in terms of value the split was 13% to 87%. At the national level, Germany continued to have the largest share of direct debits as a percentage of the total number of non-cash payments in the first half of 2024, at around 32% (see annex, Table 2).

    E-money payments

    In the first half of 2024 the number of e-money payment transactions within the euro area declined by 2.7% to 4.2 billion compared with the first half of 2023, while the corresponding value rose by 6.6% to €0.3 trillion. Of the total number of e-money payment transactions, those made with e-money accounts accounted for 91% whereas those made with cards on which e-money can be stored accounted for 9%, while in terms of value the split was 88% to 12%.

    Cards and accepting devices

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the number of cards with a payment function[9] had increased by 4.4% to 720.6 million compared with the number at the end of the first half of 2023. With a total euro area population of around 352 million, this implies an average of two payment cards per euro area inhabitant.

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the total number of automated teller machines (ATMs) in the euro area had decreased by 3.0% to around 260.9 thousand compared with the number at the end of the first half of 2023. Of these, 30% accepted contactless transactions.

    At the end of the first half of 2024 the total number of point of sale (POS) terminals had increased by 10.1% to around 20.8 million[10] compared with the corresponding number at the end of the first half of 2023. Of these terminals, 86% accepted contactless transactions.

    Payment systems[11]

    Retail payment systems

    Retail payment systems located in the euro area handle mainly payments that are made by individuals and businesses, with a relatively low value and high volume overall.

    In the first half of 2024, 34 retail payment systems within the euro area processed around 52.1 billion transactions with a combined value of €25.1 trillion. Instant credit transfers accounted for 15% of the total number and for 4% of the total value of credit transfer transactions processed by euro area retail payment systems.

    Retail payment systems located in the euro area differ significantly in terms of type, size and geographical scope of transactions they process. The three largest systems (MCMS[12], STEP2-T[13] and CORE in France) processed 64% of the volume and 62% of the value of all transactions processed by the retail payment systems located in the euro area in the first half of 2024.

    Chart 2

    Main retail payment systems located in the euro area, values and numbers of transactions processed in the first half of 2024

    (value of transactions in EUR trillions and number of transactions in billions)

    Source: ECB.

    Data on retail payment systems

    Large-value payment systems

    Large-value payment systems are designed primarily to process large-value and/or high-priority payments made between system participants for their own account or on behalf of their customers. 

    In the first half of 2024, large-value payment systems located in the euro area settled 72.0 million payments with a total value of €222.5 trillion in euro payments, with T2 and EURO1/STEP1 being the two main systems.[14]

    Chart 3

    Main large-value payment systems located in the euro area, values and numbers of transactions processed in the first half of 2024

    (value of transactions in EUR trillions and number of transactions in millions)

    Source: ECB.

    Data on large-value payment systems

    Notes:

    • The full set of payment statistics can be downloaded from the ECB Data Portal (EDP). The EDP also includes interactive dashboards supporting data visualization. Detailed methodological information, including a list of all data definitions, is available under “Payment services and large-value and retail payment systems” in the “Statistics” section of the ECB’s website.
    • The methodological and reporting framework for payments statistics was enhanced to take progressive developments in the payments market and related changes in the legal framework in Europe into account. The enhanced reporting requirements, which came into effect on 1 January 2022, are set out in Regulation ECB/2020/59 amending Regulation ECB/2013/43 on payments statistics and in Guideline ECB/2021/13 on reporting requirements on payments statistics. In addition, the Manual on payments statistics reporting is available on the ECB’s website.
    • Hyperlinks in the main body of the press release and in annex tables lead to data that may change with subsequent releases as a result of revisions. Figures shown in annex tables are a snapshot of the data at the time of the current release. Unless otherwise indicated, statistics referring to the euro area cover the EU Member States that had adopted the euro at the time to which the data relate.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: OSCE strengthens Albania’s asset recovery efforts

    Panelists at an OSCE workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation in Tirana, 28 January 2025. (OSCE/Joana Karapataqi) Photo details

    The OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, in co-operation with the OSCE Presence in Albania, organized a workshop on asset recovery and extended confiscation on 28 and 29 January 2025 in Tirana.
    The event brought together key institutions involved in asset recovery including the Prosecutor General’s Office, the Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime, district prosecutors and judges, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Albanian State Police, and the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets. The participants engaged in discussions on international good practices and examined case studies.
    Strengthening the application of extended confiscation mechanisms ensures that crime does not go unpunished and that the recovery of illegal assets is effective, while extended confiscation is a powerful mechanism in disrupting criminal activity as it allows authorities to confiscate assets beyond those that are direct proceeds of crime.
    In his opening remarks, Ambassador Michel Tarran, Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania emphasized the critical role of asset recovery in combating organized crime and corruption. “Through this workshop, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of extended confiscation and asset recovery processes, strengthen institutional collaboration and provide participants with practical tools to enhance their efforts in combating transnational organized crime,” he said.
    Prosecutor General Olsian Çela highlighted that support to the asset recovery efforts in Albania is a further step in the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding and Co-operation signed between his Office and the OSCE.
    The workshop was conducted as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project “Strengthening Asset Recovery Efforts in the OSCE Region,” funded by Austria, Germany, Italy and the United States of America.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: SHIELD V: Over 3.4 million pills seized in Operation Targeting Counterfeit Medicines

    Source: European Anti-Fraud Offfice

    Press release no 3/2025
    PDF version 

    Over 3.4 million pills have been seized as part of Operation SHIELD V, in which the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has played an essential coordinating role.  This annual operation targets the misuse and distribution of counterfeit medicines, doping substances, illegal food or sports supplements, and counterfeit COVID-19 medical supplies. 

    In its fifth consecutive year, OLAF facilitated the efforts of the Member States customs authorities in ensuring the integrity of the European market. The coordinated actions of the customs authorities resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of illicit goods, including: 3,4 million pills, over 59.000 packages (sachets, sprays, packs, pens), 1,510 vials (ampoules, flasks) and 272 pieces of medical devices. 

    Joint Effort across 14 Member States

    Operation SHIELD V included the active involvement of customs authorities from 12 EU Member States, namely Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. This collaborative effort was further supported by relevant rights holders, ensuring that counterfeit goods were accurately identified and swiftly intercepted. 

    “Traffickers recklessly jeopardise people’s health to turn a quick profit, a reality we cannot ignore. To protect European citizens, cooperation is essential. By combining efforts, OLAF, Europol, and national customs authorities have safeguarded European consumers from dangerous health products,” said Ville Itälä, Director General of OLAF. 

    Operation SHIELD continues to exemplify the importance of coordinated action in tackling illegal activities that endanger public health and undermine legitimate businesses. OLAF’s role ensures that these threats are met with a unified and effective response, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of citizens across the European Union.

    OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
    OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.    

    OLAF fulfils its mission by:
    •    carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
    •    contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
    •    developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.

    In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
    •    all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
    •    some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
    •    suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.

    Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.

    For further details:

    Pierluigi CATERINO
    Spokesperson
    European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    Phone: +32(0)2 29-52335  
    Email: olaf-media ec [dot] europa [dot] eu (olaf-media[at]ec[dot]europa[dot]eu)
    https://anti-fraud.ec.europa.eu
    LinkedIn: European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF)
    If you’re a journalist and you wish to receive our press releases in your inbox, pleaseleave us your contact data.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The Children’s Mile set to return to War Memorial Park

    Source: City of Coventry

    The highly anticipated Children’s Mile is returning to Coventry’s War Memorial Park this summer.

    The event is set to offer thousands of local school children an exciting opportunity to get active and enjoy the outdoors.

    This inclusive event that will take place on Sunday 22 June features a fully accessible, one-mile route designed to encourage participation from students, teachers and staff from schools across Coventry.

    With 1000’s of students expected to take part, the Children’s Mile promotes a fun and supporting environment where participants can choose to walk, jog, or run the route at their own pace.

    Each participant will receive a commemorative t-shirt and a certificate to celebrate their achievement.

    By encouraging schools, families and the local community to come together, the Children’s Mile encourages healthy habits while showcasing the importance of staying active and enjoying one of Coventry’s beautiful parks.

    Councillor Kamran Caan, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Sport, said: “It’s wonderful to hear that the Children’s Mile is returning this summer. This event is open to all young people across the city.

    “Initiatives like this are fantastic for our young people, offering an inclusive opportunity to get active while exploring the city’s fantastic War Memorial Park.

    “I’m excited to see as many schools as possible participating in this year’s mile and helping to inspire a love for physical activity as we prepare for yet another fantastic summer of sport in Coventry.”

    Coventry’s School Games Organisers, Danny Kingham and Stuart Davoile, added: “We’re incredibly excited for this year’s Children’s Mile. Our goal is to have more schools than ever participate in this fantastic initiative, which is open to all primary schools all over the city.

    “We encourage students and staff at our schools to join in and take part in the one-mile route. We also want to see as many parents and supporters there as possible, cheering on the children.”

    Detailed entry information and the registration system will be available after February half-term.

    If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at covsport@coventry.gov.uk.

    Stay up to date with information on Coventry Children’s Mile over on the Sport Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin held talks with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    The meeting took place as part of the working visit of the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Kazakhstan.

    From the transcript:

    Mikhail Mishustin and Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov

    January 30, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin held talks with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov

    January 30, 2025

    Mikhail Mishustin held talks with Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov

    January 30, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Mikhail Mishustin and Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov

    O. Bektenov: Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, I am glad to welcome you to Astana.

    This is our first meeting this year. I consider it an excellent opportunity to sum up our joint work last year and outline prospects for cooperation.

    Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate you on the 20th anniversary of the signing of the treaty on the Kazakh-Russian state border. Russia has been and remains a key strategic partner and ally for Kazakhstan.

    Thanks to the joint efforts of the heads of state – Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev and Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, bilateral cooperation has been brought to a qualitatively new level.

    The state visit of the President of Russia to Kazakhstan in November last year once again confirmed the allied nature of relations between our countries.

    An important task for the two governments is to ensure the full practical implementation of all the agreements reached at the highest level. Including increasing the volume of bilateral trade to 30 billion dollars.

    Kazakhstan pays special attention to the development of interregional and cross-border cooperation. We positively evaluate the results of the anniversary, XX Forum of Interregional Cooperation in Ufa. The next, XXI forum is planned to be held this year in Kazakhstan, in the city of Uralsk. This format, in our opinion, demonstrates its effectiveness from year to year and is a link between the regions of our countries.

    I am confident that the current year will be rich in terms of joint events and mutual contacts at various levels.

    As I have already said, Russia is one of our main trading partners. In 2023, the volume of trade turnover increased and amounted to more than 27 billion dollars. In principle, good results were also achieved over the 11 months of last year – more than 24 billion.

    It is important for us to continue to maintain this positive trend.

    The volume of mutual investments is consistently increasing. Over the past 20 years, Russian investors have invested more than $25 billion in direct investment in the economy of Kazakhstan. Over the same period, Kazakhstani companies have invested $8.7 billion in the Russian economy.

    In just nine months of last year, the gross inflow of Russian investment was 43%. And the total amount today is 2.8 billion dollars. More than 23 thousand companies with Russian participation operate in Kazakhstan. This is almost 40% of the total number of enterprises with foreign capital.

    We are interested, naturally, in the creation of new production facilities, in the implementation of new joint projects. We offer Russian companies to take an active part in the implementation of various types of joint investment projects in Kazakhstan.

    The intergovernmental commission on cooperation plays a special role in solving a wide range of issues of bilateral cooperation and increasing trade turnover. We also see positive results from the implementation of the comprehensive economic cooperation program for 2021–2025.

    In this context, we consider it appropriate for our responsible government agencies to begin developing an updated program for the coming years.

    The cultural and humanitarian sphere is also filled with practical content. The holding of cross-cultural Days of our countries has become a significant event. The cultural project “Russian Seasons” and the program “Big Tours” have been successfully implemented.

    Among recent events, one can note the opening of a bust of the classic Kazakh poet Abai Kunanbayev in Kazan and the showing of the opera “Abai” in the Kazakh language at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow.

    Dear Mikhail Vladimirovich, the Government of Kazakhstan is ready to continue to closely interact and develop full-scale cooperation in all areas.

    Please, the floor is yours.

    To be continued…

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI: Local Trade Copier Expands to Support MT4 & MT5 Trade Copying to DXTrade

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VILNIUS, Lithuania, Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Local Trade Copier, the leading software for seamless trade copying across trading platforms, has introduced MT5 & MT4 to DXTrade support in its latest update. This enhancement allows users to copy trades from both MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5) to DXTrade effortlessly, making it easier than ever for traders to transition between these platforms without disrupting their strategies.

    A Seamless Trading Experience Across Platforms
    The integration of MT4 & MT5 to DXTrade trade copying addresses a significant challenge faced by traders who rely on MetaTrader tools and strategies. Many brokers and traders have transitioned to DXTrade in recent years, requiring new solutions to maintain efficiency and continuity. With Local Trade Copier, traders can now keep using their trusted MetaTrader bots, indicators, and automated strategies while copying trades directly to DXTrade.

    This update offers numerous advantages:

    • Instant trade copying from MT4 and MT5 to DXTrade.
    • Compatibility with MetaTrader indicators and Expert Advisors (EAs).
    • Elimination of the need to reprogram MetaTrader strategies for DXTrade.
    • Secure, locally installed software to ensure data privacy.
    • Automatic lot size allocation for accounts with varying balances.
    • Auto-symbol mapping for copying trades even with differing symbol names.

    Empowering Traders Without Compromising Strategies
    This update ensures traders can adapt to DXTrade while continuing to utilize the robust tools they have built in MetaTrader. By enabling both manual and automated trade copying, Local Trade Copier provides a versatile solution for retail traders, institutional clients, and prop firms.

    “Local Trade Copier’s integration with DXTrade reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions for traders. Supporting both MT4 and MT5 trade copying to DXTrade ensures that traders can transition without sacrificing the strategies they’ve spent years perfecting,” said Rimantas Petrauskas, Founder of Local Trade Copier.

    About Local Trade Copier
    Local Trade Copier is a cutting-edge software solution designed to facilitate seamless trade copying across platforms. Supporting MT4, MT5, and now DXTrade, Local Trade Copier empowers traders to execute their strategies efficiently while ensuring flexibility and privacy. By addressing the challenges of platform migration, Local Trade Copier has become a trusted tool for traders worldwide.

    For more information, visit www.mt4copier.com.

    Media Contact:
    Rimantas Petrauskas
    Founder
    rimantas@mt4copier.com
    www.mt4copier.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by the Local Trade Copier. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information shared in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment, financial, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended that you conduct thorough research and consult with a professional financial advisor before making any investment or trading decisions. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Shell’s destructive profiteering is wrecking our planet

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Jan 2025 Climate

    Fossil fuel giants are destroying our climate

    More in Climate

    The choices of oil giants like Shell are having a devastating impact on our planet, says the Scottish Greens’ climate spokesperson, Mark Ruskell MSP.

    Mr Ruskell’s comments came as Shell published its profits for 2024.

    Mr Ruskell said:

    “The destructive profiteering and climate-wrecking choices of oil giants like Shell are having a devastating impact on our planet.

    “The focus on fossil fuels has left households across our country with higher bills, a broken energy market and a bleak outlook for future generations.

    “We urgently need to halt the expansion of oil and gas and make a generation-defining national and global investment in clean, green energy.

    “These companies should be investing their profits in a renewable future rather than buying back shares and offering eye-watering dividends.

    “We are sitting on a gold mine of green energy sources here in Scotland, but we won’t see the benefit without fundamental government support. 

    “Leaving fossil fuels in the ground and going green is the only way to secure our future and ensure a liveable planet for generations to come.”

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “The last few years have seen record high temperatures, with extreme weather events becoming even more damaging and even more common.

    “We can’t go on like this. We cannot sit back and allow climate chaos to become our new normal.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dundee University can no longer ignore staff

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Jan 2025

    Universities are not businesses.

    Lecturers, researchers, technicians and student support workers should not be made to pay the price for the negligence and incompetence of Dundee University management, says Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman.

    Ms Chapman was commenting as voting by university staff in a strike ballot comes to an end. If successful, mass strike action within six months of the ballot is a possibility.

    This follows a financial crisis that has seen university senior management freezing all spending, including for postgraduate students, and threatening compulsory redundancies for staff.

    On 13th November last year, staff received notice that University management had built up a £30 million deficit. Whilst no formal process for voluntary or compulsory redundancies has started, senior managers have threatened people with job cuts and warned that the University’s future is at stake. 

    There are, apparently, ongoing discussions about a recovery plan, but staff and students have not been part of these discussions in any meaningful way. Both staff and students have condemned the lack of proper process or justification for these cuts. 

    Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman, who represents Dundee as part of the North East Region, said:

    “This crisis is a product of senior management’s bad decision-making and poor governance. 

    “What little financial information has been made available shows that staff costs are not the cause of the deficit. Lecturers, researchers, technicians, student support workers – all those who actually make the university work – should not be made to pay the price for the negligence and incompetence of management.

    “The University Executive Group hasn’t even afforded staff the dignity of transparency, clarity, or security. Senior leaders have failed to conduct any meaningful engagement with unions, and continue to evade any line of questioning. Whatever the outcome of this ballot, it will be impossible for the University to continue ignoring the voices of their staff.

    “It is shameful, and a complete injustice, that the executive is offloading the consequences of their actions onto those who are in no way to blame for this deficit.” 

    “This crisis reveals a deeper fracture in our higher education sector, where universities have sought to operate like businesses focused on profit rather than as education institutions focused on wider societal benefit and wellbeing and supporting staff and students.” 

    The University has hosted two all-staff ‘town hall’ meetings. Both have been attended by over 1000 staff members. Both saw staff voicing their concerns directly to the Interim Principal. Neither saw any questions from staff properly answered. There appears to be no faith in the Interim Principal nor the wider Executive Group.

    Ms Chapman added:

    “Staff aren’t just angry, they’re exhausted. They’re hurt. They’re being treated as financial liabilities, but it is senior management that poses the greatest risk to the University. Failing in their key duty to maintain the sustainability of the institution, they have tarnished the University’s reputation and lost the faith of their staff.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bold action needed to cut number of cars on our roads

    Source: Scottish Greens

    30 Jan 2025 Transport

    We need to boost public transport.

    More in Transport

    Scotland must take bold action if we are to reduce the number of cars on our roads, says the Scottish Greens’ transport spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP.

    Mr Ruskell’s comments follow the publication of a new report from Audit Scotland warning that the 2030 target for cutting car use is likely to be missed.

    Mr Ruskell said:

    “This must serve as a wakeup call. We urgently need to reduce the number of cars on our roads if we are to have any hope of hitting our climate targets. It won’t happen by itself, it will need bold action to get us there.

    “Part of the challenge is the extortionate cost of transport. By introducing cheaper bus and train fares we can encourage people to make the switch to greener alternatives and to leave their car at home.

    “That’s what we did when the Scottish Greens secured free bus travel for everyone under 22, which has seen over 700,000 young people taking over 150 million free journeys.

    “We also secured the removal of peak rail fares for 12 months, boosting rail travel and saving regular commuters hundreds of pounds. The SNP’s decision to reintroduce peak fares was the wrong decision at the wrong time.

    “If we are to discourage car use in short journeys then we need to make it easier to be green. That means investing in walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure and boosting local transport options.

    “We all benefit from safer and more accessible streets and cleaner air. I want that for every community in Scotland, and reducing the number of cars is a crucial step to getting there.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –